Shanghai is my Tara.
That is the best description I can think of. Shanghai is not just my hometown, my birthplace, my family house... my Tara.
What is it about Shanghai? I left when I was one; I didn't grow up there; I've returned only three times since; yet I have an oddly strong sense of attachment to this city. I love Shanghai.
Upon returning to Shanghai this time, I [like to think] I've grown-up more and, consequently, finally understand:
See, in short, Savannah never had family beyond my parents. Shanghai is my Tara because it is filled with love, so much love and acceptance from my extended family and friends, ones I rarely meet or even barely know. They are so overwhelmingly kind, caring for my every possible need, giving so much praise it makes me blush, supportive in everything for me... that is why Shanghai is my Tara, my safe place of strength and refuge. If Atlanta burned, Vesuvius erupted, the Yangtze flooded, I would steal a horse buggy and escape to Shanghai. If I lose my way, lose my Rhett Butler, I would return to Shanghai.
Sitting at the dinner table in Shanghai, looking around, ignites a special happiness unlike any other, a warmth that could thaw the coldest ugliest frost. Being an only child, (my cousins too, we all come to see each other as siblings) this is my closest to understanding the greatness in having a large immediate family. Shanghai always makes my heart sappy and fuzzy feeling, brimming with love bestowed by others. I am touched beyond words.
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Summer 2008
About Me
- [.:: julia ::.]
- I call the living, I mourn the dead, I chase the lightning.
Wanderlust -- "a trip, or a need to understand one's very existence,
that starts with the first step of a long journey"
-- Travels and ramblings -- summer of 08 and beyond ---
Prologue: The end of MIT, the beginning of wanderlust Julia
Welcome to the chronicles of my wanderlust :-)
Everything this upcoming year brings --- (I think) this is what I have been wanting for a long while.
Everything this upcoming year brings --- (I think) this is what I have been wanting for a long while.
My last few days at MIT were absolutely amazing, I'm not even going to try to describe it. But those who know, know :-)
As much as I have come to enjoy (I don't think I can say love yet, but maybe almost?) MIT over this past year, the eternal wanderlust of my heart will not quiet down. I thought college away from home would pacify me, but I am still restless, even more than before.
Wanderlust is not just about walking, it's an irresistible desire to wander, to travel. Wanderlust is a primitive instinct of the whole body and soul, awake in different levels for different people. For me, it is always awake, never quiet, insatiable -- whispering in my ear, tugging my heartstrings away from wherever I am at present. My gaze constantly wanders off to the distance, to something more than what I have now. I don't know what I am searching for. I am searching for a sense of belonging, a peace of mind, an understanding of beauty... I just know I haven't found it yet.
"It can be understood more at a deep level of the human condition as a search for a new philosophy, religion or place. After gestation in the mind, wanderlust, like a locomotive chugging to final destiny, then takes a body on a restive trip that takes long time to accomplish.
As much as I have come to enjoy (I don't think I can say love yet, but maybe almost?) MIT over this past year, the eternal wanderlust of my heart will not quiet down. I thought college away from home would pacify me, but I am still restless, even more than before.
Wanderlust is not just about walking, it's an irresistible desire to wander, to travel. Wanderlust is a primitive instinct of the whole body and soul, awake in different levels for different people. For me, it is always awake, never quiet, insatiable -- whispering in my ear, tugging my heartstrings away from wherever I am at present. My gaze constantly wanders off to the distance, to something more than what I have now. I don't know what I am searching for. I am searching for a sense of belonging, a peace of mind, an understanding of beauty... I just know I haven't found it yet.
"It can be understood more at a deep level of the human condition as a search for a new philosophy, religion or place. After gestation in the mind, wanderlust, like a locomotive chugging to final destiny, then takes a body on a restive trip that takes long time to accomplish.
In short, wanderlust is a trip, or a need to understand one's very existence, that starts with the first step of a long journey." (Wiki)
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1 comment:
Sorry for stalking your blog occasionally but I really like your writings! Btw I'm a big fan of Rhett Butler too, almost my entire reason for reading 'Gone with the Wind' twice in year 7 (consider the level of english) lol.
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