So long Dalian, and thanks for all the fish

I'm leaving Dalian. And China.

I know this seems like a good time to be in China, and hence, an awkward time to leave. I had planned to stay until the Olympics.

I wish there were an easy way to explain why I've decided to go back to California, but there isn't. I woke up one day back in November with one clear thought in my head: "Time to go home."

The best reasons I can give are my girlfriend and my grandparents. In about two weeks, my girlfriend and I will hit the four year mark. The past 18 months of that have been spent on different continents--Africa and Asia--with the brief exception of this summer when we spent two months traveling together in Madagascar. It's time to try for a normal(ish) relationship.

My grandparents are in their 80s. I won't get any time back with them. That's more important to me than the Olympics, or anything else China does.

Leaving China feels as strange as coming here in the first place. Both decisions were spur of the moment. I can't say whether either is or was the right course of action.

This is by no means the end of my interest or involvement with China, nor is it the end of this blog. The country is far too interesting, and I'm still fascinated by it. Who knows, I may even come back for the Olympics if the right opportunity comes up.

I'm going to miss Dalian. As cities in China go, this is one of the best. It's one of the few places in Asia I'd want to live long-term.

Much of the hype is true: It is one of the cleanest cities in China. It benefits from being international and multicultural. It remains an affordable place to live, despite a growing economy.

The local expats here remain a tight community, even as the number grows. Dalian feels like a small town in a big city.

For anyone thinking of coming here, short- or long-term, by all means email me (eyeseast at gmail.com). For continued blogging coverage, some suggestions:

• Rick at Panda Passport: My friend Rick, one of my favorite people in China, also finds some of the wackiest stuff on the Web. He also writes for CNET.
• The Art of Living: Jonathon is newer to the blogosphere. He's a great writer and keeps things local. Check him out.
• East-West Station: Kim is more than a "fat old Englishman out east." He's also a damn smart guy. I know because I never would have won so many bottles of vodka at Quiz Night were he not on my team. He's married to a local, so he'll be here a while.

And of course: DalianDalian.com. It really does have the best Dalian map you're likely to find. Thank Alex for building it.

So long Dalian. Thanks for all the fish.

Before: Why I didn't blog much about Korea | After: Make it a Blue Sky Day....pleeeese