I'm shocked you're shocked

From my point of view, life as an expat has many advantages: fantastic travel opportunities, great career prospects, a nicer and more affordable standard of living than the U.K. offers, a diverse network of friends and colleagues – I could go on.  But for some, life as an expat holds far more cons than pros.  I’m referring again to my old friend culture shock (see ‘Culture shock’ post – Friday, 15 April 2011).  This year I haven’t experienced this at all, for me China provides enough familiarity, with an equal amount of quirky differences, for which I am appreciative.  For others, the balance just isn’t there and China seems so drastically different to ‘normality’ (whatever that may be), that Mr. C Shock comes knocking.

It’s nice to have a basis for comparison as an expat & EFL teacher.  My experiences in Vietnam have undoubtedly helped me to easily adjust to living and working in China.  As I’ve previously mentioned (see ‘Familiarity’ post – Wednesday, 21 March 2012), less travelled newcomers comment on daily challenges they find and differences they do not always appreciate about living in an Asian country.  A colleague recently mentioned they would take inspiration from me and the way I deal with situations I encounter in China, which was very humbling from someone for whom I have such great professional respect.  In short, we can all learn from one another and should strive to help each other with our demons.

These personal battles can build up inside people and should not be underestimated.  Seeing friends and co-workers seemingly ‘melt’ in front of your eyes isn’t a nice thing to experience.  Factors such as work demands, living situations, social experiences and friend/family matters back in their home countries can all tip people over the edge.

 

However, friends and colleagues who have previously lived in developing countries/second tier cities in China feel disbelief that anyone could ever find life in Shanghai a ‘culture shock’.  After my time in Vietnam I genuinely feel I could live anywhere: it’s the small things here that I appreciate so much, but without that basis for comparison others just can’t relate.

A xx

Tailor made

I’m not sure how this escaped the blog for so long, as I could easily have typed about this topic during my time in Vietnam, anyway we’re getting to it now.  Being tall and slim poses some problems, not least if you’re tall, slim and living in Asia.  Last year I could easily find tops, shorts and skirts to fit, but when it comes to leg length the Vietnamese aren’t exactly well known for being a nation with an abundance of folks with 34” inside leg measurements.  The solution was fast, easy and very cheap – go to a tailor.  Two pairs of trousers, made in five days, costing less than they would on the UK high street: genius.

Here in China, it’s much the same story.  I frequent H&M & Forever 21, but few stores stock longer leg lengths.  There’s one place that I can always rely upon – The South Bund Soft Spinning Fabric market.  Hop on a metro, enter the 3 story building and you will be overwhelmed by the number of stalls on offer.  Some specialise in leather jackets, others in suits or dresses.  I’ve been here on several occasions since my arrival and am always very pleased with their work.  Whether they are repairing a belt, lining a skirt or making something entirely from scratch they always deliver.  It’s very straightforward – first find someone whose level of English is good enough to communicate with!  Next, choose the style (or better still take something you want copied), and select the fabric, lining material, buttons etc.  Then comes the tape measure – taking and recording every possible necessary measurement in under a minute.  Hey presto, made to measure one of a kind trousers, skirts and coats for less than the price you’d pay on the high street.  Take that Savile Row!

Frequenting the fabric market also avoids having to adopt Chinese fashion trends, which look laughable on most westerners.  I mainly refer to the bubble jacket, something which I had not seen since in probably ten years, until I arrived in China.  The Chinese love these portable duvets and wear them all the time during winter months.

 

And it doesn’t stop there.  I find it very difficult to find shoes to fit here in China.  They generally stock the size smaller than mine, but few have anything that I like and find comfortable.  Ordering on Taobao (Chinese eBay) is possible, but can still be risky.  That is now a thing of the past, as I found someone who will make them for me.  Simply choose the style, leather and let them measure your tootsies.  Your one of a kind, super soft shoes are made in two days.

Yet more reasons why I love living in Asia.

A xx

Yeehaa!

It’s time again for another Regional team building event.  We hadn’t had a Regional gathering since our trip to Anji in June (see Anji antics! post - Friday, 22 June 2012), and since then another school has joined our Region.  Sure, you see people at meetings, trainings and on the social scene, but it’s always nice to have a whole group gathering.  I heard another Region in the city had recently celebrated by having a dinner and black tie award ceremony at a very swish downtown hotel, so was excited to see what was in store for us.  Having received an email asking if any of the Senior Teachers had rodeo experience, I shouldn’t have been surprised when our fun loving Aussie Production Manager’s choice of theme was revealed – COW: Cowboy or Western!

 Also held at a swish hotel in the Jing’An area of the city, this all expenses paid all you can eat & drink event was an award ceremony with a twist – the guest of honour was a mechanical bull!  Reminiscing about my backpacker antics, I clearly recall coming in second place at a mechanical bull riding competition in Kroombit Cattle Station in Biloela, Queensland!

The Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse

'Bessie'!

 

Having ordered cowboy hats and neckerchiefs for staff at our school, we all rolled up decked out in denim and checked shirts – looking fabulous!  After enjoying the buffet and award ceremony the activities began.  These included line dancing, pool shark competition and Texas hold ‘em poker.  Having a bit of nous, I’d signed up for the second round of the ‘bucking bronco’ activity, figuring fewer people would be around to stare by that point in the proceedings – I was right!  Getting a swift ‘leg up’ from a fellow Senior Teacher, I felt quite at ease on the bull’s back.  It had been about five years since I’d attempted this, but I was still quietly confident.  On my first attempt I lasted a very respectable 34 seconds, gathering more attention than I’d first anticipated. 

 A few hours later, after most of the Chinese staff had called it a night, a second attempt was on the cards.  With a slightly numb bum from my first try I still managed to hold on for 45 seconds.  Upping the stakes, some of the guys decided to see who had the bigger manhood by riding ‘Bessie’ blindfolded and backwards, needless to say they didn’t hold on for very long!  The next challenge was to see if tandem bull riding was a possibility – and it was.  A male colleague and I jumped on and did pretty well, we didn’t last a full minute, like one of the other ‘couples’, but still made it over 30.

 

Another great event, thanks EF.

A xx

Time flies

Dear reader,

I feel I owe you an apology, my recent lack of blog posts must have hit you hard, I know how my eloquently written, amusing anecdotes cheer up your day and offer an insight into the life of an expat EFL teacher… 

Seriously though, there is good reason for my infrequent postings of late: my life is literally flashing before my eyes.  It’s now already December and I genuinely have no idea where the past four months have gone!  I shouldn’t and indeed am not complaining, but I feel things are moving so quickly that I almost don’t have time to take stock and appreciate my life here.

 Since August work has been very busy, my new role as a Senior Teacher has given me far more responsibility, which I welcome and have fully embraced.  Attending Life Club events and meetings, training teachers in my school and region, as well as my regular teaching schedule has kept me very busy during work days. 

And things don’t let up there; socially I always seem to be out and about too.  The temperature may have dropped, but it’s still just about in double figures and my hibernation mode has yet to kick in.  With Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year and Winter course all quickly approaching, I’m looking forward to using my annual leave next week to rest, relax and reflect on just how great this year has been to date.

 

A xx