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.
First few days in Beijing, China
Guy in my training class is from Cuba and of course, he only wants to speak Spanish with me. He’s been in and out of China for quite some time, speaks great Chinese and has taken it upon himself to be my official city guide. Rode a subway for the first time today after getting directions in Spanish from a girl from Spain. What are the odds? The Subway system here is phenomenal. I can get anywhere I want to go in a matter of minutes for around 30 cents. I don’t think I’ll ever take a taxi again.
I’m definitely spelling this wrong but Beijing has really old parts of the city called ‘Hu-toons’ (?) and they are exactly what you would imagine when China still had emperors. It was cool to see a different side of Beijing rather than giant skyscrapers and loud streets.