Things are a Changin'

So the time has come; the Bain's are leaving China. Andrew's accepted a position in Portland, OR with Intel and we're relocating there. We have enjoyed our time in China, but are very much looking forward to returning to the U.S., to be closer to family and friends and of course the much missed comforts of the U.S. We will miss our friends who will remain in China, although may of them have also returned to the U.S., our driver Zhao, the shopping, some of the food and upon reflection I'm sure some of the chaos.

A lot has happened in the two years that we've been here; we lost Andrew's dad, we got married, Andrew's been challenged in new ways everyday working in a different culture, and I've learned a thing or two about myself. I never thought I'd embrace spending a lot of time by myself, but have come to appreciate it. I am more confident traveling alone and acting as a travel guide to friends and family in a foreign country where I still don't speak the language. I've also become a knitter and sewer, basically Betty Homemaker. 

We wouldn't trade this experience for anything and hopefully we'll have another opportunity in the future to live abroad, but for now we're more than ready to return to the U.S. and move to Portland.

Our Last China Holiday

A dear friend of ours, Kristin, crossed the ocean to visit last week. I met her in Beijing where we did a lot of shopping and a little sightseeing, flew to Huangshan to see the beautiful Huangshan mountain, took a 4.5 hour bus to Hangzhou and finally flew to Hong Kong to meet Andrew and complete our last China trip.

I'm so happy Kristin was able to visit. It was great to show her around the place we've called home for the past two years and spend quality time with her. I had a great time and I was sad to see her go today, but comforted by the fact that I'm not really saying goodbye, but see you soon since we're flying on a jet plane in two days back to the U.S. as well.

Kristin spinning the prayer wheel at the Lama Temple.

Huangshan
These workers are incredible: heavy loads, very steep steps and 100s of tourists. Not a fun job.

Some found it very difficult to climb the stairs.

West Lake, Hongzhou

The view from Victoria Peak in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong skyline at night.

Good Bye Zhao

As I mentioned before, Intel expat families are given a 24x7 driver and car since they discourage Intel families from driving in China due to safety reasons. Also, it is illegal for foreigners to drive in China without a Chinese driver's license. There are pros and cons to being chauffeured and we've come to realize that if you have a bad driver, the con list can outweigh the pro list and definitely have a negative impact on your China experience. After the first 5 months of a not so good driver, we were lucky enough to find our current driver, Zhao. He  absolutely is the best driver any family could ask for. Most importantly he's a safe driver, but he's also polite, punctual,  friendly, smart, non-smoker, and he doesn't smell. 

With out assignment coming to an end we contacted the driver/car vendor and recommended Zhao for another assignment since we were hoping he would immediately be placed with another Intel family. A week ago he was reassigned to another family with only two weeks left to our assignment. We were thrilled that he was placed with another family, but were very sad to see him go. He'll definitely be missed. 

With him departing we're realizing that it's actually happening, we're moving home...

Kauai, Why Not?

One of the benefits of being Intel expats in Dalian is that Intel will provide two "home" leaves to the U.S. each year. The other leaves have been used to return home to visit friends and family, but with our assignment coming to an end in just a few short weeks, we thought what better way to use a home leave than to travel to Hawaii. It's the U.S. right, so kind of like our home? After our honeymoon in Maui last year we thought we couldn't go wrong. 

After little consideration of which island to travel to, we decided on Kauai where spent one week on the garden isle. We had a great time. I've definitely fallen in love with Hawaii, great weather, nice people, great food, spectacular sights and adventure. What's not to love?

View from the top

Andrew insisted on a Jeep since we regretfully didn't splurge for it last year in Maui.

Kauai's "Grand Canyon"

 (Little windy)

Na Pali Coast

More of the spectacular Na Pali Coast

Andrew took surfing lessons and in no time he was riding waves, a natural

Relaxing after a little snorkeling

Who doesn't love beach crusin' on the coast?

A little hiking in a swamp.