There are downsides to being a journalist, it isn't all glitz and glamour. One of these downsides is having to know about popular culture. To this end, I endured the torture known as Big Brother last night, so I'd have an idea as to which fame-hungry idiots were in the house this year. When it finished, I had to switch over to Question time afterwards to stop my brain dribbling out of my ears (which haven't been the same since due to the non-stop screaming).
You may wonder why I'm putting this in a blog about my China trip. Well, the answers simple. By my calculations, a show that began yesterday and lasts for 93(!) days should be ending in the first week of September. I return to the country on the 19th. Huzzah!
Friday 6 June 2008
Tuesday 3 June 2008
One month to go...
When I started this blog, I set myself 3 tasks. I wanted to develop a basic grasp of Mandarin before my trip, a working knowledge of shorthand writing, and to learn some of the names of the British rowing team. With a month to go, have I been able to do any of the following? Well, I know how to call someone mad in Mandarin (Sung Ching Ping), but that's about it. Shorthand has stalled, and the only rower I can name of the top of my head in Steve Redgrave. And I doubt he'll be competing.
So what have I spent my time doing? Far too much uni work, driving lessons and making some vague preparations before I go. I have done some work and training with the uni, so I don't think I can be accused of being too lazy. Funding is still looking like an issue though, so if anyone reading this knows of any charitable trusts/rich relatives, please let me know. I'm waiting to hear from the local rotary club & the uni is waiting to hear from the lottery, so here's hoping that'll sort itself out.
I also need to start thinking about what I need to take with me. New clothes are the obvious one - a few new t-shirts, replacing some older and inappropriate ones (I'm not sure what the Chinese would make of a Che Guevara t-shirt, but it's not the sort of thing you want to leave to chance). I've also been advised to stock up on shower gel, shampoo, razor blades, toothpaste etc. Electricity adaptors would also be useful, and I need to get my laptop sorted before I go out there, along with much more university work than I would particularly like.
Finally, I've been advised the best way to beat jetlag is to tap into the bodies emergency adrenaline source, which comes into play when you don't eat anything. Therefore, I need to avoid eating anything on the plane. Should be easy.
So what have I spent my time doing? Far too much uni work, driving lessons and making some vague preparations before I go. I have done some work and training with the uni, so I don't think I can be accused of being too lazy. Funding is still looking like an issue though, so if anyone reading this knows of any charitable trusts/rich relatives, please let me know. I'm waiting to hear from the local rotary club & the uni is waiting to hear from the lottery, so here's hoping that'll sort itself out.
I also need to start thinking about what I need to take with me. New clothes are the obvious one - a few new t-shirts, replacing some older and inappropriate ones (I'm not sure what the Chinese would make of a Che Guevara t-shirt, but it's not the sort of thing you want to leave to chance). I've also been advised to stock up on shower gel, shampoo, razor blades, toothpaste etc. Electricity adaptors would also be useful, and I need to get my laptop sorted before I go out there, along with much more university work than I would particularly like.
Finally, I've been advised the best way to beat jetlag is to tap into the bodies emergency adrenaline source, which comes into play when you don't eat anything. Therefore, I need to avoid eating anything on the plane. Should be easy.
Monday 21 April 2008
It's beginning to get scary now. We've got flight details, and found out what events we'll be working at. I've been assigned to the rowing, canoeing and kayaking events. To be honest, I didn't even know that kayaking was an olympic sport, but there you go. And there's a chance that Britain could pick up the gold in the rowing events, so that'll add to a bit of excitement. The events run every day throughout the olympics, and will be taking place at the Olympics Rowing-Canoeing park. Should provide some relief from the heat of Central Asia in the middle of August though, which will be a welcome relief.
The flights meanwhile, involve a 13 hour trip (assuming I've worked out the time difference correctly), with a stop-over in Munich. Assuming I can get a laptop sorted and working, it seems like a good excuse to play Football Manager for 30 minutes, and then sulk for the remaining 12 and a half hours.
I seem to be circling the globe this year. Despite the fact the furthest abroad I've been is Italy, I'm flying to China later on, and then I've a trip to New York booked upon my return. You can't accuse me of letting my fear of flying rule my life.
The flights meanwhile, involve a 13 hour trip (assuming I've worked out the time difference correctly), with a stop-over in Munich. Assuming I can get a laptop sorted and working, it seems like a good excuse to play Football Manager for 30 minutes, and then sulk for the remaining 12 and a half hours.
