chinajames.com is the blog of a SOAS Chinese student as he embarks on a 10 month placement in Beijing during one of the most exciting times in Chinese modern history. Contributions from other culturally-interested individuals and ex-pats are featured, specialising in art, design, music, sub-culture, and a sprinkling of politics.
Wow, work has been tough. It's pretty relentless. Same thing day in, day out. However, it definitely helps the Mandarin, there's no doubt about that.
My flatmate's parents were out here for Christmas and my other flatmate's parents actually live in Beijing so, despite the odds and the Atheism of China not wanting us to be Christmassy, we managed to recreate a very European family Christmas in the end.
Got more exams coming up in a few weeks (ouch) but then after that it's my 21st birthday (woo!) and then we have a MONTH OFF! During which I'm looking into doing a very, very, very cheap shoestring trip into Vietnam by train or something. No computer, no phone, no distruptions. Just myself, my woman, my camera and my sketchbook! Need to get away.
I'm sitting in a coffee shop next to the Beijing Drum Tower in the hutongs of old Beijing. I literally love this coffee shop - it's only 3 minutes bike ride away, does some of the best espresso I've had and has a really good base of regulars, both ex-pat and local. Amongst the ex-pats in particular include a nice international crowd from NYC and Paris of writers, artists and journalists. Read More...
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