beijing1 15 Things I Learnt Living in BeijingI was 18 and fresh out of high school. Most of my friends went straight to uni, but I was thinking of a gap year in Beijing. I absolutely loved it and stayed for a second year. Here is a brief list of some of the (many!) things I learnt during my time there!

  1. Language barrier  shmarrier — when your life depends on it your brain will spit out words you never thought you knew!
  2. Cup noodles are not a good permanent dinner replacement.
  3. Cab drivers are not only full of insight and street smarts, but they are a good source for practicing both listening and speaking.
  4. Having a day of the week to sort yourself out is key; laundry, kitchen & bathroom cleaning, bill paying.
  5. True friends will always have your back, no matter how drunk you were.
  6. That said, finishing two Soju bottles on your own is definitely not a good idea.
  7. When you buy tickets to see Tiësto, make sure you’re there 3 hours early or risk not even making it to the dancefloor.
  8. Student life is the life.
  9. The Great Wall is not so Great after 9 times. If you’re planning on going then get yourself to the old part in ruins; it has not been touched and is beautiful, without all the tourists and vendors around so you can get a nice photo!
  10. Government censorship.
  11. An afternoon out at Ritan Park, in the boathouse, with dumplings, is an afternoon well spent.
  12. Bargain! Anything for sale you can get for less.
  13. Hou Hai and the surrounding Hutongs are beautiful, even in the freezing winter; bikes are available for rent so you can explore to your heart’s content! One of my favorite places in Beijing.
  14. Coming home at 8am in last night’s getup while everyone’s grandparents are out doing TaiChi does not make you look very good.
  15. I want to go back.