It's really important when you are traveling as a model that you take
advantage on your time off of the local customs. Try to find out the
local free paper for expats where they show what's happening in and
around the city where you are working for the next 3 months. A lot of
models fall into the trap of partying all the time, because usually a
local club hosts a "model night" to attract wealthy business men and
fashion-wannabes to a club. They are making money off you at the same
time as giving you free drinks. I know it's fun and a way to socialize
with the other models who are on-stay. It's a common meeting point,
but it can also get you into trouble: drinking too much can lead you
to do things you regret the next day and can damage your reputation.
Along with smelling like alcohol and not feeling good on your castings
the next day. Try to keep it to a minimum. You have a great
opportunity to make money in that city--and you can party later or
when you are back at home.
Instead grab some of your roommates and get out to see the cultural
places where you are. Take advantage of the agency paying your ticket
and the fact you have a place to stay to experience something other
than the bottom of a glass of vodka and the inside of a club. Learn
something about the customs of the people and the culture where you
are staying.
It is now the end of the Chinese New Year and they always end it with
a Lantern festival at the Tienamen square. Should be great with
beautiful lanterns like these ones. There is also a Lantern exhibition
in the SanLiTun Village. I want to go to see the lanterns in the
square and experience for a minute what it feels like to be in the
minority and have another language. Try it! You will bring home some
special memories instead of just the normal stories that everyone can
tell you about models and modelling.
