big news!

Something amazing happened today! Actually, two things. One: I went to the gym. It's taken a month to finally get there. For a while there I wasn't sure it would ever happen. Two: It's SNOWING!!

I didn't think I would be this excited about snow? I think it's just so different when it's snowing in a big city rather than the mountains. The city looks so beautiful. I honestly don't know what it is, I had the biggest grin on my face on my walk home from the gym! Wait a minute! Doesn't exercising release endorphines and help boost your mood? Naahhh, we'll just say it was the snow. I have also figured out how to stay warm this winter; the gym. It takes an awful long time for your body to cool down after a workout. In fact it's the perfect amount of time to get home and take a little stroll down by the canal. The snow and my walk home (and maybe some of those endorphines bouncin around) but me in the best mood. I even found this beautiful temple/pagoda right by my apartment. I've seen it a few times, but never explored it. Lucky for me, no body else was interested in sightseeing in the snow. Tomorrow after work I am going to Shanghai again. I'll be ringing in the new year in Shanghai with some friends. It should be really fun. There is a lot more going on in Shanghai for NYE than in Hangzhou. And any excuse to go to more of an western/international city sounds good to me!

Also, I would like to clarify that Laurel knows what "swag" means. I don't know why I ever doubted her.

Christmas in Hangzhou

Here's what I learned about Christmas this year: Christmas isn't Christmas without your loved ones. I know... I am wise beyond my years.

I've always loved Christmas. It is just a feel good, warm and cozy time of the year. And I am NOT talking about Christmas shopping. Being at a mall around Christmas is an angry, sweaty and suffocating time of
the year. More than anything I love that all of us Clark kids sleep at my parents house on Christmas Eve. It's the best sleepover of the year. Christmas Eve is always a fun night including a fun game or movie. Christmas morning I still feel like a little kid and run downstairs to open my stocking. Although I cant tell anyone what was in it until Anna has opened hers, because they are usually filled with the same thing and I'm not allowed to ruin the surprise for her. Sitting around the fireplace in our pajamas, listening to Christmas music and opening gifts is so wonderful. The afternoon and evening is spent with the extended fam and includes a white elephant gift exchange...love it. This is my Christmas tradition.


So this year, being that I live in a country where they do not celebrate Christmas and not being with my family.... Not the best Christmas. I feel as if it has been skipped this year and is being replaced with a really long and cold winter.

Christmas Day was spent at a coworkers house. It was a handful of really good people. We played the South African version of Taboo, Charades, beer pong, watched Christmas movies and had a big meal! It definitely helped with the holiday spirit. After that party a few of us walked to another Christmas party for more food and drinks! It was a lot of fun but a really long day. My only gripe about socializing here is all the small talk. I think I will write a brief autobiography and give it to potential friends. That way they know everything about me and we can just jump into the friendship. If any of you want to send me your "Carrie Testimonials" I can just pass those out as well.

I stayed up late and Skyped with my family while they opened presents Christmas morning. It was wonderful! It is rough being only two dimensional however. This morning when I got to work there was a Christmas package from my parents. The scarf and mittens will be very useful as I am in a car right now and can see my breath. Americans find heat when it is cold; turn on the heater, start a fire in the fire place. That kind of thing. The Chinese; they just adapt.


This morning on the bus on my way to work the woman sitting next to me threw up. I think that has killed the holiday spirit for me. It was actually the second time I've seen a woman casually puke in a bag on
the bus like it ain't no thang. With all the spitting, picking their noses, and puking on buses I don't see how anyone could say the Chinese have poor manners?

I think some of the funniest things happen to me when I'm in a cab, car or bus. 13% of the cab drivers are awesome, while the rest of them are angry and awful. Some of them have cab swag (Mom- "swag" is a word the young kids are saying as an alternative for cool or style. You can look it up on Urban Dictionary). The school provides a couple of drivers for me when I have to go to other campuses. They are usually so sweet but do the funniest shit. A few minutes ago my driver just jumped out of the car. It's dark and cold so the windows are all foggy. Traffic started moving so he came back? You just never know what they're up to!? And the bus... You see it all: cutest Chinese babies, old lady screaming matches, morning sickness, inappropriately loud telephone conversations...etc.

Power Outage

About a week ago I worked overtime in order to take Sunday off. On Saturday and Sunday I teach at another on of my schools campus's. This campus is called InTime Westlake because it is right next to the mall (InTime) and the Lake. I personally like to call it the campus from Hell. Families that live close to the lake are rather wealthy and, of course, only have one child. So your students are a bunch of spoiled only children. They are a delight!! This campus is only for children (strike one), and the mothers are insane (strike two). 9am-8pm with these little spawns... what a day!

I finished my last class and rushed to the train station to catch the 8:30 train to Shanghai. As I stepped out of the cab to go purchase my ticket it dawned on me... I don't have my passport? I'm in the application process for my work visa. I almost punched myself in the face. Unfortunately this was not the first time I forgot my passport in a situation such as this (remember last time when I mentioned I need to work on procrastination and motivation? Add responsibility to the list as well :). I went back home only to find out that our power was still out. Of course.

I stopped at the Walmart on my street and bought some candles to light the apartment. I also really needed to take a shower, but since we had no electricity that means our water heater didn't work. I made the executive decision to go to the spa on my street to shower and get a massage. Yeah, you take a shower before the massage? Two birds one stone.

