on the outskirts of a forbidden past
so week one has come to a close here in Beijing. One quasi meltdown later and i’m starting to settle into this strange land. The outrageous becoming common and the unfamiliar, familiar.
i think it’s an extraordinary human experiment when you move half way across the world to a completely alien country. i initially thought that moving here was going to put me in touch more with my asian heritage, but instead it’s shown me how Canadian I am. it also has given me a new perspective on how challenging it must be for new immigrants. new language. new food. new culture. new mores. it’s not easy, and I have to admit before coming here i used to be very judgmental–’why don’t they just mix in with the rest of us?’. Because it’s easier said than done. i thought i was mentally prepared for this trip….but couldn’t have been more ill-equipped.
peter took these pictures of me on the small streets leading up to one of the entrances to the forbidden palace. it’s mainly a tourist destination (not only for westerners, but people all over china). some old buildings from the original dynasties still exist, while others are just rubble. around every corner there are small restaurants boasting the best peking duck in beijing or mom and pops brewing delicious smelling soup and other country-side delicacies.
things are looking up. i’m meeting more people. there are things to do every day and night. never enough new restuarants to try out. i’m still easing into this city, but we’ll talk again in one week and see where i’m at. haha
wearing Zara blazer; lululemon Y sports bra; vintage DIY leather shorts; Same Edelman boots; Alexander Wang leopard diego