So Far... So Good?

Almost two weeks in and no blog posts? This doesn't make sense! Could it be that my "elementary" Chinese was insufficient to arrange an internet connection with the IT office? Or even so elementary that I was unable to arrange a taxi from Beijing Airport! - and for two weeks I've been stranded, literally living out of a suitcase? But wait- I had a phrase book. So, you may then wonder, could it be that One Jasmine Tea has already been censored for politically sensitive content? Or just plainly censored... for bad content. So unimpressed by my recent bland content they thought it was in the greater good that I be prevented from uploading anymore! More likely than the first explanation, I admit, but fortunately not! ...Yet, at least.

So Far...

In truth, these few days have gone like tickets to the Olympic closing ceremony - quickly! Things have been eventful and only now, on a quiet Sunday morning do I find time to relax and reflect on my time so far. What is clear to me is that such an experience is not simple. Different country, different city, different university, different culture and different people from such a variety of backgrounds means that the detail of daily life is varied and unpredictable. Everyday presents opportunities and challenges.

Some things you enjoy; the intense socializing typical of freshers that brings together students from so many nationalities, backgrounds, mindsets that connects you with local students eager to meet international students. The excitement of exploring a new city, especially one as large and historic as Beijing. It's culture, cuisine, people, nightlife and history all serve to fascinate. The daily bike rides around a campus as beautiful as Tsinghua and the thrill of navigating through the perils of Beijing traffic.

Others present challenges. The uncertainty and volatility of daily life. The frustration of not knowing fluent Chinese and thus the inability to engage fluently with local friends. The restricted access to hot showers! The difficulties of reading a menu and ordering food. And again the perils of Beijing traffic!

More detailed accounts of my experiences including visits to the Olympic venues, historical sites and general daily life to come!

So Good?

To describe my time bluntly as either good or bad or some crude combination of the two would not do justice to the variety, range and volatility of experience I've had so far. Things are unpredictable, so some things you enjoy where others provide a greater challenge and often require time. Uncertainty is exciting, but surely unsettling. This week I begin class and with it I will obtain a routine and a structure around which I'll come to forge a lifestyle, establish a degree of predictability and come to understand my life here for the next half a year.

Whether good or bad, things will certainly be interesting and I'm already excited. I'll keep the site updated with more written blogs and I'm working on uploading some videos- hope to see you here again soon.

Wishes from Beijing and 再见,
Harry