Arrival
With only slimmest faith in Air Canada, I traversed an entire continent and a big pond. The journey was excruciatingly long and smelly; however, I am pleased to announce that I survived the long trip to Beijing
After living here a week I have discovered 3 truths.
1. The only thing worse than the pollution here is the driving of taxi drivers.
2. I have spoken more Chinese in a day than I have in an entire year of Chinese classes at NYU.
3. Jet lag should be classified as an ailment equivalent to SARS.
My first day was very interesting. I was pleased to discover than I was not going to be living in a shack beside the reservoir. Instead, I have a pre-furnished apartment with running water and a dvd player (dvds only cost 1 dollar). I met my new roommate, Israel. He is southern gentleman from Nashville who is learning Kung Fu. That night, lacking 34 hours of sleep, I went out with some fellow westerners to the bar district. It was there that I realized that china was the land of the paradox. People drive around in Mercedes and text message on $300 dollar phones on one side of the street. On the other side, there is a two year old girl who is tugging on your pant leg for 10 minutes asking for 20 cents.
This week has had its ups and downs. Currently, I am recovering from a nasty fever that totally incapacitated me. Already, I am craving a pb&j sandwich as a relief from the accustomed. Yet, I am growing accustomed to the Beijing life.
Before I depart, I would like to announce that if you come tobeijing
Sincerely in Beijing,
Jason
After living here a week I have discovered 3 truths.
1. The only thing worse than the pollution here is the driving of taxi drivers.
2. I have spoken more Chinese in a day than I have in an entire year of Chinese classes at NYU.
3. Jet lag should be classified as an ailment equivalent to SARS.
My first day was very interesting. I was pleased to discover than I was not going to be living in a shack beside the reservoir. Instead, I have a pre-furnished apartment with running water and a dvd player (dvds only cost 1 dollar). I met my new roommate, Israel. He is southern gentleman from Nashville who is learning Kung Fu. That night, lacking 34 hours of sleep, I went out with some fellow westerners to the bar district. It was there that I realized that china was the land of the paradox. People drive around in Mercedes and text message on $300 dollar phones on one side of the street. On the other side, there is a two year old girl who is tugging on your pant leg for 10 minutes asking for 20 cents.
This week has had its ups and downs. Currently, I am recovering from a nasty fever that totally incapacitated me. Already, I am craving a pb&j sandwich as a relief from the accustomed. Yet, I am growing accustomed to the Beijing life.
Before I depart, I would like to announce that if you come to
Sincerely in Beijing,
Jason
posted by Jason | 3:29 PM
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