Well, I'm finally back to the US, and incredibly thankful I'm back on American soil. I don't have to fight for things like rice, promised prices on goods, proper cab fares, access to my money, etc. Indeed, a welcome return to the land of Clean air and courteous, nice people.

Well, China is loaded with nice people. but I like being able to wait in line for things instead of fighting for everything like a somolian refugee waiting for sacks of grain.

Over the next few days, I will be posting pictures from my trip. I promise mountains, horses, deserts, camels, Uyghurs in all shapes and sizes, etc.
details of my 47 hr. train ride. but these things take time.

In other news, which I'd like to announce over the internet if only to avoid bothering everyone on an individual basis, is that Mei and I, my girlfriend since fall of 2001, have broke up. Now we've broken up several times, most of which you've never heard about, but this time is for real. Mei wanted to leave me but couldn't finish the job; I simply did her a favor. (The sophisticated reader may wish to ask why I am still borrowing her mother's car, but that's beside the point.) Mei is moving to LA, but more importantly she's moved on; she's over me. Maybe I stayed in China too long...which, if you've read my blog at all, you may come to that conclusion separate of our break up, and that this is just icing on the cake of a perfectly miserable adventure.

I will spare my dear readers (all four) from describing my thoughts and feelings except to say that my heart has been demolished more perfectly than an abandoned las vegas casino. But officially, Mei and I are on good terms, and I wish her well.*

*subject to change.

It's been very frustrating not being able to post pictures, but more
frustrating loosing my wallets and relying on the kindness of friends (lige)
and also dealing with all the annoying people here. i won't get into the
boring details, because they are boring, but i do feel a bit homesick now.
i board my 2 day train (hard seat ticket again) in three hours.

and I am sad. but i'm pretty sure it's a good idea for her.