First Few Days in China

August 29, 2014

Suzette and I had a wonderful trip to Qingdao. Although the day was long, it was exciting. I think I am still wondering if all this is real.

We left our friend’s home (John and Joni Mantell) at 7:15 am on Tuesday, August 26^th. We arrived at our apartment on Thursday, August 28 at about 1:30 am – about 27 hours. 

The flights were smooth and it was nice to begin hearing Chinese since we were in the company of many. Our first experience with Chinese culture came in Seattle Airport. The concept of a queue or being in line is foreign. We were trying to be courteous by allowing people in line. I learned quickly that you can’t do that or you would never get anywhere. I thought about this a came to realize that when you are one of 1.3 billion, you better get in line. This cultural norm is expected and it seems that the Chinese are good with it. 

 

Above shows Suzette and I and our other team members (Kathy Porter and Meghan Schwanke) who are just behind us. Below shows us in the Shanghai terminal I did not take pictures of the Qingdao terminal. We did not look as good. We were so tired.

Our apartment is sufficient for our needs. It does not have all of the comforts we have become accustomed to, but it is much more than what is common for most of the Chinese. We have about 400 square feet (perhaps slightly more than the size of our family room in our house in Layton. Here are some pictures of our home for the next couple of years. 

Here is the entry for our apartment. The kitchen is on the right and the bathroom on the left.                                                                                                                                           The kitchen (shown below) comes with a two-burner propane hot plate. The fridge is nice and will be adequate since the stores are not too far away. Even by bus, it is only 2 Yuan each way for both of us ($0.32). The yellow cupboards below the stove hold all of our food and kitchen ware. We will not be hoarding a lot of food.                                                                                                                                             The clothes washer is also in our kitchen and is to the left of the water container and dispenser (see on the right) In front of the washer is a small toaster oven and above the refrigerator is a microwave.

We our well set up as you can see and yes, we do need to hand our laundry to dry.  We do have a small porch outside the apartment for drying and for additional storage for the stuff we cannot store in the apartment. It is really adequate for the two of us. We live large in the States.

  

We do enjoy the privilege of a Western bathroom. It is a bit different, though. For example, you may ask, “Where is the shower and tub?” There isn't any. We pull a shower curtain close that is to the right of the toilet. The water pours on to the floor and down the drain. Above and to the right of the toilet is the hot water heater. We only turn it on when we need hot water. There is a notice to unplug the water heater prior to taking a shower, otherwise, this story may not be told and that would be shocking. No pun intended.

We have a nice little living room that includes a desk, a futon couch, entertainment center with a TV and DVD player, and a small dining table. It is comfortable and quiet. Once school has started, we will be able to have a few guests over occasionally.

Our bedroom has a large wardrobe so Suzette and I do have some place for our clothing. There are no dressers, so we place all of our clothes in the wardrobe. The bed is a king size (two twin beds put together and is comfortable. The Chinese do not sleep on soft beds, so this is a very firm bed. I have not had back aches, yet, so it must work.

We have put up family pictures and pictures of our travels together, so that we can feel at home. (See the pics behind the bed, in the desks, not shown are the pics on the windows in the living room).

I find this place both interesting and exciting. The Chinese are reserved, but welcoming. Once you get to know them, they will do anything for you. According to our host, Joyce (our Waiban), the students are anxious to do well and to please. If we need anything, the students will assist us all they can.

We will miss all of our family and friends, but are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be here.