8 years ago
Showing posts with label china. Show all posts
Showing posts with label china. Show all posts
Jul 12, 2009
Posted by
Mark
at
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Yesterday ZouNan and I went out to a park. It was raining most of the time, but it was still fun.
While we were eating we remembered there was a heavy metal show in a small venue at 8:00. We figured we would just bum around downtown until it started. I probably wouldn't have brought my camera to the show if I had gone home first. I'm really glad I brought it though. Despite getting slammed into a wall and stepped on several times I still got some decent shots.
Here's a preview of what you will find on my Flickr page. Give it a look.
Jul 4, 2009
I was out with some friends last night. One of them asked me how long I had been in China and I realized that it was two years exactly!
Jan 11, 2009
(Disclaimer: These photos looked really great on my computer, but they look really dark on the computer at this internet cafe. Sorry if they look like crap.)
January 4
After 28 hours on a train Alexis, Emily, and I arrived in Harbin on the night of the 4th. The train wasn't as bad as expected. It was like an excuse to be lazy for 28 hours without any residual guilt.
Hungry and tired, the first thing we needed to do was find a bed. Now, if you ever been to a Chinese train or bus station you know that half the people waiting outside are not waiting for any in particular, but rather waiting for someone they can sucker into taking to their hotel. And as it is China, one must stay on their toes if one does not was to get ripped off.
We started talking to a guy who said he would take us to a hotel. He seemed nice, and he only asked for a little bit of money. It turns out that his sister lives in America and she told him that Americans always help her out when she has problems. So he said that he always tries to do the same with foreigners. We later found out that he just happens to be the nicest man in China.
He gets us to a hotel and gets them to drop the price 100RMB lower. We arrange for him to pick us up at 10 in the morning and drive us to the different things we want to see. He only asked for 30RMB for driving around to find a hotel. Unheard of.
January 5
We here Wang (the driver) knocking on our door at 9:30 in the morning. We had a very busy day ahead of us. First, he informed us that he found a cheaper, better hotel. So we were going to move.
We were planning on staying at this hotel but he didn't give us much of an option as he walked out the door with two of our bags.
After checking into the new hotel, which was better, we went out for breakfast. Nothing special, just baozi.
Then we headed to see the snow sculptures. They were beautiful, indeed, but after half an hour we were laughing about how much our feet hurt from the cold. I'm talking -25 to -30 degrees Celsius.
I never knew snow could be so pretty!
Watching the people carve this was like watching elves in the North Pole.
I really liked the contrast of youthful beauty (see top picture) and the beauty of age.
Elvs, I'm telling you.
We met up with Wang after that and he suggested to go look at a tiger reserve. Siberian tigers, I believe.
On the way there Wang spotted a foreigner waiting for the bus that takes people there. He immediately stopped and asked if he wanted a ride (free of charge). I told you he was the nicest guy in China!
Christopher was a German fellow on a bit of an expedition. He had only been in Harbin since that morning. We went through the tiger reserve together and dropped him off at the snow sculptures.
On the way there Wang spotted a foreigner waiting for the bus that takes people there. He immediately stopped and asked if he wanted a ride (free of charge). I told you he was the nicest guy in China!
Christopher was a German fellow on a bit of an expedition. He had only been in Harbin since that morning. We went through the tiger reserve together and dropped him off at the snow sculptures.
They really are just big cats. I know my cat would eat me if he could.
After that we told the driver that we were going to go to an internet cafe to buy plane tickets. Right away he was on the phone to different people asking how much they could get us tickets for. After a couple calls there was no need to go online.So we bought our tickets, then went to lunch.
After lunch we went to the main attraction, the epitome of a winter wonderland, the ice buildings. It was already incredibly beautiful with the snowy ground, ice buildings, and amazing lighting. On top of all that they had the happiest music playing. It felt like Christmas.
The three of us in front of the Harbin 2009 sign.
One of the many times we were buying over priced coffee and hot chocolate to warm up we ran into Christopher. He hang out with us the rest of the evening and we all shared a cab back downtown. We had some delicious Chinese food at a restaurant near our hotel and then hit McDonald's on the way back for desert.
