Hello all! So this is my blog I will be keeping up during my semester abroad in Shanghai. While it is ultimately just an excuse to document a five month experience that is sure to be packed with priceless adventures and alarming culture shocks, I was hoping to do a bit more with this project as well.
During my time there, I will be making a point of noticing elements of Chinese politics, economics, religion, culture, etc. that have interesting similarities or differences with their Western counterpoints, and will be writing short entries about them here.
From the many conversations I have had about this approaching trip, I have gathered a sort of common thread as far as the Western opinion of China goes: most understand they should be somewhat informed about what those increasingly influential billion folks are up to, but can’t quite summon the heart or energy. It is my desire that in noting aspects of the "Middle Kingdom" (direct translation of the Chinese word for China) that catch my eye and relating them to Western reference points, it will make the process of learning the essentials of Chinese culture easy and enjoyable.
I feel considerably blessed to have the opportunity to travel to unfamiliar lands and meet individuals with perspectives that are bound to be entirely different from my own. As St. Augustine said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page;” in that spirit, I am incredibly thankful for the chance to start this new chapter. Thank you everyone for your prayers and good wishes, and I very much look forward to our correspondence over the coming months!
Peace,
Brad
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