So...I was blocked from blogspot while I was in China and thus could not update my blog. This is a testament to the crazy censorship policies that China enforces.
I truly had a great learning experience, save a few nuisances resulting from a quirky administration staff and their strange policies. IE only allowed to miss 3 days worth of classes or get kicked out of the program! That's strange....aren't I paying you? And why create this new policy half-way through the program? As well as forcing us to attend business trips that were a complete waste of time.
I would like to summarize my experience through the places I've been to and the things I've done. So here:
We went to cities outside of Shanghai: Shao Xing, Xikou, Xinzhang Valley, and Ningbo. I got to see Thailand over Spring break and got my scuba diving license in Koh Tao Island. It was interesting to experience an entirely different Asian culture. The program also organized a trip to Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Zhuhai, Macau, and Hong Kong. After the program was over, I got to visit Beijing and see the Great Wall of China as well as all the other touristy hotspots. I also couchsurfed in Inner Mongolia, by hopping on the sleeper train by myself to Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, and then made a trip to the Sand Gorge in the Gobi Desert.
I made lots of new friends from every corner of the United States. I also made lots of new friends in China...although due to the cultural barrier I felt that I could not get as close to them as I did to the American students. To be expected.....
On top of meeting students I met musical figures in the jazz and rock scenes. Also experienced the crazy nightlife in Shanghai, as well as the luxuries involved in taking taxi cabs everywhere - which ultimately led to interesting conversations with cab drivers.
I realize this is just a rouch sketch of my experience in China...but if there's anything to be gained about my experience in China through reading this post...it's the fact that I was able to learn Chinese and speak to my 100 year-old Grandfather as we traveled to his hometown outside of Hangzhou. This was my ultimate goal and ULTIMATE GOAL ACCOMPLISHED!!!!!!!!!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
我的家人
My Grandparents made a surprise visit to China and I found out that they happened to be in Shanghai! So I did a little digging and luckily got in touch with my cousin through facebook for 2 of my cousins' numbers in Shanghai! Wait....I've been here for 3 months and was completely oblivious to the fact that I have family here? Kang Ning and Kang Gong are 55 and 52 year-old married men with children older than me. One is in the construction business, and the other owns an air conditioner business. This is what happens when you have a 100 year-old Grandfather that had a bunch of offspring in his youth.
Anyway, I decided to tag along with them to Hangzhou to visit my Grandfather's hometown - I missed two days of class which puts me on the brink of getting kicked out of the program. However, it didn't work out too well because all the traveling really took a toll on my Grandfather's body - he had to rest for awhile and we took him to the hospital to help monitor his health. Although it was bittersweet, I still had a great time getting to know my jiaren...family. I used my new-found Chinese skills and was able to carry basic conversations with my Nai Nai~Grandma. She is a funny lady.
For the longest time I considered myself Taiwanese - or of Taiwanese descent. However, I learned from my uncle that actually........everyone of the kids was born in China and my Grandpa had been elected to be a senator for Taiwan. This was before the communist party formed. On top of owning a couple businesses, the Chang family actually traveled quite extensively and moved around in China quite often. Although my father went to a deaf school in Taipei, he is still very much Chinese. And therefore, I am Chinese. But what am I saying...Taiwan is a part of China! Or is it? I shouldn't bring up such subjects while I'm in China - perhaps I will elaborate later when I'm back in the U.S.
Anyway, I am very happy to see my Grandpa! The main reason why I wanted to come to China was to force myself to learn Chinese so that I could in the end, speak with my 100 year-old Grandfather. It looks like I didn't have to wait that long and he came to me instead :) Funny how life works out...
Anyway, I decided to tag along with them to Hangzhou to visit my Grandfather's hometown - I missed two days of class which puts me on the brink of getting kicked out of the program. However, it didn't work out too well because all the traveling really took a toll on my Grandfather's body - he had to rest for awhile and we took him to the hospital to help monitor his health. Although it was bittersweet, I still had a great time getting to know my jiaren...family. I used my new-found Chinese skills and was able to carry basic conversations with my Nai Nai~Grandma. She is a funny lady.
For the longest time I considered myself Taiwanese - or of Taiwanese descent. However, I learned from my uncle that actually........everyone of the kids was born in China and my Grandpa had been elected to be a senator for Taiwan. This was before the communist party formed. On top of owning a couple businesses, the Chang family actually traveled quite extensively and moved around in China quite often. Although my father went to a deaf school in Taipei, he is still very much Chinese. And therefore, I am Chinese. But what am I saying...Taiwan is a part of China! Or is it? I shouldn't bring up such subjects while I'm in China - perhaps I will elaborate later when I'm back in the U.S.
