Talking the Lingo...kinda

So today after church we went out to lunch with our friends. We have our own little group that get together on Sundays to play games and hang out. So today we went out to lunch together to this BBQ place at the American Club called Moose&Roo. We took a taxi to get there it is about 30 minutes away from the church.

Our taxi driver was super nice! He taught us the correct way to pronounce the address of Moose&Roo. Then he asked where we were from. At first I didn't understand what he was asking. I knew he was asking a question but I didn't know what it was. But then he started naming countries and I was like ooohhh. So I told him that we were Americans. Then he asked how old we were. It was so much fun to answer back in the language. Even though I only understood a couple of words in the questions I could get the gist of what he was asking. 

It was a lot of fun to practice the language that we have been learning everyday. It wasn't perfect but it was fun! This was probably the best taxi driver I have had since being here. He taught me how to pronounce the name of the taxi and his name. He also gave me his card with the number so we can call him to pick us up! 

It is such a great feeling when you can understand a little bit of the language and have a semi conversation with the locals. Even if the conversation was very one sided (he asked questions and I answered) it was still great. It makes me excited for the day that I can have a full conversation with a local in their language :).

Also the food as Moose&Roo was DELICIOUS!!! It was real BBQ with authentic sides. It could rival City BBQ back in Lexington. We left will full stomachs and full heart (because the company was great). The BBQ came with homemade sides and OHH MY GOODNESS best food I have had here. I ordered the BBQ chicken with cornbread and onion rings. We all shared our food. So I got to try the pulled pork, the ribs, chicken wings, and the brisket. We also shared the sides. We got mac N cheese, mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, and french fries. We spent 2 hours there talking and eating. I am so glad God has given me such great friends here and the opportunity to find hidden gems like Moose&Roo to fill our bellies.

BBQ chicken with cornbread and onion rings. 

First Full Working Week

Well it was officially my first full week employed at SmartKids kindergarten here in Beijing. I think I am getting used to the school. It is definitely different than in the States. I only teach twice a day and the rest of the time is play time. I am seeing this as a blessing from God. The work is super easy. I'm not stressed out and I get to enjoy spending time with these cuties! My recruiter said my school was pleased with my performance at the school I just need to make my teaching more entertaining. I agree! I want to be more entertaining and fun but it's really hard to come up with something fun when you don't know what you are going to be teaching that day! So that is something I need to work on. Basically I need to go in each day with different games that will go with different types of lessons (reading, flashcards, review, etc). 

I went grocery shopping this week! We went to Walmart first, but it's not the same here in China as in the States. So instead we went to the foreign grocery story, Jenny Lou's. I got some olive oil, peanut butter, and black pepper. You don't want to know how much I spent. Let's just say it was crazy! I spent about $9 on a small jar of peanut butter! But if you know me, peanut butter is a staple in my life! I need it to survive LOL. The olive oil and black pepper are for the broccoli I love making. 

This week I made dinner 4 of the 5 days. And each day I made broccoli. I could probably live off this broccoli. Oh and we always have rice, LOL, while in China right?!?! Today I added peanuts to the dish and it was delicious :). So this might become a popular dish for me here in China. I am thinking about venturing into the meat department and buying some chicken to add. We will see. I am experimenting a lot here because I don't have an oven so I am perfecting my stovetop creations :). 

We had to go buy more rice at the store this week. Oh my goodness! It's crazy here. There are so many different selections of rice. All ranging from $5-$50 for a 5kg bag of rice! It was so crazy! I don't know how you choose or even know the differences. I guess I will learn as I get used to the different world I am living in :)

Nothing major really happened this week. Just getting used to this new environment. Praying it continues to get better and better. I know God has a plan for me here and I can't wait to see what else he has in store for me!