My first time coming home from an abroad adventure was during my Junior year of college. I had lived in France for seven months and upon touching down in Logan in the old Beanery, I was surprised about how much reverse culture shock I was going through. The air seemed more humid than usual, night came at a reasonable hour, and all the signs were in a language I could once again read.
Coming home from Taipei this time around wasn't as much of a humbling force this time around. I fell back into the routine of visiting my friends and family. I got used to the lack of a language barriers almost instantly. And it took me no time at all to accommodate myself to the Bostonians' brashness, bordering on blatant hostility.
My time at home kicked off with a celebration of my friend's birthday party, which quickly evolved into the welcoming a fall celebration (and incidentally my first taste of cool, dry weather in two years). I joined a number of my friends for an apple picking extravaganza at Harvard farms before kicking off festivities at a particular favorite haunt of two of my buddies- the Pour House in Boston. Some claim that the joint has been overused by two particularly jolly birthday boys, but when you have been living on the other side of the world, it seems just fine.
I was also home to to partake in Halloween extravaganzas. This would mark my first Halloween in Byfield in almost a decade (as high school and college prevented me from being there to celebrate). Before the arrival of my two friends who wanted a traditional Halloween experience, I carved a pumpkin. I will give you 1 NT dollar if you can guess what this pumpkin carving is. I'll give you a hint- it's Taiwan related!!! And no, it's not a pagoda- it's more specific.
I also made great efforts to maintain my sense of adventure I held up in Taiwan. Without my motorcycle, I thought that would be pretty hard. However, I fell right behind the wheel of my old convertible and jeep and I cruised around New England like I had been driving all my life.
My first trip began with a drive up to Maine. First exploring parts of the coast I haven't visited in years, I finished with a drive past the Bush Compound in Kennebunkport. What a magnificent home this was- it must be nice to be some of the Bushes.
Lunch was served at Pier 77- although I was looking for some seaside shanty for a cheap burger, this proved to be equally as good. Couldn't beat the class on this one!
Another trip took my up to Vermont and my only glimpse of snow while I was home. The trip started with a chilly tour of the Ben and Jerry's factory where we got to see ice cream production. It is just as awesome as you are imagining it. After that, we jumped over to an old cider mill and then off to the Cabot Cheese outlet. Not too bad, right! Lunch followed in a local micro pub where we were served a sampler on a ski. A very tasty day if you ask me!!
And these are only short glimpses into my wonderful month and a half stay in Byfield, including quality time spent with family and friends, a trip down academic lane with trips to the Governor's Academy and Connecticut College, and journeys into Boston, Lake Winnepesauki, Cape Ann and so much more! But the best part of all my journeys was, by far, spending it with my family at the Majestic Dragon!
From your Asian adventurer come home, albeit for a short while, Michael.
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