My plan is to merely report experiences throughout this week; internet connections are unreliable at many hostels, and I do not want to spend too much time blogging while traveling. Hopefully I will be able to upload photos within a few days too.
After flying into Lijiang we taxied to the 'Old Town' in search of a place to sleep. The Old Town is a preserved section of an originol Naxi settlement. The Naxi had been there hundreds of years merely paying China tributes in order to remain isolated. They are the last group still using a pictographic writing system. Now there is an influx of tourism and commercialization, but the Old Town keeps quite a charm. There are no cars allowed on the winding cobblestone streets, and most of the town is built on top of springs. Under every road there is running water. The downside of the Old Town is the repeating touristy junk shops throughout the windows, but there were tons of good restraunts, cafes, and guest houses. Although the Han have made a huge impact on the village, the Naxi culture is still strong.
An American teaching English in the area ran into us and recommended a cafe/bar to check out- The Sexy Tractor. The establishment was completely worth being at, with great food and company. They in turn recommended a hostel- Mama Naxi's. Mama Naxi is a loud and nearly overbearing host, but ends up incredibly helpful and welcome. We ate a 'family dinner' at the hostel and slept soundly. Mama's bannana pancakes provided a great breakfast, and she even arranged a bus for us to Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Tentative Itinerary
This week two friends and I are flying from Shanghai to Lijiang. The following week is National Holiday Vacation and we'll return around October 4th. We have a loose itinerary in with expectations to properly explore Yunnan Province. Yunnan Province borders Tibet and Vietnam, a fact that still barely the geographic diversity justice. From snow-capped mountains bordering Tibet to the Yangtze River's beginning in the Tiber Leaping Gorger, to Kunmings Stone Forests, to rice terraces in Dali I hope to get my fill of natural beauty.
Yunnan is also China's most culturally diverse province, with 38% of the population representing 25 minority groups. The oldest hominid fossil in China was found in Yunnan, and it is disputed to contain the area known as Shangri-la.
We plan to spend a day or so in Lijiang. Then our first real outing will be hiking a day above Tiger Leaping Gorge, stay in a guesthouse on the trail, and return to Lijiang the next day.
From there we plan to take a bus to Shangri-la and do the tourist thing there- I expect to find some good hiking and possibly see what we can do to get into Tibet. Assuming we do not make it into Tibet, we will take an overnight bus to Dali and spend a few days there in the Old Dali part of town also hiking and sight seeing. From there we are destined for Kunming and the stone forest; Kunming is the capital of Yunnan and there will be plenty to see in the city as well as outside of it. By then we will be ready to take the 36 hour train ride back to Hangzhou and start classes on Monday.
Yunnan is also China's most culturally diverse province, with 38% of the population representing 25 minority groups. The oldest hominid fossil in China was found in Yunnan, and it is disputed to contain the area known as Shangri-la.
We plan to spend a day or so in Lijiang. Then our first real outing will be hiking a day above Tiger Leaping Gorge, stay in a guesthouse on the trail, and return to Lijiang the next day.
From there we plan to take a bus to Shangri-la and do the tourist thing there- I expect to find some good hiking and possibly see what we can do to get into Tibet. Assuming we do not make it into Tibet, we will take an overnight bus to Dali and spend a few days there in the Old Dali part of town also hiking and sight seeing. From there we are destined for Kunming and the stone forest; Kunming is the capital of Yunnan and there will be plenty to see in the city as well as outside of it. By then we will be ready to take the 36 hour train ride back to Hangzhou and start classes on Monday.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Some Photos
Right inside our campus's main gate.
Right outside my dorm
Where they fixed my bike
City from the lakeFriday, September 19, 2008
Get What You Pay For
With no class on Friday I planned on taking it easy and getting a few things done around campus. I woke up late morning and ate some fruit, then got my student ID processed.
Eamomm, from Washington State, called before noon and wanted me to make it downtown and get lunch with him- since there was no one to share a taxi with I decided today was the day to buy a bike. The bike shop by campus has a woman cracking walnuts outside it and the man always tinkering with old bikes, though they only sell new bikes. Initially I wanted to find a used bike until I heard horror stories of trying to find people who sell them- likely all stolen.
I purchased about the 3rd cheapest bike just because the cheaper ones were too small, and the man proceeded to put pedals on and tighten the loose nuts. It is a lounge type bike with curved in handle bars and a curved frame. From the start the brakes squeaked and the single-gear would sometimes skip. After a few miles a one of the pedal cranks warped a little. I paid $30 for the bike and a lock- I really like the lock.
