Exploring the City

My favorite moments from my six months abroad in Beijing were exploring the city. Where I'm from, my independence is limited due to transportation, safety and many other factors. Being in Beijing completely changed my life. Many nights after class, a few friends and I would decide to go exploring through the city. In any other city this might be a challenge, but not in Beijing. Transportation was easy and cheap, my host family and I lived nearby, and as foreigners we were always completely safe. From station to station we rode the subway exploring each shop, taking notes, and buying little souvenirs. We saw many things being sold in markets and skyscrapers as far as the eye could see. We discovered places that were hidden and unique and tried new foods every night. While abroad I learned to be independent and brave. Never would I ever have imagined being able to explore a new city with only a few others in a country where I barely spoke the language. If it weren't for YFU, I would have never had these once in a life time opportunities and I will forever and eternally be grateful for them.