I have a day now before I'm officially leaving the country. As it is, I'd like to share with you some things that I've learned, mainly about myself.
- I'm very independent. In a country like China, that's very unusual, so it stood out more. Very rarely will people go out and even eat dinner if they do not go out with family and friends. I, however, dislike waiting around for other people and being a slave to their schedules. It was often awkward for me to do so when I went out, but again, I , so if no one else was ready to go out and eat, I went by myself. Same thing I've mentioned with trips. I just like doing things on my own terms. I'm patient to a degree, but after a while...grr. Of course, my mother would say that I've been like that for years, but it really stood out here. Even on my last day, I didn't want to go with the group. I like having my space and my own expectations.
- I'll be more ready to travel in the US. After traveling to Xi'an and Beijing and Shanghai, I feel confident that I could do similar exploits in the states. Granted, it would cost a lot more money than in China, so I'd have to budget it out more, but my point is, I could still do it. A benefit of doing it in the US would be I COULD UNDERSTAND THE SIGNS! Seriously, you don't know the luxury that is until it isn't there anymore....
- I'm worried about when I come back. There's a part of me that really wants everything to be the way it was before I left. Of course, not going to happen, but still...can't help what I want. I'm just worried that my expectations will be too...something, I'm not sure. I guess it's all just a part of the anxiety of returning.
- Culture shock: probably will happen upon my return. Never really happened here, but I have a feeling that coming back, I'll be shocked...culturally speaking, of course. ;) All kidding aside, I do think that my transition back to the States will be more difficult than that to China, especially in terms of money. It's been so easy to spend here, I'm amazed I didn't spend more than I have.
Alright, I think that's it for now. One more post when I return to the States. And if my count is correct, that post will be number 42...oh jeez, now all the "Hitchhiker's" fans are going to swarm out....
Zaijian!
Du Kai
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Did I say that I couldn't upload pictures until my return to the states?
I guess I lied then. WHOOPS, sorry, I'm sure you're all so disappointed in me. Don't worry, I'll cluck my tongue at myself just for the heck of it.
Here, as peace offering:
As well as links to the albums themselves! All of them!
I apologize again for lying. I only hope that in time, you will forgive my lack of faith in my computer.
Here, as peace offering:
As well as links to the albums themselves! All of them!
 |
| China |
 |
| China Part 2ish |
 |
| Xi'an |
I apologize again for lying. I only hope that in time, you will forgive my lack of faith in my computer.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Post Xi'an, Pre-America
A few hours ago, I returned from my trip to Xi'an.
HOLY. MOLY.
What a city! I was only there for two days, but I did a lot. Within the first day, I made it to the Terracotta Warriors and not much else, but really, I got to see a lot of the inner city which was a treat. From the main streets, it looks like a lot of cities, from the bright lights and usual stores to the mass of people trying to get around on bikes, cars, and foot. A few things separate it from other areas, though. One is there seemed to be a law that forced all of the buildings within the city wall to be built with traditional Chinese roofs. I love Chinese architecture, so I loved that. Another is...there was a freaking city wall! How awesome is that!? (Pictures are to follow back in the states...I'm having some computer-to-camera problems at the moment) It surrounded the "downtown" area of Xi'an and was the first thing I saw upon exiting the train. Although not as awesome as the Great Wall (few things are...and yes, I use the true term of "awesome" meaning "awe-inspiring"), it still was a sight to see. Finally, once we escaped the main streets a little bit, there were a ton of little stores, streets, and other things. Xi'an also has an area known to English speakers as the "Muslim quarters", which is as the name implies. I don't know why there is such a concentration of Muslims in Xi'an (I haven't seen or heard of that happening elsewhere), but it was well worth looking at, especially the Great Mosque. I will have pictures of that later as well since I think words do not do it justice.
When we got out of the city limits a little bit, it was for one main reason: to see the sights. Yeah, a little touristy, but it was worth it. The Terracotta Army was amazing, as were the Little and Big Goose Pagodas (seen on the second and last day). I'm starting to run low on energy, so I can't give good descriptions right now. I'm not even sure I could with enormous amount of energy. There's just very little I can say about how they all were completely amazing and Chinese and worth every thing I spent on them.
It was a very small group that went this time, and as per usual, I tend to like that better. Leland (another SU student) and I were the only ones, but it really made the experience more enjoyable. We both didn't care where we ate or if we ate at the same places more than once, something my other friends sometimes have a problem with. We also both liked to move faster, so we got to see more, something I also enjoy. I don't mind taking my time when there is time to take...but there usually isn't. So we worked well together. :)
I have a few days left in China. Most of them will be spent packing, getting ready to leave, and in Shanghai right before I get on a plane at the Pudong Airport to head over to San Fran and then back up to Seattle. There's a Christmas party at a local bar that I plan on going to, but other than that, I might just wander the city of Suzhou a bit more. We'll see.
