As my time in China nears its conclusion (for now), I’ve been reflecting a lot on what this amazing, inspiring, fast-paced year has meant to me. The thing I’m most afraid of, I think, is forgetting—I don’t want to forget the feel of cycling through hutongs on my way back from class, watching hazy sunsets … More Life Update
Some things I’ve been thinking about lately— Learning Mandarin is one of the hardest things I’ve ever tried to do. Sure, I’ve progressed a lot; last spring I didn’t know more than a few words in Chinese, and now I can have actual (albeit very slow) conversations. I can order food, give directions, introduce myself … More Language
I blinked and two months passed. Yesterday marked exactly two months since I arrived in Beijing and began my new life. I remember so clearly the feeling of boarding the plane to come here: like taking a deep breath, preparing, a little uncertain. Now, two months in, I’ve finally let that breath out. I’ve decided … More Two Months In: A Day in the Life
Time has flown; I’ve been in Beijing for about three weeks now, and I’m finally beginning to feel like part of the city. I know my way around Dongzhimen, have a couple of favorite food places, and at last got a Chinese bank account, which makes a HUGE difference when navigating Beijing. With a Chinese … More Settling
你好 from Beijing, and the beginning of my year as a Princeton in Asia Fellow! I’ve been here for just under one week now, and what a week it has been. I’ll start with what brought me here: the job. After spending the weekend before in Bangkok visiting some wonderful friends, I got off the … More Move-ins, Malls, and Millipedes: Week One in Beijing
This past May I graduated from Harvard. I’m not quite sure where these four years went, but I know they’ve left me with an unbelievable amount of knowledge I never thought I’d have, and more importantly, friends I will carry with me for a lifetime. One thing I still don’t know is how to be … More Bound for the Bĕi Area
Catching Thoughts 