Mom and Dad leave :-(

Mom and Dad leave ;-(. That is all I have written on my calendar for Thursday June 11, 2009. The last week and a half that they’ve been here has been absolutely crazy and awesome. A few highlights:

Arriving from Hong Kong at the same time Mom and Dad arrived from America and reuniting at the airport arrivals gate (Airport reunions will always be especially special for me after me and Alex’s reunion in Peru- lets just say it was a show).

Our mute guide through the Forbidden City. I think maybe she didn’t know people pay for a guide to tell them stuff about the place they are in, not just follow them around. Silly woman, bless her heart.

Practically buying out Alice’s Tea Shop and totally making her day. I knew it would be a good idea to take my parents there. That will probably feed her family for months. Thanks Mom and Dad for investing in our friend.

An indescribable two days in Yangshuo. I’m speechless. Trying to describe that place it like trying to describe DNA. It’s breathtaking, but if you try to describe it, it could get boring and long when really all you need to do is see it and it sucks all the words away. My dad and I decided riding a hot air balloon over the radio wave looking mountains in Yangshuo should definitely merit our Bucket Lists. So, at least I have good reason to go back there.

A whole day in the pouring rain! Me and Mom loving it! And hot pot for dinner to warm our soaking bodies right up.

A crystal clear day on the Great Wall of China. And a RECORD BREAKING toboggan ride down. There was this little Chinese lady that left like a half hour before us and was going super duper slow. Just imagine how the Chinese run across the street to make the light; their legs at their same walking pace but their arms pumpin’. That’s how she was on this toboggan. All tucked up like she was racing down at Olympic speeds but actually going as slow or slower than a snail. We waited forever so we wouldn’t run into her and WE actually did go down at OLYMPIC SPEEDS. The best was when she was just barely stepping out of her toboggan as all six of us slammed into the finish.

And now Mom and Dad are flying across oceans far far away. When I walked into our apartment last night Alex had bought a vase full of flowers and written a sweet note telling me he loves me and will take care of me while my family is far away. I’m the luckiest girl alive, and the flowers get me every time (it’s an unfamiliar luxury and I’m lucky he’s taking advantage while he can get them for 3 kuai a stem).

Growing up has been surprisingly difficult for someone who thought they were quite grown up since the age of 10. I’ve certainly shed my fair share of tears thinking of the memories the brothers and ladybird are making without me (curse being the first-born). But my time came, and even if I were home it wouldn’t be like back in the salad days. I used to have to tell myself that but I only partly believed it. I think my three-year departure from the nest, including my one-year of marriage, is finally soaking in. Thanks Mom and Dad for coming to China, it was awesome having you here and it was the most amazing trip ever. But don’t worry about me cuz I’ve got Alex. He told me “I love you so much and I promise I’ll take care of you while your family isn’t around” and it’s true, he does and he will. Marrying Alex was the best decision I’ve ever made in my whole entire life and he’s my everyday happy home now, but you can still be my no place like home, home. I love you so so so so much!!!! Send all my love to the brothers and the bird. XOXOXOmo