A little homesick?

Trip Start Jun 18, 2008
1
7
46
Trip End Sep 04, 2008


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Flag of China  ,
Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Time to be honest. I think I am a little homesick, which may surprise some people because I haven't been known to feel this way before whether at summer camp or abroad in London. In this situation, it's a combination of idle time and the feeling of lonley isolation due to the language barrier. I have nothing but free time whereas Adam's begun to work and the people I'm meeting here all have classes to teach as well. I want to see more of the sites, but I 1.) am anxious about communicating to cab drivers and/or getting lost on the bus and 2.) don't necessarily want to have to experience everything by myself.

I think that going to a foreign country is a huge test in independence and determination. I am doing my best to maintain a good attitude but I am struggling to push myself to really push my boundaries. I came to China expecting to jump headfirst into teaching, but now that I know I won't begin until mid-July, my prospects for how to engage myself have had to change. Now that I've freely admitted that I'm homesick, I feel better poised to regroup and really truly keep an open mind. To do things instead of just say it or think it.

I like to think I've entertained some people with my blog, and it's certainly helped me to reflect on the time I've spent here so far. I wouldn't want to worry anyone-- I am going to be just fine. Tomorrow, I'm traveling around Beijing with Adam's family, and we're going to check out the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven. A full day of the what's what in Beijing tourist destinations. Knowing myself, the key to happiness will be staying busy and uncovering new and fascinating wonders in this city... I'll get there, and I'll be sure to let you know all about it. 
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Comments

dkenagy
dkenagy on Jun 26, 2008 at 08:00PM

I can't resist....
...being the first to post a comment.

Good blog. Send more.

About those popsicles sold on the street: I once bought a transparent one with a raisin visble in the center. Only it wasn't a raisin. It was a silkworm. I only learned this later!

Donald

darwinw
darwinw on Sep 19, 2008 at 09:13PM

Thanks
Hi Rachael,

thanks for sharing your journey in China, I'll be going to China soon myself, do you mind posting some pictures as well? I joined www.tripntale.com to document my journeys with blogs, videos and photos.

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