July 6, 2010 - Seattle
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| Cabbage from my garden preparing to bloom |
~Mao Zedong
Finally, China. After traveling for years to countries surrounding the Middle Kingdom and extensively attempting visits to The People's Republic of China, today we fly via South Korea (an old stomping-ground), to Beijing. The National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA), supported by the University of Washington, has created a travel experience focused on China's Southwest minority groups in response to their geographic and environmental location.
However, as always, it's hard to leave The Gorge in the summer. I've been feeling anxious for the last couple weeks; not sure if it's contemplation of past events that have led to this point, uncertainty of the moment, or anticipation of the future. The undeniable elements of my life that will be mostly missed are romping through the woods with Jack and reaping the rewards of our flourishing gardens.
But before we depart the country, nachos covered in guacamole and one more of those famous Pacific Northwest amber-brews.