Riding by the lake, swerving through traffic, cruising with fluorescent sunglasses, and getting lost downtown- I was having a good time even though it was the cheapest piece of machinery I had rode on. I have put together bikes from people's garbage better than this new piece of aluminum. I eventually met with Eamomm and we ate at Hangzhou Hooters. The waitresses were extremely pleasant and had fun speaking Chinese with us- it was very much like Hooters in America. I'll return and take pictures sometime.
Eamomm tried riding on the back of my bike to the visa office, an act we see everywhere on the streets, but as I went over a small bump the back wheel completely warped. Stubbornly I took it to a bike shop a few blocks away and pick it up later today. I'll post soon about our planned trip.
Eamomm, from Washington State, called before noon and wanted me to make it downtown and get lunch with him- since there was no one to share a taxi with I decided today was the day to buy a bike. The bike shop by campus has a woman cracking walnuts outside it and the man always tinkering with old bikes, though they only sell new bikes. Initially I wanted to find a used bike until I heard horror stories of trying to find people who sell them- likely all stolen.
I purchased about the 3rd cheapest bike just because the cheaper ones were too small, and the man proceeded to put pedals on and tighten the loose nuts. It is a lounge type bike with curved in handle bars and a curved frame. From the start the brakes squeaked and the single-gear would sometimes skip. After a few miles a one of the pedal cranks warped a little. I paid $30 for the bike and a lock- I really like the lock.
Riding by the lake, swerving through traffic, cruising with fluorescent sunglasses, and getting lost downtown- I was having a good time even though it was the cheapest piece of machinery I had rode on. I have put together bikes from people's garbage better than this new piece of aluminum. I eventually met with Eamomm and we ate at Hangzhou Hooters. The waitresses were extremely pleasant and had fun speaking Chinese with us- it was very much like Hooters in America. I'll return and take pictures sometime.
Eamomm tried riding on the back of my bike to the visa office, an act we see everywhere on the streets, but as I went over a small bump the back wheel completely warped. Stubbornly I took it to a bike shop a few blocks away and pick it up later today. I'll post soon about our planned trip.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Classes and Such
We started classes on Tuesday. The language program here is fairly intense- I have 3 hours of class two days a week and 4.5 hours two days a week. I was lucky enough to be in a class which does not meet any on Fridays. There are four sections: grammar, speaking, reading, and listening. My class is made up of around 5 Mexicans, 4 Koreans, 4 Americans, a Japanese, an Australian, and a few other Europeans. All classes are completely in Chinese, but I feel quite comfortable and understand about everything. Tomorrow when I have no class I am going to sit in a Level 3 class, and see if it would be more appropriate for me.
Besides class I have been playing a good bit of soccer, hanging out with both international and native students, and planning travels for the October break. Before I came I had realized being in the international dorm would hinder my language acquisition- and so far I was right. Granted I have been here less than two weeks, I am beginning to feel the need to stray from the international students and immerse myself with the Chinese.
I'll post again soon with pictures and all.
Besides class I have been playing a good bit of soccer, hanging out with both international and native students, and planning travels for the October break. Before I came I had realized being in the international dorm would hinder my language acquisition- and so far I was right. Granted I have been here less than two weeks, I am beginning to feel the need to stray from the international students and immerse myself with the Chinese.
I'll post again soon with pictures and all.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Getting My Bearings
The last few days have been about as busy, but not nearly as overwhelming. I feel oriented throughout the city, and we are starting to know where to go and how to get there. Taxis can take you anywhere for less than $3. We haven't tried the buses quite yet- they are always completely packed and the system seems a little difficult to understand. I plan on taking the guinea pig approach and just hopping on one here soon.
To highlight some of the past days' activities: we spent and afternoon reading outside a coffee shop on the West Lake, found the National Tea Museum, looked for the Old Medicine Museum, watch the Mummy 3, and have made it around to quite a few outstanding restaurants.
A student named Eamonm from Washington State tagged along to see the Tea Museum, which had impressive exhibits and a free Chinglish speaking tour guide. After we went to a restaurant right outside and got soemthing we did not quite expect: whole chicken in a pot.
We are starting to meet quite a few international students too- students from Spain, Britain, Holland, Germany, Costa Rico, Korea, Russia, Ukraine, Mexico, Israel, and Australia just to name what I recall. I was surprised at the fact almost every international student speaks English with better proficiency than Chinese- it is really the international language.
