There’s No Place Like Home (Part Two)

Well, we made it; we’ve made it to the end of our first ‘semester’ in China.  And, like many expats here in Guangzhou, the kids and I will head home for the summer,  Rob will join us for part of our stay.

So, I gave everyone in the family an assignment: reflect on our time here; what will we miss about China?  What are we most looking forward to about home?  After some prodding and pulling, I’ve compiled the Starghill Top 5 Lists, so here goes…

Top 5 Things we will miss about China:

5. Convenience:  Guangzhou is an extremely convenient city. We walk to the store, the pool, the mall, friend’s houses, restaurants, the river, you name it.  I would have never thought that this suburban girl would love living in a big city, but we all do. It will be an adjustment to get into a car every time we want to go some where.

4.  New Foods:  Being a picky eater myself,  I’m so happy that we’ve all tried new foods.  Between us, we have tried everything from Sichuan Hot Pot, Korean BBQ, Dim Sum, all kinds of dumplings, Vietnamese Pho, authentic rice noodles and on and on. We still have lots more to try, especially traditional Cantonese food like chicken feet and sea cucumber,  but we are well on our way!

3. We Chat – I can’t explain enough how life-changing this app is – I wrote a whole post on it!  I honestly don’t know how modern countries survive without such an app. We will definitely miss the convenience that WeChat provides, especially, when we’re fumbling through our pockets looking for a way to pay!  I may make it my personal mission to spread WeChat in the US:).

2. Safety – I think we’ve taken for granted just how safe we feel here.  The kids can run to the store for us, go to their friends’ houses, or I can go out alone without worry.  The Head of Security at the US Consulate indicated that the most dangerous thing you do everyday is crossing the street, with the erratic drivers!

1. New Adventures – One of the primary reasons we moved to China was to expose all of us to something completely new.  And, our first six months haven’t disappointed.  From being able to explore different countries, to learning a new language, our new adventures have just begun.

Top 5 Things We Are Looking Forward to in the US  

I know what you’re thinking. Wow, things are perfect for the Starghills over there! But nothing is ever perfect.  While we appreciate what we’ve experienced, we are also looking forward to a little R&R at home.  And, there are a few things we can’t wait for!

5. Better Air Quality – The pollution in China’s big cities is real.  We check the Air Quality index regularly, and on particularly bad days, we’ll even wear a breathing mask.  When we first arrived, it was hard to catch our breath, and I had a persistent cough that I’m convinced was air quality related.  While Guangzhou’s air quality isn’t China’s worst, we are looking forward to some consistent fresh air.

4. Weather – Guangzhou is in the southern part of China, so it has a humid, subtropical climate.  Translate – in the summer, which lasts about 6 months, it’s hot and humid.  Actually, unbearably hot and unbearably humid.  There have already been days that I’ve literally had to take 4 showers because of the sweat.  But please don’t let that deter your visit, just come in the winter!

3. Familiar Food – While we like trying new foods, sometimes you just want something you know.  And, you’d be surprised what we can’t wait to eat – Olive Garden and Red Robin (Robby); Dewey’s Pizza (Rachel), Uncle Ray’s Hot Chips (Rob), and I will be making a bee line for guacamole from Chipolte.  I’m hoping the cravings will wear off quickly so we can get to some healthy eating!

2. Target – enough said.  I will be roaming the aisles nonstop for at least the first week we’re back, marveling at how convenient shopping is, if you need to find me.

1.Family and friends  – Obviously the number one thing we can’t wait to see are our family and friends.  That is the biggest challenge living overseas, we are so far from those we love. We can’t wait to see you all!

PS – I will take a break from the blog over the summer, unless you’re really interested in my latest Target Dollar Spot find!  Thanks so much for reading and taking this journey with us.  I have posted a few new pictures of some of our last few weeks in China.