Wudaokou Watch: "I Quit Making Plans Many Years Ago"

Welcome to Wudaokou Watch, where we profile a different Beijing-based student from abroad each week to hear about their life in China's capital. You can read the whole series here.

My name is Stone Gregory. I was born and grew up in the state of Illinois and have moved around a lot, but the last place I lived in was Los Angeles, California.

I came to Beijing to study Chinese, partially because I was feeling stagnant in my life and career and just needed a break. I needed to do something completely different. I first came here to visit a couple of friends in Beijing, and I figured I could be around millions of people and still be by myself. 

There are many differences between China and home, and many similarities. The obvious difference is the language. The cost of living is also cheaper if you are comparing "apples to apples." I think China has more of a selection of different styles of Chinese food because of the different provinces but if you want a different type of food altogether you are kind of out of luck unless you go to places like Sanlitun or Wudaokou which are geared towards foreigners. I guess if you live close to shopping malls it also isn't too bad. On the other hand, most American cities have a wide range of restaurants no matter where you are.

Pretty much everything has been a challenge. When you don't speak or read the language, every little thing no matter how small can present a challenge. Luckily I have some good friends and made friends with people that are very nice and have been super helpful. Also, technology is a wonderful thing. Without translator APPs and Wechat location, I would be totally lost, both figuratively and literally. I have been taking Chinese lessons so that's also helped a bit. As much of a challenge it may have been here, I've always felt pretty comfortable, and not too intimidated. I've moved around a lot in my life so it's only a new territory, not a new situation or feeling.

I am a very boring person. I don't really do anything. I'm a terrible tour guide if I have anyone come and visit. When it comes to hangouts, I guess an easy answer is Sanlitun if you're feeling a little homesick or craving Western food, but in all honesty, I only go there about once a month. Usually, I will just grab dinner and a movie with some friends or just chill at home. Sometimes I will find a Chinese tour guide to get my lazy butt out of my apartment.

I always feel that my home is where I live so I don't usually get too homesick, although I do miss friends and family. I'm third generation in my hometown in Illinois and not really sure what exactly my heritage is besides a white European mutt, so I don't really have any specific cultural activities that I miss doing that you can't do here. I do get cravings for sushi and Indian food, which can easily be resolved by going to Sanlitun or Wudaokou. 

Living in Beijing reminds me of the time I lived in Chicago. It is a big city but then you have places like the Summer Palace, Forbidden City, etc. and little hutong areas to remind you that there is still a lot of history and culture. Overall, Beijing has a nice vibe to it.

I've done some cool things but I don't think I've had "my most memorable" Beijing experience just yet... except being interviewed for the Beijinger!

Living in another country makes you grow as a person. Getting to experience life in Beijing is just making me a little more well-rounded, learned, and experienced. It's also something that very few people have the opportunity to do.

I'm inspired by people who genuinely care about other people and people that can live with few material possessions and drama, and people who just go for things and don't care what happens. Also, people who truly appreciate the little things in life.

I quit making plans many, many years ago when I started noticing that none of my plans ever actually worked out. I just go with the flow. If this year in Beijing goes well, then maybe I stay another year. Maybe I will have a pressing matter back home or have a great opportunity to come up somewhere else, who knows. I think it's good to have goals but it's important to be able to roll with the punches.

READ: "I Am 90 Years Old. I Am No Longer Able to Work"

Photos courtesy of Stone Gregory