Curacao (Jan.2013)

Enjoyed the wonderful Dutch Island of Curacao in South America.

The first day of the trip was a struggle as I was dealing with a head cold. However, as the days went by I began to feel more and more like 100%. Beautiful skies, land, water and people...what a great combination for a vacation. Losing track of time was welcomed as night turned to day and day to night. I said good bye to social media and the outside world and  just enjoyed the adventure of No Worries and RELAXATION.

Another Tracy's Travel Tale...Much Love!

Good-bye China and a brief hello to S. Korea

(I'm coming home...I'm coming home...Tell the world I am coming home.)

My final weeks in China (Weeks 7-11)

Disclaimer: I am having technical difficulties posting my blogs, pictures, and videos. When I arrive back in the states, I will update my blog with all my pictures and videos. Technical difficulties are expected, when being in a country that has limits on access and viewable internet sites.

The entire month of March, I have been continuing life like a Chinese citizen. Overall, life here is ok since things here seem more simple, but inconvenient all at the same time.  For example: Electricity here is pre-paid and is loaded on electric cards. This allows consumers to have control over the amount of energy used by the amount of money placed on the card. Once the card is loaded, then the next step is to go home and put the card in the electric meter which is located in the hallway outside of the apartment units. It’s always best to reload your card when you ‘guess-timate’ that your electricity is running low. With that said, not being proactive will cause the electricity will go out and you will surely find yourself literally in the dark. The inconvenient part is that the power company’s office is closes at 5pm during the week and is closed completely on the weekends, so if the electricity goes out during an inaccurate guess then you have to wait until business hours during work week to take your electric card so the power company can reloaded with the any monetary amount you think is necessary to keep your electric going.  SIDE NOTE: $200 RMB ($30 USD) will last about 3months if you practice being energy efficient. Now, that’s amazing!

China has the best karaoke ever, which is called KTV. KTV is a high tech luxury karaoke venue with sound proof private rooms. Groups can rent out plush private rooms, order food, and karaoke using microphones and several 50 inch TVs. I had an opportunity to experience KTV when one of the teacher’s that Kellie works with had a going away gathering after ending his employment contract. I must say it was great time for us all.

A few days ago, I received a job offer from the company Kellie’s works with. I was quite flattered by the offer as it was definitely something to consider being that I am currently unemployed.  I will not rush any of my decisions, as I am continuing on my journey for as long as it takes me. However, it‘s always great to have options. 

Last week, I flooded Kellie’s apartment and a portion of the outside hallway while washing clothes. I guess I got to confident in my washing abilities and I became relaxed. I was doing fine until I got to the last load of clothes. On the last load, I forgot to turn off the water to the machine and when I realized it water was on the bathroom, living room, partial bedroom, foyer, and outside in the hallway floors of Kellie’s apartment. I just stood in shock for a couple minutes and then I came up with a game plan which took me about 2 ½ hours to complete.  Upon completion, I was absolutely weary and extremely apologetic when Kellie arrived home from work, to finally dry floors.  

On the morning of March 18^th we had a Snow Day! We were told that the weather would turn by early to mid March but it looks like we are having an extended winter here in China. However, on the morning of March 18^th there was snow covering the grounds. We had gotten about 1 to 2 inches of snow. I could not believe it since the entire time since I have been here it has not snowed and not even on the high winds and coldest of days. I can’t stress how much I miss warm weather.  My Georgia warm weather…I can’t wait to experience you.

What’s next for me?

I’m not sure yet…what’s next for me, but that’s the beauty of allowing flow to take over on the journey. However, what I do know is my travel day back to the states is coming up this weekend and I am mentally trying to prepare myself for the trip.

(In my singing voice:)   “I’m coming home…I’m coming home… tell the world, I’m coming home…”

SIDE NOTE: Trying to decide on where to go for my next adventure. Maybe, I will go somewhere for a brief stay, but definitely somewhere tropical or at least 70-80 degree weather.

Thanks for reading along during my journey. 

Take care and many blessings!

Week 4-6: Living daily life like a Chinese citizen...

