Passed through Busan South Korea. Easily the coolest city I have ever flown in and out of. A huge city right on the ocean but also mountains throughout it.
Transferring here was pretty scary because I initially booked a flight in and a flight out that was only 30 minutes apart. Easily one of the dumbest decisions I ever made. A few days before the flight out got pushed back 25 minutes which helped a ton. But it was still going to be really right. When I got there I went into panic mode because the airport would only funnel me into customs and exiting the airport. I didn't want to do that I just wanted to get to the desk and check in and get my ticket. Within minutes 5-6 airport employees are trying to figure out what I am saying and then they escort me. I'm gonna miss it though, I know it at this point. I find the flight was delayed 2 hours lol. I'm a very lucky man. Who schedules an international flight with a 30 minute layover? Really funny when I told my family my luck, things like this work out in my favor all the time. Not sure why.
With the delay I enjoyed some Korean snacks and Fanta.
At this point I am freaking stoked to see Beijing!
The first pic. Ok so this part of town is hazy and not that pretty... Right?
Transferring to subway. Wow it's crazy. I thought this was a great picture.
So I immediately learned one thing in China. This country is a polar opposite of Japan. And I mean polar opposite. And honestly at this point I am hating every single difference. Example, in Japan everyone on the subways form a line and wait for all passengers to get off. My first subway in Beijing I am in front of the line and there is about a 3 foot gap between me and the door. About 5 seconds before the door opens 15 people flood the area in front of me and get in without letting others off. It's like that scene in Braveheart where both sides are running into battle and all there is at first is collision and chaos. This is Beijing. Loud and chaotic. In Japan everyone on the subways is so quiet. You are not allowed to talk on your phone, it's clean, it's quiet and it's quite nice. Beijing at first glance is animalistic and within the first hour I wanted to punch about 5 people. I'm not a violent person. No manners, no care, just indifference and complete chaos.
Trying to keep positive here.
It was cool at least.The walk here was brutal. The city is the most unimpressive city I have ever seen. Pollution is horrible. Dirty and filthy are appropriate words. Everyone is constantly hocking up and spitting and it's disgusting. And i mean everyone! And the driving... Wow, I don't even know how to sum up the horrible free for all that driving is. No order. Bikes, scooters and rick shaws obey know traffic laws. Cars will turn in front of other cars with no care in the world. Pedestrians just walk out and cross whenever and wherever. It is all insane. I have never been in a place like this. I think someone needs to sit down with the billion Chinese and explain this reckless pace of chaos although works at times for a few, overall it is the most inefficient system and doesn't work that great. I will never forget these first hours and how stressful all this caused me to be. At this point I just keep saying, "Are you people insane!! I freaking hate Beijing!"
Lines shouldn't even be painted.
Free for all.
My hostel right next to Tian. Square. It was cool at least. Had a cafe inside and English speaking staff.
After arriving and checking in I immediately book my tour to the great wall the next day. Even though I just got in I gotta get out haha!
The room was nice but the bathroom was the foulest smelling room I have ever encountered. Its like the sewer itself is in there.
After checking in and booking my great wall tour I ask my hostel to help me purchase train tickets. They say the machine is broke and I have to go to the train station. Oh boy, back into the chaos.
After waiting in a line for 30 minutes they tell me it is the wrong line. At the front of this line a man had his face 6 inches from a woman's and hocked up whatever he could and spit right between them. I almost erupted. Scared this old lady half to death! The concept of lines must not be taught in school here. After a long and extremely frustrating search I finally find where I need to go!
In line for this was interesting. I was about 5th back. When in line in china the person behind doesn't stand behind you, they stand next to you and pretty much on you. In line here I kid you not, this guy who looked hopped up on drugs tried to butt me not once but 4 times. no exaggeration. Everyone is trying to butt everyone. Again, so freaking inefficient! It was interesting watching there tricks though. To survive the animals you have to sort of become an animal. I kept moving back in front of this moronic idiot. And he kept acting all disappointed. I was like, duuuuuude! I'm here and quit trying!!
The train station was a nightmare! Took 2 hours to buy 2 tickets and I want to kill everyone!!
First impressions of Beijing is I hate it and want to go back to Japan! This is Beijing and where The olympics were? Really? This place sucks. This guy was kind of cool though...
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