I have also been making native friends. After playing soccer for awhile a group of Chinese students invited me to play video games in their dorm; their dorm room was even better than mine. High ceilings, a patio, kitchen, and bathroom made the double dorm room very attractive. I guess I just expected worse living conditions than WVU, and I was wrong. Although I have not been able to hang out with them for a day or two, I hope to in the future. The native students were extremely friendly and accomadating; they constantly offered me food, drink, and to introduce me to women friends of theirs.
--
To update those who are concerned: my American cellphone was recovered, however I am not able to connect to skype in the dorms here. I figured out how to call cheaply through JahJah, and will be calling you all real soon.
I did not take my camera with me on all the excursions. I realize that was a mistake and figure I'll almost always have it with me in the future. Below is a shot while looking for the Medicine Museum, and a bit of humor found in the city.
To highlight some of the past days' activities: we spent and afternoon reading outside a coffee shop on the West Lake, found the National Tea Museum, looked for the Old Medicine Museum, watch the Mummy 3, and have made it around to quite a few outstanding restaurants.
A student named Eamonm from Washington State tagged along to see the Tea Museum, which had impressive exhibits and a free Chinglish speaking tour guide. After we went to a restaurant right outside and got soemthing we did not quite expect: whole chicken in a pot.
We are starting to meet quite a few international students too- students from Spain, Britain, Holland, Germany, Costa Rico, Korea, Russia, Ukraine, Mexico, Israel, and Australia just to name what I recall. I was surprised at the fact almost every international student speaks English with better proficiency than Chinese- it is really the international language.
I have also been making native friends. After playing soccer for awhile a group of Chinese students invited me to play video games in their dorm; their dorm room was even better than mine. High ceilings, a patio, kitchen, and bathroom made the double dorm room very attractive. I guess I just expected worse living conditions than WVU, and I was wrong. Although I have not been able to hang out with them for a day or two, I hope to in the future. The native students were extremely friendly and accomadating; they constantly offered me food, drink, and to introduce me to women friends of theirs.
--
To update those who are concerned: my American cellphone was recovered, however I am not able to connect to skype in the dorms here. I figured out how to call cheaply through JahJah, and will be calling you all real soon.
I did not take my camera with me on all the excursions. I realize that was a mistake and figure I'll almost always have it with me in the future. Below is a shot while looking for the Medicine Museum, and a bit of humor found in the city.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Full Day
This week has been awkward for the WVU students in the sense that we have had no structured activities. Granted we have managed to find things to do, it is a new feeling for us to plan out activities in a new setting; we are used to tour guides and itineraries. Yesterday Chris and I made it a point to structure a day like real tourists should: we went to the Tea Museum, Silk Museum, 
and the Hangzhou Zoo.
Actually we went looking for the tea museum, which i situated in the middle of acres of tea fields. Finding the actual museum proved harder than expected, but we enjoyed the scenery and strolling through various tea shops. The area was surprisingly close to campus- just 10 minutes in a taxi. Yet the city was nowhere in site and it felt like the country side.
The Hangzhou silk museum was quite fascinating. Call me sheltered, or else just oblivious- I never quite realized silk was produce solely from cocoons. It just seems amazing that people used insects to that extent during neolithic times. The museum went through the importance of silk trade and the cultural significance of silk production through China's history. Chris and I had a good few hours following the the silk story through the museum, and were impressed by the English used throughout the exhibits.
The zoo was by far the 'wildest' experience of the day. There was an impressive array of animals and an extremely laid back atmosphere. It felt more like walking through a park and having animals to look at, than being at an amusement park- the way I recall American zoos. Albeit the conditions were considerably worse. Upkeep of cages and buildings did not seem to be a priority, nor was comfort of the animals. Many of the large animal exhibits were only concrete 
and rock, and water never looked to clean. However the animals seemed more energetic than I expected.
There was more human interaction permitted than in America; people would throw peanuts for monkeys to catch and tap on glasses without hesitation. Some animals seemed to like the attention, while many of course wanted to be left alone.
Then, on our way out we heard circus music and went into an odd circular structure. Madness ensued as we saw a tiger riding a horse, an elephant pick up a man and his baby, and bears riding scooters and boxing. We felt we got our $3 worth at the zoo.
and the Hangzhou Zoo.
Actually we went looking for the tea museum, which i situated in the middle of acres of tea fields. Finding the actual museum proved harder than expected, but we enjoyed the scenery and strolling through various tea shops. The area was surprisingly close to campus- just 10 minutes in a taxi. Yet the city was nowhere in site and it felt like the country side.
