"English Corner," Forbidden City and the Ricksha Experience!

Hi Everyone!

Last night, Matt and I went to "English Corner" on Renmin's campus. It's a gathering every Friday night, it starts at 7 and goes well into the early morning hours. Beijingers from all over the city come to practice their English, and English speakers come to learn about China. It was pouring rain, but that didn't stop us!! As soon as we arrived at the square, we were SURROUNDED by eager Chinese wanting to practice their English. We had a lot of conversations, from Obama-McCain to the Sub-prime mortgage crisis to the way Chinese perceive Americans and visa-versa. I have to share my favorite quote of the night. I was talking to "Sponge" (most likely acquired his name from SpongeBob Squarepants) and he was asking about the different English accents. He told me that the Chinese are taught the queen's English because "American" English is "Farmer" English!!! I had to laugh. After Matt and I shared our experiences to our group this morning, I think a lot of more English people will join us next week!

We visited Forbidden City and it was just unbelievable. Every time we went through a new gateway, we realized how hard it would've been to break into the city hundreds of years ago! Although Forbidden City was a highlight this morning, Tienanmen Square was my favorite.

According to our tour guide, Steve, Tienanmen Square is the largest city-square in the world. At one end is Mao's Memorial. Inside, his body is "preserved" (although skeptics think he's now just a wax model). At the other end is the famous gate into the Forbidden City, adorned with Chairman Mao's gigantic portrait. On the west side, the Chinese Parliament building overlooks the historic square.

Finally, we got to see the Houhai district, which is world-renown for its' foreign bar district. We all got to ride in a double-rickshaw into a historic hutong. A hutong is a narrow-alley neighborhood that is closed in on all sides by small homes.

The last thing we did today was visit the Prince Gong Mansion and Garden in Beijing. We visited a traditional tea ceremony. I will post the video from that experience tomorrow.

Mark

Video from Yesterday!

Day 3 - Home of the Original Firework!

Happy 4th of July!

First - thanks for the comments!  Keep them coming if something interests you!  We all want to keep this as interactive as possible.

Lightening is flashing off the walls in my room this evening.  It's been raining since around 7PM.  We had some free time and I decided to catch up with some friends at a market, but couldn't find it and found myself right in the middle of a congested (lung and traffic) street.  I was turning back when a Caucasian guy burst through the crowd.  I knew immediately he was from my group.  We met just in the nick of time because the sky opened up - not sure if this was mother nature or an artificially-induced thunderstorm - and it started to rain...hard.  We both took shelter in a nearby dorm and waited it out.  This was an ending to a reasonably dry day.

My 4th of July this year was spent visiting media outlets.  As Matt mentioned earlier, we took a tour of The People's Daily - online department - and the Beijing Youth Daily.  It was interesting to see how each organization delivered their news product.  The People's Daily really had a large gathering of journalists that grabbed stories and photos numbering in the hundreds of thousands.  The recent earthquake coverage really tested the organization, but they had an impressive show of information up quickly on their website.  The Beijing Youth Daily markets a plethora of magazines/newspapers geared towards a variety of age groups.  We toured some of the building, but most of what we saw was empty.  Our guide noted the employees usually show up from early evening.  Things get really busy around midnight.

(Man is using Adobe Premiere software!)

Lunch was quite different.  

We showed up at a ritzy establishment that had buffet-style ordering.  Many of us bypassed the Fish-Head soup and settled for the fried chicken and dumplings.  I tried some yellow watermelon and some carrot (or some kind of root) flavored ice cream that was the color purple.  

It was not bad but I don't think Ben and Jerry's should adopt it as a new flavor.

In the evening, a couple of friends and I went down the main strip and found an authentic Chinese restaurant - and I mean authentic.  Menu items ranged from fried eels to pig intestine.  We were not brave enough to try those dishes, but we ordered a shrimp dish, dumplings, pork (not sure how i was prepared) fried rice and drinks.  We split the meal and we each paid 24 yuan - about 3 dollars.  Our server was very confused because Cliff, an American who's lived in China a couple of months, knew enough Chinese to get us through the ordering process, but when a communication breakdown happened the server would look at me as if I knew the right translation.  In a very awkward and sheepish gesture I tried to motion I didn't know anything she was saying.  Maybe she thought I was a mute?  Ah, yet another interesting encounter!

Tomorrow, we are doing what we know how to do best - sightseeing!  The MO includes a trip to the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace!  Looking forward to this.

Below is a recap of our day through video - Mark shows us the traffic right outside Renmin University, I explain our media trips and a look at our first thunderstorm in Beijing...no fireworks though.

Video is having trouble posting - try back later!

