The first dew days

The experience of traveling was quite enjoyable. The experience started off well but was long and tiring. I had the opportunity to experience the business class lounge in San Fransisco during my three hour lay over. That opportunity was a gift because I knew that the next eleven hours of my life resided inside of a Boeing 777. Those last eleven hours past quickly thanks to the comfort of sleep and a business class seat that went nearly a 160 degrees. During the last few hours I had the chance to meet another student who will also be attending Tsinghua this semester. After exchanging contact information it was nearly a time to de-plane the aircraft. After a full 22 hours spent in transit I finally arrived in Beijing

After arriving in the terminal the process of clearing customs and collecting baggage was a quick one. Leaving the terminal I was forced to try my language skills for the first time. The taxi driver and I had an good time trying to communicate with each other not that we understood each other. I don't think you have experience traffic until you ride in Beijing; New York, Los Angles, London all pale in comparison to Beijing traffic. The first five minutes of the cab ride were quite nerve recking as cars change lanes without signals and ride between lines. But further inspection of the other vehicles around us proved to me that accidents must be rare (well relatively). After successfully arriving at the East Gate of Tsinghua University I made my way to check in for a room.

The check in process was fast and interesting but really got me was the sheer size of the campus. Coming from Marietta to Tsinghua you really understand how small the Marietta campus is or how vast the Tsinghua campus is. Getting into my room was easy but once inside there were a few points that stuck out to my western eyes. For instance those of us who are comfortable with western standards for the thickness of a mattress will be surprised by how thin the Chinese versions are. Secondly a trip to my bathroom will reveal probably the most notable of differences between a room in the US and in the PRC. My shower stall and sink are a combo or joint unit that share the same space. Besides these slight differences the room is comfortable.

The first night in Beijing was hard for me. It is in those early hours of the morning when you wake from sleep and start to question yourself. Your mind wanders to the fear that is always present when leaving the comfort of normalcy. You ask yourself a multitude of questions regarding the adventure that your now involved in. You think of returning home and you question yourself for choosing this. That night was probably one of the hardest nights of my life. It is hard to turn off your mind when you start to think about such serious questions.

The rise of the first full day was refreshing and comforting to me. I was happy to have a day at hand to explore. I spent most of the day wandering the streets around campus searching for something and nothing in the same instance. But as I wandered the streets I had an overwhelming feeling of being all alone. Even amongst the a crowed boxed in by the walls of a super-market I still felt completely alone. But quickly that would change. As I had wandered the streets I decided to visit a "super-market" to buy a few items that I had not brought to China.

The event of shopping was quite fun with the help of a overly excited shop assistance I navigated the aisles and stands. But soon I started to notice that my basket was filled with familiar items. At that point I realized that I was about to purchase only western brands. Thankful the shop assistant noticed my this too. Quickly my basket was filled with brands that I had never seen before. After leaving the store I returned to my room and the task of un-packing. The event of shopping and the courtesy of the shop assistant provided me uneasy mind much comfort.

The second day brought even more excitement to my life. Leaving the building around 830 in search of a cab I met a rather nice Australian gentlemen. After a brief course of introductions we decided that we should both head to see the Forbidden City. The day was a blast offering us both an opportunity to try our Chinese and enjoy the culture. Around mid-day we decided to try our luck on a restaurant that resided within the Forbidden City. The food was amazing and so was the local Chinese brew that we both tried. Something though that shocked both Karl and I was how much attention we gathered while visiting the City. Karl would have to be a full head taller than my six foot three inches so I would venture he is close to 6'8". Thus with both of us wandering in close proximity we became the center of attention. It started with a single person asking for a picture which quickly lead to five more before we could make our escape from the large crowds. After leaving the Forbidden City Karl and I took it upon ourselves to explore the facilities outside of campus. Perhaps the greatest part of this experience so far is the excitement that you get from exploring. Walking into corridors that you shouldn't be in or entering a room that probably has never seen a westerner before. The excitement of learning and exploring is my true reason for coming to Beijing. My trip here for me at least has less to do with academics and more with learning how to live.

As more exciting things happen I'll be sure to post them (I have something about a Jazz club but still need to pen it). Also the pictures that I have will be placed on my flickr account soon.