A long overdue post, but one still fresh in my memory.
Chinese New Years in China is almost too much for words. It starts about two weeks before the actual Lunar New Year, with fireworks going off at all hours. The displays are typically noisemakers, but occasionally you get the aerial rockets that make pretty flowers in the sky. Vendors sell large packs of fireworks on street corners, and without any licenses or authorization, you or I can buy professional grade fireworks for cheap. The city doesn't have many regulations regarding when or how you can set them off, so some days the explosions would go on until 2:00am, sounding like a war zone outside my bedroom window.
There were two days of "crazy-go-nuts" fireworks on the actual New Year's Eve and the final day that fireworks were allowed to be burned. I took videos and will upload them sometime soon, but it was nothing like I've ever seen. Everywhere I looked there were beautiful, colorful starbursts all across the city. The horizon glittered as you could hear the firecrakers explode in the streets below. In the mornings, the streets were empty save for the remnants of burnt offerings and casings all over the place. When work resumed at the Consulate, mornings were filled with the sounds of explosions from the surrounding neighborhood. Supposedly the sound of the fireworks is supposed to scare off any remaining spirits from the previous year, thus giving people a reason to set them off whenever they feel like it. All I know is that by the end of it all, I was tired of hearing fireworks at all! Fourth of July will never be the same.
In the past few weeks, I've kept myself pretty occupied between doing activities at home (reading, knitting, cooking, baking bread) and with friends (going out to clubs, parks, massage parlors, restaurants). I've gone to a few events at the CGR that have been fun, including a baby shower for one of the EFMs and a Mexican food night with the Liaoning Basketball athletic trainer. There are plans in the works to visit the local Beiling Park this weekend and in the future, we'd like to do some skiing/snowboarding at one of the nearby parks. I'm registering for the Great Wall Marathon, to be held in May, and I've started back up with my running training for that. Things are going smoothly -- you can assume that the lack of posts means that life is keeping me busy, for sure!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Harbin: Ice sculptures
Harbin is definitely colder than Shenyang.
After experiencing the true cold of this wonderful ice city, I won't be able to complain ever again. At least I don't live here full time.
Last night was pretty straightforward, after the plane ride to Harbin, I found one of the CCC tour guides, Andy, at the arrival gates with his coworker Shanika (both Chinese). They said I was the first to arrive; a group coming from Shanghai was arriving shortly thereafter. The group came in all at once and they were very friendly. I introduced myself as the lone representative from Shenyang and they instantly took me into their group. My tour group actually didn't arrive until this morning, from Beijing via sleeper train, and they arrived much later than scheduled. After departing the airport, it was a 30-minute ride to the hotel, when I met the group and took in the sights.
There are ice sculptures everywhere here. If there is a traffic circle, there's an ice tower. If there's an overpass, there are ice columns. If there's wide highways, there are ice guardrails. Ice everywhere!
We got to our rooms after midnight, and a short birthday celebration for one of our group members. My friend from Beijing didn't arrive until about 11am today, so I had the room to myself for the night. No matter though, since I passed right out as soon as I laid down.
I met up with a family of four from Shanghai at breakfast and took a stroll by myself along the Central Ave. It's styled after the Russian architecture, complete with cobblestones and parapets on the buildings. They had an ice sculpture about every 50 yards. Even a Philly LOVE statue. It's internationally known!
The Beijing group was running very late, so when I returned from my stroll, I spoke with Andy to see if he had any updates. Since his group was ready to go and so was I, he invited me along to join them for the morning. A perfect plan, since we were going to meet up for lunch with the other group at the dumpling restaurant. Off we went!
We stopped at a number of sites: the old market street, a large mosque and market, and drove by the frozen river. Once we got to the St. Sophia's church, I had added my snow pants and took out my handwarmers. So essential, especially for the toes of my boots. The church was definitely Russian-style and it was very impressive. After taking a bunch of pictures, I was ready for lunch. My camera's battery was dying (the cold zaps their lifespan; even a fully-charged battery will only last 15 minutes max) and the group was frozen solid. To the dumpling house we strode!
