Rob Maisel
  • Home
  • Rob's Blog
  • Travel Blog
  • Travel Photos
  • About Rob
  • Contact Rob
  • Rob's Work
  • Order My Book: Transform Through Travel

Final Days in Beijing, Shanghai on the Horizon

7/30/2011

0 Comments

 
So I write now, finishing up my stay here in Beijing.  I have learned much about the Chinese culture here.  I did not really realize the extent to which family plays a role in the Chinese' lives..it seems it is a HUGE part!  Certain Chinese (many I think) will not go through with a decision if their parents do not support it.  It is always hard for me to do this, but my parents understand that I live my own life and will ultimately make the decisions I need to make...interesting cultural difference.  It seems to lead many to be unhappy, because if the child chooses to do as he/she pleases, then the parents are unhappy, but if the child gives in and goes with the parents' decision, then the child is unhappy, a lose lose situation - of course not saying this is true for all.

I got some language practice in today with a gentleman from Inner Mongolia (still a part of China even though the name would imply Mongolia).

I feel like China is the Matrix.  Not only because the government controlling what its people will see, but also physically with this fog.  It is an ominous, strange and semi-uncomfortable feeling.  When I stare into the sky I see nothingness- no blue sky, no clouds, just this mass.  It has not been like this every day, but has been many days and actually the weather forecast is often wrong, with rain coming in many days.  Also, many times when you ask a Chinese person for directions, if they do not know, they will point you in a direction anyway, or say "I think it is over there".  Why?  The Chinese do not seem to like saying "No" or "I don't know"...

As I sit and ponder my experiences thus far, excited for what will come, Shanghai awaits- 5pm my time I will arrive :)  Beijing has been a truly incredible experience, and I can only hope that the rest of China offers me a similar if not better experience!
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

    Archives

    March 2022
    December 2021
    July 2021
    August 2020
    February 2020
    March 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    October 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    October 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    November 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    February 2015
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    May 2014
    February 2013
    December 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.