Week 5: Qingdao!

Just came back from my first vacation in China since I’ve been here. Needless to say, it was five days full of adventures, from arriving at the horrid hostel listed in Lonely Planet (Never trusting guidebook accommodation recommendations ever again. Word of advice: make reservations at several hotels in China) to celebrating Zhen’s 23rd birthday … on the street with bottles of 青岛, ice cream, and BBQ sticks in hand. Eight of us (Julien, Zhen, Sabina, Nina, Nat, Josh, Miro, and I) went to 青岛 to celebrate the National Holiday and Mid-Autumn Festival from Oct. 4 through the 8th. Qingdao is about halfway between Beijing and Shanghai so it was just far away enough to make it feel like a real vacation. Then again, any getaway with the right people always feels like a vacation.

Without further ado, photos!

Day 1: Hostel Nightmare

We arrived at Qingdao around midnight and tried to check into this hostel that we found in Lonely Planet. Let’s just say the rooms were comparable to the huts I “attempted” to sleep in while vacationing in Inner Mongolia. It was pretty disgusting … but you get what you pay for, and for 30 元 that’s not a lot. Julien and I had to walk around for about 45 minutes until we were able to find a free room in a hotel. We managed to squeeze in four people to the room, but poor Nat, Josh, Zhen and Miro had to stay at the haunted hostel. Zhen was having none of it and wanted to stay out all night. As a result, we had a walking tour of the old city in the wee hours of the morning.

Secret lovers

Day 2: Beach!

Day 2 started off much better, with breakfast in a nice cafe in the new city, then a full day of sunbathing at Shi Lao Ren beach. Then, a wonderful seafood Shandong dinner!

石老人 Beach

The crew eating Shandong cuisine. Fresh seafood! Delish!

Day 3: Old City (aka Sabina’s 2nd home)

At our new hostel … the Old Observatory. The staff and food were quite BOMB.

TIC!

Old City.

Sabine and Miro.

Attempting to be European. Like my tan?

The bay … a 20 minute walk from our hostel.

Love this picture of me and Sabine.

BBQ sticks!

Day 4: Happy Bday Zhen! (Mountains and more!)

The crew at 崂山

By the sea.

Artistic picture of the birthday boy.

Awesome night … by 9 pm. Haha.

Day 5: Exploration

“Farmer’s market”

Some modern architecture.

And some old ones.

I am becoming more and more Chinese by day! All the locals are starting to assume that I’m Chinese (not so much because of my speaking ability, but because of the way I dress, act, and walk. Yes, my manners are slowly dissolving). They get so frustrated at me when I can’t understand them! It’s not my fault … : (

I told this to Mom and she couldn’t stop laughing.

Anyway, I just spent an hour blogging instead of studying. You better appreciate! Class tomorrow. Hope you are all well!

Week 4: The Allies!

From now on, I will refer to Julien (France), Zhen (England) and myself (USA) as the Allies. Yep … we are quite the unstoppable trio, conquering Shanghai (then the world) one day at a time. It is especially hilarious going out with them and seeing them pick up girls. In Zhen’s case, pick up guys. Just kidding …

I promised Zhen that I would appropriately attribute “the Allies” nickname to him. Happy?

Anyway, it’s the National Holiday in China (国庆节), which means we get a week of vacation. This year’s celebration is a big deal because it’s the 60th anniversary of communism; the celebrations in Beijing look incredible. I haven’t been doing anything special so far, but my friends and I are leaving for 青岛 tomorrow. I’m excited!

Lately, I’ve been feeling like I’m not taking advantage of this opportunity to learn and practice Chinese. Dad always tells me, “Don’t waste time.” His voice is constantly ringing in my head. Is it because I feel guilty for having so much fun?  Partially. Well, after the holidays I am going to take my studies much more seriously. I’ve posted an ad looking for a Chinese language partner and already got a response! And I’ve made a pretty cool Taiwanese friend and chatted with him on MSN in Chinese for about an hour today. I also created an italki profile which connects people interested in learning other languages. I know I need to be more active in seeking out native speakers to practice my Chinese with. Which only means one thing: Chinese boyfriend, here I come … just kidding!

Speaking of boys, I am reminded time and time again how easy it is for me to make friends with guys … but not with girls. I know there’s nothing wrong with me, but sometimes, it would just be fun to have girls around to talk about other guys. Man, this is why I miss the girls from the ‘bra. Also, it is quite strange to constantly be surrounded by people. I consider myself a social person, but at heart, I’m still an introvert and quite a private person. Back in the States, I spent so much time by myself everyday … commuting to and from work, then chilling in my room at home alone. I jogged by myself the other day and it felt so healthy to be on my own. NO DRAMA!

