Close To Home Although 7,000 Miles Away

mommy dem.jpg

New York City photo courtesy of Lillian DeMarco

By JUSTIN DEMARCO

July 19, 2008

Not understanding Mandarin, the subway system and the "Me First" mentality of the 17 million people in Beijing, I felt trapped in a culture I didn't understand my first couple of days here. Taxi drivers refused to drive me back to the Communication University of China (CUC) dorms (where we're staying) because I couldn't communicate the directions. I didn't know how to travel alone via subway. And when I was on the subway with my friends we were pushed and knocked around by local subway riders.

After going through a bit of a learning curve this first week, I've started to feel more comfortable. I've learned how to use the subway. Taxi drivers, even if hesitant at first, have been driving me back to the CUC. And now I understand, even if I don't agree with the pushing, why some of the locals feel the urge to rush onto the subway.

As I write this, it makes me realize that even though I'm almost 7,000 miles away from home, the basic culture is pretty much the same. Can you think of a city where taxi drivers refuse passengers, the subways are confusing and the people have a "Me First" mentality? I'll give you a hint, they say if you can make it there you can make it anywhere.

Beijing supermarket photo courtesy of Lloyd Nelson III

By Justin DeMarco on July 19, 2008 7:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (34)

34 Comments

Paula Childs said:

It was great reading your post! What a big learning curve in ths new culture. I hope you enjoy your experience.

July 20, 2008 11:07 PM

Marisa said:

What an interesting connection you've made. As long as you're a citizen of the world, you will make it anywhere, Justin! I'm so proud of you.

July 21, 2008 10:15 AM

Lillian said:

JUSTIN, WHAT A BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN BLOG! I COMMEND YOU FOR BEING OPEN-MINDED AND FOR NOT PRE-JUDGING THE NEW CULTURE AND CITY IN WHICH YOU ARE PRESENTLY IMMERSED. THE BEST LESSON THAT I HAVE LEARNED FROM TEACHING MULTI-CULTURAL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES IS THAT THERE REALLY ARE MORE SIMILARITIES THAN DIFFERENCES AMONG US. ACCEPTANCE AND TOLERANCE FOR ALL IS THE KEY TO PEACE AND HARMONY. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THE GOLDEN RULE: TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WANT THEM TO TREAT YOU! TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME AND ENJOY EACH AND EVERY MOMENT IN BEIJING!

July 21, 2008 2:27 PM

cj said:

justin

you should fit right in with your me first mentality. you showed it off in our newsroom refusing to allow the other interns to edit any tape. miro satan would be upset to hear you call china a me first culture.

i hope you are laughing!!!!!!

July 21, 2008 6:04 PM

cj said:

i really hope you are laughing bc i was just kidding

you are the best!!!!!!

July 21, 2008 6:05 PM

Poppy Paul & Mimi Fran said:

Dear Justin,
We miss you very much. Wish you were here so we could cook for you and make your favorite dishes such as chicken cutlets and gnocchi! Can't wait to see you. Enjoy your stay in China because it's a very good experience. When you go to the Italian restaurant, ask the owner of the restaurant, what part of Italy his wife comes from.
Love you very much!

July 26, 2008 10:22 PM

Paul Marcucci said:

So glad that I got a copy of your blog.
Don't let them push you around on the subway.
Push back. You're a New York Islander, hockey players
push back. Throw a few body checks.I was glad that you are getting used to the culture.So totally different from
the USA. Well, have a great time, enjoy every minute
of your time there. Just root the USA to victory.
Looking forward to seeing you when you get back, and
tell us all about your experiences.
All the best to you,
Cousin Paul

July 27, 2008 8:39 PM

Mimi and Joey said:

Dear Justin,
We enjoyed reading your blog. Since you are getting around in
Beijing so well, you may not want to come back! But we can't wait for you to come home so we can go fishing together. Mimi will cook you duck a l'orange instead of Peking Duck when you return.
We love and miss you very much,
Mimi and Joey

July 28, 2008 7:37 PM

David said:

Justin,

If somebody pushes you on the subway push right back ;)

It is just fantastic that you are over there and getting to experience this world event. You are one lucky guy. I want to know more!!! Can you see the building that Batman breaks into in the new movie The Dark Knight?

Dave

July 30, 2008 10:09 AM

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