This is the second and final edition of my online travel journal. As you know, I studied abroad in Beijing, China, since January 11 of this year. I ended my semester studying at Peking University, located in northwest Beijing, and also toured around China with my classmates and then my family, recently returning to the United States on May 21. The second half of my semester was just as, if not more, exciting than the first, and this edition details in particular my travels around China, and some conclusions about the country and the people–albeit several months late! The return to American television and fast food was too much.
Again, the full blog can be found at michaeldavidwagner.blogspot.com.
James Bond in China
Although James Bond cinematically has had the occasion to visit Hong Kong, the South China Sea, various other locales, and work with Chinese intelligence agents during his forty year career, a James Bond film has never been shown in China . . . until now. This entry details 007's arrival into one of the world’s last remaining Communist nations.
Model United Nations
Although I had done some debate simulations during High School, I had never participated in a Model United Nations event, either in high school or college. It was with some surprise that I signed up for Peking University’s annual hosted Model U.N. event, and soon started reading up on Iran, East Timor, and South Africa.
The Grand Tour
Although the academic semester officially ended mid-April, none of us were slated to leave China until near-May. For two weeks, the thirty-eight college students in the Beijing Program of Asian Studies would leave their books behind and brave some of China–and the world’s–most exotic locales in a grand tour around the Middle Kingdom.
Xi'an and the Terracota Warriors
Xi'Ning and the Ta'Er Temple
Lhasa and the Potala Palace
Chengdu and the Pandas
Yangshou, Riverboating, and a Night on the Town
Shanghai and Mission: Impossible III
Touring with the Family
To both visit me during the semester, and to have another serious family vacation, the rest of the Wagner family flew to Beijing after my semester ended, and we proceeded to take planes, trains, and automobiles back around China on another grand tour.
Where’s the McDonald’s? Answer: Everywhere except Lhasa, in over 700 locations around China. Food in China part II.
Because of the tendency for Chinese food (and my lack of appreciation thereof) to come up in conversation, I felt the topic of Chinese food deserved a second look, as well as some more photographs of my basic meals on campus.
The Marco Polo Bridge . . . and Museum.
This essay covers a visit to a very old bridge, a very new museum, and a very disconcerting aspect of the Chinese personae and history.
Economy in China
Short thoughts on China's rapidly growing economy, the presence of multi-national corporations, and whether capitalism or communism rules the day.
Tibet
What I understand about the Tibetan situation, enlightened slightly by having been there.
Religion in China
A brief discussion of the attitudes of China towards religion, and my experiences with both Buddhism and Christianity.
I want to be in America
What do Rita Moreno and Michael Wagner have in common? They both want to be in America.
Conclusions: TIC.
Some final thoughts and ruminations about my time in the Middle Kingdom.
Michael Wagner
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