July 2008 Archives

I was brownsing CNN today, and its quick survey of the day is: "If you had the chance, would you want to go to the Olympics in Beijing?" To my big surprise, a whopping 69 percent of people voted No.

So let me get this straight America, despite the fact that this coming Olympic games is set in the biggest country in asia, home to one fifth of worlds population. A country that has a history 25 times of the US. You also wouldn't check out - the fastest growing economy in the world, the up and coming, biggest competitor in EVERY SINGLE aspect to United States. A big economic power thats making its best effort to collaborate with US and downplaying the "competitor" role by buying massive amounts of boeing airplanes and pushing the crappiest GM cars to its citizens. No, all you can think about is how the monks are treated in Tibet, people, get over it, I've been to tibet, Monks were never mistreated, what happened in the 50s and 80s were monks trying to make Tibet independent, they were rioting with fucking rifles and grenades, violent riot will meet with swift law enforcement, that happens every where. Tibet's BEEN Chinas for close to 300 freaking years, if you think Tibet is independent, you might as well give back Alaska, California, Nevada, New Mexico at least! I can not believe how many ignorant people are out there claiming they're liberals and act unbelievably sheltered.

Travel abroad, visit the place before you can cast some opinion. Otherwise, you're just dumb.

Really interesting piece to listen. I loved every seconds of it!

Boston Accent

Like Beijing, a BIG character of Boston, is its unique accent. For Beijing, its the "R"s or the rolling of the tongue. In Boston, its the opposite. Some people consider it a joy, some people sees it as an infliction. I personally like it, its what makes these places different. This link features an entire radio episode that discusses the accent, so if you're interested in that kind of thing, you're in for a treat.

For friends thats living outside of America.
Just check out Good Will Hunting, The Departed, and something older, Wizard of OZ. The Tin Man, When he says "Heart" He says "Hahhht" hehe, I love it.

This entry is dedicated to Lili. Lili stuck by my side ever since my break up. I can't imagine how a girl can stand me after what happened to me in my previous relationship. But, she decided to. I never promised her anything since the beginning, and I hurt her feelings deliberately in many occasions, she had everything I needed in a girl friend, She's charismatic, full of energy, and loyal. I often tell bizarre and boring stories, she always loved to hear them. On my birthday this year, I decided not to celebrate as I was getting ready to leave Beijing. Lili asked me to have a simple dinner with her that night, in Hou Hai. I didn't think anything by it. In fact, out of ALL the friends I know, I didn't expect her to remember my birthday...

At 11:30, as I was sitting at my table alone angry at this young woman of not being punctual. She called and told me she's lost and told me to go to the bridge and meet her. I was totally pissed off, the restaurant is closing at 12:00. I stormed off, stood on the bridge, and she's nowhere to be found.

Suddenly... people started to ooh and aww on the banks, there she was, on the only boat in the lake. Fireworks started to flare, candles lit, I understood it was all for me. I was absolutely astonished. I was absolutely moved. Most of all, I felt absolutely undeserving, I did nothing to earn this.

I didn't get to take pictures of the scene, but took some pictures after I jumped into the boat. (after I ran back to the restaurant to get my food in boxes) Here they are.

Thanks Everyone on this boat, for:

1. Some how, convince the boat renter and the lake patrol to have a boat out after 12! I don't know HOW you guys pulled it off.

2. Getting a cheese cake out in the heat of summer, intact, chilled and with lit candles.

3. Painstakingly, bending, twisting, taping the glowsticks together to form "Li heart Bo".

4. Making me foreget about someone and come out of the shadows for a brief moment.

5.Thank you for this song, its very moving... I didn't expect this much from you.

Thank you, I know I don't deserve this, and Lili, you're truely special, and I'm sorry for posting this late also :-/

Wow, I'm not into the music, but, Wow!

View outside of my apartment, during a storm.

Lovely forest outside of Mullen.

View outside from office.

Swimming pool in my Beijing home.

Touch Down in Boston, Driving the rental car off of the airport lot

I just can't wait to try Boston's Lobster, so this is the first room service I ordered. It's delicious.

Walking about in downtown, trying to find details on getting an iphone.

Drove up to the dealership to get a car, and on my way back, I decided to drop by and check out my new office. I know the office is a mansion, but I didn't know its in the middle of a forest. Very charming!

This is it, I feel like... I'm in an X-men movie.

The Car.

Newly signed apartment, a bit out of my budget, but I loved it too much to pass on.

The furniture arrived soon after...

I got a blister already at this point...

Two blisters...

By the time I finished with the bed and took this out, its already 12 midnight, I'm absolutely exhausted

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West Elm furniture... they are more difficult to assemble than Ikeas... Three blisters.

Continued work pays off the next day, now just waiting for the electronics.

I love Bravia (think it was because of their ads) and I am absolutely impressed with digital signals, its like watching people acting in my room.

Enjoying my first night.. stress free...

America, I missed you...

Click here to view, comments are welcomed.

Polaroid of the week this week is of Lili and Bobo, in NanLuoGu Xiang, Beijing.

Dear Friends

On July 5th I will leave China and head to Boston for a new job. I'm due to start on July 15th, so I am sorry that I couldn't have time to hang out with all of you and bit a proper farewell. During the 3 and half years here, I have met many amazing people and traveled to many places, Beijing has certainly made its mark in my heart and my feeling towards it is very special. I've got many people to thank and smile towards, and you don't have to worry, I remember all of you guys. Something tells me that this won't be the last time for me to live and work here. I will elaborate more on my move as time progresses but for now, I must get back to packing.

Stay excited. Stay patient. Stay curious. Stay fit. Don't surrender your self for money, Cars and flats aren't as important as you think they are. Travel the world, meet strangers, and find your TRUE love. Because, You Only Live Once!