The Hangzhou silk museum was quite fascinating. Call me sheltered, or else just oblivious- I never quite realized silk was produce solely from cocoons. It just seems amazing that people used insects to that extent during neolithic times. The museum went through the importance of silk trade and the cultural significance of silk production through China's history. Chris and I had a good few hours following the the silk story through the museum, and were impressed by the English used throughout the exhibits.
The zoo was by far the 'wildest' experience of the day. There was an impressive array of animals and an extremely laid back atmosphere. It felt more like walking through a park and having animals to look at, than being at an amusement park- the way I recall American zoos. Albeit the conditions were considerably worse. Upkeep of cages and buildings did not seem to be a priority, nor was comfort of the animals. Many of the large animal exhibits were only concrete 
and rock, and water never looked to clean. However the animals seemed more energetic than I expected.There was more human interaction permitted than in America; people would throw peanuts for monkeys to catch and tap on glasses without hesitation. Some animals seemed to like the attention, while many of course wanted to be left alone.
Then, on our way out we heard circus music and went into an odd circular structure. Madness ensued as we saw a tiger riding a horse, an elephant pick up a man and his baby, and bears riding scooters and boxing. We felt we got our $3 worth at the zoo.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Under the Right Impression
There were three aspects of everyday life I was really banking on being available here: soccer, fruit, and areas to get away from people and the city. These things were reasonable to assume to be around, and I hoped would fill some voids of the missing American comforts. I'm lucky enough to see fruit stands all over campus, a large turf field always teaming with small-sided games, and the whole city is built to surround you in beauty.
I have only gone on the pitch once so far- right before/during a horrible stomach ache. Regardless, I have a good impression. I was invited to join games without hesitation, and was challenged to keep up with their pace (granted I was feeling quite sick). Many of the players wear English Premier League jerseys.
I plan on playing today, and once classes get started I hope to play soccer everyday. It should be a great way to keep in shape and make friends.
Throughout campus and the city are fruit stands. Many are there for people to pass and pick up a piece to eat on the run or to buy a bag to take home. The four plums, two dragonfruit, three apples, bunch of grapes, and two kiwis to the right cost just around $3 at a stand right across the street from my dorm; I expect to gorge myself in fruit in the next few months. Today the selection made a wonderful breakfast.
Hopefully not every post in my blog includes a picture of West Lake, but I expect the majority do. This one was taken after Mike, Chris, and I had an impressive meal of Indian cuisine and we took a stroll over to the lake. Everywhere in Hangzhou, including Zhejiang's campus, there seems to be spots of near aesthetic perfection. It helps when you are so far from everything you know to be in a place of such beauty.
I have only gone on the pitch once so far- right before/during a horrible stomach ache. Regardless, I have a good impression. I was invited to join games without hesitation, and was challenged to keep up with their pace (granted I was feeling quite sick). Many of the players wear English Premier League jerseys.I plan on playing today, and once classes get started I hope to play soccer everyday. It should be a great way to keep in shape and make friends.
Throughout campus and the city are fruit stands. Many are there for people to pass and pick up a piece to eat on the run or to buy a bag to take home. The four plums, two dragonfruit, three apples, bunch of grapes, and two kiwis to the right cost just around $3 at a stand right across the street from my dorm; I expect to gorge myself in fruit in the next few months. Today the selection made a wonderful breakfast.Hopefully not every post in my blog includes a picture of West Lake, but I expect the majority do. This one was taken after Mike, Chris, and I had an impressive meal of Indian cuisine and we took a stroll over to the lake. Everywhere in Hangzhou, including Zhejiang's campus, there seems to be spots of near aesthetic perfection. It helps when you are so far from everything you know to be in a place of such beauty.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Zhejiang University is known as 'Cambridge of the East' and is considered the 3rd best university in China. Just being on campus one can tell the pride the institution has. The roads are lined with trees and banners, and people are always keeping the campus clean. All of the 35,000 or so students live on campus- many seem to be older than normal American college students.My dorm is also pretty amazing- one of the better places to live on campus. There are mainly Koreans, Europeans, and a number of Americans in the International Dorm. Though there is some Middle Eastern and African presence. My Schedule has kept me from meeting too many people- I expect once classes start to start making real friends.
The dorm is complete with a front desk, your own bathroom, dining hall, and various convenient stores within a very close distance. We paid about $30 for 4 months of broadband, however I'm having troubles connecting applications to it- such as skype and AIM. I'll work on getting more connected.
