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 12/14/16 Degen Hill 12/14/16

At it again

The amount of Chinese people who nap at IKEA can now officially be labeled as an epidemic

Degen Hill 4/4/16 Degen Hill 4/4/16

56

These totems represent the 56 unique ethnic groups of China, showing a man and a woman in traditional clothing. Didn't have a chance to see each and every one of them, but very interesting to see how diverse Chinese culture is all in 1 place

Degen Hill 10/8/13 Degen Hill 10/8/13

Got my guitar re-strung today and passed by Tiananmen on the way. Kodak moment whaaat?!

Degen Hill 9/20/13 Degen Hill 9/20/13

Had the day off so I thought, why not hit up the Great Wall?

Traveled to Mutianyu and it was super cool. The best part were the Chinese people dressed up in traditional military outfits saying in broken English, “Good morning, buy a beer!! It’s the Great Wall!!"

Degen Hill 3/30/13 Degen Hill 3/30/13

Peru, you never seem to disappoint