Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Thirty Hours

Doorway china

 

Thirty hours door to door, we are home.

China is no longer at hand.

Strange.

Slience.

Where are the mulitude of people?

 

Carved wooden bird

 

 

The images of China play in my mind, one after another. My dreams vast, varied, mystical: A dragon tail laced as a ribbon swirls on the water, long winged birds flying across the moon, distance music quickens the steps of a child who is walking along the river, with one long black braid swaying from side to side against his back.

 

  Bowls in wall

 

The baguette, the cheese, the wine, tasted bland by comparision. Okay, maybe not the wine. No certainly not the wine. Tearing off a piece of baguette, I realized I had tasted a life that has changed me. How it will weave in to my daily life I do not know, but it will.

 

Wood panel china

 

What did I taste in China? What spell did it cast upon me?

 

Rooftops yangshuo

We are home. It does feel good, especially the bed.

Doesn't ones bed always feel the best.

Nevertheless, it is going to take some time to process the wonderful, grace-filled time I had in China.

Thank you for following along, and moreso for your thoughtful comments and prayers.

 

Comments

62 responses to “Thirty Hours”

  1. Kathleen

    Welcome home,glad to hear ye are back safe and sound and filled with lots of treasured memories!I am sure you will go again.There is nothing like your own bed when all is said and done and I imagine the peace and serenity in Provence must be a great contrast to China!Which would you prefer?

    Reply
  2. Zosia

    It sounds like it was a trip of a lifetime. It’s like a treasure chest that you will be able to open whenever you feel like and look inside for memories, photographs and remember the smells and the tastes.
    Thank you for inviting us along and showing us amazing places.

    Reply
  3. Jeanne

    Home sweet home with a million memories to reflect upon. Annie must be so glad to have you back.
    Asia and the Orient captures your heart does it not?
    Love you

    Reply
  4. jackie

    Welcome home!

    Reply
  5. Pauline Clarke

    Photos and words made for wonderful armchair travel! Thank you for sharing. It will be interesting to read how you add China to your life… welcome back to your home.

    Reply
  6. Sue

    I have only been to Hong Kong – pre-1997. Your China posts really made me want to pay our neighbors a visit! ;o) Some day… so glad you arrived back home safely.

    Reply
  7. Jen

    More importantly, HOW’S YOUR FOOT?

    Reply
  8. splendid

    So glad you are home now, to rest and reflect.
    xoxoxoxoxxo

    Reply
  9. Merisi in Vienna

    How did Pete Seegers sing? A time to …. to Everything -turn turn turn –
    there is a season – turn turn turn –
    And a time to every purpose, under Heaven …
    So good to know that you are home safely,
    after a wondrous journey across another continent and time.

    Reply
  10. Linda P.

    As I was signing on, before I even read the comment thanking us for following along, I was thinking that I ought to thank you. So, thank you for taking such a glorious trip and inviting us along. For various reasons, such a trip is not possible for me right now, and I so enjoyed these posts. I know my imaginings can’t have rivaled your experiences, but I gained what all readers gain from reading great travel literature: escape, inspiration, insight. Thanks again.

    Reply
  11. Linda

    Welcome home! Glued to your travels and your writing and then Bang! Diplomat you should be, you are open and accepting and see the beauty in the world.
    Thanks for including us.

    Reply
  12. debra

    So glad to read that you are home safe and sound! It was another incredible journey that we all got to travel along with you meaning so much to me since travel is out of the question for my family now. But what I have learned culturally is truly a gift and I have played it forward telling my friends and family of a new desire to travel to this part of the world I never even gave a second thought. Corey, I know I keep saying this, but, I think it’s amazing how much my kids love to read of your adventures as well. They love your stories, your compassion, your explorations and the goodness you find everywhere. Don’t you love it when another mom touches your kids in some way?
    Please give an update on that foot! xo

    Reply
  13. Mardog

    It’s alway surreal to me to wake up in a foreign country and that night be sleeping in your own bed. Thank you for the wonderful experiences. They effected us all too.

