Great Wall and Satire

It's been a while since I've updated. I don't really have too many exciting or worthwhile experiences to write about. I mean, I obviously do since I am in China; however, it's just I don't think many people would find my everyday experiences interesting. Anyways, last week was semi- interesting. ACC often arranges activities for us and we go to them in order to get a taste of Chinese culture - as if living in Beijing isn't enough. They arranged for us to see a play.

The play was a two man show. It was entitled "A Two Dog's View of Life." It was very avant-garde and I think it was meant to be absurdist theatre. The Beijing accent was very heavy and I'd be lying if I told you that I understood everything. The play was rife with puns, slang, and a variety of different impersonations that I didn't really get. It's always difficult to understand the comedy of another culture - the true representation of a culture seems to manifest itself in the form of comedy. Anyways, the parts that I did understand were quite funny and it was a good performance. The actors were quite talented and I was entertained for a good two hours. Here are some pictures:


The next adventure was our trip to visit the Great Wall. It literally was a dream come true. I remember as a child reading books about the Great Wall and ancient China. It was incredibly exciting. We went to one of the "prettier" sections of the Wall. It's called "Simatai." The weather was perfect - not too hot and not too cold. We started the climb. It wasn't too tiring, however, many of the steps were uneven so that provided for some near slips and falls. However, the scenary was spectacular that day.

It's interesting to live in a city like Beijing where the juxtaposition of Chinese and Western Culture is so apparent. However, this was a place that was authentically Chinese, rich with history and definitely a cultural experience.


When in Rome do as the Romans do. So, when in China pose like all of the Chinese people do!


My one pensive shot. It was a lot to take in.

Then I did one of the coolest things I've done so far. I ziplined across the gorge. It was pretty exciting. I mean, how often do you get to zipline on the Great Wall of China? That's what I thought. It was incredible.


Getting suited up (a terrible picture, by the way. But, I only have one.)


My friend on the other side took this. It's pretty amazing.

So, that was last week. This week is pretty much study and study hard. Next Wednesday through Sunday we're on Spring Break. My friends and I are going to Shanghai and Hangzhou. I am really excited and will definitely have some more pictures from that trip. But, I should head to bed. Miss you all!

--Aaron