Since I have been back from Sanya, I have been living daily life like the average Chinese citizen. The weather has been extremely cold for me, so venturing outside has been a dreadful task. So it’s easy for me to admit, I procrastinate every time I have to leave the apartment. On a positive note, I am becoming use to walking all the time, taking taxis and public transportation. Interestingly, I have not missed driving. Well, I never really liked driving anyway, so not driving isn’t such a bad notion. At least, I know if sun is shining, I have an opportunity to get my vitamin D. In these last couple of weeks, not much has happen. However, I had several opportunities to take the public transportation and taxis without any assistance. I must say it’s a liberating experience to do this by myself. I have also noticed how safe it is here verses the states…people are more curious here than criminal. It’s so safe that the police don’t carry weapons.

Some stories in this life can’t be made up…you just have to experience them. Stories like being offered a job by a Chinese business, man who worked at the Tianjin Chamber of commerce. The offer came after having a delicious brunch with my friends at the Renaissance in TEDA. Just as we were leaving the hotel’s lounge and dining area to head home, a man came over and sat down. This man could not speak any English, so he had his driver get the hotel’s bar staff to help translate. It was difficult understanding, because the hotel staff spoke very little English, so it was safe to say not much was accomplished. What’s funny is all he wanted to know was if we would sing and our salary. It didn’t matter if we knew how to sing or if we knew the words. He said via translation, “the Chinese would not know the difference.” After realizing it would be better to have an English translator then he provided us with complimentary rooms at the Renaissance, and setup a meeting for the following day so we could have a professional translator present. Ultimately, nothing came of it because it difficult coordinating a meeting. I can help wonder the of the career possibilities in China. I need to get my wheels turning.

Over this past weekend, we went to Beijing. Some of Kellie’s friends she met while living here came in town and we went to hang out with them. It was fun eating delicious food, shopping and hanging with beautiful. By the way, a friend and former colleague of mine highly recommended a restaurant called The Brown Door. The food was absolutely amazing. We all raved about and can't wait to eat there again.

SIDE NOTE: It is so crowded in China that I unquestionably need a break from the crowds. It’s funny how prior to coming here… I originally had an idea in my head how this journey would turn out. Honestly, the journey so far is from what I expected. I thought that I would burst with creativity and my pad and pencil would jump out of my hand from writing so much poetry. However, it is far from the truth, I feel a tad empty in the creativity department. I haven’t written anything other updating my blog. I am thankful for the opportunity to experience China in this capacity. Seven weeks in, and I have learned a lot more about myself. Five more weeks and I will be home.

Week 3- Sanya, on an island in South China

 

I went to a shopping mall a couple days before going on my trip to Sanya which is on an Island in China, and I went into this store and tried on a few clothes. Granted, I wear a medium size in the states, but I had to pick up the largest size they carried. Everything in the store was for smaller body figures. The store clerks seemed so fascinated with me and began to play dress up. Every time, I tried something on they would bring me something else to put on. They were gesturing with their hands referring to my curves. It was truly a different experience. One young lady touched my hair and said, “Oh, ohhh… I love your hair”, and in the same breath she touches her hair and mentioned, “I can’t do anything…my hair too straight”.

The day we were to fly to Sanya we had a car pick us up to take us to the Tianjin airport. When we walked through airport security, I quickly realized that security is not as strict as the US’ when it comes to domestic flights. We went through security and didn’t have to take our shoes off or remove liquid items from our bags. I even once walked through the security check  and the person at the scanner was asleep.  Upon arrival we were on display again with people looking at us. I have caught several people taking pictures of me without my permission. For example, this man was trying to discretely take my photo without my knowledge, but I caught him in the act so I began to smile and wave towards the camera, but he didn’t notice until after he reviewed his pictures on his camera. He then looked at me and smiled and waved back. So I figured, I would take a photo of him and provide him with a smile and a head nod afterwards. After waiting for a while, we realized that our plane was delayed. Even though, it had not arrived people were standing in line to get on the plane as if it was time to board. When the plane finally arrived, we began to board and people were practically running to get on the plane.  Even after the big rush, once getting on we were still delayed and had to sit on the plane. When we finally took flight an elderly Chinese man began to argue the flight attendant. I was amazed that he was able to get away with that while in flight without any repercussion. Then midway through the flight someone began to smoke.(WOW) Everything is truly different here.