January 6th
Today we didn't really expect to do anything. Our driver insisted that he take us out. He said that because he couldn't pick us up from the ice buildings that he would take us downtown for a bit, free of charge. We told him we would call him, but he ended up just showing up at out hotel at 9:30. sigh... No sleep in for us.
First we headed to the train station to pick up Christopher and then we headed to Zou Nan Da Jie — a street that cars can't drive down. It was alright. Nothing special really. We had some coffee at Star-ucks Bar. No, it wasn't Starbucks Coffee, it was actually Star-ucks Bar. I think it is owned by some famous Chinese actor. His face was plastered all over the place. We were happy to finally find a place to sit and warm up.
The rest of day was nothing special really. We just bought some snacks for the next day's trip.
January 6th
Today we didn't really expect to do anything. Our driver insisted that he take us out. He said that because he couldn't pick us up from the ice buildings that he would take us downtown for a bit, free of charge. We told him we would call him, but he ended up just showing up at out hotel at 9:30. sigh... No sleep in for us.
First we headed to the train station to pick up Christopher and then we headed to Zou Nan Da Jie — a street that cars can't drive down. It was alright. Nothing special really. We had some coffee at Star-ucks Bar. No, it wasn't Starbucks Coffee, it was actually Star-ucks Bar. I think it is owned by some famous Chinese actor. His face was plastered all over the place. We were happy to finally find a place to sit and warm up.
The rest of day was nothing special really. We just bought some snacks for the next day's trip.
January 7th
We had to wake up at 5:30. A bus was supposed to take us to China's Snow Town (Zhong Guo Xue Xiang). 6:00 came and went. Then 6:30, then finally 7:00. No bus. I get a call from a lady asking why I wasn't there. I told here I was there, and that she hadn't come. We finally figure out that there was a miscommunication. We were told by the office the bus would pick us up, they were told that we would come to them.
The bus was a miserable thing to be stuck on for 6 hours. And for several of those hours I couldn't tell we were ever driving on a road. I may have to check the dictionary again to make sure I know what a road actually is. Some of these were literally chunks of asphalt puzzle-pieced together with gaps just far enough apart to ensure that passengers traveling on sketchy tour busses would rhythmically smash their forehead against the seat in front of them and then ricochet back to complete the cycle as they pounded their head against their own seat.
After the nauseating drive was over we came into a beautiful little village/resort. The meals were served family style. So shortly after we got there and were showed to our room they yelled out that lunch was served. You know that setting where the mom rings a bell on the farm and yells out, "Come an' get it!" then everyone comes running in, the food is gone in less then a minute, and plates are left to settle in an empty room? That's a good description of it. But the food wasn't bad.
But the beds were the best part. They literally light a fire under your bed to heat it up. Coolest beds ever.
We signed up to watch the sunset on the 8th. We'll get back to that.
After lunch we were free to bum around. We went in a couple shops. I made friends with a local, he tried to get me to take his son back to America. After warming up in his shop he showed us, what he thinks, was the best restaurant in town. We would come back there for dinner later on. And it would cost us. It was the most expensive dinner I've ever had to pay part of. 1644RMB. Over 200USD for three of us. But is was good. And everyone was super friendly. So I guess it was worth it.
We had to wake up at 5:30. A bus was supposed to take us to China's Snow Town (Zhong Guo Xue Xiang). 6:00 came and went. Then 6:30, then finally 7:00. No bus. I get a call from a lady asking why I wasn't there. I told here I was there, and that she hadn't come. We finally figure out that there was a miscommunication. We were told by the office the bus would pick us up, they were told that we would come to them.
The bus was a miserable thing to be stuck on for 6 hours. And for several of those hours I couldn't tell we were ever driving on a road. I may have to check the dictionary again to make sure I know what a road actually is. Some of these were literally chunks of asphalt puzzle-pieced together with gaps just far enough apart to ensure that passengers traveling on sketchy tour busses would rhythmically smash their forehead against the seat in front of them and then ricochet back to complete the cycle as they pounded their head against their own seat.