The manager of the salon is named Mary. She was very excited to hear that our names rhyme! Her English is pretty good and was excited to converse with me. Chinese people will befriend you purely for your language. In this case; fine by me. Mary offered to take me to a lake and tea house just outside the city on my day off. I will not reject a tour guide. She also gave me some essential oil. Why not.

The following morning my roommate and I left the house at 7 for the train station. Josey offered to come with me and buy my train tickets for me. What a life saver!!! I had a nice nap on the train and was at Mecah's a little after nine. Mecah, whom I've know since Jr. High, is going back to Irvine for the holidays. She needed to go to the fake market to get some last minute Christmas gifts. It was so fun to see the fake market. It's four floors of knock offs, and this stuff looks real! It's kind of annoying because they can be so aggressive and pushy. But at the same time, I was referred to as "beautiful lady" once or twice... good sales tactic my friends. It's ridiculous how much they ask for and how much you can buy this crap for. I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to call it crap. The thing is, the products they sell are most likely the same quality in which you would find in any retail store in the US, they are just able to sell the product at cost. More than anything, the bargaining is the best part. I like to use the very little Chinese I know to complain. Although we did upset one man so much that he kicked us out of his shop? Apparently our low offer was just too offensive. We had such a great day! There’s nothing better than the comfort of a friend when you feel so alone in a new place.

Highlight of the day:Riding on the back of the scooter around Shanghai. No better way to see a new city. I only felt as if my life was in danger a few times. Mecah's a great tour guide!

the streets are a death trap

I don't know how people drive in China. Lanes are merely suggestions, and these people are aggressive. You wouldn't think, I know... but they are. Don't mess with a Chinese man on his way to work. I swear, crossing the street is dangerous. That whole "pedestrians have the right of way" thing we have in the US... not the case here. I try to take the bus to work as much as I can. Of course there are those occasional days that I opt for a cab because I'm running late (getting to work at 1pm is rough!). The busses are great! I so badly wish I had a photo of my bus experience today. There's just nothing like pretending to be sardines in a can with a bunch of people you don't know. I always find something, or should I say someone, fun on the bus. Today it was this little gem. I may kidnap one, I mean they are just too adorable.

 In fact I have a student named Robin who is six years old. He is the smartest kid! Not only is he so smart he is polite!? He's such a little gentleman, I die for him. And the best part: he's a hugger!! Huggers are not easy to find here, and I miss them. I'm thinking of sending Robin to my family as a Christmas gift. He would make such a great addition to the family, and I know everyone will love him! (John, I'll make sure he can cook too!)

Ok, back to the mean streets of China, or the death trap. Honestly, I'm surprised I haven't seen more accidents or been in one. People here drive as if they are in the Fast and the Furious. Maybe they are upset that the sequel to Fast and the Furious was filmed in Tokyo, so they are trying to prove what stunt men and women they are as well? I have to teach at another one of my schools campuses three times a week. And how fancy do I feel, I have a driver. He is China's version of Justin Beiber. I love when he sings along to the silly Chinese music he plays. He could not be more adorable. I want to learn Chinese so bad so we can become best friends. I assume he feels the same way about me as I do about him even though we cant communicate verbally, so I like to assume he will keep me safe. I have literally gasped multiple times because we were that close to an accident. We share snacks too ( I know, we're so cute) I'll buy him coffee, or a snack some times and he'll do the same. This is what I got today...

I'm not even mad that the look of it scares me. It's the thought that counts.  I need to sleep! I have the worst sleeping habits here! I stay up so late. I will be making a big effort to be more disciplined from now on (and by 'now', I mean as soon as I stop procrastinating so much). Tomorrow I am teaching from 9am-8pm then hopping on a train to Shanghai to see Mecah. The overtime tomorrow is to makeup for not working on Sunday... sometimes you just need a personal day.

My VPN was down

My VPN has been down for the last two days, so frustrating. Basically, China put up a firewall. Companies then figured out ways to get around the wall. Then China kicked it up a notch and made the wall bigger. I feel this is a continuing cycle. A little cat and mouse game between China and the Western world. The Chinese are very good at building walls.

About a week ago I visited a good friend in Shanghai. Her first name is Mecah and her last name is Cozzi. If you are ever in Shanghai, look her up. Getting from my city to Shanghai is a breeze. I got a cab to the train station (which is less than ten minutes from my house), bought a ticket and hopped on the high speed train. Trains run to and from Shanghai every twenty minutes, and it takes about 45 minutes to get there. I was ambushed by a pack of old, loud, and possibly angry (you can just never tell if they are yelling at each other in furry, or complimenting each others hair) Chinese women half way through the trip. I quickly changed cars and found another seat. Shanghai is an awesome city. I've only been here a month and I am blown away when I see foreigners. I can't imagine what it will be like when I move back to the states. I actually think I will have an extremely high tolerance for rudeness and pet peeves when I move back, but I'll discuss that later. In my city (Hangzhou) I see maybe one to three foreigners a day (outside of work that is). And it is very rare that I encounter a Chinese person that speaks English. Being in Shanghai didn't even feel like China! I mean, yeah, there were a lot of Chinese people, but I grew up in Irvine, so I barely even notice. It felt like being in New York or any other big western city. This made me miss home and wish that I lived in Shanghai. It was so good to see an old friend. It felt like a little bit of home. When I got back to Hangzhou that evening I was coming down with a terrible cold (the second one since i've been here) and very home sick. The home sickness passed, though I'm sure it will stop by again soon... probably on the 24th to ruin my Christmas. I later thought what a unique experience I am having here. Being in a big international city would not be the same experience I'm getting, and though the conveniences of Shanghai are alluring, I am happy I'm in Hangzhou. I'm definitely getting more of a traditional Chinese experience. Not to knock Mecah obviously... I just want you all to feel sorry for me for a minute.

