If I had to describe China in one word, it would be: uncomfortable. Beds like rocks, squat toilets, no heat, the fact that it would be the end of the world if your feet touched the ground, ever, under any circumstance.
But we tend to get used to the discomfort. My soft, warm bed is sorely lacking. Fast food is poison. I've been home for one day, and I miss China, and I miss my wife more than ever.
She is my dream come true. Her family has accepted me as one of them. I am both humbled and impressed. I need her as much as she needs me. Not financially - her family is huge and very close and supportive and protective of her.
Speaking of family, she has four older brothers and an older sister, all married with children, all gainfully employed (I should say, business owners). Her parents live in one of the oldest homes in their town. It is a heritage site, and pictures of it can be found in museums and temples. Her family has lived in this home for over 100 years. There are at least 3 families living in the home, not related in any way to her family.
Her son called me Daddy. We got along great, though we really couldn't communicate. I downloaded a game: Plants vs Zombies and we played together. My wife calls us both Childish, yet she can see us bonding, so she puts up with it. He is learning English in school and he was learning the names of plants by the time I left (in the game).
She rents a room in an apartment in Zhangping, about an hour from her parents home. The older lady that owns the apartment is like another mother to her.
Nothing beats time together with your wife/girlfriend in China. You can't possibly learn everything about her online or on the phone. Hell, I'll probably never learn everything. I sure can't wait to try. I have no idea when I can return, or how soon she can join me here. Now the hard work begins. It's a daunting task, but I am up to the challenge.
