再见中国!

                                                                          大家好！

Wow, I can't believe that in a few days it will be exactly a year since I began my journey to China. It's been about three months since coming back from China and I miss it very much. For this last blog post, I want to talk about the top five things that I'll miss about China and what I learned from my journey abroad.

Things I'll miss about China:
1. The food!
        -I've come to really love Chinese food and even though I can make it myself or buy a version of it here. It will never be the same. My favorite food was probably jiaozi (饺子) or baozi (包子) but I also really enjoyed the duck. I'm going to try to make a duck for Thanksgiving so we will see how that goes. I've enjoyed most things that I've eaten while in China. Most recently, I've been craving 粥 which is a millet porridge that the Chinese eat for breakfast and that my host family would feed me. I also miss getting bubble tea for so cheap, but I've learned to make that here as well as buying it whenever I can. Just thinking about all of this food is making me hungry. Honorable mentions for delicious food items: everything from Jeff's cuisine, (my favorite restaurant in Beijing especially those Hunan potatoes) hotpot (火锅，especially the Xia Bu Xia Bu restaurant) Paomo (泡馍, bread and meat soup from Xi'an) tang yuan (汤圆) and every noodle dish ever.

2. My teachers!
            -The teachers from my program were incredible and extremely helpful. All of them were so lovely and definitely gave me a positive experience in China. My Chinese teachers especially helped me gain confidence in my ability to speak Chinese and navigate China alone. They were always willing to help you even when they weren't in the office. They organized great trips that enhanced our experience and knowledge. When I go back to China, I would love to visit them again.

3. New friends!
              -I made so many new friends both from America and from China that I'm going to miss dearly. My new Chinese friends helped me practice my Chinese as well taking me out to do fun things in the city. My American friends that I met in the program were great as well. I have so many great stories and memories that I made with the friends on my program. From first semester, I remember watching Riverdale ever night after a long day on the study trip and from the second semester, I remember the family dinners we would have and watching Game of Thrones in my dorm room together. Also all of the adventures that we went on while on the study trip. Shout out to my amazing roommates and everyone who made an impression no matter how big or small.

4. New experiences and the ability to travel!
               -One of my favorite things about China is how easy it is to travel. I was able to just get on a train for relatively cheap and travel to a totally different province. While abroad, I managed to travel to all four corners of China and really get to see what and who makes up China. I went all the way north to Harbin, south to Yunnan, west to Tibet, and east to Qingdao or Shanghai. Each place was an unique experience and demonstrated just how different each province in China is. All the provinces have different dialects. Some of them are so different that you can't understand them even if you are very fluent in Mandarin. This makes learning Chinese an unique experience since every person you talk to and every place that you go may speak a different version of Chinese. China is always keeping you on your toes. Because I went to China, I was able to try many things that I never thought I would get the chance to do. I never thought that I would climb mountains, visit Tibet, see pandas, and many more things. I've learned so much about China and about myself. I definitely feel like a more confident individual and someone who is more willing to try new things. This is just one thing that I'm so thankful to China for. I can't wait to go back and learn more and I can't wait for others to travel to China and learn more about China and themselves.

5. My family and three old friends!
           -The last thing that I'll miss (there are many more but here are just five) is my family. I'm so incredibly thankful for the opportunity to live with a host family. It makes it easier to want to visit China since I have a family waiting there for me. My host family was funny and kind and taught me more about China and Chinese people that you can't learn in a classroom. It was an unique experience to get to live with Chinese people and live a Chinese lifestyle. I'm not opposed to the Chinese lifestyle either. There are lots of naps, going for walks, and making delicious food together. Finally, I'll miss the three friends that inspired me to go to China and to start learning Chinese. We've always said that we are a family and I truly believe that. It doesn't matter that we are from places half way across the world from each other or don't share the same blood, they are my family, and I miss them so much. It's funny how you meet people in your life and you don't know the impact they will have on you yet. As my friend and sister Yihui said, "Life is a constant meeting and separation." I can't wait for the day when we are reunited with each other whether that be here in America, back in China, or a different country.

