It has only been three weeks (I use "only" a bit reluctantly) but I have already learned so much, so I figured I should share my knowledge with you all.
1. The one-child policy doesn't just exempt rural families. Lots of families, including most of my students', have several children. Some urban families, especially the more well-off who can support raising larger families, are opting to have multiple children even if that means paying hefty fines.
2. China is very single-girl-traveling-places-alone friendly. People stare A LOT (and sometimes it can feel a bit invasive) but for the most part, no one bothers with me. Besides, the people whose jaws do drop (literally!) when they see me, probably had minimal firsthand experience with a foreigner. Sometimes though, I want to walk down the street without random people yelling "hello!" until I stop ignoring them, look back, and reply with a "hello." Maybe it's the highlight of their day? I don't know. Apart from this nuisance, China is super safe and if you love traveling alone by foot to new places, this feels like the place to be.
3. Don't use a tea maker to make coffee because you are so desperate for caffeine. The boiling hot water from your new water steamer may shatter the thin glass of your tea maker and you will feel sorry for yourself as you clean up the resulting mess. Note: Luckily, I didn't get burned and I just bought a french press, it's all good. (I know, I know. I should have brought the one you gave me, Robina!)
4. This one's for those who think a teacher's job is a piece of cake. The past two weeks here have reminded me that a teacher's job is always so demanding. The demands just vary among different populations of students.
5. You need to learn Mandarin/Cantonese just for ordering food. Most small, family restaurants here don't have picture menus. But dear god, it feels like winning the lottery when you do come across one!
6. It's kind of annoying shopping at the mall here. A retail worker WILL follow you around, flash you different items, and insist you try the items on if you say you like them. It's very different etiquette than what I am used to. I just want to say "Yo, chill. I'll let you know if I need your assistance."
7. Chinese languages are hard to learn because the primary ones are tonal languages. This isn't new BUT I have discovered that I have an ear for Mandarin and can easily replicate the sounds. I think this is because I am constantly learning and relearning Urdu, took Spanish in high school, and learned to read Arabic as a kid. In short, if you had access to many languages already, Chinese isn't too bad to learn to speak. Reading and writing it, however, is a whole other ball game.
8. Yes, the exchange rate between the American dollar and the RMB is pretty sweet for the American traveler: 1 yuan equals $0.16. I was surprised to find out though, 1 yuan here has strong purchasing power. It's pretty great when I think of how cheap some items I buy are when I covert the prices to dollars in my head.
9. On a personal note: I learned I am not as patient as I thought. I have to spend a lot of time here with someone who I find INCREDIBLY dumb. Dumb AND socially inept! I am trying to be patient, but I can't hide how I feel about this person to this person's face. I am frustrated with myself on this one.
10. I like lists when I blog buuuut this list has reached its end.
Be well. I miss you, North Amreeka!
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