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.
Summer Place Swim
If it's good enough for Mao to swim here, by all means, it's good enough for me
Summer Palace - Beijing
Since everything is closed during Spring Festival, and everyone returns to their hometowns, seemed like an ideal time to check out the new Summer Palace. This place is actually pretty big. Full of tea rooms, temples, places to hangout, guard towers, with a giant lake located in the middle. I bet this would have been a pretty legit place to come chill at back in the day. Now it's full of Chinese tourists, selfie sticks, and people commenting on me wearing shorts. Come on guys, 11 degrees Celsius isn't that cold.
