Apologies for the prolonged absence. Not going to update as there is too much to right and I want to keep this short and sweet.
Today started off not so well. I did get to sleep in as I do not have class until 1. But as I was leaving my home, I had a TIC moment (this is china!!)...
As many of you know the pollution in Beijing is at a pretty much all time high. I no longer have visibility beyond a few hundred feet. The sky is no where in sight. And clouds? What's that? It's always fun trying to teach children about the weather. No one ever knows what to say when you ask "what's the weather like today?"
I looked out my window, as I do every morning to see another grey day. To my dismay, this grey was due to some sort of rain/snow/mist happening. This rain/snow/mist made the ground very wet this morning (obviously), but then the temperature dropped leaving a thin sheet of ice covering Beijing. Oh joy, oh rapture, as my mother would tell her students to say instead of a complaint. I shuffled my way to the bus missing two along the way as I didn't want to risk running and falling on my ass. When I made it to the bus stop my bus was pulling up. I got to the door just as the driver closed it. I turned around and a man yelled, "it stopped" as there was a red light a few feet away. So I once again walked to the bus door and banged on it. The bus attendant looked at me and shooed me away.
I gave up, and took a taxi, getting there before the bus. Hah!
I am currently working 6 days a week and required to be in the office at least 40 but will be working closer to 50 this week. I have a 3.5 hour class this morning and had to stay for another one at 5:45. But, luck was on my side and my class was cancelled. I was able to leave and come home earlier than expected. Won't have to be back again until 1 tomorrow but will have to stay until 8.
I'd love to post pictures of the pollution but I just can't be bothered. Just imagine a grey world of nothing. And it can't be compared to a cloudy day because at least you know it's going to rain. this is just dirt. And now that there is moisture, the dirt is raining/snowing on to us. Here's to hoping the pollution subsides and the ice melts.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Christmas in Beijing
I think I may have had one of the best Christmas' yet, but it was bitter sweet. I'll tell you how it went....
I woke up early on Christmas Eve to get a few things done. Got the key to my mothers friends house, did some grocery shopping, and got my nails done. I splurged and spent the $20 it costs to do my nails different with little snowmen and snowflakes hand drawn on. I love them. I also picked up Home Alone 1 and 2, New Years Eve, and a gift for Anna Vance--my best friends daughter. There was a specific CD to find and I originally bought the wrong one, but found the correct one which included a DVD. Bonus
Christmas Eve we all had to work until about 8pm, but everyone was in a very festive mood. One of my classes was canceled so I only had to teach the young boy, who again told me about his drinking. He said he got many presents for Christmas, and wants to go out and party on Christmas Eve. I think many Chinese use our holiday as an excuse to drink more as they do not actually celebrate the holiday. I taught him all about Christmas as he had no idea why it was celebrated. He got bored after the first 30 seconds. But he did compare our holiday to Chinese Spring Festival-- but they receive money in envelopes, I may convert to being Chinese.
After work we all (many of us. Charles, Khadijah, Allison and a few others did not come) to a bar in Sanlitun. Our Chinese co-workers convinced us to go for Christmas Eve drinks (an excuse for them to drink and celebrate our holiday), they were slightly confused when we told them that most people don't celebrate Christmas Eve by going to bars, they still don't understand what we actually do. In my household for instance, there is never any alcohol involved. Only forced into playing games by my wonderful mother, and told we will have fun whether we like it or not. (Some of these moments would be better tolerated with a nice glass of wine on hand... but then that would take the fun out of our all-so-serious, but necessary Christmas traditions.) After the bars, Sarah Michael and I went dancing for a bit and then to a Chuanr restaurant (I apologize I don't know how to spell Chuanr..) But basically it was a restaurant (or a room the size of a very small bathroom) where they cook meat and vegetables on a stick over a family. It's basically BBQ. It was absolutely amazing... I have always said that Xin Jiang Ren can make the best food. I made some friends who didn't speak a lick of English, and have proceeded to receive messages in Chinese as I gave out my number, that take my wonderful co-worker Lucy to translate for me. Google Translate is my best friend here-- and of course Lucy and Nina.
