Double Happiness in a Single Jar (Without Facebook)? Impressions of Beijing

---

Throughout my trip so far, I haven’t really felt alone or lonely. I guess it is because HK was more, as I said a couple of blogs ago, ‘Asia Lite.’ Even though you know it is a different place, you don’t really feel the difference, because enough people speak English there and there is enough there that is familiar. Not so with Beijing. Although the people were reserved in HK, They were still polite, even friendly in some cases. I’ve been here for about 5 hours now, and I must have been stared at 1000 times. Of course, it could be because I’m a foreigner, but it is most likely because I’m a ‘black’ foreigner. I’ve tried to say hi in mangled Mandarin a few times. Some have answered or smiled back - others just stared, which has definitely shaken my already fragile confidence. I think a child said something derogatory (like Bangawowo or something) but it could just be my paranoia beginning to set in.
These are the moments when I really feel that it would be easier if I were travelling with someone. When you are alone, the burden is all on you - there is no one to bounce things off of, there is no one else to comiserate with when things go wrong. These are really the moments when I feel the most down and miserable.
I’m trying to say positive, though. I suppose not many people would be able to travel alone to these interesting places. However, it comes out of necessity, and at a cost. Loneliness has become a way of life, really. I’m beginning to wonder if it is all worth it.
Besides that, what do I think of BJ? When I first got off the plane and stepped outside, I was confused by the thick layer of grey that seemed to cling to the sky. Was this fog? It couldn’t be - BJ was not due for a rainfall until Saturday. It was then that I realized, to my horror, that this was actually pollution - smog. Because of this, you are not sure if it is sunny or rainy. I’m sure it is now clinging to my lungs the same way it clings to the sky.
Without the smog, the city could be beautiful. Well, It would be beautiful if many of the old buildings were not torn down. The Hutongs - which, so far to me, seems to be the coolest part of BJ - are disappearing in the name of ‘modernization.’ It makes me feel sad, actually. Also, no one seems to obey traffic signals. You really have to watch yourself here. I’ve been nearly killed by buses, cars, taxis, bikes - All while I had the right of way to cross. Not cool. Oh, well - trying to stay positive. Off to see an Opera.

---

Comments

[jingjing]

Everything has two aspect,see the good one. Be confident and positve. Enjoy in China

[ShelleyAnn]

Thank you!
Your comment meant a lot :-)