When my wife and I moved to Shanghai some nine months ago, we knew we would eventually move back to the States. The plan was to stay for one, maybe two years with the possibility of extending that for another year or two. After that we knew we would have to come home.
As anyone who has spent an extended time in a foreign land can tell you, there are good days and bad. The good days are clear and beautiful. They make like home. The bad days roll up on you like rain and make me wish I was anywhere but this strange land where everything is different and nobody understands.
Having lived on foreign soil before, I knew all about both types of days before we left and as such promised myself not to make any final decisions on how long we would stay for at least six months. Even so there days when I was sure I wanted to live in China, and days when I wanted nothing more than to catch the next plane out.
We have been thinking it over these last couple of months and we have now decided to head back home and start fresh. It was a hard decision, but this seems like the best option for now.
There are a great many things I love about China and those things make me want to stay. Shanghai is an interesting and incredible city. We have seen and visited many fascinating places and it will be hard to go back to what will surely feel like the terribly mundane back in the States.
Money is a great pull as well. We now make far less money than we did in the States, and yet it goes a lot farther. Half of my wife’s check (and she is assuredly the breadwinner in China) goes to an account in Hong Kong which we do not touch. Yet we still live quite large.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
You left out I am here and we have to meet up for a show.
2 - Mat Brewster
Ah yes. Of course. Um, so when you coming to Oklahoma? Or maybe we can plan Bonnaroo for 09.
3 - El Bicho
What's halfway in between? Colorado? Lots of good shows out there.
4 - Mat Brewster
My wife has never been very far west so I'm definitely planning on some trips out that way. I'm not sure we'll ever make it to Cali, but Colorado, Arizona, Nevada will most assuredly become road trips within the next year or so. As I solidify that I'll look for shows too.
This summer is too packed already, but maybe next spring/summer.
5 - Juliann Mitchell
Matt,
I am looking forward to reading more about your adventures in the coming months. Also I think "One can go home again." Sounds as if you will have wonderful memories of your time in China. Arent you glad you had this adventure to share with your wife. Memories to last a lifetime.
Juliann
6 - Mat Brewster
Thank you Juliann. I am certainly glad I have had these adventures, and look forward to the furthering adventures that life brings.
7 - Jack
Good luck on your new journey!!
8 - Mat Brewster
Thanks Jack.