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(Obviously, I didn't write this today, but here you are):

An extract:

On the fly:

It's a long wait till the plane leaves Beijing Capital International Airport. The captain just told us we're 28th in line on the departure list. I've got my copy of Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy, Joseph Schumpeter beside me (a great read, by the way), but it's a little heavy right now. They also said phones off, but since we're number 28, I'm sure they won't mind.

So my mind's been really active since we've been on vacation (vacation from school, that is). It's good. I've finally had the time I've needed for myself, and I've been able to process things at my own pace. I don't have to care about that next assignment or that next test, I don't have to be conscious about the grades or effort I'm putting in. It feels good to have all this stress of your back. I suppose, if I compare this to my counterparts in local schools, I really can't say I have much to complain about. But then again, it's a very different kind of stress. Maybe less in magnitude, but that hardly matters.

I plan to write a letter to my 23 year old self when I get home, especially because I've been wondering if my 8 year old self would be proud of me. Would yours?

Its raining outside. Lightly. It's one of the most beautiful scenes I've seen in a while. Reflected red light on a surface of ever changing water patterns, the light flow of the smallest droplets, all emphasised by the darkest surroundings. Amazing contrast.

Honestly, I can't wait till the plane takes off. There're a few movies I've been meaning to watch. To those who don't know, I quite appreciate watching movies. :) If you're wondering, it's 16:40 right now. The plane was scheduled for take off at 16:00. But who can blame them. It's China after all. If their capital airport isn't busy, the world wouldn't be half as flat as it is today, and the global economy would lose half it's stimulus.

It's started pouring. Now I'm glad I caught that video of the gently streaming rain. One of life's best feelings is to watch the rain outside knowing you're completely safe and warm inside, wherever you are.

I love observing the world, people. I love people. Humanity makes the world. I always believe that. I always believe in the better. No matter how good things are, I always believe they can get better. It's interesting how philosophy shapes economic and political theories. In my distant dreams, perhaps I would shape a theory in my belief of the better. Maybe. Maybe not.

I've always been an optimist. A "die-hard optimist", my mother would term me. Yet, this year has turned me into more of a realistic optimist. And no, I don't regret it. I prefer being this way. In some sense, it keeps me grounded. In other ways, it keeps me working towards the achievable. But realistic or idealistic, I've always been the optimist.

On this year. 2011 has been such a strange one. It's been horrid, then good, then not so good, then not so bad. Very strange. I think it's always important to keep things in perspective. To always be grateful. It's not easy living in a way you're never content.

People like to say I'm an open book. I beg to differ. It's easy to get to know me, to get to know about me. Is it easy to know me? Well, I don't think so. Does that matter? Hardly.

I wonder how I got to this point. Almost an open expository about myself. How conceited of me. Well, it's 10 minutes on and we're still nowhere near even moving from this damn gate.

It's almost been an hour since our scheduled take-off time. I'm tired. I'll take a nap in my semi-comfortable economy class seat now. With any luck, the captain shall have made his second announcement by the time I wake up.

China's been great. But more than that, the people have been the most interesting to watch. I'll try to sum up whatever's still in my memory in a day or two. Travel journalism. An amazing hobby. Now, if only I can find a magazine or newspaper which would hire me.

Cheers!

PS: He's made the second announcement. There's going to be a delay of at least 1.5 hours. And it's already been an hour and ten minutes. Hell yes.

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