My first time in China may have come to an end, but I'm excited for everything that it has taught me and the experiences that I've had. I'm already planning my next trip. For all those who have ever thought about going to China, go! For all of those who have never thought about going to China, you should go too. You can learn so much by going to China, and I would be happy to be your guide.

Goodbye China. Until we meet again.
再见中国
马乐

Tai'an and Qufu

                                                                            大家好！

The last two cities that I visited while in China was Tai'an (泰安) and Qufu (曲阜). Both of these cities are very small for China. 泰安 is known for the famous mountain Tai Shan while 曲阜 is Confucius' hometown. Going to these cities were unique experiences because they are big enough to be cities in the U.S. but they are considered to be towns or villages in China. You can definitely tell  to when you are there. They aren't as developed as 北京 or 上海. People look at you differently because you are a foreigner and everyone wants to try to talk to you. Finally, you are less likely to hear English or have people know any English.

We spent one day in 泰安 and visited Mount Tai (泰山). Mount Tai is one of the five great mountains of China. The mountain was very beautiful, but, unfortunately the air quality that day was very bad so we weren't able to make it all the way up to the top. We made it about half way and we still had two miles to go until we reached the very top. If it was a better day, I would have wanted to continue, but my lungs did not agree with that idea. It also was a lot colder when we got to the half way point and we had not prepared for the sudden temperature change. A Chinese family stopped us on our way up and told us that we were going to be cold, but we thought that they were just saying that since Chinese people are always cold and are always telling us to put on more clothes. In this case, they were right.

The next day we took a day trip to 曲阜 to visit Confucius' hometown. Confucius was a famous Chinese philosopher and the starter of Confucianism. Confucianism emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness or social relationships, justice and sincerity. 曲阜 contains many graveyards, temples, and palaces. While there, we visited the Kong Family Mansion (孔府) and the Cemetery of Confucius (孔林). The Kong Family Mansion was inhabited by the descendants of Confucius until 1937. The mansion was cool but it was hard to understand what each room was since it was all in Chinese and didn't have any English translations with it. I still enjoyed seeing what a Chinese mansion looks like compared to a Western one. However, I preferred the Cemetery of Confucius. It was like a giant garden and it was very peaceful. We walked around and found Confucius' grave along with many other followers of Confucius and Confucius' ancestors.

These two cities were an interesting experience. After visiting and living several of the largest cities in China it was a nice change of pace to visit a "smaller" city. I wouldn't want to live in these cities but it was nice to visit them. I wouldn't mind visiting 泰安 again and climbing to the top of Mount Tai.

Until next time!

再见！
马乐

Tianjin (天津)

                                                                          大家好！

While in China, I took two day trips to Tianjin (天津). 天津 borders Hebei Province and Beijing. 天津 is the fourth largest city in China. It was built in 1404. There are many Western style buildings located in the city making it feel very French to me.

My first visit to 天津, I visited the Porcelain house, a food street, and another street that was similar to a hutong. The Porcelain house (瓷房子) is a museum of pottery and antiques. It has recently been redecorated using broken porcelain. I found the Porcelain house to be very interesting. It makes sense that a Porcelain house would be such a huge tourist attraction in China since porcelain is so famous and important in China. I think that the Porcelain house simultaneously looked cool and ugly.

The two food streets were great. I wish that the U.S. had more food streets. The first one was like a mall that had food stalls all over it. I made sure to buy a mahua (麻花). A mahua is a fried dough twist and is similar to a youtiao (油条). The mahua is really popular in Panama and was brought over there by Chinese immigrants. Other popular food in 天津 are Goubuli baozi, erduoyan zhagao, and maobuwen jiaozi. The other food that I had while in 天津 was a jianbing (煎饼) which is like a Chinese crepe. It is typically a breakfast food but I think you can eat it at all times.

