CHINA TRIP Day 32: Passion.

Friday, June 18

As China continues to modernize and pursue its goal of being a global superpower, it has expanded its focus beyond just its economy to include military modernization. This development proves extremely tricky for the United States, who has maintained its position in the Asia-Pacific region, allying itself with South Korea and Japan, who both rely on the United States’ military power. It has already proven difficult to negotiate using intimidation on countries such as North Korea and China, and as China’s military grows stronger, they have less to fear from the United States, especially since threats of economic pressures will have little effect in an economy that controls its currency.

At the end of class today we were given an amazing opportunity to hear the most famous musician in China, Xiaohui Ma, play her unique string instrument. It certainly looked more antique and fragile than a violin, and yet it was supposed to be able to play more harmonies. She talked briefly about her background and introduced her first piece, which wasn’t even Chinese. It instilled a happy mood in everyone, which is exactly what she wanted. I could tell she was extremely passionate about her music and absolutely believed in her soul that her music could be used to touch lives. When she played I could see, feel, and hear the passion she felt for music and I was simply amazed. I know many people and artists who say they are “passionate” about their work and often times I am able to tell how passionate they are. But Xiaohui Ma exceeded any expectations I had and definitely surpassed the passion of anyone else I know. I felt truly honored to be in the presence of a really passionate artist who truly believed her music could bring together cultures and connect everyone, and when I listened to her music, I too, believed in her message.

Our afternoon corporate visit was to Illycafe, an Italian coffee company that was trying to establish itself in a country that had never really had a coffee drinking culture. This was a company that really needed patience and a strong marketing strategy to appeal to an audience that did not have an interest in their product. I would question their motive for pursuing business in China, when it could easily backfire, seeing as how Chinese people don’t really drink coffee. But with the popularity of Starbucks and other coffee chains, it is difficult to deny the potential market. Illycafe brands itself as high quality and consequently, I get a high-class feel from it. In order to appeal to the domestic market, they would have to engage in more than just marketing, but in education as well.

Most of the group went to the Camel again to watch the soccer game. Forbes, Shane, Trevor, Aren, JiaHua, Alex, Jasmine, and I didn't want to pay cover so we were going to watch it at Skyline and then meet everyone at The Shelter later. However, the game started so we watched the first half in our rooms and then went to Skyline for the second half. Trevor and Aren hung out at the convenience store instead of coming inside and we couldn't find JiaHua or Alex so we just hung out at Skyline. Shane, Forbes, Jasmine and this random Chinese guy played a couple games of pool while I watched the game and then afterward he headed to The Shelter. We met this random girl outside who was by herself and she introduced us to some work people who took us to a bar next door. She was kind of creepy and saying weird things so I tried to get Jasmine to leave when she started talking to all these random people in the bar. It's not the first time it's happened but I just didn't want her talking about us and giving details just to be safe.

The Shelter was really cool - it used to be a bomb shelter and had been transformed into a chill club. The atmosphere was pretty relaxed and it was in a neighborhood so it wasn't loud and obnoxious on the streets. We stayed for a bit and then headed back.