This weekend came and went SO quickly! We didn't really do much. Saturday evening we went to a BBQ at a friend's home. Yummy burgers and veggies, and interesting conversation. Some of it was quite heavy, discussing the political situations in America and South Africa. But interesting nonetheless!
My little sister turned 22 over the weekend. Happy birthday, Bec!
Other news? Our tickets are bought, and the hostel is reserved; Beijing, here we come! Now we just have a little over a week to teach and wait. I suppose we can do that.
The weather is becoming much nicer. It's cooler, with a nice breeze. I can wear jeans now without being TOO uncomfortably hot. I'm hoping I can even wear a fleece in Beijing, since it's quite a bit north of here. I think I'm getting into that fall/winter holiday funk I fall into each year. I've got a craving for Woodland Mall. I love walking around the mall by myself around this time of year. I got into the habit when Matthew and I worked different schedules and only had one car. If I didn't feel like sitting at home for the evening, he would drop me off there. I would try on the pretty dresses at JC Penney, see a movie at Cinemark, walk laps around the mall, sit down with a new magazine and a salad from that yummy salad place. It was my "thing". It's so odd; I'm not missing THINGS so much now... it's more that I'm missing experiences. We won't be making our annual trip to Frankenmuth with Matthew's parents this October. We won't go apple picking together... we won't go to Battle Creek when it snows. I could get stuck on this, but...
Who knows what we WILL do! What is Fuyang like in the fall? The winter? What will people wear? Eat? Do? Will it snow? Sometimes it does. Last winter it didn't at all; but the winter before, there was a big snow. The whole city was at a stand-still. I would LOVE that! Michigan is trained. If the clouds dump on us, we push it out of the way and keep going. I would love for the world around me to actually pause; for people to look at the snow and go "Aw, crap. I guess we'll just wait." Here's to hoping!
This week not much is on the agenda. We are going to dinner with the Fuyangren (fuyang people)tonight for Larissa's birthday. I'm sure it will be a good time!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Construction, Construction, Everywhere!
Fuyang is growing... very quickly. The main road between Hangzhou and Fuyang has been torn up since we arrived, but now it's really bad. Even busses are finding ways around it.
Our apartment has overlooked new construction the whole time, too. There are buildings upon buildings of beautiful new apartments being constructed. We are pretty much on the outer edge of the "city" of Fuyang, so there were fields and such there before. Now, there are buildings. We've watched new solar water heaters being installed on the roofs (I have a desire to type ROOVES!), landscaping being planted, new guard shacks and gates being put in. It really is amazing to see. They are also building a road right next to our building that gives us a direct route to the Da Run Fa, our salvation/supermarket. We won't need to walk down the creepy-yet-endearing alley road anymore! I think the road should be finished in a month or so. That gives us three months of good use out of it.
There are also plans in progress for a train from Hangzhou to Fuyang. Oh, my, GOSH. I would LOVE to be here when that was here! Hangzhou is so close... a 45 minute drive by private car. But taking a hot, bumpy, smelly public bus takes `1 1/2 hours (sometimes 2!) and it makes it frustrating. Hop on a train and be there in 20 minutes? Wow. We'd blow ALL our money at the movie theater and Carrefour!
It's wierd. The friends we've made here all have different goals and plans for their lives. Some plan on staying in Fuyang forever. Some plan on traveling through China and living in different places. None of them have a date set to return home besides us. It definitely makes me feel a little out of place. We've had this wonderful experience, but it's very likely that once we leave in January, we will never see Fuyang again. We won't see the city grow. We won't see the new schools being built, or the train coming in.
Fuyang is a silly, wierd little city. We've had our share of frustrations... but it's home. Sure, maybe not as "home" as Grand Rapids, but I feel a connection with this city. I couldn't ever be one of those people who will stay here forever. I miss blue sky. I miss family. I miss Target. I miss Michigan weather. The list goes on. But what will I be saying in a year? "I miss Fuyang. I miss the Music House. I miss my friends. I miss the smell of BBQ on the street. I miss the Chinese songs I love so much".
Yeah, this post is a little bittersweet. But hey, sometimes you need that. Today is 9/15. On 1/20, our contract ends. That means, that in a week, the countdown will be "three months and some-odd-days". Jeesh.
