Cold Showers, Sardines, Duck and Proof

So the past few days have been a "get to know each other" type of days.  Yesterday there was a new staff dinner, and a few other things going on...nothing really to "write home about."  Today, the new staff went downtown to get phones, see Tianenman Square and have dinner.

So today, I did go into the office to work on my boss's knee, as he had surgery before the summer holidays.  After working with him for about 45 minutes, it was time for me to meet up with the rest of the new staff.  Because I live away from everyone else, and close to the school, we have to be creative when trying to get me with the group.  This morning I had a driver take me to a meeting place.  Granted , I did miss the brunch, but Hunter was kind enough to bring some nibbles for me and another couple that aren't staying with the other newbies as well.  While waiting for the big group to get there, I found a Dominoes Pizza, Baskin Robbins, Mrs. Fields and of course Starbucks.  I also found this great little frame shop that sales some really interesting art. Anyway, after the big group got there and had their photos taken, we were off to the city.

Our first stop was Indigo Mall.  OOPS!!! Probably shouldn't have seen that place.  This mall was 4 floors, and was MASSIVE and had so many great shops.  I will be making my way back down that way again.  (Details later!)  But, we were only allowed like 35 minutes in the mall...I know, right?  Only 35 minutes in a 4 story mall?  But were were just there to hit the market and the electronics shop on the bottom floor.  After, leaving the mall, we were headed to Tiananman Square.

If you remember from an earlier post, I stated that this was the entrance to the Forbidden City, as well as the square is where the Congress is, as well as this is where Chairman Mao is entombed in a glass tomb.  We just basically walked up to the entrance to the Forbidden City, took some photos, and left.  Here is where the proof comes in...

I was actually there!  I am actually in Beijing!  (This is also proof to me that it is once again DIET time!  But the rice and noodles here are sooooooo good!) 

Upon leaving the square, we headed to a restaurant to have Beijing Duck.  (You know it as Peking Duck, but we are in Beijing, therefore it is Beijing!)  Delicious meal once again tonight!  By the way, I love the way the Chinese eat!  Lots of dishes on a lazy susan and you eat family style.  Everyone tries everything.  With this come double dipping.  While we are not keen on this in the states, it is actually expected here.  You use your chopsticks to eat and to grab your food with, and people don't mind here. That was a little unusual at first, but it is the culture here, and I am a visitor so I observe their traditions and culture.  I have to say, all the food so far has been delicious; except the mu'er.  I was expecting to have a hard time with the cuisine, but fortunately so far things are good!

  

Now, as I stated earlier, I don't live with the other new folks.  I have to get creative on getting to my apartment...tonight that meant public transportation.  I rode the bus (988) tonight for the first time-and did it alone.  You know all those pictures of buses being packed like sardines, well those were taken in Beijing.  Literally people are on top of people in these buses.  This one was no different.  I was a little scared at first, but I realized I am a smart guy, I can get back if something goes wrong.  Luckily, things were fine.  Our "tour guide" told me which bus to get on as well as how many stops to wait.  I found out that the mall I spoke of earlier is 11 stops from my stop!  Best of all, it is only .80 yuan.  That is roughly like ten cents in America!  Much better than a taxi (though they are cheap as well).  At less than one yuan, I will be out and about now.  Especially since I have conquered my first trip.  (Tomorrow, I have to do this again, but backwards!)  

Cold showers?  Well, it is HOT here.  Actually it is very similar to back home.  Hot and humid!  I sweat profusely daily.  While I am usually a huge fan of a hot shower, I have found that a cold shower here is so very comforting and relaxing.  

Getting Real & Eating Crow

I like to think that I am an optimistic person in life.  I was definitely so during college, but about a month ago I was riding in the car with a dear friend and I shared a "philosophy" of mine; "Enjoy the good times and the bad times, because you never know when it will change."  And I further explained that while I revel in the good, I always know that there will be at least a hiccup just across the way.  Likewise, when the bad feels like it can get worse, know that there will be a time of "up" coming soon!  To me, it was an optimistic take...but to her, pessimistic.  When I questioned her why she simply stated that she lived more in the moment and didn't worry about the "hiccup" that I do.  Back and forth discussion follows, and we agree that my look is more realistic, but I gave in as well as saying there may be some pessimism involved.  I say all this to say I have tried to take the pessimism out! This is much easier in the comforts of your "known" environment.

