The First Minister, My Birthday, Midterms, Oh My!
Sometimes, the only way I am reminded that a new month has started is when my phone contract runs out and I once again have to go find WiFi so I can top up my phone contract. It really is impossible to live in China without internet! This monthly fiasco is always an alert to me that another month has passed again.
It was as I was rushing to Beijing Airport to pick up my Mum, Aunt and Grandmother that this month started. I had to wake up at 4am to catch the first train to Beijing and then battle the Beijing underground morning rush hour to get to the airport. After an emotional reunion, the four of us travelled to Xi’an. We had a short stay in Xi’an and spending time with them made me remember all the things that were strange to me when I first arrived in China but that I now find normal. Myself - and a lot of other people in the restaurant - found it hilarious that my Grandmother couldn't use chopsticks. Because I use them everyday I forget that they can be difficult to use. We learned very quickly to use chopsticks when we first arrived here: it was learn to use them quickly or not eat - not surprisingly you learn quickly when you are hungry!
On the way back to Tianjin from Xi’an, I met the rest of the scholars at the British Embassy. Myself and some other scholars talked about our time in China to… Nicola Sturgeon! It was a very surreal experience to be so lucky to meet her. She was very kind and never said no to the ridiculous number of selfies we wanted to take with her. She asked us lots of questions about our time in China and I didn't feel like I was speaking to the most important figure in Scottish politics! She even invited us to visit her at the Scottish Parliament; however, I’m not quite sure how we'll get in contact with her to take up that offer. Afterwards, the scholars went for dinner at a Chinese restaurant near the embassy. It was a very exciting experience and I felt very proud to be able to represent Scotland in China.
When I got back to Tianjin, I spent a few days with my Mum, relaxing and spending time with each other. We enjoyed the Spring weather and drank lots of coffee! A luxury that I can't normally afford.
I had my 19th birthday in April. I didn't want to have any extravagant celebrations, but I still had a very special day. Luckily, I don't have any classes on Tuesdays so I spent the day relaxing and enjoying being in China for one of my birthdays! I received lots of incredibly thoughtful gifts from my friends which I am so grateful for. In the evening we went to the Sichuan fish restaurant and afterwards I went to the Tianjin Eye. I had a wonderful day!
This month our university organised an international food festival. The front of our accommodation building was transformed into a market full of all different types of international food. Lots of the foreign students had made food from their countries. Some of the Scottish scholars made tablet and tattie scones which were very different from the rest of the food there. There were performances and people dressed in their traditional clothing. It was a beautiful day of trying lots of delicious food and being happy to go to an international university!
At the end of the month we had another short holiday. We decided to go to Qinhuangdao which is a place in Hebei province on the coast, four hours on the train from Tianjin. It was the first time I have seen the sea from China. It was a beautiful place and we visited 老龙头 which is the point where The Great Wall meets the sea. It’s name means “Old Dragon’s Head” because the Great Wall resembles a dragon drinking water from the sea. It was amazing to see and to spend time at the beach; however, it wasn't a quite warm enough to go swimming.
When I got back to Tianjin, it was straight into my Midterm exams. I still have one more exam to go. I originally thought that this term they had had early Midterms. I realised they didn't - it really is halfway through this term!
Ailsa