Michael, Sarah and I stayed the night at my mothers friends house as I wanted the use of an oven for breakfast. It is always a tradition in my household to make something called Skiiers French Toast. It's absolutely amazing. But, I couldn't find corn syrup. Later I found out that I could have used substitutes, but it was already too late. So I went with bacon, eggs, and blueberry muffins (that I burnt of course). I don't eat bacon or eggs here, so it was a treat, but not the same as in the States. I got a hat from Michael... which was ironic and wonderful because I realized I misplaced mine the night before, and now had a new one. Came home and Skyped with the family. That's a whole other story but it was very eventful and family-like. I got a tour of the house and my parents modeled for me. My dog was quite scared when she was forced to the computer screen by my sweet mother. She wasn't sure what was happening just looked terrified and wanted to go back to sleep.
Christmas night went to Khadijah's for dinner. I was supposed to be cooking, but ended up not cooking at all. I received kitchen clean-up duty. We had chicken, broccoli with cheese sauce, brussel sprouts with bacon and onion, mashed potatoes and gravy, lingon berry sauce from IKEA, and baked beans. It smelt amazing and tasted sooooo good. I want more already. After dinner we played the longest, but most fun game of charades ever. We laughed a lot and had a good time.
Overall, Christmas was very bitter-sweet. I missed my family very much and wished I was with them, especially to see it snowing on Christmas. But, we had a good time. I think this Christmas for me was more about appreciating my family and friends. Santa didn't come and I only got tea and a hat, but it was perfect because those were two things I wanted the most. I got what was essential, what I needed. This was my first Christmas without family, but they were with my in heart. And I know that my biological father and aunt were watching over me. I don't think I have been this happy in a long time. It's nice to have that feeling about Christmas. I like giving presents and that was my goal this year. To give everything I could, whether a hug or smile, 5 jiao to a beggar, candy, a candle, or a home made breakfast and a warm bed to sleep in (Sarah), Christmas is about being with people you love, and that was what I did.
I also have my family Christmas to look forward to. Five days till I go home and have Christmas on the first with my parents and brother. Can't wait to be home. Merry Christmas everyone.
I woke up early on Christmas Eve to get a few things done. Got the key to my mothers friends house, did some grocery shopping, and got my nails done. I splurged and spent the $20 it costs to do my nails different with little snowmen and snowflakes hand drawn on. I love them. I also picked up Home Alone 1 and 2, New Years Eve, and a gift for Anna Vance--my best friends daughter. There was a specific CD to find and I originally bought the wrong one, but found the correct one which included a DVD. Bonus
Christmas Eve we all had to work until about 8pm, but everyone was in a very festive mood. One of my classes was canceled so I only had to teach the young boy, who again told me about his drinking. He said he got many presents for Christmas, and wants to go out and party on Christmas Eve. I think many Chinese use our holiday as an excuse to drink more as they do not actually celebrate the holiday. I taught him all about Christmas as he had no idea why it was celebrated. He got bored after the first 30 seconds. But he did compare our holiday to Chinese Spring Festival-- but they receive money in envelopes, I may convert to being Chinese.
After work we all (many of us. Charles, Khadijah, Allison and a few others did not come) to a bar in Sanlitun. Our Chinese co-workers convinced us to go for Christmas Eve drinks (an excuse for them to drink and celebrate our holiday), they were slightly confused when we told them that most people don't celebrate Christmas Eve by going to bars, they still don't understand what we actually do. In my household for instance, there is never any alcohol involved. Only forced into playing games by my wonderful mother, and told we will have fun whether we like it or not. (Some of these moments would be better tolerated with a nice glass of wine on hand... but then that would take the fun out of our all-so-serious, but necessary Christmas traditions.) After the bars, Sarah Michael and I went dancing for a bit and then to a Chuanr restaurant (I apologize I don't know how to spell Chuanr..) But basically it was a restaurant (or a room the size of a very small bathroom) where they cook meat and vegetables on a stick over a family. It's basically BBQ. It was absolutely amazing... I have always said that Xin Jiang Ren can make the best food. I made some friends who didn't speak a lick of English, and have proceeded to receive messages in Chinese as I gave out my number, that take my wonderful co-worker Lucy to translate for me. Google Translate is my best friend here-- and of course Lucy and Nina.