When we arrived at the Sanya airport and we were waiting on our bags, a man who was on the plane with us began urinating in the corner at baggage claim.  I guess he couldn’t wait to find a restroom. By the way, since I have been here I have noticed the hygiene practices are far different from the states people cough/sneeze without covering their mouths. They spit anywhere… inside, outside, where ever they choose.  Wearing a face mask is very necessary and common practice here. I’m noticing a trend, that sanitation here is not high on the priority list in this country. 

While on the island, we went to the beach several times, Yanoda Rainforest, and Hot Springs. Hot Springs was particularly interesting as it had a Fish Therapeutic Spring, where I sat in extremely hot water for 15 minutes, so the pores can open. Then I had to step out of the hot water to immerse my body in a pool of fish that suck the dead skin off of my body. It definitely, takes some time to get use to.

Everywhere we went, we were definitely on exhibit as if we were a part of the main tourism attractions. Being stared at in this manner takes tough skin. I know some of the people of this country maybe use to seeing foreigners but it’s truly different when your skin looks brown like mine. People have been snapping pictures and video tapping us. I have been going through several phases during this journey.
****The phases are as follows:
I notice them looking and I give a friendly smile phase, then I have the completely ignore them when they look phase, then I have gotten completely frustrated because they are looking at me phase, then I went to the…if you stare at me I will stare back at you phase, and I finally went to… ok if I notice you taking my picture, I will smile phase.(SIGH…as I shake my head).

Even though, I don’t welcome the attention, however, I do encourage foreigners of darker complexions to travel to places like China so the people can get use to seeing the worlds diversity.

 

ON A PERSONAL NOTE: (I corresponded with a friend, who is a seasoned traveler, with the following message:) 

“I just returned from Sanya Island yesterday, and it was a pretty interesting trip.

I'm getting totally personal right now, so here goes....

The strangest feeling came over me while I was in Sanya...I felt a combination of homesick and lonely. At the time, I didn't know what to do with the feelings. I believe what triggered it was constantly being starred at by the natives on the island, and having my picture taken without my knowledge, however, some I agreed to because I was politely asked. I truly felt like I was on display. It almost seems like every where in China is over crowded with people. I found more peace when I went inland to the rainforest, where I could see nature and my feelings seemed more balanced.
 
The most interesting part is, I rarely feel lonely or homesick. That was a new one for me. As long as, I can adapt and feel comfortable, I don't get homesick. What's also interesting is that had so many people around me... including my two friends, but I still felt the lonely feeling.

I’m experiencing some different and unexpected things on this journey.”

I figured I would share on this blog the truth about what I am feeling while I’m on this journey, and by the way my friend provided me with the best possible insight. Thank God for great listeners.

SIDE NOTE: Babies wear the seat of their pants cut out without diapers here…. It is truly interesting to see. I guess it’s a form potty training.    

Week 2 China

Happy Chinese New Year!!! This is the first time, I have ever experienced the New Year twice in one year in two separate countries.

The Chinese Spring Festival is January 22-28. The last day of the year is Jan. 22 and the Chinese New Year is Jan. 23 rd. This is the time when the people of China rest for 7 days and majority of the businesses close. The festival consists of the Lion/dragon dance, cosmic dialogue, and family celebrations.  It's not even the New Year yet and the people have been celebrating every since I arrived on the 16^th. All day and all night…fireworks are going off. It sounds like a mass production of canons being fired. I was told that it will become more frequent once the festival begins, because people across the country will fire off firecrackers when the first person in the family leaves the house each day, to ward off the bad spirits.

