Final Day in Tianjin, China.

And just like that, three weeks flew by. Had my last day of class today. Overall, I've been satisfied with my Chinese lessons here in Tianjin. I feel my 发音 （ tones and sounds ) improved a lot. I feel my 信心 ( confidence ) in my Mandarin abilities is at the level where I have no trepidation of speaking with other native speakers. I can hold my own ground, and I plan to continue studying Mandarin either on my own or maybe with another school out in LA. ( I've also talked about Skyping with some of the teachers here on a weekly basis to continue my Chinese training. )

I will try to write a post-trip reflection once back in the states. But honestly, I think, whether or not this was a successful spritual journey, I feel I have grown, even if it's in a very small way. For one thing, I've learned to accept my uniqueness of being a very emotional person. I think of it now more as a trait than a weakness. And being in China, I've learned to control it better. In fact, now that I look back at the many incidents of this past year where I just lost it over someone or something, I just laugh and think how absurd I was back then. I definitely embrace it, but I think from here on out, I'm gonna be okay. Sure, feelings may arise here and there, but I'll be able to keep things in perspective, instead of hanging my heart on my sleeve for all to see.

It was definitely a bitter sweet day, having to say farewell to the many friends and students I made during these short three weeks. During one of my breaks today in between classes, I chatted with my language partner/teacher for a bit, and then suddenly she started tearing up, drops strolling down her face. I asked her "什么问题？" (What's the problem?). She said it wasn't anything, but then I realized she was feeling the same way many of my close friends feel when things come to an end...she was having a hard time saying good bye. She really liked me as her student, always praising how hard working and smart I was. I basically told her all my dreams of learning Chinese so that maybe one day I can act in Chinese movies. Basically all my teachers know I hope to become a 演员 ( actor ) someday, and all have been supportive of me, always encouraging me and asking me what my plan of action is. So cool to be talking about my dreams in Chinese :)

I'm looking forward to going back to the states. I've lost a lot of weight since being in China, due to lack of exercise and nutrition. All my shirts are now loose on me, no longer that nice wrap around muscles I feel I'm used to back at MIT. I plan to hit the weights hard once I move to LA, among many other things I have to do ( find apartment, buy car, find/enroll in acting class, furniture, etc. ) The real world is setting in real fast, and I look forward to it. Besides my family, the thing I look forward to the most is being a student of the craft again. I miss it so badly, and it's itching inside me to just ACT!

Early flight back to Hawaii tomorrow....NOT! Making a pit stop in Korea for a few days, then heading back to Paradise. Can't wait to see what Korea has to offer. Best part...no teaching, no learning, just plain enjoyment!