Our apartment has overlooked new construction the whole time, too. There are buildings upon buildings of beautiful new apartments being constructed. We are pretty much on the outer edge of the "city" of Fuyang, so there were fields and such there before. Now, there are buildings. We've watched new solar water heaters being installed on the roofs (I have a desire to type ROOVES!), landscaping being planted, new guard shacks and gates being put in. It really is amazing to see. They are also building a road right next to our building that gives us a direct route to the Da Run Fa, our salvation/supermarket. We won't need to walk down the creepy-yet-endearing alley road anymore! I think the road should be finished in a month or so. That gives us three months of good use out of it.
There are also plans in progress for a train from Hangzhou to Fuyang. Oh, my, GOSH. I would LOVE to be here when that was here! Hangzhou is so close... a 45 minute drive by private car. But taking a hot, bumpy, smelly public bus takes `1 1/2 hours (sometimes 2!) and it makes it frustrating. Hop on a train and be there in 20 minutes? Wow. We'd blow ALL our money at the movie theater and Carrefour!
It's wierd. The friends we've made here all have different goals and plans for their lives. Some plan on staying in Fuyang forever. Some plan on traveling through China and living in different places. None of them have a date set to return home besides us. It definitely makes me feel a little out of place. We've had this wonderful experience, but it's very likely that once we leave in January, we will never see Fuyang again. We won't see the city grow. We won't see the new schools being built, or the train coming in.
Fuyang is a silly, wierd little city. We've had our share of frustrations... but it's home. Sure, maybe not as "home" as Grand Rapids, but I feel a connection with this city. I couldn't ever be one of those people who will stay here forever. I miss blue sky. I miss family. I miss Target. I miss Michigan weather. The list goes on. But what will I be saying in a year? "I miss Fuyang. I miss the Music House. I miss my friends. I miss the smell of BBQ on the street. I miss the Chinese songs I love so much".
Yeah, this post is a little bittersweet. But hey, sometimes you need that. Today is 9/15. On 1/20, our contract ends. That means, that in a week, the countdown will be "three months and some-odd-days". Jeesh.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Beijing, anyone?
Does anyone read this anymore? I think we may have killed the blog by being blocked for so long. But hey, what can ya do?
We might be traveling to Beijing in October! We're trying to get the trip figured out (which mainly means, how can we do it dirt cheap?). We'd be going with our two good friends here, Jarvis and Larissa. A couples' trip to Beijing definitely sounds like fun to me. We'd take an overnight sleeper train round trip, and stay in hostels in the city. Visit all the tourist traps... the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, all that. Oh, and definitely eat us some Peking duck! We'll see. It's in the beginning stages. And traveling during the October holiday (Oct 1-7th) is a NIGHTMARE in China. Pretty much everyone gets the week off. That's a lot of people. So streets, trains, taxis, planes, busses... they are all packed (even more than Chinese stuff usually is). It'd be an experience, huh?
In other news, we recieved a care package today from family. I've never been so happy to see dryer sheets, deoderant, american gum, and KRAFT MAC & CHEESE!
Yeah, we've already torn into our Razzles. Thank you, McDonalds and Shaheens. You've sent smiles all the way across the world :)
We might be traveling to Beijing in October! We're trying to get the trip figured out (which mainly means, how can we do it dirt cheap?). We'd be going with our two good friends here, Jarvis and Larissa. A couples' trip to Beijing definitely sounds like fun to me. We'd take an overnight sleeper train round trip, and stay in hostels in the city. Visit all the tourist traps... the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, all that. Oh, and definitely eat us some Peking duck! We'll see. It's in the beginning stages. And traveling during the October holiday (Oct 1-7th) is a NIGHTMARE in China. Pretty much everyone gets the week off. That's a lot of people. So streets, trains, taxis, planes, busses... they are all packed (even more than Chinese stuff usually is). It'd be an experience, huh?
In other news, we recieved a care package today from family. I've never been so happy to see dryer sheets, deoderant, american gum, and KRAFT MAC & CHEESE!
