Where do I begin? 4 months can seem like a really long time when you live somewhere you are not accustomed too. You have to make a lot of sacrifices and adjustments. For example, I really miss my car. Especially when I am here in the dead of winter, driving my scooter around in the freezing cold and having my battery die on me and practically having to push my scooter about a half mile through town. Although, it's so crowded here and traffic would make driving a car very stressful and overwhelming. So I just don't get out very much during the winter.
My biggest struggle is with patience. Trying to patient with the driver who decides to stop right in front of you, blocking traffic, and getting out and going into the store. Or trying to be patient with the kid who runs his bike into the back of your leg. Or trying to be patient with the driver who spits out his window as you drive by and it almost hitting you. Or trying to be patient with the store workers who follow you too closely when you are shopping for clothes(it's like they think I'm going to shoplift of something).
I'm not to get hung up on the negatives though.
I have made some awesome friends since being here. And I am so lucky to have my little brother here in China. The kids at school are fantastic. They are so spirited and fun. I have a really nice apartment. There are some really great places to eat. Cost of living is so low. Cops leave me alone, because they don't speak English. The security guards at my apartment development are really kind and helpful when they are NOT hiding my scooter behind the bushes(note: do not park your scooter right in front of the building). I like learning mandarin. I can easily get tailored clothes.
There's definitely ups and downs, but I am enjoying just experiencing life.
My biggest struggle is with patience. Trying to patient with the driver who decides to stop right in front of you, blocking traffic, and getting out and going into the store. Or trying to be patient with the kid who runs his bike into the back of your leg. Or trying to be patient with the driver who spits out his window as you drive by and it almost hitting you. Or trying to be patient with the store workers who follow you too closely when you are shopping for clothes(it's like they think I'm going to shoplift of something).
I'm not to get hung up on the negatives though.
I have made some awesome friends since being here. And I am so lucky to have my little brother here in China. The kids at school are fantastic. They are so spirited and fun. I have a really nice apartment. There are some really great places to eat. Cost of living is so low. Cops leave me alone, because they don't speak English. The security guards at my apartment development are really kind and helpful when they are NOT hiding my scooter behind the bushes(note: do not park your scooter right in front of the building). I like learning mandarin. I can easily get tailored clothes.
There's definitely ups and downs, but I am enjoying just experiencing life.
Excellent. :)
ReplyDeleteLisa! Hi! Good job for learning and for being adventurous! You're making memories and having experience that you'll hold on to forever. Nice work my friend!
ReplyDeleteLove hearing about both the ups & downs! You are having such an amazing adventure....can't wait to come and experience some of those ups & downs with you!! Happy Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteOH oh oh yeah, 4 months has got to seem like atleast a year! or more:) and I hear ya with the balancing act of the wonderful and the frustrating... all of us who have lived in other cultures relate:) So good to hear about your friends! I'm biased but I keep thinking "They are lucky to have ya!" Each time I get to read one of your accounts of life these days I think - "That's my little Lisa? Oh YEAH!" Missing you always and boatloads during Christmas... boatloads! Love you!
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