    Reply
  14. katiebell

    Welcome home Corey! What will you find you have brought home with you in spirit to weave into the braid tale of your life?

    Reply
  15. gail

    Thank you for sharing your up close and personal visit to China, I loved it!

    Reply
  16. Susan

    Once again, seeing the world through your eyes was a breathtaking experience for me. Thank you for allowing us to peek into your window.

    Reply
  17. Kirsten

    Thank you for the exquisite window on the world that you opened with your travels, stories and photographs. What I saw was a world of such contrast: beauty, color, warmth, green, rural, steel, modern, teeming, quiet, timelessness, and hurtling forward…. What must at times, have seemed overwhelming, was balanced with grace and beauty. I second Linda: “Diplomat you should be, you are open and accepting and see the beauty in the world.”

    Reply
  18. JudyO

    So glad you are home safe and sound. THANK YOU, Corey for sharing your travels to China with us. You helped me relive my trip there. I will be curious to hear what you incorporate into your life that you saw, tasted, did there. I have become a tea drinker. Also, how is the foot?

    Reply
  19. Star

    There really is no place like home, but the getting out and seeing other places and meeting other people help us to appreciate that even more. Glad you’re all safe.

    Reply
  20. Kathie

    Kathie’s Law of Travel posits that the length of time needed to get caught up after a trip is equal to (or even longer than) the length of time one was away — so, good luck with that!
    I realize there are some tasks you absolutely HAVE to attend to immediately upon returning home, but please do try also to rest up, let the foot finish healing (see doctor, if necessary) — and, to recuperate from the mental overload by taking time to process and make full sense of all the new stimuli you experienced in Thailand and China (this is what I had to do when I returned from my first trip to the Azores, because I was still so overwhelmed, albeit in a good way!).

    Reply
  21. Weaverbec

    Thank you for sharing your trip and adventures. My grandmother says the best part of any trip is coming home to your own bed!
    How is your foot?

    Reply
  22. Jillayne

    Home again, home again… it always feels good but there is slways those first days of disconnect. Thirty hours is a long time but it’s still not long enough to go from being there to being here.
    When we lived in the Yukon, (which is so completely different from the rest of Canada) I found if we flew when going on a holiday it always took time to adjust to being there, and the same when we flew home. If we drove (it was a two day drive to get down south to “civilization” you had that transitional time in the car, time to think about where you were leaving and where you were going so when you got there, you were ready to be there. If that makes any sense! I think I can say it better than write it!
    ANyway, thanks to you for bringing us along on your journey through space and thought. China was never a place I wanted to see but now I do, and that’s because of what you showed me.

    Reply
  23. kelleyn

    Glad you are home safe.

    Reply
  24. annette

    I so enjoyed your trip. Thanks for taking me along so I could live vicariously through you. How’s your foot?

    Reply
  25. Amy Kortuem

    Welcome home, Corey and Yann, and thank you for taking me with you on your gorgeous trip.
    I understand what you mean about a place getting under your skin and changing the way you experience your life, your food, your routines, your hometown. France did that for me in 2009 and 2010, and I’m still not over it. The country and the experiences changed me permanently. I’ve decided to write a book about it, and that’s helping me delve into WHAT exactly changed and how.
    Unlike you, however, I can’t say that when I got home from my trip that the wine here was better – no way!

    Reply
  26. Marilyn

    Traveling does weave a spell over us and it always changes us. More than that it create memories. Now soon I will be creating memories and spells as I leave soon for Thailand and Taiwan. I am so happy you had a wonderful trip, but yes our own bed does feel wonderful at the end of the day.

    Reply
  27. Brother Mathew

    Fun trip. Glad you and Yann are home safe.

    Reply
  28. pam in oregon

    Welcome home, so glad you returned safely. I followed along throughout your China adventures and I too felt a change within me. Funny how that works…I admired the Chinese for thir hard woork and industious ways, and the rhythm and simplicity of their lifestyle. I love simlpicity ans solitutde and felt right at home in some of your river and Mt. photos. I am wondering how China will change you and I can’t wait to hear how you express the changes.
    I didn’t comment much on your journey, but I was in prayer for you and Yann, even moreso after your foot was injured. I have a sore foot always {RA} so I know how difficult it must have been to keep going when you were in pain. I’m planning a trip to France next May and hope I do as well travelling as you did.
    I hope you keep the photos and stories coming, they are fascinating, especially the way you weave a story!