The second time that I went to 天津 I saw the Tianjin Eye. The Tianjin Eye is a huge Ferris wheel that is similar to the London Eye. The Tianjin Eye is built over the Yongle Bridge. It began its construction in 2007. Although I didn't get to go in the Tianjin Eye, it was still beautiful to see it at night.

The other amazing thing that I got to do was spend some time a Chinese family. One of my friend's had a host family that he was visiting and I got to meet them too. They were really lovely, but all of the Chinese people that I encountered were really lovely. They took us out to dinner and we had a nice seafood meal. They also taught us some of the 天津 dialect. Afterwards, we went back to their house and played some basketball with their sons. It was really nice to spend some time with a family.

All in all, I think 天津 is a pretty cool city to visit. It is really easy to bike around the whole city and see both the Western parts as well as Chinese parts. The food was delicious, and I think that's the biggest selling point for 天津。 Just go there and eat all of the food.

Until next time!

再见!
马乐

Qingdao

                                                                       大家好！

After my program ended, I decided to do a little traveling with one of my friends. The first place that we visited was Qingdao (青岛). Why 青岛？青岛 is a beautiful city on the ocean with a unique culture. It also is famous for the beer that they brew there and even though I don't drink beer what kind of Wisconsinite would I be if I did not visit the home of Chinese beer.

青岛 is a major city in Shandong Province. It is not the capital of the province but it is still a major city. In fact, it has the highest GDP of any city in the province. An interest fact, in 2018 青岛 was ranked number 31 in the Global Financial Centers Index. Other Chinese cities include: Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Hangzhou, and Dalian. This shows that 青岛 is an up and coming financial center and is on par with some of Chinese biggest cities. All the more reason to travel there.

青岛 is also known for being under German and Japanese occupations. 青岛 went to Germany in 1898 and remained under German control until 1914. It would remain under Japanese control until 1922 in which it would be returned to China. However, it was reoccupied by Japan in 1938 and wouldn't return to China again until after World War II in 1945. With 青岛 being occupied by three different nations, it has been influenced by all three of them. The architecture is inspired by German architecture. Most importantly, the beer brewing industry is inspired by Germany. In 1903, Tsingtao Brewery was established. Even under Japanese occupation the brewery would continue to be opened.

In addition to visiting the Tsingtao Brewery, I also visited the May Fourth Square. This was an especially unique experience since my friend and I visited it on May Fourth. The square is named after the May Fourth Movement that began in 青岛. When we went it was the 100th year anniversary of the May Fourth Movement. The May Fourth Movement was a response to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles which said that 青岛 would be given to Japan rather than China. The square itself is very beautiful and peaceful. It would be a good stop to just hang out with friends or read a book by the water.

The other places that we visited were Xinhao Hill (信号山) and Zhanqiao pier (栈桥). I really enjoyed both of these places. Xinhao Hill is well-known for its three torch-like towers as well as being able to over look the entire city. Looking out on the observatory deck, you can see the old city and the new city. The old city has lots of Germanic architecture while the new city looks more Chinese. Zhanqiao pier is a pier that stretches out into the sea. The pier began construction in 1891. At the end of the pier is Huilan Pavilion (回澜阁). The pier was also the first wharf at 青岛.

Finally, 青岛 is known for its cuisine. Seafood is very popular and common. My friend tried a sea urchin and said that it was pretty good. I'll take her word for it. The distinctive cuisine is called Lu Cai. Lu Cai is one of the eight culinary traditions of Chinese cuisine and one of the Four Great Traditions. We weren't in 青岛 long enough to try all of the cuisine. 

