Some Highlights

Well, let me just say that it has been a crazy few weeks packed with work, athletic contests, and a slew of social events. Clearly, I am enjoying my time here in Beijing, allowing me very little free time to update this blog – so it goes. Instead of focusing on any particular event or theme (which seems to be my style of posting) I will now give you the highlight reel of the last three weeks in chronological order...

Obama Fundraiser. I am a news junkie and during the recent primary season, I have been following the latest on each presidential candidate through an array of online media outlets including Youtube, NYTimes, CNN, Politico, and of course Drudge Report. I am also a staunch Obama supporter, having already contributed money to his campaign back in February. When I heard that two of his foreign policy advisers were hosting a fundraiser here in Beijing, I could not resist. This American-only event was held in a club at a high-end residential complex called the Embassy House featuring a band, an open bar, imported treats like hummus and Tostitos, and an outside patio dominated by a grizzly man in Red Sox hat grilling hotdogs and barbeque ribs by the dozens. It felt like home. Obama’s advisors spoke briefly followed by 30 minutes of Q&A. Most of what was said concerning policy was already known to me (and of course diplomatic answers were given when asked about Obama’s approach to China), however, I found it rather motivating when they gave personal accounts about how they were inspired to join up with Barack following his 2004 Democratic convention speech. These ex-Bill Clinton foreign policy advisors exuded hope for our country and this enthusiasm was gleefully embraced by over two hundred Americans living and studying in Beijing. I doubt that that will be the last $25 donation I make before November.

Birthday Bash. My birthday was celebrated in proper fashion: a mix of good friends, Korean barbeque, and countless pitchers of green tea and whiskey. I suppose I should stop treating every birthday like it’s my 21st (for my liver’s sake), however, in Chinese tradition every birthday that falls on your Chinese Zodiac year (occurring once every twelve years) should call for a special celebration. I am a rat, 2008 is the year of the rat, I am not 12 nor am I 36… if you can’t guess how old I am please go back to school. All in all, the party was marvelous in every way and I have many to thank for that, especially my girlfriend, who also treated me to a lovely birthday dinner the following week at a restaurant called Dali Courtyard, a hidden gem in a random hutong serving authentic and rather delightful Yunnan cuisine.

Lax Tourney. As you may or may not know from a previous blog, I belong to a men’s lacrosse league here in Beijing. We practice every Sunday morning and sometimes Thursday evenings and although we play for the love of the game and the fulfillment of camaraderie, we always talk about winning the Beijing Cup that has taken place every June for the past 6 years. This year, this weekend tournament was attended by a Japanese team, a Hong Kong Team, two Korean teams, a Chinese team (groomed by us), an under-19 California All-star team, and of course our team, the laxpats (lacrosse expats). Corresponding girls’ teams also contested on adjacent fields. Historically, our greatest challengers have been the American teams and Japanese teams – the Japanese are outstanding players and the Japanese expats on our team, including the goalie, were major assets to our squad. In fact, because of the depth on our team which included three ex-national-team players (from America, Canada, and Japan), we found ourselves overpowering every team during the first day of competition - granted we were playing in the blistering heat and many of the younger players on the other teams were suffering from jet lag, Chinese food, and Beijing smog. On the other hand, many of our guys are balding out-of-shape cigarette smokers, who preferred drinking beer on the sidelines to water. After 4 forty minute games throughout Saturday, our bodies were in complete shock, our feet were covered in blisters, and our bare shoulders were raw from the sun (I currently have the world’s worst farmer tan). On Sunday, we easily beat the Japanese team in the morning and because the fields were out far in West Beijing and we were only team without a nearby hotel, we had no choice but to find something to do for six hours until the championship game. Instead of burning alive in the sun, we spend the whole afternoon chilling in KFC followed by hanging out in the neighborhood pool club relaxing in the water and making fun of the Chinese men in Speedos – we clearly took the championship seriously. After a full 60 minutes of lacrosse against the California kids, we emerged victorious – winning the Beijing Cup for the first time ever. By the end of the weekend, my body was completely numb, my skin was peeling, and my urine was dark yellow – it was the longest, most exhausting yet most exhilarating weekend I’ve had in a long time. *Sigh*

Great Wall Rave. Last weekend, I attended the annual Great Wall Party that usually draws a crowd of over three to four hundred eccentric young Beijing expats looking for a crazy night at an unconventional venue. Imagine the Great Wall, a beach, a dance party, techno music combined with all the sinful happenings of today’s youth fused together for one night of insidious bliss. Personally, I had more fun pre-partying on the four hour bus ride on the way up defined by karaoke, baijiu (Chinese liquor) guzzling, and random stops at rest stops with enormous neon signs that said “TOILET”. At the beach (where the Great Wall ends) I vaguely remember hotdogs, blue face paint, and a monsoon type rain storm – all other disreputable details I may have witnessed in this haven of hedonistic havoc will not be disclosed on this blog. It was a blast, but let’s just say that I’m glad to be back in reality.

Not Ready. Yesterday, about to get on the subway, a security woman said something to me (in Chinese) and pointed at the X-ray machine indicating that they wanted to check my bag for explosives or other harmful materials. I smiled (already late for work) and walked past her. Beefing up security seems useless if dangerous folk could voluntarily opt out of the screening process. A little while later, about to get off the metro, I and my fellow commuters were stuck in our subway while it took 10 minutes for the driver to figure out how to open the doors. People were so mad that some threatened to break down the door. Is Beijing prepared for the Olympics? Ha.