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.

Degen Hill 9/12/17 Degen Hill 9/12/17

Back to America

For the first time in over four years, I’m going to back to America for my father’s wedding in San Francisco from September 27th to October 2nd. Am I nervous? Sure. Here are some things that I expect to be bothersome or what I think I’ll find strange:

Using American money, and for that matter, money. Everything I pay for, including groceries, my rent, utility bill, drinks, I use my phone. China is truly transforming into a cashless society.
Listening in on other people’s conversations. If I don’t listen carefully, then I can’t understand Chinese people, which makes sitting in a restaurant or bar with my English speaking friends feel very comfortable. But when I occasionally hear another foreigner speak English, I automatically hear and understand what they are saying, which is annoying.
Not being able to get around on my scooter. I ride that thing around 25km per day. To work, the gym, a bar, a date, to the grocery store. Best thing I’ve bought in China.
Seeing so many white people. In Beijing, I stand out. At times, most of the time, I’m the only white person in an area.
Chatting with people whose native language is English, but aren’t my friend. I casually chat in Chinese to the taxi driver or the lady at the bank, but the only English I speak in China is with my friends, girls I know, or the people I work with. There aren't any day-to-day formalities using English
The structure and rigidity of America scare me. The police, people following the rules of the road, no electric scooters, people wait their turn in line. It’s annoying that people here in China don’t do it, but at the same time, that’s what I’ve become accustomed to.
Shopping. I’m on vacation; I’m going to shop. But even here in Beijing, 90% of my shopping is done online, thanks to Taobao. Clothes, shoes, furniture, pens, it has everything.
Seeing my family
The air quality. Let’s face it, Beijing has shit air, so it's going to be weird being back somewhere that isn’t polluted
Not having my routine. In Beijing, I have a pretty regular schedule. Work, gym, dinner, and on some days, I have a livestream show (part-time job). It will be weird being on vacation in a country that I used to call home

Wedding

Went to a Chinese wedding and it was super different compared to most Western weddings. Seemed like a business transaction. Whole thing lasted an hour. Biggest thing that stood out to me was the hired "host" which basically narrated the whole thing in a "tell 'me what they won Jonny" sort of voice. The ceremony went like this: Introductions, ceremony with parents, the whole "I do" plus kiss, and then it was over. During lunch, because the wedding started at 10am, the bride and bridesmaid went to every table and raised a toast, at which point everyone gave her a red envelope filled with cash. This is their version of a gift registry. Envelopes were then sneakily handed to bridesmaid and the bride then gave everyone a piece of candy that she first had to open. Then we all went home. No live music, no open bar, no dancing. All business here in Beijing.