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.

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Duolingo Haiku Contest

While updating the app, I noticed they were having a contest asking for submissions of a haiku about why I was learning a different language. Here are my two submissions:

1. There's a girl I love

But she only speaks Chinese

#languagebarriers

2. Learning Italian

Because I've always wanted

To talk with my hands

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Japanese ramen & a quirky bathroom sign. It’s actually a lot more clever in Chinese

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As someone who is trying to learn how to write Chinese characters, I can say that this guy was killing it

Not to mention he is writing them upside down. He was a street beggar and this is definitely a way to get attention.

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Learning how to change Chinese characters into radicals

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They sure do

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I’ve been going through this “phrase a day” thing and came across this entry

When asked “Are you married?” Chinese people don’t reply “No”, they say, “Not yet” which is such a Chinese thing to say. So many Chinese people have an expectation to get married. Notice the affirmative answer as well, “I’m already married”, as in “Yes I’ve already achieved this and don’t need to worry about it anymore”.

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Chinese Proverb

Drinking with a dear friend, a thousand shots are too few; talking with a disagreeable person, half a sentence is too many

Degen Hill 7/18/14 Degen Hill 7/18/14

Correct..

Me:So what do you eat during the morning?
Student:Breakfast
Me:What do you eat at night?
Student:Dinner
Me:What do you eat during the afternoon?
Student:Fish

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My 9 year olds gave me this before they left for vacation

Still have no idea what it means. Anybody know Chinese?

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I looooove ‘Holiydays’… At first I thought they were trying to be clever, but after thinking about it for a good 5 seconds, I realized they just can’t spell. Happy 2014 from Beijing!!

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Thanks for the compliment

Degen Hill 10/16/13 Degen Hill 10/16/13

Close but not quite...

Student 1: I am happy!
Student 2: I am angry!
Me: What am I?
Student 3: You are Chinese boy!

Didn't see that one coming