Well, I knew it wasn't going to be easy!! Something about this sometimes strange, and more often intriguing country made me quit my job, sell most of my big-ticket possessions, and pack-up!! Within three days of vacationing in Beijing I knew this was a place I wanted to live. For how long? I guess that remains to be seen!

My vacation in late September/early October of 2001 was typical: See the Great Wall, walk Tiananmen Square, wander the Forbidden City, and marvel at the beauty that is the Summer Palace. I also made a point to venture out beyond the normal tourist haunts. I explored shadow-covered alleys and portions of the city not normally visited by the "laowai", and I spoke with and listened to individuals I encountered with a free tongue and an open mind. Unfortunately, all was not splendor, as I often saw around me decaying buildings and an urban landscape that can be bleak and sometimes even repulsive. But mostly I saw in Beijing a city full of people with a great amount of pride in their culture and their history. Recent events like winning the bid to host the Summer Olympics in 2008, and the nation's entry into the WTO (World Trade Organization) are both achievements that will help mark China's emergence amongst the front-running forces in global economics and politics.

My decision to move to Beijing was a result of not only a wonderful vacation experience, but also a reflection on where my life had taken me to that point. I was successful in my career, had most everything I could have asked for in terms of material "goodies", but I wasn't yet satisfied. Life was too easy, and despite everything I had, it felt hollow and unfulfilling. As I mentioned to my friends before leaving, the years were going by like months and one day was hard to distinguish from the next. So, I would make plans to return to Beijing, not as a tourist, but instead as a learner and as a contributor to what I feel is a wonderful society.

Ok, getting a bit wordy, so if you are interested, please feel free to visit my journal pages where I will record my experiences in an honest and un-adorned way. Apologies in advance for formatting issues, and maybe even for bad taste. I am going to try and spit things out as I experience them, and this may lead to some blunders now and then.

Oh, before ending, I want to thank all my friends and my family for their support and encouragement in my little adventure. A special thanks to my fantastic parents who put up with my sorry butt during the time just before leaving the United States. You two helped make the transition so much easier, and words can't say enough. Thanks!!

Anyway, I hope everyone enjoys this site!!

Tim