Entry #19 -- Freeze! NEW BLOG ADDRESS!

Well, the departure date has quickly crept up on us and I leave for China in less than a week. . .

As many of you know, anything Google related -- and many other webpages -- is touch and go in China, so I've decided to leave behind the site I've spent hours designing (sigh) and migrate to a platform I will be able to access positively.

Everything but my posts will be presented in Chinese characters. Don't be intimidated! Click around and have fun. . . Or I guess if you're feeling excessively wimpy, Google might be able to translate it for you. However, be sure not of translations must you be upon receiving them English words [Translation: Chinese to English translations don't always make perfect sense when using an automatic translator].

So, if you'd like to follow me and my journey go to the following site:

www.blog.sina.com.cn/sichuanlife

Once there, I will orientate you, tell you how to post/comment. Just a note: if you do wish to comment, please be mindful with your thoughts. . . not for my sake, but for the Chinese Government's sake. It would be horrible if they censored my blog -- then how would we be able to keep in touch! Something like that would probably never happen, but after reading another student's blog -- who posted a similar disclosure -- I figured it wouldn't hurt to at least mention. Stray away from opinionated religious and political commentaries. Again, I'm not even worried about y'all :) I just want to be respectful on their turf, if you catch my drift. . .

On that note, check out the new site. And if nothing else, at least stop by to see the super fluffy panda bear animation. Yah, I'm definitely going to try and bring back a baby panda.

Entry #18: The Travelling Bowls -- my art project

As many of you know (and if I've acquired the viewer-ship of other bloggers whom I do not know on a personal  level -- which I hope is the case -- you will soon know) I attend Pacific Lutheran University and will soon be heading to China, the sole purpose of this blog. . .

Now, very rarely do Chinese people invite guests into their home -- the home is a sanctuary, a very private place, a realm of safety and security. However, on the occasion that you are given the privilege to visit their home, it's a respectful custom to bring with you a small token of appreciation. I figured, since China will be welcoming me into their country for an entire semester, it would only be right to bring along something that represents a piece of me -- a piece of culture unique to my life -- as a kind gesture of my appreciation.

So at the start of summer vacation I began working on a series of miniature, hand-thrown bowls that I fired in my kiln (a.k.a My Hot Little Nugget) to give to the people and the land that will inevitably be teaching me over the coming months. Art is a powerful medium and wields the power to shrink a massive world by connecting people through a universal language.

Documenting the travels of my bowls as they trek across the mountains of Tibet, touch the hands of a tai chi chuan master, plod across the ancient stones of the Great Wall, or respectfully hold a portion of chrysanthemum tea, I hope to explore exactly how art can bridge two very different cultures in a time when their futures appear to be so intertwined.

Where will they go? I can happily say I'm not entirely sure. How many hands will they touch? I hope many.

One thing I can say with confidence: they've stopped spinning in circles; they're headed straight for China. . .

Entry #17: Quick Little Update!

Most of my bowls have just recently exited the 2600 degree kiln in my garage, a.k.a "The Art Studio" (which is currently being overtaken by my dad's countless motorcycle parts).

I hope to get a picture and explanation of what it is I am doing tonight. The bowls took a little while longer to dry than I originally thought. Art is a process my friends! A process!

Anyway, keep checking back!

Entry #16: New Follower!

Score! I got myself an eighth follower -- welcome and thanks for joining, Cathy!

I haven't been really very good about updating my posts, but this will all change here in a month or so (given the Blogosphere is not censored of course during the time I am abroad). . . However, just to cover my basis, I will be giving my parents instructions on how to update the site. So, even if I am unable to upload my posts directly to the system myself, I will send an e-mail across the ocean and have someone in the states carry out the updates; I hope to make them daily, but in all reality, it will probably  be every other day.

Currently, I'm working on a pottery project to take over to China with me. It consists of numerous, very small bowls that I hand threw on the potter's wheel and will hopefully be able to "give to China." More on this to come by the end of the week, so keep checking back. I appreciate those who follow -- and, like I keep saying, I always want more. . . I'm jealous that way. I can't help it [shrugs].

Also: talk to me while I'm away -- or now. Comment on posts, etc. Write what you want. Post what you want. This can be your blank canvas too!

See ya soon!

Entry #15: Please Follow the Highlighted Route. . .

