Culture Shock Hits you like a Brick!!!!!

      Settling in to a new city is so exciting until culture shock hits you like a pimp with powder in his hand. Everything was so exciting the first week. Second week comes by and then you realize that you're by yourself in a different continent. The Aries in me doesn't even matter about that part. We're loners anyway. The part that sucks is jet lag. That "your body will adjust in 2 days" is complete and utter bullshit. I found myself not sleeping just so I could talk to my friends because I was lonely. I don't even know what time zone I'm on currently but I'm closer to China time, Thank God. I have been here for 11 days. I got lost countless times and trust the only person that can assist you is God. I only know hello in Chinese so asking for help is completely out the question. The people that know English DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH. Lets just say their English is like my Spanish and I learned Spanish in grammar school. Certain days you wake up and say What was i thinking? When my Internet went out, I went into a deep depression. Oreos and prayer ended it. I never allow myself to be depressed longer than 2 days. The CAU motto is "Find a way or Make one" (CAU Woo woo) I fixed my Internet  and told myself I had no choice but to embrace my new residence.
      My Chinese friends introduced me to my 1st friend. I guess they figure I needed one and all the Chinese women are married. My friend called her friend and gave me the phone and said he's black. I love people who don't beat around the bush lol. I told my friend i wanted to go out for drinks and that's what we did. We went to a Chinese restaurant where I finally learned how to use chop sticks. Then again when you're hungry and there's no fork it becomes quite easy. You can hear the whole restaurant slurping and everyone smokes cigarettes here. The alarming thing was when a 2 year old was walking in the restaurant,  squatted and took a dump in the middle of the floor. The crazy thing is that I was the only one alarmed by it.
        I love the clubs here. There is nothing like partying in a different country. The Chinese men are the nicest and ladies they buy drinks and don't harass you!!! Everyone drinks Chinese beer and rum. They toast for everything. I met some Chinese people that invited me to their section. They toasted for me coming, they toasted for me being a teacher, they toasted for me trying to learn Chinese, they toasted for my 1st time being in the club, etc.  MY TYPE OF PEOPLE!!!! They never let your glass get low either. They genuinely want to show u a great time since you're a visitor. I also meet other foreigners and its a bond from the start. All the black people  here are from England or Africa. I met some other Americans and we all get along like family. It's definitely going to be a great experience for me....

My first couple of days.......

The flight on United was pure hell with gasoline panties on!!!  They told the pilot the wrong time so the flight was delayed 2 hours which caused me to miss my connection and sleep in the airport. I'm just not getting my luggage after being here for 3 days. Luckily, i packed a few pieces in my carry on, lol. It is a totally new experience, an adventure to say the least. I'm still recovering from my culture shock. People here cannot drive at all. On the way home, the driver chose to drive in both lanes rather than choosing one. The he would pause in the middle of the highway to look at his compass. I never understood how people can be from a place and now know where they're going. Crossing the street is like playing Russian roulette with your life. You just dash and hope for the best. I usually cross with someone else cause I know they're get hit first. Don't hate on my survival skills. I'm from Chicago, southside  to be exact.
          I rode on the back of a scooter when my friend picked me up. I usually wear sunglasses so they wont see my look of surprise on my face. Only one butt cheek actually fitted on the seat. You balance, hold your legs up and close your eyes because sometimes they ride towards oncoming traffic. The only thing I could think of was if my health insurance kicked it and do they have translators in the hospital. These people are pretty intelligent because they're are never any accidents. The food is different as well. Its not like Mr. Chows! They have soup as their drink. A Chinese hamburger consists of a mystery meat, egg and cucumber. I had a beef pie was actually quite delicious. My stomache is just now adjusting as well!
         The people here are the nicest people in the world. Living in America, you almost forget that people can be nice without having a motive. It's quite refreshing. In the 4 days I've been here I'm most certain I'm not raising my children in America. Everyone is so helpful and nice to each other. The Chinese hardly ever argue, the women don't roll their eyes when another Chinese woman walks in the room. Its such a sense of togetherness. I heard BANG BANG BANG, My Chicagoness came out cause i almost hid under the table. It wasn't gunshots it was firecrackers..... you know why? Cause someone got married. They celebrate Marriage here!!!!!!!!!!!! I forgot  that people get married anymore. There were 30 Audi's lined up on the street. The father of that bride isn't going through a recession! Then again you're only allowed to have one child here might as well go all out. Most of the women my age here are married. Its funny because all the women my age are single back at home including myself.
         Shopping is GREAT here!!! They're clothes are small here though but shoes are everywhere. They have markets that you can argue the price down. The sell fruit, vegetables and everything possible outside in the street. Whatever I want is in walking distance.  The market by my house have pet shops that would Pist PETA off. I love animals but would I buy a pet here. HELL NO. I guess I'm the only want that wants  a shot record with their purchase. I saw 200 parakeets in one cage. About 3 dogs in one cage, Thousands of turtles, rabbits etc. I love animals and every time I walk pass i want to buy all of them just to give them a better life. Then common sense kicks in.
        My apartment is nice according to standards here.I've seen other apartments so I'm blessed. I have no bugs so no complaints. The bathroom consist of a toilet and you shower on top of the toilet. There is no separation. Most people have a hole in the floor that you just squat. I used that today at my school. My legs will be on point soon. Esp. since my apartment is on the 6th floor with no elevator. Overall, I love it here. Jet lag is a no joke!!!!! I'm such in a serene place here. I only work 14 hours out the week. I like it here.  I know God has me at the right place at the right time. I'm soo thankful............

Why I Chose to move to China

First question that everyone always ask me is how did I ever land up in china? The ignorant people that I call monkeys ask why u going to china? That's too far. lol. There's Chinese food here!  For a while, I've been dying to get out the country. Its like my spirit yearns for an adventure, learn a new language and an overall a different experience. Around Christmas, I took a step out on faith. When my Paris trip didn't go through, I was heartbroken but refused to give up. I started googling jobs overseas. Came across teaching english as a second language.  I recieved the TEFL certificate and started to apply to jobs. I chose China because they paid for your apartment and gave you allowance for your flight. Did some research and applied for jobs. Prayed about it, and took the offer at Jinan teaching primary. The rest is history. Hope you enjoy the ride.