An American Expat in China

Many folks, my girlfriend included, felt that my last post was unfairly painting her in a negative light.  While I understand that it may not be the best practice to put relationship drama on full display to the general public, I hope to provide as unfiltered a lens into my personal experience as possible, and that particular story would not have been accurate if I sugar coated the experience.   With that said, I am happy to report that Faye and I got through the difficult conversations we needed to have.  I sought insight from some friends who provided great advice. I was first to extend an olive branch of forgiveness.  After much back and forth we both agreed to certain best practices that will ensure we are treating each other with respect and kindness.  I put a lot of effort into regulating my volume and tone when I am upset and I just ask she does the same for me.  We can hopefully keep that bullshit behind us and move forward with more empathy an...

The Dragon Boat Festival this past weekend meant I had a three day weekend to travel.  Faye and I decided to go to Thailand.  We planned to stay a night in Pattaya and then two nights on an island just off of coast called Koh Larn.  This is the same island we went to for New Years.   The weather was beautiful.  Shenzhen is experiencing prolonged periods of rain so it was nice to get a break from this.  Despite the lovely weather and the idyllic setting something about Faye and I interacting manifested unnecessary drama.   The first hotel was bad.  There were stains on the sheets, no nightstands, and the service was poor.  It is really difficult to find a nice hotel in Pattaya.  We did not sleep well that night but at least we slept.  I was uncomfortable and so was Faye.  The next day we woke up early and left our bags with the front desk while we went to visit a bookstore.  We took some photos by the sea.  A...

 From May 31-June 2nd Faye and I spent the weekend on a mountain near Dameisha Beach.  We took a taxi there late on Friday night because I was planning to co-hare a hash on Saturday and did not want to wake up early for the 1-2 hour trip there.   The hash trail was awesome and was enjoyed by all which is good considering how much work we did to make it so. My friend Alex (who is also my colleague) and I scouted trail on May 11.  I scouted a second time on May 25th.  On May 11th the weather was sunny, hot, and beautiful.  On May 25th the weather was not as good.  Faye and I had gone out there to check the walking route between our hotel and the start of the trail and also to check out one small portion of the trail that I was planning to lay as a YBF (you've been fucked) which is essentially a tricky false trail that people follow only to realize they have to turn back and find the correct trail. After we had scouted we snuck on the the Intercontin...