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Hey friends!  It’s been a while, I know, and I apologize.  A lot has happened in the past month, a couple different house guests at our apartment in China, as well as a 3 week trip home to the U.S. (2 weeks for Justin), our first trip home since moving to China a year and a half ago.  Time really does fly, and I really have failed at keeping you guys informed amidst all the chaos – something to work on in the future for sure.

But alas, I am back in my apartment in Zhuhai, gotten over the jet lag, and finally set aside some time to get writing again.  Starting with an awesome visit from two strangers turned friends, Stuart and Claire, a couple from the UK traveling the world by bicycle whom we met via warm showers.  They are the couple behind Beyond the Bike, two teachers cycling along the major trade routes in Africa and Asia, following and documenting the journey of key natural resources as they make their way along the supply chain in an effort to educate students about economic development and raise money for various educational charities. 

Arriving at our apartment in Zhuhai was the last stop on their journey across the world already having cycled through Europe, down the east coast of Africa, and across Southeast Asia through parts of China.  Their stories were amazing and inspiring and we are so happy to have crossed paths here in Zhuhai.  Stuart even got to do a bike race with Justin before they left, which was a ton a fun for all of us as Claire and I played photographer on the sidelines during the hour long race.  Stuart and Claire are just two of the awesome people we have met so far in China, and I can honestly say there are too many to count between those passing through, expat friends here for the long haul, and local Chinese.

Not long after Stuart and Claire set off for Hong Kong, Justin and I embarked on a 24 hour long travel back home to the USA.  We first met Justin’s parents in North Carolina who greeted us with a fabulous homemade sign at the airport welcoming us home.   The car ride home was spent marveling at the clear, star studded sky, which was promptly followed upon arrival at the house by walking around in the backyard barefoot, smelling the grass, and staring up at the stars, all things absent from our life in a Chinese city.  It was definitely good to be home.

During our week in NC we had a fabulous time with family including Justin’s sister and her husband who took time off of work to come spend the week with us, their two dogs in tow, grandparents, and friends.  The 8 of us (parents, siblings, and two dogs) took off for the mountains in the RV on a four day family vacation to Stone Mountain State Park.  Justin and I have longed for the mountains ever since we left the Appalachians and it was amazing to be able to stay in the park at a campground for a few days.  We got in some great hikes, soaked up the views and had a blast catching up with family.  Justin also enjoyed getting to ride his bike in the mountains again, even getting some riding in on the Blue Ridge Parkway, his absolute favorite road in the world.  We lucked out with amazing weather all week that lent itself to not only a nice vacation, but also some great sun filled paddle boarding and family cookouts.

Our next stop was Pennsylvania for my cousin’s wedding, another family vacation, visits with friends and horseback riding (finally!).  After a traffic filled drive up I-95 we arrived at my parents house where we were greeted with an enthusiastic Chinese version of “Welcome home!” which, unfortunately, neither of us understood much to their dismay.  Try as they might their pronunciation was way off, but an A for effort for sure, Chinese is an incredibly hard language after all. 

The next morning we set off on family vacation number two, to the Susquehanna Valley in the mountains of Pennsylvania.  We got in some more nice hiking, and even convinced my parents to kayak down the creek with us.  As neither of them are water sports people, Justin took my Dad and I took my Mom in two double kayaks.  Even despite getting rained on and having to hide under a bridge for a few minutes we all had a blast.  The creek was beautiful and we spent a really nice afternoon together on the water. 

Before heading home we stopped off at Hershey Park for the day.  Hershey is my favorite amusement park, and while we went often when I was a kid, Justin had never been and I was excited for him to experience it.  I hadn’t been to Hershey Park in a few years and they have gotten several new, super awesome roller coasters since my last visit. By the end of the day we had made it to all but two of the roller coasters and had an absolute blast.  If you’ve never been, Hershey Park is definitely a must check out park if you are in the PA area.  Set in the Piedmont near the Susquehanna River valley, Hershey Park is themed around the Hershey chocolate factory, which you can take a virtual tour of ending with a free chocolate bar.  The park has tons of roller coasters, rides, log flumes, and a water park all in one.  There is something for everyone there with a very unique atmosphere and we really enjoyed getting in some roller coaster action for the first time in years.  To top off the day we met up with one of my best friends for dinner before heading home for the night.

Saturday was wedding day for one of my cousin’s in downtown Philadelphia, PA, which was super awesome not just because weddings are awesome, but also because it was the first time in a long time I got to ride a horse!  Seriously, happy wedding plus happy horse ride equals one rockin day.  Not to mention the fact that I got to see my riding instructor (who’s basically like my big sister) and get my long, hot head of hair cut, a process I had been looking forward to for a couple months now that summer has arrived in China. 

We got to Philadelphia a couple hours early giving us enough time to do a little bit of sightseeing, which included some historic buildings including city hall, and taking the typical touristy photos in front of the LOVE sculpture.  The wedding took place in a three floored mansion right down the street from Rittenhouse Square.  It was a beautiful ceremony and the reception was a great chance to catch up with family, get some free drinks, and bust some moves on the dance floor.  We are so glad that we could come back from China to be there for this special occasion and celebrate with family.

After one last day hanging out with family and friends it was time to leave, drop Justin off at the airport, and drive down to Virginia to get in some quality horse time.  I had a great week getting to spend my days at the barn, riding horses, and visiting with friends.   After a week in the countryside doing what I love most it was definitely hard to leave, especially when I thought about having to travel for 24 hours, including a gruesome 15 and half hour flight.  Don’t let the pretty pictures fool you traveling is not all glamorous, especially when going halfway around the world.

Thanks to all of our family and friends who made time to see us and went to extra mile to meet up.  You guys made our trip extra special and we absolutely loved getting to catch up with everyone.  To those we didn’t get to see, we missed you, and we hope to catch you next time!  Meanwhile, back to the China life it is.

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