Day 67: Ke Yi Ma?

I have never enjoyed bartering more than I have today. We ventured to the pearl market this afternoon and we were in awe with it all when we arrived. There were hundreds of vendors inside this six story shopping mall, all trying to get your attention and give you "the best price" or the "best quality" item. However, all of the items were the exact same, but some vendors were harder to haggle with, so we had to hop from shop to shop to find a price we were willing to pay.

At first, I wasn't very good at this art, I might call it. It was quite difficult, and it didn't help that some of the vendors were super mean and told us to get out of their shop because our offers were ridiculous, or impossible. After a few defeating situations, I just decided to take a different approach to bartering: joke with the vendor, kiss their hand, kneel down and say "ke yi ma?" or a few other things. This little act won many of them over. Ke yi ma is like a sincere please, and I plead with them over and over, with the saddest face and they just laughed and smiled at me. However, their laughter turned into a friendship, they lowered their price, so we both won. It's much better to be entertaining and have fun with it than argue with them, right?

I think my favorite purchase of the day was this pair of coral keds. The keds are cute, but the process of purchasing them was much more rewarding than the shoes themselves. There were three ladies all selling shoes next to each other, and each had a different approach to trying to get me to buy their shoes. One was really forceful, one tried like cuddling with me and telling me I was beautiful and needed her shoes, and the other was more ordinary in her approach. After my charades to barter them down, they all joined together and created conversation with me and put aside trying to sell me something. I found out that the cuddly one was only 15 years old and the forceful one was her mother, who was 32, but they explained she was her husband's second wife, so the fifteen year old is her husbands' other wife's daughter, confusing, I know. The third one was just a very close friend of theirs, and she was married and had a seven year old little boy. How we found out that she was married was rather interesting; I saw a hickie on her neck and jokingly asked who gave it to her. She giggled and claimed that her husband did, but I thought she looked far too young to be married, let alone to have a seven year old boy. Anyways, after many jokes and laughs, they offered me the price I wanted for the keds only if a boy would too kiss my neck and give me a hickie, like our new friend had. Carmelo was the only boy with us and I wanted the shoes, so he just gave me a soft kiss on the neck. Fortunately, I have rather sensitive skin, so it instantly turned red and looked as if it could possibly be one, so the ladies gave me a discount on the shoes. I was dying, they were such a funny bunch.

We ended the evening with a trip to the temple of heaven, which is the most holy of temples in China. This was a wonderful time to go, too, because we saw it just in time for the sunset to light up the sky. We also got to see the kites they fly over the bridge there and they were illuminated; It felt like the Fourth of July. I couldn't have been happier with how the day went, but then it just got more eventful from there. We stumbled across a group or older Chinese people who were singing karaoke on our way out of the park. We approached them and as soon as they saw us, we were instantly summoned to sing. So, Courtney, Jenna, Cameron, and I sang a Michael Jackson song (the only American music they had) and then tried to leave the stage, only to be encored, five more times. It was rather entertaining and we were terrible, but it was a lot of fun. Needles to say, it was another good day in this wonderful city.

Day 66: Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City

We began our adventures rather early this morning; we were so eager to get out there and take full advantage of all the city's wonders. I would love to write about each and every one, but there is far too much to tell and I am beyond exhausted to write it all out. So, I will write a few points about each event and briefly explain the day.

Our first visit was at to Tiananmen Square. I have heard so much about this place, but never thought I would ever be witnessing it first hand. Throughout the day, I kept having to remind myself that I was in Beijing, in China. It still doesn't seem real sometimes. Anyways, the square is as incredible in its beauty and it is in its size. Our group also saw Mao's (their famous emperor who is the face on their currency) preserved body. It was quite an ordeal to get into the building where he laid though. We went through a variety of different screenings, pat downs, and friskings to ensure that we had nothing on us. After a long wait in line, we entered the building and everything was so still. The people here really respect him, so it was interesting experience to be a part, and one I enjoyed as well.

