Episode 5...the end of the beginning !!!
Greetings Bros, it is not so easy to write this post !! So much humming around in my head, so many emotions, impressions and memories, I think I could probably write a novel here...but I will keep it short !!!
Firstly, and in response to your particular question Arnold...yes, you have no idea what I owe to the Bros, and to all the good advice and info. I have got from you all after so many failures !!!
After 5 abortive trips to China, I was determined that this one would be my last...either it worked or I would give it all away !!
So...I prepared PROPERLY for my meeting with the delightful Ming...and again I say for those of you beginning this journey....Get on to QQ or similar and dont attempt it without extensive personal communication...because it works !!! Of course, there can never be guarantees.....but you sure cut down the odds of failure if you can do this web-cam thing for a lengthy period.
The result of listening and reading all the advice was that I met a Woman whom I already knew, who I was familiar with, who I was comfortable with...there were no jagged edges, no falsehoods, no shocks or disapointments.
Our meeting and our time together became but a wonderful extension of our many hours on QQ together where we got to know each other very well. I was 90% in love with this Woman before I stepped on the Plane......it only needed a reality check on the "Chemistry" before we both knew it was right.
The end result is beyong anything I could have dreamed of...I know we will both be very happy together .
So here I am, back in Perth with that sick, empty feeling that I have heard about from others in the same situation...its not nice is it ?? I shoudnt be here, I should be back there with her...and I am not happy !!!!!!!!!!!!
But I plan to go back in April....we will get married then, in China and add another chapter to our lives together...then we have the grinding, soul destroying machinery of the Immigration Department to negotiate...how I will cope with this is yet to be seen....a lot of angst I think.
On a lighter note, I was somewhat worried about communication with my future father -in-Law, he knows no English and my Chinese sure aint conversational yet. Ming was doing a good job as interpreter, but I wanted badly to get to know the Man, because of course, he is the Boss...despite Mother -in-Law directing the traffic on any ocaision we were together.
Surprise, surprise, the old fella was once on duty in Mongolia and learned a lot of Russian while he was there....my Russian is pretty good so amazingly we were able to have a good natter in Russian....nobody else had any idea what we were talking about..it was terrific and we cemented our friendship in endless toasts in Chinese whisky which tastes a bit like gnats Pi** but kicks like a mule after umpteen glasses !!!! I introduced him to Jonny Walker (at huge cost to me might I add) and then the stakes were a bit more even !!!, I finally got him hopelessly sozzled and we were the best of mates and probably made complete fools of ourselves...I know this because we both got a severe bollocking from our respective partners the following day...not to mention giant hangovers :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
Herself was a pure delight...I never before was treated like this and I am working hard to get used to it. Nothing is too much trouble for this dynamo of a Lady...so much drive and energy and good humour and genuine happiness...well I could go on all day but I will bore you all to death !!!!
I am probably thre happiest Man in the World about now...although there are many of you who will challenge that statement........but its true.
Parting at the Airport was a horror.........I did not get my equilibrium back for many hours...what a wrench...both of us were devastated that the journey had ended...but we have much to look forward to, many happy times and adventures together as our lives become the best they can be...together.
Again, eternal thanks to all of you who helped make my little dream come true...always you have a special place in my heart.
David
ps..some photos here...Vince, I hope they are not too big for you this time...I wouldnt want to strain anything with oversize insertions in the post :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