Michael, Sarah and I stayed the night at my mothers friends house as I wanted the use of an oven for breakfast. It is always a tradition in my household to make something called Skiiers French Toast. It's absolutely amazing. But, I couldn't find corn syrup. Later I found out that I could have used substitutes, but it was already too late. So I went with bacon, eggs, and blueberry muffins (that I burnt of course). I don't eat bacon or eggs here, so it was a treat, but not the same as in the States. I got a hat from Michael... which was ironic and wonderful because I realized I misplaced mine the night before, and now had a new one. Came home and Skyped with the family. That's a whole other story but it was very eventful and family-like. I got a tour of the house and my parents modeled for me. My dog was quite scared when she was forced to the computer screen by my sweet mother. She wasn't sure what was happening just looked terrified and wanted to go back to sleep.
Christmas night went to Khadijah's for dinner. I was supposed to be cooking, but ended up not cooking at all. I received kitchen clean-up duty. We had chicken, broccoli with cheese sauce, brussel sprouts with bacon and onion, mashed potatoes and gravy, lingon berry sauce from IKEA, and baked beans. It smelt amazing and tasted sooooo good. I want more already. After dinner we played the longest, but most fun game of charades ever. We laughed a lot and had a good time.
Overall, Christmas was very bitter-sweet. I missed my family very much and wished I was with them, especially to see it snowing on Christmas. But, we had a good time. I think this Christmas for me was more about appreciating my family and friends. Santa didn't come and I only got tea and a hat, but it was perfect because those were two things I wanted the most. I got what was essential, what I needed. This was my first Christmas without family, but they were with my in heart. And I know that my biological father and aunt were watching over me. I don't think I have been this happy in a long time. It's nice to have that feeling about Christmas. I like giving presents and that was my goal this year. To give everything I could, whether a hug or smile, 5 jiao to a beggar, candy, a candle, or a home made breakfast and a warm bed to sleep in (Sarah), Christmas is about being with people you love, and that was what I did.
I also have my family Christmas to look forward to. Five days till I go home and have Christmas on the first with my parents and brother. Can't wait to be home. Merry Christmas everyone.
Michael, Allison, myself and Charles Christmas night.
Smugglers for Christmas Eve-- my coworkers
Sarah, and Michael Christmas morning
The Christmas dinner spread
Allison, Charles and Khadijah-- good food and good friends.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Christmas Shopping and Hong Qiao
Went on an adventure today.... First went to Yasho to pick up some more DVD's and little Chinese things my sister requested in her list of things... Then Michael and I took the bus to Subway line 5 and then took the subway to Tiantan where Hong Qiao Market is. Bought a bunch of Christmas presents for family and friends. Bought myself a painting as well. Thank you mom :) It was much easier bargaining and much cheaper there too. I bought a purse the other day at Yasho and they started at about 800 kuai... I got them down to 100... when I went to Hong Qiao and asked how much, they started at 100... when I walked away in disbelief they went even further down to 80... wish I had just waited to get the purse.
We were there for a few hours. Took a while to get there too. Went to find my mothers pearl lady Sandy, but she wasn't there and I didn't feel like bargaining with Sandy's employees... sorry mom. After shopping, we trekked our way back to the subway. I got off at the same stop we got off at to get there and hopped on the 701. an hour and twenty minutes later, I made it home. With traffic and the new snowfall that seems to be accumulating outside, it was quite a ride home. At one point so many people got on the bus, that I wasn't sure I'd be able to get off. But i managed to.
