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.
The family I spent Christmas with got me a painting of the Plaza de Armas here in Arequipa
I couldn’t have been happier to tear away the wrapping paper to reveal such a great piece of art.
Everyday for the last 3 months, through my 2nd story window, I have been saying hi to the cute neighbor who lives next to my school. I’m guessing she’s upper 20’s, but with Peruvians, it’s difficult to tell. On the last day of class, my students suggested I give her my number. Thinking quickly, I scribbled it on a piece of paper, folded it up into an airplane, and sent it sailing over to her patio. Guess who’s got a date tonight? Moral of the story: Paper airplanes serve a purpose after all.