focusing less on 学习

Six weeks down now, three to go. I think I'm finally starting to hit the downward part of that study abroad comfort/pleasure curve. The days are getting a bit repetitive, I miss my friends and family, and I want a chance to breathe before jumping right into junior year of college. Having three weeks left is short enough to feel like home is at my fingertips but still long enough to make me feel a bit exasperated.

At the same time, with just two weekends remaining, I've realize how much I'd still like to do here but haven't taken the time to. I think my friends and I are going to start taking advantage of weekdays to explore, too, and actively choose to prioritize our excursions.

This morning I almost didn't join my friends on a trip to Fragrance Hills Park because I was worried about writing my essay. But I also knew I'd hate myself if I was that person who missed out on an exciting adventure to finish an assignment which probably wouldn't matter at all to me in a few weeks. So I went, and I was right. Totally worth it. Despite us choosing to go hiking mid-afternoon on the hottest day this week-- it was 100 degrees Fahrenheit today :) -- I'm so glad I did. From the summit you have a full view of Beijing and can appreciate the vastness of the city. The people I went with were 2nd year students, and a few of whom I didn't know too well, so it was nice getting to know them. The six of us faced the heat, haze, and 90+ floors of stairs together, then shared a celebratory watermelon at the peak of the mountain. Also I got my essay done in plenty of time. Bottom line: don't ignore your studies but also prioritize the people/experiences when you can!

香山 (Fragrance Hill, Summit)

I'm not sure if it was because we came back from a week off or if last week's material was genuinely more difficult, but I think either way class feels harder-- I think my last written test was my worst one yet. On the bright side, we got to watch everyone's social study trip videos on Friday and Ryan and I got a lot of positive feedback on ours. Wish me luck for this final stretch!

Sofia