I seem to be circling the globe this year. Despite the fact the furthest abroad I've been is Italy, I'm flying to China later on, and then I've a trip to New York booked upon my return. You can't accuse me of letting my fear of flying rule my life.
Wednesday 9 April 2008
Reasons to be cheerful
My left arm is a little numb as I write this. The reason for this is that I currently have immunisations for Hepatitis A & Typhoid fever swimming around in my system, following the doctor's visit this morning. Some marketing genius somewhere thought of the idea of combining the two though, so that's made life a little less painful.
Still, when I go to the doctor I like to feel a little reassured, knowing that I've done my part in avoiding horrible diseases. Unfortunately, I was also given a 4 page print-out of things that can kill me. Admittedly it's allowed me to cross a few shots of the list - I'm already immunised against Diptheria & Tetanus, whilst Hepatitis B can only be transmitted through shooting up or unprotected sex (and my girlfriend may have something to say about that). However, there's still Rabies, which is apparently invariably fatal once symptoms begin, but contained in rural areas. Japanese Encephalitis can only be found in rice fields, whilst Tick Encephalitis is only found on the border with Kazakhstan, Inner Mongolia & Heilogjiang. I'm not sure where the last place is, but apparently I should be safe in Beijing.
And then there's Malaria, which gets it's own page. Apparently only in the southern rural areas, antimalarial tablets are to be avoided at all possible, unless you plan on being bit by a Malaria carrying mosquito. Does anyone? The doctor said the best bet was to buy a mosquito spray, and almost bathe in it, and run to the nearest hospital if bitten.
Unfortunately, this was only the horrible disease section of the list, and took only the first two pages. I've also got to look out for Travellers Diarrhoea. There's a moderate risk, and usual advice applies (don't drink the water, make sure all food's cooked etc). There's also HIV. Apparently China has one of the most rapidly expanding HIV epidemics in the world, with a 100 fold increase in STI's over recent years. However, as said earlier, I fear my girlfriends wrath more than any horrible disease, so I should be okay there.
Schistosomiasis infections are on the increase in the Yangtze River valley, apparently caused by wading or swimming in fresh water. It's treatable, but I have no intention of contracting any disease that I can't pronounce.
Hand, foot & mouth disease is on the increase in Beijing, and is spread by person-to-person contact. This did concern me, until I saw the part that said it generally affects young children. The sympathetic side of me thought "Aww". The practical side of me breathed a sigh of relief.
Other diseases to look out for include: Dengue Fever (no vaccine), Angiostrongyliasis Meningitis (caused by eating undercooked snails - I should be safe), Avian Influenza (remember that?), Measles (I'm vaccinated), Meningitis C (again, vaccinated). Oh, and apparently Rabies is on the increase, and cases have been reported in Beijing after all. Maybe the vaccination would be a smart move...
If that list isn't bad enough, there's also a list of security advice from the Foreign Office. Tibet protests and riots are the obvious problems, and Tibet is to be avoided at all costs (especially without permission from the Chinese authorities). Run like hell from any demonstrations.
Thankfully, China is only a low threat from terrorists. Although we should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks in public areas, but that's the same all over the planet.
Despite all this, apparently most visits are trouble free, and the main incidents requiring consular assistance involve lost or stolen passports.
And that, in probably the longest post that I've typed for this blog, is the comprehensive list of things that can kill me in China. And despite this, I'm still looking forward to it. Group photo, press conference & fundraising meeting this afternoon - more later.
Nick
Still, when I go to the doctor I like to feel a little reassured, knowing that I've done my part in avoiding horrible diseases. Unfortunately, I was also given a 4 page print-out of things that can kill me. Admittedly it's allowed me to cross a few shots of the list - I'm already immunised against Diptheria & Tetanus, whilst Hepatitis B can only be transmitted through shooting up or unprotected sex (and my girlfriend may have something to say about that). However, there's still Rabies, which is apparently invariably fatal once symptoms begin, but contained in rural areas. Japanese Encephalitis can only be found in rice fields, whilst Tick Encephalitis is only found on the border with Kazakhstan, Inner Mongolia & Heilogjiang. I'm not sure where the last place is, but apparently I should be safe in Beijing.
