New Digs!

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It is HOT!!!!

In Hangzhou, we haven't had a day under 34°C (low 90s F) since the end of June. On top of that, it's been 60-80% humidity every day. It's absolutely disgusting. Dealing with public transportation on days such as this can be downright murder... or wannabe murder, anyway. And there's yet to be a day when I've arrived at work without having soaked through my clothing. It's a nasty, nasty heat that we're having over here, and I'm told that it's the worst in China for over 100 years. We're all in survival mode getting through this thing, and thanking our lucky stars that at least our apartments and work have air conditioning... because goodness knows no other locations do.

I got myself all settled into the new place this week. I've taken some pictures to share and have explained what you're looking at. I really do enjoy this apartment. It's very, very homey and I feel very comfortable being here. Having Juliet and Mitch around is exceptionally helpful and it's been a good experience overall so far.

Meanwhile, I've had a very musical couple of weeks. My friends have reawakened my excitement about music. It started with a couple of jam sessions with some buddies of mine - Juliet plays bass, and our friend Gavin is a remarkable guitar and piano player. Since then, though, I've been spending a lot of time with Taryn and Annie, and we cannot have a day spent together without music. See, Annie has a Ph.D. in Opera Performance. Yep, and she's using that to teach English in China... go figure. But she is incredibly talented and left behind a career as a professor in the UC system to be here. She has her reasons. But anyway, she recently initiated an amazing project that resulted in a beautiful aria being composed for her. So, in recent weeks, the three of us have spent quite a lot of time huddled around pianos at music stores and restaurants, Taryn and I gazing at her starry eyed as she plays through the piece for us. It bears noting publicly that I find this piece to be one of the most awe-inspiring that I've ever heard. There are sections of the thing that, when I heard them played the first time, brought me to uncontrollable sobs - right there at the table of an Indian restaurant, surrounded by people. Music is a communicator and a memory-maker, and the layering of it often brings emotions from below the surface and can even present understanding that simple words can't express. And that's pretty incredible. And here's another reason why:

Yesterday, the three of us went to the music store so that Taryn could buy herself a keyboard - something she's been talking about doing for months. While there, Annie and I were goofing around with various instruments. I picked up a couple of guitars and dinked around a bit; she played on any piano she could get her hands on... and as we were doing all of this, Annie and Taryn noted that there was a trumpet sitting in a display case, and made a scene of pointing it out to me. I rolled my eyes, but eventually figured... you know what? why not? And we pulled out a translator to ask if I could play on it awhile. And they let me. It's strange, the things that come rushing back to you in moments like these. I haven't forgotten how to play, and was a very big fan of that particular trumpet as it was very forgiving of my rust. But having all of this excitement and passion for music come rushing to the forefront again has been an incredibly emotional journey. Some things, despite lying dormant for years, still hold a special place in a person's soul. It takes a special person to reawaken a sleeping soul of that nature, and I have to say that Annie, Taryn, the 6th measure and a C# on the third page have done it for me - I don't know if they even realize the journey that they've embarked on with me. But, it's been a remarkable couple of weeks in that respect.

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Photos

From the Entry
This is the kitchen/dining area, with a glimpse of the hall where you'd find Juliet, Mitch and our bathroom. My bedroom is in a somewhat separate section.

Living Room
HUGE living room. This living room is about the size of my last apartment. You can also see the door out to the delightful balcony.

My Room!
This is my bedroom, taken from the back corner facing the door. I am in love with the bookcase.

My Room!
This is from the door looking in. I'm about to put new window treatments up, but it's a nice size and I like the color.

The Balcony!
Love this.

Comments

[grandma]

happiness
You sound delightfully happy! I'm so very happy for you. NEVER has there been a boring spot in your life since you were, what, around 18 maybe? Whatever, you are something. By the way, your cousins would love to get your blogs....katie and sara....Jenny, I haven't seen. Sara's baby is due anytime now, making me a great grandmother....ah me.....Didn't send you an invitation to my 80th birthday party on the 24th...Figured you might not come...:) Anyway, just wanted to say hi and I love you......Grandma

[gramps]

Our temps have been 103 to 104 degrees for past week!