Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Back Home

It has been a while since my last post, so I'll try my best to fill in the blanks. Research ended on a high note. I wanted to try my experiment in a new way (coating the STM probe with gold by sputtering). And on my last day of experiments, the gold tip seemed to work--I could see individual carbon atoms clearly! More experiments are needed to really pinpoint gold as the source of this increased resolution, but I was happy and proud nonetheless. Making the poster and writing the abstract was a good experience. Each had about ten drafts; but after some editing and playing with autoshapes, they came out with both my graduate student's and my approval.

Come the end of the program, only Melody and I were left in Beijing. We each moved in with our respective friends in the city. Staying after the program added to my experience in that I got to explore a different part of the city more extensively and I had the unique opportunity of going to the Olympics.

From my travels with my friend in SE Beijing, I would highly recommend going to Panjiayuan, the Goose and Duck, checking out the nightlife around the Worker's Stadium, and just looking around the city. SE Beijing has a much more business-y feel to it. The streets are covered with everything from Gucci department stores to the famous CCTV building. Panjiayuan is a weekend market (go early on Saturday--before 9am even!) that sells Chinese antiques, posters, artwork... It is an amazing place to barter and find unique gifts. Half of the stalls are just on the ground! Just take a seat on a low stool, look, and start negotiating. The Goose and Duck is an amazing place to watch sports. It's walls are covered with TV's, has pool and foosball tables and even includes a place to practice pitching. Also worth mentioning is that it's "pub snacks" are quite affordable. If you're looking for a good place to snag some fries and watch the NBA finals, I highly recommend going to the G&D. Next, on to the nightlife! Usually the group would venture around PKU or find ourselves in the Sanlitun area. But I found the venues next to the Worker's Stadium to be slightly smaller but exciting to say the least. I especially recommend Coco Banana if you are looking for bright lights and a crazy show--they had fireworks inside! Lastly, in terms of walking around, just try it! The architecture is mind-blowing, and there are countless hidden treasures to find.

In the midst of my adventure, I got to go and watch the Olympics. I started my Olympic adventure by watching the opening ceremony in CJW located in The Place. The crowd was glued to the TV and cheering for their respective countries. I could not believe how many nations were present in this little restaurant. China has brought such diverse people together on the world's largest stage. In terms of events, I watched water polo (6 games) and soccer (3 games). I played both sports in high school and thoroughly enjoyed cheering no matter who was playing.

Beijing is an amazing place. I enjoyed every minute and cannot wait to go back. If any future applicants have questions, please don't hesitate to email me!