Race to X

The undisputed Amazing Race favorites. They simply have too much chemistry. The judges considered banning this duo altogether. But the viewers at home insisted they race. Is it unfair? Yes. But life’s unfair. Can their chemistry make up for their Chinese? We shall see. Also, let’s not forget that there will be a “saboteur” in this game. Would the judges appoint Hannah or Oginga the saboteur role? Are the judges that ruthless? Does Ben even have a conscience? We will find out soon. 

Ranita is a welcome addition following the devastating drop-out of our comrade, Noel. These two opted out of the individual hat choosing, and their chemistry should give them a leg up. But don’t be fooled by their kind demeanor, Uliana and Ranita are quiet savages. Ranita was singled out as someone the cohort would trust to plan their lives, while Uliana has wontons quiver in fear at breakfast (see photo) - rumor has it that they plan on winning strictly by stealing from the other teams. Keep your friends close, and your water bottles closer.   

  Theo hails from the UK, and Nikta hails from the U.S. Will former colonial tensions spell trouble for this pairing? It remains to be seen. Theo is an expert in electronic engineering. And Nikta worked at the White House. But fancy resumes don’t mean anything when you’re stranded on the side of a highway. These two social butterflies are the odds-on favorite to “call Dean Pan and tell him you’re having a splendid time”. They are also the odds-on favorite to go skinny dipping and cry. (We didn't actually ask anyone to write their own bios but THIKTA insisted!) "THIKTA is an experimental new form of anabolic steroid. Specialising in high-efficiency intra-provincial transport, THIKTA is simultaneously THIK and TAough. The side effects of taking THIKTA include talking (a lot), having way too much fun and (somehow) always winning."

  Like Grace and Christian, this is a Chinese proficiency mismatch. Wei Wei’s Chinese skills will be tested. What does Patrick bring to the table (besides his wonderful smile)? Leadership. I heard Patrick is getting a PHD in lingdaoli and a master’s in the 7 C’s (commitment, collaboration, and uhh whatever the other ones are). Wei Wei has experience behind the camera as a writer/producer at Warner Bros, but now she’s the one on the screen. How will she handle the pressure of millions watching at home?

  We’ve seen Sophia’s acting, but what happens if this pairing encounters true “controversy with civility”? Will they fall apart, or will it make them stronger? Will Aaron play the role of Eric, or will he simply be a nice person? In Julia Zupko’s ACT session, Aaron took a Gallup Strength Finder quiz. His number one strength you ask? Harmony. And nothing tests harmony more than hitchhiking to a remote village with minimal Chinese skills. 

  A formidable duo. Grace is our fearless leader on the basketball court. She narrowly avoided spending 8 hours with an investment banker – RIP Steve. But how will her new partner perform? What he lacks in Chinese ability, he makes up for in height. For those of you that don’t know, Christian is the undisputed champion of the 101B Quizlet Match Game. But how far can “ni hao” “bu hao” and “xie xie” take him? One of the biggest reasons why this duo will successfully hitchhike? They look like two Americans. One of the biggest reasons they will fail? They look like two Americans.

 TEAM 1: GRACE & CHRISTIAN TEAM 2: AARON & SOPHIA TEAM 3: PATRICK & WEI WEI TEAM 4: NIKTA & THEO TEAM 5: ULIANA & RANITA TEAM 6: HANNAH & OGINGA