Just before I decided to leave China it began to snow. As I prepared myself psychologically and logistically the temperature descended and it became very difficult for me to leave the house as the cold air entering my lungs made my symptoms immediately worse. The day of departure came nearer and I slowly made sense of my belongings and explored how to arrange them and have them transferred home. BMW gradually focussed on my situation and in the end made all the difference between my bringing the majority of my treasures to Australia or having to leave them behind. In four years I had a nice little collection of paintings, ornaments, and craft items as well as various books and other papers that will help me never to forget the Middle Kingdom.
I had collected various friends too, people who had made my stay in China easier, each in their own way. They are the people who helped me retain my faith in the moral core of China, people who are as much against the opportunists, exploiters, cheats and thieves who darken that great country’s character and give her a deservedly bad reputation throughout the world. I met some of the people who see clearly through all of that and want it changed if they ever get the power to do it. I salute you, my wonderful friends and though I was not able to contact all of you I am sure you know if you are one of the ones I am talking about or if you are one of the others. Don’t be too humble, your humility is one of the ways in which you are better than we brash arrogant Westerners. My friends, those of true spirit, will be treasured in my heart. I hope you keep in touch with me and I will try to keep a habit of contacting you too.
As the snow fell each day I spent time remembering those true friends and organizing those material aids to memory. I gained some control over the symptoms that sent me home though I was unable to overcome them completely. When the day came for departure I was ready.