While I have painted a true picture of my visit to Beijing, I have been hiding a little of my pessimism.  To be perfectly honest my accommodations are not as great as I thought they would be.   However, tonight I was reminded of a thought I had when I found out I was moving to China.  My though was that I would be living in an Ex-Pat community surrounded by other international folks, not really the Chinese.  I can remember thinking, and I may have even stated this to mom, "If I'm in an area of other internationals, will I really experience China?"  As I found out when the driver dropped me off from the airport, this was definitely not the case.  I am in a community of Chinese; and I think I may be the only non-native around.  (You can imagine my commute to work-everyone pretty much stops and watches me pass by!)  It was extremely uncomfortable for the first 24 hours, maybe even 48, but each day that passes it gets better.   In fact today, I walked to work alone (Jenny and I had been walking together because she, too, lives in the community), which was the first time I had done so.  It was a sense of accomplishment that I didn't need that crutch, I could do it.  Tonight, dinner was provided by WAB at a restaurant close to where all the new staff/teachers live (of course me not included), so I rode over with the AD and the HR director.  It was literally a 15-20 minute drive from the campus to dinner.  Right then I realized that where I lived wasn't so bad.  Yeah, it isn't my house out on Lake Robinson or my mom and dads house in Hartsville, but it is close to work, I have my own room, we do have air conditioning, and I don't have to take the bus, subway or taxi to and from work everyday.  I also realized that there are some folks that live near by as well.  So I got an eye-opener tonight and a slap in the face, in fact I guess "I'm eating crow." As I sit in my room tonight, I actually realize I was looking at things negatively, and I am now going to change that.  I was actually asked to be dropped off at the gate tonight rather than being driven in to the community so that I would have to walk the community at night.  I realize there is no reason to fret here, it is a quaint little "town" of people, most of whom are older so why worry? or fear?  Now, that's not to say I'm not cautious, I still am aware of my surroundings, but now I am more accepting.  I think this is common, I mean I have never been to Asia so of course it isn't what I'm used to.

Now for the most frustrating thing of all...the language barrier!  I feel like a child that just can't figure out the puzzle and is getting frustrated and just wants to throw a temper-tantrum.  I so badly just want to understand and speak!  It is almost infuriating.  I will say this though; through learning Chinese, I have realized just how much Spanish I knew-and it's more than I thought!  I find that while learning new phrases I immediately think "what is it in spanish?"  This has been hard for me to stop, so I have embraced it, and am re-remembering my spanish as well!  (I am sure you love that Cathy!)  I plan to be fluent enough to get around here and bargain in the markets by December, and I plan to be fluent enough to understand the jokes by June!

Enough ramblings for tonight.  I know I sounded down, but it was actually a great day- a day of  true understanding and enlightenment; new friends and of course good food!

Starting to get regular...

Today's title has nothing to do with the food here in China, or anything associated with food.  Simply, it means today felt "fairly" normal.  Got into the office today and worked on two folks' knees for about 2 hours.  It actually felt good getting back to rehab and workout plans.  After that, I rode with some colleagues to the sports store, Decathlon in Wingjie (I think...it's close enough!)  Basically it is like a small Academy or Dick's Sporting Goods.  On the way back, we decided to get some lunch, and I was asked if I wanted Chinese food or western food....Of course, I'm in China, went with Chinese.  The next question was "Rice or noodles?"  Since I have had rice a few times, I thought I'd try noodles.  The restaurant we went to today (can't remember the name right now) was AMAZING!  Talk about comfort food!  The only problem was it is perfect for a cold winter day/night; and today was the absolute opposite of that.  The weather here has been very reminiscent of back home in August-sticky, hot and wet.  After managing to eat, sloppily with chopsticks, my noodles, I looked to my two friends and said, "Gosh, I'm dripping sweat!"  (we were in an air conditioned place too!)  Their reply was "Well, you're eating hot noodles!"  This was the first time in my life, that I have ever sweated that much while eating.  Maybe it was the workout trying to eat noodles with chopsticks, or the spice, or a combination of things, but I realized, I will just have to get over this hatred of sweating-it is inevitable, much like paying taxes.

Upon return to the office, I went back out to town to get my bank account started.  This is nothing like opening an account in the states.  It literally took me 10 minutes, a copy of my passport, and a piece of paper, and I now have an account.  They didn't ask for my first born, or for me to sign anything in blood, really just two signatures, I was amazed.  Oh, and I walked out with my card!  I didn't have to wait 7-10 business days; finally, something efficient in China.  Then back to the office to work with a couple more folks in the gym then it was off to dinner.  Tonight's meal was again at Annie's (Italian).  After dinner, my friend took me to the center of the Beijing.  I finally got to see where it all started.  Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.  Beautiful is all I can say about the Chinese architecture.  The buildings (that I saw from the car)  was stunning.  I can't wait to take the camera out and be able to walk the square and the city.  This is what I was waiting for, the "Real" China.  I say that, but what I am in the midst of is more real than what I saw tonight, more on that in a later post.  My friend and I did stop at a food market as well, where they had just about anything you could imagine grilled on a stick.  They had squid, fruit, grasshoppers, cocoons, scorpions and seahorses, all for your culinary pleasure.  I tried them all...NOT...actually the smell of some of them was enough to make me nauseous.  The rain came so it was back to the apartment for me.

