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.
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.