I can
officially order a meal at Starbucks and KFC (which has way more options
than a normal KFC) without a problem. I'd say that's a pretty grand success right there! I also have
learned to navigate the little city that I am in, as well as the mall (as it
happens to be right across the street from me). It's a real problem because
things here are much cheaper than they are in the States. Also, China is WAY cleaner than America. You want to know
the secret as to why? They literally mop the ground outside. Yes, you read that
right... outside. Mopping.
Multiple times throughout the day. I'm actually incredibly impressed by how
immaculate the streets are with them being so flooded with people all day every
day. The maintenance workers do a rad job!
Oh! Another fun fact! China doesn't like to waste, specifically in regards to food. Whilst I was
eating the chicken with my chopsticks (well, attempting to, anyways), I noticed some things
that were a little out of the ordinary to one such as I—there was the comb (mohawk) of the chicken, its liver, and heart, all to be eaten by
us humans. Upon noticing these chunks of meat, you could say that I pretty much
lost my appetite right then and there. Let's just say I'm never eating there
again. I think I'll stick with my 米飯 (mĭfàn
or rice), 土豆丝 (tǔ dòu sī or shredded
potato), and 菠萝肉 (bōluó ròu or pineapple and
meat—basically orange chicken). And yes, I have perfected these words so as I
can order properly.
The Chinese people absolutely love their herbs. Herbs in water (tea), rice,
soup, porridge, chicken, you name it. It definitely adds a lot more flavor to
the meal. Ginger and garlic are also common in an
assortment of dishes. Not minced either but sliced
pieces. These new foods have led me to a smaller appetite, as well as a
not-so-happy stomach. It will take some adjusting, that’s for sure. Which is
again why I am grateful for Starbucks and KFC (even though the menu is quite a
bit different than back home). At least I semi-know what I'm eating. Water is a
different story. The tap has bacteria and therefore we cannot drink it
straight. It all has to be boiled. Many people now have become accustomed to
drinking hot water plain, and often times herbal tea. It was unusual at first
and not very refreshing, but it's something that I am adapting to.
To the
natives here, I am referred to as strange.
I think I like being called a "peculiar
people" a bit more, but I'll take it. A boy called me "rare"; I felt like a peacock.
Because of this anomaly (me), everyone wants to document it. No, I do not mean
simply one picture. I mean a plethora of pictures with me as the main fixation.
For example, I went for a lovely stroll in the park. I took note of an area
with people dancing to music. Upon
sitting down on a bench, I instantly
was bombarded. Women with their cameras immediately
took their places by my side for some selfies. The phones were passed around,
just as I was passed from person to person for another picture. Pictures of me
alone, with one other, or in a group. Just as long as I was in the picture,
they didn't care. They loved it when I threw out my peace sign (finally I've found a place where it is appreciated by
others as much as it is by me). Food got passed in my direction; a fan
was handed to me; people stood and offered me their seat on the bench;
and multiple times I was asked to dance. What was I supposed to do...
Say no?! So, I ate the food, took the fan (gratefully, as it was way too hot),
sat down, and also danced with the random men. It was definitely a good time.
Apart from not understanding a thing that was said, I felt as close to a celebrity as I ever would. I'm nearly
to the point where I don't recognize that everyone is staring at me... Most
times, I smile, wave, say 你好 (nǐ hǎo
or hello), or even pose for the pictures.
I don't only
feel this way when I am out and about, but even at work. My colleagues and the
parents of the kids are always studying me as though I am an exhibit at the zoo.
I am the only foreigner and native English
speaker (and pale-faced) at the
school where I am teaching, so I get all of the attention. It has its perks
sometimes. I don't ever really have to question where I'm at on the totem pole
of things. I don't need to worry about stepping on anyone's toes. They pretty much want me to run the show. Which leads me into how
it's not so great, as well.
They have me
constantly running things and doing everything. It's quite exhausting really, and the
school hasn't even officially started yet! Once we do start, I will be teaching music,
art, science, global leadership, and virtual PE (Wii Sport). The natives will be
teaching Language Arts (English), which I thought was interesting. I won’t be
doing any of the teaching English. I
do love all of the girls that I work with though! They are so sweet and are
teaching me loads of Chinese as I am
helping them perfect their English. It's been such a fun time and we're just barely even getting started! Well, bye bye for now! 再见 (see
you!)
