Back in China

Well, it is that time of year again. As my good friend Nancy said, there are now 6 seasons to the year. Winter, Matt Leaves, Spring, Summer, Matt Returns and finally Fall. That will be the case again this year as I am once again in my “2nd Home” Beijing. The departure this time was much more low key, missing was the apprehension of what lies after, replaced instead by feeling of excitement and almost necessity. As the date of my flight drew closer I expected the feeling of nervousness to replace the excitement but I am please to say that it never really did.

I have now been in Beijing for a week and have found it nothing short of amazing the difference that a year makes. I feel so comfortable here, I am not “an old teacher” confident in the knowledge that I know where to find things, how to get things done and what being in front of a classroom means. I am able to show others good places to eat, what to do on the weekend (get out of Changping as quickly as possible…) and all the other things that go along with being experienced. Even my own social confidence is so much higher this year since I know that I can thrive here. It is just nice to be back. The weather has helped as well. We have even had some clear…really, truly clear blue skies. I know that it will not last but it has been nice while it has. I was able to see the mountains that ring the city from the city, something that I am not sure ever happened a year ago. I was also able to see from Dongzhimen to Xizhimen, across the city a pretty miraculous thing.

My time in Beijing has been spent getting ready for classes, rediscovering old favorites and making new friends. The one major highlight of my time here so far was Saturday morning when I made my way into Beijing to attend the FINA World Cup of Diving in the Olympic Swimming Venue, the water cube. This is a very impressive building that is among the two showcase venues for the Olympics. Photos will be posted at my flickr account soon that show the unique structure of the pool.
I hope that everyone that is reading this is doing well. I will write more later as I continue to experience a city that is getting ready to host the world. Please comment or write as the year goes on. I love to hear bits and pieces of what is happening on the other side of the world.

Gao Tian