Blogs from Jilin, China, Asia

The busride to Baihe was amazing. While the outside temperature was around -22°C, the busdriver liked it warm and put the heating on level "hell". Within one hour there were around 32°C inside and we had to face the truth: it was the most stupid idea to enter the bus, still wearing all the layers we had to wear in Changchun. In an acrobatic act we tried to get rid of at least 2 layers. The temperature was further boosted by a natural character trait that seems to be inherent to a lot of chinese guys: making business. Of course it is not really convenient to put only as much people in the bus as seats are available. So the bus stopped several times to pick up a lot more people. These people were really clever ... read more

First, I want to say hellos to all my family & friends who may be reading this. Like Aunty Maria, Dale, Laura & Jason, Colleen, Josh, Christine, Poplynnville Neighbours, Aunty Rita & Uncle Steve, Lucy (Madrania) & Dave, Nancy & Joe, Declan, Stina, Domz, Jeff G, Maxi, Garrett, Michelle, Erin, Caleb, Amanda, Veis, Poya, Sunghoon, Doug, Cas, Ramin, Deitre & Binkie, Aunty Marion & Aunty Kenny, Brad & Aspen, Andrea, Uncle Fernando & A.Shauna, Brian & Tina, Steve & Lesley, Ian, Aunty Irene & U.Gene, Aunty Diana & U.Joe, Dennis & Lorraine, Mel & Andre, Rene & Kecia, Hector & Samaya, John & Lorraine, Luch, Geredi, Ho family, Natasha, Max, Breanna, Anna, Owen Schutz, Sean Soper, Robin N, Meh, Sensei Anita, Momo, Scott, entire Mota family, everybody else, ...Mom & Dad especially Second, I want to ... read more

I'm taking a break from packing my bag. I need to get the next year of my life, in clothing and nessecities, into a backpack that seemed a hell of a lot bigger before i accumulated a year of shit in an apartment. The sacrifices :warm clothes will be left, a cat (becasue they die in backpacks) as well as a 3D MAO picture which i dont want to give up but is to big. I finished my contract yesterday and had a farewell party with a whole wack of people i've met over the year. I didn't even realise how many people i had met till we got to the bar (or that i could remember that many names). I think the recovery ain't helping my motivation to pack. In the next day I'll be ... read more

There are many things you can talk about when you speak of the best parts of living in china. The food, the smells, the buildings, and the people all come to mind. But one of the things that hits you in the face is B-grade attractions. Places where health and safety laws are told to fuck off and fun is put at the front of the line. I love this part of china not just because it makes me laugh consistantly, but that everyday people in china just dont seem to notice or care. This is entertainment in its most disfigured and enjoyable form. Before you come to northern china you try to educate yourself on everything that is around you (i think most people do this where ever they go). You become a mini-encyclopedia on ... read more

I have been struggling to write my next blog. I'm nearing my three month mark here and there has been alot that has happened. I still love it but difficulties and unexpected smiles are still popping up. I am beginning to develop a routine and slowly losing my connections with how i felt at the beginning of this trip. I think thats just part of traveling. It's a differrent life you begin to live. As soon as you step off the plane into a new country you can't help but be starry eyed. The novelty and excitment of adventure takes you over and even the worst situations dont seem so bad. You forget that you are far away from home and you ride the euphoria of adventure. This is definatly unrealistic when living in a foriegn ... read more