2005 flew in quickly and faster than a flock of bird migrating south for the winter, with the old winter feelings looming towards the start of a new Chinese year and season. It was now nearly the end of my second year here in China and the ringing of the third about to begin with many new experiences to follow and the practical knowledge of knowing China differently than that of being school.

I have come to realize that living in China has really opened my eyes more to the world of different cultures and customs, but one factor still remains the same and that is China will always be China and the people will continue to perform their daily routines and follow traditions for many years to come. Looking back over the past two years I have had many happy and interesting experiences, but the best experience I can honestly say is of boarding that plane two years ago and heading to China with uncertainty and knowing that my life would change.

Following the custom of respecting is also a great tradition and I for one have learnt that a lot through living here in China. The one final thought that is clear now from my mind when I look back on the arrival, is that it wasn’t really the image of couples holding hands on the streets Beijing, but the true image of the people opening their arms to allow not just this foreigner, but many into their heart and life of being Chinese.

With only traveling a short distance around China so far, my camera eyes are always waiting to capture an image that tells a story. I never know what the next experience is for me in this great vast land, but I look forward to the challenges that my new found home country throws at me.