June 20th:
Kinda slacked this week, trying to remember what all went down...Saturday night, ended up going out with James and David. Wasn't really in the mood to drink or dance, so wasn't too fun. Ended up at Ganesha bar for USA vs England game, that WAS fun. Sat with Adam and had a blast being patriotic and shaming the Brits. Got to hear an old British guy bitch about the tied game, couldn't believe they'd lost to "that upstart colony." Was pretty awesome.Walking home by self through alley at 5am, not awesome. Finding out I'd somehow spent 700 kuai in a week, even less awesome. However, I learned and have barely spent anything this past week.
Tuesday, we went to Luis's place for Portuguese lunch at 2pm, which is also when we started drinking for the Portugal game, at 7:30pm. A great day. Met his crazy friend Ngora, from Tajikistan...or something. Also met a French couple who were biking across Europe/Asia, down to Australia. That night after the game, 0 - 0 btw, he made me exchange shirts with him, lots of pictures were taken, and I now own a Portugal Soccer jersey, from Portugal, in addition to some shell/bead necklace thing. So now I am an official Portuguese, as proclaimed by an actual person from Portugal.
Thursday's music class was pretty fun, too. Pretty much the last half of the class was the teacher and me just playing duets. Then we talked a lot, for most of the time we were at the dinner for the opening of the OU office here. Was a nice restaurant, neat music duo was playing, all in all, a fun evening.
Friday was basket ball with Song, Yang, and Xie laoshi. Pretty amazing. Then that night was USA game time with all the teachers except Yang laoshi, who bitched out. Took us awhile to find this new bar/club thing, Uprock. When we finally get there, wasn't fun, we couldn't hear the game, stupid band was playing music. But after a bit it got to be a lot of fun, game was exciting. Katie and Rachel made Chinese friends, one of which they brought down to meet us. Her name was ZhunZhun, or JunJun...something like that. She's a kindergarten teacher, and her first question to me was "Do you like Kunming girls?" Was pretty funny. Lots of dancing, then lazy Saturday/Sunday.
All in all, one crazy week.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Entry 5
June 12th:
Finally defeated illness, been trying to get sick the last couple of days. Went out last Friday for hotpot with the group, plus Zack and Louis, it was alright. What happened next was fun. Ended up going back to Louis's place with a big case of Dali, beer, and played King's Cup all night. I've also become a casual smoker while in China, but only when drinking. Met Louis's roommates, who played with us, they were Matt from Ireland, Adam from Maryland, Kiko from Canada, and James from Vermont. Louis himself is from Portugal, and actually gave me a pretty cool Portugal sash thing, with the agreement I must wear it everyday, or have m ass kicked. It was either that or find a way to steal his stolen PR China Security hat. Was supposed to go out last night to watch the World Cup stuff, but allergies were working me over, and every place was way too crowded, so I just got some rest. Was the right choice. Today, so far, we've been to Black Dragon Pool and a botanical garden. I find you get the better pictures striking off on your own instead of running with the pack.
Finally defeated illness, been trying to get sick the last couple of days. Went out last Friday for hotpot with the group, plus Zack and Louis, it was alright. What happened next was fun. Ended up going back to Louis's place with a big case of Dali, beer, and played King's Cup all night. I've also become a casual smoker while in China, but only when drinking. Met Louis's roommates, who played with us, they were Matt from Ireland, Adam from Maryland, Kiko from Canada, and James from Vermont. Louis himself is from Portugal, and actually gave me a pretty cool Portugal sash thing, with the agreement I must wear it everyday, or have m ass kicked. It was either that or find a way to steal his stolen PR China Security hat. Was supposed to go out last night to watch the World Cup stuff, but allergies were working me over, and every place was way too crowded, so I just got some rest. Was the right choice. Today, so far, we've been to Black Dragon Pool and a botanical garden. I find you get the better pictures striking off on your own instead of running with the pack.
Entry 4
June 9th:
Monday was the best day ever! Found a store with legit dvds for super cheap. hello Dexter seasons 1-4. To top it off, I got a hot shower for the first time in weeks. Glorious. Things have been picking up, or rather settling down, into a routine. Every once in a while it's weird to realize EVERYONE around me is Chinese, but other than those awkward moments, it's fun. I think we take our diversity in America for granted. Any who, kind of developed some allergy thing last night, very irksome. Hopefully, it just stays a mild annoyance. Just finished the last of my sci-fi/fantasy books I'd brought with me. I have a feeling boredom will hit me pretty hard fairly soon. You wouldn't think that's possible, but being in one place for any extended amount of time, even China, quickly becomes not as fascinating...I guess I could always study?
