"Welcome home."

I don't remember hearing that from the US customs people the last two times I traveled internationally (2002 and 2004). How powerful those two words are - I felt this joy well up in me - I was finally home! I realize that a two week trip is incredibly short, but it was long enough for me to appreciate everything I have at home.

Things got even better at LAX I managed to get to the gate for the 730PM flight back to SAN right as they announced the gate closure (my original flight was 1030PM) and they hustled me aboard that flight so I wouldn't have to wait for three hours.

Home, sweet, home!

I want to travel back to China next year - I think I'll try to take some Mandarin lessons so I can get around more ably next time. English is pretty prevalant amongst the younger generation, but it's still a noticeable hassle - I felt hugely relieved when I could converse with a guard at LAX in normal English - I was trying to find the United ticketing area.

. . .

Started the task of sorting through all the pictures and videos from this trip. Here is an updated photo of the taking-picture-of-taking-picture: