Ni hao!

I have always believed that whenever you do something you should do it as well as you can, and not by halves. And it appears Beijing has echoed this philosophy as everything here comes in excess…including the rain!

Our time here in Beijing is rapidly coming to a close, for which I am eternally regretful. The past week in particular has gone so quick and despite having some of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had there still seems to be so much of the city left to see! Nevertheless we still have the closing ceremony to look forward to – as well as a language test – and then it’s on to Shanghai! We had our last language lesson with our teachers today. Both of them have been so nice and I will miss them a lot. I never like saying goodbye, especially when you won’t see them again.

Since my last blog we have been equally busy and equally exhausted. On Saturday morning we travelled to Humen village where we spent the weekend. We had lunch on arrival and then had the pleasure of climbing a mountain, called the Silver Pagoda Loop. I have not climbed many mountains and despite the heat it was really fun. The scenery was beautiful, especially the pagodas, and the view from the top was simply breathtaking. I was the first one to reach it and so I got to take in the view alone. I also stood up on the railings and raised my hands, parodying the famous scene from the movie “Titanic” and yes, it really did feel like I was flying. After we travelled back down we had dinner and then head to a village party. We were staying with a couple who had a lot of beds and they provided lovely, locally grown food. At the party all four classes performed their Chinese songs. We had only just learnt our song and so we were a bit unsure of the words, but some dance rehearsal ten minutes before we went on ensured a respectable performance. Although, we did forget the lyrics and the dance on more than one occasion. Nevertheless, we were awarded the prize for best organisation…ironic, I think so. As we danced to our favourite western tunes some villagers came and watched in through the window. It must have been quite a shock to see a bunch of foreigners dancing around like mad to strange songs. Afterward, we crashed a local bonfire party but we didn’t feel too welcome and so left immediately. The accommodation was really nice, and we even had the company of moths and lizards for the night! The next day we rose for breakfast and then headed back to BNU.

In the afternoon a large group of fellows, including myself, travelled to Beijing Zoo to see the Giant Pandas. The Zoo was a mixed experience and you may read more about it on other people’s blogs. All I will say is that some of the animals were so graceful and beautiful and pandas need to be saved from extinction, but some of the conditions they were kept in were not pleasant and could definitely be improved.

On Tuesday we had a super busy day. After lessons in the morning, we travelled to the Temple of Heaven, which is a place for God and is over four times the size of the Forbidden City. The place was lavish and ornate, and contains a circular wall, called the Echo Wall, which apparently allows to people to talk some distance apart and here their voice reverberate around the wall. I must say I did try it and it didn’t work for me. Perhaps there’s an art to it! After this we went to the Pearl Market, which is similar to the Silk Market but sells more electrical goods and watches. There I bought some sunglasses and a wallet, both ‘designer’ brands. The vendors seemed to be slightly more lenient than those at the Silk Market and it didn’t take so much bartering to get our desired price. Straight from the market we went to the Liyuan Hotel for dinner where we would also see the Beijing Opera. This was my first experience of opera, and the Chinese version is quite different to the European style. We had two stories, one of a queen who wanted to help her husband protect his kingdom from battle but upon realising she couldn’t killed herself, and the second a Robin Hood-esque tale of a lady who stole silver from the corrupt officials of the local bank to help those who need it. While the talent of the performers is undoubted, I wasn’t completely crazy about it and quite a lot of the Chinese don’t really enjoy it either!

Today we took visits to different social enterprises. The one I went to is called “1 + 1” and it is a disabled radio station and journalism NGO which works to promote the lives of blind and disabled citizens in China. It is such a worthwhile project as opportunities for the disabled in China are limited. For example, blind people can only take two university courses, including massage therapy. However, this organisation is changing that by training them in computing and journalism and giving them the skills to move on and find their ideal work. Visiting this scheme was another reminder of how fortunate we are in the UK to have the support and opportunities that we have. It also made me think that what use is GDP if there are still people suffering and with sufficient paths to follow. Although, the man who answered our questions, did say there was increasing awareness and support from the Chinese government to deal with disabled people. The NGO was also the first one to gain disabled Chinese journalists access to the Paralympics in Beijing 2008. He also said the Paralympics had brought more awareness of disability to China which can only be a positive thing.

Today it has rained heavily for much of the day, but luckily it has now stopped. I am going to try and savour these last few hours in Beijing, because it has truly been exceptional and I have learnt much about myself and my character. If Shanghai is half as good as this it is going to be an awesome month. I am much looking forward to working with HSBC and meeting my host family. There is still much work to do but I am getting to grips with Mandarin and am hungry to try and have an impact, no matter how small.

Zai jian!

Ollie

Hello! Ni hao!

We have been so busy these past few days that I couldn’t possibly tell you of everything. Therefore I have selected some highlights! So enjoy. Oh, and I have been trying to add some moral type titbits to my recent blogs so I shall duly continue this trend. I would say that you should always follow your passion and your joy, but remember in the end you have to face the consequences and you have to live with them. Learn to live life as it comes at ya and always do what you feel is the right thing. This has nothing to do with the forthcoming blog but I feel like I’m learning a lot about myself in China and I kinda feel like I’m growing up.  

The House of the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to China

Oops! In my previous blog I forget to write about a very stunning event!

On the first Friday after we arrived all forty fellows had the privilege of attending a welcoming reception at the house of the British Ambassador to China. The reception would also be a chance to meet with some representatives from the corporate hosts who partake in the programme in China. This was my first visit to the residence of any ambassador and so it was a very exciting and special experience. Needless to say, his house was very nice and had guards on the entrance; we also were not allowed to take pictures inside.

Once inside we were met by waiters with trays of drinks, including both alcoholic and soft drink refreshments. All the fellows were dressed in smart efforts and all in all the occasion made me feel like a very important person. Once everyone had arrived the evening kicked off with speeches from three distinguished guests, including the Ambassador himself, the vice-chairman of BNU and a 2008 Fellow. His Excellency Ambassador Wood gave a talk about the importance of the UK’s strengthening relationship and the vice-chairman talked of BNU’s internationalisation. However, the most inspirational talk was from the Fellow, as he talked about how the GF can positively impact our lives and lead on to avenues of new opportunities.

After the talks and introductions were satisfactorily completed it was time for the fellows to mingle with the corporate representatives. Ours was called Justin, and he is the manager of HSBC in Beijing. We had a very interesting conversation with him; we learnt about his son studying in the UK and how he thinks that British students don’t work hard enough, the lack of change that has taken place in London over the past twenty years and how Chinese culture should be taught more in British schools. However, we still failed to find out many details about our placement in Shanghai, but not to worry it’ll all come as a nice and fresh surprise…hopefully! Or perhaps they’re not telling us for a reason!

As the night weaned away it was eventually time to leave our elaborate settings and return to BNU. When I first applied for this programmed I had no idea about the esteem I would find myself in. Already I have experienced so many unforgettable things and time and time again I find myself feeling uncommonly lucky to have received a place. Let the good times keep on rolling :P!

Peking University

On Tuesday a few of us took a trip to Peking University to have a look around the campus. Peking is considered to be the best university in China and is one of the top ones in Asia and the world. We were given a tour by our Chinese coordinator Ariel, who studied there as a student.

In China, only 12% of people go to university, much less than the UK where this figure is around 50%. This is despite university being relatively cheap in China and costing around £800 per year, with government subsides also available. Peking is roughly China’s equivalent to our Oxbridge as they triple  academic excellence, with beautiful surroundings and visits from foreign leaders. One of the most prominent features of the university is the water tower as well as the large swimming lake. In 2008 the university also hosted some of the table tennis events at the Beijing Olympics.

Peking is regarded by many to be one of the world’s leading universities and as China’s status grows it looks as though the prestige of its most famous university may do so also.

The Legend of Kung Fu

On Wednesday evening all the fellows got to go to The Red Theatre in Beijing to watch a performance of Chun Yi: The Legend of Kung Fu. It was spectacular! The strength and skill of the actors was truly amazing, and it was an exciting reminder of the importance of kung fu and tai chi in China.

The play tells the story of a young boy, Chun Yi, whose mother leaves him at an abbot where he is to be taught the art of kung fu. After initial reluctance the boy begins to embrace his new life and grows in skill and strength. However his ego becomes to big and he adversely affects himself. He then learns the error of his ways, and when his master dies, he takes his place at the head of the abbot. (Okay, so that’s a brief, slightly inaccurate and quite confusing synopsis). The moral of the play is that in order to become at one with the world you must be trained both spiritually and physically, and let go of all earthly possessions and distractions.

This was a very enjoyable experience and I was mesmerised by the sheer talent of those involved. Some of the actors were just young boys who were able to perform back flips and other moves of great strength. There was also a scene where a man and a woman were dancing in the air, attached to some cloth, and another were a man had a concrete slate cracked on his back as he lay on top of needles and blades and another man!

