Exploring Tianjin and the St Andrew's Day Ball

November was a relatively busy month as we slowly reached the stage of realising that we were going to be in Tianjin for a long time. Its also the month most of us properly began to understand what was going on in everyday situation such as shopping, meeting friends, ordering food and learning in class. It turned out to be an exceptionally fun month during which I joined a local football team, attended the St. Andrews ball and furthered my pursuit of becoming fully independent.

I have become more and more adventurous in terms of trying new foods and drinks in China having now tried tripe (which really was NOT the most delicious food in Tianjin) as well as a crushed soy bean breakfast drink which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, for me, the dish of the month must be ‘Suan Cai Niu Rou Mian’ which is pickled Chinese cabbage beef soup noodles.

One day I went to the Peoples Park with Sam, Claire, Brodie and Kevin. It was so cold that part of the lake had frozen over. This gave the park a stunning wintery look which was perfect for Claire and Brodie to take some snaps. The park is approximately a 5-minute walk away from the university and boasts traditional Chinese structures such as temples and bridges. Every morning and evening local Chinese people gather on the park grounds to participate in community dancing as well as exercises and stretches. There is also a large bird cage with peacocks, chickens and finches open to the public to view. We are looking forward to going more regularly when the better weather comes around.

For the St. Andrew's Day Ball we travelled through to Beijing. We had to book ourselves a hotel as the event finished late. We all garbed ourselves in our finest suits, kilts and dresses and attended the event held in the China World Hotel in Beijing where we were amongst successful businessmen, government officials and journalists. The event was surreal at the mere age of 18 but really one of the most enjoyable days in China. We really were treated like royalty, being served hors d’oeuvres and champagne at the reception whilst being serenaded by a swing band fronted by a Scottish singer. Afterwards, we were invited into the grand ballroom where we were served a 7-course meal exclusively consisting of Scottish delicacies. At this event we did some networking as well as thoroughly enjoying the Scottish dancing and food along with the bottomless glasses. What a weekend!

I was also glad this month to have joined a local football team called Laowai United FC. So far, I have played 3 games and have loved every moment of it. This brings back memories of my footballing days. The team is great fun to play with and we have players from all over the world which makes for interesting conversations and shows the subtle cultural difference between every country. One thing I have noticed is that Scots are certainly built for the cold; most of the team think I’m crazy wearing just shorts and a T-shirt in minus 6-degree weather whilst my teammates (including a couple from Siberia) have three layers on!

This month’s highlight was The St. Andrews Ball which really made me realise how amazing this opportunity we have been given really is. Roll on Christmas!

Joseph