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.


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.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Joel, we hope you enjoy your experience in China. What a great opportunity for a great young man! You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jeff, Lynn, Alli and Gray