No need for a countdown

It's an hour before my car will pick me up to take me up to the airport, and as an appropriate send-off, firecrackers and booming and popping outside my building. Of course they're not for me... they could be for a million other things, but probably not for a waiguoren's departure back to his home country. I'm in my apartment that will be home all through next year, and have my bags packed in front of me. I have to tidy up a bit of stuff before I'm officially free to lock the door for the next 6 weeks, but otherwise I'm ready for the road.

The time in Yunnan was great, and I really hope I can make it back again next year. The group I was with, especially my new friend from Minnesota and the rest of our hiking group made the trip particularly memorable. I met some cool people in other cities and on other trips, but usually it was one or two. This time, I left with 6 or 7 people that I've already been exchanging emails with and can hopefully visit in various places around the world. Funny how sometimes these things can come together in the most random of circumstances.

For now, though, the shower is calling my name, as is my trip home. I said it already, but I'll detail the Yunnan adventure more soon. Until then, see ya'll on the other (and home-like) side of the Pacific.

T