The countdown is on. 14 short days until I move to Beijing. The end of my current life in America is beginning. The starting of my future life in China is beginning. It is a wonderful transition.
I have been saying goodbye to many friends, family and even to places that I love in the wonderful Bay Area. I have been very lucky to live here and know the people I know. I have an amazing family, including my brother Robert, who lives in Beijing, and it has been sad saying goodbye to the rest of them. It has been the same experience with saying goodbye to my friends. This, to a large degree, was to be expected and continues. Moving causes loss, grief and also a thoughtful recounting of memories and time spent together. It allows one to view, from close up and from a distance, what they have done, who they have met, and what they have wanted to be. And, depending on one’s desire, where they want to go and what they want to become in the future. Sometime, just being in the present moment is more than enough.
Strangely, I have also been deeply touched by the places I am saying goodbye to in the last few weeks. Lake Merritt in Oakland, where I dance casino style salsa with many friends for many summers, is a major place. Going sailing with other friends and looking at San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Treasure Island and Alcatraz was incredibly touching and special. Visiting my hometown of Healdsburg and getting to say goodbye to it held a special place in my heart. It, like me, is changing. As is everyone and everything at all time.
I look forward to updating this blog more regularly and keeping in touch with photographs, videos and things I learn about China with daily posts. It may only be little tidbits but I will try to impart a touch of what I am learning and experiencing and hope it entertains and enlightens you about the world I am moving to and into.
14 days to Beijing.