Although we are based out of Portland, Oregon, all of our field work is conducted in China. Ever since 2010, Meghan and I collectively spend ~5 months a year in Sichuan at multiple panda bases such as Bifengxia, Dujiangyan, and Gengda. Leasing an apartment in Ya’an, which is just down the hill from our main location, we are afforded the transitional pleasantries of a kitchen, t.v., internet, and a hot shower. But, what really makes this our “second home” is all of our panda coworkers and inter-city friends.

Strolling down the street after traveling for 24+ hours, we are always greeted with smiles from the “happy-faced restaurant” or the mother/daughter shopkeepers who we buy from on a daily basis. As we sometimes stay in hotels, even the staff have gotten to know us as regulars and light up when they spot us walking in. To have such friendly people welcoming you back after a 2-3 month absence really kicks jet-lag in the butt. Case-in-point, I went to grab a quick bite to eat from Mr. Wong’s Hot Pot and unknowingly got hustled into a two-hour sit down, celebratory king’s feast. However, it did allow me to push my bedtime to 9:30 pm, which will help with the time change.

Traveling here gets easier and easier, but the winds of change are whispering in our ears and pushing us towards Gengda a little more as each season passes. I’m viewing this as a chance to expand our knowledge of this beautiful country, the amazing people and these wonderful bears. No matter where our research takes us, I will always call China my second home.