Ted

Inside Chinese Newsrooms

Today we got the opportunity to visit newsrooms to two media outlets in Beijing. First we visited the People's Daily Website. The online version first launched in 1997 and has since expanded becoming one of the most influential websites in all of China.The paper has 11 versions in 10 different languages and provides a 24/7 news platform to 60 million people.

The site is a true example of what journalists have begun calling convergence. The website offers viewers audio, video, forums, blogs, animation, live broadcasts and of course the original print journalism.

The site receives support from the top leaders and even contains a Communist Party channel that was launched earlier this year. Other channels include sports, lifestyles and technology.

Their overall goal is to create a bridge from organizations such as the Communist Party to the people of China. If you are interested in reading some of the content from the site check out their site at www.people.com.cn

The second visit we made was to the Beijing Youth Daily. This newsroom operated like many of the other newspaper operations in America. There were over 20 floors of office space including floors for advertisement, layout, editing and all the other aspects of a paper's newsroom.

Like the People's Daily, the Beijing Youth Daily aimed to produce information on many different formats. While we were there, a popular singer/celebrity was being interviewed and broadcast on the site.

Our tour guide Tony explained that the Beijing Youth Daily has a little more freedom to write than the People's Daily.

Day Two - Wrap Up

Hey Everyone!

It has been a busy day!  After breakfast we had our orientation to discuss odds and ends to getting acclimated to China.  We were each given cell phones to stay in contact with each other and friends and family back home.  It was quite a sight to see everyone hunching over small cell phones putting in each other's number.  We also met with our venue leaders (gymnastics) and they gave us a rundown of the days ahead.  It looks like the action really picks up July 15.  As Sarah said, next was the long-anticipated Olympic uniform try on.  We were sent to a small room with sets of clothing in different sizes for try.  

News media were there and swarmed into the rooms as we changed.  As a journalist myself, I know how hard it is to ignore the camera - but this was awkward.  

I'm not used to having a camera trained on me as I pull on a pair of pants.

We later went to lunch at a nearby cafeteria labeled "The Canteen".  Yet another adventurous dive into local cuisine!  The rest of the afternoon was spent in lecture given by a Renmin professor.  It was basically a history of the ties with Renmin and the University of Missouri.

I am still not on cycle with the time here and ended up taking an hour nap before our planned mixer at an adjacent hotel.  It was nice to mingle with people - Renmin students and professors along with our own group.  Here's a little tour of the sights a la Today Show with Lynette, Sarah and myself.  First, though, is a sample of the translating that took place today during our lecture.

你好 (Ni Hao) from Beijing

We finally made it to Beijing, and it’s been wonderful! Upon our arrival, we had to pass through specific gates that said “Foreigners,” which was unique for all of us. The airport was very different; there were guards everywhere! We had to put our bags through security one last time before we could exit the airport. Then these huge doors opened like we were walking into the gates of heaven, and thousands of people were waiting outside the gates to pick up their specific person. We had about an hour drive to get to Renmin University. Then our bus driver missed his exit on the highway, and he backed up to make the turn! Then we saw three cars afterward doing the same thing! It was a little scary, backing up on the highway. When we arrived at Renmin, they had a huge sign welcoming us on the front of the hotel. People were there at the front door, waiting to help us with our luggage. Everyone is so welcoming here; it’s wonderful! In my room, there’s a desk next to the bed with a control panel, which controls almost everything in the room, the lights, television, alarm clock, etc. It’s crazy!

We ate at a Chinese restaurant on campus the first night. I ordered chicken and rice with vegetables; however, the menu was in Chinese, so I really didn’t know what to order. One of the students got a popsicle after she ate, and it was corn flavored!

Today, we tried on our uniforms and ordered our sizes! The media was there taking pictures and interviewing all the students. It’s currently 9:30 PM here, and I just returned from a reception. Check back soon because Ted will be posting a video from the evening.

莎拉 (This is “Sarah” in Chinese!)

Day 2 - Walking to Breakfast

Breakfast Walk

Ted

Day 2 - Surviving the Night

Hey Everyone!

Still here after the first night!  Things have been going well since we arrived.  I'm still adjusting to the time difference.  I found myself waking up at weird times last night like 2AM and 4AM, but feel well rested today.  Last night, we went out to a cafeteria style restaurant via a circuitous route throughout campus.  Oh well, you have to be flexible!  Anyway, we got to see a lot of the campus.  I enjoyed my first meal in China - steamed dumplings and fried rice with peppers.  It was wonderful!  The best part: it cost a total of $2.

Our hotel room is air conditioned which is a relief.  Now, the sun is streaming through the eastern-facing window this Thursday morning.  The excitement over the lost power died down and it looks like we'll be able to use electric appliances - for now.  There's a little shop Ernie (or coordinator) showed us last night where we could go for breakfast - something like "The Coffee Shop" which has an English menu!

