The First Few Days

My apologies. I have been too busy to write my first post since arriving in China. First, adjusting to a twelve-hour time difference hasn't been as difficult as I thought it would be. Of course, anyone who knows me well wouldn't be surprised. I never have trouble falling asleep! For that reason, the twenty-hour journey to China wasn't so bad either. I slept most of the flight to Seoul and the Seoul to Shanghai flight was so short, it seemed we had just taken off when we had to make sure we were buckled up in preparation for landing. I have no trouble sleeping, but I keep waking at 4 AM!

Well, finally, here I am. This is the beginning of my new journey! I have already had some highlights I would like to share and I would imagine these are the first of many.

Can I just state the food, as anticipated, is amaaazing! Most notably, I had Hunan and Xinjiang-style food. Both were so flavorful and were opportunities to learn more about the country I will be living for the next ten months. During both meals, everyone received a small plate but multiple dishes were ordered and everyone had bits of each dish. No one feared germs or coveted a separately ordered plate for themselves, like in the States. I love this communal style of eating, common to many nonwestern countries.

Another highlight was last night when we toured central Shanghai. We took public transit down  to Nanjing Road, a wide, public foot path that runs through a brightly-lit row of shops like Sephora and the Apple Store, alongside Chinese souvenir shops, clothing stores, restaurants, and various other options for amusement. The footpath was flooded with tons of domestic and international tourists, individual street entertainers, and large public karaoke and dance performances. It was like Times Square times ten in size and in its hyperstimulation. We then walked down to the crowded Shanghai Bund, or its long, modern, and beautiful skyline with many colonial-era buildings as well. It was such a unique experience, but I feel comforted to know the city I will be living in will not be as overwhelming.

A final absurd highlight was today when two Chinese women were very excited to see me in the elevator and asked to take a picture with me. I had heard this happens to many white, especially blond-haired individuals, but I never thought of myself as particularly special looking.

I should probably also say that the past two days have been cramped with meeting my coworkers and sitting in workshops meant to prepare me to teach here. I have a few concerns but I am resourceful, strong, and hardworking so I know I will excel. Besides, everyone here has been incredibly welcoming, so I know I will receive a lot of support.

Tomorrow I take a flight out to Shunde (pronounced Shun-duh). I cannot wait to see my campus and my apartment!