Dali, Yunnan: I've been in Dali for two days now and while I've had more than my share of banana pancakes (they are delicious) the constant rain has kept me from venturing too far outside the city center. I love the rain though and Dali's old town is perfect for sitting teashops with a steaming bowl of noodles and a good book.

It's now been five days since I spoke English to anyone. Most of you who know my jabberwocky side probably find that hard to believe but right now I don't find it difficult at all. The peace that comes with silence is a welcome change from the hubub that surrounded the end of the semester and leaving Chapel Hill.


Also (at the risk of sounding woo-woo) I feel that to find any kind of Shangrila you must recognize the part of yourself that is separate from where you are and who you know, where you go grocery shopping or what kind of music you listen to. Here, where I'm so far from everything I've known, I find it easier to listen to and respect that part of myself. Maybe, if continue to practice, I'll be able to take the Shangrila that I find home with me...