I'm interested to see how many times a Chinese person will come up to me assuming I speak their language.  Unfortunately,  I've already started counting.  When I bought my lunch in the Chicago airport, the cashier was, I think, mumbling something to me in Chinese.  Also, on the flip side, I've been practicing my Chinese - or what I think is Chinese.  For the most part, I can say the few phrases I was taught back home.  But sometimes I'll say something as easy as "What's your name?" and I'll get a weird look.  Just last night I introduced myself to one of the Renmin volunteers.  I asked her name, she looked confused.  I asked again and she still didn't understand.  I finally broke down and just asked in English.  Without missing a beat, she said her name was Ese in English.  I think I have some work to do.

Why I'm glad I'm not driving in China: Here's a scary clip of our bus coming from the airport having just missed the exit.  The bus begins to back up on the freeway as we hope no cars crash into us from behind.

We're Here!!!

Landed yesterday afternoon, safely!

We flew over the US, Canada, Russia (Siberia), Mongolia and finally China... after 24 exhausting hours in a car, bus and on plane, we arrived 'home' for two months.

We're at Renmin University of China (The People's University) staying at its on-campus hotel. Beds are quite tough (like a slab of concrete, with only little give) and pillows are really heavy and feel like they are filled with jelly beans!

We met last night for the first time as a group of 61 students! We were given cell phones, instructions about dining on campus, and told to meet back at 9:00 this morning. BOCOG will be taking our pictures, giving us UNIFORMS! for the games and more information on our volunteer experience. We'll finish off our day with our first Chinese culture class (and we're having a translator translate it from Mandarin to English).

I'm still adjusting to the 13 hour time change, most obviously because it's 5:45 in the morning and I'm blogging! I was so tired last night, I was asleep by 9:45!

I'm already making great friends in the Mizzou group. I don't think I could've asked for a better set of people to spend two months with. Everyone is so nice and easy to approach, and deal with our huge language barrier! I had a waitress in our restaurant last night come up to me and start chatting away in Chinese! I did exactly what came instinctively, start talking in slow English, as if she'd understand me any better!?!?! She tried the same with me in Chinese, but to no avail! We had to get one of the Renmin interpreters to bridge the cultural gap.

Have a great day,
Mark

(Pictured: The map that was updated during our flight, the MIZZOU group congregating at Beijing's Capital Airport and "The Nest" on the Olympic Green.)

Day 1 - Jumping Time Zones

Six hours into the flight I find myself listening to the "Olympic Fanfare" in my iPod.  I'm nervous and excited at the same time - mostly nervous because I do not know what it is going to be like as soon as I step off the plane in Beijing.  The 747 is equipped with monitors that tell us everything from how many miles we've traveled so far to how cold it is outside.  A map in real-time shows us where we are.  Currently, we're traveling over the North Pole.  Out the window I can see huge ice sheets in a clear, white environment.  I have to admit I was nervous about spending 12 hours confined to my seat, but it's been good.  The food is nothing to write home about.  (but I guess I'm doing that now)  It feels like every time I finish food or drink, the flight attendants are coming around with more.  The other students are spread throughout the plane, but we occasionally get to talk in passing.

My bag at check-in was three pounds over the weight limit!  Frantically, I grabbed a bag of electronics from the suitcase and weighted the remaining bag - 50.0 pounds - just the right weight.

We drove by bus to our hotel.  Traffic in Beijing is CRAZY!  Our bus missed the exit off the freeway and STOPPED on the freeway and BACKED UP!  Cars don't use turn signals and just slip in where there is the smallest room.  Our bus was literally inches from other cars as they butted in.

We checked into our hotel and walked around campus to find the diner.  The campus is nice - lots of people are exercising (running around a track, playing basketball) and there are a lot of buildings around the area.  Surprisingly, the campus and downtown area have many parks and trees.  It was very humid today but the pollution is NOT as bad as I thought...at least right now.  A couple of minutes ago our power went out on the entire floor.  We were all in the dark for about 10 minutes, but things are back up and running!  Quite an interesting first day!

Ted

Finally in Beijing

As Ted said we flew over the North Pole on our nonstop flight from Chicago to Beijing. Here are some pictures take from outside my window. Yes... I got a window seat. How lucky.



Here is another picture from my window seat of 51A. This is Siberia. There really is no civilization around.

Going over the Pole

Hello Everyone!

Just a really neat fact I discovered while researching our flight.  While it may seem easier to travel west to China than east over the Atlantic, the real shortcut is somewhat of a geometric trick.  I guess we're just used to thinking in 3-D terms and seeing a flat 2-D map of the world.  Our United flight will take us NORTH over the North Pole - the shortest distance to Beijing.  I am really excited to experience this!  I have never been so far north before and the idea every direction is south (once we're directly over the North Pole) will be a fun experience.  In the picture the yellow circle represents 70 degrees north latitude.

