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.
Christmas 3
"My girlfriend doesn't let me go out often, but when I do, I'm a god damn loose cannon" as my buddy unnecessarily stated. At one point I remember seeing him on stage, turning around and then loudly asking "Where did he get a tambourine?!" The live band was great and nice to see a bunch of Westerners out and about for Christmas in China.
Christmas 2
Had a quick poker game after dinner, raising the blinds every 15 minutes, which in hindsight did speed the game up but wasn't the bet way to play
De Niro in Taxi Driver
Only foreigners understood the costume but I wouldn’t expect Chinese people to have seen a Scorsese classic. For as much as people say that Halloween isn’t celebrated in China, it was a wild night in Beijing
Happy New Year!
As people slowly start to catch their flights back home for the Chinese New Year, Beijing slowly begins to shut down. Restaurants board up their windows and stack the chairs while others merely put up a sign which I assume says, “Happy New Year”. The streets seem a bit less crowded and by Friday, I’m sure they will be empty. My gym closes in 2 days and for that first week of February, I’m not sure the word ‘bored’ will even come close to the way I will feel. Happy Chinese New Year!
Company party
Had a lot of Chinese girls come up to me and drunkenly yell, ‘Oh you’re that guy on the website’ 'Yep..’ So this is what fame feels like
After complaining repeatedly about the lack of beer choices in Arequipa, Peru, I suppose I should show what I was comparing it to. This is part of the beer aisle in a Fred Meyer in Boise, Idaho. Choices for days.