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.
Campus was a madhouse today
Chinese students had registration and the streets of Tsinghua were filled with tents selling cheap dorm supplies. Bowls, plastic bins, fans, electrical outlets, weird bamboo mattress pads, cups; and the throng of 1000+ Chinese students and family (including extended) were all about it. I officially register tomorrow and am curious if the foreign students will be as crazy as their chinese counterparts.
New Chinese student registration today
Guy tells me gym is closed. I nod my head, sneak into the closed door, and enjoyed a workout in absolute silence
Some pictures from Tsinghua campus
Dorm room, main building, statue outside the gym facility, and the guy in the backpack finished a study abroad at Harvard and helped me figure out where I was. Chinese guy at the gym came up and introduced himself and offered to help show me around. People on campus are super friendly with helping me figure things out. Tsinghua campus is giant and all of the sudden I feel much better about buying an E-bike