"I wish you a tolerable Thursday. That's all any of us can hope for."

Yesterday I got my washing machine delivered.  After nearly flooding my apartment 3 times, we managed to get everything installed correctly. Mind you, just like anywhere else, China is no different in that no one listens to the woman, even when we say, "That's not a good idea; we will have water everywhere ..." or, "That's not meant to go there, that part needs to come off."  The machine itself, and the instruction manual, is in Chinese.  I can't read it, and translating doesn't always work, so I am kinda helpless, and am forced to sit by and watch the "oncoming train".  We finally have it installed and it appears to be working fine.  It did, however, take up most of the afternoon. So much for lesson planning.  I managed to go into the school and organize my office.

Today I am going into Beijing.  They're taking me to open a bank account, then I'll be observing another lesson.  Tomorrow? I am not sure what's on the agenda, except lesson planning. To my knowledge, I have three classes on Sunday. Not sure about the rest of next week, but I should find out soon. Today I am having dumplings for lunch.  Yummy!  I think I am addicted :)

Monday; Bloody Monday!

Actually, Mondays aren't that bad when you love your job.  Mondays also aren't bad when you have Tuesday and Wednesday off, which I happen to have this week.  Thursday, I'll be going back into the city to do some lesson planning, and to observe Robert teaching a class.  Tomorrow and Wednesday, I'll get a jump start on planning the lessons myself.

Today I found a store where I can buy body lotion, toothpaste, hair products, etc.  Kinda like a mini Shoppers Drug Mart without the drugs, haha. Skin care products are imported here in China and can be expensive as a result.  I picked up a huge bottle of body lotion for about $4, which is pretty good!!  The bus was packed during the ride home; so much so that you really felt it when one person stepped off the bus - we all had a little more personal space.  I hate being so close to someone that I can smell their breath, but that's part of life in Beijing during rush hour.  Luckily, this will not be a daily event for me, since I won't need to commute to work.  It does mean, however, that I may want to plan a bit when I feel like making a trip into the city.  I'd rather NOT get caught in rush hour if it can be helped. It's not fun to wait 15 minutes for a bus and have to wait for the next one because it's too full to get on.

Bus/Subway fares are cheap.  You load up a card, then tap it when you get on, and again when you exit the bus; same process when getting on and off the subway.  This means that the further you go, the more you pay (some buses you tap twice, some only once).  It's still cheap though.  I pay 8RMB to get into the city, which is about $1.30 CAD.

Another new thing today: Used the ATM for the first time.  Citic Bank of China's ATMs aren't in English, but have pictures, so I was able to withdraw money with minimal guessing.  Big relief.  Pretty soon i'll have a Chinese bank account that Amy will be opening for me.  That's all for today. Dumplings again for dinner. Peace!

Photos for today:  http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10101649648099062.3076232.28108784&type=1&l=12f97560a2

Finally; the weekend!!

My first weekend in China was pretty relaxed. Went strawberry picking on Saturday after a short visit to the school to learn some introductory Chinese. Amy and Kevin have given me a Chinese name, "Xi Wen" - pronounced (see-ven).  They picked it since it sounds like Sylvia, and because of the meaning: bright, flowery pattern of clouds. Works for me.  They also asked me to choose an English name for their 1 year-old niece. They would like a name that means joyful, happy, and beautiful.  I'll have to think about that one.

There was a gas line break somewhere in the city on Friday, and as a result I've had no hot water or heat since Friday afternoon.  Before I realized it, Amy came knocking with a giant thermos of boiling water so I could have tea.  Saturday morning she came running with more, and a boiled egg for my breakfast.  I'd be lost without her.  I decided to run out and buy an electric kettle yesterday. I doubt this will happen again, but electricity is cheaper than gas, and I drink a lot of tea.  As far as food goes, you can cook a lot with a rice cooker!  I had rice and dumplings yesterday, and manage to boil eggs for lunch today.  Amy and her mom are cooking home made dumplings and some other stuff, as today they celebrate some sort of lantern festival.  Apparently there will be lots of fireworks tonight as well.  Amy's mom doesn't speak English, and at the market today she bought dumplings filled with black sesame and chocolate.  When we arrived home, she gave them to me as gifts, but sadly I can't eat them as they have peanuts :(

Speaking of my allergy; Amy has alerted everyone at the local supermarket about my food allergy, and they are all ready to help me read labels if needed.  I am the only foreigner in the area, and they are very proud that I've come to live in China.  I guess I stand out.  People at the farmer's market were asking Amy where I am from and if I speak Chinese.  They are always very happy when I am able to mutter a word or two.  It's nice that they're so happy to have me here, and I am almost treated like a celebrity.

