One year ago, I set out on one of the hardest yet rewarding things I have ever done. I had the opportunity to spend a month in China working on a documentary. The prospect of spending that many nights away from Scott within our first year of marriage was terrifying.
I didn't have a blog back then so I figured I better jot down my experience and put up some pictures. Better late than never right?
I was not, and had never really been, an independent person. I had grown to really depend on Scott within the first few months of our marriage. I grew accustomed to cuddling up next to him and falling asleep on him
every night. That wasn't really going to work with him being on the other side of the world and all. I was torn between missing my husband and missing out on an amazing experience. I knew from the beginning that I had to do this, but I didn't mean I had to want to.
The weeks leading up to April 28th were filled with tears and me telling Scott I didn't think I was strong enough to do this. I know it sounds silly that leaving Scott was
that hard for me, but I couldn't stop asking myself why did I have to leave my comfortable life to be in a foreign country with people I hardly knew? I am so grateful for a husband who constantly reassured me that I could do hard things and how the time was going to fly by. Never once did he complain how I was leaving
him. He just held me while I cried. My heart still hurts when I think about the pain I felt leaving him. I cried almost the entire plane ride there... so pathetic and embarrassing I know. The poor Chinese man who spoke no english sitting next to me must have been very confused.
Although the trip was not a piece of cake, (days 2-5 of China were spent lying on the bathroom floor not being able to keep anything down... tmi?), but after that I started to enjoy this amazing trip.
I cannot believe it has already been a year since that trip. I learned so much not only about documentary film making (which was a lot) but about myself. I was strong. I could do hard things. as cheesy as it sounds, my life really was changed from this trip.
Ok now a bunch of pictures-
My first meal in China. It's "Chinese Fast Food"
Could be the cause of my untimely sickness
My hotel room in Beijing had the WORST wifi... I could only get a signal at the bottom corner of my door. So this is what I would do every morning to talk to Scott.
My second meal in China... another possible factor in my sickness
The pearl market... aka one of the prettiest places in the world. Just for looking though... way out of my poor college student price range.
Definitely one of the highlights of the trip... The Great Wall.
Most. Tiring. Thing. Ever.
At first I thought I was super out of shape but then all of the Ballroom Dancers we were with struggled. So I didn't feel as bad.
My co intern Jared everybody. We are currently working on another documentary together. So keep your eyes peeled for that.
I was sick for most of the time in Beijing so I missed a lot of the other sightseeing stuff. But I didn't miss the beautiful morning sun.
Air quality- not so bueno.
The film crew felt bad that I missed so much of Beijing so our last day there we went to the Forbidden City.
Can't get over that color.
PLEASE EXCUSE MY WHITENESS.
They made me take a solo pic to send to Scott to show him I was alive and well. So obviously I wanted Mao in it with me.
This was about as far as we got before we were told it was closed. So we went shopping instead. Scott was very happy when I brought him home TWO new jerseys.
If anyone is going to China anytime soon.. don't pack anything. Buy everything there. IT IS SO CHEAP!
Next up was Guangzhou where we spent the bulk of our trip. It was much greener than Beijing. I was a fan.
Me and my bestie Loretta our translator. We spent a looooot of time together. She said she will come visit me in America one day.
One of the downsides of getting sick at the beginning of our trip, was how unappetizing any Chinese food became to me. I ate lots of rice. Which is probably why i lost 13 pounds. Anyone need a new diet plan? Go to China and don't eat.
But when I had the chance to binge on anything familiar you know I did.
Lots of pizza hut and MckyD's for me!
I felt like a celebrity. Everyone was constantly stopping to take a picture of us.
ASIAN BABIES EVERYWHERE
Also you haven't lived until you have had a Chinese foot massage.
One of the families we got to know insisted on treating us to dinner. And this cute grandma came and took a picture of everyone's plate!
I could not for the life of me figure out how to control any of the lights in the hotel room. Then I realized this robot thing was the answer.
Anyone hungry?
Another highlight was riding the world's highest bubble tram.
How many people can say that?
Running shoes and jeans all day every day.
America needs to step up their money game
Oh a picture of me actually working.
Also this was at like 2am. Anyone who knows me knows I am not cut out for staying up past 9pm.
The bus ride from Guangzhou to Hong Kong was filled with naps, greenery, and a little break from all of the craziness.
And yes my kindle font is really that big.
Hong Kong was very different than the previous two cities. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it wasn't so humid.
It's chill though, I got used to be covered in a layer of sweat at all times. And the fact that everything in my hotel room would constantly be damp.
Having SO much fun at the avenue of stars
My favorite day out of the whole trip was on one of our days off. It was towards the end of the trip and I was feeling a little impatient to get back home.
We took a bus tour of the Hong Kong beaches and it was exactly what I needed. I love the ocean and in a way it was comforting to be by something so familiar. I had lots of time to reflect on this amazing experience and soak up the sun. It was that little push I needed to finish strong!
Still very white despite the sun
Wouldn't mind working in an office building with a view like this.
The last night were were there we headed up to Victoria's Peak to see Hong Kong at night.
So despite my less than willingness to embark on this adventure. I am so so so happy I did it. It was really good for me to get out of my comfort zone and do something that scared me. I definitely caught the travel bug and I am looking forward to bringing my favorite travel companion along with me next time.
