McDonald's (China Version)

Even though I need my American food fix from time to time, I didn't eat there. I just walked in and took pictures.

Tianmen Square, Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace

Finally on a warm and sunny day, we all visited the famous landmarks of China. The places that I've only seen in movies and read in books were finally made a reality. That day was filled with nothing but positive energy and excitement! Even though I dropped my camera at the Forbidden City (the lens is broken). At least it's a great story though..."Oh one of the most wonderful memories was when I dropped and broke my camera at the Forbidden City. I was so struck by the majestic place."

Funny situation! My program has two African-Americans (including myself), one Hispanic, and the rest Asian and Caucasian. The minorities were basically the main attraction! Strangers were either staring or snapping pictures of us. Random strangers were also sneaking up beside us to get a picture or kindly asking by flashing a smile. Parents were encouraging their kids to take pictures with the obvious foreigners too! It's safe to say that we were all celebrities that day. I BET that the strangers are saying "Oh yeah I have lots of foreign friends. We visited Tianmen Square together. Look at our pictures." Either that or our faces will appear on Facebook tagged with a random American name.

Ahh so fascinating!

Welcome to Beijing!

Tianmen Square

FIERCE!!!!

Chinese Food Equals Endless Varieties!

I don’t think I will ever starve here in China. The food is very unfamiliar but delicious at the same time. In the campus cafeterias, I can get a meal so cheap for 10rmb which is less than 5 dollars. I put everything on my meal card that UCD supplied everyone. There’s also a western-styled restaurant in case I need my American food fix.

I did however get sick at the boy’s dorm cafeteria. That day I ate lunch with a friend that introduced me to a hip-hop dancer. I am still not sure what we ate, but it tore my stomach up in class. Thankfully that was the only sick experience I’ve had here so far.

I love food and it brings people together. However, I’m starting to dislike eating with the guys in my program. They just order a bunch of meat and nothing else most of the time. I’m more aggressive in ordering food now, but it was bad. I ate so much meat in one week that I stayed clear from meet for a few days and ate nothing but tofu and vegetables. 

Going into my second week in China, I am slowily but surely getting use to eating Chinese food all day and everyday. There is so much variety that I just need to try all I can. Chinese food rarely disappoints me with satisfaction or fulfillment. Bottom-line, Chinese food rocks!

There pictures were taken on the last night of the Chinese New Year. So we all stuffed ourselves like never before!

Dinner with the Program

Chinese Hot Pot!

Yanjing, the only beer I've seen in Beijing

Guess Who's BACK!

Yep! Again! What can it be this time? Where is she going? What adventure is she preparing to embark on NOW?!

Beijing, China~~~ I'm getting ready to study abroad there for the spring semester of 2013 at China Agriculture University (CAU). By writing a strong essay, my university gave me a scholarship that will cover half of my costs. Unlike Korea, I will be sharing my experience with 13 other UCD students. The closer it gets, the more excited I become. I'll be there from Feb. 18 to June 2. Some side adventures are Singapore and Hong Kong. Funny, Asian countries are so close to each other, how can I stay in just one?

"Are you ever going to stay in America?!" People ask me that all the time when they found out that I was going to study abroad again. I have no straight answer for that really. But just remember that I'm always coming back to the once place I call home... Amurrica (Team America voice).

So stay tuned, my adventure has a new chapter.