Escape from the city...tea picking

Waking up each morning to the sounds of cars honking, people talking, dancing grandmas and just the sounds of a city is something I have gotten used to lately.  Living in almost the heart of a city with a population of around 14 million people isn't always easy to find peace and quite.  So you have to find those avenues to escape the city sometimes and recharge yourself.  Recharge your mind and soul with fresh air, sounds of nature and the adventure of something outside the concrete jungle.

An epicurean lifestyle and taste has always found its way to my personal pallet.  From trying new

foods, to sampling exotic coffees and more recently learning where and how tea is harvested and made.  A few friend and a couple new ones ventured to the mountains just 2 hours outside of Chengdu to learn more about the popular green tea famous in the region.  Not always a big fan of taking tours, mainly because of the reputation they have in china for being a tourist trap to sell things, we signed up for this small group tour of tea picking. Why not give this one a try?  

We met our group and heading out for a full day trip.  The two hour bus ride out of the city was like a detox from the air, the noise and the high-rise buildings.  Once we arrived at the location, we were welcomed with the fresh mountain air, the lush green trees and bushes and the sounds of water flowing down the mountain.  We were immediately offered local green tree that was harvested from the fields we were gazing over.  A moment to sit and relax while sipping the pride of the Mengding mountains: MaoFeng Cha (green tea).  

Tea is more than a beverage here...it is a social norm and yet also a simple drink that always brings people together.   Saying that tea is a simple drink is actually not true.  When you pour the hot water over the tea leaves, one rarely understands the process that happened before those tea leaves were put into that cup.  The labor intensive tasks of hand-picking leaves at the just the right time of day or the goal of filling up your basket with fresh tea leaves and realizing the tiny leaves do NOT quickly add up.  We quickly enjoyed a local lunch and then grabbed our baskets and were ready for our tea picking adventure. 

Taking about a 20 minute hike down the mountain, we walked through the fields of tea and vegetables growing.  The sun was uninhibited by the city pollution and the air was crisp with the fragrance of mountain streams and trees.  We reached our "picking" location and our adventure began.  We were given a few instructions of how and what to pick.  "Looking for the top two-three leaves that are barely opened is what you really want," instructed our guide.  The new tea is what we were after.  The leaves that had not fully opened yet and were still left untouched by the scorching mountain sun.  After about an hour of picking, we all compared baskets and realized, we would starve if this was our full time job.  Yet, there was something very relaxing about listening to the stream nearby and the birds of the air chirp as we picked the tea.  No sounds of a busy city or screaming demands of sales and numbers from work...just the relaxing ambiance of a mountain and all that nature had for us. 

After our hour of picking, we combined our harvest and heading up the mountain.  Going back up to the top wasn't as easy as trekking down the first time, but we survived.  We were all excited that we had picked our very own tea.  Our leaves were combined together for the first inspection by the local tea guys.  They smiled politely...everyone realizing we actually barely even picked enough.  The men said we did "OK" picking and begin to sort the good leaves from the not so good.  Next began the frying or cooking of the tea.  The men took our harvest and in a type of huge frying wok, began to cook the tea.  This removes the moisture from the tea so that eventually you are left with the dried leaves.  The fragrance from this process was incredible.  Over and over the men would toss the leaves in the iron wok and then remove them to get the moisture out.  Eventually, our tea is ready.  The now dried leaves are separated into small portions for us to take home.  I must say, for all the work we did, we yielded maybe enough for two pots each.

Taking that bag of tea that we picked with our own hands, made us all a little proud and humble.  Understanding more now what is involved in picking a little tea gives a deeper appreciation for this wonderful drink that I am loving more and more.

All tea lovers from New Zealand, USA, England, Turkey, France and Australia.  Great Friends...Great Tea! 

Why not? A chance in life...

