June 4 decision

[amw]

Today in history, an authoritarian government decided to break up peaceful protests by sending the military into the streets to shoot and kill hundreds - perhaps thousands - of students and workers gathered in public spaces all over the capital. Many more were imprisoned. All news of the event was suppressed. The country's resistance movement never

Comments

[motodraconis]

Those 5 weeks notice are going to be a drag, but freedom beckons!

[annaserene]

I'm glad you took that step. good luck

[sweetmeow]

For what it's worth, I'm glad to see you finally have made the decision. I've enjoyed reading your Shenzhen journey with your unique and thoughtful perspective. I knew it was coming to an end, though. I wondered, not if, but when the authoritarian regime would undermine your experience. I do feel sad because I sense the love you have for local Asian life -- especially their food!

Anyway, I concur with everyone -- I hope you will be able to write about the transition to wherever it is, so we can go along with you! And, as was also said, might a cargo ship be an option again?

[amw]

I am really sad i won't get to take my current knowledge of Chinese language and travel through the country, really making the most of it... But honestly, authoritarianism aside, in coronavirus times that kind of travel seems to be very difficult, especially for foreigners. I hope one day i will be able to come back and do that journey, but for now i think i just need to accept that my preferred kind of travel is on pause for a year, outside of my "home" countries anyway.

I very much doubt cargo travel is an option right now. Already when i went the first time i had to get a whole bunch of medical clearances, and given that a lot of crew are actually confined to their ships right now over coronavirus fears i doubt any company will want to risk taking on a tourist. Here's an article about it: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/cargo-crews-shipping-covid-19-seafarers-union-1.5523199

[wanderingmogwai]

Whenever I read one of your entries it's like reading about one of those infamous adventurers that made history. Those Victorian gents who were racing to the North Pole or charting the Amazon. You're a restless soul making landmark achievments without even realizing it.

[amw]

I'm flattered that my writing sounds adventurous, but i should be clear that in reality my life is mostly very boring! Most of my days are just spent at home on the computer, cooking a bit of food, looking out the window, watching a show. I feel there are a lot of people doing far more exciting things, whether by choice or by circumstance (refugees, migrant workers, military etc). Maybe they don't have as much time to write though, heh.

[wanderingmogwai]

I think that aside from your unique position in life your writing form is excellent. I can't remember how I came across your journal but I'm glad that I did!

[fflo]

Congratulations! And what a great day to pick to do it on.

Saw that folks in Hong Kong just knocked over the fences around the park and had their remembrance anyway. Right on, my fellows.