After the nauseating drive was over we came into a beautiful little village/resort. The meals were served family style. So shortly after we got there and were showed to our room they yelled out that lunch was served. You know that setting where the mom rings a bell on the farm and yells out, "Come an' get it!" then everyone comes running in, the food is gone in less then a minute, and plates are left to settle in an empty room? That's a good description of it. But the food wasn't bad.
But the beds were the best part. They literally light a fire under your bed to heat it up. Coolest beds ever.
We signed up to watch the sunset on the 8th. We'll get back to that.
After lunch we were free to bum around. We went in a couple shops. I made friends with a local, he tried to get me to take his son back to America. After warming up in his shop he showed us, what he thinks, was the best restaurant in town. We would come back there for dinner later on. And it would cost us. It was the most expensive dinner I've ever had to pay part of. 1644RMB. Over 200USD for three of us. But is was good. And everyone was super friendly. So I guess it was worth it.
They actually used donkeys for useful things, pulling fire wood and whatnot. I though it was funny that this one was tied up the a motorcycle.
I told you it was a small town.
Yes, they were actually selling these.
One shop owner took a liking to us and made us wear everything in his shop.
Emily.
It's interesting to see how they actually plan it all out.
Here is Emily wearing a fox. Yeah, the whole thing. They rig it's mouth to bite down on its tail. So disgusting.
Our fire bed.
Here is the really nice shop owner. He tried to get me to take his son back to America with me.
We had to all sleep together on this fire bed.
The town at night. Pretty.
One of the dishes, frogs. Frogs stuffed with little black frog eggs.
They really weren't all that bad...
I woke up at 5:30 for this???
January 8th
(I was informed by my bed mates that I speak Chinese in my sleep. They didn't remember everything I said, but they said it was definitely Chinese. I know that I dream in Chinese a lot, but now I know that I speak Chinese in my sleep too!)
Another 5:30 wake up call. We had to get up early to take a van up a mountain to watch the sunrise. Now I know I've mentioned how cold it harbin is several times, but it's worth mentioning again. Standing out on the snow, waiting for a sunrise I know will be disappointing, and losing feeling in my feet is not something I would wish on anyone. By the time we all got back in the van (with no heater, I might add) I had completely lost feeling in my feet, I could feel how chilled my blood would get when it went through my feet and came back up my legs spreading the cold up my legs. I was tired. I've never been so cold I got tired. It was miserable. The only good thing about the ride back was knowing there was a fire bed waiting for me.
We all went back to bed and slept until lunch. After lunch we piled in the tour bus from hell and headed back.
Upon arrival in Harbin we were greeted by the friendly face of our driver, Wang. He called the company to find out where they were going to stop and waited there for us. Nicest guy ever.
He took us to a hotel and we arranged a time for him to take us to the airport on the 9th.
January 9th
Finally, a morning without a 5:30 wake up call. We slept until 1:00. It was fantastic. Then we grabbed some lunch, and stopped by Star-ucks Bar one more time. Remember how I mentioned a famous person probably owned this cafe? He made an appearance this time we were in there. He was dressed up in crazy clothes just like all his pictures. I didn't take a picture, but believe me now a famous Chinese actor has said hello to me. haha
Our super nice driver picked us up and took us about half way to the airport. Then he stopped, flagged down a different car, and tossed us in there. He kept saying that we don't need to give this driver any money. I just wanted to know why he tossed us out of his car...
After talking to this new driver he explained that our drivers little van isn't fast enough to go in the highway that gets you to the airport. So he stopped someone going that way and paid them to take us the rest of the way. Nicest driver ever.
(I was informed by my bed mates that I speak Chinese in my sleep. They didn't remember everything I said, but they said it was definitely Chinese. I know that I dream in Chinese a lot, but now I know that I speak Chinese in my sleep too!)
Another 5:30 wake up call. We had to get up early to take a van up a mountain to watch the sunrise. Now I know I've mentioned how cold it harbin is several times, but it's worth mentioning again. Standing out on the snow, waiting for a sunrise I know will be disappointing, and losing feeling in my feet is not something I would wish on anyone. By the time we all got back in the van (with no heater, I might add) I had completely lost feeling in my feet, I could feel how chilled my blood would get when it went through my feet and came back up my legs spreading the cold up my legs. I was tired. I've never been so cold I got tired. It was miserable. The only good thing about the ride back was knowing there was a fire bed waiting for me.