Why will I be so tolerant when I return to the US you ask? I will tell you. Let this be the time I vent. Foreigners living in China do this quite often, but I would like to share it with you as well because I think you are so special, inside and out. Yes, YOU! Chinese people dont know what a line is. Whoever can shove their way to the register first wins. Someone stepped in front of in line while you were giving the person in front of you the courtesy of personal space... too bad. That little old granny standing next to you at the bus stop, yeah watch out for her while trying to board the bus. Those elbows are ruthless and she does not have a problem proving it. Someone on their e-bike almost hit you while they were riding on the pedestrian sidewalk rather than their designated bike lane? Get out of their way! Did that man just hawk a big luggey right where you are walking? Why wouldn't he. etc, etc...

Ok, and back to things that I love about China. Matching pajamas. Need I say more. Oh, matching pajamas in public. The Chinese have a very interesting sense of style, or lack of style in my opinion. But they probably feel the same way about me. Agree to disagree. Their motif is usually made up of faux fur, bows, sparkles, animal prints, skirts, tassels, and lace. At the same time. Back to the pajamas. I have yet to see a person walking the streets in casual workout clothes. When you leave the house, you are dressed. My California staple of Lululemon workout pants and a t-shirt would not cut it here. I feel underdressed if I wear a zip up hoodie. There is of course one exception to not putting on your frill; matching fleece pajamas. You will see seniors, adults, and teens sporting their jammies in the street any time of the day like it ain't no thang. I think it is amazing, and cannot wait to buy a pair. I think it will be  purple to match my princess headboard.

you know it's a good day when you make a kid cry.

His name is Nigel and he deserved it. I took his jump rope from him, because we weren't playing jump rope... We were learning the days of the week. Pulling out your jump rope in class is basically telling me that that is more fun than my lesson, and we know that can't be true. I took the jump rope from him and when I dismissed them from class and didn't give it back (only because I was going to give it to his mother and tell her he can't be playing with his toys in class) he had a full blown melt down! Kids are so irrational, I'm so glad I'm not one anymore.

I teach five classes a day. All classes are 50 minutes. They vary from kids to adults, and many different levels. They are assigned a specific book, but the books are usually pretty useless. For example, my last class of the day was an adult woman at level 3. The school offers levels 2 to 6 for adults (don't ask me if they're at level 1?) The books have 30 or so topics within them. Each class is a specific topic, and they are in no particular order. Sometimes the topic is interesting and can lead to a rousing discussion or debate. Some times the topics are shit and provide no direction whatsoever. The topic tonight with Mona was "Press Conference." It provided a few interview questions and pictures of famous celebrities: J-Lo, Michael Jackson, Jackie Chan, The President, Angelina Jolie. So, more often than not I have to think of something for us to do for 50 minutes. Just like a Ben Affleck movie sometimes things go great, sometimes not so much.... Chinese (especially women) are so reserved. It is not in their nature to express any opinion or feeling. This is not the greatest quality when engaging in a free topic discussion. Sometimes I struggle to think of things to talk about. I know! Me, not knowing what to talk about!? Mona and I ended up talking about celebrity gossip, tabloids, and scandals... the important things. Don't worry, I filled her in on the Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie scandal as well as Lindsey Lohan's downfall.

One of my earlier classes today was with four 6 year olds. The class is called "free topic." If you can't figure out what I have to do, you are no longer invited to read this blog. The kids are great and it's a fun class, especially because they are getting to know me. When I walked into the class they yelled my name and gave me hugs. I will expect this from everyone I know from now on. Honestly, there is no better feeling. And hugs from these darling Chinese kids... They made my week.

I have a student named Happy. When learning English they all just pick any name. Some of them are so random. I'm tempted to pick an new English name while I'm here just for kicks. Anyways, Happy is 13 and seems as if she is miserable. She must have the meanest parents or irritable bowel syndrome. Maybe they chose the name Happy as encouragement.

The other day in one of my adult classes we were discussing homes. Appliances, furniture, different rooms.... it was a hoot!! I was teling the two students that in the US (and any other place worth living) we not only have a clothing washer, but a dryer as well. In China, nobody has a dryer. My student then told me that she thinks it is good to hang the clothes outside and not use a dryer because "clothes need sun and it is good for the clothes." I had no idea clothes needed sun. I suggest you all throw out your dryer immediately. Your clothes should be treated like flowers.

found it!

Just found my bus pass in my boot! I don't know why I didn't look there first?

 Today is my "day off" but I am headed to work for some overtime dollas. It seems as if my wekkend schedule will now be at one of our schools other locations Saturday and Sunday from 9-5. The campus is in a great location. It's right next to the lake/ the beautiful/touristy area. It's also right next to a mall. I dont mind shopping on my break. The only problem is I can't find a lot. I feel like a diabetic at Cold Stone. My shoe size in the US is 9 (why do I have the feet of a woman that is 5'9".. who knows), that is bigger than most of the men here! I have not found a single shoe store that has my size. Ladies, can you imagine!? I will have to go to Shanghai to buy shoes. The school only teaches children. My campus tutors kids and adults. I love kids, but teaching them, especially the little ones that dont speak any English, is exhausting!! Some of these kids are so precious though, I can't be mad at them that they don't speak English or that they're all spoiled only children.