After gorging ourselves with a bunch of dumpling varieties, the Beijing group finally arrived! I met up with my OMS classmate and I joined the Beijing group for good. As the Shanghai group departed for the ice river diving show, I thanked them for welcoming me into their group. The Beijingers ate hungrily and I chatted with them while catching up with my friend. Good times. Following lunch we stopped back at the hotel for a quick rest 休息休息 and prepped for the evening's excursion to the ice sculpture park. Where, naturally, there were more ice sculptures!
After experiencing the true cold of this wonderful ice city, I won't be able to complain ever again. At least I don't live here full time.
Last night was pretty straightforward, after the plane ride to Harbin, I found one of the CCC tour guides, Andy, at the arrival gates with his coworker Shanika (both Chinese). They said I was the first to arrive; a group coming from Shanghai was arriving shortly thereafter. The group came in all at once and they were very friendly. I introduced myself as the lone representative from Shenyang and they instantly took me into their group. My tour group actually didn't arrive until this morning, from Beijing via sleeper train, and they arrived much later than scheduled. After departing the airport, it was a 30-minute ride to the hotel, when I met the group and took in the sights.
There are ice sculptures everywhere here. If there is a traffic circle, there's an ice tower. If there's an overpass, there are ice columns. If there's wide highways, there are ice guardrails. Ice everywhere!
We got to our rooms after midnight, and a short birthday celebration for one of our group members. My friend from Beijing didn't arrive until about 11am today, so I had the room to myself for the night. No matter though, since I passed right out as soon as I laid down.
I met up with a family of four from Shanghai at breakfast and took a stroll by myself along the Central Ave. It's styled after the Russian architecture, complete with cobblestones and parapets on the buildings. They had an ice sculpture about every 50 yards. Even a Philly LOVE statue. It's internationally known!
The Beijing group was running very late, so when I returned from my stroll, I spoke with Andy to see if he had any updates. Since his group was ready to go and so was I, he invited me along to join them for the morning. A perfect plan, since we were going to meet up for lunch with the other group at the dumpling restaurant. Off we went!
We stopped at a number of sites: the old market street, a large mosque and market, and drove by the frozen river. Once we got to the St. Sophia's church, I had added my snow pants and took out my handwarmers. So essential, especially for the toes of my boots. The church was definitely Russian-style and it was very impressive. After taking a bunch of pictures, I was ready for lunch. My camera's battery was dying (the cold zaps their lifespan; even a fully-charged battery will only last 15 minutes max) and the group was frozen solid. To the dumpling house we strode!
After gorging ourselves with a bunch of dumpling varieties, the Beijing group finally arrived! I met up with my OMS classmate and I joined the Beijing group for good. As the Shanghai group departed for the ice river diving show, I thanked them for welcoming me into their group. The Beijingers ate hungrily and I chatted with them while catching up with my friend. Good times. Following lunch we stopped back at the hotel for a quick rest 休息休息 and prepped for the evening's excursion to the ice sculpture park. Where, naturally, there were more ice sculptures!
Harbin: Better Not To Ask
Sometimes in China, it's better to not ask questions.
Today is our full day of ice activities, starting pretty early with the full breakfast at the hotel. After getting suited up in our snow outfits, we jumped on the bus and went to the river side. We joined a bunch of people from other tour groups to watch the morning's ice swimming show. These swimmers were crazy! No wet suits, no bathrobes, no fancy heat warmers. These brave (stupid) men and women came out in Speedo swimsuits and their bare skin, climbed to the edge of the diving stand, and jumped into the freezing water below. Some dove more gracefully than others, but all fully submerged themselves into the water. They came out to rounds of applause and high-fives. I'm not sure if they are sane or bat-shit crazy, but it was sure impressive.