798 Art District

On Thursday afternoon we travelled to Beijing’s 798 art district, where we got a chance to look at some urban and contemporary Chinese art. It was super hot today and at times it was uncomfortably hot. I had mixed reactions to the art – some pieces were very good, such as the wooden walls, whilst others seemed obscure and abstract, although perhaps that is their charm. I always think art is a very subjective entity and means different things to different people. Although some of the art appeared traditionally Chinese (depicting women and Chinese animals) some of it was not, and in some ways this represents Beijing as a whole, where there is a blend of Chinese and non-Chinese culture.

My Mandarin lessons are going well and I enjoy them very much. We have two teachers who are both very nice and very good teachers! Our second teacher, Tracey, gives us games to play and also interesting punishments! We have to prepare a Chinese song to perform to the other classes. Our practicing is going well and we have lots of fun! It remains to be seen whether we have nailed the song or not. Tomorrow we got to a village for which I am very excited. I better go and get ready.

By the way, here is a poem I wrote about my first week in China. Hope you like. ;)

Beijing

The dragon is waking.

Though in truth, it never really slept.

And now, I am in its belly.

Early morning, and already the smoke and fire begin to flow out of its nostrils.

And it won’t stop. Ever.

It stirs and twitches, as four million cars cover its body.

All through the night the humming of engines clings to my ears, allowing me no peace.

The noise here never stops.

It can only be ignored.

As my tired sinew begins to spread, sweat dances on my skin. Heat falls relentlessly, though you cannot see the sun.

The air lays heavy on my lungs, one deep breath feels shallow, but it is all I can take.

I am tired for being awake.

It comes and it comes.

An endless flood of people, of buses, of life.

And I am only one.

One small, insignificant particle.

One of twenty million who call this creature home.

A creature, which everyday grows.

Urban sprawling, taller growing.

It cannot go on forever. But yet it does.

Soon, they say, this will be the king of the animal kingdom.

No one else can match its power.

The whole world, beneath its claw.

And when it breathes,

we all roar ‘Beijing’.

Thanks for reading.

Ollie :D

The disparity in Beijing is great; great between rich and poor, old and new and almost every other contrast. I love this city but it has its problems, as well as its greatness. The architecture is awesome, the food great, the history amazing, but there is also poverty here and some pollution. Such is the contrast between areas of China's capital it could almost be two cities. On one side we have a city that could challenge New York in terms of wealth and infrastructure, but on the other hand there are problems here more associated with Africa. And whether its good or bad, it all makes for quite a package!

Wow! What a few days. I have experienced some of the most amazing sights and events of my life, and I feel so privileged to have been accepted onto this programme and to be representing the UK here in China.

I have settled well into Beijing and am still completely mesmerised by the city as I see more of it and explore it further. The only downside is that I cannot get the internet on my laptop and so I am unable to blog as frequently as I would like but I will blog as much as I can and try to cover everything in it. So watch out, they could be long! Beijing is the most amazing city I have ever been to; it is so big and there is so much going on. I love going out and looking at the buildings and just getting the feel and atmosphere of the place. China is an incredible country and Beijing epitomises that wholly.

When I arrived on Wednesday I wasn’t too tired but the first day was spent getting a feel for our new location and getting to know our Chinese leaders better. On the second day we had the Opening Ceremony where we heard established guests deliver speeches on what the programme means to both the UK and China and how we can get the most of it. After the ceremony we had an introductory lesson in Mandarin where we got to meet our Chinese peers. During this session we discussed each other’s perceptions of the other country. It transpired that Chinese students thought that we were very mature and more informal then they had thought, and they also said they think British students do not work so hard. Similarly, we also thought the Chinese students weren’t as formal as we had expected but they do work hard and all of them speak exceptionally good English. This has already highlighted a vast difference between our nations; on one hand China sees it as crucial to be multi-lingual and many people endeavour to become so, but in the UK we are seeing a decline in second language learning and instead rely on the world’s ability to produce people competent in English. At lunch time we got to dine in a very nice restaurant, and I am pleased to say I can now eat all my meals with chopsticks! Some things can be tricky, such as getting meat off of a bone, but all in all its quite a nice and efficient way to eat. In China, you tend to order as group rather than individually. The tables have a circular tray on them which rotates and all of the many dishes are placed on that so that people can take as much as they wish. I prefer this system as it allows you to try many different things.