Tonight I have my first class with a Chinese tutor!!!

Thanksgiving

Yesterday was my first day off in weeks! I had a lazy morning, went and ran some errands then got ready for Thanksgiving. By the time I left my apartment it was 5pm and raining! I walked to the grocery store to buy tequila and Juice. That's what I was asked to bring, not my choice! I found everything I needed, including some Pabst Blue Ribbon, I figured nothing says Thanksgiving like some cheap American beer. By the time I got to the street it was 5:30, rush hour.... and raining. These are not good odds for getting a taxi. I found my place on the street and waited patiently. That ran out quickly. After a half hour I finally got a cab. I told the driver where I needed to go and he gave me a flat rate of 80 RMB which is equivalent to $13. I know that doesnt sound like a lot, but the distance I was going should have only cost 30RMB. This guy was ripping me off. I told him ok, becasue who knew how long it would have taken to get another cab... Then I called my friend Margaret and made her speak to the driver. She speaks fluent Chinese, this is quite helpful in a friend (it has become one of the prerequisites for my friendship). She told me that he was being a dick and ripping me off because he knew how desperate people where, but she got him down to 50RMB. I then spent the next hour in a cab with a driver that hated me. I'm curious if he took the most congested route just to spite me. The traffic here is awful. There are just waaayyyy too many people here. Josh's house is probably six miles from my house and it took an hour to get there. Is this what it feels like to live in LA? I finally made it to the Thanksgiving celebration at 7:00pm. It was really nice. A large group of foreigners and lots of food! It was the first "American" meal I'v had in a month. The only thing missing; a Costco pumpkin pie. That's all I want!! I had a good time, nothing like Thanksgiving at home, but not bad for Thanksgiving in China. The following morning I was able to Skype with my whole family while they celebrated Thanksgiving.... That was my favorite part of the Thanksgiving.

This little guy even popped in to say hello!

Made this with these little ones...

firsts in China

I cant' believe I've been here a month. It's safe to say I am getting settled in. Of course every day I experience "firsts". Last week I got my first cold in China. Nothing serious, I didn't need to go to the hospital, but I did need a fireplace and a mothers comfort. I can't believe my mom didn't fly me home so she could nurse me back to health. Luckily, the cold is fading and I am feeling better... I experienced the first object being thrown at me by a student. That was fun. I had two 5 year olds and no Chinese teacher as an assistant in my class the other day. These boys were the naughtiest I've had. There was no way to control them. One of them was trying to spit on me and the other continued to throw his books. Finally in an act of defiance he threw the book in my face! I almost beat the child. And today I will celebrate my first Thanksgiving away from my family :(

My coworker is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner with a large group of foreigners. It should be fun, but I will definitely miss seeing friends and family back home. I am getting more and more adjusted here each day. I'm also feeling better about my ability as a teacher. Minus the devil child that threw a book in my eye, I have some really great students. Some of the young ones that start at the school have never been taught or maybe even seen a foreigner before so they look at you like an alien at first, but I've worn a few of them down. Now I get hugs and kisses from some of them (which always makes a person feel better). 

In the tradition of Thanksgiving: I am so thankful to have friends and family that love and support me. Being so far only makes me miss and value the people in my life more... Happy Thanksgiving everyone. xoxo

address

Not because I expect you to send me Christmas gifts, but because a few people have asked for it. Christmas presents would be great though.... The easiest thing to do is to print this out and take it to the post office.

Chinese: 中国浙江省杭州市拱墅区潮王路219号红石中央大厦一楼博尔外语培训学校

English:  Power Language Training The First Floor of Red Stone Centre Mansion, No.219 Chaowang Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

The US has a new what?

I heard there was some kind of election in the US the other night? You know, it's just so hard to keep up when I'm half way around the world. Who won what?

One of my American coworkers was very excited to go out and celebrate that night. After work we hopped in a cab and headed to a popular foreigner bar called Maya. I met her group of friends and we had a ball. When we were leaving the bar the shoe shine man, who I met the first time I went to this bar, had a little baby kitten. He offered to sell it to us for 30rmb (the equivalent of $4.84). It just so happens Alicia has been interested in buying a cat, so how could you turn down such a good deal. He must have just found this little kitten on the street and she can't be more than five weeks old. It is pretty awful that she was separated from her mother so young, let's just hope it doesn't lead to an adolescence of drug use and promiscuous sex. As soon as Alicia bought her (we cant confirm or deny that it's a girl, but we hope so and have named her Maya, if we learn otherwise it's name will be changed to Barack) I held her in my coat. I just kept her warm and close to my heart beat. I was very happy when the following morning I was not covered in fleas or any sort of rash.