Until next time!
再见！
马乐

Lhasa (拉萨)

                                                                         大家好！

After 西宁 we took a 22 hour long train to the capital of Tibet, Lhasa (拉萨). 拉萨 is the second most populated city on the Tibetan Plateau after 西宁. It is also one of the highest cities in the world. The altitude there is 3,490 meters or 11,450 feet. 拉萨 has been the religious and administrative center for Tibet since the mid-17th century. Tibet is completely different from the rest of mainland China. It has a distinct history, culture, and language that keep it from ever fully becoming "Chinese."

拉萨 also is called Chengguan (城关). Chengguan means "urban gateway" in the Chinese language while 拉萨 translates to "place of gods" in the Tibetan language. Tibet has an interesting history in my opinion. It's really not similar to mainland China at all. In early Tibetan history it was ruled by kings. One of these kings decided to marry at princess from mainland China and one from India. This brought influence from mainland China and India into Tibet as well as introduced Buddhism into Tibet. Before Buddhism was introduced, Tibetans practiced Bon. To me, Tibetan history doesn't really get interesting until 1911. After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, Tibet declared independence. It was recognized internationally as an independent state and functioned completely independent. Mainland China left Tibet alone because they were dealing with a civil war as well as dealing with World War I and II. When China invaded Tibet in 1951, this should have been seen as an act of war internationally since it was one independent state invading another one but no one did anything to help Tibet. Not to mention, the United States relationship with Tibet has been very back and forth.

While in 拉萨 we visited a couple of famous temples, Barkhor Street, and Potala Palace. My favorite place was Potala Palace but it felt a little strange to be able to visit the home of the Dalai Lama even though he isn't able to visit his own home. Potala Palace (布达拉官) began construction in 1645. It remained the winter palace for the Dalai Lamas from 1649 to 1959. Since then it has become a museum and in 1994 it was named a World Heritage Site. The palace contains 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, and about 200,000 statues. It is very tall and since the air is already thinner, it takes a while to climb up to the top. You have to take it pretty slowly. I find it incredible that the old Dalai Lamas were able to make that climb centuries ago. The palace was moderately damaged in the Tibetan uprising against China in 1959. Since then, it has escaped damage during other events such as the Cultural Revolution. I am thankful that it was able to survive and remain in great condition. It was a little strange going through all of the rooms because their were monks still in their praying and trying to live their lives. I hope they don't mind all the people that go through the palace everyday.

At the end of our time in 拉萨 we had a group dinner. It was fantastic. There was also a show that they put on for us. The last number on the show was called the "Crazy Yak Dance." Try to image what that dance entailed. It was really funny.

With that my time in China is nearing its end. However, I managed to visit just a few more cities before I left which we will talk about soon.

Until next time!
再见！
马乐

Xining (西宁)

大家好!

The next stop on our study trip was Xining (西宁). We were only in 西宁 for a day before we took a 22 hour train to Lhasa. However, I was still able to do quite a few things while in 西宁.

西宁 is the capital of Qinghai Province and the biggest city on the Tibetan Plateau. It has about 2 million people living in the city. It definitely feels smaller compared to all the other cities that I've visited. Something that I found interesting is that 西宁 used to be part of Gansu province but in 1928 it was added to Qinghai Province. 西宁 is home to both Buddhist and Muslim influences and we were able to visit the Dongguan Mosque and the Ta'er Monastery also known as the Kumbum Monastery. I liked seeing both the influence from Islamic areas as well as the Tibetan influences that can still be found in 西宁. Our tour guide is originally from Qinghai province. but he knew how to speak Tibetan since Qinghai used to be part of Tibet. Something that I found interesting was that in 2011 西宁 was ranked the second worse city for air quality among eleven western cities, but it also has worse air than 北京.

