These late summer days seem to slip through my fingers no matter how hard I try to hold on to them. 15 days until China, 2 weeks until I leave for California. I can't decide whether I want these days to move a little quicker so I can just get there already, or if I want to put them into slow motion so they last a bit longer. It's been a little interesting :).
The one thing that makes me feel so much better about leaving is having conversations with some of people going with me next year. They are all so nice and I can't wait to meet them! It's amazing to find yourself talking to a total stranger (who won't be a stranger for long) and find out how many things you have in common. I've talked to people who like the same music and movies, but I've also talked to people who share the same sorts of worries and concerns. They have the same hopes for next year- to learn Chinese (obviously), but then deeper ones too like understanding more of the world and to push themselves to become better people.
Well my bed is calling me and tomorrow my empty suit case awaits. TIme to start packing!
Until next time,
Julia
My friend suggested I change Song of the Week to Song of the Day because I write these a little irregularly so here goes
Song of the Day: Calling You by Blue October
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
30 Days
China, China, China. It seems to be everywhere.
When I go past a newspaper or magazine rack the word CHINA is the first thing I see. There is an excess of articles about the Olympics, the pollution, and the general excitement surrounding it this year.
It's all I talk about, it's all my parents talk about, it's what my friends dread to talk about, but it seems to come up all the time anyway.
Every time I see something even slightly Asian themed, be it a book or dress or picture, I gravitate towards it, hoping perhaps it can give me some clue of what I am in for next year.
I have taken out half the books in my library about China hoping to familiarise myself enough with its history, people, and customs that I won't completely fall on my face and embarrass myself with my own ignorance when I arrive.
Every day I listen to Chinese language tapes so that when I get there I won't sound completely demented and ridiculous. However, it is highly likely that I will end up sounding like an American idiot who clearly doesn't belong even with my best efforts. I will continue to try and learn anyway.
It is clear from all of this that I have become a little tiny bit China obsessed.
Anyway, less than 1 month left til my departure. I am undeniably nervous, but becoming more and more excited to meet my new classmates and explore my new home. I know this next month of tedious preparations and difficult goodbyes will be hard, but I also can see that once I'm there, it's all going to be worth it.
Til' next time,
Julia
Song of the Week: Cecilia by Simon & Garfunkel
When I go past a newspaper or magazine rack the word CHINA is the first thing I see. There is an excess of articles about the Olympics, the pollution, and the general excitement surrounding it this year.
It's all I talk about, it's all my parents talk about, it's what my friends dread to talk about, but it seems to come up all the time anyway.
Every time I see something even slightly Asian themed, be it a book or dress or picture, I gravitate towards it, hoping perhaps it can give me some clue of what I am in for next year.
I have taken out half the books in my library about China hoping to familiarise myself enough with its history, people, and customs that I won't completely fall on my face and embarrass myself with my own ignorance when I arrive.
Every day I listen to Chinese language tapes so that when I get there I won't sound completely demented and ridiculous. However, it is highly likely that I will end up sounding like an American idiot who clearly doesn't belong even with my best efforts. I will continue to try and learn anyway.
It is clear from all of this that I have become a little tiny bit China obsessed.
Anyway, less than 1 month left til my departure. I am undeniably nervous, but becoming more and more excited to meet my new classmates and explore my new home. I know this next month of tedious preparations and difficult goodbyes will be hard, but I also can see that once I'm there, it's all going to be worth it.
Til' next time,
Julia
Song of the Week: Cecilia by Simon & Garfunkel
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