We'll also be taking a Boeing-747.  I love to fly and can't wait to check out the large cabin.  I believe I have a window seat (K - I believe it's 3-5-3 seating order across).  Will check in at the airport!

Ted

One step closer to Beijing.

I'm about to get on a bus headed towards Chicago. I can't begin to say how excited I am to arrive in China. (The 14 hour flight over isn't exciting... but the arrival is!)

I'm really excited to be thrown into a completely different culture--with no prior knowledge of the language, a little knowledge of the culture, and much interest in their history. I've traveled to Europe, Central America and Mexico before, but was always traveling with my Spanish and French. Italian wasn't too hard to pick up either....but learning a whole new 'alphabet' of characters is quite overwhelming!

My ID card from KOMU arrived late last night via email. I'm not sure if it'll get us a backstage pass to the NBC studios...but it's worth a try!

I hope you enjoy reading our blogs as much as we like writing them. It's a great way to chronicle our travels this summer!

Credentials, Take Two

Hello Everyone!

Ahhh....the first technical difficulty! I don't quite know what happened with the last post - not to mention my blue skin in the pass - but wanted to say KOMU sent us press passes in the rare event we may use them to get into the NBC convention center. Combined with the ONS credentials, our station passes may allow us to get some behind-the-scenes activity.

As many friends and family back in Indiana are aware, this is the final day before we all head off! Armed with a number of cameras, I feel ready to document this trip...However, trying to fit it all in a suitcase is going to be quite the magic act.

As Mark mentioned, it was quite a show last night in Omaha! Looking forward to more swimming competitions - someone from my high school is competing Monday! On the gymnastics front, I've been watching the selection process and am really excited to see the final women's team selection.

To all my co-bloggers: Happy Packing. See you in O'Hare!

Ted

Credentials

Swimming Trials Start in Omaha

What a week it has been in Omaha, Nebraska. Last Wednesday, the NCAA crowned the Fresno State Bulldogs nationals champions at the historic Rosenblatt Stadium, and Sunday the Olympic Swimming Trials began at the Qwest Center. While I did not have the opportunity to watch the trials as I will start for Chicago tomorrow, I did spend about two hours watching warm-ups during Saturday’s open house.

The open house provided a great opportunity to meet swimming legends, pick up the free gifts from sponsors and gave me the first look at what could be the biggest controversy of the Olympic Games from the coach and athlete’s standpoint, the swimsuits. For those of you have not seen these new suits, they cover most of the body and look to cut times at the Beijing games. June 23rd’s issue of Sports Illustrated has a great article covering the controversial topic and gives great insight on both sides of the argument.

Sunday’s trials look as if they might have been postponed a day or so after recent storms damaged part of the Qwest Center. Thankfully the trials are right on schedule and will end June 6. While not everyone will ever get the chance to attend the Olympic Games, I strongly urge you to check out Olympic Trials if they are available in your area. You get the chance to see some top-notch athletes at a fraction of the cost.

A neat fact to end with, the water in the swimming pool at Omaha’s Qwest Center is 80 degrees.

Beijing Bound

I am absolutely thrilled to be working as a flash quotes reporter, interviewing gymnasts, for the Olympic News Service. As a young girl, Shannon Miller was my idol. When I was just two-years old, my mother put me in gymnastic classes. I loved gymnastics, and I looked forward to class every week! When I was in the sixth grade, a new gymnastics coach was moving to town. He was a former coach to Shannon Miller! I couldn’t believe it!

Coach Kenny turned me into a great gymnast. I never really took off until he got a hold of me! He was strict, sharp, and scary at times, but Kenny cared about his gymnasts more than anything. He had a passion for coaching gymnastics, and you could see it in his eyes.

When I was in high school, I decided to switch from gymnastics to cheerleading. I firmly believe my gymnastic skills were the reason I made high school cheerleader. My cheerleading days were incredible! We won state 4 years in a row, and placed fourth at nationals!

Having the opportunity to work for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games is a dream come true! I had the incredible opportunity of working as an intern for NBC Universal last summer. NBC has an Olympic hallway, and I loved walking down that hallway everyday. Now, to actually be working for the Olympic Games is such an incredible feeling I cannot even express it in words or writing.

Working in the National Indoor Stadium, also known as the “Bird’s Nest,” will be an amazing opportunity as well. The stadium has 80,000 seats – the architectural centerpiece of the Olympic Games – and it’s known as the “Bird’s Nest” for its distinct appearance. Being an architect’s daughter, I just can’t wait to see this stadium!

As a journalism student graduating in August, I know this opportunity will be amazing! Shannon Miller once said, “Love what you do, do what you love.” I love journalism. I love everything about this industry. I know this trip will help me grow as a person and as a young journalist. Every student traveling to Beijing will experience a new country and culture. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I will never forget!

Sarah French