“You can just feel the potential here…”

So, I have been in Beijing for over a week now. Rather than racking my brain for synonyms and descriptive metaphors to explain just how excited I am to be here, I though I would delve further into what exactly it is that excites me:

 

The Middle Kingdom

China’s vast, rich, and undeniably enthralling history resonates through the whole city of Beijing. Whilst much of the formal and recorded history is confined to museums and tourist attractions, you can really sense the communal attachment to a cultural heritage that has spanned so many long centuries. Despite the looming grip of expedited progression into the modern age, it is the simple things you notice day-to-day that really make Beijing unique.

 

Inertia

Speaking of progression, you can just feel the potential here. China has already been granted the accolade of economic powerhouse of the modern world and its development has been staggering over the last few years. Indeed, many of my colleagues at work have commented on how extraordinary the changes have been over the last 10 or so years they have been in Beijing. The sheer volume of inhabitants and extravagant consumerism really do make you wonder about the future of Beijing. It is certainly clear to see that it won’t be long before the western-dominated rhetoric of global politics will see an eastern fusion as yet more economic power radiates from the east. It is certainly a stirring outlook, and clearly many businesses are taking advantage of the latter prospects, but there is still a long way to go before the full potential is realized – but perhaps not as long as many would think.

 

Beijinghua – Mandarin

Having had very little exposure to Mandarin before my arrival, the language certainly became one of the largest barriers. With the few lessons I have had so far provided by CRCC, I really do feel like it is such a fun language to learn. I get on very well in classes, but seem to suffer from a very poor memory, as it seems quite hard to get anything to stick. Apparently that’s because of how different the language is structurally. Regardless, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning it thus far, and I think it sounds fantastic. Personally, I am finding the language barrier the most frustrating part or living here – not because it makes daily activities a bit more strenuous (it does, but that can usually be resolved through some extravagant hand gestures), but because knowing more Mandarin would open a gateway into the culture and real life of China. Right now, I feel like an observer and I am longing to immerse myself. Commitment most certainly is key here.

 

Please, no more dòufu rǔ!

The food here in Beijing is very different. You obviously have your token western restaurants and unavoidable global fast-food chains, but the staple diet and abundant foods are hardly comparable to back home. Rice, noodles, and dough is usually used as a vehicle to carry a vast array of flavors and tastes with a variety of meats, vegetables and spices. Most of it tastes amazing, but a lot tends to be quite heavy and oily. There has been many-a-lunchbreak where I have sat at my desk to find the wave of tiredness almost drag me to siesta as my body diverts all energy to digesting lunch. Breakfast is probably the most difficult to adjust to. I have resorted to a daily routine of baozi (steamed bun) or zhou (rice porridge), as I can’t bring myself to handle to the other heavy dishes and meats early in the morning. Perhaps my stomach and brain just need a little while longer to adjust. Fantastic to try it all though!

This list does go on! Perhaps I will save the other exciting topics for another blog post. In the space since my previous post, I have had the chance to visit some more amazing places of interest. Most notably the Summer Palace – it has to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever had the fortune to visit. I have also had a go at bartering (rather successfully I think) in the Silk Road and Pearl markets where I have purchased some hilariously questionable souvenirs. CRCC Asia also took us to the most amazing acrobatic show – we were on the edge of our seats throughout! Beijing just gets better by the second!

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