I’m finally back at a point where life in China feels really good again: the food tastes amazing, people are nice, and living in Shanghai feels fun and exciting.When I got back here after our trip to Australia in the middle of January I really felt that I wanted to leave China, that I had had enough, and that I wanted to go somewhere new. But now I don’t feel that urge anymore. I know I won’t live here forever, but I am also not ready to give it all up yet. I think having highs and lows is natural, no matter where you live. Maybe it’s especially apparent when you live over here though.
I was having lunch with a western girl the other day. She is getting ready to move back to Europe in 4 months, and feels a bit torn about it. She told me that she felt ready to move back at this very moment, as she was now at a place where she really missed her hometown, but feared that she in 4 months time would change her mind again, and that when time was up, she wouldn’t want to go. I understand her 100%. Life here changes so fast, it really is a rollercoaster. A truly, madly, crazy rollercoaster, with many highs and lows. I’m not ready to get off quite yet.
So get ready for another great year in China. Love this place at the moment. Let's celebrate that with a little photo memory mix from the early days in China: 2006-2007: A hot mess of... a bit of everything!
There's so much to enjoy in life - relish them while you can and live it up! Happy weekend to you!
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you are to be able to live in Shanghai for as long as you choose! Have fun this year!
ReplyDeleteHi Jonna,
ReplyDeleteI totally understand what you and your friend feel. I experienced the same thing myself a few years ago.
In the end, I stayed put, and now my temporary working holiday in Singapore is becoming more and more permanent, although I'm still travelling a lot!
I think everyone is different, but for me, part of the desire to stay or leave depends on the people you know. If you are lonely and those around you suck, like at work, then you want out quick smart! When you find yourself part of a good group of people, then you feel more welcome and it's all good. Being an expat however, people do tend to come and go, and in fact two good friends of mine will be leaving soon for better pastures. While I wish them well, it means the cycle of people coming and going continues.
Do you think you'll be able to find a permanent real job in China, or you're still trying to just see how it goes? Am I being too personal?
Cheers,
Adrian
This post makes me want to move back to China RIGHT NOW!!! Unfortunately, I won't be able to go back to China for at least another year or so, so for now, I'll just continue to live vicariously through your blog. Hope your highs significantly outnumber your lows this year! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad for you Jonna , that you again enjoy Life in Shanghai .
ReplyDeleteYour Photo from the Financial Building over the Bund , makes me want to leave my Palce and go back to the City that " I " love .
What a great photo essay!
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful to learn that you have your China groove back. Enjoy!
Thanks for all the comments. And yes, I am pretty lucky to have the chance to stay here for at least another 2 years.
ReplyDeleteAdrian -I have a permanent job since a year back. So that's all good! :)
Annie -And yes, let's hope that there are no more lows this year. Enough already!
I have a similar picture of Wu Jiang Lu from 2006/7 - Too bad it doesn't look like that anymore!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your photos. Shanghai looks so vibrant!
ReplyDeleteanonymous 1 -I know. I hate the look of it now. Looks like everything else over here.
ReplyDeleteanonymous 2 -it is a vibrant city indeed!