"Oooh, Black Person!"

I was strolling along on my way to the supermarket when I hear a miniature voice squeal "oooh, heiren," which literally means "oooh, black person. I quickly turn around to discover a school bus full of school children waving and me and saying "HELLO!!" It was oddly endearing...

Forbidden City

I went to the Forbidden City which is actually the old imperial palace. While it was undeniably impressive and awe-inspring, I spent most of the day lounging with friends inside pleasantly cool cafes and even sleeping in a dark museum which had an inexplicably narcotic effect on me. I had fun- above are a few pics!!!

"Only in China"

Being an African-American in China requires that I become accustomed to constant unabashed stares. Sometimes I stare back until they look away; sometimes they don't look away. At times, feeling brilliantly conspicuous feels tiring, but usually I don't mind. I bring this up because while a Tiananmen square a woman (Chinese) asked me to help her take a picture. I incorrectly thought she wanted me to take a picture of her and her male companion. However my delusions were dispelled as she immediately inserted herself between my Kenyan friend and me, held out two peace signs and smiled. While my friend felt offended, with good reason. I just started laughing. I don't really care, but I find it amusing to think that a random Chinese person might have photo of my friend and me (who they probably assumed to be related) framed in their home somewhere.

This situation and others has led me to coin the phrase "Only in China." I use the phrase because, quite simply, strange stuff happens here that I believe does not happen anywhere else. I have seen:

• A Taichi instructor choked out on the sidewalk as his students watched.
• A teenager in underwear (only) being chased by friends holding his pants while he laughed hysterically
• Commercials with women putting underwear on their face to show how soft and fresh the underwear feels
• etc...

Sightseeing

I went to the Great Wall this weekend which was a highly-anticipated outing considering that I have been reading about this famous structure since I was in the 3rd grade. I have spoken with a multitude of people who have previously visited the Great Wall. The fact that they omitted from their experiences the ridiculous amount of climbing required to visit the Great Wall baffles me. How could so many individuals fail to inform of the half hour uphill climb to simply reach the Great Wall which, immediately and mercilessly, presents weary sightseers with more steps (uphill) in either direction. Despite the unexpected full-body work out- the great wall was amazing. However, I personally feel that if you have seen one part of the Great Wall, you've seen it all. It is simply a long, winding wall. This cynical viewpoint may be partially informed by the heat and general discomfort caused by constant uphill trekking (I wore sunscreen mom).

I also went to Tiananmen square which, as a wide expanse of concrete with a few statues, offers no hint to its historical significance. I expected no reminders of the past, but I could not disregard the eerie knowledge of an unacknowledged history.

By the way, I am a hardcore haggler!!

KFC- A Healthy Breakfast

I finally ventured into the local KFC for some supremely authentic American-Chinese hybrid cuisine. It was not unappetizing but it was not particularly delicious. The Chicken sandwich that was primarily breading surrounding a minimal portion of chicken left me pining, like a true American, for a superlatively heart-stopping burger!!

I found the sheet of paper they gave me concerning KFC and the health benefits of a KFC breakfast amusing. I also enjoyed the waitresses which were foreign to me as far as fast food is concerned.
Pictured above is the KFC health advisory, which, among other things, discusses the importance of breakfast- particularly, a KFC breakfast.

I Saw the Sun

Today was the first day of class- it was very hard. As I am contractually (literally) prohibited from speaking English, I did not speak very much. I cannot convey the awkwardness experienced when a disproportionately enthusiastic teacher speaks to you in Chinese and all you offer is a blank stare or, my favorite, the dumbfounded smile complimented by an innocent shrug. As the teachers babbled away in Mandarin, oblivious to my desperate confusion, I began to ponder why this seemed like such a wonderful idea. These mental meanderings are rather inconsequential considering the fact that my tuition has been paid and I am already in China.

Nevertheless my day possessed two highlights: I talked to grandma (G-Mary!) and I saw the sun! A glimpse of the sun represents an anomaly in the Beijing sky which is generally characterized by a omnipresent grey haze.

Is a Big Mac Worth My Life?

So far, my short time in China has been extremeley interesting. The new sights, smells, sounds, and lack of sky are at once, intimidating and fascinating. While I would not describe my food experiences as adventurous, I have tried some interesting and tasty vittles. Admittedly, I am afraid to consume meat at the moment due to a preponderance of health advisories and a litany of safety warnings.

Meat, however, is not my only fear. I am also afraid to cross the street! The simple thought renders me catatonic. If you have been to Beijing, you have seen cars honking and weaving themselves through groups of pedestrians crossing the street. This whole situation appears unneccesarily frightening and perilous. Therefore, I have yet to cross a street in China. Unfortunately, McDonalds is across the street!! I wish to go, but is a Big Mac worth my life? Ultimately, I will cross- of this I am sure. I think I will pray, close my eyes and let the Holy Ghost lead me!