My departure date will be here before I know it. Oddly enough, even though I will soon be leaving for China via airplane, I wondered how long it would take me to walk/swim -- you know, the ol' fashion kind of travel that requires one to get their shoes dirty and their muscles aching to an extravagant point before realizing it's time to rest (thank the lord for modern times!). Thanks to the oh so intelligent Google Maps, I discovered it would take me approximately 127 days and 18 hours to get to my destination via the power my body produces.

Google Maps very kindly and sweetly told me to "Use Caution! This route may be missing sidewalks or pedestrian paths. . ." Really? I had no idea. 

One doesn't always need a clearly defined path to get them where it is they want to go. Whether it be a high speed thorough fare or a dirt path bruised by a horse drawn cart, one must adapt to the situation at hand and go with the flow. As I prepare for my trip and think about what it is I will eat, where I will sleep, how it is I will effectively communicate (for example, will I curl up into a ball and desperately long for my English words back?), and the inevitable occurrence of getting lost, I realize I must adapt. 

For those of you who know me well, you'll understand me when I say that my directional skills are borderline nonexistent. One might even go as far to say that I have an undesirable mental condition that prevents me from locating the correct destination, even if it is the next door neighbor's house. Not exactly wonderful for a boy exploring a foreign land. . . So we'll just see what kind of navigational dangers the winding, curving, maze-like streets of Chengdu, China have in store for me. Bring it on!

All I can do is thank the universe for Google Maps -- and the little highlighted route, which I usually always "modify." 

[Oh, wait. . . Google is censored in China still. AHHHHHHHHHHH!]

Entry #14: Biological Soup = ENHANCED

I struggle to right this, dear friends, as my left arm has fallen limp with pain from all of the required travel immunizations I received earlier today -- okay, so I kid, it's not like I was impaled with this:

I'd have a hard time saying the nurse who administered the shots was an overspilling bottle of sunshine, but she was friendly enough and now I can finally cross "get myself some vaccines!" off of my to do list before finals week pops out in front of me scaring me half to death.

If only, if only there were highly efficient immunizations that guarded against awful, mean, nasty multiple choice science examinations. If only, if only. . . [wishful sigh]

Entry #13: <--- (Oh My GOSH! Grab that Rabbit's Foot, Locate that 4 Leave Green Thing, Spin around Thrice Times To Counteract that Most Unlucky NUMBER!) Now. . . Onto The 1,000 YR. OLD EGG

So. . . as promised, I figured I'd take everyone deeper -- through mere research of course -- into the fine delicacies that are Chinese cuisine. Now, countless dishes exist in the Chinese menu that most Westerners would shy away from. I took it upon myself to seek out what, I feel like, would repulse us all the most.

It's not fried/skewered/slightly-toasty/crispy scorpions. . .
It's not regurgitated bird's nest soup. . .
It'd definitely not Beef Pizzle (fo' shizzle!). . .

It's the 

[insert dramatic, thunderous, booming, theatrical voice here] 

1,000 year old egg!

Doesn't it sound mysterious, ancient, and sage-like. I might even go as far to say it sound like something, perhaps, a wizard might consume.

Well, as it turns out, the century egg is a "side-dish" (sorry, not a full meal folks) that is made by preserving duck, quail, or chicken eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, charcoal, lime, and rice hulls. If there are any potters out there, you'll know that a few of those ingredients are primary components of glaze. The preserved egg pickles in this caustic mixture for many weeks to several months.

The chemical agent that "transforms" the egg is severely alkaline in nature, which eventually raises the interior pH to 12+ -- YIKES!

It is a dish with multiple layers of complex flavors. . . and smells like horse urine.

P.S. The recipe I viewed called for "ash of charcoal from a fireplace. . ." This egg is practically radioactive, so I'm betting on the fact that if I consume one during my time abroad I will most definitely return with super-mutant powers.

Entry #12: I Now Have 7 Followers!

All the paperwork is turned in. . . but on another note. I now have 7 followers -- but, I want more! So if you're interested in studying abroad, the processes involved, or just like to see other parts of the world (I leave August 21), JOIN ME.

Welcome Schmu! [I have to admit I do not recognize your name. . . could you possibly be some unknown person that I've managed to call from the depths of this vast Blogosphere?]

What to look forward to in a few days: How is it the Chinese make their distinct -- and reeking -- One Hundred Year Old Egg, a "scrumptious" delicacy?

Entry #11: Almost To Turned-In-ALL-My-Forms Victory!

I swear I'm almost done with my paper work. . . I swear. I just-- okay, so I procrastinate.

