I'm in Hanoi, but plans have changed. We are unable to get train tickets to Beijing from here. They are booked. Through March. So, the disaster relief fund is now open. I had to drop $340 today for my ticket, and that amount again for the Professor's because his debit card was declined at the ATM. He'll pay me back, but ouch. That's about double what was expected for each, and it's added to some unforeseen things that we didn't realize we would be expected to pay. So, seriously, I wouldn't turn down charity. As I see it, I'm not technically broke yet. I mean, in a literal no-money-at-all sense. But I'm closer than I should be.

That said, Hanoi is cold, and the sky is grey. Home. This city is interesting, because it reminds me of China a lot, but the section we're staying in is set up like a French city with winding streets and alleyways creating a labyrinth of three or four-story clumps of cafes and shops and schools and hotels and tiny businesses. It would be beautiful in the springtime, I don't doubt. Right now it's 50 degrees out, and it's been drizzling.

I'll be back in Beijing on Wednesday afternoon. Watch out, China, I'm on my way back.

T