Got home, organized all of the presents so I know who they are all for. Wrapped ones for people here and now ready to watch a movie, the snow outside, and eat dinner. Doesn't feel like it's almost Christmas, but hoping it will be a good one. I think my Christmas will come when I go home in 11 days. YAY.
We were there for a few hours. Took a while to get there too. Went to find my mothers pearl lady Sandy, but she wasn't there and I didn't feel like bargaining with Sandy's employees... sorry mom. After shopping, we trekked our way back to the subway. I got off at the same stop we got off at to get there and hopped on the 701. an hour and twenty minutes later, I made it home. With traffic and the new snowfall that seems to be accumulating outside, it was quite a ride home. At one point so many people got on the bus, that I wasn't sure I'd be able to get off. But i managed to.
Got home, organized all of the presents so I know who they are all for. Wrapped ones for people here and now ready to watch a movie, the snow outside, and eat dinner. Doesn't feel like it's almost Christmas, but hoping it will be a good one. I think my Christmas will come when I go home in 11 days. YAY.
Outside Hong Qiao
Me and the giant pearl
My new painting
Monday, December 17, 2012
Beijing is home
Work was good this weekend. Long days and lots of children, but I do enjoy it. We had our Christmas party for the children Sunday night. It was fun. Slightly boring but I managed to keep myself entertained. Yesterday was a rather slow day at work. I had my 15 year old VIP who almost fell asleep, but managed to keep his eyes open. He actually laid his head down on the desk at one point and continued reading. I need to learn how to be more forceful with my discipline, I just don't want to scare him. Hopefully he will be better today.
Last night was a good night. I met up with ISB people for drinks after work. Katy Wang, Sally Wang, Ellen Siu, Elana Siu, Terrance Ho, Annastiina, and Peter Luk we all there. Plus some significant others, whose company was also enjoyed. But it was nice to catch up again. Terrance, Elana her s.o. Blair, and Annastiina and I went to 1001 Nights afterward. These are the moments that make me truly appreciate being here in Beijing. I love being able to see people that we went to school with and hearing about their lives now. I feel like each person I went to school with is like seeing family again after years. It doesn't matter what year we graduated or what group of people we hung out with we always have fun, and we always have plenty to talk about. So many different stories are thrown about the table and we are all so similar but so different in many ways. I love to be able to say that I can sit at a table and be the only American, and that every person there is from a different country. But, we all have our high school in common. It's not like schools in the states where we still see each other every day and know what we ate for dinner last night. We all have so many different exotic exciting stories to tell, places we've been, people we've seen, jokes we can make to entertain ourselves. The humor is usually endless, which was definitely the case last night. A good "that's what she said" joke never gets old. And it's a shared joke world wide. I am excited to go back and finish my masters, but like I told everyone last night, I think this is where I want to be when I am done.
Here's to many more nights shared with old friends and good laughs. They seem to be endless as people come in and out of my life, and return to reminisce about teachers and events we all heard about but were entertaining rumors. This is the chance we have to know each other as adults, as our own guide in this exciting enormous world. But at every point of the world, I have someone that I can say is a friend and much like family. It's hard to keep up with everyone that I know, but I do think about my ISB days always, and wouldn't change a second of it for any other life. I'm blessed to be able to call each of you my friend, whether we hung out often, or barely exchanged words, we always have our ISB family to come back to.
Sorry for the cheesy rant, but I am kind of a softy at times. Some of you may be saying BARF, but I'm proud to call you my friend whether you agree with what I say or not.
