Unexpected Discoveries

This morning, we set out to a typical Chinese market before the preparation of our lunch. I was surprised to encounter some remarkably fresh dragonfruit for sale there-- it's a popular fruit in Vietnam, where the temperature is incredibly tropical. (See picture.) I was pretty tempted to purchase one but realized that I did not have a knife (or something along those lines) to cut it open with; sadly, I had to forgo that opportunity.

Speaking of surprises, our evening stop happened to be a Chinese hotspot for art exhibits, 798 Contemporary Art. I very much expected the place to be a bit boring, since I've always found art to be somewhat dull, especially in museum exhibits. However, to my surprise, 798 was not a usual art exhibit.

798 isn't really a museum at all; actually, it's more of an outdoor do-as-you-please sort of thing. We were free to roam since the area wasn't just one building. On the contrary, it had several streets that had random exhibits or even shops offering their goods. My friends and I roamed around for an hour to seek out possible souvenirs. 798 sported artistic graffiti on the walls and sculptures dotted the sides of the streets, giving the place an atmosphere of creativity and idealism.

All in all, the fifth of August's adventure had some hidden surprises that I initially perceived and expected to be dull. What a day.

Cheers, my friends.

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Dragon Boating to Badminton

Today (the sixth of August here, for those in the States) we left Beijing to try our hand at Dragon Boating. Although it was really a stunning loss on my team's part, we took it alright. Unfortunately, the other team constantly boasted about how great they were.. I suppose they were right, however.

Afterwards, we went into a gym that contained two badminton courts (among other things). I decided to play some since I haven't actually played badminton for about ten years. A new discovery: I'm decent at it, but I just can't serve. Oh, and I also accidentally tripped over a net pole.

Still, it was a great experience rowing the Dragon Boats and playing badminton with some new friends. As you can see in the picture, I was really into the game; sadly, the exhaustion took its toll and I didn't feel like eating much for lunch.

Cheers!

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The Jet Lag Refuses To Leave

It's nine-fourteen pm here in Beijing. I usually sleep pretty late at night (around eleven or later), but with the intense combination of jet lag (it's six-fourteen back in my beloved town of La Crescenta) and the itinerary chock-full of activities and things to see, it's been impossible to resist the constant blinking that characterizes drowsiness. I suppose, however, I am entitled to have a bit of fun every night now, so at the moment I'm hanging out with my fellow La Crescentites (is that even a word?) and the Jersey kids. I'm not doing much of the talking, but it's better than nothing.

Anyways, yesterday we got to see the Temple of Heaven, which is located in the "outer" section of Beijing. With its "Echo Wall" and enormous circular roof, it was quite a sight to see.

Then we actually got to see the FORBIDDEN CITY!! It was so powerful to imagine the royal processions that would have progressed through the imperial palace. I wordlessly walked through in stunned silence; there are almost no words to describe the entire atmosphere of the place. Even though the Forbidden City was packed with people, both locals and tourists (mostly Chinese tourists, actually), I found the place still had an ancient feeling to it. It was amazing to see that even the unrenovated decorations remained in a decent condition. Truly quite an experience.

Today-- ah, I'm incredibly tired at the moment and can't exactly be bothered to type anymore on the tiny keyboard this Blackberry has. Good night. Today's adventure can be saved for tomorrow.

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Ni Hao!

It's nine o' clock here in Beijing, and I have basically just pulled the equivalent of an all nighter. As I lay on this bed, with all its comfy sheets, I am also reflecting upon the fact that it was quite difficult to even fall asleep on the plane. (Strangely enough, the guys seemed to have no problem with that.) We were the first to arrive but also probably the first to experience the painful effects of jet lag. Getting a short nap in the hotel was also difficult with some very loud kids, in a large group, running around this floor doing who knows what.

Anyways, since I'm immensely tired at the moment, I think I'll fall asleep like a stone now.

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Pre-Trip Thoughts

Ten days until our flight to China. I'm a bit apprehensive, mostly because I've been a bit lazy packing during the last few weeks. Also, I'm the only junior going on this trip and therefore the youngest. It'll be pretty awkward, I think..

China is the country of my ancestors. It will be quite an adventure seeing and interacting with the people who live there, although surely the landscape and country have changed with time. It will not be the same China my grandparents knew.

Still, I am very much looking forward to this adventure and hope to stay in touch with my friends and family.

First Blog!

Hello,

This is my first post here and I am pleased to announce that I will be going to China this summer with Discovery Student Adventures! There are several activities prepared for us, and it is just so difficult to decide what I'm really looking forward to (because really, I'm excited for all of them!). However, I'm just going to list a couple I'm really looking forward to doing:

• Hiking the Great Wall!

• Seeing the various Buddhist temples

• Entering the Forbidden City!!

• Going to the Shaolin Martial Arts School!

Well, that doesn't even do much justice to how excited I am for this trip! I can't wait for August.