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Zai jian {Goodbye}

Change was inevitable, we both knew that. Klynt and I prayed for it (change), but when the answer came, we looked at each other and said “you can’t be serious.” We were looking to possibly swap states, NOT countries. What about the language, the culture, the food? (And let me just say, rice wasn’t a staple in the Baker diet.) Never mind that we would be on the other side of the world and that all of this required our signature on a two year contract. I thought a year was do-able but two? It all felt so overwhelming, and seemed so permanent.

Fast forward two years and three months later and the view from where I sit is quite a different one. Looking back now, with the oh-so-lovely luxury of hindsight, two years was just a blip on the radar screen and every twist and turn my life has taken, seems undoubtedly for the best. While I still prefer secluded back roads to well-traveled city streets, campfire light to neon, Lake Michigan to Jin-Ji Lake, the Boardwalk to the Bund, a flea market to Shanghai’s crowded square, cotton to silk, burgers to fried rice, Klynt’s driving to a taxi’s, and actual toilets to a hole in the floor, my time here will always be remembered with a smile. I have to say, it’s good to actually know, rather than just believe, the world is round.

Playing Favorites

As our time in China quickly comes to a close, I wished to share some of my favorite photos taken over the past couple years. There are a few repeats, but a good majority of the pictures posted below are making their first-ever debut on my nifty little blog.

Our humble abode.

Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong.

The laser-light and fireworks show on Jin-Ji Lake.

Downtown Suzhou after dark.

What do you do on a rainy afternoon in the city? Take items from your kitchen and photograph 'em. Duh.

BEST. FRESH. SEAFOOD. EVER. @ Fred's in the Philippines.

I'm not even going to attempt an explanation of this one.

We may be smiling but this photo commemorates the worst business trip ever. Everything that could go wrong, did.

Autumn in Suzhou.

The biggest snow storm to hit the city in more than 100 years.

Taking the scooter out for a spin.

We only visited Starbucks a few times...really. :)

My favorite fan club.

The Shanghai Skyline.

Face-off

The Great Wall - definitely a must see.

Playing Favorites - Part Deux

Celebrating the May 1st holiday with a game of Mahjong.


Love these girls. Last May the Olympic Torch passed through the city and all of Suzhou came out to see it.

One of the many sculptures scattered throughout SIP (Suzhou Industrial Park).

Klynt snapped this last summer while visiting the great state of California.

We also spent some time in the Sequoia National Forest. The Sequoias are giants. Their size reconfirms just how small and insignificant we really are in the grand scheme of things.

Me love you long time!

My Fidel!

Two weeks on the tropical Hawaiian island of Oahu. Need I say more?

Christmas 2008. This photo oozes cheese but I love it!

The city of Suzhou will always be grateful to Trent Smith for his heroic efforts in saving this historical landmark.

Street art in Shanghai.

Hall and Alice singing a duet. Karaoke is very popular in China

Bowling is what we do best (not really). We had a blast though.

Celebrating the Chinese New Year. A few of Klynt's co-workers did a little dance - hilarious.

The Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an - souvenir version of course.

I enjoyed showing my sister around Suzhou.

This photo is one of my absolute favorites; even if the Balinese girls are laughing at us. Nice work Klynt. :)

SSCAC - The Suzhou Science and Cultural Arts Center is one of the most unique buildings in the city (in my humble opinion).

What can I say? I'm easily entertained.

Oh My Lotus!

Good grief. Getting up close and personal with a lotus blossom is no easy task. Early morning arrival is always a good idea; soft lighting is definitely a bonus. Of course you don't want to get up too early 'cause our flower friend is slow to wake up. They live in a mud "puddle". Supposedly the pods taste good, and if they are within reach, will be carted home for dinner. Fortunately, this blossom went undetected.

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Local Victuals

While it’s not kettle corn, pronto pups, elephant ears, cotton candy or freshly squeezed lemonade; it is China’s rendition of street/festival type food.

Nothing says summer quite like a fish on a stick. ;)