Tomorrow we are leaving for our rural visit. The past two days have been devoted to our case studies. I am focusing on domestic NGO work with HIV/AIDS. It has taught us not only about the current situation in China, but about "political correctness," honesty, the government's omnipresence, stigma as perpetuated by doctors, and our valuable but ambiguous role as foreigners. All of the phones in the bar street/embassy district are tapped. At home we have the patriot act? Are the things I am frightened by in China the same things that I ignore in the US? Are not the goals of both governments the good of the people? Is this a naive question? How can we overcome greed, or must we accept it? These thoughts were put on hold by a cold beer and some reggae at a pizza bar called "tree."

My time with my parents has been sparse but perfectly open. I like having them around. Not only do they provide me with a good laugh, but I am able to see their bickering in perspective. I am able to say that life is just like a river that is always changing, and that there is no point getting stuck on a stagnant thought that will pass shortly anyway.

The Tiennamen Square "incident" is rarely mentioned, and never called a masscre. Tibet is part of China because China has a history of unity. Is truth relative when I know that Tibet was an independent nation before China's invasion in 1950? Point 1 on why education is important on all levels.

Baptiste you stalker, don't worry about "the club incident." It is something we can look back at now and laugh. KTV is my favorite girl, as well as a Kareoke company here.
Have a great semester! (that goes to everyone.)