Nee how mah, Beijing!

Today, nearly one in five people in the world are Chinese.  And in three weeks, I will be living in Beijing for an entire month!  I am honored and excited to be able to experience this wonderful opportunity.  As I mentally prepare myself,  I don't want to be seen as merely a tourist, but as new- found family member visiting from IU.

How do I plan to truly experience the land of dragons and emperors? From a more romantic lens I hope to get up at 4 am for early morning exercises in the park - slowly moving to tai chi exercises.

I will also welcome ALL opportunities to broaden my palate to different tastes including yummy beverages and teas, as well as delicious and interesting foods like the famous amber-hued thousand year egg.

One of my most anticipated experiences is to hike the "dragons spine" rice terraces of Guilin. Although I have been walking the Clear Creek Trail every other day since spring break, should I be concerned of a tour that describes morning hikes to welcome the dawning sun as 8 mile treks?!