Chinese TV commercial scheduling is super weird. And goddamnit, women aren't supposed to sing "Erl Koenig"!!!
Monday was the best day ever! Found a store with legit dvds for super cheap. hello Dexter seasons 1-4. To top it off, I got a hot shower for the first time in weeks. Glorious. Things have been picking up, or rather settling down, into a routine. Every once in a while it's weird to realize EVERYONE around me is Chinese, but other than those awkward moments, it's fun. I think we take our diversity in America for granted. Any who, kind of developed some allergy thing last night, very irksome. Hopefully, it just stays a mild annoyance. Just finished the last of my sci-fi/fantasy books I'd brought with me. I have a feeling boredom will hit me pretty hard fairly soon. You wouldn't think that's possible, but being in one place for any extended amount of time, even China, quickly becomes not as fascinating...I guess I could always study?
Chinese TV commercial scheduling is super weird. And goddamnit, women aren't supposed to sing "Erl Koenig"!!!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Entry 3
Saturday June 5th:
Week ended well enough, went out Thursday to this bar called The Box, drank beer and played "Sorry" with David, it was awesome, especially when we turned it into a drinking game. We returned Friday and ate some AMAZING pizza, then prepared for a night on the town with the whole group for Katie's B-Day. Wasn't too thrilled but I made an effort. Ended up talking people out of KunDu and just hit up Ganesha Bar and this hostel/restaurant/bar called "The Hump." Was alright, TONS of foreigners. Zack's friend was pretty cool, crazy Boston accent, and all eyes on the girls. Mostly uneventful, met some Kiwis though, really love that accent.
Then today we got up and went to Stone Forest, Shilin. The drive up was amazing, all the farm land, lush green, and it was foggy, adding to the mystique. One moment I wish I'd gotten on camera was a picturesque rice paddies with a lone farmer carrying a hoe over his shoulder, wearing one of those nifty hats, man it was beautiful. Then we arrived and it was awesome and my camera definitely died...yeah, I ended up off by myself, climbed these steps for what seemed forever, and came upon a truly spectacular sight. I crested this hill I'd been climbing, and it looked down on the Stone Forest, just laid out down below. I sat down and there were little pools in all the rocks, different sizes, and as the water dripped down into them, it made a melody I'll never forget. I was amazed and calm, peaceful, serene. My zen moment.
Week ended well enough, went out Thursday to this bar called The Box, drank beer and played "Sorry" with David, it was awesome, especially when we turned it into a drinking game. We returned Friday and ate some AMAZING pizza, then prepared for a night on the town with the whole group for Katie's B-Day. Wasn't too thrilled but I made an effort. Ended up talking people out of KunDu and just hit up Ganesha Bar and this hostel/restaurant/bar called "The Hump." Was alright, TONS of foreigners. Zack's friend was pretty cool, crazy Boston accent, and all eyes on the girls. Mostly uneventful, met some Kiwis though, really love that accent.
Then today we got up and went to Stone Forest, Shilin. The drive up was amazing, all the farm land, lush green, and it was foggy, adding to the mystique. One moment I wish I'd gotten on camera was a picturesque rice paddies with a lone farmer carrying a hoe over his shoulder, wearing one of those nifty hats, man it was beautiful. Then we arrived and it was awesome and my camera definitely died...yeah, I ended up off by myself, climbed these steps for what seemed forever, and came upon a truly spectacular sight. I crested this hill I'd been climbing, and it looked down on the Stone Forest, just laid out down below. I sat down and there were little pools in all the rocks, different sizes, and as the water dripped down into them, it made a melody I'll never forget. I was amazed and calm, peaceful, serene. My zen moment.