Oh, and by the way, a specific message: Kenna, it would be AWESOME if you helped me with the map. :)
Okay, I think I'm going to pass out. I haven't slept well for a couple of days (combination train rides and bad dreams), so I be very tired. There'll probably be one or two more posts after this, both right before and after I return to the States, but this is about it, folks. I'm very excited to see most of you very soon, and I hope you are to see me as well. I think I will also begin updating my other blog (jackjarden.blogspot.com) upon my return, so if you have enjoyed reading my nonsensical ramblings, please feel free to read that as well.
And again, pictures sometime in the near future. I promise.
Zaijian!
Du Kai
HOLY. MOLY.
What a city! I was only there for two days, but I did a lot. Within the first day, I made it to the Terracotta Warriors and not much else, but really, I got to see a lot of the inner city which was a treat. From the main streets, it looks like a lot of cities, from the bright lights and usual stores to the mass of people trying to get around on bikes, cars, and foot. A few things separate it from other areas, though. One is there seemed to be a law that forced all of the buildings within the city wall to be built with traditional Chinese roofs. I love Chinese architecture, so I loved that. Another is...there was a freaking city wall! How awesome is that!? (Pictures are to follow back in the states...I'm having some computer-to-camera problems at the moment) It surrounded the "downtown" area of Xi'an and was the first thing I saw upon exiting the train. Although not as awesome as the Great Wall (few things are...and yes, I use the true term of "awesome" meaning "awe-inspiring"), it still was a sight to see. Finally, once we escaped the main streets a little bit, there were a ton of little stores, streets, and other things. Xi'an also has an area known to English speakers as the "Muslim quarters", which is as the name implies. I don't know why there is such a concentration of Muslims in Xi'an (I haven't seen or heard of that happening elsewhere), but it was well worth looking at, especially the Great Mosque. I will have pictures of that later as well since I think words do not do it justice.
When we got out of the city limits a little bit, it was for one main reason: to see the sights. Yeah, a little touristy, but it was worth it. The Terracotta Army was amazing, as were the Little and Big Goose Pagodas (seen on the second and last day). I'm starting to run low on energy, so I can't give good descriptions right now. I'm not even sure I could with enormous amount of energy. There's just very little I can say about how they all were completely amazing and Chinese and worth every thing I spent on them.
It was a very small group that went this time, and as per usual, I tend to like that better. Leland (another SU student) and I were the only ones, but it really made the experience more enjoyable. We both didn't care where we ate or if we ate at the same places more than once, something my other friends sometimes have a problem with. We also both liked to move faster, so we got to see more, something I also enjoy. I don't mind taking my time when there is time to take...but there usually isn't. So we worked well together. :)
I have a few days left in China. Most of them will be spent packing, getting ready to leave, and in Shanghai right before I get on a plane at the Pudong Airport to head over to San Fran and then back up to Seattle. There's a Christmas party at a local bar that I plan on going to, but other than that, I might just wander the city of Suzhou a bit more. We'll see.
Oh, and by the way, a specific message: Kenna, it would be AWESOME if you helped me with the map. :)
Okay, I think I'm going to pass out. I haven't slept well for a couple of days (combination train rides and bad dreams), so I be very tired. There'll probably be one or two more posts after this, both right before and after I return to the States, but this is about it, folks. I'm very excited to see most of you very soon, and I hope you are to see me as well. I think I will also begin updating my other blog (jackjarden.blogspot.com) upon my return, so if you have enjoyed reading my nonsensical ramblings, please feel free to read that as well.
And again, pictures sometime in the near future. I promise.
Zaijian!
Du Kai
Thursday, December 11, 2008
And...done
Today is a landmark day. For today, not only have I taken my last Chinese language final EVER (I seriously think ever; there's no more classes available at SU, and if I study it at a school again, it'll be in a less GPA-dependent zone), but it is also a week from today that I get on the plane that will return me to the United States of 'Merica.
WOO.
In other news, I will be leaving for Xi'an shortly, so be prepared for pictures shortly there after. And Facebook followers (if I have any), there will be a literal picture DELUGE when I get back to the States. I have over 400 pictures on my computer right now from my experiences in China. AND THEY ARE ALL GOING UP.
That's it for now. Remember! Eat your green vegetables, don't do drugs, and for the love of all that is holy, STAY IN SCHOOL, KIDS.
Zaijian!
Du Kai
P.S. I think Du Kai will be my band stage name...I'm not giving up that name quite yet. :D
WOO.
In other news, I will be leaving for Xi'an shortly, so be prepared for pictures shortly there after. And Facebook followers (if I have any), there will be a literal picture DELUGE when I get back to the States. I have over 400 pictures on my computer right now from my experiences in China. AND THEY ARE ALL GOING UP.
That's it for now. Remember! Eat your green vegetables, don't do drugs, and for the love of all that is holy, STAY IN SCHOOL, KIDS.
Zaijian!
Du Kai
P.S. I think Du Kai will be my band stage name...I'm not giving up that name quite yet. :D
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
ONE DOWN
That's a final that's down. Nobody died, DON'T WORRY.
I have two finals left, but I honestly believe this was the hardest one.
And this is the end of my blog. Might have been the shortest one so far.
Zaijian!
Du Kai
I have two finals left, but I honestly believe this was the hardest one.
And this is the end of my blog. Might have been the shortest one so far.
Zaijian!
Du Kai
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