It’s five weeks and counting before I depart for my Excellent Adventure in China for the next two years. In the past couple of weeks, I have become homeless and car-less. I rented out my house and have been living out of a suitcase like a vagabond at various friends’ homes. (A special shout out to my gracious friends who have taken me in.) I sold my car over the weekend and now can’t even live out of my car. I feel a little discombulated, but I’m relieved to have completed these two very big tasks. Now I’m just enjoying my last few weeks in Seattle soaking in the sunny weather, blue skies, mountain scenery and other picturesque views. As my friend who I went bike riding with last week said as we rounded a bended and caught a glimpse of Mount Rainier, “Soak it in while you can.” So soaking it in, I am. I spent my first week as if I were on vacation. I stayed with my friend, Marilyn, who lives across from Green Lake, my favorite local place where I spend many a day walking and where I conjured up my upcoming adventure. I went hiking at Talapus Lake the first day, rollerbladed around the lake the next, went for a bike ride the next, kayaked on the lake one morning and had breakfast in our kayaks and ended the week with another hike with Christine at Annette Lake. By the end of the week, I was pooped!
I don’t think my last few weeks will be as action-packed but who knows? The weeks aren’t over yet.
Hello Lotus,
I’m thrilled to hear about this adventure!!! Enjoy the Seattle summer and all the non-Chinese food you can get. I’ll be sure to come back to your blog occasionally to see how you are doing.
Best Wishes!!!
Suzan
Lotus, this is a terrific opportunity! I know we’ll be staying in touch and I’ll be visiting your blog site. Does this mean you’ll cook all of us a big Chinese dinner when you visit the states again?
Hi, Lotus–
I am so envious of you! What a fabulous opportunity!!! I dated a Chinese guy for a year–he was from Beijing–and I signed up to learn Mandarin so I could impress his parents. When they came to town, his mom teased me for paying $320 to be able to say “please,” “thank you,” and “My Chinese is not very good.” Ha! I’m good with languages, but, dang…Mandarin is HARD! So, I wish you the best of luck on that front!
Also, I may have the opportunity to visit my former boyfriend in China–he works in England now for British Telecom, but they sent him to China to scope out setting up an office there. So, if this happens, I will definitely be headed in your direction….I know China’s a huge country, but if there’s any opportunity to stop by and say “hello” to you while I’m there, I’d love to!
I just think what you’re doing is so meaningful and wonderful…teaching is truly the most noble of professions. I think I’m going to make the switch one of these days, too…I’d be really interested in staying in touch with you to see how it’s going and how you’re enjoying the experience!
You’re going to have so much fun!!!
Cheers,
Bridgette
Lotus,
First, I’m proud of you for making such a bold move. Second I’m a little envious of your having such an imminent adventure. Mostly I’m glad you found a path that should be really motivating and satisfying and that just might be a heck of a lot of fun, at least a source of indelible lifelong memories. You’ll do well, I’m sure, and I’m looking forward to hearing and reading about it.
Gary
You rock, Lotus! Way to take advantage of the moment and do something great with it. Good luck.
Wow! Wow! Wow! I’m so impressed and jealous of all the good eating you have to look forward to…did you know that Julia Child fell in love with her husband Paul over Chinese food while they were stationed there during WWII? She said many times that she first became interested in food while in China and that it “awakened her discriminating taste.” You are gonna have some kind of fun! Happy trails and I’ll definitely be checking out your blog. Go Lotus!
Lotus!!!!!!!
Wow!! So your new “phase” is about to start…!
It will be great to follow your adventures in this blog. Send us MANY
pictures and tell us all about your findings…!
I am sure you will FIND many interesting “eatable and non-eatlable”
things..:)
Wish you all the BEST!
Hope to see you soon!
Beijos!!!Luciana
Lotus – I am going to Nanjing in 2 weeks, but I am not leaving behind as much as you so it is not as dramatic a move. I look forward to comparing notes as we teach English. Very kind of you to create a blog to share your impressions and experiences. I recognize that Buddha in Golden Gate Park. Best wishes in these final weeks. I know you will be delighted with the experiences, as they will be delighted with you.
Lotus, I noticed you already have 283 visits to your website!!!!! You’re already an internationally known personality. Should I be your press secretary? My rates are reasonable. Just kidding. I had to tease you a bit… You know me.
Hey Missy!
Will come to visit, but by then, make sure you’ve mastered the toaster oven roast chicken, will ya?! Looking forward to seeing “EX-PAT Part II” in the bookstores in a few years with all the juicy details and advice on living abroad in China.
Oh that E.M. Forster…what did he know?!…just kidding. Glad the quote is fitting for your upcoming adventure.
Buen viaje mi amiga…see you in Beijing!
–VdV
Greg and I wish you the best. What a wonderful adventure. I wish you a safe trip!! Happy Trails to You!
I am so excited to hear about your adventure- I am going to keep track of your blog to hear all of your exciting ttles. I am trying to follow in your footsteps and become a world traveler. so you just may see me in Beijing. As long as my frequent flyer miles will take me there. Keep in touch with me !!!!! Princezzp@yahoo.com
My sister is amazing and I’m so proud of you! I’ll be starting my Chinese class on Saturday and I’ll be sitting with the 4th graders. They tested me when I went to register and we agreed that I was beyond the adult “Ni hao ma?” class. I hope I don’t break the chairs! Jennifer and Herky are so excited that their Lotus a-yi is coming to visit. You may fall so in love with your new niece that you postpone your trip to China. We are so happy for you and plan to send you lots of coffee, bar soap and shampoo in your care packages;)
Hi Lotus!
I received this through the grapevine and am so happy to hear about your new and upcoming adventure. I hope you have a wonderful time with this opportunity and wish you the best of luck! Keep in touch!
Best,
Rob
Lotus – As the countdown continues, and accelerates, know that you have a cast of many friends cheering you on and planning to visit. I hope you love your assignment and have tremendous adventures! Love, Dianne
Hey Louie – Thank you for this blog. It will be great fun to share in your great fun. You have great conviction and courage for going after something you want. I am proud of you and honored to call you my friend. Get settled, be well and kick those students’ butts.
Lotus – I’ve been wracking my brain to think of any tips for living in a foreign country, having done it myself. Get registered with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate is #1. #2 – be open to new cultures, experiences – is pretty academic for you! Have a wonderful adventure. I’ll keep checking your blog. — Annie O’Shannon
Lotus — Having known you for quite some time now, it doesn’t surprise me that you are dedicating this part of you life to helping others. Nor does it surprise me that you’re heading to (have arrived?) China to do it.
Best of luck. Be safe. I know you’ll do well and have magical experiences. I am on my way to the Middle East and Africa in two days. Lots of travel in this job. Next year I will very likely be in China. I’ll let you know.
Send me an address and I’ll send you some music.
– Dennis