Yeah, we've already torn into our Razzles. Thank you, McDonalds and Shaheens. You've sent smiles all the way across the world :)
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Things I Love about China
So... I seem to rant a lot about what I DON'T like about China... either here, or in emails. Really, I do love it! So I'm taking today's post to think on the things that I love about this great country.
1. The people are so friendly.
-People in the U.S. are rude. Really - if you bump into someone at home, you get a dirty look. Here, sometimes they don't even turn around. Also, people are so accomodating. We don't speak the language, but they are patient and kind with us.
2. The food is amazing.
-I'm not talking about our cafeteria stuff. I'm talking restaurant food. Or, better yet, HOMEMADE Chinese food. The couple here that own the Music House had several of us over for dinner one night. The food was honestly some of the best food I've had in China. Vegetables here are amazing. I even like tofu here!
3. Friends.
-We've made some great friends here, both Chinese and foreign. It's amazing to be in a place where there's such a melting pot of people to spend time with. Chinese, American, English, South African, Canadian, German, Phillipino, Czech, Korean, among others. It certainly makes evenings interesting!
4. The language.
-Honestly, I still only know enough words to fill up my fingers (and maybe toes... if I stretched). So... I don't SPEAK the language, but I love listening to it! I had stereotypes about what Chinese sounded like. When you are surrounded by it day in and day out though, you realize it really is a beautiful language. If it's spoken softly, it's very melodic and flowy. Of course, any language turns ugly if it's spoken harshly or loudly (which many do here).
5. Our apartment.
-It's tiny. Probably about the same size as our studio was in Kentwood; but it's home. The water heater always work, the stove works, we don't have bugs, there's not much noise... and it's just so darn cozy. I was surprised by how much I was looking forward to being back in my "home" towards the end of our vacation.
6. The nature.
-There isn't much in Fuyang, besides a few really pretty parks. Once you drive out, though, the hills and mountains are stunning.
7. Hangzhou.
-I've fallen in love with this city. There is SO much history here. The West Lake is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen when the lotus flowers are blooming. There is beautiful stone work, willows around the lake, flowers, bamboo, Chinese architecture...*sigh of contentment*. Plus, I love the shopping, the movie theater, the restaurants, the bamboo forests. No wonder it's often considered one of the most beautiful cities in China.
8. I love myself... here.
-I'm freer here. I don't have to plan ahead, don't have to stress about school and work. I'm able to kick back and relax. Matthew and I can spend more time together. I can spend time with friends, or with the girls. I'm healthier... despite the ever-present cloud of smog. I'm more confident, which tends to happen when you become used to people watching every move you make. I'm realizing that life is so much more than growing old, working, having a home. I'm free to dream here.
9. I've gained a strong respect for the Asian culture.
-Yes, China is crowded. It's got a funky government, crazy cities... but somehow it works. They make jobs for their masses. All of the stores are ridiculously overstaffed, with a person in almost every isle just waiting to asist you. At McDonalds, people wait in the corner to come clear off your tray when you leave. The "lawnmowers" at our school are 7 middle-aged women who go out on the field with a stool to sit on and a basket for the grass. They pick at the grass all morning long. Sounds ridiculous; "just buy a mower", you might think. But then what would those 7 people do for a living? There isn't such an emphasis on "cutting corners". People need to work, so why not create the jobs? People can actually make a living off of a tiny storefront selling only ice cream bars, or a little cart selling ramen noodles and veggies to mix in. People adore their families. They see the importance of activity; every night parks are filled with free dance lessons. Every morning, people gather for Tai Chi. Public transport is amazing. You can pretty much go anywhere in the country you want by bus or train. Taxis are cheap. The list could go on and on!
10. The children are amazing.
-I LOVE teaching these kids. I don't always love TEACHING, because the content I'm giving is sometimes lacking; but I love the kids. They are so happy and bright. They are curious and (for the most part) well behaved. They are content to run around outside during their break time, or to play rock-paper-scissors. They don't seem to be consumed by TV, video games (although they do love them!), barbies, etc. They love exercise; they like aerobics and dancing.
So there it is... 10 things I love about China.
Matthew and I have both finished our classes for the day. We're sticking around awhile to do some internet stuff, then going home. One of two things is gonna happen tonight... either Matthew will go to Boy's Poker Night, or we're going to hang out with the neighbors. Nothing too crazy for us... we're feeling so tired and lazy this week!
