We're in China. How crazy is that?

Well, here I am, sitting in the bedroom of my former exchange student, in Shenzhen, China. It's one of those things, much like my original intention to go to Viet Nam, that I said I would do, but wasn't completely sure I could pull it off. Until less than 48 hours ago, I wasn't sure if we'd make it here. Somehow things came together, none too smoothly, and we ended up on flights to Hong Kong.

Leaving the country was heartbreaking for me, but I had to maintain some composure, so the tearfall was silent. We recorded the three of us saying "Goodbye Viet Nam!" as we lifted off, but my voice cracks and loses efficacy as soon as I say "Goodbye."

I didn't have much time to mourn though since our flight was just under 2 hours and then I had to figure out what we were going to do. Let me tell ya, it wasn't easy. We ended up seeing most of the airport and using at least 10 different phones trying to get ahold of Tommy or his father, but we missed each other every time. 3 hours after arrival, we finally made voice contact. It took me another 30 minutes or so to find out how to get to Huang Gang, as he'd instructed me to get to. Just as I found out, the bus was leaving, so we did the "Run!" thing and threw ourselves onto the bus. We'd forgotten one suitcase down the way and Stuart was going back to retrieve it, so I'm motioning in huge arm signals to hurry. We made it on and were on our way out of Hong Kong. A short visit, to be sure.

Customs was an interesting process and one that deserves an entire chapter of its own, but despite the numerous times we had to show our passports, fill in papers, look straightforward, etc. we made it through. Finally. Another hour of huge hassles, blistered fingers and sweat, and we met up with Tommy. The joy at seeing a familiar face cannot be adequately expressed.

I keep trying to say "Cam on" for "Thank you" and was yelling "Khong!" at the incessantly pleading taxi drivers before it hit me that that word was likely more foreign than "No."

By dinner, we were all missing our daily rice portions, but luckily we went to dinner and had rice and a bunch of other things I can't name. Except for the deep fried chicken head. Mmm.

Today's a slow day, just spend some time with Tommy's family and see Shenzhen. Tomorrow we hit the amusement park. So, maybe this won't be the terrible ending of our trip to Viet Nam that it seemed like it could be. Things have been really terrible for the past week, but there's definitely a turn of events and things are looking up.

We'll enjoy almost a week here before getting onto a train and heading to Shanghai. We'd looked into flying out of Hong Kong, but it would have cost an additional $2200 and I definitely don't have that kind of cash floating around. More like about a tenth of that. Eek.