Anyway, I am very happy to see my Grandpa! The main reason why I wanted to come to China was to force myself to learn Chinese so that I could in the end, speak with my 100 year-old Grandfather. It looks like I didn't have to wait that long and he came to me instead :) Funny how life works out...
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Ambiguity in Context, eps1
Sometimes you need to ramble about things that don't make sense - I would like to take the time to do that today. Not that it actually happened, but today felt like one of those times when you get lost in a big maze of crazy and every time you took a route to the exit, it just ended up hitting a dead end. Or maybe it's like that one time you lost one of your contacts and you're not sure if it landed somewhere on your body or on the floor - cause in your blurry half-vision state, you can only see so far and you're caught in this vicious catch 22, searching for the unseen. Not that I wear contacts. I don't want to lose sight, but perhaps I need to find in order lose. This is only a test or perhaps.......a secret defense mechanism to adverse reactions to certain situations. A silent grenade throwing me off the loop of consistency consistently. A-la-wo-bu-dong.
Today I saw an old lady sitting in a chair wearing a green jacket with salt-n-pepper hair down to her earlobes. She was smoking. She had a leathery brown face and sat like an old man traveling through time to his young boyhood days. Or in her case, girlhood. I wonder if she still feels lost? Did she try to fit into the footprints indented in the sand? Did the design on the bottom of her Chinese sandals line up with the designs on the ground? She looked like she was trying to levitate - or the ground might have been falling.
Today I saw an old lady sitting in a chair wearing a green jacket with salt-n-pepper hair down to her earlobes. She was smoking. She had a leathery brown face and sat like an old man traveling through time to his young boyhood days. Or in her case, girlhood. I wonder if she still feels lost? Did she try to fit into the footprints indented in the sand? Did the design on the bottom of her Chinese sandals line up with the designs on the ground? She looked like she was trying to levitate - or the ground might have been falling.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
False alarm on the emptiness - there is life in Shanghai! I hear it loud and clear.
I admit, I was pretty much bummed out yesterday for too many reasons and no reason at all. But something happened that ripped apart my preconceived notions of Shanghai and its ugly concrete mask. Underneath I found a beautifully scarred face, one that has been marred by the lines of its strenuous history.
Anyway, enough of the flowery bullshit. A friend told me that he loved Shanghai because of it's continuously changing nature, and the challenges faced in having to react to its fluctuating forces - as well as the VAST opportunities that are so obviously apparent here. I was jaded by keywords like "potential" and "opportunity" in regards to China. Jaded due to repetitively hearing it over and over from the media, my teachers, colleagues, friends - to the point where I started to question whether this idea was in fact true? Is China really on the cusp of becoming a superpower, or is everyone just guilty of regurgitating information, thus caught in the vicious cycle that allows us to believe that because everyone is saying it, it must be true! I just didn't see it when I first came to Shanghai. I saw emptiness. However, I tend to turn my head the other way and disregard repetitious ideas - out of ignorance or pretension? I'm not sure. But it wasn't until recently that I've been able to experience the Chinese phenomena first-hand. After having a great conversation with a friend in the program, I realized that the vertical ladder is extremely short here. Resources are at the tip-tops of my fingers and I can maneuver through situations with buttery ease. I am kicking myself in the butt right now for being so passive and sheltered during the last two months here - but at least this realization came to me now. I'm glad that I'm a step closer towards the answer I was seeking for to the question I didn't know I was asking.
Anyway, I am embarking on a musical adventure and attempting to discover and encapsulate the true nature of Shanghai's musical landscape. Comparing it to the backdrop of the Western scene that I'm so used to in LA & Boston, it is dramatically different. When placed side by side, I view the West as an aging old man and Shanghai to be a teenager about to hit puberty. Or maybe it's like the case of Benjamin Button and it's aging younger. I don't know. But anyway, as you can tell I'm not sure if Shanghai is in its youth or if its declining from its peak. I've had the opportunity to discuss these ideas and questions I have with some of the fore-running figures within the Jazz community, as rock/indie/punk are not very prevalent here. Although I hear Pepsi is trying to put together a "Battle of the Bands" event to help bring more publicity to the local talent here in China. In any case I must say I am having the time of my life meeting people, which is what I love to do, and learning about their roles within whatever lives they have built for themsleves here. My over-analyzing nature is coming to use when it comes to probing these individuals and it satisfies my tendencies to pick people's brains. Wo xi huan!
I'm still gathering the facts - but it seems that Jazz was actually influenced by Du Yu Sheng, an Opium drug lord that reigned in the 1920's. He is was an advocate for progressive music and coupled with the musical composer Li Jin Hui, they together paved the way for Jazz. Somewhere down the line the government put a stop to the blossoming cultural growth and Jazz was lost for about 40 years. And only just recently is it making a comeback.
