Arrival - May 5th

Hello friends and family!

Alaskan side of the Berring Straight

This is the inaugeral blog of Matt's Chinese adventures. How exciting! I am happy to report that I have arrived safe and sound in Beijing. Otherwise, this post would be from beyond the grave and that's ridiculous.

My first foray into the life a Beijinger was less than pleasant. My host family thought I was coming in on June 1st but that is obviously not the case so I was without residence. I am lodging in the sketchiest hotel in a Beijing hutong that suprisingly has an amazing internet connection and it is this luxury that allows me to write all of you. Having spent six hours in the beautiful Beijing airport left me hungry so I called for food and water but, now realizing how poor my Chinese is, only got water, gin, and pepsi. Luckily, I met another Albertan in the hotel and gave me the scoop on what to see in the neighbourhood.

Halarious translation

The first thing you should know about Beijing is that it is beautiful. It puts New York, Montreal, Calgary, and every other city to shame. It is uncannily clean and manicured with splendid architecture to match. After locating an enterprising young taxi driver, I was able to see the Olympic facilities and we took a stroll through a traditional Chinese neighbourhood. He ripped me off for twelve cents on the fare but it was a loss I didn't care to argue over. Suprisingly, no one commented that a six foot three foreigner was walking through the streets and I sauntered happily through the narrow streets feeling safer than in any other place I have been to. I know I should have taken pictures but I couldn't bear to lift the lens: it all seemed too personal for me to take a picture.

Russian side of the Berring Straight

I came across a building that had caught fire but it seemed to be of little concern to the people here. As I watched, they put out the fire, cleared the rubble, and having now awaken from a restful sleep, I see that they have already rebuilt it. It seems remarkable the pace at which this city speeds by.

To answer the inevitable question, I have located three places that I can move into today. One is with a nice Chinese family, the other a trendy couple, and another is a Korean businessman who would let me live for free if I only teach him English 5 hours a week. Fortunately, I prepared for this and it hasn't made me miss a beat. I am seeing all places this morning and I will let everyone know which I have chosen. Do not fear, the Chinese government has asked me to report by 2pm which is my final choice and they are very serious about that.

Beijing Airport

Mother, I know you are concerned. Don't be. Your son is going to be okay. Maybe it's the gin but I will be just fine. The pollution is not as bad as everyone said it would be; a few years of smoking has prepared me for such a place.

Beijing is beginning to grind into motion and I hear the rumblings of life outside my window so I must be off.

Wish me happy adventuring.

With love,

Matt

Beijing Airport

Beijing Airport

Olympic Stadium

View from hotel (night)

Hotel Room

View from hotel (day)

Another strange translation