Name: (English) People’s Republic of China / (traditional Chinese) 中华人民共和国 / (pinyin) Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó
Population: 1.35 Billion
Capital: Beijing
Largest City: Shanghai
Formation: Unification of China in 221 BC; Republic established on January 1, 1912; People’s Republic proclaimed on October 1, 1949.
(Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China)
I can’t help but think that my return to Asia to teach ESL is a restart of some sort. More specifically, it’s that time when you think to yourself “If I could do it again, I’d…”, that’s where I am now. I’m going to Beijing, China to teach English but with a very different background, most notably an increased skill set and much more international travel experience. With that, below are a few of the expectations I have about the country, its people and my time there.
More living overseas/the life of an ex-pat/nomad. I suppose in a way moving to China is no different for me compared with any other work. My main purpose in China is to work, not play, which is what I think a lot of people are thinking when they say “Enjoy your trip.” I really don’t know how to respond to that statement anymore. To me, moving about has become so regular that it doesn’t even feel real any more. I can’t say I’ve completely forgotten what it’s like to stay in one place but I can say that I’m slowing down quite a bit now. No longer am I as willing to just pack my bag and head off for the weekend. Instead, I’m more willing to either go to the library or simply stay in. In some sense, I suppose, my travel and wanderlust has been satiated. Aside from completing a complete journey of the world and visiting West Africa (aaaand maybe working on three more continents), I can’t say there’s all that much more I’d like to do in terms of travel. And I’m okay with that. As a matter of fact, I think I’m kinda relieved. Beijing, though a great opportunity and I’m sure it’ll be an impactful experience, is really for work.
The Mandarin Language. Some folks know about my perverse interest in languages ranging from ancient to modern. But China, like my time in South Korea, presents an interesting problem: how much will I have to learn in order to get by? I can tell you that sitting here in the Toronto airport and hearing the Mandarin spoken over the PA system doesn’t really inspire me all that much. In any event, a lot of folks have asked me, “Do you know Chinese?” as if it was some sort of requirement to travel to China. I suppose it’d help but really, in my experience, it’s not overly difficult to travel without knowledge of the local language. That being the case, I’ll give it a shot. Why not? It’d only add to the list of languages I’ve already tried learning (to varying degrees of success).
Sights. Going to China I guess I expect to see Tienanmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, or even cities such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Beijing. I’ll be living in Beijing so that checks off one box at least but the others, I guess it depends on how tough it is to get around. Oh, and can I say I’d be interested in visiting North Korea since China is one of the few places you can find tours to take you there?
People. Lots? Is that a good way to describe what I expect about the people? The Chinese folks I’ve met so far during my travels have always been very gentle and welcoming so I don’t imagine that will be too different in China itself.
History. China is known as one of the oldest recorded civilizations in the world. I read up a little on Chinese history before heading over but, for me, travel makes history come alive. It was the same when I went to South Korea five years ago. This time I changed things up… I bought a guidebook before I left and I even watched a short documentary on Chinese history on YouTube. Now I feel more prepared. In any event, from the Great Wall, Tienanmen Square and the Forbidden Palace to the Terracotta warriors to the birth of emergence of city-states such as Hong Kong and Shanghai, it’ll be interesting to see those guide book pictures and martial arts movies come to life as I once again step foot on the opposite side of the world.
Country #24. For those of you who’ve been following my journeys (and even those who are just beginning), China marks country #24 on my world map and, aside from the USA, will be stamp/visa #2 in my new passport. Six years ago I’d only been to a few of countries but since 2009 I’ve consistently moved every year. I managed 16 countries the first year I was out of Canada but have slowed down considerably in the last few years. And I’m okay with that. Aside from being able to explore the neighbourhoods a little more instead of just the main sites, I actually get to unpack my backpack, a rare experience itself. But is China the final destination? No, I don’t think so. Canada is home but work takes me elsewhere. How long in China? I don’t know and that will have to be decided later.
Music. My quest for good music continues and I’m sure (and hopeful) that China is no different. Recall that Taiwan and other southeast Asian countries offered some metal I enjoyed, South Korea continues to crank out its Kpop hits while Japan, a country that has always produced art appreciated in the West, combined the two with Baby Metal. But what does China have to offer? I recall hearing some Mandopop and don’t remember being impressed. Lastly, Beijing doesn’t really come to mind when thinking of Chinese music. Yes, Chinese opera is one style of music, but is there anything else? I guess we’ll see.
Culture. This is becoming a little cliche now but, had you told me six years I’d be on my way to live in China for a year I don’t think I would’ve believed you. Now, in only one week I’ll be on my way to the Far East once again. Although there are large Chinese communities in southeast Asia, the only place I’ve visited that proclaims itself as “Chinese” is Taiwan. Other than that, Chinese culture hasn’t really factored into my travels. And so now that I’ve moving to China, what do I know about Chinese culture? Not very much. Yes, in some parts they eat dog, chew loudly, are known for fantastical action movies, high-pitched opera, and one language spoken over such a great distance over history that even the Chinese themselves have trouble understanding what each other is saying.
That should just about do it for expectations. I’ll update a little later on in regard to how my expectations were met in the country itself. And with that, it’s time to see some of China.