Thursday, January 31, 2008

Cold Cold Beijing

Hi peeps

I am in Beijing!!!

Yes, I am in winter Beijing where the temperatures range from -2 to -10 degrees. Having said that though, I apperantly have been blessed with very sunny days so far. The welcoming sky has been a picture perfect blue with the sun smiling out at me. I might start to mistake this to be the norm. Anywayz, Beijing is HUGE! I am still trying to get my bearings as all the large 8 lane roads look the same. Everything here is huge, from roads to skyscrapers to food servings. It is a shame I have not been actively taking pics of the many places, sights and sounds of Beijing as I have been focusing on getting the transition for the ACYLP coordinator role as the skyscrapers, the food and many other parts of the city are rather breathtaking.

I am currently not too sure how much a Chinese experience I have been having as I have been hanging out with AIESECers and expats who live the 'high' life that the normal Beijingers dun get to experience (China has one of the world's largets rich-poor gaps), e.g. movies here cost 100 yuan (AUD $18) which is ridiculous for the poorer Beijingers. On the other hand, due to western influences, Beijing has become a very cosmopolitan city, with the best of all kinds of cusine that would rival the home originals. But I believe I will be living as a one of the poor Beijingers over the next yr as the cost of living here is actually a tad similar to Singapore. Instances where is is cheaper are like taxi fares cost 10 yuan (SGD $2)! Moral of the story, become and expat with a fat pay package and you can spend to your heart's content! Hee... ...

Ok, more updates soon, just wanted to get started. Miss ya all who I am not seeing now, pls take care of yourself and may the year of the rat be a great one for you!

Joa

4 comments:

ippei said...

Hey Buddy,
Congratulations official on the appointment and the move! I don't think I've sent you any love to you on that yet. my bad. :P
Keep us posted and keep taking them photos.
Miss you down here in Melbourne.

Mel said...

Hey hey Joa!
I'm glad to hear to reached Beijing safely.
I look forward to reading more about your adventures in China as they unfold.
Miss ya food club buddy!
*hugz*

joachim said...

awww.. thanks guys. Miss ya'll too!

Kenny said...

:'( joa i'm on my way boarding for my flight back to Melbourne in 20 mins. yet somehow i'm super emo.... miss mum and family back home, to make matter worse melbourne changed so much without you & milo around.

:) well best of all in beijing. Do give office a call occasionally :)