CHINA
Country Overview:
“Love the food, hate the government”
I arrived in China in May 2013 and left August 2020. I taught English for awhile, did my master’s of politics & foreign policy at Tsinghua University, worked for a year at China Today, and then two years at Xinhua News Agency. I spent most of my time in Beijing, but also traveled to Shanghai, Wuhan, Inner Mongolia, Shenzhen, Panjin, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Qingdao, Xi’an, Sanya, Macau, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
The Color Run was on Line 14, at the Beijing Garden Expo, which was super nice
Although the sun wasn’t out, it was really hot, like humid hot. By now, I’m used to talking about scenery or the weather with the added phrase, “Despite the smog”.
The gardener was probably the most confused person at the race. Wondering why all these crazy people were running in the heat and looking like Robin Williams after trying to fly from ‘Hook’. (Remember the colored goo he lands in? Solid reference)
The Color Run 2014
Before and After. Although the Color Run was a blast, the best part was riding the subway home. It took an hour, but I had at least 15 people ask to take a picture with me. I would also see people slowly trying to sneak a picture of me, so I would immediately face them and stick out my tongue. Social norms are for losers. Riding the subway has never been more fun. As I was on an escalator, a lady turned around, saw me, screamed and jumped up a step. It was one of the funniest reactions I have had today. Consequences: Because I didn’t rinse off immediately, I am now stained with pink dye that will not wash off. It’s even harder explaining to people why I look this way without a bib number and running shoes.
