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Published: April 2nd 2011
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Well I think I can officaly say that I've overcome my culture shock wave of insanity. I really didn't think that I would experience it as harshly as I did, especially because I've been here before a couple of times- but now that I look back on it, it was all for the best. I taught the little girl how to say 'G'day mate, how ya goin?' today- that was pretty hilarious!
I offically spent about 4 hours today practising calligraphy- OMG my hand hurts so much, but I can definately say, I can really appreciate the beauty and the art of writing characters- it is really soothing for the soul.
I've reached the point in my journey now where I feel apart of China; one just like everyone else; but you know- in a still feeling different sort of way. :P I can order food at a local street food stall and they treat me equally as they would with any other customer- which feels comforting. Feeling like you really belong in a place; and I mean REALLY feeling like you belong, not just "oh someone was nice to me when I was lost" kind of way, but
the entrance to the subway
doesn't look finished but apparently it is. in a true feeling of belonging in your heart and mind.
As I walk around the neighbourhood, it really does amaze me at the sheer simplicity of Chinese life. I see old men playing ma zhong on the streets, people walking their dogs in the park, mothers exchanging light gossip on the corner, the birds are cherping every morning and everyone is content. Since the little girl hasn't been going to school this week because she hurt her foot, many families in the neighbourhood have been coming over to see her and bring us fruit and make sure she is okay. Its a really wodnerful thing that if something happens to someone here- everyone knows about it, and wants to make sure that you're is okay. Yeah- I like it here.
I had my first experience in a Chinese hospital this week too. It certainly is different to what I'm used to seeing, but not in a bad way. We were in and out of that place in 10 minutes which I thought was pretty good going, even if you do have to pay a small ammount when you first walk in.
I definately feel like an
older sister now with the two kids, and the grandma has conversations with me in chinese now, which I hope means that she is more comfortable with having me around.
I also now know 2 other foreigners that live here too- so I have friends now YAY! lol and the weather is starting to become consistantly warm- which is sooo good.
This weekend is supposed to be the 'Qing Ming Jie' (sweeping tomb festival) but I'm not sure how the family celebrate it, if they celebrate it at all- but we shall see.
So I suppose in short, the weather is good, my Chinese is making sense and most importantly I feel like I belong. :-)
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