The following day (Thursday) was my day off. It just so happened that the owner of my school was hosting an employee appreciation sort of event. I guess these usually happen a couple times a year, but it is most commonly for the Chinese teachers. Alicia and I, however, were asked to attend. Alicia has been working for the school for 3ish years and is close with the owner, I don't know why they invited me, but I'm glad they did, because it was at a KTV. I'm sure you have all heard how much the Chinese like karaoke. You will be happy to know it is true. They love Karaoke. They call it KTV (karaoke television) and they do not mess around. It's not like in the states where it's a big bar and the drunkest people get up on stage and butcher a song. A KTV is a building with tons of private rooms. Walking through the halls kind of makes you feel you're at brothel? Not that I have ever been to a brothel, but the whole maze of a hallway with who knows what behind the door... The rooms vary in size, so you can sing with just a few friends or your entire office. The room comes equipped with a TV, a computer, speakers, and lots of seats. When I said they take it seriously, I meant it. It's not like bowling, where you go maybe once or twice a year and have a few beers while you're doing it. It's like those bowlers that have a custom embroidered bowling shirt, and bring their own shoes, and ball in their custom made bowling bag; the ones that have an extremely serious look on their face, one that is far too serious for bowling. That's what KTV is like here. And because they do it so often, they are really good at and quite serious. Like close their eyes and belt out a song as if they are on American Idol. Needless to say, it was an amazing experience. Because it was my first time I was too embarrased to sing. Now that I know what it is all about I will find my go to song and practice my singing and choreography so that the next time I go to a KTV I will be prepared and leave them thinking I'm Katy Perry. Maya came to the KTV as well. She had a great time.

the canals at night.

A reflection of the trees in the canal on my walk home the other night...

What I won't be eating for dinner...

The Darlings

The darlings... Ricky, always on the iPad.

My landlords are the sweetest people. I dont know their names, so I call them the Darling family. It is a husband and wife, their son Ricky, and the husbands mother. The apartment we are renting is great. It is very clean and modern for a Chinese apartment. Except for the bathroom that is in the kitchen? it has its own door, but it is basically in the kitchen. And the shower isn't really a shower.. there is just a shower head in the bathroom. Other than that, it is a great apartment. The family is so wonderful. They speak very little English, but are so helpful with any problems we come upon. The grandmother even planted  multiple pots for us. There are 5 pots spread throughout the house, one is a lily, an orchid, some arrangement of succulents and I dont know what else, but the gesture was wonderful. 

Josey has the larger room with the laundry area attached. They dont use dryers here, so all your clothes must hang dry. Apartments have a small room with acces to a window for that purpose. Josey has lived in China for six years and acquired much more stuff, so I dont mind having a smaller room. Plus I'm working on being more of a minimalist. The only thing missing in my room was a bed. The Darling family bought me a new mattress (the mattresses in China a re lot harder than the US, probably better for the back). A week later the headboard arrived. The house is very simple and plain, which I like. It's white walls and all white furniture. The couch is a dark purple, but I can deal with that. I assumed that my bed frame would be very similar to Josey's, plain white and simple. I'm not sure if they think I'm a princess? They must, because they bought me a headboard for an 8 year old princess. I don't think I have ever enjoyed girly things, and I dont think that will change soon. Even if I sleep under a velour purple headboard with diamonds and flowers. They can not break me down! I guess the grungy attire and flannel I wear wasn't obvious enough. 

photo

Walking home the other day... This is my neighborhood.

Family Dinner

I had the greatest authentic Chinese experience last night. I had to cover two classes at my school yesterday from 10-12. I was then asked to go to a grand opening of our newest school location. The school was on the west side of the city. When a new store or restaurant opens in China the set off small fireworks as a celebration as well as to rid any evil spirits in the building. They decorate the front of the store with standing wreaths. There probably will not be classes at this school for a week or two, but we were celebrating/introducing ourselves to the neighbors. They wanted me there just to show face. Having a foreign teacher is a big deal and makes the company more reputable. My boss even asked me to lie, hah! I told any parents that asked that I had been with the company for three years, rather than two weeks. In such a traditional culture you would thing the whole “your word is your honor” philosophy would apply? There were two other Chinese teachers there as well. I knew them from my campus. At five o’clock we all left and one of the girls offered to drive me to the bus stop. As we got in her car she says “or you can come to my house for a party?” How could I turn this down? I feel I have to take every opportunity and do anything I have never done before.

Vicky was so excited to have me over. Mainly because she likes practicing her English…. I don’t mind being used. She and her husband have been married just a year. They live with his parents as well as his 84-year-old grandmother. Vicky’s parents and brother also came over for dinner. They have big dinners like this a couple times a week (I think the dinners, not living with my husbands parents, is something I will install in my family). It was so amazing. I can’t even describe it. Vicky was the only one that could speak English. Her dad knew a few words, and her brother could understand some, but not speak that well. Even without being able to communicate verbally with everyone, it was so wonderful. It was a family dinner! Everyone was laughing and having fun. I felt as if they were staring at me to make sure I was eating enough and enjoyed the food. Every dish is placed in the center of the tale and everyone just picks at the food. I ate a lot of the vegetable dishes, the meat was a little more difficult to eat. As an American I am not quite used to the skin and all the bones being in every piece of meat. And I just couldn’t get myself to try the goat feet. I don’t understand how these people eat fish! I nearly choked on a bone, and there are a lot of bones in fish!! Vicky’s father and father in-law kept forcing me to drink with them. It was some kind of clear alcohol, I assume similar to vodka. It was so strong and every time they would raise their glasses to cheers me I would just pretend to take a sip. I finally had to tell them no more, that I was getting too drunk. They were all so warm and gracious towards me, not letting me get up to get water or anything. Vicky’s family is from the country and her parents have a house not too far from her in-laws. Her father was very insistent to have me come to their home next time, he will even take the bones out of the meat for me. Hahah, such amazing people and such an amazing experience. Chinese people really are so kind and welcoming.

                                          
I wish I had taken more photos with everyone at the table!!

