2017 had been pretty rough. America fell apart and my visa for China had countless issues prompting a cancellation of a backpacking trip. However, this turned out to be a gift because I was able to stay home and watch my football team, the Patriots, win the Super Bowl in a historic, gut-wrenching win. Now I am excited. So excited for this upcoming adventure in China.
China is a wonderful place, but very different from the United States. Having spent some time in China previously, there were a couple of things I learned to do before traveling to this wonderful country.
Here is a list of them.
- Order a Gas Mask. China is one of the most polluted countries in the world. Many cities in China, especially in the winter, boast a superb "Hazardous" on their local air quality monitors. Spending long periods of time in these cities will be detrimental to the ability for you to maintain healthy lungs. The minute you step out of the airport you will feel yourself breathe in the pollutants. Don't go halfway, don't buy one of those pieces of paper that you tie around your face. Go straight to amazon and order a gas mask complete with an air filter and oxygen tank. This is a bit of an exaggeration, but seriously, make sure you have some sort of mask, especially if you plan on being in Beijing for longer than two weeks.
- Buy Protein Bars. Protein is not as widespread in China as it is in the US. You can not go to South Block after working out and get an acai bowl. There is not a ready supply of breakfast bars, protein bars, protein shakes, or smoothies that you can find at most grocery stores in the US. The Chinese don't really worship medium rare steaks like Americans do. If you are a workout fanatic like me, make sure you bring some protein bars - at least as a comfort food until you get used to eating 5 bowls of rice everyday.
- Go to CVS. China does not have Western pharmacies on every block. I don't even know if you can get bandaids in most Chinese supermarkets. You definitely can't get Advil. Make sure you stock up on hygiene products (you can't get tampons in China. Anywhere.), painkillers, contact lens solution, and anything else you deem necessary to survive.
Despite China's lack of clean air in its major cities and Western medicine, it is a marvelous place to go, with a rich history, proud people, and magnificent culture. I am excited to go back. China has a different feel from the US, its cities are larger, its transportation faster, and streets more lively. It is one of the most fascinating places on the planet. And I am so so excited, and so so lucky to be able to embark on this adventure next semester.