It’s crazy to think that just a few weeks ago I was in the capital of China, eating ridiculously cheap (and delicious) meals, taking advantage of one-kuai bus rides, and sightseeing all over the city. In the month that I’ve been back in the States, I’ve realized that there’s definitely some things I will miss about my time in Beijing.
First of all, I miss the food in China the most. I miss not only the flavorful cuisine but also the ease of access to any food I’m craving at the moment, not to mention the sheer abundance of eating establishments that are a short walk or bus ride away. From jianbing and baozi to a whole grilled fish topped with vegetables to cumin-seasoned lamb skewers, the daily food choices are never boring. Although at times I wanted American food (and more variety in general), those cravings could be satisfied by a trip to Pizza Hut or KFC. Back home in the suburbs of a city with barely a million people, I’m occasionally saddened by the realization that I’m not going to run into freshly-baked Chinese date bread anytime soon.
Besides the food, the public transportation in Beijing also left a deep impression on me as I readjusted to life in the States (i.e. my having to get in a car and actually drive to places). My hometown only has a rudimentary bus system (so it’s not fair to compare it to Beijing), but even Chicago’s public transport pales in comparison to that in Beijing. Though the CTA and Metra provide a similar level of convenience, it was surprising to witness the number of people in Beijing that took the bus or the subway as a way of life. Considering the fact that Beijing is one of the most heavily polluted cities in China, the subway system appears to be a more friendly travel alternative both for the environment and for the people. The impact of air pollution on health is a major public health issue in China, and the pollution given off by the city’s rapidly increasing number of cars is a major contributor to air contamination. In fact, a person’s exposure to pollutants is just as bad when traveling by foot or bike as when taking a taxi. Unfortunately, this is because the decreased travel time made possible by taxis and buses is made up for by the person being in closer contact with the pollutants circulating within vehicles, not to mention frequent traffic jams that actually extend travel time. The subways may provide an alternative means of travel, but it is far from a solution to the problem. While the U.S. has less problems with air pollution, it is interesting to consider how China’s efforts to deal with this environmental issue can be reconstructed in the U.S. context, whether in terms of public health, infrastructure, or economic policy.
Overall, I’m really glad I got to experience Beijing with everyone, and I look forward to going back someday. For now, I’m excited to get back to NU and start classes!