Update 1/21/13 : This is how I celebrated by 30th birthday

Update 8/23/13: This is how my sister celebrated her 30th birthday

My 30th (!!!) birthday is coming up in July, and I have one requirement- I cannot spend it in China. Small requirement, right? Ha! It’s not that China doesn’t have amazing places to visit- I’ve been living here for over a year now, and would just like something different. My birthday is still a few months away, but I’ve been thinking about where to go/what to do for a while now. Here is what I have in mind:

The Phillipines

It seems fitting that on my 30th birthday, I go back to the country of my birth. It helps that I have family there, that the people speak English, and that it’s so close to Southern China. Major con- rainy season.

Macau

Las Vegas is my favorite city in the US- it really is an adults playground. I don’t gamble, but I don’t need to to enjoy what Vegas has to offer. Plus they really know how to make you feel special-rich, poor, and in between. My Hong Kong friends promise me that, like Vegas, Macau does not disappoint. I’m intrigued by the idea of visiting Macau, but I don’t know about spending my 30th there. The plus is that it’s so close to Changping. The minus is that it’s so close to Changping.

Thailand

I. freakin’. LOVE. Thailand! I would go there in a heartbeat again. Unfortunately, my birthday is in July which puts me smack dab middle of their rainy season. Sigh.

Sweden

You already know I’m kind of obsessed with Sweden. I have a three year goal to visit the country, so why not go on my birthday? I’ve read that the weather is similar to the Pacific Northwest, which means summers there are probably pretty much perfect. I’m sure I’ll love the food, I know I love the look of their men, the landscape is breathtaking, and I’ve always wanted to visit Europe. Alas, it appears Sweden will pretty expensive. But where there’s a will, there’s a way. I can live off a Top Ramen diet for a couple of months. But even Sweden has a con- it’s not home.

Seattle

Although there are flashier cities, warmer weather, nicer beaches, and sexy Swedes elsewhere in the world, elsewhere doesn’t have my family and close friends. The two sudden deaths of people in my extended family this past year have reminded me that of all things in life, your family is the most important. I don’t need, or even want, a big, flashy party. The beaches of the PI and Thailand will still be there the day after my birthday. Sweden will continue to produce good food and attractive people ;). The more I think about it, the more I realize where I want to be when I ring in a milestone birthday is home.