After seeing the ice swimmers and riding down ice slide #3 (yes, this is my third in China), we departed for the island north of the city that houses the tiger park. The park is based on the safari rides of Africa, with the big cats roaming freely as the vans drive around. It was a bit depressing, like all the animal parks in China. In the US, we make a big deal about recreating the natural habitat of the animal while they're in captivity. If there were a tiger park in America, they would have access to water, diverse landscapes, and imitated nature scenes. Not here. Gates, fences, dirt, and tall stone watchtowers. Desolate, barren, and cold.
The tigers themselves were beautiful. Sleepy, large cats roaming around without a care in the world. Except for being the first cat to attack the feeding car that delivers their daytime snack. A small SUV covered in caging drives in loaded with chickens inside. This brave (stupid) driver slows down, opens his driver side door, and throws a chicken out. This happens so quick, and the cat jumps on top of the vehicle as the driver barely has time to shut his door. Again, crazy but impressive.
We wandered around to take pictures of the different cats. They had more tigers, leopards, lions, cougars, jaguars, and even a white liger! Amazing big cats!
Today is our full day of ice activities, starting pretty early with the full breakfast at the hotel. After getting suited up in our snow outfits, we jumped on the bus and went to the river side. We joined a bunch of people from other tour groups to watch the morning's ice swimming show. These swimmers were crazy! No wet suits, no bathrobes, no fancy heat warmers. These brave (stupid) men and women came out in Speedo swimsuits and their bare skin, climbed to the edge of the diving stand, and jumped into the freezing water below. Some dove more gracefully than others, but all fully submerged themselves into the water. They came out to rounds of applause and high-fives. I'm not sure if they are sane or bat-shit crazy, but it was sure impressive.
After seeing the ice swimmers and riding down ice slide #3 (yes, this is my third in China), we departed for the island north of the city that houses the tiger park. The park is based on the safari rides of Africa, with the big cats roaming freely as the vans drive around. It was a bit depressing, like all the animal parks in China. In the US, we make a big deal about recreating the natural habitat of the animal while they're in captivity. If there were a tiger park in America, they would have access to water, diverse landscapes, and imitated nature scenes. Not here. Gates, fences, dirt, and tall stone watchtowers. Desolate, barren, and cold.
The tigers themselves were beautiful. Sleepy, large cats roaming around without a care in the world. Except for being the first cat to attack the feeding car that delivers their daytime snack. A small SUV covered in caging drives in loaded with chickens inside. This brave (stupid) driver slows down, opens his driver side door, and throws a chicken out. This happens so quick, and the cat jumps on top of the vehicle as the driver barely has time to shut his door. Again, crazy but impressive.
We wandered around to take pictures of the different cats. They had more tigers, leopards, lions, cougars, jaguars, and even a white liger! Amazing big cats!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Harbin: Nothing like the best
Nothing like the best
Just sat down on the plane, in a window seat directly behind first class. Tons of leg room and plenty of overhead space. This is probably the best flight I've ever taken. So far.
When I first arrived in Shenyang, I walked off the plane and instantly felt the cold air, rushing through my jacket, down to the bone. I'm imagining that when I get off the airplane in Harbin, it's going to be even more severe. An arctic adventure, really! I'm ready.
While I was at the airport, these gentlemen in front of me at the ticket counter stopped to talk. They were investors from Stockholm, visiting Shenyang to meet with the provincial bureau. Very nice. And very surprised that they met a young American woman traveling by herself to Harbin. They were returning to Beijing after their meeting, and then heading back home. My story actually makes sense in retrospect; when I explain that this is not my first time in China, then they are more likely to understand why Shenyang. However, I'm sure they think since I studied in Beijing that my Chinese is much better than it actually is. Although, I am getting better!
My driver was able to understand me when I asked him to wait while I ran into the Consulate for about 10 minutes. When I came back, I said "to the airport!" and he replied, "you were quicker than 10 minutes!" I EVEN successfully asked him to pick me up when I return to Shenyang on Monday. Well, the true success will be when he is actually there when I get back. I gave him my flight number and the time, so I'll look for him at the taxi stands. Adventures in China. 听懂了吗？(^_^) 我听懂了!
