CHINA
Country Overview:
"A land of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet rapid modernization, and delectable cuisine coexists with complex political realities."
My seven-year journey in China, from May 2013 to August 2020, was a whirlwind of experiences. I taught English, pursued my Master's in Politics & Foreign Policy at the prestigious Tsinghua University, and immersed myself in the media landscape at China Today and Xinhua News Agency. Beijing was my home base, but my travels painted a vibrant tapestry of China's diverse landscapes and cultures: the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, the historic city of Xi'an, the tropical paradise of Sanya, the unique blend of East and West in Macau and Hong Kong, and countless other destinations in between. From savoring the exquisite flavors of regional cuisines to navigating the intricacies of daily life under a distinct political system, China left an indelible mark on me.
Finally...
Moving into Fall weather here in Beijing. The days aren’t humid, cool breezes blow by and there were actual clouds in the sky, compared to the usual haze of smog. I’m told that September/October are the best months for Beijing weather. All too soon, Winter hits and the air is yellow because everyone is running their heaters 24/7.
Headed to Mongolia in a week or so for a visa run. Not too exciting, just your run of the mill border crossing after countless hours on a charter bus. It’ll be nice to get out of Beijing though.
I don’t know what’s more disgusting, the thought of cheese lobster flavor, or the creepy picture of nacho cheese being poured all over a lobster
It’s not just thick, it’s ESPECIALLY THICK!!! You’d think that million dollar companies would spend a little more money on the marketing team and hire someone who actually speaks English to correct the translations.
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)
SOO many people wanted to take pictures with me, probably because I was COVERED in colors
I got hit hard during the race. I did two tv interviews with local Chinese crews, and had countless photographers (and random people) ask to take pictures of or with me. Everyone was in super high spirits after the race. It’s nice being a part of something bigger than yourself once in awhile.
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.
2 highlights from the Beijing Zoo today. SUPER hot, but that didn’t stop thousands of Chinese people from going. Quick observation, I’ve never seen so many push each other to get a glimpse of a giraffe.
Color Run is tomorrow and I’m stoked. I hate running, but it’ll be a good reason to be outside and see a new area of Beijing.
Qianmen. Pretty sure it’s a government building because it’s HUGE and wider than it is tall. Seems to be a recurring theme for Chinese government architecture.
Headed to the Zoo tomorrow to wrap up my summer class. It’s been a pretty wild week. We learned about bones, created caterpillars from bottle caps, and made spider hats. This is my job.
Ting Bu Dong...
I know it’s coming, I can see it before it even happens. Some Chinese girl on a bike comes flying through the intersection, I yell, but since I’m on a fixed gear and she doesn’t know how to use her brakes, we crash. I help her up and she starts yelling at me in Chinese. Within 2 minutes, there are at least 20 Chinese people around us, taking in the bilingual yelling match. She is yelling about her broken high heel and bike basket which got dented. I ask her if she wants money and she says no, but she wants me to give her a new shoe and basket. Sorry, I’m fresh out of those. I explain that I have to go to work, but of course no one understands. I also tell her that it takes 2 people to crash and although I am the foreigner, I am not solely responsible for the accident. I had planned to just ride off but there are now 30 people circled around us and I have no where to go. Some old man says I should give her 500 Yuan. WHAT? I tell him to promptly ‘Fuck off’. I end up giving her 26 Yuan, and slowly squeeze my way through the throng of people hoping no one chases after me. I can’t stand (the majority of) Chinese motorists and people on bikes. I would call them cyclists, but cyclists at least have an understanding of how to use a bike. On a lighter note, my fixed gear took no damage. Total crashes so far: 1