I am totally convinced that I am forever doomed when I travel. The last few trips I’ve made prior to Japan and China, Jen and I could easily just get up and go. But ever since landing in Asia, traveling that way does not work. Today, everyone left to go back to the States. Well everyone but 3 of us who are staying in Beijing one more day, and 3 who left to go to other places. Our goal is to go to Xi’an, climb/hike Mt. Hua Shan, visit a tomb, gardens, and/or other places of interest. We wanted to get to Xi’an on Tuesday. So all the trains were full since like 10 days ago, and whoever the bus agency was, was busy all afternoon. So we ended up getting some airplane tickets. It seemed like everyone was getting really impatient, so we ended up with very early flights. 7:55 AM tomorrow morning, and were recommended to leave for the airport at 5:30 AM. In addition, we fly out of Beijing to get back to the states, so we were trying to stay at this hostel next weekend, but they said they are full. The hostel said they would hold our stuff that we didn’t want to pack to Xi’an, which is nice, but man, very stressful. Plus we checked online, and hostelworld.com says they have some space available. So we’ll see what happens.

Seems like my camera is having some minor issues, and my laptop is acting up a little. Might be time to perform an extensive cleanup on everything. I guess, even though Xi’an will be fun, I’m a little homesick. Back in the states, I am at least in more control over ways I travel and get around. Guess that’s one thing I am envious about for the other students, they are heading home.

I am definitely sad all my buddies are gone. They better hang out back in Eugene.

Current mood: -_- sad and not feeling well.

Was an excellent day, we presented our final Beijing projects. Everyone did some really awesome work. I did some light art on the Great Wall which I turned into a flower. I also shared my Shanghai project with everyone since I didn’t get a chance to show that when we were in Shanghai. People also seemed to like that. It was a small gallery which had a mix between the working class of China, contrasted with all the skyscrapers going up. Dealt with china and abandoning historical homes and people.

After the presentations, we went to a most famous Peking Duck restaurant. But after waiting 40 minutes and not making any progress in the line. We decided to go to a small dive next door. Though, I didn’t have any of the duck, I hear it was world famous as well. Since they got the duck from the famous restaurant next door.

After dinner, we saw an amazing show. Began with a puppet show re-enacting a scene from Journey to the West. A very awesome book, especially for those Anime and Manga lovers. Very similar ideas between the two. There was also Kung Fu performance, juggling/acrobatics, and a few forms of Beijing Opera.
Oh, almost forgot about the market we hit this morning. We went to a flee market and got to look at a lot of things that you got to haggle your way through the prices. I really don’t like to haggle, but it is refreshing when you get some neat stuff for relatively inexpensive. Though I didn’t get much, my money well will be essentially dry when I get back to the states. Best bargain for today was a gift originally prices at 630 RMBs a little shy of $100 USD. And I walked away with it at 170, which is a little over $20 USD. I was expecting to have more gifts to give, but its hard to find interesting and unique things at these particular markets.

Current Mood: Happy.

Well, as much as I have resented this blog, I am really starting to like it. I want to go back and add more as I look at my pamphlets and notebook more...plus add pictures to the stories. I loved the tea house show and will show you all my pictures of it soon....

So we rode bikes to the Temple of Heaven. About 40 minutes later, and not being destroyed by cars, we made it. Rain all day. No thunder, no lightning, just rain. Though I don’t really mind the rain, It is wet and a lot of my stuff is soaked. The temple itself is almost enclosed in a park-esk environment. Gorgeous trees, paved roads, and tourists everywhere. It’s weird thinking that not so long ago, temples like these were used regularly, and now its purpose is to drive money through tourists. I hope I get a chance to check it out again while I’m still in Beijing.

Today was pretty much soggy and damp all around. Its like Eugene only with Chinese instead of English, and temples instead of churches, and---oh yeah, its not like Eugene at all.
The agenda included the Temple of Heaven, which was gorgeous, I want to go back on a sunny day because even through the gray drizzles, the paint, red walls, and the blue glazed roofs were so vibrant- I think it is one of my favorite structures. For some reason it makes me think of something that Jessica would like or something.
Oh, well it appears that we might actually be departing for some bars now, I suppose I will take care of this later. Time running out....must also apply pictures.....fizzle......
I was very inspired for my project though...lets see where it goes.