M-whY

The fix turned out to be simple. The previous night I had fallen asleep at the keyboard, allowing the battery to completely drain itself. Plugging it in did the trick, and within moments I was looking at my desktop icons and wallpaper. It's a rare occasion I have nothing to do; There are always plans to make, sights to see, or in today's case, reports to write. I'm busier now than I ever was in any cubicle.

But it's all good, because time flies when you're having fun. (No staring at the clock waiting for lunch hour or 5:00pm!) In fact, sometimes I wish there were more hours in the day. When simple errands like going to the market for a bite to eat takes 30 minutes one way - I'm trying to save taxi fare whenever possible - it feels like I'm always racing against time.

So between typing, eating, and time on the internet, 5:00pm rolled around in the blink of an eye. I chucked out some summer clothing that I probably won't need for the next few months to make room for the warmer gear I bought, noting that of the articles I left home with eight months ago, only two pieces remain. I gave Lou a hard look - he took up a lot of space and I know I won't be able to keep him much longer - but I wasn't quite ready to say goodbye yet and made room for him in my backpack.

Security at Xi'an's train station was unexpectectly tight. In addition to the usual x-ray machines, guards were checking IDs of every adult male. At first, I thought it was a random spot check. When they asked for mine, I took a few steps back and pretended to look for it, then trying to walk through again a minute later. Didn't work.

At this point, I have to mention I don't have any ID on me. My passport was at the Russian consulate in Hong Kong; It's been there for the last couple weeks awaiting approval from some (hopefully lenient) officer. Technically, it's illegal for me to be traveling around China without it, but most hostels and hotels will accept a photocopy without a second glance.

"[Where's the original?]" she asked when I handed her the worn piece of paper, the best I could produce.

"[It's in Beijing.]"

She studied the english for a good 15 seconds - an eternity when you're wondering whether you'll be allowed to pass - then handed the photocopy back to me.

"[Go ahead,]" she motioned, much to my relief.

Having experienced the 'luxuries' of soft sleeper, I wasn't too keen on being stuck with a hard sleeper carriage. When I saw uncomplaining elderly grandparents and young kids in the bunks below though, I sucked it up and settled into my berth. With a lurch, the train got moving, taking me and my remaining belongings westwards towards Jiayuguan.

Thanks to everyone for their support and comments! Knowing people are reading keeps me motivated to continue the updates!