Weather and Socialism

May 10, 2010 — Dan and Jesse

1. Does spring exist in North East Asia?

Around six weeks ago, the heating was turned off all over China (except far north) and we were unable to turn it back on – gotta love socialism! The reason: Spring had arrived. Up until a week or so ago, I was wearing my winter jacket and shivering in bed wondering to myself if I was being punished for something (probably). The common response if I complained? “You are Canadian – this is like summer!” Followed by a laugh or giggle. I love the generalizations made about Canada and Canadians…yes, yes….we all live in igloos, hunt seals, and only play hockey. We live in subzero temperatures year round and say “eh” at the end of every sentence. Anyways, back on topic. The good news is that the weather has immensely improved over the past week. However, spring is still nowhere to be seen. It is now t-shirt and shorts weather and the AC needs to be on periodically in order to be comfortable. Don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining…I am really enjoying the weather now. Yet, I would like to point out that I don’t think spring exists in North East Asia anymore. While this may not be a big deal to you, you must understand that Koreans and Chinese strongly believe that they have four distinct seasons…. and based on my experience of living in this part of the world for a few years, I strongly disagree. Spring and fall may last for a day or two…no more. Winter to summer and back again! Just because it is April, does not mean it is spring. Some one needs to inform those that control the heating to understand this point.

Springtime at 外交学院。

2. Chinese socialism is not enough for us!

While we have experienced censorship to a certain degree here in Beijing, we are going to travel to North Korea later this month to truly find out what lack of freedom and expression means. We are going there with 6 other students and will spend a few nights in Pyongyang and bask in all of its glory! We will also stay in Kaesong in the southern part of the isolated country as we will be visiting the DMZ. We will be taking the train in and out (except Jesse – he must fly because he is an “imperialist (fill in the blank) Yankee” and cannot be trusted to take the train according to the North Koreans ). This will probably be our only chance to see the country for what it truly is and take snap shots of the real living conditions of most North Koreans. The rest of the time we will be subjected to North Korean propaganda – let the indoctrination begin! I have been looking forward to traveling to North Korea for quite some time….so I am truly excited for this trip. I cannot wait to see such gems such as the massive Kim Il Sung statue, captured USS Pueblo, and the May Day Stadium. Of course, I am very eager to sing songs about the dear leader during Noraebang (Korean karaoke), learn about all of his mystical powers and various talents, and drink beer that he created himself! Did you know that Kim Jong Il once played golf and got a hole in one on every hole? hahhaa…18 strokes for an 18 hole golf course! Of course…no problem. For those interested, here is a great documentary done a few years back that should be similar to our trip: