A common greeting.

J- dsao-sharng hao
A- dsao-sharng hao, nee-hao ma,
J- wo hung-hao, nee na
A- wo yea hung-hao, shie-shie

J- Good morning
A- Good morning, how are you?
J- I'm very good, and you?
A- I'm very good too, thank you.


dsai-jian! (Goodbye)

Notes to self:

- Photocopy your passport (again)
- Bring ketchup chips to JP (they don't have ketchup chips in China, weird)
- Need a photobooth picture to mail in along with visa application
- Find the most crowded place in Winnipeg, and hang out there for a while.
- Gain wisdom, gain calm
- Get a camera to document the happenings
- Learn Mandarin faster, do it with more finesse
- Keep attending the CAC

Turning 'Jian.

Nee-hao.

It's that time of year, my favorite of all the seasons.

Winter's anticipatory burden is lifted with the rising of an April morning's sun. Days are long, bicycles are clean(er), Corydon is teeming, skating is in full effect, playoffs are starting and examinations are ending. Every time spring rolls (delicious) around, I wonder how I did it, perhaps it is for this feeling that I bear the chills.

I'm officially turning Japanese...or Chinese..? Let's just say 'Turning 'Jian'. This blog has been created to keep current the ones I love most dearly as I am in China. I will make no promises regarding it's artistic quality or level of entertainment (I'm not sure how to post pictures/unsure of my internet access in China).

I've been having quite an affair with my bicycle, fewer material things bring me more joy. 'ds-ching-cher' means bicycle in Mandarin.
.....+2=4.

I've been attempting the language of the 'jians. The ambitious but misleading 'LEARN MANDARIN IN A WEEK!' on CD has actually been pretty helpful. Trying to learn a new language is daunting and humbling, but also extremely fascinating.

I don't leave until May 22, and I'm back June 23.
Feel free to send up a word for me.
I'm a little terrified.
But mostly psyched.