Welcome to my BLOG, Alison (well, I call it "my" blog, but I hope you quickly make it yours as well). And thanks for following. Wrangle up other passengers! We can stuff an infinite amount of people into this little cyber-suitcase of ours -- which is, of course, destined for China!

Entry #10: Deadlines Quickly Approach

Friday -- the deadline day -- looms over the horizon. By May 14th, I will officially have all my paper work turned in.

Yep, that's right Wang Center.

Unless the universe collides inward on itself, I will have successfully met all of your deadlines. Thanks for the help, and the reminders, y'all have been great!

Entry #9: A Study in the Traditional Ways of Music?

During my cultural research of China, I've come across a few of the awesome sounding instruments that have, over the centuries, become deeply woven traditions. Luckily for me there's a music conservatory right across the street from the university where I'll be studying.

Perhaps I will employ the skills of a grand Dizi Master, or skillfull Erhu player to teach me the ways of Traditional Chinese music. . .

Take a listen/peek:

A dramatic video of someone playing a xiao vertical bamboo flute

Entry #8: This Week's Mission

I really need to hunt down the PLU Chinese professor so he can sign off on all of my classes. . . I wonder how hard it is to hunt down a Chinese Language professor whom I've never met. Would I need a trap? Bait, perhaps? We shall see.

There are still a few documents left to be filled out; but I procrastinate (close your eyes, Wang Center. Don't read the last part!) I still have time, I still have time. . .

Entry #7: A Schedule for Fall (Which Includes not a Molecule of Chemistry, Hallelujah!))

It is registration time here at PLU and while I won't be registering for a Fall term here on campus, I'm experiencing the excitement of feverishly trying to develop a preliminary set of courses for my time abroad. . .

Like always, there are so many classes I'd like to take -- if only I had enough time to major in everything (everything except Chemistry -- a ridiculously hard science that should be locked up tight in a pirate's chest and sunk to swim with the fishes for all eternity)! But I definitely don't have enough time to major in everything so, as of now, this is what my future consists of:

Chinese Language
Taiji / Tai chi (Ya I am! That's right. Speed it up a bit and I'll practically be the next Bruce Lee. All I can say is. . . watch out evil-doers.)
Chinese Calligraphy (I have to get back to my artistic self while abroad. God knows, science consumes enough of my life in Tacoma, WA)
Contemporary Chinese Culture and Society
Western China: The Rural and Minority Experience


Sound fun? I think so! [SMILES]

Entry #6: Would Rather. . . (not study Biology)

While I'd much rather be researching the places I will be staying in a few months -- or brushing up on my Chinese -- the studying of Biology beckons.

O, Exam, be good to me! You don't realize how much I fear you. . .

Entry #5: There's Chinese Food in China!

It's a good thing I enjoy Chinese food, because where i'll be going there'll be (however this is mere speculation) quite a bit of it. The Sichuan region is considered the most "spicy" -- and by spicy I of course mean oh-my-holy-lord-my-mouth-is-on-freakin'-fire-GIVE-ME-H2O kind of spicy.

So we'll see how my tongue handles all those hot oils and chili peppers. I may return with a desiccated and completely shriveled tongue. But hey, if they can handle it, I can too. . . Right? [trembling + jittering + nervous sweating]

China has a vast assortment of culinary delicacies, including birds nest soup (the regurgitated salival nest of a sparrow served in a bowl of savory chicken broth), marinated goat heads, "stinky tofu," one thousand year old eggs, as well as. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Yes. These are scorpion skewers. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Makes your mouth water.

How much will you give me if I eat one?

Or better yet,

Would you believe me If I ate one?

Entry #4: Uncountable Pieces

Nothing new. There is still some more paperwork but, ehh. . . it's not due for a while. I gots me somes time.


Did you know that the Wan Li Chang Cheng (The Great Wall of 10,000 Li -- or more commonly known simply as the Great Wall) is approximately 5,500 miles in length! The winding, curving, massive wall is often time compared to a grand dragon as it drifts and rolls across the country side.


Many myths and legends surround this mesmerizing structure. One such story tells of a young girl, Ming Jiangnu, who journeyed to the wall so she could mourn the loss of her dead husband -- who was said to have been buried beneath the wall after his tired body could no longer compete with the rapid rising of the grand structure. Poor Ming Jiangnu wept with great sorrow, until one evening a piece of the wall grew soft from her river of tears and eventually crumbled into millions of uncountable pieces.

