"As I emerged from the aircraft's metallic womb and onto the scorching Chinese tarmac, a disorienting wave of familiarity washed over me, like a recurring bad dream that refuses to fade away. My senses were overwhelmed by the extreme commotion, I felt as like someone was stalking me due to the high humidity, and I was out of breath from the auditory-olfactory assault of modern China. Back in the heart of this fascinating, perplexing, intricate beast, the months that had past felt like a short, strange diversion. The sights, sounds, and smells overwhelmed my senses, blending together to form a vibrant, Technicolor dreamscape that felt as though it may swallow me whole. I could definitely hear something through the chaos: the sirens' call for me to come to this strange and distant place. A random thought crossed my mind as I struggled with my bags: what further shocks were in store for this wide-eyed, perplexed expat? The Great Wall, that iconic, serpentine monolith, loomed large in my imagination, a symbol of China's ancient, enduring power."

But this time, things were different. This time, I was prepared. 1.

A lesson in humility The first time around, I had been so convinced of my own ability to navigate this behemoth of a country that I had barely bothered to learn a few phrases of Mandarin. I mean, with Google Translate, who needs linguistic proficiency? Oh, how conceited youth can be! After a few years, I returned to China, but this time I was prepared with a good dose of humility and many hundred hours of language study under my belt. I was no longer the wide-eyed, naive expat stumbling through the streets, unsure of what to do or say.

I was a seasoned pro, ready to take on the challenges that China threw my way. That is, I believed. 2.

A new appreciation for the little things As I wandered through the bustling streets of Beijing, I found myself appreciating the little things that I had previously taken for granted. The smell of street food filling the air, the sound of people speaking in Mandarin, and warm bowls of noodles only costing 10 RMB. Everything seemed fresh and fascinating all over again, as though I had been granted fresh eyes

3. The solace of familiarity W But what struck me most was the comfort of familiarity.