Some new photos:

Zhen’s room is now the party room. But mine is the original hang out spot. Plus, I’m still much cooler.

Doing the European pout.

Zhen’s pre-early bday celebration. The real fun begins this week in Qingdao.

With Masami and Brendan’s friend in Xujiahui park. I love the colors in this photo.

Anyway, I won’t be posting for several days, but I hope everyone is well. Send me emails!! I don’t know what’s going on in the States!

Week 3.5: Century Park

I can breathe again.

These past few days have been distracting/exhausting/stressful but, today, I’ve finally been able to buckle down, get a decent amount of rest, and STUDY my Chinese! It felt good to be a nerd again. I am promising myself that after the holidays, I am going to study at least 4 hours a day during the week. I have too much to catch up on. And no more drama, damnit!

Had lunch with my classmates today! Germany, Japan, Korea, Indonesia and USA represented! The Indonesian girl is also Chao Zhou! Damn, we are dominating Southeast Asia. Anyway, she is adorable! I think a bunch of us are going out for lunch tomorrow again. Gotta remember to invite them out this weekend. Especially the Germans.

Some photos to share. Last Sunday, Kyu, Zhen, and I went to Century Park (世纪公园) in Pudong. It’s such a massive park … so serene and beautiful! I will take you there to escape from the pollution of Shanghai. It was refreshing to breathe in fresh air again.

Romantic, isn’t it? Many, many couples at the park … sleeping on the grass in questionable positions.

Rocks! With Zhen, my English Romeo. Haha.

The boys doing Kyu’s Korean exercise routine. It’s called the backward stroll clap.

Incase you forgot you were in China …

Anyway, I should try to watch an episode of this Chinese show that I bought. Gotta keep learning that Chinese. You know how I do.

Hope my readers are well!

Week 3: SHANGHAI PHOTOS!

I finally have access to wordpress and FB thanks to $60 and my awesome french neighbor, Julien! GET READY FOR THE PHOTOS!

This weekend was ridiculous. Friday was complete disaster for me, but last night was hilarious. About 26 of us went to this AYCE/D Japanese restaurant. Good food and unlimited beer. We even played BEER OLYMPICS since everyone was from a different country. Australian won … no surprise there, right? Haha. Croatia came in second place. I beat Germany, but she had a handicap because I needed a headstart. This girl drinks beer like water!

Okay. So the photos. Are you ready?

Welcome to the most popular dorm on campus. Seriously. Everyone loves to hang out in my room.

Xujiahui. The district that I live in. This area is about a 10 minute walk from my uni.

Yu Gardens. Adventuring on my own.

At the Shanghai Art Expo.

Okay. You need some pictures of my AMAZING HALLMATES!

My hall for Julien’s Bday!

Ben (Korea) and Nicolas (France)

w Brendan (USA!). REUNITED and it feels so good. Beijing 2005!

Sabina (Germany) and Edison (Canada)

My boys! Nicolas (France) and Kyu (Korea)

Nina (Slovenia). I love this girl.

KFC picnic in my room. It was raining and we got the food delivered!

Always people in my room. Julien (France), Elody (France), Gloria (Brazil), Crep (France), Nicolas (France), Zhen (England)

Beer Olympics! Australia vs. France!

Beer Olympics Finals: Miro (Croatia) and Nat (Australia)

I love this picture! Possible group going to Qingdao during the national holiday! Nina, Zhen, Sabina, Julien

Leo (Cameroon), Ben, and Kyu

w Julien … thank you for helping me with my VPN! It’s not a good thing that he lives right across from me. He intends to drown me in liquor all the time.

Kyu … you are so hilarious! LOOK AT HOW FULL MY CUP IS. Julien would not stop refilling my cup.

The boys … they crack me up.

Okay so this was my second week of class. I’m in the intermediate 2 level and it’s actually a lot of work, but I really enjoy learning Chinese here. My greatest challenge is speaking fluently … and vocabulary! The teachers are cool and my classmates are from all over – Korea, Germany, Japan, Brazil, France, etc. I actually met a girl from LA! She even used to live in Alhambra. SMALL WORLD. And a guy in my class went to USC for his masters. He actually works in the USC Shanghai Office. There’s going to be a grand opening event next month so I’m going to go check it out and smooze! Networking … that’s the key to everything, isn’t it?

Side note:
Elody is French-Chaozhou/Cambodian!!! So crazy. She looks completely French but her mom is Chaozhou/Cambodian. She even knows about Numachok!

