I didn't expect to go to Henan this weekend. I ended up running into Nick after class who told me that he wanted me to go, so I did. Turns out, one of the participants got sick, so I took his seat. We went on hard sleepers so I went into three out of a dozen compartments to talk to people. Steven, Jessie, Eileen, Max, etc. are so funny, since a few of them are gay, and they just know how to have a good time. It was Peter's birthday, so that compartment had alot to drink. I like James Crosby for always trying to diffuse awkward situations since I was the only one not drunk. Actually Sina probably wasn't either. Talking to white Chris, asian Chris, James, Sherene, Billy (before he was asleep) was really cathartic because we never really talked before that and sleeper's high contributed or served an excuse for our honesty. We slept at 4:30 and I still woke up at 7 AM. Jogging in the morning helps me naturally wake up.
At Henan in Zhengzhou, I got a chance to talk to William. He is an English major with a dry sense of humor. People say that he's quiet, which is true, but he's more observant than people give him credit for. Since he sat next to me on the whole bus ride, I got a chance to tell him what has been on mind these past three weeks, and I really appreciated that genuinely listened to what I had to say. And he knew when to say insert his comments, which were sharp and clever. He reminds me alot of my sister, Linda, but he's alot more free spirited.
Zhengzhou was a mess. Not really a mess, I enjoyed it immensely, but our dao you was really shady. She acted alot younger than her age, which people tolerate in China, except the way she dressed and her makeup asked for attention. Apparently her second job is a matchmaker. Since that night at KTV and the coffeeshop was really messed up, I'll just tell you when I get back in the states.
Last night, Doug celebrated his birthday at Kro's Nest. I didn't go but I eventually heard about it at 12 AM last night when his body slammed at my door and I immediately woke up. When I opened the door, he was on the floor just laughing with Bennet and Aileen. We eventually got him up and he ran into his room. Jiuby on the other hand was really drunk and asked the taxi driver to bring him to Ximen which is silly because Youliao is 15 minutes away. He ended up sleeping at the Ximen gate so the police picked him up and drove him to Youliao with a smile on their face. Yup word travels fast in Youliao. But I love my hallmates because they are just true blue.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Living at Beida
This is probably the third week at Beida, and I can say I have done alot of self introspection within the time I've been here. It's been rather intentional, because before I want to avoid doing reckless things seeing that I will be here for the next four months. Specifically, I realized that I want to immerse myself with as much chinese media, tv, beida students, while community with my family on a weekly basis. That is when I feel most fulfilled. At times I feel like my fixed calendar life loses its sense of humanity, so recently I made an effort to stop being a walmart and add some good fat into my life.
Within the last few days, I've disccovered really interesting people while I've been here! Chris from Colorado is the former Rubik's cube champion. Literally, he can figure out the Rubik's cube blindfolded. You can youtube him. Another person's mom is number 3 on Barron's Most Successful (I don't remember what list). James Crosby is Bing's Crosby's relative. I met John, who is the only other Whartonite in this program, only he took a year off. Also, Rick is a consultant who wants to start up his own business in the not too distant future. He is probably the most mature person in CIEE, which is probably why I like talking to him. I noticed that ever since I became apart of Gaginang, I've talked to people alot older than me which is why I prefer talking about really serious issues in the world and people's lives. At the same time, I live at a such romantic age in my life that I can be an idealist in my views.
Within the last few days, I've disccovered really interesting people while I've been here! Chris from Colorado is the former Rubik's cube champion. Literally, he can figure out the Rubik's cube blindfolded. You can youtube him. Another person's mom is number 3 on Barron's Most Successful (I don't remember what list). James Crosby is Bing's Crosby's relative. I met John, who is the only other Whartonite in this program, only he took a year off. Also, Rick is a consultant who wants to start up his own business in the not too distant future. He is probably the most mature person in CIEE, which is probably why I like talking to him. I noticed that ever since I became apart of Gaginang, I've talked to people alot older than me which is why I prefer talking about really serious issues in the world and people's lives. At the same time, I live at a such romantic age in my life that I can be an idealist in my views.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
I found a book!
