Ni Hao(Hello from Beijing)

So, finally got the time to write.

It’s been extremely hectic and tiring..

It was great to see so many of my friends at the party in Mumbai. Had a blast!!

Now to the main story..;-)

I want to say a lot of things, let me see if I do a good job and put things in perspective…maybe the last few paragraphs would sum it up.

Here I am, Beijing, China- after counting days for months, and hours for days, I finally arrived here on the12th morning all tired after a long 20 hour journey. I have to admit that I was cursing my travel agent; I was dreading about spending 7 hours at the Changi Airport (Singapore). But I was so wrong! I mean that place is something else. It was awarded the best duty free airport for the last 2 years and you got to be there to realize what it has to offer. I watched two football matches out there with 700 other people, it was almost a carnival, made some friends, got some beers and I was so enjoying it there, but obviously destination was Beijing.

First day in Beijng

Ree came to pick me up from the Beijing airport, they couldn’t do an homestay because all of them are still busy with exams, I mean that’s alright I’ve been in AIESEC, I know how this works, at least ree came to pick me up, because if she wouldn’t have, I honestly don’t know how would I have made it anywhere in Beijing- language is a big problem out here..

She dropped me at Felipe’s house, you know sometimes you get a feeling- that dude, this guy and me are going to be buddies for a long time and rock it in china, he helped me with everything. I mean everything because its not difficult to talk to people and get your way through out here-it’s IMPOSSIBLE. He explained me basic things like “ni hao” which means hello….xia xie (thank you) to begin with. Explained me the map of the city so that I can move around a little bit on my own. For the lazy guy that I am I almost walk 10km everyday.

We went for lunch, and I knew there was nothing there for me, we ordered “neuro” (which I later found out was beef) and luckily there was egg rice. I ordered a big bottle of coke just to drink with every bite I take so that I can swallow the food, and pass the taste. Otherwise I knew I would throw up.

City:

I've not had enough time to travel around the city, as I am still settling down, doing up new apartment.But whatever little i've seen this city is beautiful. It's coming up like crazy, 2008 Games here is such a boost for the city. The infrastructure and efficiency is just mind blowing. Ill post some cool pics next time. People are so beautiful and helpful out here. I mean they look at me and if i say i am from india,(whatever little they understand) they are really courteous and helpful.

Work:

Alright for those who don’t know I am an equity analyst in a company called Lowes Wealth Management. It is headed by a British guy and we are 8 of us. The interesting thing is no one is from the same country. Everyone is in extremely informal, specially Charles this guy from the USA. I love talking to him, he pratically has knowledge from all fields you possible can think of, debates with him force me to update myself thoroughly because I know if I have to argue with him, I should know my stuff well. That’s the kind of environment I am in at work. It’s rewarding. Oh by the way my Chinese name is Gu Ji( which mean good luck & fortune). I knew being in a startup you get responsibilities more then you deserve, but you contribute as much as you want and all of it is appreciated- is something new for me. You are on the table with everyone discussing important matters and your view point is taken into consideration and well heard. Decision is taken by one and all. Like I said it’s rewarding.

Parties/Clubbing/Chilling:

You guys know me right, I wouldn’t miss out on it anytime. So yeah the clubs are open till the last person is on the floor which is usually 7am. Beer is very cheap, I mean if you get 4 big beer bottles in 1USD, then I guess there is no way out. Music is nice, they play I guess the same kind like in India, but the most amazing thing is bbq’s outside the clubs you get such awesome kebabs and rolls its not even funny and for cheap. Most of the times that’s my dinner.

I showed Felipe and Renato, Rang De Basanti. Awesome, it made me homesick :-)


World Cup ’06:

So I am a big soccer fan. I liked watching football with friends in a club in Mumbai, and always heard how crazy the fans were. But never got a chance to do anything. Believe me I have been for two brazil matches, Ive lost my voice in both the matches and Brazilians follow me when I cheer for brazil( obviously Felipe has thought me a few things in Portuguese :p ). Like Pierre said, everything is so cool out here, their outfits, samba, congo, girls, their spirit. I mean they are cool…















Victor & Me :-)

Sum of all emotions( dandi nice article!!)

So it’s been ten days here , I remember someone telling me at one of the conferences that life for him was so tough during an internship. I haven’t met anyone till now who has left his country for another country and life hasn’t be tough. Like I always say the day I am comfortable in Beijing is the day I will be bored. I mean come on I don’t eat because my body doesn’t accept the food. But I am getting used to it. Soon that problem will be solved and it would be so cold out here that I would be pissing ice cubes.(-20 C, I , the lowest I have ever stayed is probably 10C). But till I can I will survive. I like to keep things simple – “Stop Cribbing”.& “Start Solving-Keep Smiling”

Maybe I am writing the last paragraph just to motivate myself, or maybe I trying to prove a point. :-)

Some other things I think you would be jealous of :

1) I bought 10 DVD’s for 5 USD
2) I bought a Zippo and the fluid for 1.5 USD
3) I am driving a bicycle again…..wohoooooo
4) I am eating with chopsticks …I am good at it…
5) I had lunch with a counselor from the Indian Embassy (thanks Pierre!!)


P.S. I start traveling and learning Chinese from next week, very excited abt it


Miss you guys but I need to discover this country..and I hopefully will make the most of this one year.

Cheers
Jitu( Gu Ji)











Felipe and Me