So, there was excitement today, just not as much as yesterday (thankfully).  It seems as though things are starting to settle down, only to pick back up in two days with new staff orientation!  Yay, I'm no longer the newest staff member!  

Thanks to all who have read my posts...If you have any questions or comments, please leave them!  I'd love to hear from you.

Josh

Officially-Official...

Well, today was interesting-to say the least.  Since being here in Beijing, I have been waking up around 6:30 or 7 every morning.  Today, was no exception.  So, I got up- took a shower and headed into the office after surfing the web a little.  That was about where "normal" quit happening.  Since I got here, we have been trying to get everything taken care of so that I would not have to worry about anything else and could focus on getting Athletic Training set up at WAB.  This means, getting me a school computer, phone, ID, bank account and registering with the police.  Yes, you read correct-foriengers who come to China for any period of time, must register with the police at the local precinct.  I'm really not sure why, but hey, I was told on the plane that I had to, so I did.  Now I got the computer finally taken care of, the ID was done the first day, bank account is being set up as I type.  The registering is a little more difficult.  In order to do this, one must have a letter from the place of residence stating that one will be living there for the duration of stay.  Sounds simple....NOT...because I am not leasing this apartment, I have to have the owner say I am living there, this took two days to get.  Finally I got the proper paperwork after going to the community office, then back to our HR office then back to the community office.  Once all the information was received, and the letter was written, we proceeded to the police station.  When presenting my passport, visa and letter, the attendant posed a question to my translator.  (By the way, did I mention that registration must be done within 24 hours of arrival to China?) "He came in on Saturday, why is he coming here just now?"  After dancing around a bit, we found out that we still needed more information to register.  Of course the same information that the community housing needed, the police station needed...however the community housing kept all the copies we had.  Here I am stuck in a Chinese police station, being scolded for not having all the proper information, as well as doing all this stuff late, mind you this is all done in Chinese too...so of course I'm lost!  Our driver had to go back to the school to get the information.  When he returned, we had everything that was needed.  Now, it looked like things were getting better....but wait, the attendant handed this booklet to my translator and began speaking to her....I saw my friends face get solemn, and she turned and looked at me and said very seriously "They are issuing you a warning for not getting this done within 24 hours.  Um, this is kinda serious!"  I know have to sign something, that I have no idea what it says because it is in Chinese...but I'm in the Police office, I can't say no...The lady handed me the registration and we were off....I was told I would not be fined, but that I was now in the system. After discussing this with some of the folks back at the school, my anticipation was put at ease.  It is just formality and the system here.  I will be sure to register now within 24 hours, because I don't want to know what happens after a warning.  This is why I say that I am "Officially-official"  now... I'm apart of the penal system now... LOL  (Not really laughing, but hey, what else can I do!)

Now all of this happened in the afternoon just after lunch.  Lunch is another story.  Jenny (who I have referred to as the translator and friend so far) and Angel took me to a Korean shop for lunch.  On the way, I noticed an outlet mall (SCORE! only a 5 minute bike ride from my apartment.).  This mall is very similar to a Tanger outlet back in the states.  Anyway, we are in the shop and I am looking at the menu.  Menus in China, I have found are based on pictures as well as Chinese.  While it is a great thing, because I like to know what I am getting before I order, the meal I decided on based on looks shocked my two lunch companions.  When I pointed to what I wanted both practically screamed "No, no, no...Not that!!!"  I said "Why not? Is it not good?"  "That is doggie!" Jenny replied.  Needless to say, I opted for a beef and rice meal; which wasn't bad.  It actually reminded me of a fajita but with rice instead of tortilla; mom and dad would have liked it-as dad would say "its something different."  From now on, I know to ask what meat something is before I order; lesson learned!

Now, about the lunch-I'm not above eating dog, I just don't know if I was ready today to have it.  And when the locals say not to eat it there, I think I will take their recomendation!

Everyday is a new experience here...What will tomorrow bring?

"Kinda" First day...

So today was "kind of" my first day in the office.  Though it was really a meet-and-greet and discussion about the history of the program as well as other "house-keeping" details.  I really don't know how many folks I met today, but all were very pleasant and seemed to be happy to meet me as well.  I have learned that having an ATC come has been a big deal...I just hope that I can meet the expectations.

A sidenote here...being from the south and the country, I grew up listening to the crickets chirp and the birds sing every night...but I must say, the Cicadas here are non-stop!  They chirp/sing or whatever day and night!  I'm not complaining because it almost feels like I am in the country (if I close my eyes and just listen).  Undoubtedly, they are and have been a staple here in China.  So much so that some of the folks here eat them.  While I am interested in experiencing as much of the culture as I can, I just don't know about eating a Cicada.  Look for a post to come with a video just so you can hear how loud they are.

