Home to spring

I touched down at O'Hare last night around 5:45 or so. I was home by 7pm. After a good cuddle and chat Frank seems to have forgiven my lengthy abscence (he has grown even more and now resembles something of a MAC truck). I pottered about, doing laundry, sifting through the strange grouping of things I bought on my trip, telling my roommate various snippets. I awoke at a ridiculous hour, partially due to jet lag, mostly due to the cat, and couldn't get back to sleep. So I finished the fourth book of my journey and then got up, made some tea and cleaned the kitchen.

I have no idea how to arrange my stories or photos for general consumption, and know something of that effect is expected. I uploaded the photos to my computer and need to spend some time sifting through them, but I just don't feel like doing it today.

The rest of my Shanghai went well. I spent the morning of my last full day at the Shanghai Art Museum. I fell in love with a Chinese painter, Luo Erchun. He uses bright colors and thick brush strokes to depict rural China and modern portraits. I bought the companion book for the exhibit because for once I could afford it. (The photos above are pieces of his work. The painting of the girl was my favorite and I wish I could have a print of it and the second photo is of a detail of one painting. Don't worry, no flash was used to take the photos, but I couldn't help myself.)

I exhausted myself in the heat and crowds walking Nanjing Road again, down to the Bund for a final peek. My last evening was spent reading in the lounge area of the hostel and then drinking large Tsingtaos and chatting with fellow travelers in the bar area of the hostel.

I left for the hotel a little early, taking the metro (very clean and efficient) and a high speed train to the airport (we reached 431 km/hr). And now here I am, listening to music, trying to get grips back on my normal life, hoping that jet lag doesn't completely throw me for a loop.

Books read on trip:

• Sara Paretsky, Tunnel Vision: This was great, as usual; I finished it in Hangzhou


• P.G. Wodehouse, Sunset at Blandings: I didn't read the back of the book when I bought it and didn't realize that it is the last and unfinished Blandings novel. I have now read the first and the last of the Blandings. It was funny, but a little unfulfilling because it ended midway.


• Raymond Chandler, The Big Sleep: I loved this book and can't believe it was a first novel. I personally passed it on to an American who teaches English in Nanjing, who I hope reads it.


• Philip Davison, The Long Suit: This I just finished and enjoyed.

Movies watched from cramped airplane seat:

• Dreamgirls: This was too long. There is no reason why it should be over 2 hours and should have cut at least a half hour from it. I wasn't overly impressed.


• Stranger Than Fiction: I had already seen it, but enjoyed it on the second viewing and still found it funny.


• Dr. No: I hadn't see this one and really enjoyed the sets of Dr. No's underwater lair.


• Casino Royale: I want to watch this again when I can hear it better, and really enjoyed it. It was a good deal more brutal than its predecessors.


• Night at the Museum: I watched snips of this and found it fun, though the Ben Stiller schtick was a little unnecessary at times.

It looks like it's going to be cold and rainy today, which makes me want to put off my breakfast at a favorite spot til tomorrow and burrow back in bed.

Comments

[Alix]

Claire, I can't wait to hear all of your stories! That painting reminds me of another painting Grandmother hung in her house, maybe that is why it is so appealing. Lets talk tomorrow. Love, Alix

[amy]

glad you're home! I'm very excited to see all the pics and hear more stories.

[mike]

Glad you're back Claire, I was mildly concerned while you were abroad. Now I breathe fully again...:)

such an anventurous lass. good for you. I'm jealous.

I like the lady in red in the painting as well. I think I could look and think on this painting many times...

mike

[Elaine]

Dearest Claire,

so glad to hear you got back safe. Good to take all the pictures you want in the Chinese museums, everyone else does, and prints or postcards are not easily available. Did everyone look over your shoulder and then judge each shot? Or bet yet show you their better shot of the same piece of art. off to Beijing today, say hi to George at dinner, Love, Elaine

[Jennifer]

Welcome home, Claire! Your trip sounds like it was great. Can't wait to hear more about it.

I like the paintings. I must admit, I'm especially liking the detail.

[blue girl]

Glad you're home safe and sound, Claire! I also can't wait to hear more about it. Rest up!

[Sharon]

I knew this would be a great trip for you. Glad you went; glad you're home. Really really glad when I finally see you today!

[Lance Mannion]

Welcome home, Claire. Take your time about sorting out the posts and the pictures. One of the best things about travelling is the coming home and remembering and you don't have to rush that for our sake . We'll wait.

Mannion looks at watch.

Mannion taps foot.

Mannion looks at watch again.

Aren't you done yet?

[jenny]

claire, i'm absolutely adoring luo's work, thank you for sharing! (i feel notes of modigliani, don't you?) just lovely.

[e.]

Look, it's Frank's twin sister!

Welcome back :)