Published September 1st, 2006 by Mliesie
Bye bye Beijing!
This is the last day in Beijing and I got word that my new flat is still to be set up with telephone and internet connection, as well as hot running water. Something to look forward to!!!
It’s been an interesting week again. I’ve learned a lot about how to do business with Chinese and be very patient while doing that…But on the other hand, if you’ve made an agreement with a Chinese businessman they’ll do anything to make you happy and have things work out for you in a positive way! And then there’s the fact that they are awefully curious about every aspect of your life and work. They will ask you anything and everything and do not consider whatever they ask as rude or impolite. It’s a lot of fun getting into a conversation like that.
And then their’s their gratitude towards the work we do here. Somebody said to me: ‘I thank you from the bottom of my heart from all students in China for the work you are doing here and for being here!’ Now, if that doesn’t make you feel good, what can. Yes, I have to admit it……..I’ve already fallen in love with the Chinese. And this is just one example of the friendly, grateful and kind people I’ve met so far.
I do have to share with you some of the habits of Chinese culture (no, not te spitting…). When you’re at the dinner table and your teapot’s empty, you take the lid off the teapot (which is filled with tea leaves or flowers), leave it on the table and the waiter(tress) will fill it up again with hot water; never completely finish your plate, it’s embarassing for the host(ess) as they may feel they haven’t served you enough food OR you might just be considered a PIG; and did you know it takes at least 20 men to work on a 10 meter sidewalk??? Unfortunately I wasn’t able to take a picture of that. I’ll probably be sharing many more of those experiences with you over the coming 2 years. Especially as I will be going to what us considered a rural and poor area.
So, if you do not hear from me for a while, don’t worry……I’m probably working on getting all the wires installed and activated AND I will have my first teaching experience(WAAAAAH!!). Take a look at the PIC-page, Ã am about to download some more pictures. Have fun, take care and hope to hear from you soon! Oh, by the way…I’ve installed both Messenger live AND Skype so I can phone, be called and do videocalls. Really a lot of fun and amazingly cheap. Just make sure you don’t look too bad when doing the videocall………