The Chapters
Read from the beginning, or follow the encounters, everyday surprises and journeys that catch your eye.
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I Wanted to Be in the Story
Six diaries, saved tickets and the unexpected idea that took me from Beverley to China.
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Before It Felt Real
Two strangers, a visa appointment and a farewell lasagne. The journey to China began before I had even left England.
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Duvet Covers and Departures
A suitcase of familiar comforts, an emotional goodbye and my first solo flight to China.
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Chicken Wings and Breakfast Rice
My first days in Shanghai: an airport pickup, an unfamiliar breakfast and a disappointing doughnut.
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I Didn’t Think I Needed WeChat
Everyone else was finding their feet in Shanghai. I was still convinced I didn’t need a phone.
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You’re Strong, Rebecca
A new friend, an unexpected conversation and some encouragement before leaving Shanghai.
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A Ticket to Hangzhou
A handwritten note, an enormous station and a train journey that challenged my expectations.
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Dumplings, Green Tea and West Lake
YoYo welcomed me to Hangzhou with an impromptu language lesson, dumplings and a walk by the lake.
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The Phone I Didn’t Think I Needed
A new workplace, an intimidating timetable and the end of my resistance to WeChat.
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West Lake After Dark
My first working week ended with colleagues, milk tea and a view that made Hangzhou feel magical.
Read the story →Following the Footprints
Medical checks, unfamiliar offices and the unsettling business of handing over my passport.
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Before We Could Eat
Dinner with a student became an introduction to food photographs, friendship and the pressure to marry.
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A Little Tea and a Long Afternoon
An outing with Cherry introduced me to art books, translation apps and a drink worth learning to order.
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Open Your Heart
A friend’s advice left me wondering what it really meant to let people in.
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A Compass from South Korea
A small gift, an unplanned afternoon and a friendship that helped me find my feet in China.
Read the story →How Long Are You Staying?
Dan’s departure introduced me to the temporary nature of friendships abroad.
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Getting Comfortable
Supermarket discoveries, a gym membership and an unexpected reluctance to go home.
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A Table for My Diary
Coffee shops became places to write, watch and feel at home.
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Let’s Go Tomorrow
A conversation by West Lake offered a glimpse of a much more spontaneous life.
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Almost Ningbo
A temporary assignment took me somewhere I could imagine staying.
Read the story →A New Centre, Another Beginning
Just as Hubin felt familiar, it was time to move again.
Read the story →Princess Peach Goes to Suzhou
My first company outing involved a costume, an award and rather too much wine.
Read the story →Iris: A Friend for Life
Shared meals, chocolate popcorn and the friend who refused to let me ignore her calls.
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Dumplings, Hot Chocolate and the Wrong Exit
An evening with Jason brought my first favourite food, a skyline view and a rather muddy journey home.
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Six Months Up Front
A studio on the twenty-fourth floor, a daunting pile of fees and an unexpected act of generosity.
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Finding My Feet by West Lake
Repaying a kindness, discovering the lake and learning enough Chinese to buy my favourite things.
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