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.
The smog is no joke
On a somewhat related note, Chinese people smoke like chimneys. I’d go even as far to say they smoke more than Europeans. Maybe it’s the same smoker to non-smoker ratio as anywhere else, but because there are so many people, it feels like a lot.
Oh, and finding Westernized toilets in public places is rare. Don’t worry, I’ll get a picture on here soon enough.
SMOOOOGG
People aren’t kidding when they talk about how dirty the air here is in Beijing, China. I am currently in a battle against nasal congestion, coughing, and a hoarse voice from singing ‘Old Macdonald had a farm’ 10 times a day. The other teachers are quite supportive saying, “Normal, everyone gets super sick, then they either adapt or continue being sick”. As I sit here with a runny nose, I’m certainly hoping my immune system steps it up a bit.
Beijing just keeps going and going until the skyline gets lost in the ‘clouds’ #it'srealdirty