Stream of Consciousness

Before I post about the last few days, a few thoughts.

A speaker today had some final words that stuck with me. "When people know each other there is no war, there is peace."
Coming to China to learn about Asian culture and history is an unreal experience. I've read about China and have seen it on the news, but being here and seeing the things I learn about in lecture that day is incredible. Teachers of mine have said if you want to learn a language fluently, you must go live in the country in which it is spoken. I think a similar concept applies to learning about history, and especially about culture. I have met people both my age and older (like today at the home I made dumplings in, but more about that later) and I am able to ask them their opinions on issues ranging from the globalization of fast food in China (my possible research topic) to how a typical weekend night is spent. I have also been able to hear firsthand accounts from those involved in historical events such as the cultural revolution. It's going to be difficult to go back to learning history from a book now that I am in a situation where I am able to gain a more well rounded perspective.
I find that when I visit a place it becomes a part of me in the sense that I am much more interested in what is happening in the country when I go home and I will stop and read articles about the places I have been instead of skipping over them. China is constantly in the news and as Kristen said last night, we are here in a time of rapid development. It is a still developing country and we are seeing history. I can't wait to read about what is happening and be able to say "Hey I saw/heard about that when I was in China. This is what it is and this is why it is important." I feel after leaving here I will have a more concrete opinion on issues facing China, whereas when I read about them at home I have a strictly Western perspective from which to asses what I read. Chris (for future reference Professor Christine Gilmartin is our professor, but some of us call her Chris) said that she finds that the US media often demonizes China and the government. I have to admit, the Chinese (that I've met so far) seem much more content with their lives and have more freedoms than I previously thought. I still have a village and other cities to visit-so we will see if this is true.

After one week here I feel very comfortable in Beijing. I expected the culture shock much worse than I imagined. The Chinese people have been very helpful. I heard from some people that the Chinese were rude, spit, and pushed (the last two are true and I will elaborate later). I felt like a lot of the world, there would be a distaste for the West, but I find except for a few pictures taken of my fellow Caucasians and African Americans there is no harm. I am AWFUL at Chinese, but I really do want to learn. Kristen pointed out how beneficial it would be to be able to communicate with 1/6 of the world population. I could see myself hanging out in Asia for awhile-whether it be studying or living. I need a translator/boyfriend though.



Beijing is a HUGE city. I don't really understand the size of it. It's like LA that you can't walk around it b/c it's so spread out. I also don't understand the architecture. There as modern buildings that are beautiful and then random apartment buildings. It seems that there is so rhyme or reason. This is dialogue I imagine:
"Hey, I have an idea. Let's build something in that empty space."
"Okay, what?"
"How about a HUGE modern mall?"
"But isn't that a 2000 year old palace next to it? Won't that be weird?"
"No"
"Okay, let's do it!"
There is this one place we always pass in taxis that is a gorgeous modern glass building and right in front of between the sidewalk and the street is a 2 story apartment building/shanty facing the main busy road. (Think A1A for Ft. Lauderdale busy). Weird.
Is it a beautiful city? I'm still struggling with this. There are parts that are gorgeous-the Forbidden City, all the temples, the parks, modern architecture, the houtangs, etc, but also parts with u-g-l-y buildings.

ALSO the first few days I was here I was confused because the sky was clear and blue. I thought maybe people overhyped the smog.

I was wrong.

I now constantly feel dirt in my nose. I expect my snot to be black. Gross, sorry. My friends who run say they have a hard time breathing.


I am currently accepting applications for an Asian boyfriend to give me Asian babies. (Not now mom, in the future.) Keith, a Filipino guy on my trip keeps denying me. I learned yesterday in a lecture that I can't adopt till 30 and married. 30 is far, but marriage is WAY further. I am also accepting applications for a fake husband to adopt with. Pay to be determined based on if you change diapers or not. Here is a picture of Keith and my Asian baby. (If you think I'm creepy wait until you hear Dave's song called "Get in my Bag" about his "Kinderbag" for stealing children.)


The speaker today also said something funny,
"Do you know China has a great wall? Great Wall is useless."
(Referring to how the wall can't protect China from modern threats)

This was a long entry. Kudos (or in Chinese Han Hoa -very good) if you read it, but I bet you skimmed. Fair enough-this is mostly for me anyway. If you read it, 10 points for you
My next one will be about what you guys care about-what I did.

H