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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Pollution Haiku

Dark, grey, and hazy

The sun isn't visible

Hello pollution

 

Just for the record, the Air Quality Index (AQI) goes from 1-500. Beijing consistently breaks it

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2015 air

I haven't counted blue vs smog, but the fact that they look about even is unsettling  

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Shmog

Beijing air quality yesterday broke the index, coming in around 650 or so. Today it's all blue skies. I wonder if it has to do with Xi coming back from Paris. Yesterday, to prevent further smog, factories were shut down as well as restrictions on driving (through license plate regulation)

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