During the afternoon we were given a tour of Beijing Normal University (BNU) by some students here. The university was established in 1902 and was used mainly as a college for training teachers; nowadays, although many still come here to learn to teach, it has transformed into an international university and has students from over 70 countries, including lots from the USA. BNU has over 20,000 students and the buildings here are very nice. There are also lots of facilities here, including a swimming pool, an athletics track and a gym. We are staying in the hotel for international students and we have very nice single rooms, but our tour guide informed us that some rooms have to be shared with up to 8 people. We are very lucky!

During the first two nights I also experienced that Beijing obsession – karaoke! Karaoke is very popular hear and 20 of the fellows rented a private room, which was very cheap. Many of the songs played were English and this is also an example of western influence of China. Globalisation is everywhere here, and American brands such as McDonald’s, KFC, Armani, Adidas and Gucci are everywhere, including on the bags and clothes of Beijing citizens.

On Saturday I had simply the best day. In the morning we travelled north of Beijing to climb a section of the Great Wall. In pinyin (phonetic Mandarin) the wall is called “changcheng”. It began construction over 2000 years ago during the Qin Dynasty, and was built to protect the northern provinces from nomadic tribes. At over 8800 km long, the wall is the largest manmade object ever and the only one visible from space. Those who have climbed the wall are said to be true men, and you cannot become one unless you have. Climbing the wall was one of the best things I have ever done; it is truly amazing to see the real thing as you can appreciate the scale and magnitude of it. It was very hot and I sweated loads whilst climbing it but I got some fantastic pictures. To me the wall represents the capability of the Chinese people, and a sign of the magnificent feats that can achieve. It is also a permanent reminder of the heritages and history of this great land. A heritage which the Chinese people seem very proud of and interested in.

After lunch we then travelled to the Olympic Park to see the Bird’s Nest stadium and the National Aquatics centre. As an athletics enthusiast I was very excited to see these great stadia which made the 2008 Beijing Olympics so spectacular. It was so awesome to get to go inside the stadium and see the track. In the Park some of the fellows became temporary celebrities as children and adults alike flocked around us for photos. It was very surreal but another reminder of China’s past isolation.

The next day we got to visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, two of the most famous places in China – they are also some of the busiest. Plus, they are the only sites marked on the subway maps, again showing their importance here. Tiananmen Square is the largest public square in the world and is surrounded by glorious and ornate buildings. At the foot of the square is the famous portrait of Chairman and the entrance to the Forbidden city. The square holds so much spiritual connection to the people here and receives over 100,000 visitors each day, sometimes up to 150,000! Following the square we entered into the Forbidden City, which gets its name from the fact that no one was allowed inside or outside the palaces without the permission of the emperor. The FC was completely spectacular. Over 8000 palaces and all carved with the same care and detail as the first one. It was such an honour to be experiencing it and I saw some things I will never forget. Again it was really hot and I was pretty tired by the end of it but it was so worth it!

On Sunday afternoon me and another fellow decided to take the subway to the Silk Market. I am eternally fascinated with underground transport and I had wanted to ride the subway ever since we arrived. There’s something about them that makes me feel a part of the city and the people, and how amazing it is to have this transport artery below the bustling city. The Beijing subway was excellent, and more modern than London Underground. The trains are modern and clean and air conditioned (!) and the stations are also nice. I definitely saw a few things that they use in Beijing which could be used to help make London better. It is also very cheap, as we got one journey for 2 Yuan, which is about 20p. The Silk Market was one of the craziest things ever! It’s an inside market which is very big, and is infamous for its bargaining and bartering. They say you should offer 10% of what the person asks for as that is closer to its true fellow. They also sell a lot of fake designer brands there such as Armani, Abercrombie & Fitch and Nike. I bought a Chinese football shirt for 60 Yuan and the starting price was 250. I am not a hard bargainer but I am learning. It’s quite funny because they say they won’t give you a lower price and then when you walk away that shout at you to come back as they’ll do it. They are really desperate to sell their stock. I loved the Silk Market. Afterward, we walked into Beijing some more where I saw some amazing buildings. There were so many skyscrapers it could have been New York. We got to see the Chinese Trade Center and the CCTV building which is the most incredible shape. I love exploring the city and finding new buildings and things to look at. You get to see more of China and the less touristy places. On some of the subway trains we were the only white people on them, and I preferred it like that.

Security here is also very good, and for access to Tiananmen, the Forbidden City, the Olympic Park and the subway we had to have our bags scanned. So far, Beijing seems like a safe place.

