A week ago I returned to Xiamen from a long visit to Cambodia. When I was seven years old my uncle gave me a book called, "Richard Haliburton's Book of World Marvels." In it I saw a large photograph of the temple at Angkor Wat. My dream since that time has always been to go to Cambodia and visit Angkor Wat and the extensive temple ruins there.

It was the trip of my lifetime so far, but after being away for 3 weeks I was very happy to return here to Xiamen and my quiet and cozy apartment. As much as I like to explore new places it is great to come home here where I know the city, my favorite places to go and how to get there. It's great to speak Chinese again and be understood by the people around me. The contrast between Xiamen's old and new neighborhoods, the city and the sea surrounding her is special and I always feel so lucky to return here.