I found "The World Is Flat" for 20 kuai at the bookstore today. It was a book recommended when I attended Broad2BeAdvantage in New York. It talks about globalization and how our hierachial structure of our society is becoming less apparent because capitalism enables almost close to perfect information. For example, blogging allows people disclose the truth without media censorship or bias (although blogging can be biased but isn't influenced by factors such as a reporter's job to make it TV friendly). It mentions the fall of communism after the Berlin Wall, the internet bubble and its bust, the current competition in job markets for similar jobs between people of different nations. Highly recommend it!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Peking University Deux
Today was orientation. It seemed alot like CET over again, except with more people my age. One of the guys is actually related to Bing Crosby, the guy who sang "White Christmas". There are also six Penn people, including Ling. I had this nostalgic feeling for CET people today, and so when I ran into Ai Yun and her friend at the Peking University, I was totally surprised. She asked me why I was speaking Chinese. Yes, we have another language pledge, but it is alot more laxed.
I made another visit to Jiu Gu Lou Da Jie's Youth Hostel. We went out for Indian food, which always makes me happy. Today I was very mi mang at the dinner table. I think Siwen, Aya, and Jonathan were cracking jokes about me because I was being silly. They are cool, but I'm so naturally sensitive to their sarcasm and comments about me. Like when Siwen said for the nth time that Yi Lian is the nicer one, that struck a chord. Jonathan can make fun of me cuz his comments make me laugh, but Steven has just been mean today. An instant reaction for me is I tell people I don't care, but I do. Like don't poke fun of sensitive issues if its going to provoke me to react. I eventually hit him for saying something else, but I was pretty upset today. I just need to get a grip that its no big deal. Or people need to accept that I will never get sarcasm.
Oh about Peking University. My tutor has been helpful. She's my age. There is a baozi stand (5 bao zis for 2 kuai, or 6 mao at the official bao zi shop). I went to visit ling at her hotel/dorm. It's nice. We have TV, snacks, unlimited internet, etc. My roommate, Soo Hae, is moving out to Shao Yuan tomorrow. I will always be far from Bei Da, but I figure that this is an opportunity to learn about what's outside of the school.
Maybe its a good thing I'm starting a new program with new people. People in CET treat me as a youngin and they don't take me seriously because of the age difference. We know each other too well at this point. But thinking about how the next month is going to pass by (probably really slowly), I'm going to miss them terribly. So forget harboring bad feelings and cherish the time I have left with them.
I made another visit to Jiu Gu Lou Da Jie's Youth Hostel. We went out for Indian food, which always makes me happy. Today I was very mi mang at the dinner table. I think Siwen, Aya, and Jonathan were cracking jokes about me because I was being silly. They are cool, but I'm so naturally sensitive to their sarcasm and comments about me. Like when Siwen said for the nth time that Yi Lian is the nicer one, that struck a chord. Jonathan can make fun of me cuz his comments make me laugh, but Steven has just been mean today. An instant reaction for me is I tell people I don't care, but I do. Like don't poke fun of sensitive issues if its going to provoke me to react. I eventually hit him for saying something else, but I was pretty upset today. I just need to get a grip that its no big deal. Or people need to accept that I will never get sarcasm.
Oh about Peking University. My tutor has been helpful. She's my age. There is a baozi stand (5 bao zis for 2 kuai, or 6 mao at the official bao zi shop). I went to visit ling at her hotel/dorm. It's nice. We have TV, snacks, unlimited internet, etc. My roommate, Soo Hae, is moving out to Shao Yuan tomorrow. I will always be far from Bei Da, but I figure that this is an opportunity to learn about what's outside of the school.
Maybe its a good thing I'm starting a new program with new people. People in CET treat me as a youngin and they don't take me seriously because of the age difference. We know each other too well at this point. But thinking about how the next month is going to pass by (probably really slowly), I'm going to miss them terribly. So forget harboring bad feelings and cherish the time I have left with them.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Moving to Peking University
Today is the day I move into campus. I have 30 minutes til my time expires in the Wang Ba, so I'm making the most of yi kuai.
