sebsjourneys

China

A little detour before I come home....

7/17/2008

China

Day off

7/15/2008

China

Things I learned about China so far

7/12/2008

1. It is very hard to get around when you don't understand or read a language at all-

The other night, four of us went out to dinner armed with a little map and four well traveled, good senses of direction. After wandering down back alleys and trying to guess where we were on the map, we gave up and ate at the nearest slightly "Western" style restaurant that we could find.

There are hardly any people who speak English in the city we are in- maybe in larger cities like Beijing and Shanghai there would be but I haven't come across many. I know I should be trying to learn more Chinese so I can communicate with the locals but all I can seem to learn is xie xie (thank you) and ni hao (hello). My answer to anything they ask is xie xie (pronounced like she, she). I don't mind the language barrier so much except for trying to understand the Chinese characters is virtually impossible. In Europe when things are in another language I can generally figure it out, but here that is not the case.

2. Lines don't mean anything-

The Chinese don't seem to like to wait in line- whether it be in person or in a car. I have seen more pushing, shoving and crazy driving in this past week! I at first thought Chinese people were just rude but I realize that it is just a big cultural difference. If there is one inch on an elevator, you better believe someone will squeeze into it. I think the record elevator count so far was 15- and it was a small elevator- more people just kept getting on! I have also feared for my life in a cab- they drive so crazy- just honk the horn and go wherever they want. 5 cars will all be going for one line and they just hit the accelerator and hope not to hit anyone in the meantime. I don't like to sit in front during the taxi ride because I can see everything we almost hit. There are also a lot of bikes and they kind of do what they want too.

I've started to get like this too- especially when crossing the street- no waiting just go- hopefully I won't get hit by one of the crazy drivers!

3. Choosing an english name doesn't have to make sense-

Most of the Chinese students I'm teaching have chosen an English name. Sally told us that kids usually just pick a word that they like the sound of. Most of my students have very traditional names like Harry, John, Mary, and Judy. But I also have a Pocket and a Fan. Some other teachers have students named God, Strong, and Bird.

I don't know enough Chinese to pick a Chinese name but if I could pick a Spanish name, it might be Corona- just because I like that word :)

4. Chinese babies don't have to wear diapers-

Sally said it is too hot for babies to wear diapers all the time so all the toddler clothes have split pants. I guess they just squat and go whenever, wherever. Not the most sanitary thing in the world- but it is pretty funny to look at!

5. The Chinese do not like to drink cold things-

There seems to be little refrigeration and most drinks are served either room temp or hot (like hot milk and oj in the morning). I love everything to be ice cold but the Chinese think that it is bad for your stomach. I just can't fathom how hot milk is good for you :(

6. Chinese herbal medicines work pretty good

I have had a little stomach bug for the past two days. I have stayed at the hotel and not gone to school (some of the other teachers are covering my classes- they are so nice and great to help me out!). I have been taking some herbal medicines- even though they taste really gross and I don't know exactly what they are, they do seem to help. All I've eaten are some saltines and laid in bed. Sally said I should maybe go to the hospital for an IV but I don't really want to do that. I feel a little iffy about taking an IV in a foreign country. I haven't been to impressed with sanitary conditions so far. Hopefully I will feel better soon.