Going back to China was something I had to do this year as my long train journey back to the UK was to start from Beijing. I was also very excited about heading back again, since I was to leave Asia and didn't know when I would be back again. But I was also a little apprehensive. Would I still like it? Would I see it with different eyes since I'd been living in Korea for two years now?
Well, turns out my love affair with China wasn't over. It was so nice to be back. I could have conversations with people beyond hello and goodbye. I remembered the random water that drips from buildings, the chaos and bright lights. The noise and crazy-ness that is cycling around. I know a lot of people don't like China when they visit, and I can see why. Especially if you only visit Beijing, with it's packed pavements and endless barriers. But I would advise anyone who goes to China, firstly to be prepared for how many people will be there; pushing, shoving and ignoring your personal space. Also be aware that that general people on the street or working behind kiosks won't speak English, and this might make it hard for you. But I impore all travellers to China to; GET OUT OF BEIJING! It's a great place full of history, but China is so massive and only going to Beijing and expecting to have 'experienced' China is like buying an ice cream but only eating the cone. There's Shanghai with it's upmarket French Concession and impressive Bund skyline, Xi'an and the Terracotta Warriors, Chengdu with pandas, huge buddah and spicy food. Beautiful Guilin and bustling Guangzhou. If there is time head to freezing Harbin or sunny Hainan, there's stunning Hunan and fascinating Dandong. Get yourself out of Beijing and start seeing some of this amazing country! You won't regret it! :-)
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| He just couldn't stop staring at me!! |
