On September 8th 2007, during the early hours of that Saturday morning, I finished packing the last few items that would follow me around China and Thailand during the next few days. Once my Chinese apartment looked as empty as the day I moved in, I met Jing, made one last visit around my over sized 138 square-meter quarters and turned the locks one last time before leaving for the airport. After living in China for so long, she and I had become good friends and it was obvious that our daily after work corridor meetings would now be a thing of the past. Sadness filled a wordless wait for the elevator.

As we taxied our way to the airport and passed through what are now very familiar roads, we talked about everything. My departure, however, was not part of the discussion as to keep Jing's eye clear of any tears. Once at the airport, an unpleasant surprise awaited me as I had randomly been chosen for stand-by, result of the airline overbooking the small Taiyuan-Beijing flight. Of course, this also meant that missing the flight would domino on and I would miss all other individual flights booked for later that day. Worst, it jeopardized my long awaited reunion with Francis in Bangkok. After one very stressful hour, boarding time finally started and one seat remained unclaimed. At last, I could board. I strongly held Jing in my arms, giving her a big and friendly hug, thanking her for staying with me all that time and helping translating the situation. That, and for countless moments when her help made all the difference during the past half-year.

Passing the security check, I could still see Jing waving her hand, silently saying goodbye. It is unclear if or perhaps when I will be back in Taiyuan; it all depends on what plans my manager has in mind. But if there is one thing I look forward coming back to Taiyuan for, it is to met once again my Chinese acquaintances, those with whom I shared the last 7 months of my life.