You know you're in China when…
It's winter and perpetually grey, but you're not actually sure if it's grey from winter, or from pollution.
Piles of brick and dirt are all over the place as they knock down the old buildings to make room for new ones.
You talk about yarping to Dad, and that JC guy.
You feel like you're in the middle of an old school communist movie. Everyone is wearing trench coats and smoking. (Not sure why that classifies itself in my mind as a communist movie, but that's what came to my mind)
You physically have to push your way onto a train because otherwise you will not get on.
You eat the most delicious veggies in your life!
There is no such thing as a line or a que. Only mobs and globs of people trying to get to one specific thing.
You see babies with split pants, which are pants that have no inseam, leaving a child open to pee and poop wherever they please, or wherever their parents have them squat on the road. (Or elevator, or store, or wherever…don't ever step in a puddle if it as at all avoidable. You don't know what the liquid really is)
Personal space is non existant.
You taste the best rice you've ever tasted…real Chinese rice.
You see kids (like 10 years old) pull down their pants in a market street and pee.
You have to use the art of sherades and acting out ridiculous things to vendors or other people to try and explain things like popcorn, airfreshener, how much of something you want, etc. You're pretty sure that you will be a champ at the game because of all the practice everywhere.
Jasmine tea is the drink of choice, and it's delicious.
You can't get cold water anywhere, you always drink hot water.
Taxi rides can be the most terrifying experience of your life as you narrowly miss people, bikes, cars, medians…every two seconds. Where's the fire?
You find yourself addicted to instant noodles, which is not just the cheap food like in the US, but it's a staple, and quite delicious!
You constantly hear old men hawking, coughing, spitting and gurgling.
You get to eat "ha" which is a delicious stick of fruit that has been dipped in liquid sugar!
You meet some of the most adorable kids ever.
Just a tiny taste of some memories of China!
Mural #1 finished!
Mural #2 completed!
Inside of our hostel, Leo Courtyard in Beijing.
Starbucks in China! Look close, you see the sign.
Tianamen Square
Back part of the Forbidden City
Just having fun!
The Great Wall of China!
It was a pretty great wall.
Some cotton candy and ha!
So long China, you were awesome! Can't wait until we meet again!
