As I reach the end of
my China odyssey, I can now reflect on the past and the future. Am I
changed by the experience? Has it been a good experience? How do I feel now?
Looking back. What does it signify, if anything?
I’m surrounded by the familiar land of my heritage. It feels
just as it did before I left, and I suppose it will always be so. If anyone
asks me about my time there they ask if I have enjoyed it. Or express only a
passing interest. I cannot imagine I will spend a great deal of time talking
about it, as I think few will listen. But those few will be important to me. I
have come back laden with stories, that I think I will tell if anyone wants to
hear them; and that is the legacy of life.
In many ways I had a wonderful time, in others and at times
I found myself frustrated beyond endurance. I made some wonderful and unique
friends, and I found others to be not quite what they seemed. I did things I
wasn’t sure I could do. And I think above all two things stand out about this
experience, the visual and the personal. I’ve tried to convey in this journal
something of the visual quality of China, which is outstanding and unique, and
the personal fascination and experience generated by getting to know the
Chinese people.
I suppose there will always be a part of me that will be a
part of China. There are hidden stories too, of things that went wrong or
complex personal thoughts which I’ve only been able to hint at: they are not
really for sharing however. I can hardly believe it happened.
The familiarity and the smallness of England, plus the
peace, really appeal to me. I’ve seen a few of my fellow villagers who always
ask about my time in China and if I’m
staying. I can’t rule out another overseas post, but for now I’m content. I
hope my China experience has made me more patient, more able to exercise good
judgement. For now I’m looking forward to spending the summer with Sarah, and
the ordinary English weather.
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