Okay now say the title of this blog fast, yep now you just spoke Chinese right?
That’s how I feel right now. Not being able to understand the people I’m around and then not being able to speak back. There are two words that I know, hi and thank you. So when I speak how now brown cow for a moment I get the sweet satisfaction that I can speak like those around me. Silly I know and rather ridiculous but still if it were you and it made you feel more comfortable in a new country let’s be honest you would do it too.
So why do I bring this up? Namely because I’ve never been fully immersed into a new culture before, where all that I can do is give blank stairs back to those around me when I’m asked simple questions like “would you like one or two?” or even “how are you?” Yep blank stairs and a possible nod of understanding or thumbs up is all I got in reply.
Here in China I’ve learned quickly that its just a mad rush to get anywhere. There are no lines its more like shove your way to the front. The “street laws” are more like guidelines and aren’t really followed, so when crossing the street I get to play Dodge the Traffic (kids don’t try this at home). Oh and that using your car horn is more like a musical instrument and is used throughout all times of the day and night.
Another thing that I’ve begun to understand is that even when you shake your head and say “I don’t speak mandarin it does not help you, instead you must simply listen to words that mean nothing to you and use your best interpretive skills to get to the next step of the conversation. At times challenging and at other times you just cannot help but laugh at the situation.
Besides these things there are amazing and wonderful things too. Such as the fact that in Harbin I get to live in a small apartment with the other girls on my team (Uniquely Knit) and we are blessed with beds, AC, washer/dryer, internet, and a mall literally 30 feet from where we live so that we can go get food, water, and other bare necessities whenever we need to. Also the weather here is wonderful, the smog and pollution not so much, but when the sun does come out and lightens the city its beautiful. The city streets buzz with excitement and as we travel down them its not rare to be stopped and asked to get our picture taken; I only say yes if they are willing to get one taken with my camera too, fair is fair right?
There is so much to do and explore that I just get excited to be able to go and out and have an adventure with my team. Even though we do not know exactly where to go or what to do our two feet can take us there and we can figure out the public bus system later. Walking is the simpilist way to get around at the moment which is great to be able to see the city street life, find odd shops here and there, and to be able to truly see the city. Don’t worry I have taken lots of pictures already so be ready to be bombarded with them just as soon as the internet connection isn’t so weak.
Personally I feel like this month of transition to the World Race is a huge blessing and allows for an easier one. However, I know that there will be fun new challenges along the way as the Race continues on. We won’t have the same comforts we do now and there will be bigger struggles. I am so very grateful to be able to be blessed by these ups and downs, so for now I’ll just say xie xie (thank you)
