Blogs from Chaoyang district, Beijing, China, Asia

Last week, I traveled back to a life previously lived. For seven days, I reveled in reunions with old friends, feasted on Beijing delicacies, breathed in (relatively) smog-free air, and bargained up a storm at Beijing's famous Silk Street. For seven days, I imagined what life might have been like had I stayed. Just over a year ago, I had reached a fork in the road: four years in Beijing was long enough to have become truly immersed in the language and culture; what did I imagine for my life moving forward? Obviously, the choice I made at that time brought me back to the country of my birth, the incomparable United States of America. But was it the right choice? I had seven days to figure that out. I arrived in Beijing on a Monday ... read more

My brother said, “I guess it’s too bad you’re in Beijing at this time, no decorations to get you into the Christmas spirit.” I laughed, “Are you kidding? Nobody does bling like the Chinese. The Christmas decorations are great. The outdoor displays at shopping centres are huge and colourful!" I hope my photos capture the bling. While I have you captive, maybe I'll tell you something about winter in Beijing. It snowed about a week ago and it was amazing to see so many people out sweeping the sidewalks. I heard that seniors are told that if they come out early in the morning and sweep, they will be paid maybe €1/$1 for a few hours work. I appreciate their work because they make it safe for pedestrains to walk when the streets and sidewalks are ... read more

Last Month in China Since returning from Guilin my friends and I have been trying to see as much of Beijing as we can between classes and preparing for finals! Confucian and Lama Temples These two temples, though representing two very different philosophical ideologies that are predominant in China are situated right next to each other! When you walk through the gates of the Confucian temple you are greeted by Confucius himself. Stone white and about three feet tall; he represents the moral code that many Chinese today still lead their lives with. Confucianism emphasizes the importance of relationships and how one should act within each of those interactions. For example, a man is a son of his father, a husband to his wife and a subject to the emperor. Within all three of those relationships, ... read more

A little bit outside the general tourist loop, the 798 Art District is now one of my favorite places in Beijing. The area used to be a series of military factories, but after the factories closed down contemporary artists set-up shop in the vacant spaces. The entire area has a really great low-key vibe that I find western and trendy. The buildings have also been modified or at least obscured by sculptures and trees, so you don't feel like you are walking into a defunct military factory complex. Artists have also placed sculptures along the road, so there is always something eye catching to look at. As you walk down the main road, you can turn onto any of the side streets and go look through some small galeries or happen upon a peaceful courtyard. The ... read more