yeh

The life of an ex-pat in China may sound wonderful: a driver, a nice home, a maid, etc. But here, life doesn't seem to be your own. The IE is always around and although independence always comes with a price, I'd much prefer that than this. My aunt and I are ready to head home to New York for the summer. We're ready for English lyrics on the radio, clean tap water, cleaning our own dishes, and driving our own cars. I've only been here a month and I have seen quite amazing things, but living here is another thing. A city of about 22 million is always crowded and traffic is like nowhere I've seen before. There is no such thing as southern hospitality here...especially when it comes to traffic. I would never want to drive here! But nonetheless the trip has been eye-opening. I'd have to say the best memories I will take from this place is those I have with my cousins: vacation to Cambodia, climbing Angkor Wat, kickboxing lessons with Sarge, piggy-back rides to the pool, soccer and football at recess time, the talking wax museum, lock-in, the girl's sleepover, and hockey in the street. There is nothing like family bonding...nothing.