I can’t get over how amazing the people are here. Everyone is different. I especially love my HALL! We are all very social and hang out in each other’s rooms. Yes, this is the true college that I missed out on when I lived in Century at USC. And, of course, my room is the most popular. Growing up in the SGV means everyone is first or second generation Asian-American, but here, all my friends are from Europe or different parts of Asia. As corny as it sounds, I wake up smiling everyday that I’m Shanghai and fulfilling this amazing dream that I’ve always had. It feels so refreshing to challenge my strength, my independence, my willingness to learn about others and myself. Most importantly … I am happy. I have finally discovered what I’ve been searching for all this time … pure, unfiltered happiness.

What it means to bleed.

I know I am meant to experience this, but this is just … so inexplicably difficult in every way.

I hope there’s a someone.

I hope there’s a some day.

＊＊＊
《若你碰到他》 蔡健雅

若你碰到他歌词我的脆弱坚强 互相作战
理性与感性 失去平衡感
不想让自己 活在过去的遗憾
问宇宙 他是否还爱我吗
这问题 早就有答案
若你碰到了 替我问候他
告诉他 我过得很美满
已忘记他 已把泪水全部擦乾
若你碰到了 替我问候他
祝福他和他的另一半
不在乎他 不再爱也不再等待
就这样吧 若你碰到他

爱 没有绝对 虽曾经以为
我终於体会 爱不能倒退
该让它颓废 收起心碎

若你碰到了 替我问候他
告诉他 我过得很美满
已忘记他 已把泪水全部擦乾
若你碰到了 替我问候他
祝福他和他的另一半
不在乎他 不再爱也不再等待
就这样吧 若你碰到他
就这样吧 若你碰到他

Week 2: TIC (This is China)

My second week of China kicked off with a memorable (actually, to be literal – hardly memorable) weekend with Brendan, Masami, Leo and Nat last Saturday. Brendan didn’t believe that I could “power up” so I had to show him all the wonderful things that Uncle D taught me. (Brendan texted me later that evening: “Be sure to thank Deloitte for making you cool.”) The night started off at G-Plus (50 RMB for 5 drinks!) where I took advantage of the special promotion within 45 minutes. We needed a change in scene so we headed over to Muse, but first had to make a stop for some 百酒 and red tea as a chaser. Haha. TIC. TIC.

After the 白酒， the rest of the night became a blur. All I know is that I danced a lot. I have bruises as evidence. But according to Masami, I also booty bumped some French girls off the stage because I thought I could dance so much better. No surprise there. I don’t remember what I did when I got back, but Allen said that I called him … all the way from China! Now that is true friendship. I even folded my laundry at 330 am. I must say that I am pretty productive even when my motor skills are handicapped.

So Monday was my first day of class. I was originally placed in Intermediate I, which I thought was really too easy, so I decided to sit in Intermediate II and Intermediate III (Nicolas’ class). I thought Intermediate III was a very good level for me, because it was challenging and a lot of students also spoke more fluently. But in order to transfer into a higher level course, I had to take another exam, which I did yesterday. Well … the results were embarrassing! Really, really embarrassing. It took much convincing (and even a little begging) with the teachers to get transferred into Intermediate II. Since I only have one year in China, I want to make the most of it and become as fluent in Chinese as possible!

Some other random mentionables for this week:

-Wednesday was my French hallmate’s (Jullian) 23rd birthday so we went to a Chinese restaurant (with the typical roundtables) to celebrate. We had 16 bottles of beer and over 10 courses for dinner … and it only came out to be 36 RMB per person … which is about $7/person. I love China.

-I am being attacked by mosquitoes. I don’t know what it is about my blood, but no matter where I go outside of California, mosquitoes find me … and attack. It’s insane. I wear long pants to sleep and cover myself with my comforter, but they still find ways to bite my toes, fingers, face, and ears. I mean, really. Come on now. Thank god for Nina and her Slovene Tea Tree Cream. It’s the best. Thing. Ever.

-I’m losing weight! With the running, walking, dancing, and lean eating … maybe I can fit into some of my smaller jeans! Bak: get ready for Bak-40-hands. : )

-Chinese people do not buy you drinks. Sad.

-For those of you who would like to contact me, my mailing address is as follows:

CHINA SHANGHAI 2000 30
JIAOTONG UNIVERSITY
1954 HUASHAN RD, LIANXING BLDG
ROOM N113

And you can also call me my cell number at +86-15221894112

Today was a completely unproductive day so hopefully I’ll get some studying done after dinner. Must. Practice. Chinese!

crush CRUSHED.

more tomorrow.

good night!

Week 1

Chile. Cameroon. Australia. England. France. Slovenia. Germany. Vietnam. USA. And many others.

