Bridging the Gap: 2010-2011 in China: Perspective(s)

In the past six weeks, I’ve ventured to Western China, relocated to Hangzhou, visited the States and come back again. Well, almost. I’m writing from the skies, 5881 miles from Shanghai.

I suppose you could say things are a bit unsettled. I have 14 remaining weeks, and am trying to figure out what to do with them. What is feasible? Will things actually come together, like I've been hoping? I feel suspended between panic and apathy. How can I make the most my remaining time here?

Aside from just my research, people have been asking me for months about my post-Fulbright plans. The answer is that I don’t know. My visa expires October 30th, and I haven’t the slightest clue what city, what country, or even what continent I’ll be on by Halloween. As a rather type-A individual, this is all very troubling.

At right about this point, I start hyperventilating and begin to anxiously scour various museum employment databases. However, times like these require some much-needed perspective. At the very least, I try to stop and appreciate just how lucky I am to have had such unique experiences, to have seen such incredible things, and to have met such wonderful people.

Before arriving back in Hangzhou and starting a new chapter there, I’d like to take a moment to pause and appreciate my time spent in Xi’an. Even with all of my travels, it still remains my favorite Chinese city.

Below, I’m going to include a series of photographs taken during my stay there. Perhaps it will encourage you to visit the city for yourself. If you do, I’ve got a booklet of recommendations waiting.

I. Art and Architecture