There and Back Again

I am happy to say that I am writing this blog from the comfort of my parent’s home in the USA!  As I sip my tea and reminisce about my time spent in China, I cannot help but feel incredibly blessed. 

On the Bund

During my last month in China, I traveled to both cosmopolitan Shanghai and historic Xi’an.  In Shanghai, I visited sites like the Bund, the Financial Center, and the Yu Yuan Gardens.  I quickly fell in love with the city - the atmosphere, the mixture of East and West, and of course the shopping – tons of great souvenirs!  The worst part about my trip to Shanghai was its short duration.  I had to get myself back to Xiangyang after just four days in Shanghai for my last weekend of teaching at Aston. 

Old Town, Shanghai

View of the World Expo Center, Shanghai

The Bund, Shanghai

My final classes were certain the epitome of “bitter-sweet”.  It was a very strange feeling to say goodbye to my kids and my co-teachers knowing that the likelihood of my seeing them again is dim.  I will admit that my eyes teared up more than a few times.  Of course, after dealing with such a drama-filled work environment, it was a relief to finally be done with it all - and nice to be headed home. 

Before going back the States, however, I headed over to spend a few days in Xi’an to see the Terracotta Warriors.  With my friends, Ben and Katherine, I explored the ancient city of Xi’an – which surprisingly still has its old walls (many cities walls were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution).  The Warriors were themselves incredible.  However, just like seeing the Pyramids or the Grand Canyon, it seems unreal at first and takes a while to sink in.  What I found most impressive was that there are still many Warriors still undiscovered.  More than 8,000 have been uncovered at this point, but archaeologists believe there are still many still underground.  Incredible!

With the Terracotta Warriors

An Archer - the only Warrior with a small bit of paint still preserved, Xi'an

Multitudes of Warriors, Xi'an

Warriors with their Horses, Xi'an

But now, this adventure has come to a close. And I wouldn’t trade a second of it – neither the good nor the bad.  Someday I’ll go back to China, there is still so much to see and learn!  But for now home is certainly sweet.

While my Asia blog has ended for now, stay tuned as I move to London this summer!