-Week two started (Jan. 23^rd), when Kellie and I began our journey back to Beijing to pick up our friend Jimele from the airport. We took the bullet train to Beijing and the express train to the airport. Our timing was perfect because we only waited 20 minutes before Jimele walked through the customs exit doors. We gave her a warm hearty greeting and began our journey through the Beijing transit systems. To make good use of our time, we stayed in Beijing a couple days to do some sightseeing. We stayed at the Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel which was absolutely beautiful inside and out. The next morning on Jan.24^th, we went on an 8 hour tour where we visited The Ming Tombs, we ate at a traditional Chinese Restaurant, and went to The Great Wall. That day the winds were so high and it was so cold, that my fingers and toes were at the point of hurting. I believe I was on the verge of getting frost bite. I had the opportunity to ride  a cable car up the Great Wall and the view was absolutely amazing. After, seeing different areas of the Great Wall, took the Tabagon car, in which I had a long slide down the side of the mountainside.  On Jan. 25^th, we took it upon ourselves to sight see without a tour guide. We went to the Silk Market and The Temple of Heaven. After we finished, our day we caught a bullet train back to Tangau/ Tainjin City.  The rest of the week we rested and listened to the constant ongoing sounds of fireworks going off throughout the city.

Week 1 in China

I didn’t know what to expect when I began my travel day to China. The only thing that was on mind, knowing I had to exercise patience. My journey began on Jan. 13^th, when I had a 3 & 1/2 hour drive to Atlanta so I could catch my flight the next morning. When the morning the 14^th came, I was very excited but a little nervous. That day, I flew from Atlanta to Chicago, Chicago to S. Korea, and S. Korea to Beijing. Once I arrived in Beijing, my journey did not end there. I stayed the night in Beijing, and before going to bed I went to a local restaurant called Helen’s and it was filled with foreigners (people from all over the world). I was somewhat surprised.  The entire time I was there, only American music was being played. I was beginning to feel disappointed, because I felt like my entire experience would consist of everything being catered towards foreigners. I tried to keep an open mind that night and I hoped that the rest of my trip will be different. The next day, I had to catch the fast train to Tangu which is only an hour by train but 3 hours by car. Prior to catching my train, I went to a Chinese restaurant and the Russian Shopping Market. On the way, back from the Russian Market we (Kellie, Tawanda, and I) got caught up in the subway system for hours due rush hour traffic and so many Chinese citizens taking the subways home from work. Oh my goodness, it was so many people, I could not believe my eyes. We were underground in the subway system majority of the day. It was exhausting and on top of that we missed our bullet (fast) train to Tangu. By this point, I felt my patience leaving because I had been traveling since the 13^th and it is now the 16^th and I had not made it to my final destination. Since we missed the bullet train, we had to exchange our tickets for Tianjin city because the last bullet train to Tangu was the train we missed. So we took the 30 minute bullet train to Tianjin City instead, and then we took a taxi to Kellie’s apartment….which was my final destination for the next few months. Whew…I can now breathe. On the morning of the 17^th, Kellie went to work and I slept all day without eating. I was terribly tired. On the 18^th, I went to Kellie’s job to observe, it took us 2 buses to get there. It was so crowded on the buses that it is truly a safety hazard. After Kellie got off work, we went to TESCO, which is a Chinese grocery store. It was huge and it had several levels. It was jammed packed with people. It took a couple of hours just to get everything we needed. I definitely don’t want to go there anymore. I am ok with going to a local side store. The next day, the 19^th, I didn’t want to stay inside so I went to Kellie’s job again. While was there, I read a book for awhile and I observed some as well. Every day, so far has been extremely cold and foggy. I have not seen the Sun, the moon, or stars since I been here. It’s gloomy and sad. I also notice, I have not seen any houses either. It looks like majority of the people live in apartments. I found out from one of the Chinese college students who spoke English that only the farmers and extremely wealthy own land and houses but the common people could not because China has a 1.4 billion people and Tianjin city has 14 million people alone. He said there was not enough land for the amount of people. This is also why the one child per family is in affect.

Side Note: Many of the Chinese people in Tangu & Tianjin City are looking at me strangely. Long glaring stares, with quick turn aways when I notice them looking.  Also some people are very pushy and rude when traveling the transit systems. Sometimes, it’s difficult to catch a cab because some cab drivers don’t like driving foreigners in their cars. I’m not sure why this is, but it may be due to the language barriers. A few days in, and I think I have bitten off more than I can chew. At this point, I am just going to chew slowly and digest this experience. I’m not worried… because I definitely know I will adapt. … One day at a time….One day at a time.