And then there's Malaria, which gets it's own page. Apparently only in the southern rural areas, antimalarial tablets are to be avoided at all possible, unless you plan on being bit by a Malaria carrying mosquito. Does anyone? The doctor said the best bet was to buy a mosquito spray, and almost bathe in it, and run to the nearest hospital if bitten.
Unfortunately, this was only the horrible disease section of the list, and took only the first two pages. I've also got to look out for Travellers Diarrhoea. There's a moderate risk, and usual advice applies (don't drink the water, make sure all food's cooked etc). There's also HIV. Apparently China has one of the most rapidly expanding HIV epidemics in the world, with a 100 fold increase in STI's over recent years. However, as said earlier, I fear my girlfriends wrath more than any horrible disease, so I should be okay there.
Schistosomiasis infections are on the increase in the Yangtze River valley, apparently caused by wading or swimming in fresh water. It's treatable, but I have no intention of contracting any disease that I can't pronounce.
Hand, foot & mouth disease is on the increase in Beijing, and is spread by person-to-person contact. This did concern me, until I saw the part that said it generally affects young children. The sympathetic side of me thought "Aww". The practical side of me breathed a sigh of relief.
Other diseases to look out for include: Dengue Fever (no vaccine), Angiostrongyliasis Meningitis (caused by eating undercooked snails - I should be safe), Avian Influenza (remember that?), Measles (I'm vaccinated), Meningitis C (again, vaccinated). Oh, and apparently Rabies is on the increase, and cases have been reported in Beijing after all. Maybe the vaccination would be a smart move...
If that list isn't bad enough, there's also a list of security advice from the Foreign Office. Tibet protests and riots are the obvious problems, and Tibet is to be avoided at all costs (especially without permission from the Chinese authorities). Run like hell from any demonstrations.
Thankfully, China is only a low threat from terrorists. Although we should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks in public areas, but that's the same all over the planet.
Despite all this, apparently most visits are trouble free, and the main incidents requiring consular assistance involve lost or stolen passports.
And that, in probably the longest post that I've typed for this blog, is the comprehensive list of things that can kill me in China. And despite this, I'm still looking forward to it. Group photo, press conference & fundraising meeting this afternoon - more later.
Nick
Friday 4 April 2008
90 days to go...
Lying awake last night, I worked out that today marks to 90 days to go point (fairly accidentally I worked this out - I was trying to work out whether or not I'll see the series finale of Dr Who before I fly out. As long as there's no delays, I should just make it). Flying out from Heathrow (in theory, given recent events) on July 3rd, the deadline seems frighteningly close now - something that has made me step up the shorthand efforts, and made me think further about learning a bit of mandarin before I go. Annoyingly, I'm just about to send off a drivers licence application form. So unless I turn out to be a prodigy behind the wheel, I'm going to have to deal with a two month gap. Which is annoying.
I'm also trying to work out how to deal with my final project for uni, which is due to be started soon. A 30 minute documentary, to be recorded over the summer. However, unless the uni are happy for me to take a video camera to the other side of the world for 2 months (unlikely), I'm going to have to go like the clappers before and after.
Meanwhile, next Wednesday appears to be the busy day next week China-wise - doctors appointment in the morning to discuss what shots I need, before a photoshoot and interview with local press in the afternoon. I'm not sure which I find more terrifying.
Nick
I'm also trying to work out how to deal with my final project for uni, which is due to be started soon. A 30 minute documentary, to be recorded over the summer. However, unless the uni are happy for me to take a video camera to the other side of the world for 2 months (unlikely), I'm going to have to go like the clappers before and after.
Meanwhile, next Wednesday appears to be the busy day next week China-wise - doctors appointment in the morning to discuss what shots I need, before a photoshoot and interview with local press in the afternoon. I'm not sure which I find more terrifying.
Nick
Monday 31 March 2008
Shorthand, shorts and shots in the arm
First of all, apologies for the radio silence over the past week or so - I've been both busy and lazy. A shameful admission I know, but one that I'm now determined to get over.
So what's been going on with the preparations? I have now read the entirety of Modern China - A Very Short Introduction. As a result, I know understand the cultural, economic, social and political situations of China that saw the downfall of the Qing dynasty, the nationalist government and the communist revolution. I have not however, learnt anything useful. Nevermind - as a former history student I found it interesting as well as pointless.
