Leaving China going to Vietnam

Eventually I learned to say today "I have already stayed in China for one month". Yet, from now on there is no need to say that anymore - at least not for the next month that I will spend in Vietnam and maybe in Laos before heading back to China.

Once again enjoying the wonderful hospitality of the Chinese I would not dare to say that I am glad to leave - even if I am anxiously looking forward to go and explore Vietnam.

Before crossing the border tomorrow morning I'd like to summarize, what I will miss the most thus what I am looking forward to have once more after my reentry. . .

the way the Chinese stare at me when passing me or when I pass them - no sense of shame in these curious faces

the way of ignoring me when they are afraid that I could talk to them, hence the speed in which they talk to me once they understood that I do understand a little - not coming up with the idea that talking slowly might help me in understanding them

I will certainly miss even more being ignored at first and then invited to have a seat, a drink and to talk about my trip, Germans wealth and where I store my money

ever since my Chinese friend left me - the surprise of what I will have for breakfast/lunch/dinner. Even if I would know how to call all the meals that exist in China, it would always be a good surprise. BUT without any exceptions, it has always been good so far.

The wonderful scenery - even if I do have to admit that I am not a good cyclist when it comes to montains, not a single kilometer going uphill is regretted, as there is nothing more impressing than being litterally surrounded by mountains making you forget everything that would worry you - no wonder that people here do not care about politics, beijing is definitely out of sight and they still have got their rice!

And of course I will miss the sound of a real Chinese deeply hoisting their snot before spitting it out - whereever they are

Finally I will most likely miss the frustration of not being able to bargain as I would like to - especially if it leads me to an unexpected and the more gorgeous encounter with a group of environmental protection inviting me over night, cooking dinner with me and showing me the hidden spot from which you can see the Detian waterfall for free

I could go on for hours and that reassures me that it is a good choice to go back in September maybe even without having gone to Laos - but not without having been to Vietnam that I expect to be different - that is to say

the road conditions are supposed to be worse than in China

I am looking forward to the colorful costums namely clothes of the Vietnamese

not knowing what I am going to eat it will be an even bigger surprise when not knowing how to speak Vietnamese at all either

no idea, where to go to and plenty of time - how exciting

and still I am basically expecting nothing at all and yet anxious to go there and being surprised, impressed, frustrated - whatever may come, it is going to be good