Another blogger in China - a famous one who has tons of readers - has started a group writing project on the love/hate dichotomy that is China. Since I am trying to be a better blogger and live up to my credo of community involvement, I’m going to join in the project. This topic is not new to me anyway, I write about my love/hate relationship with China on a regular basis.

It’s a daily ritual for me to wake up and assess my feelings toward China. Today - love China.  This afternoon for the 2 minutes I had to be in the company bathroom - hate China.  The hotpot dinner I will be sharing with DH and friends later - love China.  The staring I will endure all during dinner and the rest of my life in China - hate China.  The cool air through my hair as I sit on the rooftop of local bar - love China.  The crazy traffic I will barely survive on my way home - hate China.  All the people in the square dancing and banging drums - love China.  The guy driving the BMW, narrowly missing the old farmer - hate China.  The men sitting outside their house on the sidewalk swapping stories or playing cards - love China.  The ditch full of foul, black water and trash in front of my apartment - hate China.  The man who sells me fresh, hot sweet potatoes on the street - love China.  The fruit woman who always overcharges and then refuses to bargain - hate China.  The little neighborhood girls who shyly tell me hello and then run screaming when I say hello back - love China.  The veil of smoke that descends over the city in winter - hate China.  When I wear a skirt and get complemented on my pale, white skin - love China.  Discrimination because of a peasant’s darker skin - hate China.  The sound of airplanes flying overhead and the excitement on our students’ faces - love China. The “harmony fees” required for doing business - hate China.

Good friends, great food, and a life less ordinary - love China and the expat life!