I had two amazing surprises within the past few days. The first surprise, I found the copy of the 24 episode Chinese drama series I started in Hangzhou. And I finished it in two days! The second surprise, Siwen's back! I was watching TV in the entertainment room and he just appeared around 1 o clock in the morning. He is back from Nei Mong Gu, all sore because of the horse back riding. And he's incredibly red, like he didn't bother using an umbrella so that's his punishment (I have an umbrella obsession). Aya and Jonathan are coming too, except they took the later train. It's kind of surreal, because I didn't expect to see any CET students anytime soon. It's funny I will run into all of them. At the last moment, I chose to not live with Jiang Ma Ma because she runs a restaurant all day and I would've been a ma fan. I guess I just love Jiu Gu Lou Da Jie's Hostel, because I'm familiar with the location plus its close to a subway station.It's good, because I have company during orientation week while I'm trying to adjust to the new environment.
Oh and something random, apparently I've been labelled. Steven now says I just pulled a Debbie if I say one buck instead of yi kuai. It's a bad habit, I should sha si it.
I also found out that youtube works at the Wang Ba! There is a disk slot for movies too! Yes!
I have time to make friends with the Lao Wai at Peking University, I'm just going to make the most of the time with my CET family. Dinner tonight (hopefully). Score.
I had two amazing surprises within the past few days. The first surprise, I found the copy of the 24 episode Chinese drama series I started in Hangzhou. And I finished it in two days! The second surprise, Siwen's back! I was watching TV in the entertainment room and he just appeared around 1 o clock in the morning. He is back from Nei Mong Gu, all sore because of the horse back riding. And he's incredibly red, like he didn't bother using an umbrella so that's his punishment (I have an umbrella obsession). Aya and Jonathan are coming too, except they took the later train. It's kind of surreal, because I didn't expect to see any CET students anytime soon. It's funny I will run into all of them. At the last moment, I chose to not live with Jiang Ma Ma because she runs a restaurant all day and I would've been a ma fan. I guess I just love Jiu Gu Lou Da Jie's Hostel, because I'm familiar with the location plus its close to a subway station.It's good, because I have company during orientation week while I'm trying to adjust to the new environment.
Oh and something random, apparently I've been labelled. Steven now says I just pulled a Debbie if I say one buck instead of yi kuai. It's a bad habit, I should sha si it.
I also found out that youtube works at the Wang Ba! There is a disk slot for movies too! Yes!
I have time to make friends with the Lao Wai at Peking University, I'm just going to make the most of the time with my CET family. Dinner tonight (hopefully). Score.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Back from Xi Dan
I know I've told people that I hate when people right about every little detail that happens in their day, but when I have alot of time to think to myself, that's what I end up doing. And you know what, I'm ok with that. I'll be hypocritical for now.
My plan today was to hit three of the major markets to go shopping before school starts: Xi Dan, Dong Si Shi Tiao, and the one across from the Dong Wu Yuan. The problem was I forgot the subway stop to the Dong Wu Yuan, eliminating one of them (the other two are subway stops). I think Steven brought me to Xi Dan's bookstore last week but I had trouble locating it, so I sui bian walked. It was really a blur because I didn't have Jenn, Ling, or Geraldine to make random comments about the clothes. Anyway, I bought tons of gifts for people, about 10 rmb for each. It might sound cheap, but bestowing a gift means alot to the dui fang. I remember yesterday when Jenn got a gift from Liu Jin, her face brightened up instantly. It's like what the main character from Hotel Rwanda said about the Carribean cigars (best movie I've seen in China). It is offering an experience and it isn't about the money. Also, these gifts are really expensive in the states. God, what a high markup.
I took sticker pictures today at Xi Dan because it reminded me of the time Thao and I went shopping in Hangzhou. We spent hours at the sticker picture booth, and although it was the cheapest expenditure we made that day, it was the most memorable. In fact, I still keep her picture and my picture on my keychain. The problem is it isn't the same when I have a picture of just myself because a sticker picture is meant to have at least two people, unless you are vain (ok we have a little vanity in all of us). When I look at my new pictures, there is a gap for another face to fill. I just felt alittle gu du today. I wonder if she's still on the Silk Road with her Bei Wai friends. Then again I feel very enervated suo yi wo mei you li qi zuo gong gong qi che qu kan ta.
