First Impressions of Beijing

 Hey guys it's Fenn coming to you from BEIJING!  We have been here for about 10 days now and it feels like a breakneck pace.  It's been hot, sweaty, fun and definitely a culture shock.  We already have gone through plenty of different experiences here in the Far East.

First of all the BOCOG has been especially kind to us since we have arrived.  They gave us a three-day weekend tour and it included many meals where all expenses have been paid.  Also our teachers, Janet and Paul, who have been chaperoning the 33 Emersonians and taking care of the details of our trip, have been great.

On our trip we went to see a sewage plant (first thing on a Friday morning), a tourist attraction "ancient village" where it was not ancient or authentic at all actually, Ming's Tombs, the Summer and Winter Palaces and the Great WALL!  We took something from each and every site but the Great Wall was phenomenal.  I especially enjoy history so I have to say that this was the highlight of the trip and I do not know how it can be topped.

As far as the culture shock goes, there has been a big adjustment period.  The time difference alone is 12 hours so we are actually a day ahead of our families back home half of every day.  That took some time getting used to, no pun intended.  On the third day, I think I slept like 14 hours to catch up over the entire day between the night and naps. 

Besides jet lag, there are so many differences between China and the States.  The food has been very different.  Obviously Chinese food here is slightly different from American Chinese food.  There is white rice everywhere but they have chicken's feet, roast duck and all sorts of meat that is typically not found at every restaurant back home.  I have been enjoying experimenting with the different cuisine.

There is a lot of American influence in Chinese culture but not vice versa, which is interesting. English is on everything, printed under Chinese in a lot of stores and restaurants. It's kind of like Spanish in the U.S.  There are Wal-Marts, KFC, Subway, Outback Steakhouse, Hard Rock Cafe, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, etc.  This was really surprising to see.  The city itself architecturally is phenomenal.  This is the tallest city I have ever seen.  Even bigger than NYC in some respects, but maybe not.  There are really interesting buildings everywhere.  There is way more artistry in the random building than in American cities.  I cannot wait to work for the ONS in the Bird's Nest by the way!!!!  That stadium from the outside is incredible.

There is also a lot of poverty.  It smells pretty bad in a lot of areas and the transportation is crazier than any place I have ever been.  Cars and bikes (they have bike lanes on highways. Fyi, where is the breakdown lane?) don't yield to pedestrians at all.  Watch out.  Children under the age of three have crotchless pants and go to the bathroom anywhere when they have the urge. Parents do not pick it up like Americans follow their dogs in cities and pick up their mess.  It's pretty gross but then again that is how they operate around China.  Unbelievable.

There is so much to talk about but I'm going to hold off for now.  I am hoping to visit the Forbidden City , the zoo, amusement park, Silk market and much more.  I can't wait!