My 2nd Family in Beijing

I%26#39;m posting this to share my impression of Beijing via a homestay program. Most of us travel around the world from a tourist point of view. We do touristy things and visit places where we bump into other tourists every few seconds. I decided to take one step further and get to know more about the local way of life. Hence, the homestay trip my sister and I made earlier this year. The family was a medium-sized family living in two different flats. We were very fortunate to get to stay in their newer flat which was extremely tidy and spacious. Only 2 of the family members stay there so we pretty much had our own privacy as and when needed. We were then taken on tours to sites that we planned with the family before our arrival. The daughter was very knowledgable on Chinese history. Throughout the sightseeing trips, we were chauffered in the family%26#39;s private vehicle. At home, we got to learn useful phrases which were very helpful when we went shopping on our own. At restaurants, my sister was brave enough to order food in Mandarin. We also learned calligraphy and tea drinking process from the uncle. Very interesting and we asked him to write characters of good wishes for us to take home to our friends and family. Then, there cooking lessons that the aunt taught. We made steamed buns and KungPao Chicken. We%26#39;ve had several KungPao Chicken meals since our trip to Beijing. The opera and acrobatic performances we went to were amazing. Even though not understanding a word in the opera, the mere grandeur of the stage and make - up plus costume were enough to fill our desire for Chinese art. We were also taken backstage to see how make up was done because the family knew one of the clerks working there. Our final day was spent just walking around in a community taking in a typical day of a Chinese person. Subway rides, bus rides (we were pushed up against the window I think; very very crowded) but quite an experience of course. The very next day was our farewell and the family saw us off at the airport. Very reluctant to leave but were also very eager to tell stories of Beijing to our family back home:) Beijing, Xie Xie Ni.

My 2nd Family in Beijing

Welcome to China銆?/p>

Welcome to Beijing銆?/p>

My 2nd Family in Beijing

yes, it%26#39;s good , congratulation,

and i don%26#39;t mind telling you , it%26#39;s steady work.