We flew from 西安 to 西宁. 西宁 has an average altitude of 2,200 meters or 7,200 feet. It was good that we went to 西宁 before continuing to go higher up on the Tibetan Plateau. We were able to slowly adjust. That first day we went to the Qinghai Museum (青海博物馆). I enjoyed this museum, but it was all in Chinese. That made it a bit hard to understand what was the museum was talking about. That just means that I will have to return when my Chinese is better. Compared to the other museums that I've visited, I still think that the one from 呼和浩特 is the best one. After the museum, we went to the Dongguan Mosque (东关清真大寺). This mosque was absolutely beautiful. It is the largest mosque in Qinghai province. It was recently restored, but it was built originally 1380. While there, we chatted with some locals who worked at the mosque. They were very nice but they would switch between using their dialect and speaking Mandarin so sometimes we could understand them and sometimes we couldn't.

The next day, before leaving for Tibet, we went to the Ta'er Monastery (塔尔寺). In Tibetan it is called the Kumbum Jampa Ling. It was founded in 1583. The sect of Buddhism that can be found here is the Gelug or the Yellow Hat Sect. An interest fact is that prior to 1958 there were about 3600 monks that lived here. However, now there are only 400. This is because the monastery was greatly affected by Chinese Communist policies since the late 1950s. This monastery is huge and resembles a small town. The monks there spend there time either taking intense classes at the colleges that are located there or praying in the temples.

We had a group lunch in 西宁 before getting on a train for 22 hours. See you in Lhasa!

再见！
郎马乐

Luoyang

                                                                        大家好！

It's the end of another semester and that means another trip to several Chinese cities. This semester I decided to go on the route that focused on Chinese Buddhism. Chinese Buddhism came to China during the Han Dynasty. There are various legends but one of them is that the Chinese Emperor, Emperor Ming of Han, had a dream of a god that was had the brilliance of the sun and flew around the palace. The Emperor asked his adviser who the god was and his adviser informed him that there was somebody in India who attained the Dao and was called Buddha. The Emperor sent forth envoys to India to find this Buddha. The envoys returned with the teachings of Buddha and thus Buddhism had entered China. This trip explored several cities were Buddhism is very prevalent. The first city that we went to was Luoyang (洛阳)

洛阳 is one of the Four Ancient Great Capitals of China. There other great capitals were Nanjing, Xi'an, and Beijing. 洛阳 is located in Henan Province and is in between the Luo River and the Yellow River. 洛阳 has great fengshui and made for a great capital of China. 洛阳 was the capital of China during the Eastern Han Dynasty. While visiting 洛阳 we learned about the introduction of Buddhism as well as visited several important places.

The first day in 洛阳 we went to the Shaolin Temple (少林寺) and the White Horse Temple (白马寺). The Shaolin Temple is believed to have been founded in the 5th century CE and is still the main temple for the Shaolin Buddhism today. The name refers to the forests of the Shaoshi mountain which is part of the Song mountain. The Shaolin Temple is huge and we weren't able to see it all. However, we were able to see a martial arts show performed by the young monks that were learning at the school. The performance was really good and cool to watch. Makes me think that being a monk wouldn't be too bad since all they do is learn martial arts, study, and of course pray. The second temple that we went to was the White Horse Temple. According to Chinese legend, this was the first Buddhist temple to be built in China. It was built by Emperor Ming. It was built in 68 AD. The temple is cool but it is similar to other temples that I've visited in China. However, what makes this temple stand out in particular to me is that there are several temples inside that were sponsored by other countries and resemble the Buddhist temples in those countries. Some of the international temples were from Thailand, Malaysia, and India. It was interesting seeing how different the temples were from each other. I wish that I could have taken my time through them but we were rushed.

The second day in 洛阳 we visited the Longmen Grottoes (龙门石窟). I really enjoyed the Longmen Grottoes. The Longmen Grottoes is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to tens of thousands of statues of Buddha and his disciples. I definitely enjoyed the Longmen Grottoes the most out of all the places we visited in 洛阳。I think it was really cool to see such giant statues preserved. Walking along the river was also beautiful. I'm finding that each place I visit is more beautiful than the last. I can't wait to show my family one day.

We are heading to 西安 next but I've already talked about that place so see you next time in Xining (西宁)

再见！
郎马乐