Contrary to popular belief, I am enjoying my new life in China, so much in fact that I have decided to stay the entire academic year. My hostility toward China is only present when I am about to be run over by a Range Rover or city bus. If my critics did the same, they would see my sense of humor.

One day, while I was sitting in my favorite spot in the nearby river walk park, I entertained the idea of living in Asia for one year. So I consulted my parents about staying another semester.

I called home and interrupted my mother’s nightly ritual of watching “Wheel of Fortune” while sipping several glasses of Chardonnay. She thinks wine improves her memory. I think the opposite.

She was attempting to spell “synagogue” at the moment and asked me if there was an “R” in the word. I replied that there was not, and that maybe she should ask Vanna White.

Immediately I blurted out, “I am going to stay another semester in China, so that’s OK right, great, thanks Mom, love you, can I talk to Jerry now?” This seemed to work as she replied “OK, if that’s what you want.” I sighed heavily and took a celebratory gulp of Qingdao Beer. That went well-too well, almost. Thank God for Chardonnay.

However one monolith of a monster still remained-my father. He was, thankfully, on the East Coast, so he always is a little more forgiving when he is traveling (i.e. when my sister was craving pizza and put the entire pizza box, including cardboard packing, in the oven, thus burning down the kitchen, living room and half the outdoor terrace-her only punishment was to walk the dog more). My father picked up and I told him of my wish to stay another semester in Asia and his only requirement was that he “can come hang out in China with me.”

A bit of Chinese political commentary: Interestingly enough, the Chinese have developed a “crush” on President-elect Barack Obama, mainly because CNN devoted much more coverage to Obama than McCain, and because of the fact that Obama is portrayed as the “savior” from the Bush regime.

I think not. It is sad that an entire country, and I am not talking about America, can be persuaded simply by press coverage. Although I wish the best to Obama and hopefully he will be wise to rely on more experienced politicians than himself in his cabinet (Hillary).

So as I purchase my British Airways return ticket to Beijing (I am not suffering through United Airlines coach for 14 hours again) I can only foresee what an exciting chance I will have to travel to my dream destinations of Hong Kong, Tokyo, Vietnam and Thailand.

Will my Chinese improve to a point of fluency? No. Although my proficiency will come to a point where I can return to Chicago and visit Chinatown, order my favorite food, ask for directions, determine whether or not the Bulls won the previous night, or just ask someone where they are from in China.

I get the feeling that I will develop a bit of nostalgia for Beijing when I am home in the States.

Ryan Gach is a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences, studying abroad in Beijing.