The days are flying by so quick, it’s hard to keep track of everything that has happened even with this blog. I think part of the reason is because a lot of the time spent here has been traveling from place to place. We got into Beijing yesterday after a 5 hour bus ride which didn’t exactly take us to the place in Beijing where we wanted to be, so we had to subway hop about 3 different lines. One thing that I am SUPER impressed with in China is the transportation system. No matter where you are, there is always a way to find some mode of transportation. The subway system in Beijing is exceptional and I already feel like a pro- hopping from one line to the next, being aggressive so that you actually get into the subway, and simply navigating your way around the stations. Trains are plenty and there are loads of bus stations as well.
Today Keith and I went to the Olympic Stadium in Beijing followed by a street nicknamed “Ghost Street” which is a street full of life, color, and FOOD! Barbeques, hot pots… you name it, this street has got it! It was really nice too because the hostel that we are staying at was only two blocks away. The Olympic Green was full of people and we waited until it got dark to see all of the buildings be lit up. It was definitely a sight to see! There is also the “cube” which has a water park in it, which we might check out later in the week because it is extremely hot and humid these past couple of days.
(THE CUBE) |
| Ghost Street |
I can’t believe I have less than a week here in Beijing. I feel as if by the time I come home it is going to feel like a dream. Thankfully I’ll have all my pictures and this blog to read through so that it can bring me back.
Since I have been here I don’t think I ever really went through “culture shock”. Certain things are very different from what I know, for example the bathrooms, but other than that life is very similar to back at home. The main aspects of life such as work, family, friends and even faith are all the same. The only differences are the small ways in which we live our lives. The interesting thing about China is that it is also similar to the U.S. because of how vast it is. In the U.S. the culture of the west, Midwest, south all have regional differences. The same goes for China. Different regions have specific dialects, different foods, and overall slightly different cultures from one another.
I guess another reason why I don’t think I have experienced “culture shock” is because of the media. Watching tv, movies, and browsing the internet has exposed all of us to different cultures. Even having friends of different backgrounds has prepared each and every one of us to be open to seeing other ways of life that are different from our own. Seeing these things first hand simply brings another piece of the puzzle together in shaping how I see and experience the world. I feel very lucky and blessed that this opportunity came about :)
I also had a little "epiphany" while on the bus headed to Beijing. Kate if you're reading this... this is for you. We HAVE to become ecologists/environmentalists. Sure, America is doing a great job of going green and being environmentally conscious, but we are only one small part of this world. I don't think a lot of people realize and truly grasp how many people there are on this planet and how our actions affect the earth. Traveling has made me see that we are so infinitely small as one person, but as a whole people, there is so much we can achieve. Becoming environmentally friendly and "saving the planet" truly has to be a GLOBAL effort. Education is key. Collecting data and sharing that information with the world and doing something about it fueled by passion and a desire to change has to occur on a grand scale in order for a change to take place. Sorry for the little rant... I guess this was mostly fueled by the smog that I saw in Beijing and fear about what can happen if we don't start making great global efforts.
*Oh and everyone loves kites here. Alex- I'm getting you a giant kite and we're going to fly them back at home :)
...But maybe not as big as this one!
Anyways, lots to see in Beijing this last week and then off to Thailand!
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