Docked, climbed, awed

                When Winchester described the majesty of the Yantze River, along with its unbridled power and the regularity of floods (above), I was moved by the spirit to go. Mitch did most of the research, found the cruise line, arranged the booking. I thought I knew a bit about cruises: fake gold railings, terrible art, romantic red carpet.

journey through middle earth

Where to begin? Let’s see, Beijing. Where Leila and I left off. When I told people I was headed to Xuchang, in Henan province where my husband Mitch was teaching, I was mostly met with puzzled shakes of the head  -not a first for me in China – and wandering upward glances. First they would repeat it, then I would repeat it.  Had I said it right? Had they heard me right? Welcome to China: so many opportunities to go wrong – before the one that may go just right.

 Where the f@&! is Xuchang?

houhai lake for the fifth

People say that it’s good luck to give wood for the fifth anniversary. I’m not sure why, but I think it’s probably got something to do with the adding of experiential rings; growing together, evolving. The roots that flourish bring life to more and more buds, each new year that you are together.

Sensing Beijing

39 and sunny. Duck for lunch.

Day One

When Mitchell came home in march with a job offer in hand and asked me if Leila and I wanted to go to china for six weeks, I stood in the kitchen and yelled, “Yes, yes!, yes!”

Landed

There’s something different about the Montreal Airport. People are different. Surrounded by fashion statements, alive with the energy of the city. dreared only slightly by the slow, painful rotation of a baggage carousel.

Home, Away, and Home from Away

On me,  it’s like there are three states: Home, Away, and Home from Away.

Romancing the urban at my best friend’s wedding

Well the first awkward bit of this brief city escapade was none other than the most asked question of the hour, “So how do you know Romina?” My eyes glaze over and I glance downward, smiling like I didn’t hear her. Do I tell her that we met in college? Do I tell her that […]