1. The people are so friendly.
-People in the U.S. are rude. Really - if you bump into someone at home, you get a dirty look. Here, sometimes they don't even turn around. Also, people are so accomodating. We don't speak the language, but they are patient and kind with us.
2. The food is amazing.
-I'm not talking about our cafeteria stuff. I'm talking restaurant food. Or, better yet, HOMEMADE Chinese food. The couple here that own the Music House had several of us over for dinner one night. The food was honestly some of the best food I've had in China. Vegetables here are amazing. I even like tofu here!
3. Friends.
-We've made some great friends here, both Chinese and foreign. It's amazing to be in a place where there's such a melting pot of people to spend time with. Chinese, American, English, South African, Canadian, German, Phillipino, Czech, Korean, among others. It certainly makes evenings interesting!
4. The language.
-Honestly, I still only know enough words to fill up my fingers (and maybe toes... if I stretched). So... I don't SPEAK the language, but I love listening to it! I had stereotypes about what Chinese sounded like. When you are surrounded by it day in and day out though, you realize it really is a beautiful language. If it's spoken softly, it's very melodic and flowy. Of course, any language turns ugly if it's spoken harshly or loudly (which many do here).
5. Our apartment.
-It's tiny. Probably about the same size as our studio was in Kentwood; but it's home. The water heater always work, the stove works, we don't have bugs, there's not much noise... and it's just so darn cozy. I was surprised by how much I was looking forward to being back in my "home" towards the end of our vacation.
6. The nature.
-There isn't much in Fuyang, besides a few really pretty parks. Once you drive out, though, the hills and mountains are stunning.
7. Hangzhou.
-I've fallen in love with this city. There is SO much history here. The West Lake is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen when the lotus flowers are blooming. There is beautiful stone work, willows around the lake, flowers, bamboo, Chinese architecture...*sigh of contentment*. Plus, I love the shopping, the movie theater, the restaurants, the bamboo forests. No wonder it's often considered one of the most beautiful cities in China.
8. I love myself... here.
-I'm freer here. I don't have to plan ahead, don't have to stress about school and work. I'm able to kick back and relax. Matthew and I can spend more time together. I can spend time with friends, or with the girls. I'm healthier... despite the ever-present cloud of smog. I'm more confident, which tends to happen when you become used to people watching every move you make. I'm realizing that life is so much more than growing old, working, having a home. I'm free to dream here.
9. I've gained a strong respect for the Asian culture.
-Yes, China is crowded. It's got a funky government, crazy cities... but somehow it works. They make jobs for their masses. All of the stores are ridiculously overstaffed, with a person in almost every isle just waiting to asist you. At McDonalds, people wait in the corner to come clear off your tray when you leave. The "lawnmowers" at our school are 7 middle-aged women who go out on the field with a stool to sit on and a basket for the grass. They pick at the grass all morning long. Sounds ridiculous; "just buy a mower", you might think. But then what would those 7 people do for a living? There isn't such an emphasis on "cutting corners". People need to work, so why not create the jobs? People can actually make a living off of a tiny storefront selling only ice cream bars, or a little cart selling ramen noodles and veggies to mix in. People adore their families. They see the importance of activity; every night parks are filled with free dance lessons. Every morning, people gather for Tai Chi. Public transport is amazing. You can pretty much go anywhere in the country you want by bus or train. Taxis are cheap. The list could go on and on!
10. The children are amazing.
-I LOVE teaching these kids. I don't always love TEACHING, because the content I'm giving is sometimes lacking; but I love the kids. They are so happy and bright. They are curious and (for the most part) well behaved. They are content to run around outside during their break time, or to play rock-paper-scissors. They don't seem to be consumed by TV, video games (although they do love them!), barbies, etc. They love exercise; they like aerobics and dancing.
So there it is... 10 things I love about China.
Matthew and I have both finished our classes for the day. We're sticking around awhile to do some internet stuff, then going home. One of two things is gonna happen tonight... either Matthew will go to Boy's Poker Night, or we're going to hang out with the neighbors. Nothing too crazy for us... we're feeling so tired and lazy this week!
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