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.

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Hello Kitty exhibit with my birth year?! Picture was mandatory

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This basically says “hey man, we’ll be brothers in another life”

Found on a coke can in Beijing, which I thought was unique because only in Asia do they have the widespread belief of reincarnation. This would never be written on a coke can in the western world. So here you go, something unique from China

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Zongzi

‘Zongzi’ - the traditional food of Dragon Boat Festival. Mixed fruit or meat with rice wrapped in some kind of leaves. I hate them, but most Chinese people love them. This big pot of them was on the counter of a 7/11.

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Gutter Oil

I don’t want to say these guys are harvesting waste to make gutter oil, but I’m also not prepared to assume anything else. It’s moments like these that reassure my decision not to eat at the restaurant next to my apartment.

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Happy Dragon Boat Festival!

Lunch was tofu and raw fish over rice. Happy Father’s Day too! Not sure if it’s celebrated in China, but as an American, shoutout today goes to my padre!

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Turn lanes keep going despite the red light while those who have the green get blocked. Glorious day for a cyclist to weave in and out of the stuck cars

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Torrential downpour and streets were partially flooded this afternoon

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The coins of China

First coins are still 1 cent, but an older version and also made of a different material, feels like aluminum. Coins are 10 cents, 50 cents, and 1 Rmb. Although they are marked as 1 jiao, 5 jiao, and 1 yuan. The flower also seems to grow based on the value of the coin.

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You know you’ve been in Beijing too long when taking pictures of blue skies seems blog-worthy

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My stomping grounds

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This is Malatong

You choose all the raw ingredients sort of like Mongolian BBQ style, then they boil it in a broth and serve it as a ramen style soup. Delicious

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As summer rolls in, I am now on these company fans that will be handed out to hundreds of Chinese people

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A new non-smoking ban will supposedly “take effect” tomorrow, June 1st

So hanging no smoking signs on the Birds Nest was apparently the best idea to support the campaign. Although it’s important to get the message across, the stadium does seem to resemble a giant ashtray…

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Pug is alive and well

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Shuangjing, Beijing, China

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The Wicker Man

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Bought a pug for my girlfriend’s birthday

Her previous pug died earlier this year and I felt so bad, I figured a puppy would help her and her family out. I consider it a shining accomplishment that I was able to find a male puppy pug in Beijing without speaking fluent Chinese.