Summer in the City (Shanghai, that is)!

Yeah, I know I said I would post more often. But, I didn't feel like it. So, here's an update of my last two months.
I finished my contract in Jiaxing with little fanfare and gratitude from the school. In fact, they notified me my last week of classes was cancelled after I finished my last class. So I didn't say goodbye to my students. Oh well. I didn't like them that much anyway. But the two weeks off gave me a chance to travel. And I saw alot...
I went to Guangxi province in southern China. The town of Yangshuo was absolutely awesome. Beautiful Karst mountains and lovely people. I met a bunch of cool westerners, all travelling alone, and we formed a little gang and hung out. Rock climbing, biking though the rice paddies, hiking up scenic spots. So Cool! I was even invited to the home of a woman who was trying to sell me cold bottled water. She really treated me to something special. I will never forget that experience. Then, I went to Chengdu in Sichuan province. This is the home of spicy food, the Panda and many small villages of people from the region to the west. (I can't type the name or my blog will get blocked - let's just say that they are displaced from their homeland which rhymes with I bet.)
The pandas are so cute and funny. I got some great photos which I will upload soon. Then I went on a five day horse trek in the mountains. And again I met some awesome westerners travelling around. I had a wonderful time even though my but was real sore.
Now I'm living in Shanghai for the summer. I have a teaching job at a local language training center. I teach four classes a day: 7-12 year olds. They are a joy to be with and their energy feeds my soul. Everyday is a great day of learning and laughing. This has definitely saved my teaching experience in China. Jiaxing was drudgery, but Shanghai is heaven. I will continue to work there for one more month - until August 27th.
Then on September 1st, I will board my flight home. I can't believe how fast it's gone. And how slow it's been, as well. One day felt like a week, and one month felt like a day. That's just how it is when you're an ex-pat.
So my overall experience has been extremely positive. I have learned alot about the world, China, America, and myself.
I look forward to seeing my friends and family again - my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past week! But most of all, I am excited to hug Sam and hold him in my arms for a real long time. I wonder if he'll get tired of me hugging him for a week straight? Hope not, because that's what I plan to do. Reunited! And it feels so good!