Teaching The People's children

This entire video was shot with an iPhone 3GS, converted to .mov files and edited in FCP.



I accompanied my BLCU classmate, Nils, to a local school for migrant children. Many of the children who live in Beijing don't have access to "proper" schools and attend schools like the one in this video, which rely on assistance from volunteers.

Video project for @therefore's Digital Video class.

Meeting the German Ambassador to China...

Today I accompanied my friend, Carolyn, and a group from Tsinghua to meet with Germany's Ambassador to China: Michael Friedrich Wilhelm Schaefer.

We were greeted by Conrad, a friendly young German, and given a short tour and Q&A session. He reminded us that November was the 20th Anniversary of the Berlin Wall being taken down and said they had many events in celebration of the reunification of Germany.

He then took us to the Ambassador's residence where we meet with the Ambassador for two hours of Q&A. I was impressed by the hospitality and relaxed Question and Answer format - it was a truly unique experience.

It was the first time I had the opportunity to hear a German Euro-Centric perspective. So often here in China things are polarized between US and China, but the Ambassador framed the perspective of the EU as an entity that, collectively, surpasses the US in it's economic significance. He was openly able to evaluate the challenges the EU faces while clearly stating the significance of the Union, which as an American was a unique perspective to hear.

He also said that China was not only a 'responsible stakeholder,' but becoming an equal shareholder.

Armin Van Buuren, Beijing China - 2009

Need I say more?

What does a 7.7 Million dollar necklace feel like?

I agreed to accompany my classmate to a function on behalf of his family and didn't know what to expect. But, I must say that I enjoyed it throughly. A girl's true delight - the most beautiful and expensive jewelry I've ever seen. Chopard's designer has my deepest respect - she truly makes ART!

Beijing, China.

This is a video of me trying on a 52$ RMB necklace...just do the math.

Superficial thoughts on Hong Kong and Jing...

I must start this post by saying that it is simply not fair to compare Hong Kong and Beijing.

Having said that, please indulge me and let me share a few superficial observations about Hong Kong:

Hong Kong is 21 degrees warmer than Beijing (Celsius)
People in HK were smiling...and for no apparent reason. (radiant faces)
Everyone I met in HK spoke basic English. (No surprise)
Old men dye their hair. (not so good on the root upkeep, however)
People in HK WAIT until people get off the subway before entering.
In HK got a handout for a good cause - to recycle old clothes.
In HK kids were running around, playing and being...kids.
No one spits massive phlegm on the streets of Hong Kong.
Men wear different kinds of belts in HK. (difficult to explain)
People aren't just SHOPPING in GUCCI, they are BUYING GUCCI.
and can someone tell me:
WTF IS an "Administrative" district anyways?

And yes, Beijinger's still go to Hong Kong to shop!

Though, I must admit that Hong Kong felt a bit like Las Vegas? How so? Well, you know how in Vegas it is almost impossible to find your way outside of the casino? And, if you do, there is a conveyor belt taking you to the next casino? Well, Hong Kong's subway system is pretty much designed to take you from shopping malls to more shopping plaza's. Seriously. Too much shopping!!!

Hong Kong...first evening.

Harbor Grand Hotel:

I just arrived in Hong Kong and have had such luck. So much for Friday the 13th...This has been a GREAT day!

More to follow tomorrow.

How Beijing men shovel the snow...