Why not?  It seems to be that these two words have opened more doors for me that ever before.  There lies deep inside me a sense of adventure and a willingness to explore.  Granted sometimes those simple words open the unknown and unpredictable future, but what it gives is a true meaning to life...for me.  We only have but a moment to live on this earth.  For me, I want to see and experience all that I can.  I know that my choices sometimes drive my family crazy.  Why would I chose to live outside the US for so long?  Why would I rather buy plane tickets instead of putting money back for savings in the future?  Why would I want to put myself in situations where I don't understand the language or culture sometimes?  To me...why not!

Growing up in a very small rural town in Tennessee, my surroundings were limited and small.  Very grateful for growing up in a small town for the values it instilled within me.  Just like a small little bird that eventually leaves the nest for the first time, you realize you can fly and there is a whole world outside after you leave that nest.  I read history books and watched the discovery channel when I was younger.  Seeing the different places and reading about history made me want to go there and see with my own eyes.  I wanted to GO!  Why not? Right!

That sense of adventure has allowed me to see more of the world that history books or TV would ever allow.  So many times, I have wished that I had the google glasses so that others can share with me in this experience of life.  Often pictures do not fully do justice the full beauty of the scenery or the surroundings.  Traveling is more than just seeing great places and sharing the moments on Facebook.  Its the full experience.  Its the people you meet.  The local foods you enjoy.  Its the experiences that open and expand you mind and help you become more globally minded.  What I have gained through experiences and the people I have met is worth more than any money in this world.

Yet again, I find myself in the dawn of a new adventure...moving to Shanghai.  The city is massive and the life there is quiet different than the city of Chengdu where I reside now.  But what excites me is the new adventures ahead.  Why not move to the largest city in China...or in Asia as a matter of fact.  With a city that boosts of its over 24 million people, there is surely some great stories, adventures and experiences to be had.  There are also some draw backs being in a city that is so populated.  Cost of living, crowded transportation, housing, and such.  However, the opportunities that are ahead outweigh the negative.

But this "why not" attitude has given me a chance to experience a whole world personally.  Its a growing experience to leave the comforts of home and of what we are familiar with, to taste and see the rest of the world.  In experiencing all that I have, I love sharing these experiences.  I often wish that I had the wealth to bring so many others with me to partake in these experiences.  For now, you
will just have to live vicariously through my pictures and stories.  Why not! :)

A Taste for Life...

Its often said that someone has a "taste" for something when they show a deep interest or talent in an area.  Some have a "taste for sushi" or has a "taste" for fine wines.  Others have a taste for adventure or even a taste for trouble.  A phrase has been toiling in my head lately, "A Taste for Life."  Its been 9 months since I  have last posted a blog entry, but that doesn't mean that I have been skipping out on writing.  Admittedly, most of the writing has been in my head while taking the subway or taxi around town here in Chengdu. A couple personal journal entries and a few articles for a local magazine here in China, have contributed to a little writing as well.  On the long flights to and from the US this past fall, I did a lot of thinking about this feeling that I have always had to write books.  What to write about?  I have several kids books ideas, but something more for now.

I have been very fortunate to live in Chengdu, China now for two years.  Its crazy to think that I stepped out on an adventure and said "I can do this for a year." Here we are two years later and I just signed my third year contract for teaching English in China.  Its truly adventure.  No one day is ever like the day before.  Most of that is because for one, I live in China, where you always expect the unexpected.  Secondly, I work with kids.  Everyone knows how this can be unpredictable, funny and challenging.  I have settled in here in Chengdu, for now.  Well, as much as a foreigner can with limited language abilities and a sense of trying to blend into the city.  What I have found is that unlike where I grew up, there is always something new to discover.  Partly, this is because I am living in a city of over 14 million people with a booming economy and massive growth.  With the quick growth of this city and more western influence seeping in, there is a blend of familiarity and unexplored that is around every corner.

I have never been one to say I was homesick.  I remember when I studied abroad in Germany, it was several weeks before I called home to say I had made it safe.  It wasn't that I was detaching myself and wanting to escape my parents.  It was more of a fact that I had just landed into a city where I had yet to explore and the opportunities where endless.  I felt like I had a whole city and country to explore and I had to get it all in as soon as possible.  I still have that feeling living here in China.  But it expands beyond just China...but throughout Asia.

