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.
China Open
Rained all day so didn't get to see a match because I had tickets to the stadium with no roof. However, walked around the venue and saw the game from the tv outside. So close.
Great Hall 2
Each province in China has their own 'room' within this building and we were allowed access into the "Fujian/Xiamen" room (Where my friends girlfriend is from) as it is the 'best' room in the building. She was quite proud about this. This was also the room (we were told) where Xi and Premier Li meet to hold discussions. So naturally we sat in the chairs and tried to look authoritative. Both the murals are woven, which made them that much more impressive upon further examination. The finale included a trip to the roof where we could overlook Tiananmen and Mao Zedong's Mausoleum. This was definitely a tour to be remembered, although I'm hesitant about wether or not to show these to the world. Enjoy them while they lasts.
Great Hall of the People
My roommate teaches English to a government official, so although the Great Hall of the People was closed, he gave us a private tour. This place is massive, and just as expected, it feels like a Communist government building. High ceilings, ornate decorations, extravagant chandeliers - only the best for the world's politicians. We went into a room called the "Gold Room" where Obama, Putin, Merkel, etc all come to meet and shake hands with the almighty Xi Jinping.
Wedding
Went to a Chinese wedding and it was super different compared to most Western weddings. Seemed like a business transaction. Whole thing lasted an hour. Biggest thing that stood out to me was the hired "host" which basically narrated the whole thing in a "tell 'me what they won Jonny" sort of voice. The ceremony went like this: Introductions, ceremony with parents, the whole "I do" plus kiss, and then it was over. During lunch, because the wedding started at 10am, the bride and bridesmaid went to every table and raised a toast, at which point everyone gave her a red envelope filled with cash. This is their version of a gift registry. Envelopes were then sneakily handed to bridesmaid and the bride then gave everyone a piece of candy that she first had to open. Then we all went home. No live music, no open bar, no dancing. All business here in Beijing.
More from Shanghai
My 3 English friends had never been to Hooters beore, so we told the waitress it was one of their birthdays and he thoroughly enjoyed it
The Bund
Walked all over Shanghai today looking for a gym, and found one in a hotel that I snuck into. After, made my way to the bund. Amazing sight.
Update: Shanghai was amazing. The city, the people, the environment, it was just so refreshing after being in Beijing for so long. The city feels more natural, less controlled - probably because all the government buildings are located in Beijing. Shanghai is more green, with trees on every street. There were noticeably less electric scooters and less people blaring their car horns. The street lights had timers on them so cars knew how much longer that green light would last, making it also easier for pedestrians to gauge if they can make it across the street or not. It might sound like a small thing, but this is a huge problem in Beijing - pedestrians. They operate in a 'mob-mentality' regardless of the color of the light. Shanghai was literally and figuratively a breathe of fresh air and I will certainly be open to looking for jobs there upon graduation
Chinese class
2 Germans, a Russian, guy from Belarus, an Italian, and the polish girl was late. Headed to Shanghai tomorrow for Mid-Autumn festival - the holiday where factories who produce moon cakes finally have something to do.
Llama Temple
Llama temple. The big Buddha was 4 stories high. You walk through and there are 5 different sections to pray in. Light 3 incense each time in the provided flame, pray, then throw the incense into a big box. Rinse and repeat.
Tsinghua Art Museum
I am now a writer for the Official Tsinghua wechat account and had an all-access pass to the new Tsinghua Art Museum to write an article about it. The featured exhibit is 60 of Da Vinci's original works.