Today I begin my new job as a designer for Ataway, an international software consulting company with offices all over the world. It’s a tremendous opportunity in a growing industry, and I’m excited to take on the new challenge!
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Seduced by the Li River: Part III
My final day in Yangshuo was perhaps my favorite day of the trip. That morning, I rented a bike from my hotel and explored the entire area on my own.
Seduced by the Li River: Part II
After waiting for a rainstorm to end, I headed to Yangshuo’s Silver Cave. Through a series of strange events, I found myself in a massive group with about 40 Chinese tourists.
Seduced by the Li River: Part I
Yours truly at the Li River
Back in July, I visited the small town of Yangshuo in China’s Guangxi province. Despite the fact that Shenzhen is quite close to this popular tourist destination, I never took advantage of it while I was living there. But because Lonely Planet lists it as one of the Top 5 things to do in China, I knew I needed to see it before I leave.
The trip started off nightmarishly. Having traveled a lot to various Chinese cities recently, I foolishly decided to make all of my plans last minute. I didn’t book a hostel until the night before, and it seemed all the popular ones were completely booked. Then, because I packed an hour before I had to leave for the airport and got stuck in traffic, I missed my flight. I was able to book another one, but it took off 5 hours later, cutting off precious time from the three short days I had there.
By the numbers: my two-year “Chinaversary”
Today marks my two-year Chinaversary. Some personal stats acquired since August 3, 2009:
6
Countries visited (not including a trip to the States last Christmas)
9
Chinese provinces/autonomous regions visited
11
Chinese cities visited
4
Times on the Great Wall (with more to come!)
19
lbs. lost
3
Pick-pocket attempts (thwarted)
1
Pick-pocket pocket attempts (successful)
1
Bike stolen 
1
Former US President spotted
0
Chinese proficiency exams studied for (maybe I should get on that…)
∞
Interesting experiences, people met, awkward moments using Mandarin, children seen defecating in the streets
Time flies.
My first China Daily column!
I am apparently now a blonde.
A few weeks ago, I submitted a piece for China Daily’s Hot Pot column. It’s a column that runs every few days featuring stories from expats reflecting on their cultural experiences in China.
Well, I’m happy to report it ran in the paper on Thursday! The column is about sunbathing in China, and how you rarely see it happening here. Part of it is because Chinese women prefer their skin to be white, but part of it is also because women’s bathing suits here are so modest. (Exhibit A).
The column even comes with this neat-o illustration of me, which is a sort of dramatic reenactment of my time at the beach in Qingdao last month. But if it were a truly accurate depiction, the men would all be wearing skintight speedos. (True story).
A three-day weekend in Xi’an (Part 2)
Huashan
By Day Three of my trip, it seemed like my vacation in Xi’an was turning into a little bit of a disappointment.
I once again woke up early to head to Huashan, or Mount Hua. It is one of the most famous mountains in China and is a two and a half hour train ride from the city.
I headed to the packed Xi’an train station, bought my ticket and was soon on my way towards the mountain.
A three-day weekend in Xi’an (Part 1)
Terracotting it up in the Ancient Capital.
Last October, I traveled to Xi’an for my National Day break. If you have no idea what this holiday entails, just remember National Day: China :: Independence Day: America. That is, if Independence Day had military tanks and rifles at the parades.
(Sidenote: Because I’m working as a foreigner for a Chinese paper, I stay in Beijing for the actual holiday then travel the week after. I actually enjoy this setup because I end up missing the massive crowds heading in and out of the city during the holidays).
Anyway, Xi’an — located in China’s Shaanxi province — is the ancient capital of China. The major draw of the city is the Terracotta Warriors. In fact, Lonely Planet tells me it is the Number Two thing to see in China. And since I do whatever Lonely Planet tells me to do, it seemed like a good idea.
A trip to Shanghai (Part Two)
Shanghai.
The first stop on my third day in Shanghai was the Propaganda Museum, a little room in the basement of an apartment complex.
A trip to Shanghai (Part One)
Way back in September, I visited Shanghai and promised to post pictures on the blog. But I never did. Oops.
Anyway, here are said photos, 10 months later.
About
Bridget O'Donnell is a designer for Ataway in Shanghai, China. She previously worked for the China Daily and graduated from the University of Michigan in 2009. More »