Taking The Road Less Traveled By

Harbin: Ice sculptures

2012-01-14T21:00:00.000-05:00

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!

Harbin: Better Not To Ask

2012-01-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

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!

Harbin: Nothing like the best

2012-01-13T21:50:00.000-05:00

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！

Harbin: The Journey Begins

2012-01-13T18:30:00.000-05:00

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!

Happy New Year - American Version!

2012-01-03T22:10:00.003-05:00

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.

The Busy RSO Shop

2011-12-28T21:03:00.002-05:00

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.

Buying Items Online & Chinese Meals

2011-12-27T09:04:00.001-05:00

I had a mini-Christmas of sorts yesterday when two packages came for me. The mailroom called and told me to come pick them up before the afternoon was over. One was from Leigh, a package of Christmas cookies, my favorite variety!! She must have remembered that white chocolate raspberry are my favorite!

The second package was my order of clothes from the Gap. Unfortunately when I ordered a bunch of things, about half were out of stock. Even more unfortunately, when I received them, almost all of them were too big. :( The super-cute plaid pleated mini skirt I bought is supposed to be a size 8, but I guess I'm no longer a size 8 OR their sizing is way off. Could this mean that at Gap I'm always going to be a size 4?

I got to the gym yesterday, which felt good. There are times I don't feel like I'm in China, especially when I'm working out or running on the treadmill. If I shut my eyes or focus on the TV while I'm running, I can almost imagine I'm back at Penn in Van Pelt running after work. There are times when I'm out at restaurants when I think that too, especially in Western-type food chains. But then I look around at the people or pay my bill and I'm distinctly reminded that I'm in China.

Lunch yesterday was my first experience at spicy noodle guan. The girls (Lisa, Kim, and Dannielle) go out to a small noodle shop down the street from the Consulate to get their spice fix. Knowing that my tolerance for hot things is minimal, Kim didn't insist that I come but suggested that I would be able to find things that I liked that weren't too spicy. It was a success! The staple dishes were the bowl of noodles in beef broth with chili peppers and veggies. We also had one of my favorite easy dishes: szechuan green beans with garlic and MSG (yes, it's used as the main spice here in China). As bad as these things are for me, they taste fantastic. I'll hopefully learn to make them myself and use salt instead. Realistically, though, the MSG is what makes this dish awesome. It's SO China.

The food in general wasn't crazy spicy, but I can't say that it was mild, either. I had a bit of a runny nose afterward, which was quite refreshing :P Buying meals in China is always an adventure. Between getting what you want ordered properly, seeing ALL THE FOOD you ordered come out, and then paying for it. The four of us got one order of fried tofu with chilis, one plate of shredded sweet potatoes with chilis, two noodle bowls with soup, one large order of shredded pork with veggies, two cups of rice, and the green bean platter. Each of us paid about 12.5 元, which equals... oh about US$2.00. Fabulous, huh? ;)

Back on the Path

2011-12-26T05:18:00.003-05:00

First post in a while, finally feel settled enough to comment on life in China.

Shenyang is an amazing little city, and although it's considered a second-tier city in China standards, it's massive in its scope and size. I've explored only parts of the city so far, but I do feel that I have a better understanding of its ins and outs. After two years, I hope to be a master!

Today was my third time to the Wu'Ai Market 无爱市场, a very successful shopping trip. Wu'Ai works like any wholesale market in China, where goods are cheap and must be bargained for. I went with a few items in mind (I had actually made a list to keep myself on track) and got most of them. The two biggest purchases were sturdy brown boots and a warm mid-length coat. The boots were my first purchase of the day, when my bargaining skills were not up to par. I'm sure I could have gotten them for cheaper, but I'm pretty satisfied with a pair of leather riding boots, lined with fur, for about 168元 (~26US$). The coat was my last purchase, and by that time, I had perfected my pout and my confidence in expressing my opinion (tai gui le!). The coat is tan wool, and it has a beautiful fur trim around the neck. The size cracked me up (the ladies fit me in an XXXL) but at least I got it at a huge discount for 190元 (~30US$). Pictures soon to come.

I met Kim & Luke at Zhong Jie 中街, another shopping avenue east of the market for some hearty dumplings at Laobian Jiaozi Guan 老边饺子馆. Unfortunately, my Chinese speaking skills were not up to par, and we started off pretty rough with ordering some gelatinous items (which we later learned was "frozen skin" -- yum!). But in the end, Kim successfully ordered us three kinds of jiaozi: beef, pork with celery?, pork with parsley. Scrumptious! I do think dumplings will be the end of me, or at least the end of my figure!

Will try to keep updating daily. Here's for my new year's resolution!

Significance

2011-11-18T12:28:00.002-05:00

This journey is real. It hit me yesterday as a number of things finally fell into place. The 123rd Specialist Class will slowly begin shipping out starting today. My classmates heading to Nassau, Suva, San Salvador, Bratislava, I wish you safe travels and best of luck on this new experience! My own day of departure is approaching rapidly. In 10 days, I'm going to be on a plane to China. The reality set in yesterday morning when I went to the Chinese Embassy to pick up my visa. As I opened this little black book with the word "Diplomatic" stamped across the front, I had to stop and pinch myself. Is this real?

The significance of this blog's title comes back to the moment a month or so ago when I realized that this is the right path for me. Someone very close to my heart read me a few lines from Robert Frost's famous poem. He told me that I was standing at the cross road of those two paths. As I was having trouble deciding if it was the right path, he mentioned that by the time I make my way down this one, I'll look back and be all the better for my decisions. I guess at the time I was still skeptical.

Fast forward a few weeks, and Foreign Service Specialist training was at an end. There I was, sitting among my new peers, my classmates, waiting to get the little miniature flag of my future home. The excitement in the room was palpable: we were all nervously awaiting the announcement that would change the courses of our lives for the next two years. As our class speaker began, my nerves subsided slightly. His humor allayed my fears and helped me relax. But as he spoke in his sweet Irish accent, my thoughts drifted off to exotic new places where I might soon be living. And then I heard it and was brought back to reality instantly...

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both...

He was quoting Robert Frost. Could it be? Yes. This was it. This was the moment I knew I was doing the right thing. The Foreign Service is my calling. I was sorry I couldn't stay here in the US, stay comfortable in Philadelphia...

Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I would be back, but there will be a change. I will have gone places. I will have tread down paths less trodden. Taken chances most others don't have the option to take. And when I get back to home, I can look back and say...

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

I finally understood. As I listened, the puzzle pieces of my future fit together just a little bit better. I was amazed that it was so clear this was the right thing for me to do now. Taking this chance has been scary, going abroad alone to take on huge responsibilities. But as I sit here, heading back home to Philadelphia, I realize that when I come back for good to the great city I call home, life will have become different based primarily on the road I traveled down many moments before.

And for that I am so grateful and thankful. For the people who helped me get here. For the opportunities I have been given. For the determination instilled in me to keep trying for my dreams. A brilliant woman I admire once said the following: "I was taught to strive not because there were any guarantees of success but because the act of striving is in itself the only way to keep faith with life." As my life moves forward I will continue striving as this great lady did. Who is she?

The former Madame Secretary Madeline Albright.

The Road Not Taken

2011-11-18T12:07:00.000-05:00

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

-- Robert Frost, 1902.

And my journey soon begins. This is the story of a 24-year old starting a new life as a Foreign Service Specialist in China. This is my story, my path. And I know it will make all the difference.