Entry 2
Thursday June 3rd:
Things are really great now, I'm super glad I came. Classes were a bit overwhelming at first, but I've since gotten used to them. The best thing that's happened so far was a going out with Zack and Sean to KunDu. It was crazy! First we'd met at a bar called Ganesha, they have some amazing stories. Apparently they were both in a Chinese film randomly. They said the best way to do neat things is just be flexible and go with stuff. After Ganesha, Zack went to change for KunDu, because if he got in a fight he didn't want to be wearing sandals! So me, sean, dave went to a different bar and grabbed a beer, then headed to Zack's place, then KunDu. Loud doesn't even BEGIN to describe this place. I could feel the bass like it was hitting my torso. it's not like an American club, there are tons of tiny tables the people stand around and order huge amounts of drinks at one time, then just dance around the table, or go up on a stage. I ended up being dragged on stage A LOT, it was awesome. Usually I'm afraid to dance sober, which was taken care of later, but it felt easier to do it here. Maybe because it was China, I don't know. After KunDu we bar hopped a bit trying to find room. At one place these guys in giant Garfield, Dalmatian, Mouse, etc costumes were up on a stage dancing. Was an awesome night, didn't get too sick or throw up.
Things are really great now, I'm super glad I came. Classes were a bit overwhelming at first, but I've since gotten used to them. The best thing that's happened so far was a going out with Zack and Sean to KunDu. It was crazy! First we'd met at a bar called Ganesha, they have some amazing stories. Apparently they were both in a Chinese film randomly. They said the best way to do neat things is just be flexible and go with stuff. After Ganesha, Zack went to change for KunDu, because if he got in a fight he didn't want to be wearing sandals! So me, sean, dave went to a different bar and grabbed a beer, then headed to Zack's place, then KunDu. Loud doesn't even BEGIN to describe this place. I could feel the bass like it was hitting my torso. it's not like an American club, there are tons of tiny tables the people stand around and order huge amounts of drinks at one time, then just dance around the table, or go up on a stage. I ended up being dragged on stage A LOT, it was awesome. Usually I'm afraid to dance sober, which was taken care of later, but it felt easier to do it here. Maybe because it was China, I don't know. After KunDu we bar hopped a bit trying to find room. At one place these guys in giant Garfield, Dalmatian, Mouse, etc costumes were up on a stage dancing. Was an awesome night, didn't get too sick or throw up.
Entry 1
The internet in China decided I couldn't access this blog...so that's the excuse for that time period. After I got back, I was just interested in visiting with friends and making the most out of what was left of my summer vacation.
SO! Without further adieu, here begins the entries from my journal in China.
Thursday May 27th:
Woke up at 6:30am, hopefully this trend continues and I won't get jet lagged or have trouble with early morning classes. met other OU student, was ridiculously happy to have someone to talk English with and who was in the same boat I was. Hopefully once I get money changed and classes start, I won't feel so overwhelmed. As it stands, I had a moment of despair already at the prospect of being here two whole months. However, just having someone else to talk with made it all better. I know once everyone gets here and classes begin, It'll be a blast. Had a crazy gap toothed guy make fun of my beard and my abundant leg hair, he told me I should go down the street and get a shave. Was quite humorous, as me and the guy I was with didn't puzzle that out till later...
SO! Without further adieu, here begins the entries from my journal in China.
Thursday May 27th:
Woke up at 6:30am, hopefully this trend continues and I won't get jet lagged or have trouble with early morning classes. met other OU student, was ridiculously happy to have someone to talk English with and who was in the same boat I was. Hopefully once I get money changed and classes start, I won't feel so overwhelmed. As it stands, I had a moment of despair already at the prospect of being here two whole months. However, just having someone else to talk with made it all better. I know once everyone gets here and classes begin, It'll be a blast. Had a crazy gap toothed guy make fun of my beard and my abundant leg hair, he told me I should go down the street and get a shave. Was quite humorous, as me and the guy I was with didn't puzzle that out till later...
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Intro!
Hey, for those of you who don't know me, my name is Justin Boros. I am currently working on my second degree, Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering w/ Minor in Chinese & Physics, at the University of Oklahoma.
I have created this blog to chronicle my time spent studying at Yunnan University in Kunming, China this summer. I bought a neat camera, and plan on taking a TON of pictures, so be ready!
Tomorrow, well today technically, it all begins at 6am! The gauntlet of plane trips:
3:15hr flight to LAX
2:30hr layover
14:05 flight to Shanghai
3:30hr layover
3:05hr flight to Kunming
For a grand total of 26hrs 25min~
Then 2 months of awesome!
Well, seeing as it is now 12:08am, I should probably head to bed. The goal is to update this at least once a week.
See you on the other side!
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