Friendships are the key to survival...

Why not move to China?  That was my initial thought.  Take a job and explore a country where I had only visited once…Yes please!  I thought that I could try anything for a year.  Why not?  See the world and feed that hunger for international travel that drives me.  So Chengdu it was to teach English for a year.   Looking back over this past year here in Chengdu, there are many things that have contributed to a successful year.  Settling into a city that has almost the same population, as your entire state back home, can sometimes be overwhelming.  

As I start my second year here, I have found that there is one essential ingredient that one must have to ensure an incredible transition to Chengdu: Local friends.  The friends I have made here in Chengdu this year truly have made the difference.  I have found most of the local people here truly have a warm spirit with making friends with the "laowai" in town.

So to honor those who have truly helped me to fall in love with the City of Pandas, here is a top local friends list...

Real Estate Agent:  WOW!  Coming from the US, apartment hunting can be quiet an obstacle.  Whereas in the US, you simply walk into various leasing offices and ask to see their available units, the challenge of finding the right place to call home is overwhelming.  Set aside the language barrier, but the process of finding an apartment can be a daunting task.  Our real estate agent, Kevin, was like a God send!  For one, he deals with foreigners frequently.  So his understanding of those unique essentials is very helpful.  You know, the western toilet, filtered water cooler, oven, possible clothes dryer (I know we scored on this one) and so forth.  He accompanied us to the police station to register our residence and has played the role of a local guide walking us step by step through the entire leasing process.  He continues to help us navigate through the daily challenges of living in a house here with repairs and other issues.

Other local "laowai":  To me, finding the true beat of any city, is finding those who already have roots planted here.  Especially when you are able to identify or relate culturally.  Having someone to simply show you the ropes who understand your paradigm is like that MasterCard commercial...Priceless!  These friends are easy to find once you begin to discover the places in town where foreigners dwell and relax.  Popping into the right coffee shop or restaurant, its easy to strike up a friendly conversation.  What I have also found is the true camaraderie of the foreign community here.  It reminds me of my roots growing up in Tennessee, where "Southern Hospitality" as a way of life and a true reputation.  

Local colleagues:  This is probably a given in the line up here, but

never to go without mentioning those you spend most of your time with weekly.  Asking the simplest questions to my local colleagues has made life so much easier.  Whether its been to read a simple text message received from my bank, to assist to pay my cell phone bill or to simply know what to order at lunch, my colleagues have truly paved the way.  In return, its asking the simply cultural questions and customs surrounding holidays, traditions, and other ways of life one may not be so familiar with in the first year.  Typically, I have found my local colleagues understand sometimes the challenges we face relocating here and are more than willing to extend their expertise. 

Doctor: Now this could be a tricky one, but I must admit that knowing a local doctor is truly a gift.  Of course, we all soon become familiar with the International clinics here, but its more than just knowing when or how to call them.  Through my circle of friends, I was fortunate to meet a local doctor who practices medicine with a more western mindset.  In retrospect, the convenience of going to a pharmacy here is very different from that of the States.  It makes you ask the question “why is medicine so expensive in the US.”  Walking into a pharmacy here, simply tell them your symptoms and they are glad to refer several options.  However, its best to have medical knowledge before jumping right into the first antibiotic you see.  This has been where a simple text or Wechat message has truly been beneficial.  I have found myself, when feeling under the weather, taking a mixture of western medicine and Chinese traditional methods.  For example, trying ginger tea with a cough or sore throat before jumping to get a cough syrup.  Asking my doctor friend has been very helpful in knowing what not to take and how to find what you truly need.  Also, you just never know when you will need one’s expert opinion. 

Bankers:  WOW!  If anyone has had the "opportunity" to deal with any banking transactions here, the frustrations just continue to go on and on.  Depending on the part of Chengdu that you live in, can determine whether your local branch speaks English.  A simple money transfer than make take 10 minutes back in the states is like a full half day process at times if you don't know the system.  Having a friend at the bank or at least someone who is willing to help and able to help you navigate through those moments of distress when you can't figure out your account is priceless.  Banking probably becomes one of the biggest tasks I procrastinate on when I know I have to go.  However, I will say, finding a local branch that is friendly to foreigners and understand their daily banking needs has been a tremendous help! 

All in all, the friendships here in Chengdu have left me incredibly lucky and blessed.  These friendships are not just about what I can receive, but honestly my life has been enriched by their willingness to help this foreigner settle into Chengdu.  Their patience, their kindness, the laughs over this past year makes me excited to call Chengdu home for another year.  This coming year, its my goal to pay it forward and pay it back to my friends who have welcome me with open arms.  Xie Xie wo de peng you!