Party v. Party
During one of our Beijing lectures, we were split into three groups to talk to local students about their lives in China. My particular group spoke to a 25-year-old girl who lives in a tiny apartment with three other roommates. Their electricity shuts off at 11 pm which forces them to finish homework early and go to bed. In their free time, they go shopping, watch television or go to KTV’s. The most important part of her message to us was how jealous she was of our freedom. She sees us as carefree beings, allowed to do what we want when we want. Although I wouldn’t say the very case applies to me, I can see why she would think that compared to her strict lifestyle. A friend of mine here mentioned the student in his group understands partying as “political parties” and not social outings.
I spent about equally half my life growing up in Bangkok and New York, so my moral is comprised of both Western and Eastern beliefs. While “partying” is not exactly something Asians like to endorse, I think every once in a while, it’s nice to lose control. Weeks after weeks, we learn about how hard life is for students in China; everything is all work and no play. I personally couldn’t develop intellectually if I did not have a social aspect to life, something to offset how hard I have to work. I would want to have a few moments to not worry about anything and be free.
Anyways, I guess my point here is I couldn’t go to school in mainland China. My “city that never sleeps” lifestyle would never work here academically.
That night 95% of our student group went out to a bar. It was the night where I really began to know everyone and was in a casual and comfortable enough place to start speaking to the rest of the abroad group. Never having many (or any) bar experiences back in the states, I have to say that I had a positive time at Shooters. All the shots were 10 yuans ($1.29 USD) which comprised of fruit syrup and some sort of alcohol. Basically, everyone was buying little candy bars. I think as Americans, our partying style definitely freaked out locals. There were so many that just kept staring at all of us either in amazement, confusion or disgust. But of course, no one cared. We were there to celebrate just what our local student said of our lives — ones that were carefree and unrestricted. This is the first time I’m traveling on my own without family and allowed to do whatever I want. In a way, I feel like I am living the fantasies of the local Chinese students. Every day I wake up and wonder if this is all a dream.
