I am always learning about China because China is always changing.  Five years now, I have been spending time in Enchanting China, but each time it feels like a different place!  To keep up and to understand, I read, and here’s a book I really recommend:  Age of Ambition:  Chasing Fortune, Truth and Faith in the New China by Evan Osnos.  “In 1949, the average life expectancy was 36 and the literacy rate was 20%.  By 2012, life expectancy was 75 and the literacy rate was above 90%.”(p. 151).  An amazing success story whether you like the Chinese form of governance or not.  And little wonder that people are beginning to create more greater comfort for themselves.  My personal experience is that Chinese of all ages are proud of their country’s accomplishments, a little confused about exactly where they fit in, and super excited about the future.  As am I, because I will be returning again in 2018 to teach at USTC in Hefei.