Today was one of those days that started with a surge of purpose and ended with the simple pleasures that come from being present in a new place. It was both an exciting and surprisingly casual day.

This morning kicked off early, 3:45am early—as I prepped for a key meeting with a client who’s not only a potential partner but also a former boss, colleague, and friend. We’ve been preparing for this PoC for the past week, and while the outcome isn’t locked in, the signs are good. August is looking promising.

The adrenaline carried me through the 7am call, but after the high, there’s always the drop. A short nap helped reset my system before I headed out on a few errands.

Back in my Seattle days, errands meant tossing the dogs in the car and zig-zagging across town—drive here, drive there, repeat. Here in Dalian, it’s a bit different. Sure, we drive to the Hilton for study and work sessions, but for most everyday needs, everything’s just a short walk away. The sheer number of small shops, bakeries, and restaurants within walking distance is incredible.

Speaking of restaurants—there’s one nearby that Xue and I visited earlier this week. It’s one of those “choose your ingredients” type of places. I ended up with a soupy mix of vegetables, soy, and meat, while Xue wisely went for the stir-fry option. I was instantly jealous. When she went to visit a friend yesterday, I took the opportunity to go back and try the stir-fry for myself.

Not only was it delicious, but the owners were so welcoming, even as we fumbled through our exchange using my translation app. You get the sense they truly enjoy feeding people—not just serving food, but caring for others through it.

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Later on, while out running errands under a relentless sun, I got a call from my business partner. We started diving into a follow-up discussion from our earlier client meeting, but the heat was too much. I ducked into a shaded area near a building, unknowingly standing in what looked like the entry lane to a.parking area

Two security guards came out, gesturing for me to move. I explained—through gestures—that I was just trying to escape the heat while finishing my call. They relented, a little begrudgingly. A few moments later, another man stepped out from inside the building. I motioned to my phone and ear as if to say, “I’m on a call,” and he politely nodded and walked away.

But then he returned. He had translated a message on his phone, offering me a seat inside their air-conditioned sales floor to finish my call. I was stunned. Just a foreigner standing in the heat—and they welcomed me in with kindness. A young woman even brought me a cup of coffee, unprompted, with cream and sugar. No expectations. Just generosity.

Small acts of kindness like that hit deep. I was truly touched.

After the call, I stopped by a local bakery I’d visited the day before. A small place with a modest selection, but everything is fresh and flavorful. I skipped over the mini hot-dog breads that seem popular here and loaded up on cranberry, walnut, and some sort of filled bread instead.

One last moment stood out today: while crossing the street near the bakery, I spotted something rare in this part of China—a pickup truck. Not just any truck either. As it passed, I saw the bold letters on the tailgate: FORD.

I smiled. You don’t see many pickups here, certainly not the big rigs that dominate American roads, but it was a little piece of home rumbling past me. Maybe there’s a sliver of truth in the idea that U.S. trade efforts are opening doors for American-made goods. Or maybe it was just one guy who loves his truck. Either way, it made me smile.

Now, back at the apartment, cooled off and full, it’s time to wrap up the investor deck and lock in the support we need to keep building.

Until tomorrow. 👋