Dear Readers,

I am back home and enjoying everything! I first spent a week back in my hometown in southern Guangdong with my grandparents. After that, I spent many afternoons shopping at malls all over the city and in Hong Kong. I can't tell you how nice it is to be back with family and friends, as well as to be able to visit and surround myself with all things familiar.

Shenzhen has seen quite a few changes since last year. The most striking difference were the preparations done for the Universiade: be it the subway expansion, the construction and repair of both residential and commercial buildings, or the welcoming signs plastered across town, the entire city seemed to be in a state of hospitable festivity.

I don't know why I don't return home more often. Of course, what I really mean is I would like to come back more but circumstances do not allow for it: Princeton only had a two-week winter holidays in the past two years.

With final examinations to prepare for, I would not have had a great time in Shenzhen even if I had flown back. But the way it is now is not bad either in my opinion. After all, I only have one more precious year left at Princeton before I graduate. I have my career plans for the next two years figured out and with loved ones it is all about the quality of time spent together and never about the quantity.

Well, that's it for now! I'm heading out to dinner soon with the family.

Sincerely, Laiyin