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 buildings are in a place called ‘Sanlitun’, which is a big open mall/plaza
There are a ton of bars, a huge shopping area filled with every imaginable name-brand store and it’s always busy. Located next to this nice shopping district is a dirty old building called “Ya Show” where they sell fake everything and everything is negotiable. I love it. I bought some soccer jerseys and a new pair of kicks for real cheap, only after fuddling around with Chinese numbers for a good 5 minutes trying to 'negotiate’.