再见！
Just sat down on the plane, in a window seat directly behind first class. Tons of leg room and plenty of overhead space. This is probably the best flight I've ever taken. So far.
When I first arrived in Shenyang, I walked off the plane and instantly felt the cold air, rushing through my jacket, down to the bone. I'm imagining that when I get off the airplane in Harbin, it's going to be even more severe. An arctic adventure, really! I'm ready.
While I was at the airport, these gentlemen in front of me at the ticket counter stopped to talk. They were investors from Stockholm, visiting Shenyang to meet with the provincial bureau. Very nice. And very surprised that they met a young American woman traveling by herself to Harbin. They were returning to Beijing after their meeting, and then heading back home. My story actually makes sense in retrospect; when I explain that this is not my first time in China, then they are more likely to understand why Shenyang. However, I'm sure they think since I studied in Beijing that my Chinese is much better than it actually is. Although, I am getting better!
My driver was able to understand me when I asked him to wait while I ran into the Consulate for about 10 minutes. When I came back, I said "to the airport!" and he replied, "you were quicker than 10 minutes!" I EVEN successfully asked him to pick me up when I return to Shenyang on Monday. Well, the true success will be when he is actually there when I get back. I gave him my flight number and the time, so I'll look for him at the taxi stands. Adventures in China. 听懂了吗？(^_^) 我听懂了!
再见！
Harbin: The Journey Begins
And the journey begins!
I'm in the car on the way to the Shenyang Airport, making a quick stop at the Consulate before I go. I'm not sure why, but I'm pretty nervous. Maybe this is my first time traveling on my own domestically in China. It's no great distance, but it's not to the grocery store and back, which I've mastered by now.
My suitcase is packed full with warm weather clothing. I brought all of my thermals, Cuddleduds, scarves, fur hats and fur boots. The only thing I'm really lacking is the fur-lined gloves. Im thinking that I might go out early Saturday morning to the wholesale market in Harbin to scope some gloves out. We'll see whether I have any hands left on Monday. If I don't post again, you can assume they've fallen off from frostbite.
Another reason I'm nervous is probably because I've let other people manage my trip. I'm so used to setting all the details myself, from arranging the flights, transportation to the airport, lodging, etc. Not being able to have full control of the different pieces of the trip makes me kind of anxious. I remember traveling in Philadelphia, and because I knew the metro and trolly lines so well, I felt comfortable getting to the airport, no problem. If I needed a ride, I figured it out. Here, I've let the consulate staff arrange things for me and it's that uncertainty that makes me anxious. Maybe that's why I love planning things so much: it makes me feel settled.
Despite my anxiety, I'm feeling good about this trip. I'm excited to see the ice castles and the sculptures throughout the park. Less excited to see the tigers rip apart the small animals the people buy and throw in their cages. But the tigers themselves will be nice to see. It's going to be an awesome, one-in-a-lifetime experience, I'm sure!
I'm in the car on the way to the Shenyang Airport, making a quick stop at the Consulate before I go. I'm not sure why, but I'm pretty nervous. Maybe this is my first time traveling on my own domestically in China. It's no great distance, but it's not to the grocery store and back, which I've mastered by now.
My suitcase is packed full with warm weather clothing. I brought all of my thermals, Cuddleduds, scarves, fur hats and fur boots. The only thing I'm really lacking is the fur-lined gloves. Im thinking that I might go out early Saturday morning to the wholesale market in Harbin to scope some gloves out. We'll see whether I have any hands left on Monday. If I don't post again, you can assume they've fallen off from frostbite.
