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.


Degen Hill Degen Hill

I’m teaching a summer class in 2 weeks and on the last day, I’m taking my students to the zoo

So to prepare, my school sent me and my assistant teacher to the Beijing zoo for a day to ‘get ready’ for our class. A lot of people say it’s a shitty zoo, but I enjoyed it. We saw a dolphin/seal show at the aquarium, and tried to explain to my assistant that in America, people eat deer & sturgeon, and that I ate Alpaca in Peru. She was confused, this coming from a girl who admitted to eating dog. Also learned that it’s illegal to hunt in China, but fishing is ok. Overall, the Beijing zoo is legit. 

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