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it’s time…

Friday, October 1st, 2010

Dad: “So when are you going back to California?”

Me: “Uh, Dad I’m not sure, sometime this year, maybe Dec”

Dad: “Maybe? It’s been how long now…? When are you gonna stop gallivanting around?”

Me: (long pause) I don’t know, Dad…..Uh, I gotta run. Love you, bye!”


Gotta love my conversations with my Dad. Every single one this year always ended with him asking me when I was coming home…and it always ended with me hanging up with a ‘gotta-run-i-love-you-bye’

Well, today, I’m about to make his day.

I just booked my one-way flight out of China. I’ll be flying to Guam to spend the holidays with my family before I head back home to San Diego. Woo hoo!

Home… to stay? Am I ready to give up my travel boots? I don’t think so. 🙂

D-day is the 19th of December. OMG.

Mount Huangshan

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

Of all the prominent mountains in China, Mt. Huangshan (Yellow Mtn), found in the south of Anhui province, is probably the most famous.

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Huangshan consists of 80+ peaks, with a few over 1600 meters! It’s famed for its stunning sunrise and “sea of clouds”, so an overnight on the mountain is a must. There are loads of hotels at the top, so lodging shouldn’t be a problem. You can also camp out if you wanted to. I booked a hostel bed w/ no shower for 50RMB ($7)

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It takes about 6.5 hrs to make it up to the top of the mountain. My friend and I were pretty determined to catch the sunset from up top, and with our late start in the day, we needed to hustle! Mind you, just like most mountains in China, if not all, you have to trek up steep concrete stairs! I can’t stand concrete steps on a mountain. I find it annoying. Just saying. Though, i have to say the vast view of the scenery while trekking up makes up for it!

What i do find amazing is the construction of these steps. With Huangshan, being one of their largest mtn ranges, (check out the pic below) these concrete staircases/walkways are built attached to the cliff-sides. crazy! Anyway, we made it to the top in record time! We did it in 5 hrs! Yes, 5! My legs were just about ready to fall off! (oh the crazy things i do for a sunset/sunrise).

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Unfortunately, we weren’t able to witness the “sea of clouds” rolling in. They say Its best to go during the winter if you want to catch em’. Nonetheless, the sunrise was spectacular.

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One year mark in China

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

Since it's been a year, I'd like to point out that I'm no longer just an English teacher... I'm now a chopsticks master, pro dumpling-maker, street-chaur lover, forever bijou loather, transit crowd-pusher (though not all the time), mooncake admirer, ... [Continue reading this entry]

Happy 2010 from China!

Friday, January 1st, 2010

Wow it’s amazing how time flies. I left home 10 months ago but honestly it feels like I’ve only been gone for a month. This year in particular went by quickly. I don’t’ know what it is. I’m convinced that ... [Continue reading this entry]

Chinese cupping

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

I am now a proud owner of 15 circular hickeys, I mean bruises :)

Chinese Cupping is an ancient practice use to treat and heal colds, back pains, knotted and strain muscles and generally drawing out the toxins in our ... [Continue reading this entry]

finally a trip back home

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

and possibly my last adventure for 2009 (well maybe) haha :)

I know I’ve said this before, but I’m going to say it again: I love Chinese holidays! A week ago from today (Oct. 1st) marked China's National Day, the 60th ... [Continue reading this entry]

I’m alive :)

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

Ni hao! Yes, I know I've been MIA. I’ve been neglecting this blog of mine and I apologize. Wow not one single entry for the month of August, and with Sept coming to a close, I deserve the “ultimate slacker ... [Continue reading this entry]

Chinese Name 赵 慧 美

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

I finally got around to adopting a Chinese name for myself. Of course it had to meet the following criteria:

1) must be a name with meaning that I can relate to

2) must be easy to pronounce (duh, it’s no good ... [Continue reading this entry]

a lot has happened while I was gone..

Friday, July 17th, 2009

I’m sitting here at the SK airport once again waiting for my flight back to Dalian – the longest layover ever! Seven-hours! Sheesh. But I figure it’ll be good time to catch up on my site and upload photos. I’m ... [Continue reading this entry]

facebook, family, five days

Saturday, July 11th, 2009

To add to my ramblings in a previous blog about China blocking websites, China added yet another site to their list - Facebook. It’s been blocked for a week now. Ugh. Mother-effers. I guess I’m going to have to find another ... [Continue reading this entry]