What we miss, what we savor and how it all surprises us
By Janet Kolodzy
July 28 2008
As Emersonians in Beijing wrapped up a third week, they were working to complete an unusual assignment: put together a piece (using video cameras, with the blog as backup) about what they surprisingly discovered they LIKE about China, what they miss about home or a little bit of both. The aim was to get people to work together as well as to get used to some of the equipment we have available for telling our unique Beijing story. You may see some of the results of their work on this blog site.
In the past week, we are discovering how BOCOG work and training schedules, our diverse interests and our search for the right mix of adventure and stability has sent us off in different directions. Our unique experiences are becoming more so and that can be exciting and a little nerve-wracking. We have something of a routine, yet it really hasn't gelled. Seemingly simple activities (washing clothes, cashing a traveler's check) turn out to be exasperating and complicated. Yet we came together for two birthday celebrations for our Ruby and Sylvie and found a great Indian restaurant and a great Middle Eastern one in the process.
We also are venturing into new digital storytelling territory with our geotagging site at: http://journalism.emerson.edu/2008/ecBeijing/
We are still learning and trying and coping and absorbing. Welcome to the Emerson Beijing experience.
Dear Janet,
I am enjoying reading about the students adventures in Beijing with great interest and envy. My husband Jeff and I were in Beijing for a week at the end of March and the students' descriptions and comments are especially meaningful to me as I relive some of the same experiences. Looking forward to living vicariously through your stay. Good luck and watch out for the bicycles.
Jan Greenhawt
jgreenhawt@aol.com
Janet, you are the coolest!