View from hotel

Hanoi!

I didn't have any expectations of Vietnam. The french/third world architecture is really cool. The people are so laid back and friendly. The traffic is absolutely insane. I am really starting to Love Hanoi, what with the Bia Hoi corners in the old quarter with their 12.5 cent per cup of beer, and getting rides on a Xe Om, motorbike taxi, admitedly pretty stupid but fun. I haven't done much, but its a nice relax.

Two things I love about China

...Chairman Mao and hard sleeper trains (I hope this isnt disrespectful)

Beijing

Beijing was for the most part a short jaunt to see the forbidden city and great wall. The forbidden city was under construction (of course) which I though was fitting since everything else in China is. There was also a starbucks... I wonder what chairman Mao would think...
The great wall was incredible... to quote Clinton it was "very grand and beautiful, more beautiful and grander than I had expected"

Shanghai

Was Shanghai China? It certainly didn't feel like it. I have never been in such a large, modernized city. It was definatley a conglomeration of surreal experiences... Eating pricey Morrocan food, crossing under the river in a "psychadelic tunnel" (Don't ask)... finding a Hooters... going to the 87th floor of the grand Hyatt and seeing rich white people engorge themselves...
It was fun and short. Probably better that it was short, as my money supplies were dwindling fast.

Jinan

I guess this finally works, so its time to update. Starting with... Jinan!
Ahhh, Jinan. Ill miss your polluted skies and clogged streets. Ill miss class being interupted by explosions. Ill miss the lack of hot water and general state of decay of the room. But seriously, I enjoyed Jinan. I still can't believe all the incredible experiences I had and interesting people I met. Besides, I never could have formulated a picture of what China is like by staying in Weihai. Ill never forget climbing Tai Shan, getting street food, sadly attemptding to preform Taiji by the statue of Confucious, meeting my students on the grass...