Things turned out to be all right.

Mr. S, my brother-in-law, was a nice man. He went to the US when he was about 18, so you could find both characteristics, Japanese and American, in him. Generally, he is reserved, not like the typically Japanese kind of reserved, but with a touch of American carefree.

We talked a little bit on the way, mostly focused on my husband’s disease as well as some family catch-ups. I could handle the conversation most of the time. Words just came to my mouth. I still need to work more on expressing myself in short sentences. For example, when I told him that my husband was about to change his job, he already resigned but not started his new job yet, all I really needed to say was “He’s between the jobs”.

Since my husband was in hospital and I, on the other hand, already asked enough days off, after my sister-in-law arrived, they had to be on their own. Luckily, Chengdu now have a rather complete public transportation system. They could go anywhere they want.

My sister-in-law hasn’t been to Chengdu for about 10 years and this city has already changed a great deal during her leave.

With their eyes, I was able to see this city, where I was born, grown up and lived, from a total different angle.

Chengdu's slow-paced, carefree lifestyle can easily make a great first impression on the outsiders. The new clusters of high-rising buildings, whose crowns blending into the skyline of the downtown, indicates that this city is undergoing the dramatic changes. Chengdu is definitely a city to stroll around. It’s always great to take the time and soak up the street scenes of this city. Spicy hot-pot is on everything's list. Wuhou Temple comes next, which is the spine of the ancient Kingdom Su. And of course, Qingchen Mountain is also one of Must-Sees, with panda base at the foot of the mountain and Dao Temples scattered all along the way, beautifully and tranquilly, where you might finally find your inner peace.

By the way, for a foreigner who without Alipay and WeChat Pay, it might be a bit inconvenient.

All in all, even the timing might not be the best, it’s still great to have this visit, for both sides.

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