We’re camping tonight. On the coast of Putuo, Zhoushan. What I like to call China’s Hawaii. The low is 75, but I’m wrapped in a blanket to ward off the gregarious mosquitos. While I was writing this I heard “sister” and what do I see but Ydel on the top of one of the food…

Are you holding precious what they see as precious? It could be: Knowing the names of your family. Connecting them with someone who has a shared interest. Prioritizing helping them get key items on their shopping list. Asking about what is important to them. Or simply a listening ear.

You know what I can’t stop thinking about? Not the fact that the best egg tart I’ve had was at KFC. Or that you can get heavenly boba for $2.57. But the fact that every city in China has its own dialectic. The closest thing to compare it to in the states is accents; but…

Expect the unexpected. No bathroom can be trusted. Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and the acknowledgement that you’ll leave with less dignity then when you started. But actually, how can a first world country not provide toilet paper, and soap consistently?

Once upon a time there were two beans. They were the same color, red. The only difference is that one grew in Asia and another in America. The beans had many dreams, and wondered what they’d be when they grew up. In Asia, the red bean dreamed of becoming a moon cake filled with red…