Slowly Learning...

I know, it's been less than a month since my last update, but I've felt the urge to post yet again anyway. Things in Beijing are still going relatively decent. There'll always be the minor hiccups here and there, but overall it's going well. So what's been happening...

As some of you may or may not have heard, I once again did something to my back. What that something was I have no idea, but my back/leg problem came back (siatica). I got some therapy for it, and some medication, and it's gotten a lot better, but I still do limp a little at times (been wearing a shin/calf brace which helps out with some of the limping/pain), and my back does still get irratated if I sit too long and then try to stand up. Overall I'm doing ok though. I've picked up swimming as a good form or exercise (doesn't really hurt the back) and I've been doing that two to three times a week. I don't if it's that or what I've been eating too, but I've also seemed to lose some weight. I still have a little bit of a belly there, but all of my pants now require a belt.

In poker news I've started to play better in the games that have been going on with the Brits and Americans. However, in last night's big game (most of the Americans are leaving on Monday, so we played for 300 quai) I was knocked out first. But, when you go all-in preflop with an A-K you can't feel too bad about your decision. I just didn't have the luck that night and wasn't getting the cards (the A-K was about the only real hand I got, other than pocket Queens which I quickly folded after getting 3 callers and then seeing both an A and a K come on the flop). I think I can make up some of that though, as I have been playing more solid poker recently.

As for my return date, it's more and more looking like it'll be the original date I had planned (Jan 17th). I get booted from the hotel on the 15th (although I've been told staying an extra 2 days wouldn't be a big problem), and not too many people will really be around Beijing during Jan. I still do think I'll do a little traveling, but with the 17th I still have a almost 2 weeks to travel after classes are over.

And on the travel front, I am ready to be done with classes and perhaps see some new things. I’m not sure if I’ve just hit a lull in my time in Beijing, but I’ve grown tired and bored (and a little sick) of this city. It might also just be the location we’re in too. Of all the places for the campus to be, ours is in auite possibly the worst spot. Everyhing in Beijing seems to be in the north (Wudaokou) or north-east (Sanlitun), while our campus is located in the west. This means it’s about 20-30 mins and 20-30 kuai to get to anything worthwhile. That of course still doesn’t include getting back, which adds another 20-30 mins and another 20-30 kuai to the trip. I’ve also grown frustrated with the Chinese people as well. Some are nice, but the majority of them that I’ve run into lately are annoying. For most people I’ve found there is no such thing as a queue, and many other things that seem like common sense to me are just ignored around here. Plus the lack of tipping, while nice on the wallet, leaves a lot to be desired in the service you receive. But, as I said, maybe this is all just due to a down period in my time here, where I have been accustomed to the place enough to not see it as new and interesting, but haven’t been here long enough to find my little areas of solice and comfort.

As things stand, with me looking ahead to my final month and a half here, I don’t think I’ll miss China (or more specifically Beijing), but I will certainly miss a lot of the people that I’ve met here. Back in the States, when I met people at school I knew I would still be able to keep in touch with them. Even when people moved away or left it was only to a few hours away, a day trip at most. But most of the people I’ve met here are a little further away. After we all head back home (me to the States , them to their respective European countries) who knows if I’ll ever see most of them ever again (who knows if I’ll ever see any of them again). With some people that’s ok, but with people that I’ve become closer to and accustomed to seeing on a daily basis, it’s gonna be harder to say goodbye.

So while I’m looking forward to coming back home soon, I’m also not looking forward to leaving. But I know, all things must come to an end eventually.

PS – I’ve also updated my flickr account for all of you interested.