Seeing better days

By Alex Matthews

July 27 2008

Every morning, I wake up confused, unsure of where exactly I am – in my room, in the world. It only takes a second and a blink or two for me to realize, yes, I’m in China. Only now I’m happy about it.

Overwhelmed with culture shock, exhaustion and seemingly endless sickness, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. I absolutely love traveling and usually embrace each and every moment of any adventure, regardless of the experience. Life is full of highs and lows, and I know that, which is why my start in China was so troublesome. Why was I having such a hard time adjusting, mentally and physically? This wasn’t me.

Now three weeks into our trip, I’m thrilled. What I feared was bronchitis or worse, the black lung, has cleared up completely, and I’m feeling great. I can enjoy the day as each quickly passes and have opened my eyes to see this country as it really is. Whereas before I was put off by the heat, the food and the inescapable masses, I’m starting fresh, feeling good and loving learning about the culture.

I find humor in how terrible the people drive here. I never imagined so many millions of cars on the road with so many frightfully aggressive, oblivious and lead-footed drivers. Any 10-minute taxi ride here will make my 3-1/2 hour drive home from Boston seem like smooth sailing. Mass Pike? Pish posh! Try a Beijing expressway.

And one of my favorite pastimes at home, people watching, should be a national sport here. This place is unbelievably accommodating for the unintentional (or just plain nosey) starer. You can sit, stand or slowly walk in any public area and enjoy the fruits of observing others – their mannerisms, quirks and fashion sense. It’s OK, too, since they’re just as keen on watching you. It’s not judging – I really don’t care that much – it’s about interest.

To wrap up where I stand psychologically, I’m at a much better place with China. Sure, I miss the comforts of home: English as a standard, effortless means of communication, coffee on a regular basis and walking around without sweating clear through my clothes.

But it’s not that bad. I’ve already met so many interesting people and made more friends than I expected to on the entire trip (and the athletes haven’t even come to town yet!) Now that I’m up to par, local cuisines are tasting better, the humidity and the air quality doesn’t feel like doomsday, and I’m waking up here fresh and excited every day.