Making alot of decisions on this trip has made me realized how I worry about making the right decision. It can be as easy as choosing left and right on the subway stop. I realize that even if I choose something that turns out to be worse than what I expected, I still have the opportunity to go the other way. I can't stand indecisive people, but I also can't stand people who make it seem like I don't have a choice in the matter. I like independence from a group, even if it means sometimes the only person I am talking to is myself.
Today I had a 5 minipancakes sandwiches snack with the following toppings respectively: chocolate, mango, strawberry, blueberry, and hongdou. I realize the reason why I bought it was because I saw hongdou even when I wasn't hungry. In fact, everything I bought today, from the bao zis, mantou, cake, congee, and this are all because they are comfort food. I also realize that I can eat practically the same thing everyday. Maybe I'll grow up to be an accountant because I find comfort in habit.
While I was bargaining for my gym shirt today, I said 15 kuai and the lao ban said ok. I said I wanted a sleaveless shirt for 20 kuai, she said if I buy both, then she'll charge me 40 kuai. That's less than 6 bucks in the US. There are two things weird about this situation, one the lao ban didn't complain AT ALL, and two she seemed to be really satisfied with the deal. I really wonder how low I could have gone with the price and how good of a quality the two shirts I purchased are. I thought I got the better end of the deal, but now I think she got the better end, which for some reason makes me feel cheated on.
No lao ban today asked me if I was from Korea. I think my chinese is improving! The only problem today was I took a picture at the store and a lady said that there are no pictures allowed. I was going to be kicked out, but when I said I was from America, the lady backed off. I don't exactly know what to make of the situation, but I'm glad she didn't confiscate my camera because its expensive and some footages are just amazing.
The guy next to me at the wang ba asked me if I was using the cigarette butt tray. I obviously said no, and he just blew smoke in my face. If I didn't have self control and if I wasn't me and if there were no laws in this society about beating people, I'd beat the crap out of him. Steven said its because I'm a northerner. I know I won't die directly from this cause but for peat's sake, the wang ba says NO SMOKING! and I think I have the right in this country to not inhale smoke without leaving my designated computer, right?? Ok I remember, I'm in China, and the government's fu bai, I'll leave after I write everything down. It is only 2 rmb after all (less than 33 cents an hour).
I started thinking about Jenn leaving to Lyon and thought about our conversation on the train and at xi hu. I tend to avoid situations when I don't really know how to solve the problem. She said something along the lines of maybe I should solve the problem, and I said well my approach is one of the Freudian defense mechanisms so its ok. Like it doesn't bother me when I choose to go around something instead of through it. But maybe if I think alittle bit more about solving a problem differently, then it wouldn't bother me so much when I think about it. She also said its ok to be sensitive and not get sarcasm, cuz its who I am, and I don't have to change who I am. I like that my friends accept me for me. But I also think humans can change to fit into their environment. I also like living in the present and not worrying about my future. Cuz whatever I choose to do, by all this experience, I'll have a better idea of what's a good fit for me.
Privatize or not to privatize this post, I'll figure it out later. Why do we privatize? What do we have to hide? But why do we choose to let people know our opinions? I bet Nghiep would have an explanation, but in essence I do it because I don't want to forget what makes each day memorable and I tend to lose journals because I am very hun luan. The worst case scenario is if it affects my relationships with other people. But then again, the most important relationship to me is with my family (again a hotel rwanda reference), so I think the benefits outweighs the cost.
Xi Dan was cool, but I have no energy for Dong Si Shi Tiao.
My plan today was to hit three of the major markets to go shopping before school starts: Xi Dan, Dong Si Shi Tiao, and the one across from the Dong Wu Yuan. The problem was I forgot the subway stop to the Dong Wu Yuan, eliminating one of them (the other two are subway stops). I think Steven brought me to Xi Dan's bookstore last week but I had trouble locating it, so I sui bian walked. It was really a blur because I didn't have Jenn, Ling, or Geraldine to make random comments about the clothes. Anyway, I bought tons of gifts for people, about 10 rmb for each. It might sound cheap, but bestowing a gift means alot to the dui fang. I remember yesterday when Jenn got a gift from Liu Jin, her face brightened up instantly. It's like what the main character from Hotel Rwanda said about the Carribean cigars (best movie I've seen in China). It is offering an experience and it isn't about the money. Also, these gifts are really expensive in the states. God, what a high markup.