We all went back to bed and slept until lunch. After lunch we piled in the tour bus from hell and headed back.
Upon arrival in Harbin we were greeted by the friendly face of our driver, Wang. He called the company to find out where they were going to stop and waited there for us. Nicest guy ever.
He took us to a hotel and we arranged a time for him to take us to the airport on the 9th.
January 9th
Finally, a morning without a 5:30 wake up call. We slept until 1:00. It was fantastic. Then we grabbed some lunch, and stopped by Star-ucks Bar one more time. Remember how I mentioned a famous person probably owned this cafe? He made an appearance this time we were in there. He was dressed up in crazy clothes just like all his pictures. I didn't take a picture, but believe me now a famous Chinese actor has said hello to me. haha
Our super nice driver picked us up and took us about half way to the airport. Then he stopped, flagged down a different car, and tossed us in there. He kept saying that we don't need to give this driver any money. I just wanted to know why he tossed us out of his car...
After talking to this new driver he explained that our drivers little van isn't fast enough to go in the highway that gets you to the airport. So he stopped someone going that way and paid them to take us the rest of the way. Nicest driver ever.
I love it. You can see where they scratched out the 'B' - I can only assume they got in trouble for it at some point.
This was in the middle of town, the only reason I mention it is because it actually worked. Pretty darn cool.
All in all Harbin is a fantastic place. If it weren't so darned cold I would consider moving there. Everyone I met was incredibly friendly. Sure, your toes are black and frostbitten, there are icicles hanging from your nose, it's so cold it looks like everyone around you is smoking (though in China they might be), and your fingers are on strike because you took them out of your pockets to try to take a pictures, but if you ever get the chance you must visit harbin in January.
If you do ever visit Harbin tell me so I can hook you up with Wang, the driver. For everything he did I think we paid him around 500RMB. We tried to give him more, but he wouldn’t take it.
Dec 2, 2008
Yesterday (Dec 1st) was a day I'll never forget.
After unsuccessfully trying to buy a Christmas tree I had most pleasant taxi driver I've had in China to date.
After a nice conversation about work, China, America, and politics (which I had no idea I could talk about in Chinese, though it was baby talk) we arrived at my house. After I paid him he said, "圣诞快乐!" (sheng dan kuai le = Merry Christmas)
This is the first stranger in China to tell me merry Christmas. Everyone Stateside says "happy holidays," or "merry Christmas" but I've never heard it in China. Not even last year.
I was so happy.
I never used to get excited about Christmas. I never used to get into the whole Christmas thing. But something about being away - living in a country that doesn't celebrate it in the same way - makes it that much more special.
Maybe because out here it's hard to get caught up in the materialism of it all. The foreigners away from home aren't worried about buying gifts, they aren't lost in discounts and bargains, they just value Christmas for what it is.
There is nothing like Christmas at home, but I feel like it's going to be a great time despite my location.
Nov 12, 2008
I didn't know this until last night, otherwise it would have been in my blog as well.
In China 11/11 is a day for Single people. They have single parties, set up blind dates, etc.
Apparently it started on Universities in the 90's.
University students, and anyone in their 20's really, are pressured a lot by family and friends to get married. So singles day is a good day for them to relax and take pride in their singleness.
So happy late singles day!
Oct 8, 2008
I heard this phrase the other day and it struck quite a chord with me.
Before I went to Korea I was in the market looking for a small bag to pack my things in. I'm no idiot, everyone at the market will try to cheat everybody else. Myself being white, I will have people try to cheat me even more.
I find a bag I like. It's cheaply made, an obvious knockoff of a real bag, but it'd do the job. I ask how much it is.
Shop Girl: "I usually sell that bag for 300RMB but for you 250RMB (about 36US)."
(Ok, the bag's not that nice.)
Me: "I'll give you 100 (around 15US), no more."
SG: "No, that's impossible. I buy the bag for more than that."
