Patako’s Blog

Nanjing trip Apr 2009

April 13, 2009

I went to Nanjing 2 weeks back during the Tomb Sweeping holidays in China for 2.5 days by train. This was my first experience using couchsurfing in China.

The trip started on Saturday noon. All tickets were sold quickly, only standing ticket were left. I had to take it. No choice. I went to “restaurant train” to sit for 2.5 hours from Shanghai to Nanjing train station. So I killed time by reading a Chinese language lesson book. Then took the subway to my host.

Andy picked me up at the subway, near his place. It is a nice university area. Nice pub, coffee shops, restaurant, food on the street, cheap and tasty.
The first day, I was a bit lazy. Just went out to drink with my Host and his gf ..We exchanged our experiences in China and Chinese stuff. Andy shared with me his opinion from the viewpoint of an American guy who lives and works here for 5 days a week and Me, who stay in China for 6 months and I am a 3rd generation Chinese from Thailand. It was interesting to learn from Andy how to work, manage with Chinese people and why?. I am still curious until today…That encouraged me to read the “Think Like Chinese” book, by Zhang Haihua and Geoff Baker. Hope I understand Chinese more and more soon.

The next day, I woke up a bit early to go to “Founder of Demorcratic” Sun Yat Sen Mausoleum” of China. I think I like him, I feel that he really tired to improve China to a better life.
A lot of people as ususal, the Garden is nice. Some part look like “Versailles” in France. Big big parks there. Of course I also went to the “Lingu temple”
In the evening I cooked Thai food for Andy and his friends. So now I made more friends, at least 2 peoples

Last day I went to “Nanjing Massacre Museum” I would say it is very good museum because it made me feel hurt even though I am not a “real” Chinese. Everyone should come to see and learn the war result. Not only Chinese are losing but also many Japanese lost their families as well. The war never give the benefit, it is evil.

I met one Thai girl who is studying her master degree in Nanjing by recognizing her language. It was nice to have a chance to talk in my language. I have to talk everything in English and still dream in English. She recommended me how to improve my Chinese Lang.
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