Goodbye China

I've said my goodbyes, taken in those last bowls of noodles and baskets of dumplings and left China. Suddenly all the little nuisances of Chinese culture and cravings I had for all things western have subsided and I'm in reverse culture shock. This year in China was one of the more valuable experiences in my life and I am taking away with it friendships, a deeper cultural understanding and countless memories. This slide show is from my last little trip through Yunnan in July. I visited the Tibetan town of Zhongdian, or more commonly known as Shangri-La. This is perhaps my favorite place in China with its awesome setting at the edge of the Himalayas, the detailed architecture and the humble and colorful Tibetan people.

I miss you China, but new adventures await and one day I will be back. For anyone who likes to travel, I urge you to visit China and experience the incredible culture, intricate history and vast landscape of this country. It will change you.