2 weeks to begin with

So it was just 11 days ago when I was still in sunny little Singapore. Basking in the warmth and downing all the rojak food was just a daily routine which I now feel I took for granted.

Then it was all taken away from me on the night of 2nd Feb 09, for 6 months at least. Kissing goodbye at Terminal 1, I bid a fond farewell with tears kept well in check.

The chilly or rather, freezing winds greeted us in the early morning of 3rd Feb.
Welcome to Beijing. 欢迎来到北京！
The morning winds are pretty insane and it freezes down your spine.
I somewhat miss the warmth of the sun a little during this season especially in the morning and at night when the temperature dips.

Being here has changed my perception of China tremendously. However, this might have to do with the fact that I'm staying near city. It ain't as dirty as I was told and its pretty well-developed.

Its a pretty confusing city I would say. Beijing has the extremes; technologically very advanced, well developed BUT there are many areas which are light years behind in terms of just simple technology. Perhaps, it is this interesting mixture that has captured my attention. Towering buildings, small village homes and tons of people; now that’s a formula for beauty. You never know what you see the moment you turn around.

I always thought Singapore was pretty well-developed and advanced (perhaps in the area of urban planning, home still wins) but its only after stepping out into Beijing that I realized; “Hey! Beijing is almost on par, if not better than what we have back home.” Remember those flashy advertisements along the MRT along Newton, Orchard? They had it years back. How about our TV mobile and its reception which fails us from time to time? They have something similar but yet, more reliable though it plays the same show EVERYDAY which is getting on my nerves. HUGE buildings with IMMENSELY IMPRESSIVE layouts and facade. A shopping mall that resembles an ultra posh hotel that blows your imagination. How about the fact that they are now building the world's largest Ferris wheel, there goes Singapore's record in a year or two. There are many more but you have to see to believe it.

There are a couple of things to note in Beijing.

1) Crossing the roads
Watching people crossing streets is a truly amazing sight. It’s a skill which we have almost picked up. It’s amazing how they cross anytime and cars slow down (I’m serious, they do slow down) without jamming the honk (there’s the occasional exceptions, mainly during weekends) but you must do your part and hasten your steps a little. If you cross like you do in Beijing back in Singapore, you will probably get a swearing session, get honked till you go deaf or simply a traffic offense ticket.

2) Taking the bus/train
Ever wondered why China produces so many world-class gymnasts? It boils right down to how they squeeze in the bus and train. They have a natural ability to dig out any available space to squeeze into and they really do make their presence felt. Twisting and turning is a great morning work-out (ya right), try getting your butt rubbed so very often when someone tries moving in or out. I was squashed myself and can attest to that fact; I was bending over the passenger sitting by the aisle. Try squeezing back at home and you get the friendliest stare you will ever witness for a long long time. Public transport is really cheap; 2RMB for a MRT ride regardless of distance and it cost me 1.20RMB to get to work. Taxis are pretty affordable (meter starts at 10RMB) but try not to take it too often, it becomes a habit and you will get VERY lazy.

3) Spitting
Yes folks, I am afraid the legends are true. They spit everywhere, anywhere and anytime. On the road: checked. While smoking: checked. In the supermarket: checked. Where else can they not do it? I hope I won’t be spat on. Ok, that’s for spitting. How about VOMITTING? I witnessed a lady puking in the crowded bus on the first day of work and she wiped her hands (which she tried to contain her contents) on her pants with the remnants all over the floor. I just another whose contents were left in the train today.

4) Food
Oily and salty sums it all up. In addition, their serving of rice is huge; more than you get back home. Drink plenty of water thereafter. Regardless of that, always drink up as it is really dry here in Beijing. There’s beef and mutton everywhere, chicken is slightly harder to find I think. I always see pork, beef and mutton on the menu. I think I'm putting on weight really rapidly.

5) People
They speak really fast and pretty loud as if they are reprimanding you. I shall update more as I get to speak more often with them. If you think your mandarin standard is reasonable back home, you will feel like a disgrace to the Chinese community back home over here in China. We are in different leagues altogether. I miss Singlish, luckily I have my housemates to share the burden of too much Mandarin in a day. By the way, the service standard isn't that good, so brace yourself.

6) Shopping (pertaining to plastic bags)
Always bring a bag or those reusable shopping bags along if you're intending to shop for groceries. Its amazing how the locals live without plastic bags and how we always forget to bring our reusable shopping bags out everywhere after even after major lessons after the 2nd day in Beijing. We ended up taking the numerous stuff on hand, braving the cold, luckily the walk back from the supermarket wasn't too long. Its interesting how we would complain back home if we were made to pay for plastic bags when people here just get on with life. We simply depend too much on plastic bags back home for everything.

One other thing to note. People in China have a higher tolerance level and greater patience, just see the way drivers go about the traffic and the pedestrians cross the road and commuters squeeze. The comfort zone that Singaporeans have is just too great compared to the Chinese. Do the same in Singapore, you will be stared or cursed. In addition, I’m beginning to understand why some people do the things they do. We should all learn to have greater patience and a higher tolerance.

Despite what seems like negative comments so far, Beijing has really impressed me quite a fair bit and changed my impression of it. The modern + traditional blend has shown me that I was wrong to write Beijing off early on. It has a very interesting identity with the rich, the norm and the poor all in one melting pot. Its a confusing world.
Now I’m beginning to see things clearer and why there's the emphasis on stepping out of Singapore to expand your horizons.

Its finally the weekends! Here's wishing everyone a happy weekend and Happy Valentine's Day. 周末愉快！情人节快乐！