(I lose my patience really easily when people lie to me.)
Me: "No you don't, I know you're trying to charge me more because I'm a foreigner. I've lived here long enough to know better."
SG: "Alright, but 150 is as low as I can go."
(Then this really sweet Chinese girl came into the shop looking at purses and listening to us argue. She wondered over and started taking my side.)
Chinese Girl: "He knows what he's talking about, that bag is only worth about 100."
(Then the shop girl got really angry that another Chinese called her on it. In my experience Chinese will cheat anyone, but when they're caught by other Chinese they lose face and have to back pedal pretty fast.)
SG: "OK, OK, 100."
After I bought the bag I talked to the Chinese girl for a while. Really sweet University student studying business or something. She said she hates it when people cheat each other. She said that everyone is the same and there is no need to cheat someone else just for an extra buck.
I haven't heard one person say that out here. For someone to admit to a foreigner that we're all the same is huge to me. Now it may be because Yantai is a fairly new city and was completely uneducated and just a farming community until fifteen or so years ago. No matter the reason, it's huge for someone in Yantai to say that to me.
She pointed out that most of the people who will cheat others are the ones who are selling things in little stalls on the street, not the people running big businesses. She had a vary karmic approach to the situation. Essentially she was saying that if you cheat people out of small money, you will cheat yourself out of big money.
Later that night I heard this phrase: Penny wise, nickel dumb.
Sep 23, 2008
I really miss being a student. I met some students on Sunday. They are studying Chinese at Yantai University. One of them is Japanese, the others are Korean. We all could only communicate because of Chinese. Well, the Japanese girl actually speaks fantastic English, but the Koreans couldn't so we stuck with Chinese.
It made me miss student life so much because they seemed so carefree. Talking about their homework, what teachers they liked and didn't like, helping each other with homework. Where as I have all these responsibilities. It made me really sad. I want that again.
Then I was thinking about what I would do if I ever were to go back to America. I have no skills, no degrees (worth anything), no training in anything! In China I'm an expert. But in America I'm nothing! How would I live? The real world is so harsh!
Suddenly I had this crazy thought. I have this golden opportunity. I'm living in China making a lot of money and my Chinese sucks. I make enough in 6 months of teaching (at my current job) to take six months off and still be able to to afford all my living costs on top of tuition if I live simply.
But at that rate it would take 8 years for a B.A. So I need another way to make it work. But I'm seriously considering not renewing my contract and going back to school. I live right across the street from the University and my house is paid up for almost a year from now. If I don't live on campus I think tuition is pretty cheap. So I'm going to look into it.
The only down side is that it would take a lot away from my winter travel plans. I would probably find some part time work or something and have to give up traveling.
My point is that if I ever decide to go back to America I would have a very good skill if I had a degree in Chinese with the fluency to go with it. Translation, teaching, whatever. Maybe even study some business and go into something like that... I don't want to be stuck digging ditches if I ever go back.
That said, I probably won't ever go back for more than a visit.
Aug 16, 2008
Posted by
Mark
at
Saturday, August 16, 2008
On Thursday my brothers and I went to Penglai. It's a town about an hour or two out of Yantai. It's known as sort of a mystical city because it is the place where the eight immortals crossed the sea. Also if the conditions are right there is an amazing mirage of a floating city that appears over the sea. I've only seen picture of it, but I would love to be there in person. It's very rare though.
We looked around some place called three divine mountains which represents the unity of the three major religions in China - Taoism, Buddism, and Confusianism. It is also home to the largest jade buhdda in the world. I didn't get any pictures of that, but it was pretty cool to see.
I liked this because the background made such a great contrast.
This is a copy of a painting the last emperor or China made. The three people represent the unity of the three religions.
A picture of the whole three mountains place.
All the hand and eyes represent seeing all and being able to help all the working people. I like how each hand has a different tool.
They also had a pretty neat shaolin kung fu demonstration.
Penglai is a great quiet little town. It has brilliant seafood, which we partook in, and a great environment. I could totally see myself going there again just for fun.And before you say it, I will put a picture of me and my brothers up sooner or later. I actually don't have one yet. Call me what you will...
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