All three of us West Virginians are feeling some anxiety about being here. There is larger language barrier than anticipated, and lately the food has not quite agreed with us. The delay of getting online, and the troubles once we got online haven't helped. I still have a unconventional sleep schedule, and we are eating meals at weird times for this country. Not to mention I may have just broken my (American) cellphone- losing all my phone numbers. I'll let you know if I can't manage to recover them. The three of us are really thankful for each others company and support, however soon I hope we branch out more from each other for language sake.
Regardless, I'm feeling good about the months to come and am ready for even more challenges. So much has gone right to sweat the setbacks; there is more to share that is considered positive that I'll just save for later.
Right outside of campus.
Catching Up
After three days of disconnect, I have finally gotten the internet in the dorms. A lot has happened, but not all to much to report on.
In Shanghai we spent a night in the city- ate Vietnamese in the middle of the financial sector, took a ferry across the river, had a few drinks over looking the skyline, went to an underground foreigner club, and made it home before 1:00 AM. We managed to meet three British students studying at the same university as us, and followed them around for a while.
The following morning Tony (WVU OIP Coordinator), Chris, Mike, and I took taxis from the hotel to Shanghai's South Station in order to embark on the train ride to Hangzhou. From Hangzhou's train station we took an unofficial taxi (which probably overcharged us) to Zhejiang's campus. Thankfully all the transit went smoothly, and we got into our rooms without a problem.
I'll post again in the near future.
In Shanghai we spent a night in the city- ate Vietnamese in the middle of the financial sector, took a ferry across the river, had a few drinks over looking the skyline, went to an underground foreigner club, and made it home before 1:00 AM. We managed to meet three British students studying at the same university as us, and followed them around for a while.
The following morning Tony (WVU OIP Coordinator), Chris, Mike, and I took taxis from the hotel to Shanghai's South Station in order to embark on the train ride to Hangzhou. From Hangzhou's train station we took an unofficial taxi (which probably overcharged us) to Zhejiang's campus. Thankfully all the transit went smoothly, and we got into our rooms without a problem.
I'll post again in the near future.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Landed
Just to let people know-
We landed in Shanghai and are staying the night in the city. Tomorrow we head to Hangzhou. The plane had many empty seats and touchscreen TVs in the headrests- made 15 hours not seem so bad.
We landed in Shanghai and are staying the night in the city. Tomorrow we head to Hangzhou. The plane had many empty seats and touchscreen TVs in the headrests- made 15 hours not seem so bad.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Where I'm At
First of all: thanks to everyone with interest in my experience in China. I am thankful for all the support I've gotten- and even more appreciative of the general excitement you all have for me. Since about a month ago I have felt mentally prepared to start living abroad, and after that my excitement turned into well being. I'm happy to be in America, but ready to get into the rhythm of life in China.
I'm going to try to outline where I'll be living before I'm there: here are my possibly ill-informed judgments:
I don't know if there is another place in China I would rather be living for four months than Hangzhou. Marco Polo passed through the city calling it "beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world." It is now a popular tourist destination known for its scenic West Lake. There is even a saying in China 上有天堂 下有苏杭 : Above there is heaven, below there is Hangzhou.
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There is plenty to do in the city: morehangzhou.com/, and I am blocks away from Yellow Dragon Soccer Stadium. I wonder if I could manage to play inside it...
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The city seems perfect. The temperate weather, reasonable size, focus on aesthetics, and welcome nature of a tourist attracting city are all comforting when anticipating my stay. I am sure to miss the mountains of Appalachia, but I hope I can get used to city-living. Hangzhou seems to be a good city to get used to.
I fly from Pittsburgh the morning of the 5th.
I'm going to try to outline where I'll be living before I'm there: here are my possibly ill-informed judgments:
I don't know if there is another place in China I would rather be living for four months than Hangzhou. Marco Polo passed through the city calling it "beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world." It is now a popular tourist destination known for its scenic West Lake. There is even a saying in China 上有天堂 下有苏杭 : Above there is heaven, below there is Hangzhou.
There is plenty to do in the city: morehangzhou.com/, and I am blocks away from Yellow Dragon Soccer Stadium. I wonder if I could manage to play inside it...
The city seems perfect. The temperate weather, reasonable size, focus on aesthetics, and welcome nature of a tourist attracting city are all comforting when anticipating my stay. I am sure to miss the mountains of Appalachia, but I hope I can get used to city-living. Hangzhou seems to be a good city to get used to.
I fly from Pittsburgh the morning of the 5th.
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