Last night was a good night. I met up with ISB people for drinks after work. Katy Wang, Sally Wang, Ellen Siu, Elana Siu, Terrance Ho, Annastiina, and Peter Luk we all there. Plus some significant others, whose company was also enjoyed. But it was nice to catch up again. Terrance, Elana her s.o. Blair, and Annastiina and I went to 1001 Nights afterward. These are the moments that make me truly appreciate being here in Beijing. I love being able to see people that we went to school with and hearing about their lives now. I feel like each person I went to school with is like seeing family again after years. It doesn't matter what year we graduated or what group of people we hung out with we always have fun, and we always have plenty to talk about. So many different stories are thrown about the table and we are all so similar but so different in many ways. I love to be able to say that I can sit at a table and be the only American, and that every person there is from a different country. But, we all have our high school in common. It's not like schools in the states where we still see each other every day and know what we ate for dinner last night. We all have so many different exotic exciting stories to tell, places we've been, people we've seen, jokes we can make to entertain ourselves. The humor is usually endless, which was definitely the case last night. A good "that's what she said" joke never gets old. And it's a shared joke world wide. I am excited to go back and finish my masters, but like I told everyone last night, I think this is where I want to be when I am done.
Here's to many more nights shared with old friends and good laughs. They seem to be endless as people come in and out of my life, and return to reminisce about teachers and events we all heard about but were entertaining rumors. This is the chance we have to know each other as adults, as our own guide in this exciting enormous world. But at every point of the world, I have someone that I can say is a friend and much like family. It's hard to keep up with everyone that I know, but I do think about my ISB days always, and wouldn't change a second of it for any other life. I'm blessed to be able to call each of you my friend, whether we hung out often, or barely exchanged words, we always have our ISB family to come back to.
Sorry for the cheesy rant, but I am kind of a softy at times. Some of you may be saying BARF, but I'm proud to call you my friend whether you agree with what I say or not.
Friday, December 14, 2012
winter wonderland
Today was nice and cold... not really nice. But cold. The snow was very pretty though despite the pollution and dirt in Beijing. I still enjoyed the snow. I didn't have any classes today, but got all my planning done for the weekend. Also, finished my essay for school. I'm hoping they will like it, I am scared to send it off. Bought a few groceries, basically just snacks and toilet paper.
I also tried to come up with more ideas for my Chinese New Year holiday. We have the 9th to the 16th off so i'd like to plan a trip somewhere. Money will be tight, but I could buy a last minute ticket. I was originally considering Shanghai because it's close, but I think I might save that for a three day weekend. Maybe sometime in the spring when it's warmer out. My Grandparents met there, so I want to try and go back to where they met. My mother has been and told me to go as well. So, I do plan to get there this year. But my next idea, which I am seriously considering, is Harbin. A co-worker, Allison is going, but staying with a friend of hers. But even if I went alone, I know it would be super cold, but I think it would be awesome.
Harbin is a place in the north of China that has a strong Russian influence. It is the main Russian exporter route to Dalian, so much of the architecture and scenery is like that of Russia. The buildings look very European. But, also the city is know for its ice sculptures and festival. I think to get a true one-time in my twenty's experience, I could take the over night train for about $30 to get there, stay in a youth hostel for $15 a night (for a nicer room of my own), and then $30 to get back over night. I think it would definitely be an eye-opening experience, and this may be the only time in my life I can go. I feel like Shanghai might be too much like Beijing, but I know there is a lot more culture in Harbin, and many things to see. It's also over my birthday so might be a nice gift to myself. Don't know if I can get anyone to go with me, but even if I went alone, I don't think I would mind. I just want a chance to see it before I leave here.
Gonna get to watching a movie before bed... only 17 more days before I leave for home. :)
I also tried to come up with more ideas for my Chinese New Year holiday. We have the 9th to the 16th off so i'd like to plan a trip somewhere. Money will be tight, but I could buy a last minute ticket. I was originally considering Shanghai because it's close, but I think I might save that for a three day weekend. Maybe sometime in the spring when it's warmer out. My Grandparents met there, so I want to try and go back to where they met. My mother has been and told me to go as well. So, I do plan to get there this year. But my next idea, which I am seriously considering, is Harbin. A co-worker, Allison is going, but staying with a friend of hers. But even if I went alone, I know it would be super cold, but I think it would be awesome.
