Any chance they sell female size 12 shoes over here?

Many friends and family members have been asking me about my travels and, more importantly, if I’m actually going to school over here in Beijing or just traveling. Alas, my semester is beginning to transition into full-swing around now, since classes only started in the end of September. The more days I spend in this city and at my university, the more I fall in love with it all. Here’s a bit of a glimpse into what a normal college student’s day is like here in the far East!

Tsinghua University

First and foremost, Tsinghua University is recognized as the best university in China. Every time I speak to a Chinese person and tell them that I study here, they immediately gasp and say “ZUI HAO DE ZHONGGUO!” (the best in China). This past weekend in Southern China, 3 hours by plane from Beijing, a hostel owner, masseuse, and restaurant worker all knew exactly what I was talking about when I mentioned Tsinghua. “It is every Chinese student’s dream to go there!” one girl told me. I try and explain to them that I didn’t go through a grueling application process like my Chinese classmates, but my beginner-level Chinese never quite gets the message across. Regardless, this school is incredible. And, as an added perk, it’s absolutely stunning!

Perhaps even more incredible is the caliber of students that go here: my classmates are, without a doubt, the future leaders and CEOs of China and the world. One of my Chinese friends is one of only 10 kids from his province to begin studying at Tsinghua back in 2012. Considering a province is nearly equivalent to a U.S. state, that level of competition is unfathomable.

The Pollution

This has been a big question I’ve gotten from friends and family members. Honestly speaking, sometimes the pollution is really bad. There was a 4-day stretch of smog where I would sometimes return to my apartment with a slight headache and an overall feeling of yuck. The one day I visited the Great Wall was plagued by pollution. But, it kind of added a cool, eerie twist to the day, maybe something along the lines of Great Wall-meets-zombies.

Another day of Beijing sightseeing in Beihai Park was also plagued by pollution and, sadly, not as cool-looking.

However, days of pollution are also accompanied by days of beautiful sunshine without a cloud in the sky. One day, on my way to class, I looked down a busy road and saw a mountain I’d never seen before! It was an awesome moment. Many travelers visit Beijing for only a few days, meaning their perception of the city can be great or horrible–all depending on what kind of luck the pollution Gods send their way.

The People

Beijing has a population of over 21 million people. It’s slightly smaller in population than Australia. That being said, there are people everywhere and anywhere, anytime and all the time.

These masses of people aren’t used to seeing foreigners, so they often stare at you. Today, I was practicing writing Chinese characters on the subway. I looked up from my notebook after a few minutes to find 10 people staring and smiling at me. They’re not used to seeing foreigners, and they’re especially not used to foreigners writing in Chinese! Sometimes, they’ll even ask to take pictures with you. It’s a fun time.

I’ve also reached out to a few Chinese students to hang out with them, eat dinner with them, or help them with their English! They introduce me to the best restaurants, and they show me an incredibly interesting perspective on school, goals, and general ways of life. This is Caroline, a student I met in class and had lunch with last week!

The Food

Speaking of lunch…Chinese food. I’m already in love. Perhaps part of the reason why I’m in love is because a normal meal costs around $2 or $3 (or close to $1 if you eat on campus!). Here are a few of my go-to dishes that I eat on a fairly regular basis!

Beijing as a Whole

After a mere two months, Beijing already feels like home. This city has so much to offer, from culinary delights to history, culture, and a massive ex-pat population. Here are some Great Wall pictures (only two hours outside of Beijing) featuring fall colors! We went to a lesser-known section, meaning parts of it were rather wild and untamed–right up my alley.

Earlier this month, I also got offered free tickets to see Brazil and Argentina’s soccer teams, two of the world’s best, face off in the 2008 Beijing Olympics Bird’s Nest Stadium! Stephanie and I decided we couldn’t pass up the opportunity, so we went and sat among a crowd of around 60,000–all of whom were screaming in Chinese for the entirety of the game. It’s moments like these where you can’t quite put into words how awesome studying abroad really is.

I’m so fortunate to still have 3 months left in this incredible city. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get enough of it.

Stay tuned for updates from my trips to Yangshuo, the Longsheng Rice Terraces, Hangzhou, and the River Villages of Anhui!