China 2001

This trip happened almost entirely by chance. After taking a class in Chinese politics taught by Professor Wenfang Tang, I applied for the Pitt in China – Beijing program. During one of the orientation meetings, Prof. Tang brought up the option of staying after the three week program and traveling on our own. I knew very little about China, but decided to stay for two weeks nonetheless…which turned out to a good decision. My experience in China was different than anything I could have imagined and has left me enthralled with the Middle Kingdom. I hope to return in 2002 to teach English and study Chinese.

Feel free to read my letters home and papers on food culture, human rights, and environmentalism.