Top 10 Things I’ll Miss Most about China

10. Celebrity appeal: The big group of people who look nothing like each other but all speak very fast and loud English and no hint of any other language MUST be American. This is how we were distinguished in an international crowd. On the Beijing Subway, we were quite the circus show to be stared at.

9. “Dialogue” on the only English channel we get (CCTV 9 International): This has become my favorite show in the past weeks. It includes a Chinese man sitting down one-on-one with random Western big-shots to talk about their significance. I was constantly shocked and utterly entertained by the interview questions. It was on this show that I heard the host ask the Greek designer of the Athens 2004 Opening Ceremonies, "Since you are openly gay, and gay people are famous for being honest, is this why you speak so much about being honest and living a life of honesty?" It's a real classy production.

8. Squatty potties: Believe it or not, there have been several occasions since I figured out how to use them where I have sought them out over the option of the Western toilet (with respect to the public restroom scene). They're more efficient, less skin-to-porcelain contact and a good stretch... all rolled into one delightful experience!

7. Rickshaws and bicycles everywhere: Never again will I feel threatened by the whizzing bicyclists on Purdue's campus. These riders here in the "Kingdom of Bicycles" really know what's up and how to work it. I've seen rickshaws loaded up with more goods than my dad's pickup truck can handle!

6. My roommate Andrea, even if she watches me sleep.

5. Smile Beijing volunteers: At nearly every street corner you can find a kiosk with eager, knowledgeable volunteers that, even if they can't help you find where you're going, they're always excited to trade pins with you!

4. Popsicle stands: This is quite possibly one of the most unexpected goodies of China. There are popsicle stands EVERYWHERE with complex assortments of treats ranging from corn popsicles to ice cream cones. We fancied ourselves a popsicle in the mid-afternoon nearly everyday, and it was really entertaining picking a flavor from the colors and images on the package when the labels were all in Chinese. What a delight!

3. English T-shirts: Many Chinese teenagers wear shirts with hilarious English phrases on them, for example, “BALLS,” “Falling in love, she’s my girlfriend,” and “The shit’s cool.” We asked one of the Chinese volunteers about them, and she confirmed our suspicions that no one really understands what the shirts say, they just think they're cool because they have English on them. I guess it's the parallel experience to Americans getting Chinese character tattoos and really having no idea what they say... which is also hilarious, by the way.

2. The prices: I am making you a promise right now that I will walk into a store and try to bargain down for a better price once I get home tomorrow. It is guaranteed to happen, and it will be awkward for the shopkeeper. I will also whine and complain about the prices of things when I've been eating meals for less than $1, riding the subway for $0.30 and buying 20oz bottled water for $0.15 apiece.

1. Everyday is an adventure: In Beijing, this is the one thing that's guaranteed. Everyday, regardless of what you plan, things will change. There will be obstacles. There will be hurdles and hoops and tripwires. Everyday there will be a challenge, a game and a triumph. Everyday I have an experience that instantly becomes the most interesting thing that's ever happened to me. At home, it's so easy to get in a rut and not grasp the excitement that follows you around. Being here has made me realize that a simple trip to the supermarket just might be the best adventure you've ever had.

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The next time we talk could be from US soil... how exciting is that?!?!!

XOXO