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.
Korean New year
One of the first countries to celebrate 2017 and my roommate and his Korean girlfriend couldn't get enough of the annual Korean New year award show
Hot pot
So usually hot pot restaurants have a gigantic menu and you just write down the number of items you want next to the description. This place, however, had a different method. Each item had a plastic replica with a corresponding poker chip that you simply place into a bowl. Afterwards, including chips for drinks, you hand the bowl to the waitress, go sit down, and everything arrives in a matter of minutes. It's quite useful in avoiding that language barrier that inevitably occurs in restaurants with a Chinese only menu.
Christmas in Wudaokou
Stationary bikes were in front of each of the letters encouraging people to pedal in order for the letters to light up.
At it again
The amount of Chinese people who nap at IKEA can now officially be labeled as an epidemic
Cafeteria food
Curry stew over rice on a banana leaf with chopped fried chicken on top and a side of sprouts.