Another reason I'm nervous is probably because I've let other people manage my trip. I'm so used to setting all the details myself, from arranging the flights, transportation to the airport, lodging, etc. Not being able to have full control of the different pieces of the trip makes me kind of anxious. I remember traveling in Philadelphia, and because I knew the metro and trolly lines so well, I felt comfortable getting to the airport, no problem. If I needed a ride, I figured it out. Here, I've let the consulate staff arrange things for me and it's that uncertainty that makes me anxious. Maybe that's why I love planning things so much: it makes me feel settled.
Despite my anxiety, I'm feeling good about this trip. I'm excited to see the ice castles and the sculptures throughout the park. Less excited to see the tigers rip apart the small animals the people buy and throw in their cages. But the tigers themselves will be nice to see. It's going to be an awesome, one-in-a-lifetime experience, I'm sure!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Happy New Year - American Version!
Aside from it being New Year's Eve this weekend, my days have been overall relaxing and uneventful (a good thing). I have gotten into the habit of reading nightly, which helps keep my thoughts from straying to all the people, places, and things I miss from home. I've finished three books in the last five days, a feat even I am proud of. Since I've graduated from Villanova, I have had this love-hate relationship with reading for pleasure. I think now that I'm so far away, I've gotten over that and started to love books again. The ease of the iPad, the Nook app, and the gift certificates for downloading books has increased my desire to read dramatically, along with many good suggestions for titles that have come my way. Oh, and the Shenyang Book Club. That, too, would encourage my reading. :P
I spent New Year's Eve partying with Kim, my fellow OMS, her husband, and a number of other friends from the Consulate. Everyone brought over a bottle of wine or champagne, and we toasted the New Year in style. After some dancing, Rock Band, and chatting, I called the night as it was and headed back to my apartment to sleep away most of Sunday. The combination of a skimpy pre-party meal and super-sweet Chinese champagne probably wasn't the best, but no one said life lessons stop after you leave college, right?
I had fully recuperated by Monday and spent the early part of the day with Kim and Luke again, walking around town to see some parks and recreation, specifically Zhong Shan Gong Yuan (中山公园 - middle mountain park) and the small but delightful ice sculpture garden they had erected there. Nothing in comparison to Harbin, the home of the internationally-recognized Ice & Snow Festival, but enough to put smiles on our faces. The best decision of the day? To ride the ice luge on inflatable tubes. For about $1.50, we treked up a mini-mountain made of ice cubes and slid our way down. My happiness couldn't have been greater!
As I said before, nothing spectacular happened, no huge fireworks ceremonies, no crazy nights on the town. Really, it's the casual atmosphere that I'm learning to enjoy as I get more comfortable in Shenyang. I remind myself daily that a) it could be colder b) it will get warmer c) the people make all the difference. I won't lie and say that I don't miss everyone from home IMMENSELY, but I'm getting more in tune with my surroundings. Eating enough food is still a challenge, but compared to the last time I was in China, my range of food options has improved dramatically beyond bananas and pb&j. I have a lot of things planned: cooking classes, grocery shopping with locals, walking excursions town, Chinese lessons; that should help me feel more connected to this place I'm calling home. I'm looking forward to it all!
Until next time.
I spent New Year's Eve partying with Kim, my fellow OMS, her husband, and a number of other friends from the Consulate. Everyone brought over a bottle of wine or champagne, and we toasted the New Year in style. After some dancing, Rock Band, and chatting, I called the night as it was and headed back to my apartment to sleep away most of Sunday. The combination of a skimpy pre-party meal and super-sweet Chinese champagne probably wasn't the best, but no one said life lessons stop after you leave college, right?
I had fully recuperated by Monday and spent the early part of the day with Kim and Luke again, walking around town to see some parks and recreation, specifically Zhong Shan Gong Yuan (中山公园 - middle mountain park) and the small but delightful ice sculpture garden they had erected there. Nothing in comparison to Harbin, the home of the internationally-recognized Ice & Snow Festival, but enough to put smiles on our faces. The best decision of the day? To ride the ice luge on inflatable tubes. For about $1.50, we treked up a mini-mountain made of ice cubes and slid our way down. My happiness couldn't have been greater!
