China!

Had lunch with the former J-school dean and the two visiting scholars from China.org.cn, and now I’m getting really excited — Beijing in two days! (OK, technically, it’s three because I land at 6 p.m. Monday Beijing time.) Then I went out and bought two travel guides — Frommer’s Day by Day and Lonely Planet’s Encounter. My parents have been telling me about all the stuff I need to experience (and apparently will experience if their friends get their hands on me): ????! ??????! Shopping galore! I’m betting that the guides will be forgotten soon, but I like having my back covered. The next two days will consist of frantic last-minute packing and familiarizing myself with the city. I’m also trying to get my photo gallery page figured out.

Just a random thought I had when I was picking out travel guides:

China’s common name, ?? (Zhongguo), is traditionally translated as Middle Kingdom, and I wonder why. My Chinese is mediocre, but to me, the word ? in English is more accurately translated as “center.” Translating ?? as Center (or Central) Kingdom gives a better idea of how Chinese people view themselves. Kind of in a center-of-the-universe type of way, though not necessarily with the ego.

By the way, if you’re wondering, the Chinese up there is Beijing kao ya (Peking roast duck) and Dashanzi hua shu qu (Factory 798).