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.
Pools And Beaches
Leaving Beijing was the best choice I made this year. I flew to Sanya, Hainan Province to hangout until my visa expires, but also found out that I get an automatic 2 month extension because of the virus. So if need be, I can stay here through the summer. I’m hoping to leave here and fly to another SE Asian country, but it all depends on when/if they open or resume visa services. Hanging out with no plans is nice but I do miss the feeling of having a schedule or something to work on or work towards. My life, like many people’s these days, is up in the air with no real idea of where it will go. COVID-19 has uprooted what resemblance of plans I had after I finished my contract at Xinhua and now I’m trying to make new ones.
At this point, the most I can do is wait until June 1 and see if countries relax their lockdown policies. If not, I’ll continue to stay in Sanya, get some sun, and go to the gym. Not bad for the time being but I’m looking forward to having “the next step” in place.
China Control Measures
I don’t know why, but I think it’s so funny that listed along every country with infected cases, they just wrote “cruise ship”
Visited my friend’s place yesterday and I had to scan a QR code, enter my phone number, and a system confirmed that I hadn’t left China in the past 2 weeks and gave me the “green arrow light” that I could enter his hutong.
Beijing Life Amid Outbreak
Glad to know China has bunkers available for… whatever bunkers are used for
Coronavirus Control Measures
Elevators in China have now started using tape to create quadrants in which to stand to avoid contact due to the coronavirus epidemic
Blue Skies Amidst The Epidemic
Despite the pretty views, Beijing is pretty dead. Some bars and restaurants are open, but KTVs, movie theaters, gyms, everything that could result in “people gathering” are closed until further notice, and people are told to stay at home. When will things go back to normal? That’s the million dollar question.