Not much else happening today.  Cleaned my bathroom, now that my hot water is back.  I don't have to cook dinner tonight.  Maybe I'll find a movie to watch on the internet.  Until next time, peace out!

I've posted a few more photos to the album: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10101643028385022.3075300.28108784&type=1&l=f184742eea

TGIF!

I finally get to sleep in tomorrow!  I've been running around non-stop for an entire week, not to mention sleep deprivation and jet-lag.  In some ways it seems like I have been here longer than a week, but I think that's because I have managed to do so much since I  arrived.  Today was the best day so far.  Since we all met up at the Sujiatuo location, I was home from work in 5 minutes.  Also, I got to meet my students and the teacher who's been teaching them the past couple weeks, Alfred, who is awesome! I got to sit in on 3 of the classes I will be teaching; the 4 year-olds, the 5-6 year-olds, and the 7-9 year-olds.  The youngest group is an all-girl class, while the oldest class are all boys except for one girl.  The middle class is a mix.  Naturally we had one who cried for his grandmother, a few who played with each other's pig tails all the time, and a couple who were in their own little world.  They're all so sweet, and I can't wait to begin teaching them.

Hot Pot again for lunch, but this time at a different place.  This restaurant was more formal, and since there were 6 of us, we had a private dining area.  We dined from one big pot this time, and the amount of food they brought out was incredible.  It's impossible to eat it all.  They seem to give much more food than needed.  Hot Pot takes time to eat; it's definitely not something to have if you're in a hurry, but a great idea for business meetings or leisurely dinners with a group of friends, etc.  Today I tried about 4 types of tofu, various veggies, Chinese bread, and a few pieces of beef.  Different sauce this time, and I was a bit worried because it tasted so much like something with peanuts in it.  They assured me there was none, and that they were certain of it since they made it themselves.  I have eaten a lot of mystery foods this week.  No mystery meat, though, but I will try any fruit, veggie, or spice.

Went to the supermarket alone and managed to buy beer, milk (that was a wild guess), chocolate, and a thermos (no Tim's or other coffee shop near work).  Tonight: Maybe a beer or 2, and then gonna turn in early.  They say that for every hour of change on the time zone, it takes a day to recover from jet lag.  I'll need another week according to that; every bit of it.  I'm pooped.

Day 4 ... finally feeling rested.

Early start today.   Had a health check as part of my visa requirements, despite having one to get my temp visa in Canada.  The process consisted of my running around to about 6 different offices for the various things needed; blood work, ENT exam, eye exam, ECG, lung x-ray etc.  All in all we were in and out in under an hour.

Headed back to the Beijing office with Frank (who's been helping me so much, though he claims I am half Chinese already) to meet up with Rob for some training but made a stop to Carrefour on the way. It's a french supermarket chain and has so many of the things I used to buy in Europe.  I'll be back; you can count on it.  Found a Costa Coffee on our way as well.  It goes without saying I stopped by for a latte, having needed a caffeine fix since I had to fast for the health check.  I'd eaten a pork dumpling right after the physical since I was famished; the first of a few new things today.

I also tried milk tea and hot pot for the first time.  Milk tea is pretty much the same as a cup of Tetley that's pre-sweetened with added milk (only it's Lipton here).  They bottle in and you can buy it cold, or have it served warm.  Hot pot is awesome!  A pot of hot liquid (can be water or broth) is placed at your table, one for each person.  The pots each are placed on individual hot-plates, the temperature of which you control yourself with the attached device.  You order your choice of fresh ingredients: meat, veggies, noodles, tofu, etc, and cook it all in the liquid. Once cooked, you remove, and eat from a bowl filled with a variety of available sauces.  I chose a tomato broth with noodles, tofu, radish, mushrooms, spinach and LOTUS!!  It was a bit difficult at first since I have been committed to using chopsticks, but it was awesome.  I almost started to panic at first, making a mess with the water, and not being able to fish out my noodles with the chopsticks, but I managed eventually.  I like hot pot because you KNOW the ingredients are fresh, and you know it's been prepared and cooked properly.  Also, it can be a different dish every time.  In fact, we're having it tomorrow.

After lunch, we did a phonics lesson, which was really neat.  I have never taught it, especially to young learners at the lower level.  Useful stuff!

Tomorrow: Meet the gang at 9am so I can observe the 9:30 lesson, and meet my future students.  Hot pot again for lunch.  TGIF. It's been a tiring week.

