home sweet home

Well, I’ve moved into my new place and it’s great. So much happier than living in a tiny bedroom with no direct sunlight. My new place is my oasis of peace, quiet and calm, but with a great view, direct sunlight, and my own laundry room.
It’s the kind of place that’s up and coming, which is typical of my likes. Residential development is on all 4 sides of me and these other towers are 20 or so stories each! I count 9 towers under construction from my west window and 6 from my south window. If I feel homesick for America, I can look outside at night and see hundreds of big and little lights and the movement of big and little people inside their big and little apartments, all encapsulated within this grand example of a modern urban environment.
Inside, everything’s white in my flat, which I like because it’s always been my favorite color, along with blue. The kitchen and bathroom are clean and user friendly. The living room is big enough for me to do yoga and pilates, and all of my DVDs work on the DVD player. Outside, there’s only 1 entrance into this gated community and the complex is crawling with security guards who are new and young and still care. There’s a Starbuck’s and Papa John’s within walking distance.
As well, the police haven’t come to my door or stopped me outside my buliding, like they did repeatedly at my old apartment, and no one really stares at me that much here, except some of the older people and the guards–to whom I always say hello. There are a few foreigners here now but a lot of up and coming middle class Chinese people. I see some kids but they are few and quiet. I could have waited for a higher floor to become available (I’m on 4) but there’s slim chance that would have happened and I really think I got in at a good time.
The landlord is a trustworthy, younger guy who made my decision to rent here an easier one. His wife just had a baby boy this past weekend. Happy Birthday! Welcome to planet earth. Welcome home.