I have loved my time here so much, and it is evidence of the great contrast which exists here. Some parts of the city could be in any country in Europe in the US and some parts are even better. But there is also a lot of poverty and many people sleep on the streets. On the subway, one woman was begging for money on a train. Sometimes, its hard to not give money to beggars, especially when there are children. But I feel if I cannot do it for all of them they I shouldn’t do it to any, and plus it is not charity they need but opportunity to help themselves out of this situation. I hope that as China develops and becomes richer it will begin to help those in need as everyone should benefit from their economic growth and not just the rich and powerful. China is definitely reawakening and from what I’ve seen so far it seems unstoppable.

Bye for now. I have more exploring to do.

Ollie :D

In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen taught us that first impressions can be both misleading and inaccurate if little care is taken to truly try and know the subject or person. Hopefully, during our six week stay in this amazing country, we will take that care, and may many of our preconceptions be challenged, and even proved wrong. But despite the age old lesson of not judging on face value we all do it anyway, and here’s my first impressions of China purely by just driving through it.

Firstly, Beijing is huge! And as modern and impressive as any city I’ve ever been to. The road network we drove through seems to resemble the American system where they are built like a grid and all roads run parallel with each other along horizontal and vertical axis. Apparently though, this is quite common throughout the world and in the UK we are not used to it so much as our cities are older and were built on top of the old ones and thus follow the unique pattern that existed all those years ago. London is a series of windy roads and curves whereas New York is famous for its blocks and pretty much follows a grid.

It is hot here (although not as hot as in Dubai; when we got off the plane yesterday it hid us in the face like a brick and many of us were sweating simply walking off the plane and into the airport) but the humidity makes it stickier than normal. That said, lasts night’s temperature was just right and it made for a pleasant first experience on Chinese soil.

Driving through the city there are so many similarities to our capital, but also many differences. The traffic and the people are just as busy and just as bustling as London and the skyline is both full and impressive. But we have already began to witness the large number of street vendors here and the ‘make shift’ cafes, food stalls and shops on the side of the road. There was one activity we saw where it looked like a group of people had set up a temporary café under a bridge and were enjoying beers and food and having a right good time. It was a reminder that underneath all of the seriousness that exists around China protrudes a country of sociable and welcoming people. It also showed that wherever you go in the world, you’ll always find a group of men chatting with a few beers.

Moreover, globalisation, on face value, is clearly evident here. Next to our hotel at BNU is a McDonald’s, and we have already seen KFC, Holiday Inn and Armani in both Dubai and China. It was not a shock to see these brands here but with regards to global interlinking it s just scratching the surface. Yes they act as a stark reminder of the cultural overreach of the west and transnational operations of big companies, but in order to understand the issue we need to look further – much further – below the surface and that means speaking to the people of China. By the way, yes I did have a Maccy Ds when I arrived at the hotel last night, and yes I do appreciate the irony that  I came half way around the world to sample Chinese culture, and the first thing I do is have a slice of our own. But come on, you have to break me in gently!

The journey here was comfortable and fun. On the first plane to Dubai I watched a film called “The Last Station” which focused on the last years of acclaimed Russian author Leo Tolstoy, and the conflict of whether his literary estate should remain with his family or pass to the public domain. Our short time in Dubai was hot, but long enough to witness what a fantastic city it is and how globalisation is affecting people there (McDonald’s, Armani, Starbucks, etc.). The second flight was much more sociable as all fellows were seated together and so a lot of talking ensued. My tiredness overcame me and I slept for some of this flight but towards the end I gained a second wind, spurred on by the thought of China. It talk us almost 24 hours of travelling to get here but it was worth every minute. And plus, travelling doesn’t seem such a chore when you’re with some fantastic people with the thought of an awesome experience awaiting.

Anyway, I’ve woken up early to write this blog so now better go and get some breakfast. China has laid its first impressions in my mind but now it is time to dig further, to challenge the expectations and learn what China is really about!

Well the saga of what to have and when seems to be going on right now :/

I’ve filled in my travel form and am waiting on guidance from the Dr about what I might need to be injected with (lovely thought) but it seems all the fellows so far are having different things and the same happened last year... I'm just hoping it all turns out to be quick, easy, simple and more than anything cheap!!! My Dr gave me a generic price list and some of those go up to £145!!! Luckily I won’t need that one but still, I didn’t apply for a government funded scheme for nothing!

We'll see what needles I get stabbed with in the future, I'm looking forward to it...

Oh and P.S The term 'Beijing' literally means ‘Northern Capital’