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.