Now that we're back from the Silk Road, it's time for a...vacation?

For those who don't know, Oct. 1 is China's national holiday, and so starting next Monday, for a full week many businesses and schools for be closed. Surprisingly, even though we started our school year late due to the Olympics, TBC will also have next week off completely, although we do have classes this Saturday and possibly Sunday. 

And so, this news has led to a mad rush amongst TBC students to find a getaway where they can spend the next week at, and I've heard of groups planning to go to a wide-ranging variety of places; Shanghai, Nanking, Xijiang, Lhasa, Thailand, even Australia. 

That's right, because we all know it's not a trip to China unless you've seen the Sydney Opera House. 

So, while many scramble to make plans, I for one have decided to set my sights on the one city I've always wanted to see; beautiful, scenic Beijing.

....Wait, what's that you say? Huh? I'm already there?

........... YAY!

Honestly though, I'm opting for a stay-cation right here, because for me, the hassle, the money, and the anxiety over whether I'll be back in the city in time for classes to resume simply isn't worth it. I'd rather just hang out here and enjoy all the sights (even though they may be a tad crowded come next week, but that doesn't really bother me so much.) 

No need to worry if I'll get lonely; there's a growing number of TBC-ers who are concluding that all the fuss of trying to get away with so little time to plan is more trouble than it's worth.