    Reply
  29. Just plain Jane

    ’twas wonderful. Add my thanks to all the others for awakening our interest in China. I think re-entry is the hardest part of travel.

    Reply
  30. jend’isére

    I enjoyed the voyage, without even a wink of jet-lag! Hope your foot is on the “heal”.

    Reply
  31. Sharon Penney-Morrison

    Welcome Home!!
    Where are we going next????
    Hope your foot is healing.
    Stay and linger in your China moments. I know I am and will go back through your stories and pictures many times over the summer.
    Thank you for the ride.
    love, Sharon

    Reply
  32. Karen@PasGrand-Chose

    This is why I love to travel – it changes you, makes you see the world in a new and different way, ensures that you don’t stagnate. Thank you so much for taking us along and showing us what you saw – I loved every post.

    Reply
  33. Leslie Garcia

    Dear Corey,
    Welcome Home! I am glad you had such a wonderful experience in China with your husband and daughter…thank you for sharing it! Take care of your foot!
    Love,
    Leslie

    Reply
  34. Victoria Ramos

    And yet another goodbye for you and your darling daughter. But what a special treat that you and Yann could share a part of your trip with her. Memories for a lifetime. I really never had any desire to travel to China – but your photos draw you in. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. I am sure it was more amazing than the photos…well, except for your foot.

    Reply
  35. Shelley Noble

    Speedy recovery to your heroic foot! And to your Prince Charming carer.
    I love how you describe the trip as a tasting of something that changed you wholly. You make it sound like a magical food of some kind. A fairytale that is real.
    I’ll wager that you had the true experiences and effects that travel to other places promises, but doesn’t deliver to everyone. But then, you would especially be open and receptive to what gifts such a trip might bring.

    Reply
  36. Franca Bollo

    Kind of like when I come back from Willows. Whoa!

    Reply
  37. Rebecca from the pacific northwest

    Brother Mathew, I like how concise and brief your comments always are.

    Reply
  38. Annie vanderven

    Welcome back home
    Thank you so much for taking me in your suitcase and enjoying the trip with you!!
    Annie vanderven

    Reply
  39. Rebecca from the pacific northwest

    Typically it’s the first night or two when I’m home from a long trip that I wake in the night and can’t figure out where I am. Not on the trip, only when returned home. Once I awoke suddenly and for some reason, urgently needed to know “which way is North?!”
    Would you please tell us about the semi-buried blue and white bowls? I’m so intrigued.

    Reply
  40. amylia grace

    You describe how I felt after China and after several years living in Taiwan, I am still not totally rooted in “home.” The tagline/motto for Taiwan is “Taiwan will touch your heart!” And it is true. It does. It touches you, gets under your skin, and changes you.
    It was lovely to relive China through your eyes!
    Welcome back!

    Reply
  41. Ana María

    Dear friend,
    Welcome home! I am happy to hear that you and FH are safe in your own bed. Thank you for taking us along with you. It has been pure magic. Hope the foot is better.
    PS. I heard a rumor that the Brocantes missed you. Really, all over Provence brocanteurs were heard murmuring, “Where is that crazy American blond? The one that buys the craziest, most beat-up stuff?” I am sure they will welcome you with smiles!
    Love,
    Ana María

    Reply
  42. Vickie

    this had indeed been a journey of a lifetime for us all!! we do thank you for taking us along dear Corey. it will be good to see France again tho, no doubt. let us know how Sascha is doing soon, we have missed him.

    Reply
  43. marie

    It’s okay Coco! I feel this way when i get home from my grandmas! 🙂

    Reply
  44. ellen cassilly

    welcome home. How is your foot?
    E

    Reply
  45. Patty G

    Glad you’ve arrived home safely, and hope you have time to settle and reflect on your amazing journey. It’s been so wonderful to experience it with you daily. I also never felt drawn to visit China, but that has changed.

