A short conclusion
Many events or occasions in my life can be described as 龙头蛇尾. Which means, I usually have a super start and a not-so-super ending. I think it somewhats describe my time here, but it is unfair to conclude it that way just because I am not feeling on top of the world right now.I think the reason that the cliche 相识容易，相处难 is being so overused, is simply because it reflects the truth ever so frequently. And the unhappiness stemming from 相处 issues, affected me quite a lot. Despite my nonchalent and hardlined approach to these matters, the cold front that hits us all is too chilling for me to take. It doesn't help that I am always reminded of the much cordial and happier times when we just arrived. I observed that, perhaps putting some distances literally, and letting relations warm up through convection instead of close contact conduction, long lasting friendships are usually better formed. I've thought that the people staying near me are the best people around when I've just arrived. But as time progressed, it's the people who lived furthur away, formed healthier and harmonious relations. You could also say, the 真性情 of people that manifests itself when staying together for a long time, is not as attractive as seeing one-sided-ness of friends you meet not as frequently. I cannot be so sure, but I think, when everybody goes back to NTU, when everybody goes back to a state of 'normalcy' and resumes their life in their original environment and set of peers, we will see each other lesser and lesser. Our impression of each other, be it good or bad, would be left as it is, as we depart from Beijing.
But well, everybody hates 'gei kiang' but not 'kiang' people. And there's no need to gek accent when there's no way you can hide your 'foreignness' in a foreign country. You can try to speak in their lingo so everybody knows what you are talking about, but try talking like them and failing it, irks everybody who hears it. It's just a very bad attempt to assimliate and gain recognition with the locals.
Academic wise, I have of course learnt a lot, but I would have hoped to learn even more. I don't feel like elaborating because ... it would be like writing my IA report again.
Work wise, nothing else besides the workplace politics and that, does not affect me in anyways. Well, I live by the statement that 'If it does not involve you, don't get involved.' I am quite fortunate that my department is quite harmonious and the all the ladies have good camarederie and are quite united. Plus, their looks are of good standards hehe. While it had proved difficult to get into their closed circle, we at least are not snubbed out completely. My boss treats me quite well and left me pretty much alone to finish my work or to surf net. And I recipocrate that trust with my efficiency at work.
Travelling is one of the motives of me applying for GIP and is also the highlight of my stay in China. The previous post and posts would have .. well, said them all. The NTU students in Beijing are mostly adventurous and venture out to other places of China, while those in Shanghai are happier staying in the city, and going back to sg asap. I have very little contact with those in Suzhou. I figure I would probably be bored to death but at least return to sg with a balance in my budget. I would suggest NTU send students to Guangzhou and Shenzhen for GIP/IA as well.
I don't know if I would miss Beijing, or my life here. But for sure, it is ending and I am bringing back knowledge and experiences that will stay with me. And I wouldn't miss the pollution anyway. It scares me to stay near the city centre and breathing in smoke, smog, dust, sand and God-knows-what-else that's in the air. And the air conditioning in the subway, or at least the ventilation, pls! Really has lots of room for improvement.
posted by taxi taker @ 2:41 PM
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