So as
much research and reading and preparing I did before coming to China,
I thought I wouldn't be victim to the initial culture shock. . . WRONG. The
first night in Tangshan I could hardly sleep. It could have been from the bean
bag pillow they gave me, the toilet and shower not being separated in
the bathroom, or the constant noise outside my window.... In any case, I had my
WTF moment quite soon... and all I wanted to do was fly back to America. After
a couple days though, I have really started to settle in. . .
My roommate Craig
is from England. He is very cool and outgoing, He is also an ex bartender
and loves to drink! I have also had a chance to hang with my friend Eric.
He has been in Tangshan for a several months now and is used to the culture and
has shown me around. It is great to have people you know here because there are
very few foreigners in Tangshan.
The best part about
China so far has been the purchasing power. I hate to cook and eat out every
day. Back home this can be expensive, but here it is quite convenient. For
example, I can get a tasty, full breakfast, lunch and dinner from the local
street market for about 10-20 RMB total for all three meals ($3.00 -5.00 US).
The people here are also very friendly. Being a foreigner, I do get the stares
from people, but for the most part everyone wants to chat with you and practice
their English. Also, when you speak a little Mandarin to them they thing it is
the greatest thing.
The worst part about
China so far is the dirtiness and the driving! All the things you hear about
the Chinese pollution problem is true. On overcast days the clouds
just keep the smog in the city. People also just throw their trash just about
wherever they like. Recycling is nonexistent and people smoke
and spit anywhere and everywhere. Driving is crazy! The
whole Asians can't drive jokes are true here in China. The rules of
the road are more like guidelines. I fear for my life every time I
cross the street and you really have to be aware when walking because everybody just
cuts you off. Also, the constant honking can get annoying.
I do have to say I LOVE
the school I am at. I did not know what to expect, but the kindergarten I work
at is very big and clean. I guess the school I work at is quite rich, and this
is why there are 4 foreign teachers working here. All the kids are friendly and
just want to play games. I literally got paid today to read a story book and
play musical chairs. I will blog more about the school later.
I do not have any
pictures to post today, but my next blog over the weekend will just be pics of
my neighborhood and city.. Anyway, I am starting to really enjoy it here and I
cannot wait to see what my first full week has in store!
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