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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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. 

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Guangzhou 3

Visited a temple in Guangzhou this afternoon and felt a little guilty taking pictures. Chinese people usually never take pictures of temples. I loved Guangzhou. It has a nice mix of a new and modern downtown, as well as a traditional sort of feel. With a population of 13 million, it really didn't feel like it. No one honked their horns, no traffic pile ups, not a lot of electric scooters or bicycles, and the atmosphere felt more welcoming. There were significantly more trees and greenery probably due to the higher quantities of rain, but as such, and with its proximity to the ocean, it was humid and hot. I couldn't imagine what it would be like in the summer. However, only after 2 days here, it's looking like an option after graduation. Although Beijing is the epicenter of politics for China, living there after graduation frankly seems undoable. I need a change and Shenzhen and Guangzhou were options to begin with, but this trip has moved them higher up the list. The food was terrific, both smaller populations than Beijing, cleaner air, closer to the ocean - which means better seafood and easier hubs for trips to Southeast Asia, and a warmer atmosphere. I think I liked Guangzhou so much because it didn't feel like China at all. To clarify, I wan't reminded that I was in China with every exchange. For example, people spit in napkins and then threw them away, compared to just spitting on the ground. People were also more interested in talking, whereas in Beijing, everyone is solely focused on their own life. 

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