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.
Take-out Thai for dinner
Rice, grilled chicken over cucumbers with a spicy garlic sauce and a Thai beef salad.
Cheap hot pot place was amazing
Choose spicy or non spicy broth, choose what you want to cook, then go for it.
Upon landing in Beijing, a German girl turned to me and said, ‘So cloudy today!’
I explained that this was 'smog’ and was full of pollutants. She didn’t look so eager to be out and about in Beijing as she had before learning what smog was.
My Fixed gear got stolen yesterday on the 4th of July
They left the lock they cut though, so that was nice of them. Watched the video camera footage and was able to identify them as a Chinese male. I’ve accepted the fact that it’s gone, Beijing has it now and that’s what it is.
Oh Beijing..
I’ve been in Beijing for a year now and here are some strange (personal judgement) things that I have seen or encountered:
- 20 something year old girls hold hands while walking together. Everywhere, the street, malls, bars, etc. At first I thought Beijing just had a bunch of lesbians, but it was later explained to me that ‘This is what Chinese girls do when they are friends’
- Babies don’t wear diapers and poop on the street
- A lot of girls are scared to go/stay out past 10:30. My buddy calls them 'Those solar-powered types’
- If you shop anywhere except a retail or department store, most prices of things are negotiable
- Right on red might as well be a green light because cars don’t stop for anything as they whip around the corner
- Some girls will be wearing a nice outfit, only to also wear those 'trucker’ style hats with some bedazzled design on them. To me, it’s like wearing a suit with flip flops.
- Everybody smokes everywhere
- Today I learned that in Chinese, America means 'Beautiful country’ and China means 'Middle country’.
- People constantly touch other people in the gym as a sign of admiration of their muscles
- Everyone says 'Buh-bye’
And with that, I’m off to Brazil in 3 days
