Chinese medicine and other experiences

Sep. 25th 2003

I would give all the tea in china to be there in person but unfortunately this much suffice.

I have escaped from the cold clutch of death. With a mighty effort and the help of numerous asian drugs, I defeated that loathsome ailment which crippled my body. However, my little cough gave me an excellent reason to have acupunture done. The experience was something out of a vietnam war movie starring charlie sheen. As I entered the dilapidated hospital, I was instantly taken back by the strong stench of sweating, yelling, angry chinese people. After entering, I was escorted up to the acupunture ward. It was my good fortune that the doctor spoke enough english to explain that I would not be seriously harmed in the procedure. There is no greater rush than having a needle stuck in your navel. Overall, I believe that the treatment was a success. My yin and yang have never felt more balanced.

This past week I have started my classes at the da xue (university). At first, I thought the teacher was speaking in tongues. It was only after 2 days that I realized she was speaking chinese. It took me another day to find out that she was talking to me in chinese. At this rate I will have mastered the language in about 2 weeks.

I managed to haggle myself a bike to get me to class each morning. I named the bike White Lightning after the horse I always wish I had. Besides its rusty jagged edged frame there was never a better stead.

Lastly, I have managed to indulge my craving for western cuisine. I went to the only mexican restaurant in Beijing. A burrito never tasted so sweet. I am now good for another few weeks.

Sincerely learning chinese,