Anyway, enough of the flowery bullshit. A friend told me that he loved Shanghai because of it's continuously changing nature, and the challenges faced in having to react to its fluctuating forces - as well as the VAST opportunities that are so obviously apparent here. I was jaded by keywords like "potential" and "opportunity" in regards to China. Jaded due to repetitively hearing it over and over from the media, my teachers, colleagues, friends - to the point where I started to question whether this idea was in fact true? Is China really on the cusp of becoming a superpower, or is everyone just guilty of regurgitating information, thus caught in the vicious cycle that allows us to believe that because everyone is saying it, it must be true! I just didn't see it when I first came to Shanghai. I saw emptiness. However, I tend to turn my head the other way and disregard repetitious ideas - out of ignorance or pretension? I'm not sure. But it wasn't until recently that I've been able to experience the Chinese phenomena first-hand. After having a great conversation with a friend in the program, I realized that the vertical ladder is extremely short here. Resources are at the tip-tops of my fingers and I can maneuver through situations with buttery ease. I am kicking myself in the butt right now for being so passive and sheltered during the last two months here - but at least this realization came to me now. I'm glad that I'm a step closer towards the answer I was seeking for to the question I didn't know I was asking.
Anyway, I am embarking on a musical adventure and attempting to discover and encapsulate the true nature of Shanghai's musical landscape. Comparing it to the backdrop of the Western scene that I'm so used to in LA & Boston, it is dramatically different. When placed side by side, I view the West as an aging old man and Shanghai to be a teenager about to hit puberty. Or maybe it's like the case of Benjamin Button and it's aging younger. I don't know. But anyway, as you can tell I'm not sure if Shanghai is in its youth or if its declining from its peak. I've had the opportunity to discuss these ideas and questions I have with some of the fore-running figures within the Jazz community, as rock/indie/punk are not very prevalent here. Although I hear Pepsi is trying to put together a "Battle of the Bands" event to help bring more publicity to the local talent here in China. In any case I must say I am having the time of my life meeting people, which is what I love to do, and learning about their roles within whatever lives they have built for themsleves here. My over-analyzing nature is coming to use when it comes to probing these individuals and it satisfies my tendencies to pick people's brains. Wo xi huan!
I'm still gathering the facts - but it seems that Jazz was actually influenced by Du Yu Sheng, an Opium drug lord that reigned in the 1920's. He is was an advocate for progressive music and coupled with the musical composer Li Jin Hui, they together paved the way for Jazz. Somewhere down the line the government put a stop to the blossoming cultural growth and Jazz was lost for about 40 years. And only just recently is it making a comeback.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Political turmoil in Thailand?!?! & A.D.D.
Something I've learned about myself in China is that I have A.D.D. Actually...some people have told me that I have tourettes. I like to believe the former.
I have been bouncing around the internet all day long and ditched my Chinese & Management classes. My primary intention was to do research on the 10 Economic/Marketing reading reports I'm supposed to do by the end of my study abroad semester. Since setting this goal upon myself this morning, I have learned about the Thai government and political color definitions, looked into the application process for the Peace Corps, undoubtedly lurked numerous Facebook profiles, briefly touched on Madascagar, wrote a post about Thailand, created a To Do list, got some food, stole some chips and salsa from a classmate, and exfoliated the dead skin off my previously sunburnt body. I also took a 4 hour nap today. Yes, all very interesting I know.
Most of my attention today has been devoted to Thailand due to the sudden upheaval of the Thai government - red shirts, supporters of the former Prime Minister Thaskin decided to kick off the Thai New Year with a huge protest. The government declared a State of Emergency in Bangkok and a military coup was formed as an attempt to maintain peace and order. The Thai Military shot off rounds of ammo into the crowd and 49 were injured. A couple of years ago the yellow-shirts over-threw the government and now the red shirts are trying to do the same. Details of the clusterfuck here. So after learning this bit of crazy news I went on a Wiki Adventure. Did you know that Thailand's King Bhumibol Alduyadej is the longest-serving Monarch? He never makes any comments about politics but if any negative comments are made towards the King, critics can be jailed for 3-15 years.
I began thinking about the people I met in Thailand: Catherine, a Peace Corps volunteer teaching English to Thai teachers. She was my scuba diving buddy and we were known as "Team America, Fuck yea!" I wonder how the political unrest is affecting her travels and stay in Thailand? Others I know traveling throughout Thailand: 2 Canadian high school graduates, a Dutch couple that quit their jobs, and a friend from Northeastern that's spending Spring Break there....I am worried about their well-being!
Anyway, enough about Thailand. I promise to focus on China next time...if my A.D.D. permits.
