The ground is dirty

Ok, so this just seems like an obvious statement, but hear me out: The ground in China is DIRTY. You often read about in chinese tour books how spitting is an issue that the government is trying to curb its citizens from doing because westerners find it disgusting. However, what you do not read about in tour books is how it is perfectly acceptable to pee or poop on the street. This is especially true with children. Parents just squat on the ground with the kids and just let them go. No need for a diaper when there is perfectly good asphalt around, I guess.

As a result, the country fears touching the street. You do not just sit on the ground- you either squat or put newspaper down. Therefore, when waiting for a subway or in line, you see a whole bunch of chinese just squatting around. This of course makes me stick out even more for I am left the only one standing. I might try attempting this squatting pose in the future, but I am afraid I might loose my balance and end up on the dirty ground...

First Week in China...

I arrived a week ago in Beijing, after a 14 hour plane flight, with no clue what I was getting myself into. With only the ability to say ‘hello’ in Chinese, I set off on my 5 month stay in this country. Thankfully, my friend Sean met me for a brief introduction to the country before I found myself thrown in a car traveling 130 km/hr to my teaching site of Tianjin.
Sean In Tiananmen Square- Everything is under construction for the 60th anniversary celebration of Communism in October

After that crazy ride, I spent two days sleeping and living off of nature valley bars and peanut butter. I was just so exhausted from the flight and lack of sleep while in Beijing to do anything. Finally, I emerged from my hibernation to go to the ‘body doctor’, which had to be done to validate my working visa. This had to have been the most efficient, yet scary, experience so far. I was sent running, literally running, from one room to another getting poked, prodded, and scanned.

I Am A Yuan'naire!! j/k I was reimbursed for my flight haha

I have been checking out this city where I will be living and am getting used to the fact that I am constantly stared at (I feel like I am treated like a cross between a celebrity and a social pariah...oh joy). The most fun I have had is grocery shopping, because I have no idea what the packages say and what I eat is basically a mystery. Also, they have the weirdest flavored things: texas beef, italian meat sauce, lychee, and stewed chicken are some potato chip flavorings I have found. What a feast for my palette...eeks!


Blueberry and Mango Flavored Potato Chips...yummmm?!

The Street I Live On In Tianjin

Site Overhaul

I have not written here in awhile. However, this will now be my blog about my experiences in China. I hope you enjoy :)