Yep, this a more elaborate list of all the countries represented in my hall! I already feel like I’ve made great connections with a number of my hallmates, particularly Nicolas (France), Leo (Cameroon), Nat (Australia) and Nina (Slovenia). A few of us went to dinner last night and I almost spit out food because I was laughing so hard. Tomorrow should be fun because it’ll be orientation and we’ll get to meet more international students and not just the ones in our dorms. I’d also love to start meeting some native Chinese students so I can practice more of my Chinese. There is an inevitable tendency to resort to English when you are around so many international students 24/7. Anyway, I foresee a very exciting and entertaining year. : ) Can’t wait to start creating some ridiculous memories!

Yesterday, I was still on my own so I visited the Yu Garden (豫园), the neighboring bazaar and the Temple of City God (城隍庙). It’s nice to visit the Old City, even if it’s turned into a tourist attraction with souvenir shops at every corner. While I was at the bazaar, an American pilot actually befriended me and we struck up a 30-minute conversation about what I was doing in China (studying Chinese) and what I used to do in the States. His son also did auditing for a years and then quit … I forgot how many hundreds of thousands of people start off their professional careers as auditors. Anyway, he thought my decision to study in China was a very smart one, considering my unique position. It’s always nice to receive the support of others, albeit strangers.

Since I’ve been here, I’ve been spending so much (cell phone, blankets, sheets, bathroom stuff, mats, water heater, etc.) … which needs to stop soon. I spend as if I’m still earning an income, which I AM NOT. I think I’m done buying things for a while … my only large purchases left should be a water cooler/fridge and bike at the end of the month. But you guys should come visit me! Although my room is a bit small and my walls are gross (must find posters to decorate/cover up the “stains”), it actually looks like someone lives in my room. My bathroom is also tiny. Nothing separates the shower from the toilet other than a shower curtain, but at least I have a rod to hang a curtain unlike most of my hallmates. It’s kinda cool to be buying stuff for my room … I definitely feel like a college student again. You know what? This is actually my first dorming experience! Looking back, I’ve always lived in apartments at USC. I guess I am reliving a true freshman experience. Haha. In fact, I am typing this on my bed with my door wide open so my neighbors can drop by and say hello (which they all have at one point or another in the progress of this entry).

Nina just came into my room to tell me that her mattress smells like shit and she’s thinking about buying a new one. Haha. Oh man. Her room does smell like mold, though, so it might be a good idea. I dubbed her the “room inspector” because she is going from room to room, sniffing everyone’s mattress, telling them whether or not they need to change it. She even convinced Leo that he needs to buy a new mattress, too. I was hurling over laughing the whole time.

Anyway, I’m starting to see the magic of LGTA 2009 and it’s simply wonderful.

I’m grateful to be here. : )

I AM ALIVE!!

Hellooooo, Shang HI.

You have no idea how may attempts its taken me to finally access wordpress so I can blog. Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Myspace are all blocked in China so I had to go great lengths to finally post! It feels like I’m finally breathing again to let this all out …

{But unfortunately, I can’t access post pictures. There are so many good ones to share!}

So, I’ve been in Shanghai for about 5 days now and I’m absolutely loving it. I love the anonymity of wandering around this huge city by myself without anyone knowing me. I love that everything is new here and presents itself as a challenge. For example, the simple act of buying a cell phone was a lot tougher than I expected. Try buying a cell phone speaking Chinglish. You get a lot of funny looks. Lot of frustrated expressions, too, on both my part and the customer rep’s. Haha. Thank god I was in Best Buy where they had some kids who understood a little bit of English.

Anyway, my first few days were spent hanging out with Brendan, his girlfriend, and a few of his expat friends. It does help a lot to have someone here to show you the ropes. It’s also nice to be reunited with Brendan, who I studied with four years ago in Beijing. We both share that common drive to be here and to discover ourselves. Other than hanging out with Brendan, I have been adventuring a lot by myself. I’ve been to Xujiahui Park, People’s Square, the “French Concession”, Zhongshan Park. I’m hoping to go to Yu Gardens today.

I have met most of my hallmates and it’s incredible how international we are! Everyone is from a different country – Chile, France, Cameroon, Germany, UK, Ukraine, and the States (ME!). There are a few others that I haven’t met. I had dinner with Nicolas (French) and Leonard (Cameroon) yesterday at Ajisen (yes, they have it here too!). It’s actually quite cheap. $3 for ramen. Hell, I can see myself eating there quite often. Unfortunately, everyone seems to be doing their own thing today so it looks like I’m off on my own again.

Well, this is just a quick update! Hopefully there will be more soon!

Almost there …

Currently in Seoul, Korea, waiting for my connecting flight to Shanghai. Laptop is just about to run out of batteries. I guess I should be practicing some Chinese phrases soon!!

 

Anyway, I AM FINALLY IN ASIA. Pop some champagne friends because the dream is finally coming true!

 

I hope I can post soon after I settle in Shanghai. Catch you later!