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Frowns and smiles of 2009
By Joseph Christian (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-30 09:04
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2009 is finally taking its last bow before it is quietly pushed aside by the next decade. In almost ritualistic fashion most newspapers across the globe are assembling various lists about the biggest events of the last 12 months. So I decided why not make my own list.
Of course, it will be a little bit different than usual. As a foreigner, life in Beijing offers me so many up and down experiences. So without further adieu I will share with you the top three things that bring a frown and a smile to my face.
First the frowns.
Every time I ride the subway I see them. It really bugs me, sometimes even infuriates me. No, I am not talking about the crowds. I am talking about those girls who just wear the frames of glasses because for some reason they think it is cool.
A friend of mine once told me, "I swear next year I am going to walk around with a pointy stick and poke their eyes."
I hate to complain about it, but I must. The pay for university teachers in Beijing is horrendously low.
Just to give you an idea, consider that I know a PhD who teaches at a high level university in Beijing and only makes 6,500 yuan a month. I know Chinese secretaries that get paid that much.
Snot rockets and luggies...need I say more. In the winter these little bad boys freeze and it's quite disgusting. Every time I walk down the street I feel like a solider picking his way through a mine field. Beijing has no excuse.
Tissues are a dime a dozen and there has been repeated public service announcements trying to reduce this bad habit. It's time people should listen...or at least spit into the bushes!
Now the smiles!
Beijing has something for everybody. I really like this about the city. There are cultural events, music, bars, movie theaters, historical sites, and just about everything else.
Whatever your desire you are sure to find it somewhere in this megalopolis. Just browse the Net or pick up one of the numerous city papers, you are bound to find something you are interested in.
The subway in Beijing can create a love/hate relationship. But for me love wins out most of the time. There really is no better way to get around the city in a timely manner.
Sure a car could be faster, but given Beijing's traffic I would take the subway any day. It's crowded and sometimes stinky, but riding it is the best way to feel like a real Beijinger.
I'm from Philadelphia so comparatively Beijing is a walk in the park safety wise. I know there are criminals in Beijing, but compared with my home city I rarely find myself looking over my shoulder while walking the streets at night.
I know people that have been robbed, but at least the thief didn't riddle them full of bullets so they can steal $20 to score some drugs.
So that's my two cents about the things that bug me and make be enjoy my life in Beijing.
Hopefully by this time next year I will have fewer complaints and more things to bring a smile to my face. Happy New Year everybody!
