To the new year.

Another year… here we go. New Years Eve was just like any other New Years Eve…. A tad anticlimactic.  I’ve never been a huge fan of New Years Eve. It usually turns out to be an evening of overpriced drinks and high expectations followed by dissapointment. The thing to do on NYE usually involves a club. I guess after working at a nightclub I have lost the awe and excitement of such a place. However this NYE was exciting in one aspect; I was in Shanghai.

I got out of class Sunday evening at 5pm, went home, grabbed my bags and hopped on the train to Shanghai. I have also now mastered the subway system in Shanghai, I'm pretty proud of myself. Not that Hangzhou isn’t beautiful, but there is just something pretty awesome about Shanghai. I think a year in Hangzhou will be plenty of time. It can feel rather small sometimes. I’ll fill you in on my future plans another time though, right now NYE.  My dear friend Mecah generously let me stay at her apartment while she was home for the holidays. The location is fantastic and it is three times the size of my shoebox. Monday morning I went to the fake market (may be my favorite place in China) and spent more than anticipated. Standard. Also, I am becoming quite the bargainer. Best Purchase: Rosetta Stone for $15, and yes it works!

Three of my friends from Hangzhou arrived to Shanghai in the early afternoon. I met up with them for some shopping and a bite to eat. We parted ways to get ready for the evening. I walked back to the apartment, not the smartest decision considering we were already cutting it close on time. So what else happens when you are in a rush? Obstacles. Obstacle number one: broke the key trying to get into the second gate. Like any old lock, there is a delicate and specific process. I opted for sheer strength. Wrong. Luckily the guy that made the key was super close. He made me a new key and taught me the trick (it’s lift then turn in case you ever want to get into Mecah’s building). I rushed upstairs and hopped in the shower. Obstacle two: hot water ran out after about three minutes. Cold showers are good for you right? Obstacle three: sorry to be the one to tell you this Mecah, you’re hairdryer sucks! It doesn’t quite “blow” any air, rather it just gets hot. Not too helpful. I got dressed and hopped in a cab to the hotel to meet my friends and use their hairdryer. Obstable four: traffic. We were a little late to our dinner reservation; luckily a few others in the group were on time. We had a wonderful sushi and sake dinner.

Following dinner we headed to the club. I don’t think there is much I can say about the evening. It was fun, but nothing magical. I just feel like clubs are clubs no matter where you go. New years day was a beautiful day with blue skies. It was so beautiful!! We did some touristy stuff then headed back to Hangzhou. All in all it was a lot of fun. Photo caption: Grab 2013 by the ball.

The new year brought the most beautiful snowstorm to Hangzhou. I was told it doesn’t snow here… somebody must have forgotten to relay that message to the sky. It snowed for about three days transforming Hangzhou into a winter wonderland. There is something really beautiful/peaceful/cathartic about a city being transformed by the snow. I have been in the snow many times, but this was a whole new experience. I felt like a giddy child walking around the city in the snow! There has also been a surplus of snowmen due to the snow. My coworker and I found this one on our way to lunch. I also created a great lesson with the kids involving snowballs. "throw" was the key verb.

I don’t know if it was the snow or just this New Year living abroad, but I have been thinking a lot about my resolutions. I don’t know if I have ever really kept a resolution.  I think the theme of 2013 for me is this: “We are judged by what we finish, not by what we start.” I’m constantly striving to be a better person, although I don’t always follow through with the goals I set for myself. I am going to work very hard to change this. I will strive not only to stay motivated, but also to turn that motivation into habit. Alright, here’s to 2013... A year of transitions and self-discovery.

 

On a side note: I recently heard of this phenomenon in Japan where the people are literally working themselves to death.It's called Karoshi, which translates to "death from overwork", is occupational sudden death. Most commonly a heart attack or stroke due to stress. I haven't seen anybody die yet (knock on wood) but the Chinese sure are tired. My cab driver was taking naps at every red light today. I was totally okay with it. I let him doze and I gave him a little nudge when we got the green. I would much rather him have a rest than have a stroke while I'm on my way to meet friends.