I've finally posted photos.  Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10101643028385022.3075300.28108784&type=1&l=f184742eea

China Day 3

Today I took the bus into Beijing all by myself.  I feel like that was a big accomplishment, and has been the only real independence I have had since my arrival.  I have to go into the city for training, and I believe tomorrow is the last time I need to go in for that ... maybe more next week, but I am not sure.  I stopped along the way for a Starbucks Apple Blossom Tea Latte (they didn't have the advertised Peach).  Had passport photos taken today for my residence permit and visa.  The pictures must be on a blue background, so the ones I had on me were useless.  They made me tuck my hair behind my ears and remove my earrings.  Weird. On the way home, I went to a Chinese restaurant called Cloud 9 and ordered fish soup with noodles, veggies, and pork dumplings followed by a beer.  The bill was 33RMB, around $7CAD (the beer was $2).

Going home was a bit more confusing as I hadn't taken the bus back before and I had to find the bus stop on the other side of the street.  Rob erroneously told me that the stop would be next to the news stand, but there were 3 of them, so it took me a while to find it. I waited 20 minutes, and when the 968 came by, it packed full.  So .... I took a cab, which meant calling Amy and having her give the driver directions.  We're a new subdivision in the 'burbs, and most cabbies don't know where it is. Anyway, 30 minutes and 58RMB later, I'm home.  Lesson: Stay away from buses in Beijing during rush hour.  After this week, next week at the latest, I won't need to come in for work related matters.  I'll still make plenty of trips in, but I will be avoiding rush hour.

Decided to have Kevin hook up the WiFi tomorrow instead of tonight.  I was late getting home, want to Skype with the family , and am just not in the mood for it. Pictures are being taken and will be posted soon, I promise. There IS one photo on my Facebook page, it's the view of the mountains and the housing community where I live, taken from the school.  I managed to upload that while I was having dinner and using WiFi at a restaurant.

Tomorrow: Medical check, another training module, and hopefully will have my WiFi, finally.  Friday I get to meet my students!!

I made it!!

Just getting a chance to sit back after my first full day in China, so I thought I'd write about it while it's still fresh.  There are so many new and cool things that my head is spinning.

With the time difference, I lost track of how many hours I had been awake consecutively, but I believe it was near the 48 hour mark; a record I think.  I napped on an off on the plane, but didn't get any restful sleep.  If anything it just made my neck sore.  The flight was uneventful except for the chinese lady  next to me who farted just a little too often.  Dulles Airport in Washington was pretty boring, but at least they had an Irish pub. Breakfast for me consisted of whole wheat french toast washed down with a Stella; 9am or not, I was in the mood for a beer, and had a suspicion that European lager might be hard to come by in China.  The flight to China from Washington was scheduled to be 14 hours, but we made in 13 (maybe it was the extra gas from the lady next to me?). Lucky number?

I am not one who can sleep on a plane, and I think that this flight was particularly difficult because I was exhausted from the start.  My back was hurting from carrying my 25 pound backpack, so getting comfortable was not gonna happen; nonetheless I spent an hour or two in and out of consciousness.  At one point I opened the shutter to peek outside and I am so glad I did, because the view before me was something I'll never forget.  I had always seen the Arctic on TV and in photographs, and while it had always seemed nice enough, there's nothing comparable to seeing it from 30,000 feet.  If I had been standing, I would have fallen to my knees.  It was absolutely incredible!!  Sadly, my phone was powered off and I wasn't able to turn it on to get a picture, but I'd doubt it would have done it justice anyway; I think it's one of those things you just have to see for yourself. I believe it was at that moment that the reality of this whole adventure kicked in, and I finally became excited about this trip.

I always prepare for the worst and hope for the best, and was expecting problems at some point, be it overweight luggage, getting lost at the airport, not finding the right gate etc., but surprisingly the entire journey was pretty smooth.  I had NO clue what to expect upon arrival in Beijing (some say coming to China is like going to another planet, and while it's definitely different than what I am accustomed to, I won't go as far as to say it's anything like that), but was pleased at how fast and easy I made it through immigration.  The line up was every bit as crowded as it was at JFK, but instead of waiting 90 minutes, the line cleared in about 15, and thank god for that because the Texan dude who was in the line-up talking to me was annoying the HELL out of me.  Some things are the same everywhere :(

Once I got my passport stamped and was free to go, I took a train to another terminal to clear customs, pick up my luggage, and meet Rob.  Rob is a senior teacher at Shane English Beijing, is from England, and has been my contact since day 1. As promised, he was there waiting, along with the owners Amy and Kevin (wife and husband).  From there, we went to dinner at a nice Chinese restaurant.  We had pork meatballs (Rob's choice), pork with pineapple (my pick), some sort of shellfish that still had eyes (I refused to touch that!!), pureed yam with what looked like a drizzle of blackberry sauce, and Peking duck.  I'd never had duck before, but they bring it to your table and slice it there.  It's eaten wrapped in these thin rice "pancakes", with julienned onion and cucumber and a brown sauce - kinda like making fahitas :D. I also the opportunity to try Chinese beer, and I was
pleasantly surprised.  Not bad at all.  I just may like this country!!  Dinner was leisurely and I was exhausted, but I had a full tummy, and was about to go to my apartment to a hot shower and a warm bed ... after a quick trip to WalMart where I picked up yogurt, bread, milk, tea, coffee, sugar, and a chocolate bar.  I was dead to the world  by 9:15, only to wake 20 minutes later to fireworks; ah yes, Chinese New Year!