Halloween in Hangzhou

Well, It’s Halloween time! Halloween isn’t highly celebrated here in China. But our school not only focuses on the English language, but also customs and traditions of the Western world. The school I work at has many different locations. It is becoming a very reputable school in China. The school closest to West Lake (the gorgeous lake in Hangzhou) held a Halloween party yesterday. They asked me to come and be a part of the party. My role was to explaining to the kids what Trick-or-Treating is and why we carve pumpkins. It was a riveting lesson, if you ever need to know more about Trick-or-Treating or begging for candy just let me know. We sang a little song and played some games. A couple of the kids also performed little skits/dances. Let’s get real, little Asian babies dressed up in costumes? What could be better? They were so damn cute. I dressed up as a slutty nurse, and explained to them that as you get older you dress in the costumes you did as a kid, you just have to make it slutty.

After the Halloween party I hopped on a bike and decided to ride home. The lake was recently recognized as a World Heritage Site. My brother and I tried to see as many as we could when we biked in Europe for three months. I was in such a beautiful part of the city and the weather was great, so I enjoyed a leisurely bike ride home. Monday will be my first day off since I arrived. I’m going to go sign up at the gym close to my house and spend the day biking around and getting comfortable with my surroundings. Another important job will be learning the bus routes! Once we have Internet in our apartment I can use Google maps to help me get around. I still feel very lost most of the time. I miss having the Maps application on my phone! In the states I always knew where I was, even when I was lost. Being lost here… I’m just lost. It’s like moving to New York City only not being able to read any signs or communicate with anyone.

Have I mentioned that Hangzhou is the city with the largest bike share community?  It’s pretty rad. “Launched in 2008, the Hangzhou Public Bicycle program in China is the largest bicycle sharing system in the world, with around 61,000 bicycles and over 2,400 stations” thanks Wikipedia (how did we know anything before Wikipedia?)

new friends

I've been making new friends in China! It's unfortunate that I have to kill so many of them... I dont want to, but nobody else in the office likes cockroaches. This morning I met a little mouse! He was so cute!!! I moved into my new apartment yesterday (I'll post pictures as soon as it's cleaned and lookin good) was cleaning all morning! I put the big trash bag outside, I then noticed some other miscellaneous items just outside the door that I wanted to throw out. There was an old sitting stool, water botel with cigarette butts, cigarette butts, and an umbrella with a little mouse nestled in the corner. I picked you the umbrella and almost the instant I noticed the brown blob, it started moving. It walked right passed our door and onto the doorstep of our neighbors. The neighbors door was just a crack open, so the little mouse went right in. I returned to my apartment to finish cleaning. I closed the door behind me and waited to hear the commotion of their new found intruder. I didn't hear anything. He did look like a sneaky mouse. When I left for work my neighbors were cooking lunch. I don't know what it was... possibly mouse stew? It sure did smell delicious!!

observation

I just had my class observed by the vice principal of the school, and I think it went pretty well. I had two kids named Anna and Tina, ages four and five. I'm not quite sure if Anna was a boy or girl? It's sometimes hard to tell when these little ones all have a bull haircut. I wonder if my sister Anna was mistaken for a boy as a child? Why parents give their children bull cuts I dont know.... but they sure are damn cute! Anyways, Anna and Tina were great, we played with flashcards and worked on vocabulary. Played a little dice game and then I taught them the Hokey Pokey. I've downloaded a few sing alongs from iTunes. I teach the kids the hand motions then we do the song and dance a couple times. The girls/kids? loved it. My assistant was in the class as well and she said it was great, the vice principal was impressed and that we will sign the contract on Monday. I know it will still take time, but I am definitely getting more and more comfortable teaching here....

so cute Anna.

I found a home!

Another day of apartment hunting and work! My assistant (it’s fun having an assistant!) and I spent three hours looking for an apartment today. I found a one bedroom in a great area that I loved. It had everything I needed and was in the area that a lot of the foreigners live (they will most likely be my circle of friends, so it would have been great to be in their area). I was just about to pull the trigger when a coworker of mine called me. I have been looking for an apartment with another expat named Josey. She has lived in China for six year, so it will be great to live with someone that can help me get by. Part of me likes the idea of living with her for convenience. The other part of me would love to have my own place in the area that I was leaning towards, Josey wants to live a bit more downtown.  She called me so excited about a two bedroom that she had just found. I would have felt very guilty about bailing on her and finding my own place. In the end I decided to live with her. It’s much more economical! The single bedroom I found was 2,900 RMB ($467) Living with Josey, our rent is 4,000RMB (so I only pay $322). What can I say, my parents have taught me well… frugality is key.

 I taught three classes tonight then took a cab to our new place to meet the landlord. The apartment is really nice! It is very clean and modern and comes fully furnished; including three flat screen TV’s. I don’t personally need that many TV’s, but hey, I’m not complaining. All and all, I think it was a smart move.  Tomorrow morning I will move my bags into our new place and get settled. I then have to get ready for a big day at work. The Principal of the school will be observing one of my classes (no pressure). After that I can sign my contract as a full time teacher! That will be a huge sigh of relief. I’m so excited to star getting settled into my life here. It will take some time, but I’m excited to get into a routine and find my bearings.  The next major task will be to get an E-bike (basically an electronic Vespa/scooter)!

more to come..

I've been a really bad tourist! I'll try and take more photos..

Experiencing the experiences.

