Hey there everyone! We just got back from Beijing 2 days ago and I already miss the place. It has made a good impression on me. The atmosphere is very laid back compared to other major cities like Chicago and New York. I think this is because the way the city is laid out. All of the big, important buildings are a lot shorter than Chicago's skyscrapers and the streets are very wide. I didnt feel any of that city stress when I was walking around, because all of the people are spread out.This is not the only reason why I loved this city so much. We saw all of the major hot spots like Tianamen Square, the Great Wall, The Forbidden City, the new CCTV building (look at pictures the architecture is awesome!),the Summer Palace, and all the cool shops around the city. What impressed me the most is the music scence out there. A music shop on every corner. Compared to Xian it's exploding throughout the city. My roomate and I tried to check out a show at the MAO Livehouse but the power happened to go out when we got there, so we walked the streets and found some interesting bars like "Beijing's Smallest Bar" haha. That's what it's called. We couldnt find any other shows to go to while we were there, which was dissapointing cuz that was one of my goals to accomplish while I was out there. I was told there is a show almost everyday but, of course with our luck, we couldnt find one.
We tried the famous Beijing duck and it was delicious. The other food was good but it didnt settle too well with my system so I dont think I will miss it too much. I was craving Xian for the rest of the trip. Suprisingly, I find the cafeteria food to be the best in the city haha. I think I will be missing it when I come home. No more waking up at 12 and walking right over to the cafeteria to get one of their famous egg sandwiches.
The days are flying by now that I know I have less than a month left. I miss my family and friends a lot but I dont really miss being in my hometown. Can't you all just come and see me here in China, so I dont have to leave? I think coming to China is the best thing I have done so far. I sure will miss it.
For the next few weeks I am going to try and explore most of Xian. I feel like I havent seen it all , so I will be squeezing in as many things as possible. So far there is a concert on the 7th of december. Brain Failure is playing and I cant wait. They are a famous punk band from Beijing and they are going to be playing at the Moonkey, here in Xian.
My Chinese has been getting a little better. I can finally order my own food and I am capible of getting myself around town without help from a Chinese student. Although, there is much more for me to learn. I am already signed up for Chinese next semester at CLC. I hope to come back here in the future..hopefully by then I will know enough Chinese to have a full conversation!!! What an accomplishment that would be.