I know, I know...

I haven't posted in forever.

I have two excuses, both perfectly valid:
1) I've been busy.
2) My computer hasn't been able to connect to blogspot (reason unknown).

Super-quick update:

Changbai Shan. I went hiking on the mountains that seperate China from North Korea. It was stunningly beautiful, but I didn't get quite enough mountains. I also wished I had had someone to share it with. I took great pictures, ate dog, and had an all-round great time.

Back in Dalian. Working hard for the Chinese school, with which I have formally ended my career but for whom I will continue to serve as an informal advisor and English-guy. I also further strengthened my friendships with my brothers and sisters in Dalian, with lots of happy days and nights spent enjoying the city, eating yummies, chilling in coffeeshops, and chatting.

Chernobyl. She's been gone for over two months, stranded in Russia because of the difficulties obtaining a Chinese visa. From the brink of breakup, we managed to get a new lease on our relationship with a four day visit that ran the full gamut of emotions and activities and extremes that mark our turbulent coupling: laughter, tears, sweat, 5-star hotels, mountains, fights, and promises. It was wonderful and we're going to try and stick it out.

Exile. I have to bounce because of my own visa requirements. Rather than run to Hong Kong (ugh), I instead went to Beijing, where I boarded the famed Trans Siberian Railway and headed north, only instead of riding it all the way to Moscow I have instead "de-trained" at the Sino-Mongolian border. I'll cross over tomorrow, and spend the next two weeks hiking, camping, learning to ride horses, and eating roast lamb. Should be a good time.

That's my update. Will let ya'll know the flow as things develop.

Peace and love, don't push and shove: create civilized Beijing to build a harmonious society for the whole world to enjoy!

And I'm out...