I took sticker pictures today at Xi Dan because it reminded me of the time Thao and I went shopping in Hangzhou. We spent hours at the sticker picture booth, and although it was the cheapest expenditure we made that day, it was the most memorable. In fact, I still keep her picture and my picture on my keychain. The problem is it isn't the same when I have a picture of just myself because a sticker picture is meant to have at least two people, unless you are vain (ok we have a little vanity in all of us). When I look at my new pictures, there is a gap for another face to fill. I just felt alittle gu du today. I wonder if she's still on the Silk Road with her Bei Wai friends. Then again I feel very enervated suo yi wo mei you li qi zuo gong gong qi che qu kan ta.
Making alot of decisions on this trip has made me realized how I worry about making the right decision. It can be as easy as choosing left and right on the subway stop. I realize that even if I choose something that turns out to be worse than what I expected, I still have the opportunity to go the other way. I can't stand indecisive people, but I also can't stand people who make it seem like I don't have a choice in the matter. I like independence from a group, even if it means sometimes the only person I am talking to is myself.
Today I had a 5 minipancakes sandwiches snack with the following toppings respectively: chocolate, mango, strawberry, blueberry, and hongdou. I realize the reason why I bought it was because I saw hongdou even when I wasn't hungry. In fact, everything I bought today, from the bao zis, mantou, cake, congee, and this are all because they are comfort food. I also realize that I can eat practically the same thing everyday. Maybe I'll grow up to be an accountant because I find comfort in habit.
While I was bargaining for my gym shirt today, I said 15 kuai and the lao ban said ok. I said I wanted a sleaveless shirt for 20 kuai, she said if I buy both, then she'll charge me 40 kuai. That's less than 6 bucks in the US. There are two things weird about this situation, one the lao ban didn't complain AT ALL, and two she seemed to be really satisfied with the deal. I really wonder how low I could have gone with the price and how good of a quality the two shirts I purchased are. I thought I got the better end of the deal, but now I think she got the better end, which for some reason makes me feel cheated on.
No lao ban today asked me if I was from Korea. I think my chinese is improving! The only problem today was I took a picture at the store and a lady said that there are no pictures allowed. I was going to be kicked out, but when I said I was from America, the lady backed off. I don't exactly know what to make of the situation, but I'm glad she didn't confiscate my camera because its expensive and some footages are just amazing.
The guy next to me at the wang ba asked me if I was using the cigarette butt tray. I obviously said no, and he just blew smoke in my face. If I didn't have self control and if I wasn't me and if there were no laws in this society about beating people, I'd beat the crap out of him. Steven said its because I'm a northerner. I know I won't die directly from this cause but for peat's sake, the wang ba says NO SMOKING! and I think I have the right in this country to not inhale smoke without leaving my designated computer, right?? Ok I remember, I'm in China, and the government's fu bai, I'll leave after I write everything down. It is only 2 rmb after all (less than 33 cents an hour).
I started thinking about Jenn leaving to Lyon and thought about our conversation on the train and at xi hu. I tend to avoid situations when I don't really know how to solve the problem. She said something along the lines of maybe I should solve the problem, and I said well my approach is one of the Freudian defense mechanisms so its ok. Like it doesn't bother me when I choose to go around something instead of through it. But maybe if I think alittle bit more about solving a problem differently, then it wouldn't bother me so much when I think about it. She also said its ok to be sensitive and not get sarcasm, cuz its who I am, and I don't have to change who I am. I like that my friends accept me for me. But I also think humans can change to fit into their environment. I also like living in the present and not worrying about my future. Cuz whatever I choose to do, by all this experience, I'll have a better idea of what's a good fit for me.
Privatize or not to privatize this post, I'll figure it out later. Why do we privatize? What do we have to hide? But why do we choose to let people know our opinions? I bet Nghiep would have an explanation, but in essence I do it because I don't want to forget what makes each day memorable and I tend to lose journals because I am very hun luan. The worst case scenario is if it affects my relationships with other people. But then again, the most important relationship to me is with my family (again a hotel rwanda reference), so I think the benefits outweighs the cost.
Xi Dan was cool, but I have no energy for Dong Si Shi Tiao.
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