There is a taste that I have in the depth of my soul for exploring and seeing the world.  So many times we watch the Discovery Channel or Travel Channel saying to ourselves how nice it would be to visit someday.  I have often said that the ideal job would be me working for a travel show, seeing the world through my own eyes.  I enjoy seeing life as a tourist and seeing the highlights of a city or area.  More exciting, however, is meeting those people who live there.  Locals often have the hidden keys to a city knowing that perfect place to enjoy local cuisine.  The locals can refer you to their favorite off the beaten path pubs, coffee shops, restaurants or sights that otherwise would have been missed following the typical tourist routes.  That is the taste for life I love.  Living like a local or at least exploring the local scene when visiting a new city.

Its not just about travel, but truly learning to enjoy life where you are.  Some save and work endlessly in hopes to build a better future down the road.  But in my sometimes optimistic eyes, I don't understand why you would miss the opportunities to miss living the fullest life now.  Truly living life is not about having the latest and greatest, but more an attitude of openness, willingness and appreciation for the small things in life.  This isn't something I feel you just come up with on your own.  Rather its developed through experiencing life and enjoying the moments day by day.  Some may say I have given up on the American dream.  To me, I have my own dreams.  It involves a passport, a camera (or iPhone) a journal and a taste for life that never ends...

Family is family...

Over the past two weeks, China has been in holiday mode celebrating Chinese New Year or Spring Festival.  It follows the lunar calendar and starts the year of the Sheep/Goat here in China and other parts of Asia.  This is the equivalent of the Christmas holiday season in the US.  Everyone returns to their family or hometowns OR chose the option to travel with family.  For a foreigner living in China, its the time you want to escape the crowds of travel and venture to relax...typically outside of China.  Traveling is expensive, but this year I was fortunate to have a great friend (and travel agent) offer me a last minute deal to Phu Quoc island, Vietnam.  I was a little hesitate at first.  The only person I knew going was my travel agent friend.  I really didn't get many details about the trip, but the price was too good to pass up and it was the beach, sunshine and outside of China.  I said sign me up!  Let's go.  The week ended up being an experience I will never forget...

Leaving for vacation is always exciting.  I really didn't know what to expect as it was a last minute decision.  Always up for the adventure, I decided it was going to be sunshine and clean air and most importantly...the beach! My friend picked me up from my house to go to the airport.  I was greet in the car by his parents who were also going on the trip.  Upon arrival at the airport, I met more family members traveling to the same destination.  It was a plane full from Chengdu to Phu Quoc...and I was the only laowai (foreigner).  

Of course some would immediately be scared or intimidated by the pure fact that there was a huge language barrier between me and the other 180 passengers on the trip.  However, the little Chinese I can speak along with funny smile, and sense of adventure already began to work the magic of a fun trip ahead.   Let's explore and see what Vietnam has in store...That was my attitude.

Arriving in Phu Quoc was surreal.  The weather was tropical, sunny and welcoming.  The airport was small and modern and easy to maneuver through.  We loaded the bus and headed to the resort after clearing customs. Here we go...let the vacation begin.  Jia You!

What would transpire over the next few days truly touched me and moved me.  Still not fully understanding the significance of the Chinese New Year celebration, for me it was just a nice vacation time to escape the daily work life.  Going with my friend, I learned a new aspect of family and developed friendships that hopefully will last a lifetime.  When we disembarked from the buses at the resort, our luggage was handled by the staff as we were welcomed into the dining hall for breakfast.  (It was 8am local time and we had been traveling overnight.)  My arm was taken by my friend and welcomed at the table where his family was sitting.  It was more "Ni Hao" and "hao chi" over the breakfast.  Even with the language barrier, I immediately felt welcomed into the family and realized this was going to be a family vacation...I was just part of the family now.  Following our breakfast, we gathered to claim our luggage, which had been grouped into families.  Yes, I found my luggage grouped into my friend's family and off we went to check into our rooms for a little rest.