Next, we went to the Forbidden city, which is directly across from Tiananmen Square. Basically it is series of many replicated buildings in a closed off area where the emperors of China lived hundreds of years ago. The "forbidden" part comes from the fact that it was closed off to the public for many years, but is now open travelers to explore. It was a beautiful sight to see; the architecture was outstanding and so intricate, and the buildings were massive. You could really spend all day walking around there, and still not cover everything.

After the forbidden city, we crossed the street and climbed up to a temple to see the Forbidden city and it's surroundings from afar, rather than from within. We found this enormous golden Buddha, that said "no photos" under it, so naturally I snapped a few. We also came across this vendor near the top who allowed people to dress up in Chinese traditional clothing and take all the photos they want in them. As soon as Courtney and I saw this lady, we were beyond thrilled and decided to be a part of it all and got geared up. We had quite the attire on, but it was such a fun experience.

Lastly, we went to this street market, which seemed to be several miles long. Our dwindled group shopped around the little markets, and ate some fun street food. One that I tried was deep fried scorpion, or some kind of critter that looked like a scorpion. I can't say it was my favorite thing, but it was something I happy to claim that I have tried.

Throughout out shopping adventure, I bought a few trinkets here and there, but the most exciting purchase of the day was my little ukulele. Court and I were splurging our money on really random things all day, so we figured this would be another appropriate purchase. I haven't the slightest idea on how to play it, but I am determined to learn at least five songs by the end of the trip. It is so tiny and cute, I just love it and I think it will be a good way to spend my spare time back in Zhongshan.

This trip is simply incredible, I can't even write all the minor and perfect details that have come along with it. I will just let my pictures do the rest of the talking.

Day 65: Sensation

I am on the verge of falling asleep so I will just jot a few things down about the day. Although I've only been in Beijing for an evening, I have already fallen head over heels for it. The feeling I get here reminds me of when I visit New York City. Brisk air (polluted, but it still had a cool feeling to it), big buildings, lots of subways and street vendors, etc. We went to a club called club sensation and well, it was sensational? I think that describes it well enough. The funniest part of the evening is that Courtney and I were dancing away, busting out some white girl moves; but all of the boys there loved it. Basically, they mimicked every move we made, including: the Macarena, the baseball dance moves to "call me maybe", and they even began fanning themselves (as if it was a dance move) when Courtney and I were taking a break and fanned our sweaty selves down. I enjoyed myself to say the least, it was quite a different experience and I can't wait for our next adventures!

Day 64: Beijing

Parents day, kind of stressful
Made wristwatches for my shop lesson
All went well, kids were kind of crazy though
Beans for lunch :)
Packed for Beijing
Washed my sheets
Rode the charter bus to Guangzhou
Found a Subway sandwich shop
Got to the train station
Found Carmelo
Boarded the train
Beijing bound, twenty two hours baby

Day 63: The little things

Our adventure to Beijing begins tomorrow and I can hardly believe how fast time has gone here. I know I mention this is just about every post, but it constantly blows me away when I think about how much time I've spent here and how much more, or less I might say, I have left. I think that I finally understand and agree with the question my dad always asked while I was growing up, "where has the time gone?" I think he typically asked this question in regards to how fast his children were growing up, but I know time flew for the both of us for many more reasons than that.

As I grew up, I felt as if I was frequently looking and trying to live two or three steps ahead of myself, rather than enjoying fully where I was at. For example, I thought middle school was so great, until I hit eighth grade. Then, I was beyond over it and just wanted to be "cool" and in high school. Then after two ish year of high school, the excitement of being there died a little bit, and then I just couldn't wait to get my license. Then I was focusing on graduating high school and going to college, then getting married, etc. etc. I was constantly trying to live life according to the perfect plan, but I've found that that "plan" was far from perfect.

I feel like I have learned so much about myself, and others, while being here on this trip. If nothing else, I have learned that the time I spend and share with others is positive or negative because I choose for it to be either or. I was always a busy body in high school, and I prided myself off of that. However, I can't express enough how wrong I was to live that way. Being busy and productive is important, but it shouldn't conflict or trump the time you are to spend with those you love.

I love taking in the small moments. I feel like these are what I've remembered most from my past; walking to and on this frozen pond with my dad, making quesadillas with Linds after jumping the Fruita bridge during the summer, riding my tag along with my mom to the beanie baby shop every week when I was young, crafting for hours with Jessica, taking drives with Dal when he came to visit, etc. The big things are great, but I also need to remember how important the little things are to me. I'm no expert, but I know that if I pay more attention and give attention to those who I love and care about, or that need love and caring, I will be a much happier individual. I love where I am at and what I am doing. I don't need to worry about what's next quite yet, I will focus and worry about those issues/events when they come my way.

On a different note, I saw this man walking down the street today and I took a quick look at his graphic tee as he got closer to me. I typically enjoy reading the t-shirts here, because they're mostly translated incorrectly and say really funny English phrases that don't make the slightest bit of sense. However, this man's said, "The door will always remain open until you decide to close it". I read that and thought, well duh, you have to close an open door for it to be shut. But then, a recent occurrence suddenly popped into my head. I began thinking about this phrase less literally and more figuratively. A few seconds of deep thinking led me to realizing that we cause ourselves a lot more anxiety, stress, frustration, sadness, etc. by leaving doors open that should have been shut long ago. I know from personal experience that I sometimes allow unhealthy things to just hang around because I'm afraid to hurt peoples' feelings. However, I think after many years of my passive behavior, I think I've finally realized that some doors need to be closed, and maybe even locked. They were typically closed for a good reason.

I know this is quite the deep and reflective post, but I couldn't help but think about these things as I sat by myself on my balcony and enjoyed the Chinese thunderstorm. They are beautiful here; the showers' onset is unreal and how the sky lights up when a thunderbolt strikes is so beautiful. This, too, is one of those little things I really enjoy, and see myself enjoying for many years to come.

Day 62: Wo xi huan ne -- I like you

This evening consisted of pretty good, and also rather funny, events. Firstly, we went to Chinese class, like we do every week. However, our new coordinator Rainy just started teaching it, so things were run a little differently but were equally as great. When I mentioned that we had a series of funny events, I didn't mean that Chinese class itself was funny. What is funny is when our group tries to say each word Rainy gives us, while also saying it in sync. Mostly, all you hear is a loud jumble of words and sounds that we each think the word should sound like, and the faint sound of Rainy giggling happily in the background. We must sound terrible, this language is a tricky one. However, she is still so patient with us and always willing to help, I absolutely love her. I love learning from her and the other coordinators, they are so good to us.

Secondly, Jenna and I gave sir Konner a hair cut, with just scissors, not a buzzer. I was actually quite nervous, I had never been trusted to do this on a boy before. I know I cut Lexi's hair a while back, but with girls, you just have to trim the ends and make everything look even. Boys hair is just a whole different story. Anyways, Jenna and I tag teamed the hair cut: I combed the layers and sectioned the hair pieces as she cut away. It turned out quite well, actually; I was pleasantly surprised. However, all that really matters though is that he was satisfied and we weren't hated; life is good.

Lastly, Jenna, Lexi, and I skyped with Carmelo and his roommate, Jay, tonight. At first, we just chatted and caught jp, it had been a few days since we last spoke. Then, like always, the jokes came out. we began teaching them funny English phrases, which led to them teaching us Chinese phrases, and them asking to "can I ask to be your boyfriend for this while, now, maybe?" or something along those lines. And their faces when they say funny things like that kill me. As always, some things tend to get lost in translation, but their English is incredible and it's always fun to chat with them. It will be so fun to have Carmelo with our group in Beijing, I can't wait!