Day 1:

Managed to sleep a solid 10 hours that night, which surprised me.  Usually I get overtired and can't sleep at all, or wake up 3 hours in and end up awake for the rest of the night.  Nevertheless, I was still feeling pretty tired, dehydrated, and a little overwhelmed by the time 3pm rolled around, but we did do a lot of runing around.  I bought gas, paid for electricity, and bought water.  Yes, in China, you pay for these things by loading up a chip card.  My electrical meter, hot water heater, and my water all have chip readers.  You buy what you can afford, or think you'll need, and load up when you run low.  I have enough gas for 2-3 months (500 RMB, about $90), electricity for 6 months (100 RMB, about $18), and enough flushes for about a year (thank god I'm not in India ;)).  I think it's a great way to do things, and may even encourage conservation.

We visited the police, where I received my temporary residence permit (the police officer wasn't very bright at ALL), had lunch at a place called Hollywood Cafe where I quickly jumped on the WiFi, went shopping where I bought a few odds and ends like cleaning supplies for the apartment,  a chest of drawers (which Amy paid for), some drinking water, hair conditioner (I forgot to bring some!!??), shower gel, an electrical adaptor for my laptop, and a phone number.  Afterwards, we came back home, and I spent an hour or so cleaning my kitchen and bathroom.  Had tea, with bread and peach jam, and a yogurt for dinner.

I have to say that Amy and Kevin are fantastic.  They picked me up, fed me, took me shopping, have helped arrange to have my phone and internet set up.  Kevin dragged both suitcases up to the third floor (this building has no elevator - it's only a 5 storey building).  My first impression is that a lot less people here speak english than in the Czech Republic.  Getting situated would be far more challenging on my own, and I am so grateful.

Day 2:

Today the technician came to hook up my internet (thank god), which cost me about 960RMB for an entire year.  Afterwards, Amy and I took a bus into the city to see Rob.  Did a short introductory training session and had lunch (KFC chicken sandwiches are NOT the same; the meat is greasy, overcooked and is from the leg and thigh).  Amy paid for a cab home, as I was alone and I still don't know my way around.  Tomorrow I'm gonna be brave and go by myself.  Besides, I spotted a Starbucks and want to try their Peach Blossom Tea Latte.  Can't wait!!  Pics to come very soon

How am I supposed to sleep??

I'm about 99% packed.  I've done my taxes, bought my travel insurance, downloaded a VPN so I can actually use the internet when I arrive in China, and booked my transportation to Pearson.  I've said my good-byes, and have nothing left to do but grab a small nap, shower, and get dressed. I should really try to sleep, since I won't get to lay my head down until I board the plane in Washington at noon tomorrow. My taxi arrives at 2am, and we're scheduled to arrive at the airport at 4:30.  Maybe I'll grab a small nap then?? I guess the only thing worse than being exhausted tomorrow would be to be wide awake at the start of a 14 hour flight ...

"Not All Who Wander Are Lost ..."

It's been a tough few months (but as my dear friend, Karl says, "Not as tough as you, my love!").  My plans to go to India went belly up.  For those who don't know, the investor backed out at the last minute, leaving me stranded (and devastated) in Toronto - in between point A and point B. Being an EFL instructor is like any other kind of teaching, if you don't begin a contract in September, you'll need to wait until February, which is exactly what happened to me.  I won't get into my frustration and anger at the incompetence of some people, because I must learn from it and MOVE ON.  But I WILL say this: These past few months have taught me who my true friends are, and what true friendship really means (among other things, accepting help from others when you're too proud, and admitting you're wrong when you don't really want to - because the alternative means risking something that doesn't come along every day).  I also learned to be grateful to those who have the balls to follow an idea through.  Anyone can come up with a plan; but seeing it through?? An entirely different story.

In 5 days I leave for Beijing, China. I've been hired by a new franchise of an existing school; one that's been in operation in Asia for about 40 years.  I'll be teaching toddlers for the most part, and am the first teacher hired for this new location.  My apartment is in walking distance of the school, and is in a Beijing suburb - Sujiatuo.  I'm told the air quality is much better there.  You can be sure I'll report back on that.  I can't even begin to prepare for the culture shock, so I am just going to do everything I can to stay rested and healthy, keep an open mind like I always do, and maintain my sense of humor.  It's going to be quite an adventure, but considering what I have been through these past few months, an adventure is just what I need. Stay tuned!