new home maybe...Thailand

So, this is probably my 6th or 7th trip to Thailand. It was by far the most unique visit by far. First, going with a local to more places is exponentially different (of course). Secondly, when that local is crazy and awesome and is looking for a break from her Australian architectural studies...it adds another layer. Also, when than same local Thai girl threatens to make you go around with a selfie stick (hate those things) if I wouldn't comply with her picture taking demands...well that's a game changer. So that was the main motivator behind the heavy photo sessions.

I realized, because we had 1000s of pics from the trip, that I looked really happy. I know and felt it was great but I somehow forget how much I really like Thailand. I don't think I needed pictures to believe this, but I've been in a real rut/stalemate lately. Losing time/money/energy on my Taiwan plans has made me really want to leave all thing Chinese. At the same time I don't want to leave here bitter. I'm doing well with work in Shanghai, but my wanderlust for travel, the beach life and fresh air have been really itching he past 4 months. I was in the hospital for a week at the beginning of the year for a lung infection. I'm doing so much better now...breathing and all. It just was another nail in the coffin for mean to leave. Its so easy to live in China. I admit that I've let that comfortable bubble distract me from my future adventures. So its now time to really get to work. So much researching on locations and jobs and expat life is exhausting, but rewarding. So we shall see.



Anne looking to leave China for good...for real this time...no no I mean it

You've missed nothing...

So its been a year...well about 7 months since I posted. I honestly had nothing to update.
No, no, no I've been lazy and preoccupied. I've narrowed my island move to Taiwan. Its often called China lite due to the feel of Japan (the delicious food, nice people, organized and neat) and the prices of mainland (not too expensive). Its met my criteria due to its location near water (its surrounded). I still want to visit other islands, so that's still on the agenda. How and when is for later.
I've been visiting other cities in mainland and trying to see "real china" before I take my final leave. I'm amazed at how many locals don't know the names of many cities outside of their own provinces. Its been funny, because I've been taking monthly trips to places and returning with pictures and stories. They ask me "where did you go", I reply "Yingtan". They respond with "yingtong? yongtong?, or [insert the millions of ways they attempt to pronounce it and missing the damn point of me trying to tell them about my trip they were so damn nosey to get the details about. ugh]. 什吗 Ying (What Ying?)" I tell them "ying as in eagle and tan as in lake or pond". This goes back and forth until they give up and say "I don't think you're saying it correctly, there is no such place". I'm now to the point where I say "oh ok, probably". Knowing damn well Yingtan is a real place that I really went to see some real mountains. I'm to the point now where I say "oh I was sick, that's why I asked for the days off". 
My patience level (aka BSTL bullshit tolerance level) has impressively increased. I'm getting better at ignoring the dumb shit and accepting the things I cannot change, changing the things I can and...you know the rest.

No jaw dropping updates really. I've gained a ton so I'm going to the gym. I'm not bitching about, but just going. I've decided to push myself harder for the next 10 weeks, considering how I should have done this 4 months ago while I was stuffing my face with ALL possible great local foods while traveling.

I will soon quit my current company and move on to a better opportunity that will springboard me faster and smoother to Taiwan...

I've had to say countless good-byes to good friends. It made me wonder if I'm being left behind and then I quickly remember (while laughing at myself for worrying) that my path is drawn as I go. 


Art is not for the cultivated taste. It is to cultivate taste.
~Nikki Giovanni


Anne with an "e" wishes you well!

I needed reminding...sadly from a quiz

Anne Shirley...

You live more inside your own dream world than out; you're imaginative, intelligent and always look for the best in each person you come across (unless they’ve personally insulted you, of course). You're a dreamer who makes the best of every situation even when there doesn’t seem to be much hope. While you put on a happy face to the world, you often find yourself in the depths of despair where you struggle with loneliness. And while you can talk the hind leg off a cow, you do need time for inner reflection so you can recharge. You are loyal, hot tempered, and the most idealistic kindred spirit.

You're likely an INFP.

Possible next moves...get a map

I’m thinking islands:
Seychelles
Fiji
Mauritius
Maldives
Pacific and/or Indian ocean

Thoughts, questions, concerns...

Although, I signed another year contract with the little monsters, I'm thinking whats after. I will miss these monkeys.

I wish I was special...

If I were special, I think I would have the confidence and drive to do some really great things, or at least finish simple task. For example blogging and updating friends and love ones on my life. I'm currently in Detroit, Michigan (like there's another Michigan pssssh) reassesing as I do when I come to Michigan. I still don't have any answers and I'm still learning. I think I've figured out the basics of living in Shanghai and keeping my sanity. I have unfortunately not been as focused on yoga as I desperately feel is necessary. I'm not stressing because I always find my back to it and my practice greets me like I never left.

This trip home has proven informative and extremely refreshing. Minus the mugging that was slightly overshadowed by the trauma of dealing with the new Chicago transit "Ventra" (aka shit-tra), its been a good visit. Once I accepted the fact that I would not be able to see everyone I wanted, I treasured the time of those I did see.

Lessons Anne has learned from another year in China:
*Patience is a life learning process, no I'm not there yet
*I am much much small in the world than in my head
*I find more things humorous and get upset less (i.e. getting mugged)
*Being aware of the people you let into your life and the work it takes to build and maintain any type of relationship
*I might not be conventional, but I'm not alone in how I think and see things. Makes one feel less lonely.
*Other people can take themselves way too seriously, which I knew, but not taking what they say serious isn't always good.
*Hesitation is hilarious

Thats as much as I can gather right now. Still trying to organize the past 5 months of stuff I didn't post. Its not like nothing happened...its just hard when it all seems so insignificant.

Untill next time.

Love,

Anne

Thailand

At the airport (in China)...
I’m pretty sure this is kidnapping, albeit, legal but definitely some form of  holding people hostage without any hope of release. I complain about this countless times, but the power to control going apeshit in an airport hits unmeasurable levels. Especially when they do not give you any details of when the flight is coming in or IF the plane is even coming...EVER.

Made it to Bangkok...somehow

I’ve hit up museums and local tourist traps. I went to a movie where you have to stand for the kings song (yup that is fo real). I’m enjoying th fact that I am not in china right now. People are so pleasant here. Even one of the taxis driver that tried to swindle me became a friend by the end of my ride. We laughed at how silly he was,(probably and mainly due to the fact I understood 10% of what he was saying.)

Can you believe how hard it is to fine pad thai?!?!?!?
Seriously... its not on every menu, its not that popular. I compare it to the popularity of kung pao and sweet and sour chicken in China. Although they have it its not on most menus. Its a little disappointing and sad when you find out the food you “thought” was all ethnic or traditional just isn’t.  Thank goodness Josh knew what was up and took me to where I could pig out on some good pad thai!

 I found the Bangkok Cultural Center which was so great. So many great Thai artist and local works of art. So much and all so free.

Had dinner with Josh and Patcha. I learned how to eat an entire fish with lots of greens, sticky rice, spices, and apple/kiwi vodka. It was a real treat. I cannot thank Josh enough for being so helppful and awesome.

I want to come home for a little while...

I'm due for a visit home. I mean its been almost a year, right.  As I walk out the police station for the 3rd time this year, I look at my useless umbrella failing at keeping me dry (apparently there are "rain" umbrellas and "sun" umbrellas) because I didn't listen to the hustling umbrella salesman in the subway.