Going On Hiatus

So I'm off on my big adventure to China. I'm hoping to come back with lots of inspiration since I won't be able to post while I'm away. That means 3 weeks without (much) internet access and totally free of my everyday responsibilities...

I haven't taken a media fast like this in years and am really looking forward to what I notice in the real world instead of at my desk in the virtual one.

I'll be traveling all over China and am most looking forward to Hong Kong and seeing my cousin who's living in a small town in central China. We were supposed to go to Tibet, but had to call it off with all the conflict happening there. Overall I can't wait to experience the oldest continuous culture, see the old, see the explosion of the new (like the Philippe Starck urinals in the Peninsula Hotel. I'll have to sneak into the mens room or have the bf take a picture), and share it all when I get back.

Right now I'm wondering if I've covered everything, if I'll have everything I'll need, if everything back home will be ok while I'm away, etc. But the house is clean, the cats are taken care of and the rest of the ATLA team has everything under control. See you when I return!

[image appletreeblog]

Comments (14)

I hope you have an amazing time and will look forward to your posts when you get back!

posted by Gallivant on March 27th 2008 at 12:50pm
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Have a great time!

posted by Laura on March 27th 2008 at 12:56pm
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a media fast in China? Surely you jest! I mean just look at that pic on the post ;)))

posted by undomestic on March 27th 2008 at 1:00pm
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Enjoy your trip!

posted by bepsf on March 27th 2008 at 1:29pm
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Please let the Chinese you meet there know what you hear about Tibet outside China. The Chinese government has controlled everything people can see and hear on the internet/media, that the only news they give to the Chinese people about Tibet is: all Western medias are purposefully distorting facts about Tibetan riots, and that the Chinese troops are the victims under the violent Tibetans. They do not mention anything about peaceful protests of the monks or anything against their image. Because of their tight control, a lot Chinese actually believe everything they claim.

Most Chinese, including myself, don't support the independence of Tibet. But the heavy media control and demonization of Westerners is really bad for people inside China. It distorts their concept of the world, and is simply unhealthy. I tried to argue about it on a Chinese website and the post immediately got deleted because the government also has control over all the popular Chinese websites and forums. The site owner can either do what the government says, or get closed down. It's that simple and effective.

So I think whenever we can influence and change how people in China thinks, no matter how few of them we touch, we should do it.

posted by bombie on March 27th 2008 at 2:28pm
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zhu ni hao yun!

posted by Joan in SB on March 27th 2008 at 2:41pm
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I live in Beijing (originally from NY) and would be happy to give you a few pointers, but you may have already left. If you come to the capital definitely make an early morning stop at Panjiayuan (like a flea market) for some cheap antique replicas and fun gifts. Have a great time!

posted by KS NY on March 27th 2008 at 5:16pm
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Oh, welcome to Hong Kong, I'm sure you will have a great time! So much to see and do, and hopefully you may get a chance to see some real living places and fittings. Looking fwd to reading your report when you get back.

posted by fly on March 27th 2008 at 7:29pm
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Have fun!

posted by f.in.eur on March 28th 2008 at 2:06am
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bon voyage!

posted by SD913 on March 28th 2008 at 3:53am
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I've been to HK 4 times now, and love it! I recommend going to the city park on Nathan road (Kowloon side of HK). The giant banyan trees are gorgeous and I love to sit and watch the older people exercise, play card games and chat.

posted by Angie in Montreal on March 28th 2008 at 4:42am
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Hmmm. The Starck bathrooms at the Pen are hardly new! If you want a few pointers on what really IS new in town, I'd be happy to show you around.

posted by HongKonger on March 29th 2008 at 4:25am
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Oh yeah..and 3 weeks without internet access. I doubt it. Its free wifi all over the place here.

posted by HongKonger on March 29th 2008 at 4:47pm
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Hi Everyone! I've returned, a little tired, a little groggy, but excited to be back. I'd love to hear from those of you living in china and hong kong (even though I'm back, I can't wait to return). So Hong Konger, Fly and KSNY if you've got tips or pictures of things you love about where you live, send them in and I'll include them in my China posts!

posted by laure on April 16th 2008 at 5:17am
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