I’ve been in Sanya since May 18. Borders for SE Asia didn’t open in June, won’t open in July, and several have stated they won’t open until August 31. My current two-month visa extension expires August 10, and this week, I’ll apply for a one-month “humanitarian” visa, which will give me time to get everything ready before I leave the first week of September (assuming they give me the visa).

It’s been an interesting 2+ months in Sanya so far. Still hard to believe it’s in China after having lived in Beijing for so long. But then you see all the Chinese people, Chinese flags, and general “Chinese behavior,” and then you’re like “Yep, still in China.”

 I’m grateful for my time spent here. Tanning at the beach, going to the gym, meeting super cool people living here, starting my 2nd novel, and doing part-time jobs online. However, I’m ready to go. I’m ready to close the China chapter of my life and start something new. Exactly what, at this point, I’m not sure, but I think leaving the country will help me figure out what I want in life. For now, the part-time jobs have been able to sustain my cost of living, and I haven’t had to dip into my savings. People say I’m lucky that I can work online, but I sought out those opportunities well ahead of my departure to ensure I’d have an income when I left China. It’s not luck; it’s preparation and foresight.

Here a fun fact: Sanya (三亚) is the southernmost city on Hainan Island. The city serves as the training site of the Chinese national beach volleyball team.