I have been bouncing around the internet all day long and ditched my Chinese & Management classes. My primary intention was to do research on the 10 Economic/Marketing reading reports I'm supposed to do by the end of my study abroad semester. Since setting this goal upon myself this morning, I have learned about the Thai government and political color definitions, looked into the application process for the Peace Corps, undoubtedly lurked numerous Facebook profiles, briefly touched on Madascagar, wrote a post about Thailand, created a To Do list, got some food, stole some chips and salsa from a classmate, and exfoliated the dead skin off my previously sunburnt body. I also took a 4 hour nap today. Yes, all very interesting I know.
Most of my attention today has been devoted to Thailand due to the sudden upheaval of the Thai government - red shirts, supporters of the former Prime Minister Thaskin decided to kick off the Thai New Year with a huge protest. The government declared a State of Emergency in Bangkok and a military coup was formed as an attempt to maintain peace and order. The Thai Military shot off rounds of ammo into the crowd and 49 were injured. A couple of years ago the yellow-shirts over-threw the government and now the red shirts are trying to do the same. Details of the clusterfuck here. So after learning this bit of crazy news I went on a Wiki Adventure. Did you know that Thailand's King Bhumibol Alduyadej is the longest-serving Monarch? He never makes any comments about politics but if any negative comments are made towards the King, critics can be jailed for 3-15 years.
I began thinking about the people I met in Thailand: Catherine, a Peace Corps volunteer teaching English to Thai teachers. She was my scuba diving buddy and we were known as "Team America, Fuck yea!" I wonder how the political unrest is affecting her travels and stay in Thailand? Others I know traveling throughout Thailand: 2 Canadian high school graduates, a Dutch couple that quit their jobs, and a friend from Northeastern that's spending Spring Break there....I am worried about their well-being!
Anyway, enough about Thailand. I promise to focus on China next time...if my A.D.D. permits.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Escaping to Never Neverland, aka Thailand
There have been a lot of things running through my head lately. But before I can get to it, I need to briefly touch base on Thailand for the sake of documenting memories.
To be brief - Bangkok was cluttered, dirty, and filled with color. Buildings and temples lined with gold and other interesting colors, bright lollipop cabs, tuk-tuks, fruit stands, jewelry stands, everything you can think of stands, and smiling junklers aka "salespeople" of souvenirs and knock-offs. The weather was as hot and sticky as a rice bun.
We departed for Koh Tao as soon as humanly possible on an 8 hr. night bus. I signed up for the Open-Water Padi Scuba Diving course that included accomodation. The island was small, peaceful, and the main hub for divers with a tight budget. I highly recommend going to Crystal Dive Resort if you're ever interested in getting certified. I had the best scuba instructor, Winnie, a badass from Denmark. Being in Koh Tao for a week after living in Shanghai for 2 months changed my perspective on life dramatically. Yes, bold words but it did! Everything that concerned me prior to the trip was washed away with a delicious fruit shake blended freshly on the spot. BCD inflatable? Check.
Diving in Koh Tao was AMAZINGGGGGGGG - I still can't believe I'm an Open Water Diver now!!! I went on 5 dives as well as a night dive. I saw Banner Fish, Sting Rays, Angel Fish, the all-to-famous TRIGGER FISH, schools of Yellow-Tail Barracuda and a ton of other fish I can't name. The night dive was like diving in another galaxy. I think aliens do exist, they just live underwater. I kind of felt like Darth Vader with my regulator and air tank.
I also experienced Muy Thai fighting as a spectator - the first match was between two little Thai boys, who fought like warriors. I felt like I was witnessing a medieval gladiator match or a video game - I dunno. It's strange to pay money to watch little children fight. Anyway, the next 4 matches were a lot more ethically pleasing to watch because the matches consisted of grown men. It was great to glug a Chang beer and swat the mosquitos while cheering on a game I have no knowledge of whatsoever.
I also rented an ATV and went on joy-rides around the island. I bought a pair of knock-off Raybans and vroomed around in my bikini. Basically, I was just a badass. Freedom Beach will always be a personal favorite of mine.
I met a lot of great people, in my diving course and randomly throughout. Israeli's, Canadians, Dutch, Germans, French, English, everrryyyyyyyything--all 21 flavors. And the majority of them had basically said, "Peace out real Life. I'm going to Never Neverland where people look young and happy and play in the sun all day." Yea....they have the right idea. That's what I'm going to do when I hit 30 or 35.
The one thing I miss about Thailand is the fact that I could just walk to the bar on the beach and whoever was there was always down to hang out from the get-go. No plans were ever necessary.
All in all it was the best Spring Break I've ever had....I've definitely walked away (more like crawled away) from this trip with the realization that there's no rush to follow the plan, if it should be followed at all. The road less-traveled is definitely more interesting, intellectually rewarding, and of course more fun :D
Happy Easter!
UPDATE: Good thing I left Bangkok in time....Political Unrest.
Friday, March 27, 2009
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