I had such a great China experience last night. And it was definitely needed! I’ve been dealing with those damn emotions… they’re the worst! I met a few girls last week at a coworker’s apartment. One of the girls I met is from Chicago, probably my age and super rad. I kind of want her to be my China BFF? She called me yesterday afternoon and invited me to go with her to see a band.  My inner grandma wanted to be in bed by ten, but seeing as I am in a new country with no friends I forced myself to go out and be social. Margret picked me up at my hotel and headed out to the studio. We drove through the beautiful touristy area before we headed for the dark alleys. Later when helping other friends find the place we kept telling them “the more sketchy it feels, the closer you’re getting. You should feel like you may get assaulted”. It was a completely different area of Hangzhou; the area tourists don’t visit. And like a diamond in the rough, there is a photography studio in this beautiful modern architecture building. It was so bizarre! The studio holds events, and that night it happened to be a couple of bands. After some time and the miracle cab that was lurking in the dark alley, we headed to another bar. The walk to the bar after that was so beautiful! West Lake is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. This city is well known as the most beautiful city in China. This bar was neat in that the alley next to the bar is one of the best street food locations, one of the girls also got a shoeshine from a very sweet Chinese man while we sat outside and had a beer. I can’t recall the Chinese term for this kind of thing (Chinese is not an easy language! I have a lot of work to do if I want to get by here). It is just a bunch of vendors lining the alley with their grills and tables in the middle. The food is super cheap, and fantastic! I can’t even tell you what we ate. Not because I was too drunk too remember, but because you just never know what you’re getting here. It really was delicious though. It was a great night and so wonderful to hang out with some Americans that can relate and help me with this transition.

I got home around 3am and had to be at work at 9am. At 3pm I went and met Jimmy. Jimmy is what they call an ‘immigration assistant’ or something like that. Basically he helps foreigners with anything they need. Our cab driver on the way to meet him was so excited to share with us that he is learning English. He also knows a lot of American music. We made a fantastic duet! We sang Lady Gaga, as well as “My heart will go on” from Titanic. The Chinese LOVE Titanic?! He also told me I was very beautiful, but only because I have blue eyes… eh, I’ll take it. Jimmy was darling and so helpful. We had a real estate agent show us a few places, the first apartment we walked into Jimmy takes one look around and says “no, too old and dirty” I was so impressed, he then told me he knows what foreigners want. Hah, I guess we have higher standards than a lot of Chinese. I don’t know why, but I just don’t like the idea of only having a squatter and not a real toilet in my apartment. No luck today, but now Jimmy knows what we are looking for and what area, so hopefully he can find something fast!

After apartment hunting I went to H&M with a coworker. She went home and I just walked around the mall. I then got very lost trying to get home, which is great. Sometimes you have to get lost in order to find your way (this can also be interpreted as a philosophical life lesson… just saying). I think I was just walking in circles for two and a half hours. I was going by places that I recognized but just couldn’t find my way home. I started seeing spots, so I decided to get a cab. I am so exhausted now, but overall a good day.

still in a hotel....

Well, it has been one week since I left the US. What do I have to say about my experience? It is quite an experience! Fact of life: things don't always go as planned. When I first got here I expected to be in a hotel for a couple of days, have the school help me find an apartment, get some teacher training, and settle into my new life here. It has been a week and I am still at the hotel. It’s right across the street from the school and super convenient, the only unfortunate part is that I am paying for the hotel myself. It's only $31 a day, and it's a nice hotel, but it adds up. When moving to a new city it takes time to get acclimated and learn the ropes. So when trying to decide what neighborhood to live in, I'm at a bit of a loss. Luckily I have some really great people at the school that have been extremely helpful! One of the guys took me for a walk after class and gave me tons of pointers and helpful advice. It was great and I was so appreciative. He then said to me "you know, it's a small foreigners circle and we all try and take care/look out for one another". I really am feeling that, which is such an amazing gift. 

I've met another Californian at the school that is also looking for an apartment. She is new to Hangzhou, but has lived in China for about 6 years. We've decided to look for an apartment together. It will be nice to live with someone that can help me with simple things that aren’t so simple for a foreigner, like going to the grocery store! We met with a real estate agent today and brought our assistant Dayna from the school to help us translate. Tomorrow we will meet with another agent that speaks English! This will be a HUGE help. Two more nights at the hotel is my limit, and then I will stay with another teacher from my school. I'm hoping we can find a place in less than a week (fingers crossed). I am just feeling so unsettled... Adapting to the culture and my job will take time, and living out of a suitcase/hotel makes me a little anxious. 

The school really doesn’t train much, which is really difficult. I like structure and knowing what is required of me, and there really isn’t much of that. Also, I have never taught before. With adults it is much easier, because they are at the conversational level, and I’m somewhat good at making conversation. With the kids it is about keeping them entertained and happy. I’m struggling, because I don’t have a bag of games and fun/simple activities for them. I keep telling myself it will take a bit of time, and to just be patient. But I feel as if I am failing by not succeeding super quickly.

In time I know it will all work out. Right now I am just missing home and the simplicity/comfort of my life. But as I’m sure somebody once said: If it scares the hell out of you, it’s worth doing.

Skype me.