I have also started going back to the gym after realising that they were still going to take my money even if I ignored them. I went back for the first time in about a month this morning, and felt my legs give out after a fairly embarrassing mile on the treadmill. The exercise bike proved slightly more successful, cycling 3 and a half miles. I should have my iPod repaired and back with me soon though, which should make the experience a lot less painful. Nothing like some Maiden to sprint along to.
After a (far too long) gap, I'm back learning the shorthand as well. At the moment it's a refresher course for myself - reminding myself of the alphabet and basic words. It's one of the benefits of unemployment, that you have the opportunity to take such courses. Assuming that you are able to resist the pull of Facebook.
Finally, the doctors appointment has been arranged for the 'discussion' about what vaccinations I need before going to China. Staying in Beijing should reduce the number required, but there should still be some. Not to mention the moles I want removing on the back of my neck (attractive, I know).
That's about it for now. In the meantime, I invite you all to cheer on my beloved Brighton & Hove Albion as they push for a play-off place.
Nick
So what's been going on with the preparations? I have now read the entirety of Modern China - A Very Short Introduction. As a result, I know understand the cultural, economic, social and political situations of China that saw the downfall of the Qing dynasty, the nationalist government and the communist revolution. I have not however, learnt anything useful. Nevermind - as a former history student I found it interesting as well as pointless.
I have also started going back to the gym after realising that they were still going to take my money even if I ignored them. I went back for the first time in about a month this morning, and felt my legs give out after a fairly embarrassing mile on the treadmill. The exercise bike proved slightly more successful, cycling 3 and a half miles. I should have my iPod repaired and back with me soon though, which should make the experience a lot less painful. Nothing like some Maiden to sprint along to.
After a (far too long) gap, I'm back learning the shorthand as well. At the moment it's a refresher course for myself - reminding myself of the alphabet and basic words. It's one of the benefits of unemployment, that you have the opportunity to take such courses. Assuming that you are able to resist the pull of Facebook.
Finally, the doctors appointment has been arranged for the 'discussion' about what vaccinations I need before going to China. Staying in Beijing should reduce the number required, but there should still be some. Not to mention the moles I want removing on the back of my neck (attractive, I know).
That's about it for now. In the meantime, I invite you all to cheer on my beloved Brighton & Hove Albion as they push for a play-off place.
Nick
Monday 17 March 2008
Shopping List
* Teeline for Journalists (Shorthand writing)
* Mandarin for Dummies (is there anything they don't do?) - still to buy
* Modern China - A Very Short Introduction (Could be interesting. It's a country full of contradictions, according to the blurb)
The three above books (when I've bought Mandarin for Dummies) should probably take up most of my time over the next four months. I feel a bit proud of myself for learning the shorthand alphabet, but to be honest that was a while ago. Since when I was a bit sidelined by work, and the occasional desire to drink a lot of alcohol. Which of course immediately destroys an entire weekends work. Still, I shall pick it up again on Thursday, owing to uni commitments today, tomorrow and Wednesday. If I can work out anyway of showing the fruits of my efforts on this blog, I shall do so.
In the meantime, I have to book several doctors appointments over the next few weeks. I have been advised to get the following vaccinations:
Still, these would probably qualify as occupational hazards for most, just one of the ones you don't hear about. Journalism - not as glamourous as it would first appear.
* Mandarin for Dummies (is there anything they don't do?) - still to buy
* Modern China - A Very Short Introduction (Could be interesting. It's a country full of contradictions, according to the blurb)
The three above books (when I've bought Mandarin for Dummies) should probably take up most of my time over the next four months. I feel a bit proud of myself for learning the shorthand alphabet, but to be honest that was a while ago. Since when I was a bit sidelined by work, and the occasional desire to drink a lot of alcohol. Which of course immediately destroys an entire weekends work. Still, I shall pick it up again on Thursday, owing to uni commitments today, tomorrow and Wednesday. If I can work out anyway of showing the fruits of my efforts on this blog, I shall do so.
In the meantime, I have to book several doctors appointments over the next few weeks. I have been advised to get the following vaccinations:
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A
- Diphtheria
- TB
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies (!)
- Japanese B Encephalitis
- Yellow Fever
- Tick-borne Encephalitis
Still, these would probably qualify as occupational hazards for most, just one of the ones you don't hear about. Journalism - not as glamourous as it would first appear.
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