Hangzhou (Weeks 2, 3, and 4)

I leave China in 8 days; it's really hard to believe it's already been 5 weeks. We've been in Hangzhou since I last wrote, and got into a bit of a routine. We would have language classes from 8:30AM to noon (most of which I had to work during). The students did a great job and learned a lot, but between my side gig, tasks from the Chinese hosts, and Chicago duties, I really didn't pick up much, which is unfortunate. After the classes, we would have a break for lunch, then typically have a seminar and an excursion in the afternoon. Seminars ranged from cultural differences between the US and China to solar infrastructure. I was often able to pay attention in these, and do feel like I learned a lot.

We moved this week to a different hotel on the other side of town so that the students can begin their internship portion of the program. We are at a battery factory, and students are doing everything from factory floor work to behind the scenes stuff. I have most of the time to myself just waiting for them, which is nice. They're nice kids for the most part, but it's been a lot of time with them, and I'm ready for a break from playing chaperone.

I think the hardest part of China for me is the loneliness. I've been doing a lot of going out an exploring alone, which I'm usually keen to do on shorter trips, but I really miss my friends. Even if I would only go out once or twice a week to see folks, it gave me something to look forward to. I miss playing soccer. I'm having an incredible time in China, and it's nothing against China itself; it's just a really long trip, and it's hard to make friends when you don't know the language.

I struggle with that, because I keep reminding myself that this is the opportunity of a lifetime. For the rest of my life, I’ll remember that in 2025, I had an incredible 6-week trip to China. I saw things most people only dream of. I only get one life, and this summer is contributing to my living it the way I want to live it. Sometimes, I’m realizing, living your dreams isn’t always rainbows and sunshine. Sometimes, taking on a challenge like this, for all the rewards, is still a lot of fucking work.

I could get so used to the cost of living here. Last night, I got Korean bibimbap, which might cost me $15-20 if not more in the US. It cost me $3. The subway is 50 cents. A beer is a dollar. A coffee is a dollar. The most expensive things I've gotten are souvenirs for family, and even those weren't too bad.

It would take some serious concessions for me to want to come back and do this next year, but it's not off the table. Something to approach with work when I get home. I recently found out where I'll be living when I get back to Chicago, and I'll be living with a lifelong friend Phil, so I have much to look forward to.

My autumn is packed; New York for work, Rome for my birthday, Columbus for Halloween, Perth in Western Australia for my good buddy Richard's wedding in November. This trip has been incredible, but as I near the end, the anticipation for these things is growing. Much like the last six weeks, time tends to fly.

I've eaten so much Chinese food, from squid to eel to every type of chicken body part to vegetables I had never heard of and more rice than I thought I could consume in a 6 week period. It's been a delicious journey, but I think I'll want a break from Chinese cuisine for a bit when I get home.

To those who have reached out and asked how I am or just said hello, it's really helped me stay mentally afloat while here. I think I've called my parents more in the last 6 weeks than in the previous 6 months before that. I don't know what absence does to the heart, but I do know that I have missed everyone very, very much.

Anyway, I'm rambling. I'll do one more post at the end of all this I imagine, but for now, adios from Hangzhou.