As I said before, nothing spectacular happened, no huge fireworks ceremonies, no crazy nights on the town. Really, it's the casual atmosphere that I'm learning to enjoy as I get more comfortable in Shenyang. I remind myself daily that a) it could be colder b) it will get warmer c) the people make all the difference. I won't lie and say that I don't miss everyone from home IMMENSELY, but I'm getting more in tune with my surroundings. Eating enough food is still a challenge, but compared to the last time I was in China, my range of food options has improved dramatically beyond bananas and pb&j. I have a lot of things planned: cooking classes, grocery shopping with locals, walking excursions town, Chinese lessons; that should help me feel more connected to this place I'm calling home. I'm looking forward to it all!
Until next time.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The Busy RSO Shop
My job as an OMS in the RSO Shop can be pretty busy from time to time. Like my other jobs in the past, the busy-ness comes in overwhelming waves and droughts. I enjoy the variety of tasks I do and the opportunities they bring.
Today has been no different, although I'm learning by trial through most of the new assignments. We received a new employee today in the Information Management section, so I'm no longer the newest kid on the block. I feel the most connected with Hugh in terms of experiencing Shenyang with new eyes, ears, and nose; however, that's about as far as our similarities go. I have only been here fewer than 30 days, and already I feel like I have some insight on the things to see, places to go, and stuff to know. I wonder if when I arrived everyone else felt the same, imparting their knowledge through little tidbits of conversation mixed in with the regular introductory greetings and pleasantries.
Another thing I've realized about arriving when I did: although the winter season in Shenyang is harsh, I think it is the perfect time to arrive at post. My reasoning is based on the overwhelming sense of community developed during the holidays. Imagine 25 or so Americans in a cold, sometimes dreary city located on the other side of the globe, all wishing they were back home with family. In a country where Christmas is no more than a shopping holiday, these brave souls come together to celebrate with traditions that remind them of their loved ones and cherished memories. As a new person, I felt so welcome during this time, especially because everyone else is yearning for the sense of community that a new person desires when arriving in a foreign place. Not only that, but the holiday is the time of parties and festivities. The first few weeks I was in Shenyang, I attended a party or two a week and had a great opportunity to meet everyone while they were in jolly spirits.
I've been enjoying post so far, and I'm looking forward to being the tour guide for all the brave souls who come from America to visit this little place I'll be calling home. It's not Philadelphia, the home of all homes, but it will do for the next two years.
Today has been no different, although I'm learning by trial through most of the new assignments. We received a new employee today in the Information Management section, so I'm no longer the newest kid on the block. I feel the most connected with Hugh in terms of experiencing Shenyang with new eyes, ears, and nose; however, that's about as far as our similarities go. I have only been here fewer than 30 days, and already I feel like I have some insight on the things to see, places to go, and stuff to know. I wonder if when I arrived everyone else felt the same, imparting their knowledge through little tidbits of conversation mixed in with the regular introductory greetings and pleasantries.
Another thing I've realized about arriving when I did: although the winter season in Shenyang is harsh, I think it is the perfect time to arrive at post. My reasoning is based on the overwhelming sense of community developed during the holidays. Imagine 25 or so Americans in a cold, sometimes dreary city located on the other side of the globe, all wishing they were back home with family. In a country where Christmas is no more than a shopping holiday, these brave souls come together to celebrate with traditions that remind them of their loved ones and cherished memories. As a new person, I felt so welcome during this time, especially because everyone else is yearning for the sense of community that a new person desires when arriving in a foreign place. Not only that, but the holiday is the time of parties and festivities. The first few weeks I was in Shenyang, I attended a party or two a week and had a great opportunity to meet everyone while they were in jolly spirits.
I've been enjoying post so far, and I'm looking forward to being the tour guide for all the brave souls who come from America to visit this little place I'll be calling home. It's not Philadelphia, the home of all homes, but it will do for the next two years.
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