If you are new to this blog: two years ago I set out on an adventure to study and live in Ireland. I left my readers, my family and a few friends-- out of the loop. From my last post in 2009 it appears as though I left for London and Paris and never returned. However, I returned from Ireland and continued on to graduate from University with a major in English and a minor in History.
Now that we got that out of the way I am typing to you from my little desk in my quaint, rough, urban apartment in Jiangmen, China. Yes, CHINA. This is what I have decided to do with my life. . . . at least for a year, teach Oral English to a LOT of University sophomores.
The journey here was long to say the least. My first week in China was spent in Hong Kong where I got to know other teachers from Mary Knoll while we all went through a somewhat tedious and sometimes helpful orientation. The air was clear(er)-- due to the Mary Knoll house’s location, the toilets western, the city crowded, and the signs--for the most part-- all translated into English. So, to say the least, Hong Kong is a VERY western city.
After a two and a half hour ferry ride, where I slept in the hopes of not throwing up from motion sickness. My new friends Fr. Tim Kilkelly, Alex Griep and I arrived in Jiangmen! My new home for the next year. We arrived on Saturday August 27th, Sunday August 28th we had our Foreign Teachers’ meeting and stated teaching on Monday. So to say that I was a little overwhelmed would be an understatement. I hated it. It was too many new things coming at me at once. Then some thoughtful words from family and friends made me realize I want to be here. To be able to do this, teach in China, for a year is an opportunity that I cannot dismiss as “no big deal.”
Now, on my fourth Saturday in China I can safely say I am falling in like, which will hopefully turn to love, with a new country, new culture and new people. Here are some of the things I have observed over the past few weeks. My students are, for the most part, eager to learn although they are extremely shy which is frustrating at times. The Chinese people I have met so far are very hospitable. However, burps and hocking loogies are not uncommon and are considered a natural cleansing. The ground is so uneven here that I always watch my step. Building will spit on you unknown liquid. . . . runoff from who knows where? At night, on campus, those things flying around are not birds they are bats. Bats in abundance. It is normal to be a part of another person’s conversation on the phone because the chinese literally yell at the person on the other side. Every time you cross the street you risk your life because the bikes/motor bikes/cars/buses will not stop for you. Friends are touchy-feely while boyfriends/girlfriends are not. And, umbrellas are used more often for sun than for rain.
These are just a few things I have learned in three weeks and I know I will learn more everyday until the day I leave. I have settled now though and I meet new friends everyday so really China has been pretty good to me.
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