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.
As Fall slowly fades away, I’m preparing for November 15th, when central heating for Beijing finally turns on. Pollution for the next 3 months is worth a warm winter, right? Ironic that as I was posting this I received a notification from my AQI app warning me of ‘heavy pollution’. GOOD TIMES BEIJING! Keep 'em coming…
Rained for a bit this afternoon and lo and behold, a rainbow. The streets were filled with people taking pictures, so here is a collection of pictures I took as well as stole from social media
The Color Run was on Line 14, at the Beijing Garden Expo, which was super nice
Although the sun wasn’t out, it was really hot, like humid hot. By now, I’m used to talking about scenery or the weather with the added phrase, “Despite the smog”.
The gardener was probably the most confused person at the race. Wondering why all these crazy people were running in the heat and looking like Robin Williams after trying to fly from ‘Hook’. (Remember the colored goo he lands in? Solid reference)