the countdown begins: stuff to savor before we go

Having been to Chin(ar) a few times before, we have a relatively good idea of what we'll be craving after we've been there for awhile. Here's a random list of stuff we are trying to savor now:

Lines
We totally take waiting in line for granted in the states.
People in Chin(ar) don't really use them. They have more of a push-shove-survival of the fittest tactic. I typically lose these battles. Therefore, I will miss lines.

Burritos (and cheese)

This is for D, as I don't eat too much of either. But he is already sad at the thought of no burritos in Chin(ar). I hope to post an entire blog of his burrito countdown as he eats his last, so this is just a teaser. But yes, D is going to miss burritos terribly.

Fresh Air
Oh, pollution. We've loved living a five minute walk from the water this past year, taking walks and running by it many times a week. I'm scared to think what trying to take a run in polluted air will be like. Good thing D's doctor prescribed him 2 inhalers (and he doesn't even have asthma). Goodbye fresh clean sea air, hellooooo Chin(ar) funk

Berkeley Bowl
Amazing fruit. So clean, so fresh fresh. I love this grocery store. Maybe even more than my first love, Wegmans (I know, Rochester people are falling off their chairs right now).

Tart Froyo

Fully Functioning Stummicks
nuff said

People
In the very specific sense, obviously, since there are 1.2 billion other ones over there that we hope to meet. But it is hard to leave loved ones over here.

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There are other, heavier things, that we may miss...significant events in the lives of people we love, our jobs, watching little ones we love grow. But those are too serious to blog about. Don't get us wrong, we're terribly excited, but in counting the costs, you start realizing what you're leaving behind. And how very thankful we are.

cc