And so it begins...

My Chinese Student Visa

So this is where it all begins. I have my visa and everything is all booked. I'll be flying out to Beijing next month to spend the next year studying Chinese at TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY. 

I've been to China twice before. The last time I was on exchange for six months doing a similar course in Chinese at Shaanxi Normal University in Xi'an, so I know what to expect—or do I? 

The last time I was in Beijing was in 2006 when I was 16, and I only spent five days there. Something tells me I will still have some adjusting to do, like getting used to the air for a start. Here's a photo my friend in Beijing sent me just last week, warning me of what I'll possibly have to look forward to.

The Beijing sky at 8am on 16 January 2014. On that day the pollution level was measured as 522 on the PM2.5 Air Quality Index, 200 being considered a very high health hazard.

In this blog I'll try to post something for everyone. I'll post many photos and interesting stories that I collect throughout my adventures for family, friends, and anyone else who's interested. I'll also put up information about learning Chinese and about studying abroad for those who want to, or are already, learning Chinese. Hopefully you'll find it useful!