There is this really awesome thing called Skype. If you have it, add me! My user name is Carrieclark31. My schedule is very convenient in that I don't have to be at work until 1pm. That is 10pm your time. This means that when you get home from work/gym/life in the evening I am just waking up, bright eyed and bushy tailed and available to chat. Just throwin it out there... xoxo

Oh! side note. You have to provide your own toilet paper in China. The first floor of my building has a "Chinese toilet" which is a porcelain hole in the ground. It is also very smelly. Luckily, the other American woman informed me of the "western" toilets on the third floor. Phewww!

First day of teaching.

They pretty much threw me into the lions den.

The tutoring center caters to all levels of english learners. Kindergarden to adults. There are four sets of books the school uses, and within each text there are different levels. From my observation yesterday and today, teaching adults and intermediate students is much easier than beginners (I could have probably guessed that before my observation). With your teenage and adult learners the text books fill the whole class time. They are easy to follow and it's easy with intermediate students to spin off onto other topics or class discussion. Even the "Lounge" class, which is just a free form topic and discussion class is simple. Because the students want to learn, and talk, and practice their English.

Kids on the other hand.... They are a lot of work, especially when they dont speak your language. It's like training a puppy. In fact, one of the kids today was slobbering like a puppy. He had his entire hand in his mouth, then would pull it out and want to touch you with it? Not okay, lay off my Casio calculator watch kid, I know it's cool. They smell like puppies too. The little ones have to take off their shoes (its a carpeted play room) and one of the kids, I didn't care to investigate, had the smelliest socks! Strangely enough, it smelt like Nacho Cheese Doritos, which made me hungry and sick at the same time. Anyways, the lion den. I taught two classes today, and what level you ask? The beginners, the babies. My second class was 3 and 4 year olds. The class is called art and music, and we are supposed to incorporate these into a lesson. As I mentioned, the text books for the intermediate students are self explanatory  The work books for the beginners, not so much! I was to come up with a lesson plan and activities to entertain 4 year olds for 50 minutes. I know, it's not rocket science, but come on! I had never even observed either of the classes that I taught. How was I to know the structure of the class? That's my only gripe. And obviously there is no better way to learn than to just dive in head first and figure it out as you go. I Just felt so unprepared. My teaching as well as my life here will just continue to get better with time! right?

No need to worry.

I know that after those first two entries you were really worried that I would be on the next flight home... well you can stop worrying. I think I'm going to make it. I mean no promises yet, but there were definitely less tears today. I think I may have made some friends today (fingers crossed). Today was my first day training at the school. And by training, I mean observing. Tomorrow I will even be leading my own class. I know... what kind of school is this? What can I say, they want my language. But it will be a class of three and four year olds, how hard can that be!?

It was so refreshing to meet a few of the other foreign teachers and learn as much as I can from them. So far everyone seems great, and interesting in their own way. I think the biggest sigh of relief came when I was told that there is a rather large Expat community here in Hangzhou. Let's be real, the only reason the first two days were so rough was because I had absolutely no body to talk to, and I'm a big talker! My assistant is still looking for an apartment for me, until then I am still in a hotel.  The school is a tutoring center so classes are from 1-9pm during the week and 9am-5pm on the weekends with two consecutive days off. And you only teach five classes a day, the other three hours are prep and dinner. Doesn't seem too bad. Now I have to go through my TESOL manual to find some fun lesson plans because tomorrow I'll be a real teacher ;)

Chinese drivers.

Asians get a lot of shit for their driving in the US... maybe that's our fault because we have never seen what it's like to drive in China. What is it like you ask? It's insane!! It seems as if there are no traffic laws. It's just every man, scooter, biker, and pedestrian for themselves. I'm pretty sure my van sideswiped a scooter on my way from the airport to the hotel. They also honk at everything. In excess. It seems as if there is always a reason to honk: I'm happy. You're in my way. I'm about to hit you. I like your shoes. I want to go faster. I mean really, the honking never stops. But I forgot about all of that today when I heard the music coming from the street sweeper truck. What song was it you ask? "It's a small world" Why yes it is...

My first days...

My AirChina flight left LAX at 1:20pm on Friday the 12th, and I arrived In Hangzhou Saturday the 13th 6am my time 9pm China time. I didn't sleep much on the plane. There were a lot of movies that I missed this year, and I had the time to catch up on them (so much for all that ready/learning Mandarin). Dayna, the assistant to foreign teachers at the school I will be working at picked me up from the airport and took me to the hotel I will be staying in for a couple of days, or until they find me an apartment. Dayna was supposed to meet me at my hotel on Sunday and show me around. Unfortunately Dayna got sick or SARS. Too soon for SARS? So I decided I would have to go explore the city on my own!

It lasted about 10 minutes before I was back in my hotel room crying. I realized there was no way I would be able to find my way back to the hotel, and I wouldn't be able to ask anybody for help because Dayna is the only person here that speaks English (good thing I'm here, huh?). I finally decided to turn on my phone, and what do you know, the maps application knew exactly where I was! Which also means it knew to charge me for roaming (sorry Mom and Dad).

I made my way down to West Lake. A beautiful and historic landmark of Hangzhou. I made it back to my hotel just as it was getting dark and needed to get something to eat. The language barrier is quite difficult, I haven't had a meal in two days. You know those universal menus, where they just show a picture of each item? They really need those here! I as asleep by 9pm and wide awake at 4am?

I spent Monday just walking around the city... don't worry, this time I used an old school map. No roaming charges for those. Dayna stopped by my hotel with a stack of reading material for the school. She is taking me somewhere tonight... where? I have no clue. I'll let you know when I find out. Tomorrow I start my training at the school!!