Well we are here. Sitting in our 6th floor apartment, listening to the Chinese aerobics instructor in the nearby park shouting out different exercises (we think) on the microphone and hearing music pumping in the background. Yes, we can hear this from our apartment. But that’s ok. Living in China was always a part of our original plan, since we left Atlanta in August.
China is NOT Like Southeast Asia
Now that we are actually living in China, it’s a bit surreal. We are enjoying it here, but we were not expecting such a big cultural difference from what we had experienced in other parts of southeast Asia, such as Thailand. There is a HUGE difference. Luckily, we have already made good friends and have a couple teachers from my new school helping us get situated in our new home.
For example, getting a bank account for my new job or even getting a SIM card for my cell phone was crazy. And without knowing Chinese, it would be impossible to accomplish. However, having a local colleague from my school help out as a translator has been a lifesaver!
Personally, we felt like Thailand was much easier to navigate. We could tell the difference as soon as we left the airport. Just getting on the right bus was a little bit of a challenge. In Thailand, we had the luxury of some things being in English, at least in more touristy areas. However, almost nothing is in English here in China. And unfortunately, staring at a sign with Chinese characters does absolutely nothing to help us.
Our Apartment in Guangzhou, China
Upon arrival, we were shown to our apartment in Guangzhou. We lucked out because this apartment was already leased by the old teacher that I was taking over for. Since she left early to have a baby, there were a couple months still left on the contract. This made for an easier transition because we didn’t have to look for an apartment right away. We can stay here for a couple months, or longer if we like it. Or if we find a better place elsewhere, we can move later.
However, we immediately loved many things about the apartment…especially the location. It is bigger than our old place in Chiang Mai, Thailand (which was a studio). With 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, it is actually bigger than what we really need here. There are also amenities in our complex, including tennis courts, a swimming pool, a spa downstairs, and a ping pong room (although we’ve yet to check that out!).
The apartment is in the Panyu district, just south of the main downtown area of Guangzhou. Even though we are not in downtown Guangzhou, we are close. We can take a bus and the subway / metro into the city quite easily…and it’s cheap!
The main reason we are in Panyu is because this is where my job is located. The school I am teaching at is literally a 5 minute walk around the corner from our apartment building. By far the best commute I’ve ever had! Plus, it is right across he street from a huge mall and many other shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores. We’ve never had it so convenient!
My New Job Includes Playing Santa Claus, and Gym Classes on the Wii
My first day of work is one that I will always remember. Gigi, my headmaster, asked if I would dress up and play Santa as we deliver gifts to the students at my school. I wanted to ride around and see our new neighborhood anyway, and to do it dressed as Santa was something I just couldn’t pass on. Honestly one of the most memorable experiences ever. Check out our full story about my experience dressing up as Santa and delivering gifts in China!
During my first day of actual teaching at my new school, First Leap, I was welcomed with open arms by my fellow instructors and my new students. I honestly love my new job and the school. The kids really enjoy the foreign teachers, and as a foreign teacher, we get to have the most fun parts of teaching English.
No joke, one of my classes is called virtual P.E. – where we get to play games on the Wii! I also get to teach fun subjects like World Cultures, Music, Art, and Science while the kids are learning English. So much fun!!!
Spending Christmas With our Chinese Family!
Christmas was tough this year since we had to spend it away from our families. But our new friends and family here in Guangzhou made it so much easier. Steven, (one of my co-workers), Wendy (Steven’s Chinese wife), my head master, Gigi and CJ (her husband), and a few other teachers from the school all met up for dinner on Christmas Eve. We had a great time getting to know each other a little bit better. We enjoyed lots of food and drink into the wee hours of Christmas morning!
On the evening of Christmas day, we were invited over the Wendy and Steven’s home for a home-cooked dinner with “The Grinch” movie playing in the background. Gigi and CJ joined us and even roasted a chicken! Then we exchanged gifts — which we weren’t expecting. But it was so thoughtful of all of them to help us have a great Christmas here in China, and we will cherish those memories for years to come.
New Years, Peking Duck and Chinese Drinking Games!
To celebrate the New Year, our new friends took us downtown into Guangzhou for the festivities. Unfortunately, it is very crowded here and authorities have had trouble controlling crowds in the past. So we were denied entrance to the area surrounding the famous Canton Tower, near the stadium along the Pearl River, due to there being too many people. However, we were able to walk around other parts of downtown taking photos of the lights and festivities, before ending up at a local pub / restaurant – where we celebrated until 4 am.
We have also really enjoyed getting acquainted with Chinese traditions and food. This is where having Chinese friends has been hugely helpful! Not only can they provide recommendations, but they can actually read the menu and provide some translation. Our new friends have helped us order meals and introduced us to so famous great dishes, such as Peking Duck!
They have also introduced us to different games, including drinking games. We have learned that the Chinese people love drinking games, especially while out at a restaurant or a pub. For us in the States, most people play these games at home, but here in China, you will see people playing them at the pub. Since the two of us LOVE to play games, this is a welcome tradition!
CJ has introduced us to a few different games already, but he assures us that there are many more to learn. We can’t wait to learn them and share them around the world as we continue to travel and meet people along the way.
2015 Will Bring Work…But Lots of Travel!
China has been great to us so far, really making our first week here a good one. Soon I will be heading to Beijing for 2 weeks of work training, and Liz (or should I say “Lizzie” because everyone here in China calls her that) will be starting her new teaching job in the next couple of days. So we will both be busy working soon. But there will still be plenty of time for travel fun!
In fact, February is when the Spring Festival is held (known as Chinese New Year to most of us in the States). We will be getting plenty of time off work during the festival, where we plan to travel out into the countryside to explore. We are really looking forward to seeing some of the beautiful villages and landscapes outside of the big city, especially during such an important holiday here in China. And of course, we are looking forward to sharing it with all of you.
Best wishes for the new year!
Don’t Miss Out – Connect Now!
