Throw up a o(^_^)v

This summer is the 5th time I've been back to China since I left at age 5, but this is my first time coming by myself and my first real opportunity to meet people my own age in China. It's been a kind of a disappointment, because even though there are thousands of students at the university, it's always very clear how. . . different I am? Most of them grew up in the country (what I affectionately call the 'proletariat farmlands of rural China') and know very little of different cultures and lifestyles outside of a few TV shows and the internet - and even those outlets are heavily regulated by either the government or by parents. I find them all very lovely, but it's hard trying to find common ground. And then there are my parents' friends' kids, who are almost all (1) male and (2) studying medicine. =_= Needless to say, I'd become rather discouraged in finding a long-lasting friend in China.

So imagine my delight when I met Xiao Ke. Her mother's a teacher at the university, and she introduced us last week when we both had a free afternoon. Xiao Ke is in school for speaking / hosting / MC, etc, and she likes singing and dancing, particuarly hip hop. I adore her. We can talk for hours; we grew up so differently but still share so many of the same views, it's amazing. I love that she uses Chinese youth slang and can tell me about all the ~hip~ places in Xi'an and takes me to eat messy street food.

Last Tuesday she took me shopping at Xiao Zhai, a popular avenue of small shops selling everything from clothes to electronics. Xiao Ke described it as a breeding ground for Xi'an's popular youth, and the teenagers who usually frequent the stores are attractive, school drop-outs, and (lolol) pretentious. Everyone there dressed in Japanese street style, only several seasons too late. I finally bought my umbrella! It's white with pink hearts all over it, laughing so hard. We sipped on bubble tea and bought grilled octopus from a street vender, and then Xiao Ke took me to an arcade. *_* Seriously so much fun.

a girl's best friend in summer


"I'll take you to eat delicious things," Xiao Ke promised


Asia = reliving the childhood you never had
AND THEN WE WENT KARAOKING. I always knew China's karaoke clubs were sweet, but I've never been to one before. 35 RMB (~5 USD) for 3 hours, including food. The price is probably steeper than most places around Xi'an, but still pretty reasonable considering we went on a Tuesday afternoon rather than a weekend night. Artists that we felt deserved an appearance: Jay Chou, S.H.E., Avril Lavigne, Britney Spears, DBSK. I know, we're precious. I lipsynched to New Order's "Bizarre Love Triangle" as an encore.


definitely worth 5 USD for 3 hours, yeah?


our private karaoke suite


ate our weight in complimentary sushi


there's something about China that turns me superasian
She took me to the sports center last Saturday night where a lot of people like to go play basketball once the temperature drops. We shortcutted through a long alleyway on the way there, and a car sped past us going at least 150 km/hour, lights dim, backfiring every few seconds. Streetracing. :o I feel like it's kind of a waste in Xi'an, though, since that kind of sport probably doesn't have a large market or fanbase.

Sunday morning Xiao Ke took me to her weekly hip hop class. Firstly, I. . . simply don't have the beat, laughing. Secondly, never did I think I'd ever get to witness the glorious sight of a roomful of Chinese boys attempting to breakdance.


Sunday morning breakfast


not quite So You Think You Can Dance, but definitely entertaining