How do I dry my laundry?
Chinese apartments, at least around here, don't seem to have dryers. So you just hang it up. At first, I had nothing to hang anything on except furniture so I had every chair, sofa, and anything else I could find to hang it on (reminded me of what some families in Australia had to do). Now I've upgraded and have one of those stand thingies to hang stuff on. It works... Now don't ask me about ironing because that isn't happening...
How is your water heated?
Gas and electricity. I have to first plug in the heater, and then turn the gas switch on. The tank must hold about 2 gallons I figure. I think I've got it figured out now - I can wash my hair and face before running out of hot water. Then I turn the shower off, lather up the rest of my body, and then there's enough hot water to rinse off. I've had a few cold showers...
Gas stove?
Yup, it operates by turning on a separate gas switch. I've only used it for boiling water for coffee, eggs, and dumplings. My first big purchase was an electric teapot because it'll be cheaper and much faster.
How's the coke taste here?
Pretty much the same but they don't put as much carbonation in it.
Any western food places there?
Yeah, I discovered a Subway within walking distance. It's fairly identical and the prices are reasonable but expensive by Chinese standards. There's also a DQ, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, and maybe a Burger King somewhere. But they are too far to walk to... A plain latte in Starbucks will run you over $6. I like coffee but not that much.
Is the internet censored in China?
You betcha. Although I really don't understand why because anyone who really wants to avoid the filters can figure out a way. All the teachers use VPNs which direct us through dummy proxies. Right now this entry is actually coming through Los Angeles. One thing that's available on the Chinese internet is free music and movies. But I avoid it because it is full of viruses and I don't know what the buttons say that you click on...
Are Chinese students really that smart?
Quick answer, no. But they have a different learning style that emphasizes a lot of memorization. So they can rattle something back to you but perhaps not have a deep understanding of it. And some of them are unmotivated. But a little chat with the principal supposedly brings them in line. The Chinese teachers are pretty hard on them. I don't think us foreigners could get away with that, nor do I want to.
Did you say that Chinese kids sometimes poop right on the street?
Yeah. They're trying to break people from letting their kids do it (I'm talking little kids), but some parents maybe find themselves in a bind and... It's a strange sight but doesn't seem to raise any eyebrows.
Seen any traffic accidents yet?
Strangely enough, no. If you saw them driving on the street you'd think there'd be an accident every other minute. But they seem to have it figured out and use their horns enough where I've yet to see a crash. But I know I'll see one eventually...
What's your favorite part so far?
The staff at the school. Good bunch of people from all over the world. Love to listen to all the accents.
Good day mates!
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