I (unexpectedly) work in a large multinational company in a developing district of one of the largest cities of the world. But no matter where I live or what I do, I try to find beauty, to never ignore the fascinating things that are often relegated to routine or commonplace. There are more people in my workplace than the Alaskan island I grew up on. And most of them don’t bat a lash when men grasping buckets and squeegees don harnesses, cascade past their windows hundreds of feet up in the air, and smile back.

Beijing is a megalopolis of opposites. It’s a massive, misunderstood and underrated city, known for its infamous attributes. But it’s filled with treasure – natural, cultural, and personal – that shines all the brighter for its occasional shroud.

A brunch in the worn-down old city center and a trip to the green, drastic hills to the North.

The people, the food, and the unpredictability.

The weather, the food, and the unpredictability.

Everything.

My Alaskan hometown.