“Capitals are unlike all other cities in a nation. The gravity they grant themselves through decision-making is profound.” – Old Sean
Triumph of the Groggy
In an almighty flurry of energy and effort, I’ve arrived in Beijing, China.
My arrival was anything but smooth. Since the beginning of my arrival, I’ve started hearing sounds that aren’t there. Odd colors flashed before my eyes. I staggered often on perfectly level ground.
Was it budding schizophrenia? Head trauma? Late night Chinese game shows doing odd things to my mind?
No, it’s a current, necessary evil: Sleep deprivation was reacquainting itself with a vengeance.
While visiting Beijing, I’m attending a teaching program in China, known as a CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). The famously challenging CELTA program in Beijing, China is as rigorous as expected.
While not particularly strenuous to the mind, the sheer tonnage of hours required to fulfill all aspects of the certificate have become a mental obstacle course I blearily stumble through.
That being said, not all is bad. Through staunch dedication, I’ve managed to squirrel away a free day or two every week.
Around Parks
Firstly, I like Beijing. It’s spacious, the streets are wide and the metro is exquisitely developed (though concerningly crowded). Pedestrians are able to rent bicycles which circulate through the city on protected lanes, while cars generally keep their horn blaring to a quaint minimum. The winter pollution hasn’t hit yet, and while the air isn’t fresh, it’s fine to go outside and enjoy the sun. Visiting Beijing allows for many outdoor walks from area to area.
While I haven’t gotten to see the Great Wall yet, I’ve managed to wander into some other important landmarks.
For example, I’ve visited the sprawling Beihai Park, part of the chain of lakes which dominate central Beijing. People peddle through the water on rented boats while meandering around the old imperial grounds. Elderly folks dance on shaded, brightly colored docks and serenity is cultivated within walled gardens. I walked through, delighting in relics and traditional Chinese structures.
If there are two things China does stupendously, it’s garden design and streetlamps.
The Central Hops
I’ve also managed to trip into more urban centers, such as The Place.
This massive, open atrium mall is complete with an enormous awning depicting videos and occasionally psychedelic swirls on the roof. Throngs of people utilize the enormous power of selfie-sticks in the plaza below. The hypnotic spirals reminded me of the Sovngarde Sky in a high-def version of Skyrim.
The mall is not alone, with other shopping centers nearby. For example, there’s a wildly disorienting modern art center across the street depicting the grotesque and interesting sculptures.
The highlight of my trip thus far is the enormous Summer Palace.
The Palace was crammed with people when I arrived. It was difficult to soak up the whimsical peace so carefully groomed by the ground-keepers. Land bridges arced over islands of lilies, which crne into the sky on slender stalks.
Stone arches looped out of the ground in a combination of ridged lines and sweeping curves. Traditional buildings glistened with new paint, flaring blue, red and green on every corner. Alas, it was too crowded.
Until the rain.
Capital Torrents
A steady buildup of water sent the crowds home and the tourists hunting for cover. Equipped with an umbrella and waterproof boots (my only shoes) I shrugged off the downpour. Despite the deluge, I enjoyed myself over the next few hours, effectively having the entire Palace all to myself.
Overall, I’ve enjoyed my time visiting Beijing so far. Walking around here is much easier than it was in Chongqing, thanks to the flat nature of the city. I look forward to exploring more after my CELTA course is done. That’s assuming I can stop stalling while writing blog posts and get some of my actual work done.
Until I come up for air,
Best regards and excellent trails,
Old Sean
Written August 14th 2017
Beijing has an incredible number of things to experience. Read the Leftfade Trails recommended list by clicking here.
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