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.
This week is APEC
Apec is an economic conference of sorts, where businessmen come to Beijing to discuss how to make more money. Because of this, Beijing has put big floral arrangements around the city, signs on bridges welcoming everyone, and has somehow managed to keep the skies blue. There are rumors of rockets being shot into the sky dispersing some sort of chemical. The movie “Snowpiercer” comes to mind. With all the buzz about APEC, Chinese social media has created the acronym “Air Pollution Eventually Controlled”. I suppose there should be an asterisks stating ‘for now’