    Reply
  46. Denise Moulun-Pasek

    Le voyage forme la jeunesse… et les plus vieux aussi!
    Thank you for sharing your wondrous trip with us! You have made me dream, imagine and want to spend time in Asia. I will, I will!
    Looking forward to hearing (and seeing) more about it. Glad you are home, safe and can now reflect on the extraordinary experiences you’ve had.

    Reply
  47. Cheryl ~ Casual Cottage Chic

    Back home already! Doesn’t seem like you had much time with Chelsea…but she is in school and you did take in the Great Wall of China. Sights and sounds (and the rememberance of the smells and food) of your adventure will be with you always 🙂 Now, when are you going to take care of that foot? Need to get it checked out by a doctor. Then back to the brocantes….it’s Spring!

    Reply
  48. Linda

    I loved following you on your journey. What a trip. I agree-there is no place like your own bed.

    Reply
  49. Cindy

    How long your voyage will continue in your mind. I have totally enjoyed joining you. Today, we begin our journey back to France.

    Reply
  50. Marie-Noëlle

    I like this, Marie !
    Your feeling brings me back to my own childhood SOME years ago (hm hm)after a summer spent at my great-grans’… Nice memories, thank you!

    Reply
  51. meredith

    Welcome back!

    Reply
  52. Marie-Noëlle

    the day-dreaming cycle is on … !

    Reply
  53. Marie-Noëlle

    Ah, I confirm the rumor, as it’s reached us up here (Paris suburb) !!!

    Reply
  54. Marie-Noëlle

    That’s right, Rebecca!
    French readers (me!)can’t brush up their English with such comments, I’m afraid !!!

    Reply
  55. Walker

    Welcome back. I enjoyed China and trip. I have missed France and you.

    Reply
  56. Rhonda P.

    I am so happy you are home safe. Your trip was amazing and your photos reflected that.
    I just arrived home from Paris and met a woman on my Chicago to Phoenix part of the trip that had been to China. She shared with me how emotional she had become at the Great Wall and how she was so happy to be going to France in the fall. We talked the entire flight.
    On another note, I won’t unpack for days, I’m too tired. How about you???

    Reply
  57. Alison Murray Whittington

    Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Perhaps it has changed us, too.

    Reply
  58. Maura

    Yes thank you Corey for bringing China to all of us. Even though we weren’t there in person…you made us feel as though we were there somehow. You showed us things we would probably never see in our lifetime other than in books or on TV. This was much better…we could feel your excitement and love for this country and it’s people. What a wonderful ride. I’ll miss reading about it. Life goes on and soon you’ll be back into the swing of things at home. In the meantime…enjoy your memories and dreams.
    Maura 🙂

    Reply
  59. Michelle LaRock

    Corey – I am the daughter of 2 of your fans in upstate NY- I have followed your blog for some time and love it. However, I felt compelled to thank you for taking us with you on your journey. You have a unique talent of making one feel as though they are right there with you. This trip was remarkable for you and your readers. Thank you.

    Reply
  60. Sherry ~Rustique Gal

    Welcome home, Corey!
    Yes, home is good, especially bed. You will be changed by your trip, but it will meld with your daily life as wonderful memories to last your whole life. Enjoy yourself!
    Sherry

    Reply
  61. Jessica Perez

    Dear Corey Amaro,
    This is a friendly follow-up to our first message to you (May 2010), to warmly invite you again to list your blog on our Expat Women Blog Directory (http://www.expatwomen.com/expatblog/). Blogs like yours are excellent sources of information for relocating expats, so we would love to include it with our other 1,700+ self-listed blogs.
    We are also excited to let you know that we just re-launched our main website (http://www.expatwomen.com/), so please drop by and have a look if you are interested.
    Many, many thanks and wishing you success abroad!
    Jessica Perez for ExpatWomen.com

    Reply
  62. Gracie

    Welcome back! I’m sure the memories of this travel will be treasured in your heart for a very long time…..

    Reply

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