Blogs from Dongying, Shandong, China, Asia

I have quickly adapted to life in China. I find myself stumbling into new things to write about everyday. But when such things become so regular and natural to me, I forget it's different than at home. The past twenty-nines year of my life is a photo album full of fun memories and good times shared with family and friends alike. Currently, I serve as a foreign expert in the field of English language, living and working in oil mecca of China. The thing about my surroundings is that everybody is so nice and welcoming here, acculturation happens rapidly. You adjust to their norms and culture, and suddenly find yourself indulged in real Asian life; leaving part of you behind. Most of the people wear warm smiles, greet, hand-shake with every man (of course), then they'll ... read more

One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest Walking up to Shiyan Elementary School for the first time with my TA Elena, I noticed a nice concrete statue of two kids playing in the center of the entrance courtyard, with a typical Chinese flag waving high and proud behind it. The Chinese are happy and proud people, and that sentiment is shown for example by many tying red bandanas/rags underneath the back of their cars; red being the color of the country of course. Defeating the Japanese’ onslaught of attacks back in the late 30’s prior to Pear Harbor was a victory current generations still talk about. With ten minutes to go before class starts, we walk toward the five-story building where our two 35-minute English classes will take place. As all the kids are playing typical schoolyard ... read more

I was so thankful to arrive safely at the hotel last night, but I didn't realize until I woke up the next morning that there was no clock nor was I able to see the outside sky from my room. I definitely got the clueless foreigner one-night hotel package for 200 kuai (RMB). My mental alarm woke me up at what I thought was 5:30, perfect for getting to bus station by 7 am. After unsuccessfully scanning every TV channel for the time, I shower and pack-up ready to get on my way. I get to the front desk, and the clock reads, 3am! I go back to my room and get some zzz's before waking up again at 5:30am. I'm ready to hit the road, and good thing I left early. So when I checked ... read more