After our well needed nap and getting settled into the room, the family gathered and ventured to find some local lunch.  As we entered a local restaurant, we gathered around a few tables and were excited to dive into some local Vietnamese cuisine.  Looking over the menu, I was excited to see English and some great pictures of fresh seafood spring rolls, Pho, and other familiar dishes.  What I found to be refreshing with the English menu, most of the family found difficult as they were unable to read the English.  My friend (now often translator/guide) and I began to try and translate the various foods.  Granted his translation was much more... accurate and better.  After placing our order, the family started pulling out money and giving to my friend.  They would pool their money together for the week for meals and group activities and have one person in charge of the finances.  What a smart idea!  I handed over my portion and another realization that I was part of the family fun now.

The following days would have various activities, meals and times together.  We arrived in Phu Quoc with a group of about 180 from Chengdu, yet "our" family was about 9 plus one...me: the laowai.  I have to say that the whole time, I was treated just like part of the family.  Even my friend's parents, who spoke no English, would often just grab my arm or put their hand on my back and begin talking to me.  It often lead me to look at my friend for translation or me speaking very simple Chinese to acknowledge that I didn't fully understand.  This didn't matter...I was accepted and part of the family now.

On New Year's Eve, the hotel had a grand dinner set up for the entire group.   I was a little uncertain as to what to expect from the evening dinner and celebration.  What traditions or customs should I know before dinning?  How was the evening going to progress and how do I act at a family dinner?  What I encountered was family at its best.  We sat around one large table that was already plated with snacks the family had brought from Chengdu.  Local spicy beef, spicy tofu and pickled vegetables you find all around Sichuan.  This was Chinese New Year and no celebration is complete without the traditional Bijou!  The glasses were ready and the toasting began.  The toasting wasn't just to drink, but to honor each person and their role as part of the family.  After several rounds of toasting the bijou and eating our way through the delicious cuisine, my friend's parents stood to toast me.  To say that I was touched and honored is an understatement.  A huge smile came over my face.  I was honored and humbled at the same time.

Honor is such a beautiful part of the culture I have seen while living here in Chengdu.  Around the dinner table and throughout the week, I consistently witnessed the honor and respect given to my friend's parents.  Everyone would make sure they were served and taken care of in every way.  It reminded me of how this is sometimes missing back home in the U.S.  This is not to say that we do not respect our elders or leave them to fend for themselves.  Rather, the deep appreciation and honor given to the patriarchs of the family is a time long tradition that is beautiful and refreshing here.  Within the last year while living in Chengdu, I lost my only remaining grandparent.  Going back to the U.S for her funeral was expensive and exhausting.  Yet, to honor my grandma for her 97 years of life and all that she had given our family, was priceless.  My family is very traditional and conservative back in Tennessee.  Witnessing and experiencing this week in Vietnam reminded me of my family and gave me a deeper appreciation for what family is really about.

Throughout the rest of the vacation, we traveled together to the beach, to dinners, to the night market of Phu Quoc and enjoyed relaxing times by the pool.  As the week progressed, the family increased in numbers as others were soon made part of the family.  We often say "'Tis the Season of Giving" during the Christmas holidays in the U.S.  I felt the exact same spirit here.  Giving not just in the unexpected hong bao (red envelope filled with money)  I received, but more importantly giving acceptance to a complete stranger during this special time of year.

This vacation was more that just a get away from the cold winter and pollution of Chengdu, it was a reminder of the true importance of family, acceptance and giving.  It was opening of hearts and arms to a complete stranger (me) and become one of the family.  Where I grew up in Tennessee, there is a famous saying of "Southern Hospitality" that welcomes strangers alike.  I see this exact feeling here in Chengdu with the local friends and families I have meet.  Welcoming one in with honor and respect and usually food or drink.

I have to say, this was the best Chinese New Year ever for me (only my second one in China).  I went expecting to just relax and bask in the sun, yet what I received was open arms and becoming part of a family.  The memories and experiences will never fade...unlike the great tan I got.

