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.
This is called “pidandoufu” which is preserved egg (blue-ish color) in between tofu with dried fish on top
This is probably the fanciest version of the dish I’ve seen. Usually it comes on a small plate all mixed together served as an appetizer. Oh, and a giant Buddha statue in the middle of the mall
Rained for a bit this afternoon and lo and behold, a rainbow. The streets were filled with people taking pictures, so here is a collection of pictures I took as well as stole from social media
Was an extra in a Cadilliac commercial this morning at 4am
I played the part of a paparazzi as “the talent” walked out of a book signing. Basically got paid a lot of money to press the flash button on a camera. Cool to see how everything worked and how many people are actually involved in a production like this. Looking forward to seeing the end result soon!
View from my Chinese classroom
A lot of small companies and businesses here in Beijing are located in apartment rooms. As you exit the elevator, the walls are covered in plaques, logos, and advertisements for said companies.
As someone who is trying to learn how to write Chinese characters, I can say that this guy was killing it
Not to mention he is writing them upside down. He was a street beggar and this is definitely a way to get attention.
Beijing Won!
Beijing beat Hangzhou 4-0. Fantastic match for Chinese soccer. Discounted pizza due to the win afterwards was a good way to end the evening
Men’s jeans in China
Forget boot cut or husky, finding a “straight” requires them to rummage in the back only to find a “straight” in the smallest size possible