To my Athletic Trainer friends and coaches, WOW!  The facilities here are out of this world for standard American high schools.  After working at Coker College for the past 5 years, these facilities far exceed many of the colleges that we've played.  It is really neat to see the creativity in the facilities as well.  Obviously you can't really have multiple fields spread out among acres and acres of land in a place like Beijing, but what the AD has done here is fantastic.  If you want to know what multi-function is, take a look here.  I have already learned some tricks and "niceties" to take back to the states.    I will take my camera soon and get some shots so that I can further explain.

Well, it has been a long day of trying to remember names, learning new Mandarin and just getting around...Thanks to all of you who follow...If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me...jge0624@gmail.com.

Oh, the photo comes, once again from a google search...not a "Josh original."

Day 1, DONE!

Well my first full day in "The Jing" is done!  What did I do today?  NOTHING!  I am sure some of my friends that know me well find that to be unusual, but I took today to recuperate from the traveling.  I slept in a little...then Terry, my roommate, and I walked down to the morning market where he got some eggplant and tomatoes for lunch.  The market is exactly what I expected....I LOVED it!  They set up their "stands" on the sidewalk just outside of our complex and you peruse and purchase as you see fit.  They have everything from clothing and shoes, to live fish and produce.  While walking around, one of the fish jumped out of the bucket he was in...it was an odd fish.  I am not sure what kind it was.  I hope to take my camera out one day soon and capture some photos of the market to post here.  When we came back in, Terry cooked some type of pork sausage he got from Thailand (his girlfriend lives there)  and "fried" some eggplant and tomatoes, cooked some rice and he also cooked some mu'er.  Mu'er is the fungus/mushroom that I tried last night.  Today, I let him have them all...I didn't need a second taste.  Lunch was good.  After lunch I feel asleep and about 7 pm Terry, and a coach, Jenny and I all went and had Annie's.  Annie's is an italian eatery just down the road.  I had a nice American staple, pepperoni pizza; which might I add was quiet good!  Better than the pizza place back home!  Tomorrow I will have to register with the police as an alien resident and open a bank account...This should be interesting.

(The photo is of mu'er and was taken from google. )

First Impressions...

First impressions are a hard thing to judge people on.  It is equally, if not harder to judge a place, city or Country on first impressions as well!  I landed in Beijing today...Damp, warm and of course Smog....but I find the people seem to be hard working and active.  As I was riding, silently (due to the driver didn't speak English) to my apartment, I notice folks weed-eating this huge park.  I thought to myself "why don't they just use a tractor?"  I still wonder, but haven't come up with the answer yet.  Another thing I noticed was all the Pinying...I was under the impression that the city would be filled with English; after all the Olympics were here just 5 years ago...not quiet the case.  My thoughts, "This should be interesting!"

Finally getting to my apartment, I was of course expecting a really nice place in the middle of a bunch of ex-pats.  Well, that again wasn't really the case.  Being here only a few hours, it seems as though I'm in the middle of a Chinese community with very little ex-pats.  The apartment is 3 bedrooms and one bath with a living room and a kitchen.  I was given the biggest room, and not sure why, but ok-I'll take it.  After a couple hours trying to get settled in it was time to go to the school which is literally a 5 minute walk from the complex I live in.  There I met the Athletic and Activities Director and another coach.  We were to go have dinner together as well.  I was given a phone and some magazines to peruse; the magazines are ex-pat friendly.  Dinner was at a traditional Chinese place closer to town.  We had many basic Chinese dishes from Kung Pao Chicken to Sweet and Sour Pork and some kind of sizzling beef.  Most was good, but there was one thing that wasn't....some type of mushroom.  They were served cold and it tasted as though I was eating rubber and pig skin (and I don't mean the fried pork rinds either!)  Needless to say, I won't be having them again.  We finished dinner off with a desert of Toffee bananas.  This was an interesting dish.  It was chopped pieces of banana cooked in a toffee, or almost like a caramel.  It was served with a bowl of water.  One eats this by pulling the banana from the pile on the central plate, dunking it in the water to cool it off, then carefully placing the banana in your mouth.  Carefully because though the toffee isn't hot any longer, the banana is still very hot on the inside.  This was a pretty good dish, though I think it needed a little something extra and I am not quiet sure what that is.

After dinner we stopped by a little grocery store and I picked up some necessities.  Milk, cereal, OJ, razors, laundry detergent and water.  From there it was back to the apartment with the roommate and I was off to bed.

One thing of note, I will have to get used to being hot....I see most folks around here don't really like to use the AC.  Being a boy from the south, this may be the hardest thing to get used to.  LOL.

(These are not my photos, they were taken from google!)