When we all arrived back to Chengdu, it was bitter sweet saying goodbye to all the new friends and family that I had met.  With the may exchanges of every one's WeChat (Weixin) the connection is not lost.  We still all stay in touch and share funny memories.  Thankfully WeChat has a translation application making it easier to stay connected.  Looking back now, I see that my friend/travel agent not only invited me to go along on vacation, but truly invited me to be part of the family.  This I will never forgot and now know that I have a Chengdu family of my own.  Xie Xie ni wo de pengyou!

 

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!

什么？我住在中国一年了？ Shénme? Wǒ zhù zài zhōngguó yī nián le?

Its hard to believe that one year ago, I uprooted myself from the beautiful sunny city of Orlando and moved to the other side of the world.  I took the leap to move to China to feed a desire and dream within my adventurous heart.  I thought, I could do anything for a year...Why not?  What I didn't realize is what would happen within that year and how it would change my life...forever.  I thought I would give this job a try and then go back after a year.  What I discovered was much more than I anticipated.

After a year here in China, I have learned more about myself and about the world.  Its incredible helpful to get outside your box or comfort zone.  I guess you can say I have always been know to think outside the box and hate being defined or confined to a box.  I have learned the importance and the role of patience, friendships, family, endurance and love while here.  One of the hardest times of this year was losing my Mee Maw.  She was one of the most amazing women I have ever met.  She taught me about life...simply by the way she lived.  She was the strongest person I ever met.  She
lived an amazing 97 years.  In her last year, it was difficult for me to not be
able to be there for my family...especially my mom.  There were many Skype conversations, emails, international calls that grieved my heart and spirit...but I have no regrets.  Going home for my Mee Maw's funeral was an expensive and yet a priceless trip.  The things she taught me growing up and even into my adulthood, still are the essence of who I am and how I treat people.

Moving to a country where the culture is so different and the language barrier can be very frustrating is a challenge I wish more would dive into in the US.  It forces you to look inside yourself and to see what you are really made of here.  You find yourself asking WHY? so many times, yet still the sense of adventure drives you.  I have to admit one thing...I am in LOVE.  Yes after a year here in China...its true.  My heart has been wooed.  My desires continue to grow.  I feel like there is so much more to see and do...that my bucket list could fill a huge bucket!  This past year has gone by so quickly I admit.  It really seems as if I have only been here a couple of months, yet the experience of another year of the Holiday season in China is around the corner.

Sentimental.  Privileged. Blessed. Honored. Grateful. Thrilled.  Excited. Curious. Anxious. Hopeful. STOKED!  Emotions all of which I am feeling at the same time when I look towards this next year.  OH yea...I'm staying another year here in Chengdu.  I feel like I can't leave now.  There is so much more to explore, so many more memories to make and so many more adventures to be had.  I have fallen in love with a culture that embraces beauty in many ways.  A culture that sees simplicity as a way of life (at times).  Tea is more than just a warm drink...but a way of life.  Food is shared amongst friends and welcomes new ones...if they can handle the spice!  A people that are beautiful inside and out.  A history that is older than we can truly imagine.  A society that is rapidly growing and evolving.  China has captured my heart...and the people too.

One could look at the challenges that a foreigner faces here in China and ask why the heck are you staying there?  The language barrier. The difficulty sometimes finding "western" things...like deodorant.  The incredible difficulty with the banking system.  Continuous challenges with crowds of people and living in a city with almost 15 million people...the population of Tennessee and Georgia combined! However, I don't see it as this.  I see it more as a way to experience a place so many will never get the chance to experience.  Its my journey to MY LIFE.  Grow up, move to a nice city, start an exciting career, buy a house, start a family with 2.4 children and a dog and invest for retirement...sounds like the most boring thing to me.  Granted its great and amazing for those who have that desire and this fulfills them.  My heart has the deepest desire to see the world and to meet many people from various cultures, backgrounds and walks of life.  My spirit wants to see the world and all that its holds from mountains, to rivers, to valleys, to places of interest and the 7 wonders of the world.  I don't want to be stuck putting away dreams on a shelf in hopes of one day being able to dust them off the shelves of life and revisit them at a later age and stage.  Selfishly, I want to enjoy this life as it is now.

