#doktorart

What a unique form of happiness: to walk along New York streets in dazzling sun and have right to say "It's part of my research on multiple modernities".

Somehow I wish T. was right few days ago, when she said with compassionate smile "At least Shanghai is covered with this disgusting smog and you won't feel too broken hearted to leave". Somehow I knew already back then it won't be true, because Shanghai has always been giving me these beautiful departure smiles. Such as today. With fire crackers to scare off all the ghosts who might have tried to get on my way and keep me away too long. With a morning sunbeam getting into my room and bed for the first time since I've moved into this room. Thank you Shanghai. For this, and for this beautiful year. And for everything since that September long ago when I arrived here as a lost student. Hopefully I'll be back very soon and I won't be a student anymore!

Best introduction I ever got at the party: "Have you met before? That's Polish chief expert on Shanghai".

I know I'm exceptionally blessed with my Teachers, but when one of them spontaneously invites me to have a conversation about research on Modernism in Shanghai over a cup of afternoon tea and chocolate cake with chocolate ice cream, I somehow feel even more blessed!