Nanjing

I have had a wonderful experience studying in China. I’ve had good roommates, my language ability has improved beyond what would have been possible just studying in the States, and I’ve had so many unique and wonderful cultural experiences. Probably even more importantly, I’ve been blessed with opportunities to mature and grow in other areas of my life beyond just learning Chinese. I leave for the airport on Friday, but before I go, here is a look back on some of my favorite places in Nanjing.

The apartment complex we spent three long days searching for. I know it doesn’t look like it, but it has been great.


The crazy intersection I biked through every day on the way to school. Ever y day was a huge mess of buses, taxis, trucks, cars, motor scooters, bikes, and pedestrians, driving or walking without regard to road lanes, traffic lights, flow of traffic, or even basic laws of humanity. It reminded me of the Seinfeld episode where George is trying to get across the street with his Frogger arcade game. It was fun, and I looked forward to it every day. :)


The bread shop where I bought my breakfast every morning.


The international student building on Nanjing University where I went to class every day.


The Nanjing University track where I “contacted” after class to meet native friends.


The Wutai Shan park where I (“Little Myers”) played ping pong with my elderly friends.


The Nanjing Normal University Track where we played the Turkey Bowl and where I went running every week.


The massage place where I got my first ever massage. It was the most painful $7 I’ve ever spent!


The fruit stand near our apartment where I bought fruit every night before heading home.


The grocery store where I bought water every night before going back to the apartment. For anyone who has been in our apartment these last three months, you would know we’ve been three thirsty guys.


The French bakery where I satisfied my desire for western food and western desserts for the last three months. Three words. Pain au chocolat. :)


The barbershop where I got my haircut three times for a combined price of less than two dollars. Unfortunately, I might’ve got what I paid for.


The popcorn stand where I enjoyed popcorn that didn’t taste very good. Hey, I couldn’t stay away for a whole three months!


The place we nicknamed “bird flu alley” due to its cleanliness…or lack thereof. We ate lunch at one of the many shops on this road almost every day. Healthy, I know. :)


Downtown Nanjing.


The hotel where we went to church every Sunday morning.


I’ve have a wonderful time here in Nanjing, but I am so excited to be in Hong Kong for a couple of days and then be home for Christmas! Mom, I can almost smell the white trash! :)