I went out to sample the Beijing business culture yesterday, and to meet my roommate who has a part time job explaining household heating products to potential customers at the: World's Largest Heating and Cooling Expo.
On the surface, this expo might appear as something underwhelming and mediocre. However, given the hot topic of Global Warming, or "Climate Destruction", an expo on energy innovations in heating and cooling systems quickly becomes interesting.
I don't know if it is because I arrived on the second day, or close to closing, but I found the expo to be rather calm and quiet compared to other expos I have attended. When I found my roomates's booth he burst into laughter, as he often does. Then, with a high degree of excitement, he took time to show me the various displays and innovations in Korean household heating systems. It was very interesting.
Afterward I wondered around the neighborhood of the expo, which contains a nice square. People play pingpong on outside tables and kids run around closely attended by their parents. It is a sunny day. I buy some almond milk and a pack of sandwhiches and enjoy this small family neighborhood. I like Beijing.
I take the 731 bus back to Wudaokou and run into a friend on the way. We chat pleasantly till the bus arrives. Afterward, I meet some friends and we go to an expat bar where everyone is celebrating Saint Patrick's Day. When I return to the dorm an American is chatting with the receptionist. I start talking to him also, and quickly realize he is drunk. This is a pity. He lives on my floor not far away. I keep talking to him off and on. Or more it is that he is talking to anyone who happens on his way. He is from New Jersey, has been in Beijing for many years, even started an English language school here.
"I hate Wudaokou bars" he says "all you have there are young 19 year old college kids who are going to solve cancer, and AIDS, and tell you how to run your life. They have never done any real work. I hate Wudaokou man!"
His conversation strikes me. This unabashed antagonism to idealism, to dreams. Why? It strikes home. I admit, hubris is annoying, but what is the alternative? Pragmatism? Giving up on dreams? Perhaps it is just to be silent and let your actions speak.
My roommate returns while I am talking to the drunk American in the hall. The American is now on some kind of strange rant and cursing. My roommate does not understand much English and stands regarding him with some curiosity and amusement. Like someone observing a strange creature at a zoo. In the end I tell the American I have to go shower and chat about the day with my roommate. Neither one of us mention him.
Haha,interesting life there;)