Before I came to Beijing I had a lot of preconceptions about what life would be like. I have found that you really need to go somewhere in order to get an accurate view of what life is like there. After being here for over two months it seems like there are many things about China that are just like home and there are also some things that are completely different.
Everyone warned me about the terrible pollution in Beijing when I told them of my plans of moving here. It’s true, some days the smog is thick and wearing a dust mask is prudent in order to avoid breathing harmful particles. I have also had many beautiful days in this city with blue skies and the sun shining down. It’s interesting being able to eat outdoors in the sunshine one day and having to don a mask in order to get to work the next. Compared to back home the pollution is terrible but compared to what I was expecting most days it isn’t at the apocalyptic levels that I was fearing.
Just getting around in Beijing can be an adventure. During rush hour the subway is so packed that you feel like you are sardines packed into a can. Personal space is not something that you can expect during those busy times. Crossing the street can be hazardous as well. Chinese drivers seem to have a mentality that if there is space to go, the right of way belongs to them. Add in all of the people on bikes and scooters (both extremely popular in Beijing) and you have to have eyes on the back of your head. People enjoy riding on the wrong side of the street and also on the sidewalks. This can make for a hazardous commute if you are not paying attention. Horns are used as a tool to warn other drivers and bikers that you are not going to yield. At first I thought that everyone was being rude honking their horn at every opportunity but now I realize that they are actually being courteous. Better to warn others that you are not going to stop then to just cruise on through.
There are many interesting things to see in Beijing, even when you are just walking around your neighbourhood in the evening. The first week that I arrived in China there was a holiday that people celebrated by burning fake money on the sidewalks. The idea is that by burning the false currency they are sending wealth to their ancestors that have passed away. Other cultural peculiarities include the nightly “granny discos” which form in the various parks and plazas of my neighbourhood. The closest thing that I would compare these to is line dancing: basically a bunch of elderly ladies dancing in formation to simple but upbeat tunes. The whole community seems to come out to either participate in or watch these and they are an interesting sight indeed.
Beijing has no shortage of wonderful things to see and do. The city is huge and I have not even scratched the surface of what there is to do here for entertainment in my two month stay. There are parks, temples, and my favourite so far, the hutongs, or narrow alleyways that are famous in this city. There is something magical about finding hidden bars and unique restaurants while wandering these maze-like passages. Beijing may not be without its annoyances but no one can say that it isn’t an interesting place. I look forward to being surprised in new ways by the many peculiarities of this city.