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.
Over and over
Maintenance. That necessary annoyance that we all make time for. Figuring out where in our busy schedules we have 20 minutes to drop something off at the store or pick something up in order to solve our problem. A pipe breaks, a cable frays, something goes *pop*. The unexpected happens and we either figure it out or we don't. We solve it or we accept the loss. We complain or we quietly accept what my father always said, "There are 2 rules in life. Rule 1: Life's not fair. Rule 2: Can't do anything about the first rule".