Olympic Park Earth Hour

I made it to Olympic Park for the first time... finally. My father was lucky enough to attend the Olympics in 2008 in Beijing, but I had not been back since 2007, so had yet to make it there. I have been here 6 months already but it is quite far from where I live, and it's been cold almost since I got here.

Tonight we had an event for our students called Earth Hour. It is celebrated around the world (but never heard of it while in the states). It's a moment when all lights and electricity is to be turned off for one hour. Now we weren't able to turn the Birds Nest off, but we had activities and games for the kids. I was in charge of painting the t-shirts... which was a giant cluster of people... and hello... paint doesn't dry that fast. It ended up being extremely cold and windy. Was only supposed to last 2 hours, but after an hour and a half we had maybe 20 students. Most of the people had already left it was so cold. My fingers and toes are still numb.

It was definitely a pleasurable experience and nice to see the kids all having fun together. Also, getting to meet and hang out with many of my colleagues I have never seen before. Not sure why I got myself into working until 830 at night when I have a class at 845 tomorrow morning... but oh well. I can now say that I have been to the Olympic Park and that I celebrate earth hour--- in a non-envrionmentally friendly way, unfortunately... toxic paint, lots of paper, lighting, etc doesn't make for a ecofriendly world... it was still an experience.

                                    

This was the 3rd shot of this picture... but it was so windy the shirt wouldn't hold still and neither would my freezing hand.

Reading...

So I have made it back to Beijing. Enjoyed my four days in Hong Kong... was able to breath clean air and enjoy the warm weather. Did some shopping, wandered around, dinner with old friends. It was nice to be away, but I didn't want to leave and now dislike Beijing even more and want to move to HK even more. I was sitting around a table reminiscing about BJ after 9 years of seeing my friends and the only things I could come up with about how Beijing has changed were all negative.... hmmmm. I do enjoy the international life and always having something new to do... but I'm over Beijing. Just six more months to go.

In the meantime... while on travels and in downtime I have been reading a new book. It was given to me by a friend as a birthday present. If you are a woman or just love a good read... you have to read this. It is called How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran.

Some may have heard of it already... if you come by a copy... check it out. Moran is a British author who I have been heard as the Tina Fey of England. I wanted to highlight my favorite passages in the book.

"You know, when it comes to sex, you really do have to remember men are blessedly forgiving creatures. They don't care what kind of knickers you're wearing. By the time you've taken your skirt off, you could be wearing Gregg's paper bag with holes torn in it, and it wouldn't put them off. THERE ARE MEN OUT THERE HAVING SEX WITH BICYCLES. Men don't remotely care if you're wearing sexy pants or not."

The next is at a wedding.. I was similarly lacklustre at Cathy and John's wedding, when Cathy's dad gave me a tour of their beautiful, all-white house, as I trailed behind, swigging red wine.
'And this is my favorite view,' Cathy's dad said, as we reached the master bedroom, and he strode over to the window. 'On a clear day, you can see right down the valley.'
Then a bat flew in through the window, and right into my face.
I don't know if you've ever had a bat fly into your face, but you don't have an enormous amount of time to work out your coping technique. You kind of...ride on instince. My instinct, it turned out, was to scream 'WHAT THE FUCKING?', and hurl my red wine right across the world's whitest room."

Love it.... yes it's crass and sometimes over the top... but hilarious... I actually busted out laughing on the plane a few times... that's all for now...

The weather

I think it is an appropriate time to introduce everyone to the wonderful world of weather here in Beijing.

I can't find any very descriptive words to explain the changes the city has seen in the last few days with respect to weather. But, I don't think my cold/body/lungs appreciate the changes in temperature, pollution, and psychotic wind episodes.

Hong Kong was very warm and I loved being there. It was absolutely amazing and the weather stayed around the 70s the whole time we were there. When coming back to Beijing I thought to expect the worst. I found the temperatures slightly mild, still cold, but not too bad. Then I got sick and feel like I have been locked up in my headcold/apartment for forever (it was only two days but my head was foggy for a few after that).

I woke up Monday morning hearing the sound of water on the road. Having lived in Bellingham/ PNW for so long, I have grown accustomed to waking up in the morning and being able to hear what the weather was like. Strange, I know. I realized this as I lay in my Beijing bed, hearing water on the road, hoping it was raining. I miss the sound of rain, I miss rain.

Anyway, I got up, open my curtains... and there it was, snowing.... I didn't realize it had been that cold. But guess it decided to snow. For a few hours, some of it stuck... some didn't. Anyway... snow. cold. Kind over it.... so there's the snow.

Tuesday, I wake up, walkout side and its warm. I dressed for snow mind you. By the time I get to my bus and get on, I have taken off my jacket, sweatshirt, hat, scarf, gloves, and ready to take off my work shirt, but figure I shouldn't completely strip on the bus in front of all the people that are already staring at me like I am an alien. (I do get stared at a lot, not only for being white and having blonde hair, but also because I am the only non-Chinese person on the bus... and I think also something to do with my skin... people talk about it a lot.)

Wednesday rolls around.. not sure what to expect at this point. Slept in late not worrying about the time. I get outside and it's even warmer. The sun is out. It's a nice day for once. I can tell spring is coming and being outside makes me happy for the first time in a while.

Now today... Thursday. I woke up this morning to strange buzzing sound. First I went to open the curtains to see what it looked like outside, and nothing out of the ordinary. I gray (maybe a slightly orange haze) hazy-looking day. I sit down at my computer and hear the buzzing again. So I walk to my window and look outside again and realize the wind is out of control. Trees look like they are about to fall down, people are holding on to hats, shit is flying around everywhere.... then it dawns on me.... It's almost March... which means time for our Gobi Desert storms..... oh joy oh rapture. The orange haze is due to the sand being blown into the city. The wind has picked up because the weather is getting warmer which means the sands will continue to fill the city causing for an even more enjoyable pollution/sand-filled/whathappenedtothesunblueskiesclouds city. I have grounded myself for the day. I refuse to venture into the orange world out my window. (yes the photo blow has been instagramed.. so no it is not that orange... but it helps add to the effect).

On a side note... I only have 6 and half months left. Everything has been settled to start Grad school September 16th (except financial aid which I should have no problem with, but won't find out until August.) I do appreciate and love my experiences here, and love the people I am around... but I think there are other cities around the world I could find the same experience... and still be able to hear the sound of rain, see the sun and clouds.. and blue skies. I'm happy to going back home. But still have a lot to do and learn while I am here.

Ice, ice baby

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.

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.

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.

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.

Outside Hong Qiao

Me and the giant pearl

My new painting

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.