chaos EXPOSED

The time has come, my breaking point. I will be departing Shanghai in two weeks time. This is not a decision I am happy with nor was it made lightly, but it has come to my attention that it is necessary, especially for my mental health.

While China hasn't always treated me well, you know with the pollution, people smoking everywhere (yes, even in the office), censoring my freedom of speech (or any other substantial freedoms), people screaming on their cell phones, people shoving you out of the way so they can be first in line, coughing without cover their mouths, spitting fat loogeys by your feet, cars having the right of way, not getting a work permit, etc... but, I know that I will miss it...tremendously. Shanghai has been developing at a rapid pace for the past decade, and I can only imagine what will become of it when I return back to the US. I can only hope that along with expansion of the skyscrapers, the people will continue to develop as well. At least I can keep in touch by reading chinaSMACK without having to use a VPN. But in the end, I will always miss the hustle and bustle of this crazy city.

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To those who desire to seek work in China, make sure that you can obtain a work permit when necessary. I, along with several other friends, have been rejected for work permits because of our lack of post-graduate experience. Without a work permit, one can face serious fines and even deportation if working without one and is caught.  These past couple of years, the government has become increasingly aware of foreigners working on "F" or 'business" visas when they should have a "Z" with a work permit, and have taken action. While many expats believe that "the government won't find you", I'm not so sure I believe them. A few people in my network have already been sent back to their respective countries for cases of improper visas. Words from me to you: just be careful, this is not your country so play by their rules.
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I am looking forward to returning to California for many reasons: my family, sunshine and blue skies, less pollution, 90% less smoking- make that 99% less, safe bike rides, my puppy, my motorcycle, healthy food, happy people, good cheese from happy cows, and I still have all the food options I had in China plus Chipotle and In 'N Out (major cravings). This is probably the greatest thing about California, such a great percentage is represented by the Asian minority (what an oxymoron) so specialty food has traversed across the Pacific into the heart of the Bay Area.

I know I will be displaced at first considering I haven't been home for over a year, and my parents moved while I have been away. So, I don't even know what my house/room looks like. Don't you hate waking up disoriented? Well I've felt that 3 times in the last year (from moving, silly!). I know I will feel pain, sorrow, and longing to come back to Shanghai since most of my happiest memories have been here, thanks to the amazing friends I have made. All I can say is thank you and I am so grateful for all the exciting adventures we have had. I will miss you all!

And...I will always think of you, China. Well, the good and the bad.