Entry #3: The Mission Accomplished (and The Beta Fish that Attacked me Thereafter)

I am proud to say that Phase 1 of all required documents have successfully been turned into the Wang center. Yep, that's right! Boo ya! On my way to receiving a student visa and a letter of invitation from Sichuan University -- oh I hope they want me.

Now, until I actually find myself in China -- walking their roads, eating their baozi, attempting to speak their language -- I am going to allow for a minimal amount of digression away from the "study abroad" topic -- not much , just a little. . . I swear I will strive to find some relation.

So, today, my finger found itself wandering over a beta fish's bowl. Now, for those of you who are not aware, these vibrantly colored fish go by another name: siamese fghting fish, native to Cambodia, Thailand, and certain waters in and around China.

This fish attacked me today. Literally, it jumped out of the water and "bit" my harmless little finger. I can't say it hurt, but I can say it damaged me emotionally.

What have I taken away from this experience? If for some reason my travels lead me astray and into the heart of a pool of seething beta fish, I have no shame in saying that my life will be feared for. Appearances can be deceiving -- dangerous. Never fall prey to a display of showy colors.

Why you gotta' be so mean, fishy? [a teary eye] Why?

Entry #2: A Borderline Exciting Walgreens Run (and The Uber Awesome Blue-Haired Author Afterward)

"Hello," says a young woman in probably one of the most unenthusiastic voices I've ever heard in my life. She had definitely left her bag o' happiness at home. Where did all your rainbows and sunshine go?


"Hello," I replied, "I'd like two passport size photos, please." 


I proceeded to stand in front of a white screen. Smiled "beautifully." And received my mugshots.


I really don't possess the skills to make my Walgreens trip sound any more exciting than it actually was. . . but at least now I will be able to get my Chinese visa and have a place to stay once I arrive there at the university. Now that I'm on my way to acquiring appropriate documentation, maybe China will let me be their international-student-homie for a few months.


After my super exciting adventure I had the privilege of listening to Cherie Priest (pictured), a super cool blue haired steampunk author, now best known for her work Boneshaker.


"Apparently the critics are saying I'm an overnight success," she said sardonically. "Interesting. . . this is my seventh novel."


[laughter erupts in the crowd]

Entry #1: A Little Place Called the Wang Center

So on the outskirts of Pacific Lutheran University sits a tiny blue house -- a tiny blue house with a ginormous goal. Every year the Wang Center helps coordinate hundreds of study away plans for students looking to broaden their horizons and fill their blood with international experience, both academic and personal in nature.

Tonight was our first China meeting. Paper work, that's all I can say. Lots and lots of paper work. By the end of this whole process I think I will truly be able to say that I can officially spell -- without any hesitation whatsoever -- my full name, which is (irk, ugh) 'Nicholas' by the way. I tend to forget that there is an 'h' involved.

Needless to say, after an hour and a half meeting, my little pee-chee folder filled with papers had grown significantly. But I'm not complaining, because each stack of papers gets us that much closer to China, and none of it would be possible without the help from PLU's little blue house and the people who work there, whose arms touch a different country each day: Kristen Labs and Megan Grover, and all the other advisors I've yet to meet; The Sojourner Advocates, who've traveled everywhere but the Moon (that's there J-term 2011 trip); the admin assistants who graciously collect my slew of forms; and Dr. Youtz and Dr. Cathcart who will be leading us through China.

Thank You Wang Center. [I promise I will meet all your deadlines]. . . Tomorrow, I venture into Walgreens to get a teeny-weeny passport size photograph for you.

Entry # -- The Very Beginning of it All

With these first typed words my journey to Chengdu, China -- a study abroad experience -- begins. Sichuan University seems like galaxies away, existing on a planet light years beyond our safe community here at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, USA.

But, it turns out, the world is only so big, and with a few words punched into the realms of cyberspace, our blue planet seems to shrink a little. So I invite you -- whoever's out there -- to walk alongside me as I document my study abroad experience from start to finish, beginning to end.

The paper work. The excitement. The unsettling fears of leaving my culture. The awkward passport photo-taking sessions at Walgreens. The packing (oh gosh, my chopstick skills are horrendous, should I pack a fork? goldfish crackers? underwear, how many pairs?). The flights. The sad goodbyes. The joyous hellos. The mispronunciation of Chinese words. And of course the unforgettable bike-peddling journeys through busy cities, quaint side-streets, and breath-taking sceneries.

All will be written. So pack your bags and brush up on that Mandarin. . .

Zaijian, we're off to China!