He awoke me early. In my pajamas I was to stay.

Still a haze outside, sheltered us from the harsh reality of day.

We made our way through city streets, shifting between tall buildings and urban gardens.

Graceful people were fluid in their movements of tai chi.

Mysterious and dream-like was our walk.  Was I still sleeping?

Finally to our destination we came.

A small restaurant, filled with chattering people, had breakfast waiting for us. 

Soft eggs with a tantalizing hot sauce drizzled over it, rice porridge, and a delicious glass of soy milk.

Simple breakfast. Best break fast, filled with memories and stories from the past.

My husband was last there nearly 25 years ago. 

A small child, with the proper Yuan in hand, he would journey there to purchase breakfast for his family.

Pride filled his story. Pride filled his face.

We were now there together forging forward in a new chapter of life.

Yet still cherishing the spirit of the past.