Travels of Gabe: October 2012

Thursday, October 25, 2012

I experienced a lot today.

I somehow managed to sleep through two alarms and missed my Chinese class. So I plugged in the water heater and waited about 45 minutes to take a shower so I could go to IKEA. I bought a new lamp, a toilet brush, new sheets, and a bedside table (for 39RMB, wtf). I got stuck in really bad rush hour traffic, and on my way home I saw a man lying dead on top of his bicycle in the middle of the road. It's really freakish to be able to look at a body and see its absolute stillness, like the world is wavering around this strange void of imminent decay. I really hate it. And it scares me.

But, I could distract myself from the experience for most of the day. I bought an electric range so I can start cooking for myself again. And I rode on the back of a Harley Davidson. And ate frog legs and really awesome fish. Hopefully I can wake up early tomorrow, check my email, make some phone calls, pay some bills.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Wow.

So. I picked up my visa -- I have another month to sort everything out.

Most importantly, however, is that I moved into my first apartment today.

It's 1400RMB a month, and I signed onto a 3-month lease. I don't have internet right now, so I'm typing this in anticipation. A cleaning crew is coming at 2pm tomorrow to make everything less unsightly and gross. It always seemed counterproductive to me that cleaning doesn't happen as soon as the units are vacant, but hey. I'll probably never understand.

I'm finding myself more and more eager to explore the surrounding continent. But really, I would like to visit Japan. (I heard it's cheap to go there right now... probably thanks to the tension.)

I can't wait to get a new smart phone. And my first tattoo. And see my doggie again. And come back here. And leave for elsewhere. And explore.

I can't wait to own my life.

I don't even have sheets on my bed right now. or a pillow. But I am so damn happy right now, you can't even imagine.