Confused

Less than a week to go left in Beijing and I've made my decision about the Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou trip. It's a no go.

At this point I think I've done the traveling I've wanted to do. I've seen a bit of Shanghai, enough to tell me that I'm not dying to see the rest at this point. It's always good to save a city or two for your next trip back right? Whenever that may be...

I'm dedicating this week to writing my papers and seeing the few things left to see in Beijing. I hope to go over to the Yashow market tomorrow in hopes of doing some serious shopping. I'm talking suits, shirts, pants, not to mention buying gifts for all those near and dear to my heart. Yes, Moti, even you will get a nice little present from Beijing. I wonder if they make Chairman Mao chew toys?

Other than shopping I hope to go to this restaurant in Chaoyang that supposedly serves up the best dumplings in all of China. I wouldn't mind tasting the donkey dumplings with vegetables. Might as well enjoy that sort of thing while I can right?

As it's finally setting in that I'm leaving very soon, I find myself getting sad about that very fact --- leaving. Ask me one month ago and I couldn't wait to go home and be with my friends back in good old Oxford leaving behind all the antics that China throws your way. But now I'm realizing that I'm going to miss all those antics. There has to be some psychological term for this, maybe something along the lines like withdrawal syndrome?

Nevertheless, to my surprise I am getting sad about leaving this place. Although I don't really consider it home, it does, excuse the cliche, hold a special place in my heart. There's just something about this city that I haven't been able to put into words that makes me feel good and comfortable. Things just seem easier and carefree over here.

Hopefully I'll be able to figure out how to describe this feelings before I leave because who knows if I'll ever feel it again. You only study abroad once in your life, and although this may not have been my ideal city it was definitely an experience. I'm glad I came to Beijing, China and spent a semester abroad.

Beijing, wo ai ni.