Things to bring to Beijing

Are you done packing your bags and ready to fly to Beijing? Wait! Before you lock up your luggage and go, there might be a few things you need that you can't or won't easily find in Beijing.

Things to bring to Beijing:

1. Ethyl or Isopropyl Alcohol - If you're conscious about cleanliness and hand sanitation, bring several bottles of Ethyl or Isopropyl Alcohol with you. I've been to several groceries in Beijing, but I didn't find any. Good thing before I left for Beijing, a friend reminded me to bring some with me as I leave. If you're wondering how many bottles of alcohol I brought, I had a large, medium and pocket-sized one so I can use it anywhere I go. A pretty large quantity for 4 months of stay, but it was worth the weight!

2. Deodorant - For women who use deodorant, I heard they only sell deodorants for males. You can't find you're usual Rexona, Dove or Secret deodorants here,. So you better prepare enough for the whole duration of stay.

3. Enough Make up - Maybe you'll say, WHAT?! No need to panic, Beijing sells make up. It's just that most of their products have Chinese brands and you can't really read them so it's better to bring enough make - up of your preferred brand and color. For emergency situations, you can go for the nearest Watsons and grab something that looks familiar.

4. Western medicine - Yes it's hard to find in Beijing. Although they may have western hospitals, the medicine they sell would usually have a Chinese brand, with everything in it written in Chinese! They do have several stores that sell western medicine, but it's terribly difficult to find one. So bring all the medicines that you need, and even bring the ones you might need because you'll never know when illnesses will strike you.

5. Facial Moisturizer - During the winter season, skin dryness is inevitable. You can peel all over your body and you're face will be dryer than it ever was before. Although grocery stores may sell moisturizers, you'll only be confused by the number of products they display. It took me close to an hour just to confirm that the item I was getting was actually a moisturizer and not a facial wash!

So far, those are the things I observed that are hard to find in Beijing. There might be other things I'm missing, so If you know of any others feel free to comment below! 

Life in Beijing

     It's been a while since I last updated my blog, I have been really busy with my life here in Beijing. Beijing is just truly an amazing place! After staying here for around 18 days, the place no longer feels strange to me.

     The first few days have been exhausting! The airport transfer was a hassle, unpacking my luggage was extremely tiring and the enrollment procedures felt like it was taking me forever. Nevertheless, after getting pass through that stage, I began to love Beijing so much that I didn't even notice the days passing by.

     If you have been living in a tropical country, where it is most often than not hot and sunny, it is quite interesting to know that the weather here is sunny but cold. I find it really funny that the weather outside is so much colder than the air conditioner in my room! The bright skies seem to never end until 7:00 in the evening, which is quite odd, since in the Philippines it's already dark at 6:00 pm.

     The mix of races and the harmonious blend of different languages made me feel like I already traveled the world! I love listening to people conversing in their own native language, even if I couldn't understand a word.  Indeed, the world is magnificently made by a Supreme Being, who had the power to make everything possible.

     Although I still cannot speak fluent Mandarin, my vocabulary has improved a huge percentage in a few days time. Before, I can hear, but totally not understand what the locals are saying, but now I can hear and understand some words, ultimately making my life so much easier!

     Beijing is a huge place with many beautiful tourist spots and historical places, and I don't think I can complete them all in 1 semester, but I just cherish each day that I am here and live it to the fullest.

Yours truly,
Stephanie :)