So yes...I am staying in China another year.  To be honest...I see myself here for a while.  When I log-in to catch up on the news back in the US, I am reminded of the trap of becoming so ethnocentric that I forget to see the rest of the world.  I see the world as both extremely big, yet my playground in the  backyard at the same time.  Much like Veruca Salt from Willie Wanka...I want the world and I want it NOW!  Its hard to convey all that I am processing and feeling at this point of time.  I hope this is a taste of me right in this moment.  Much like the first sip of a freshly picked Tieguanyin tea brewed and sipped amongst friends...this is just the first sip of my experiences and reflections...



Why Everyone Should live in China as least once!

Flexible and Fluid...

Well I have been in Chengdu for 3 weeks now. Have my apartment and look forward to making my home MY home these next few weeks.  More and more I'm simply sitting back and finding time to reflect and readjust my ways of thinking and mindset.  As a foreigner living in china, the challenges never stop.  It's not bad at all, just learning to adapt to a whole new environment completely.  The literal environment where you check the air quality each day to see if you will wear your mask or not.  Not having your own car and relying completely on public transportation (taxi, bus, metro).  Cultural norms and social etiquette constantly being challenged or unexplained, but expected. Oh and yes...the language. Walking into a restaurant and open the menu to find only Chinese and few pictures is sometimes quite intimidating and frustrating.  However, I am so glad that I have been wired the way I am.  Many have described me as easy going and laid back.  This has definitely helped my transition time here in China.  Sometimes the best thing I can do is simply laugh and just say "Oh China!"

Example, imagine working a long day and you simply want to get home and change and relax. You grab a taxi and start to contemplate what you will do as soon as you get home. Dinner? Shower? Make some tea? Your ride home suddenly begins to look unfamiliar and you realize the taxi driver is taking your on a sightseeing your of the city....at your expense. Unfortunately you cannot speak the language to tell him you know he's going the wrong or long way. Watching the meter climb, you just sit back and enjoy the sites. Thankfully the taxi isn't too expensive.  And you may have found a new area of town.  It's all part of the experience right?

Imagine walking along minding your own business. You grab a coffee or food and feel dozens of eyes staring at you. At first, you are self conscious if your fly is down or if there is something on your face. Then you just realize you are a foreigner and that's just what happens.  Or the best, you are sitting in a coffee shop reflecting/writing your blog. Suddenly a grandma basically shoves her grandchild in your face to say hello.  She keeps smiling really big and speaking words that have no understanding to you, yet desperately is trying to communicate to you something about her grandchild. Then u realize she just wants to take a picture with a foreigner and her grandchild. I can't tell you how many times I have posed with complete strangers.  It totally cracks me up.

Being flexible and fluid is a gift!  A wise teacher once told me "be ye flexible and you won't break!"  I've latched onto those words here lately. In no way am I complaining, just reflecting here and hoping to give you a little perspective into life here recently.  I often just laugh at all the funny things that happen or I find here.  Shopping at a big store and trying to find a specific item is a giant treasure hunt. It's a game here.  Oh the days I would love to find a Target or Publix here. However, I doubt they would allow the hanging dry meat, pig snouts, whole ducks with heads or other live animals aka dinner.

More and more this experience of living in china has been like no other experience before.  Renting an apartment...wow...now I could write a whole movie script for that one.  I'm still not sure if it would be a comedy, drama or suspense movie. Just depend which apartment we visited and what process we are dealing with at the time.

All in all, I'm starting to dig in and settle my roots here. It's starting to become home.  That's another mindset I feel you have to take here. You can't have the mindset of I am just here for a short term, that's not helpful.  Fully jumping in and becoming part of the city, neighborhood and community is vital to a healthy and happy stay. No matter if this is a one year, two year or ten year stay.  It's allowing yourself to be part of the community and not just a visitor.  I've already have future blogs toiling in my head...here's a couple topics:  the guest chef for Chinese New Year, Chinese medicines verses western medicine, now why do you do that here, and my favorite...you want me to eat what?  Stay tuned....pictures are worth a 1000 words sometimes!