Well it's official... I have been in China for exactly 4 months. It has been a roller coaster here. It's true what they say about culture shock being ups and downs. When I think back to my first month here it feels like years ago but also like a couple days. I can't believe it has been 4 months, it really doesn't feel like 4 months when I think about it. I have made a lot of new friends and done a lot of things that I would never had done back home.
It is really interesting to live in a foreign country. You don't know the language, but you pick it up along the way. I have gotten good at getting what I need from the local stores and traveling by taxi, but when it comes to having a conversation with the locals I am at a loss. I know bits and pieces of Chinese but not enough to hold a conversation. I did buy Rosetta Stone (for 70RMB which is like $11) so I am beginning that but it could take awhile.
Traveling in China is an experience all on its own. I feel like I am an expert at taking the subway. LOL. It's actually a great way to get around and it only costs 2RMB, that's like 30 cents. The only things you have to get over is the amount of time it takes to get places. To get to church it is like 5 stops and it takes almost an hour. To get to some of the tourist attractions it could take over an hour. But it is cheap and you get to be stared at by Chinese the whole time. LOL. You start to get past the staring after a couple of trips.
So my job has been pretty good. I really love the awesome foreigners I work with and our Chinese assistants are pretty awesome too! I just started using ClassDojo (a classroom management tool) in my class and it is going great! My kids are listening and paying attention more. We set goals for them to reach so I think they are really excited about getting candy or a toy if they can get enough points by the end of the week!
I haven't really done any sightseeing since I moved to Huilongguan. I did go shopping at some markets. I bought some scarves and a nice cardigan for pretty cheap. As we went to one of our favorite "western" restaurants in SanLiTun, The Den. So let me just say The Den has amazing french fries and sandwiches and it's always on our list of places to go. Shopping is fun here, you never know what you are going to find. And it is always great to have AWESOME company ;). Can't wait to do more shopping and sightseeing.
APEC is having a week long conference here in Beijing. So all the schools are closing for 6 days. Factories are closing and less cars are being allowed to drive during this week. Can you guess why? Pollution! Since leaders from around Asia are going to be here in Beijing, they want the air quality to be amazing! So what are we going to do with the 6 days off, EXPLORE CHINA! We've made a list and we are going to have a great time! #theadventuresofAllieandTanith
I signed my contract with the school yesterday. I wish they would have let me read it thoroughly before signing. I found that if I decide to end my contract early I will have to pay a month's salary. :( I had to sign the contract so that they could get all of my work visa papers sent in. I don't know what is next for me after leaving IVY but I know God has great plans.
God is doing so much in me during my time here in China. I am learning a lot about who I am and who He has created me to be. I am learning to trust Him and not worry so much about what is going to happen. Everything always works out in perfect timing.
It is really interesting to live in a foreign country. You don't know the language, but you pick it up along the way. I have gotten good at getting what I need from the local stores and traveling by taxi, but when it comes to having a conversation with the locals I am at a loss. I know bits and pieces of Chinese but not enough to hold a conversation. I did buy Rosetta Stone (for 70RMB which is like $11) so I am beginning that but it could take awhile.
Traveling in China is an experience all on its own. I feel like I am an expert at taking the subway. LOL. It's actually a great way to get around and it only costs 2RMB, that's like 30 cents. The only things you have to get over is the amount of time it takes to get places. To get to church it is like 5 stops and it takes almost an hour. To get to some of the tourist attractions it could take over an hour. But it is cheap and you get to be stared at by Chinese the whole time. LOL. You start to get past the staring after a couple of trips.
So my job has been pretty good. I really love the awesome foreigners I work with and our Chinese assistants are pretty awesome too! I just started using ClassDojo (a classroom management tool) in my class and it is going great! My kids are listening and paying attention more. We set goals for them to reach so I think they are really excited about getting candy or a toy if they can get enough points by the end of the week!
I haven't really done any sightseeing since I moved to Huilongguan. I did go shopping at some markets. I bought some scarves and a nice cardigan for pretty cheap. As we went to one of our favorite "western" restaurants in SanLiTun, The Den. So let me just say The Den has amazing french fries and sandwiches and it's always on our list of places to go. Shopping is fun here, you never know what you are going to find. And it is always great to have AWESOME company ;). Can't wait to do more shopping and sightseeing.
APEC is having a week long conference here in Beijing. So all the schools are closing for 6 days. Factories are closing and less cars are being allowed to drive during this week. Can you guess why? Pollution! Since leaders from around Asia are going to be here in Beijing, they want the air quality to be amazing! So what are we going to do with the 6 days off, EXPLORE CHINA! We've made a list and we are going to have a great time! #theadventuresofAllieandTanith
I signed my contract with the school yesterday. I wish they would have let me read it thoroughly before signing. I found that if I decide to end my contract early I will have to pay a month's salary. :( I had to sign the contract so that they could get all of my work visa papers sent in. I don't know what is next for me after leaving IVY but I know God has great plans.
God is doing so much in me during my time here in China. I am learning a lot about who I am and who He has created me to be. I am learning to trust Him and not worry so much about what is going to happen. Everything always works out in perfect timing.