Last day in China
Today was my last full day in China and I am really ready to be back in Japan. Actually after a week with my parents I am really ready to be back in the States with my family around me, but that's not for another 4 months or so.
I have walked on the Great Wall, seen the Terracotta Warriors, gasped in amazement at the balance and bendy-ness of Chinese acrobats, and eaten so much delicious and crazy cheap Chinese food that I've reached for my Tums just about every night. I have pearls from the pearl market and cheap knock-off shoes. I have learned to push my way to the front of the line and can haggle down a price or discourage a street seller from even approaching me with one piercing look.
Having been completely unprepared for the culture shock of China, I am ready to be back in Japan where people obsessively queue up and service people treat me like it is their delight to help me. Even the staring in Japan is milder compared to China.
There will be pictures and a full report later but now I have to pack and shower. We are meeting some friends of a friend who live here in Beijing here tomorrow before we head off to the airport so everything must be done tonight.
I have walked on the Great Wall, seen the Terracotta Warriors, gasped in amazement at the balance and bendy-ness of Chinese acrobats, and eaten so much delicious and crazy cheap Chinese food that I've reached for my Tums just about every night. I have pearls from the pearl market and cheap knock-off shoes. I have learned to push my way to the front of the line and can haggle down a price or discourage a street seller from even approaching me with one piercing look.
Having been completely unprepared for the culture shock of China, I am ready to be back in Japan where people obsessively queue up and service people treat me like it is their delight to help me. Even the staring in Japan is milder compared to China.
There will be pictures and a full report later but now I have to pack and shower. We are meeting some friends of a friend who live here in Beijing here tomorrow before we head off to the airport so everything must be done tonight.