Because it isn’t New England. Because I have been blessed with the opportunity. Because I believe it takes not just stepping, but leaping out of one’s comfort zone to see what you are truly capable of. Because no one else in my family has ever been to China. Because I’ve never understood how Bruce Lee could move so fast. Because I love tea. Because it’s every school-child’s fantasy, to go on an adventure in the Far East.
Because it’s the other side of the world. Because it’s a 5000 year old civilization. Because Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world. Because I’m young, and as I get older, it becomes more and more apparent that some day I may live in global culture influenced primarily by the East as opposed to the West.
Because China owns 190 billion dollars of America’s debt. Because in 2007 their economy grew at an astounding 13 percent, while the United States grew at a more modest 2.4 percent. Because in 2009, when all other international superpowers sustained a loss, China’s GDP still increased by a vigorous 8.4 percent. Because tomorrow’s dollar is today’s Yuan.
Because of Buddah. Because of Confucius. Because of Yao Ming. Because of Peking Duck, Szechuan hotpot, and fried dumplings. Because of chicken feet, scorpion kebabs, and a variety of animal organs, all cooked to order. Because of the earthquake. Because of Google. Because of Mao Zedong, Chang Kai Shek, and the Dali Lama.
Because the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, was perhaps the most grandiose and stunning display of human ingenuity, entertainment, and synchronization the world has ever seen. Because theBeijing Olympics were meant as a sign to the rest of the world.
Because of the Eight Great Culinary Traditions of China. Because of the Great Wall, the Terra Cotta Warriors, and the Himalayan mountains. Because of pandas, bamboo, and terraced rice patties as far the eye can see. Because Rosie O’donnell got in serious trouble for making fun of the Asian accent. Because American pop culture’s go-to comic relief is a little asian man or woman with a whiny voice and aggressive disposition. Because everything you buy at Wal-Mart comes from China.
Because of Global Warming. Because of Barack Obama. Because of Tibet. Because of Xinjiang. Because of the Middle East. Because of unprecedented species die-offs. Because of swine flu, terrorism, and peak oil. Because the issues of tomorrow cannot and will not be dealt with by one nation, but instead many. Because China is like that little brother that finally hits puberty and can either hit back, or lend a hand, and because I want to have a part in insuring that they would rather lend a hand. But mostly, it’s because of the dumplings.
Follow my adventures as an American Student studying abroad at Liaocheng University in Shandong Province China. I leave March 4th, and plan to return July 31st, 2010. Tell your friends!
-Chris Biddle
February 24, 2010 at 10:24 pm
I’m excited for you. but Because you are so handsome. Because we are cousins. Because we’re both from Kentucky. Because I will miss you.
I kinda wish you were at wilson right now.
February 25, 2010 at 4:56 pm
have an epic time on your quest man, i hope you are a kung fu master upon returning!
February 25, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Really, Biddle? Rosie O’Donnell was somehow a factor in this decision? I guess I could see it but only because she looks like a big giant dumpling. Anyway, I’ll be thinking of you. Keep your head on a swivel.
February 25, 2010 at 9:44 pm
It’s a hard place to get away from, isn’t it? (Though also a bit hard to stay in.) Likely a very different place from Kunming, as well. Hope it’s still possible to find mi xian. Have a great time, and keep us updated.
February 26, 2010 at 4:17 am
I am so excited for you. This is monumental sir biddle. there aren’t any biscuits and gravy there. probably not too many cigarettes, they seem smarter then that, but you never know.
i miss you and will continue! call me before you leave??
Adios muchacho! See you in JULY
July 25, 2010 at 2:41 pm
[…] like The Otherside, who (or that’s how I understand it) started blogging in February this year, and, um, OK, will stop posting on July 31. But that would be because the blogger will then leave China and return to his native […]
July 26, 2010 at 4:49 am
Ahhh but the blog will not stop there…will continue to blog from America, as going home is part of the process as well. Keep reading!
October 11, 2013 at 1:36 pm
Learnt is actually a proper substitute for learned and quite common in British English, though rarely used in North America. 😉