Cliche Pre-departure Message
Loading Map
Atlanta,
Georgia,
United States
Friday, June 13, 2008
My biggest regret about my college study abroad experience in London is that I didn't keep a journal or a blog. I uploaded photos to facebook and labored over the captions, but it's not quite the same as documenting a journey of emotions, adventures, observations, reflections, etc. Plus, I am notorious for losing touch with friends and family, and blogging is a very handy way of keeping up-- albeit slightly impersonal. Except for me. I get to be personal and share my thoughts, and my hope is you will enjoy reading my entries about all I
experience in Asia.
As far as expectations go, I only have a few. Though I've toured Europe a bit, China will most definitely be my first "culture shock." It's a cliche phrase, but I doubt "shock" will feel trite when something truly does surprise me. I've mentally prepared myself to let go of what I think is comfortable and necessary, so that I can enjoy myself without fretting about things beyond my control. We'll see how successful I am...
I am excited for all the unknowns. When I get to Beijing I will want to buy a phone. Not only to keep track of my boyfriend Adam (who I'm secretly hoping will never separate from me since he speaks Chinese and I speak ni hao) but to call my future friends. I plan to adopt the same sensibility I had in London: Don't feel like a visitor. You live here.
And though I have no lofty ambitions about becoming fluent in Chinese, I will be entering the workforce upon my return to the US. Somehow I will need to better market my skills. Why not add "Conversational Mandarin"? Ha!
So, it's Friday night, and by Tuesday, I'll be on a plane to Beijing and arriving sometime Wednesday to not leave again until sometime in September. I don't know yet where we're staying, but Adam's friend will pick us up from the airport and he should know by then. I'm praying I'm one of the few people who experience no jet lag or food sickness as I acclimate.
Next time I write, I'll be in Beijing and in SHOCK.
