Two nights ago I found myself people-watching in Times Square, waiting for some friends to arrive. It didn’t matter that it was late on a weeknight; Times Square was bustling with people from all over the world. Except, I would venture to guess, people from Jishou, China. Of course I could be wrong. But in any case, it struck me that the scene I was observing was about as far removed as possible from what I’d be seeing in about two weeks. Should be quite a comparison.

At this point we’ve thought about and planned for Jishou quite extensively; not much more to say before we get there. While so many aspects of what this experience will be like are currently unknown, there is one thing that is completely certain: this is one awesome group of people. While we’ve already had some great times in the planning phase, the best is certainly yet to come. I am so excited to be able to spend eight weeks working and chilling with these amazing Princeton students and know this will be a trip to remember. I’ve been able to contain my excitement only by cooking Chinese food at home.

Fully vaccinated and ready for the middle kingdom,

Reuben