Harbin is a place in the north of China that has a strong Russian influence. It is the main Russian exporter route to Dalian, so much of the architecture and scenery is like that of Russia. The buildings look very European. But, also the city is know for its ice sculptures and festival. I think to get a true one-time in my twenty's experience, I could take the over night train for about $30 to get there, stay in a youth hostel for $15 a night (for a nicer room of my own), and then $30 to get back over night. I think it would definitely be an eye-opening experience, and this may be the only time in my life I can go. I feel like Shanghai might be too much like Beijing, but I know there is a lot more culture in Harbin, and many things to see. It's also over my birthday so might be a nice gift to myself. Don't know if I can get anyone to go with me, but even if I went alone, I don't think I would mind. I just want a chance to see it before I leave here.
Gonna get to watching a movie before bed... only 17 more days before I leave for home. :)
Thursday, December 13, 2012
snooowwwww
I did forget to mention that I did spend my night, after shopping, cleaning my apartment. Got laundry done. Mopped all of the floors for the third time this week. And organized all the x-mas presents I can't even wrap until I get home in case my bags get searched. Don't want to have to wrap and rewrap if they are going to open them any way.
Here's to snow. My nice smelly candle. Christmas lights. A movie. And a fuzzy blanket.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....
Well, I guess not exactly. Being in China, away from family, in a country that does not celebrate the holiday. It doesn't really feel like Christmas, but we gotta make the best of it. Went and took my test this morning. I knew some answers right away and some I had to sit and think about. Treated myself to a Starbucks afterwards-- it's been about 3 weeks since I've had one, and I was drinking it every day for a while there.
Took the bus into San Li Tun and got my Christmas shopping done. Still have a few random things to get and have to figure out what to give to my secret santa at work, but I managed to get everyone else's presents. Was trying to avoid buying anything for myself, but I did buy a CD, a t-shirt, and a wiggly snowman head band thingy. Not really sure what to call it, but I plan on rocking it at the Christmas party the students, the party for the teachers, and Christmas night dinner. Along with my pin and matching earrings from my momma last year. And can't forget the Christmas socks. I saved a few of the things my mom sent last month so I have at least something new to say I got. But might just be my secret santa gift for my christmas this year, which won't even be on Christmas.
There are some super cute boots that I would like from a store here. If I have enough money by the end of the month with all Christmas shopping done, and enough money to take home, I may splurge and spend the $30 for them. They would cost probably about $200 in the states. We'll see though. I'd rather have more money to bring home.
Time to watch a movie, and upload my new music to my iPod. It's almost Christmas!!! But, even better, I'll be home in 18 days. SOOOOO excited!!! It will be a short trip, but well worth it.
Took the bus into San Li Tun and got my Christmas shopping done. Still have a few random things to get and have to figure out what to give to my secret santa at work, but I managed to get everyone else's presents. Was trying to avoid buying anything for myself, but I did buy a CD, a t-shirt, and a wiggly snowman head band thingy. Not really sure what to call it, but I plan on rocking it at the Christmas party the students, the party for the teachers, and Christmas night dinner. Along with my pin and matching earrings from my momma last year. And can't forget the Christmas socks. I saved a few of the things my mom sent last month so I have at least something new to say I got. But might just be my secret santa gift for my christmas this year, which won't even be on Christmas.
There are some super cute boots that I would like from a store here. If I have enough money by the end of the month with all Christmas shopping done, and enough money to take home, I may splurge and spend the $30 for them. They would cost probably about $200 in the states. We'll see though. I'd rather have more money to bring home.
Time to watch a movie, and upload my new music to my iPod. It's almost Christmas!!! But, even better, I'll be home in 18 days. SOOOOO excited!!! It will be a short trip, but well worth it.
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