Day 61: Purple Melt

Little Ms. Lexi got her hair done at D-Wash today, but not her typical washy wash, she got it colored. She has been wanting to get her melt back, that she had in the states, and finally mustered up the courage to get it done here. She did, however, change her choice in color: instead of her hair fading from black to dark red, she chose to melt it from black to bright purple. It took several hours, but it turned out great. I love witnessing or being a part of people's experiments here, they're so fun!

Day 60: Loves

My day has been made for two reasons; some might find them to be small reasons, but I was rather taken with them so that's all that matters, right?

First off, my what seemed to be like a never ending search for birthday cake Oreos did in fact end today. This search all started when I saw another head teacher eating, and raving about, this flavor of Oreo during our wonderful night bus ride to YangShuo. From that day, I have been eager to get some of my own and give them a try. Lexi, Jenna, and I searched store after store for these babies, and after about 15 different shops, we found them! I was ecstatic. We each bought a sleeve, sat outside on the store benches, and indulged. The long wait was well worth it for these sweet treats. They literally tasted like a vanilla birthday cake with confetti frosting; I was in heaven.

Secondly, we passed the pet shop that we had visited during our first few days here and decided to pop back in. When we first went, during late February, we found little brown and furry Chinese pups in the window, but they were too tiny that we couldn't hold them. Their eyes weren't even open, so I assume they weren't born too long before we had arrived. Anyways, we walked into the shop today and noticed how much these little pups had grown! We kept looking through the glass an lexi threw down some baby talk to them; we just wanted to hold them so badly. We asked the shop owner if we could hold one, and he let us each hold are own little fluff ball. They were so calm and relaxed; they almost seemed happy to get some kind of attention outside of a glass window. The pups didn't let out a single cry and they just sat in our laps, content with us snuggling them. We took several pictures and held them for about an hour, then we decided to leave them be. I was so tempted to buy one, they're only 2,000 yuan! But, our apartment doesn't allow pets, so I might just have to bring one back to the states with me ;)

Day 59: Can I get a drumroll please...

The best friend of the year award goes to...Ms. Jenna Neeley! I woke up several times last night, having to take runs to the bathroom to throw up. I don't know whether I was having my first experience with food poisoning, or if I had a virus. I hadn't eaten anything bizarre, so I assume I just caught a bug.

I began getting ready for church this morning, still feeling rather ill, and Jenna insisted that I stayed home and got more rest. I really wanted to attend church though, Jenna was supposed to be teaching relief society and I didn't want to miss her lesson. However, I could hardly make it to the bathroom and back to my bed without having a hot flash and a nauseous sensation, so I decided to stay back.

I slept the morning away and woke up to sweet Jenna tickling my back to wake me up and check on me. She also came bearing gifts to aid my sick body. She brought my favorite bean bread, some cold sprite, and some beautiful looking grapes! I had never been so happy, nothing had sounded appetizing up until I saw these goods. Also, I have been craving grapes from the day we got here and for some reason haven't purchased any yet. I ate and savored the grapes one by one, and since I hadn't eaten anything all day, they tasted even better. Jenna is such a sweetheart, I am so lucky to have this little one exploring China with me, I am so grateful for her.

Day 58: Lost pup

We decided to venture to the Luna market today, which is a market that only happens during certain phases of the lunar calendar. It has just about every type of shop that you would ever need or want, including the classic Chinese trinkets, pottery, animals, birds, clothing, baby gear, fruit, electronics, a meat market, including gutted and hanging pigs, etc. It was quite large, there were so many markets to explore. However, the weather began to get so humid that I could hardly handle walking around any longer.

As I headed towards the bus, I stopped to get some pita bread with honey butter in it, and saw the cutest little girl, in ratty clothes, standing by the pita vendor. She looked as if she was six years old or so, but I've come to learn that age here is a little harder to guess than it is back home. Anyways, I had assumed this girl was the vendor's daughter, but he wasn't paying any attention to her whatsoever and acted as if she was not even there. I left, puzzled, and sat down by a few others in my group; the little one followed. I tried asking her name in Chinese, but I didn't get a response. She was rather timid; she wouldn't wave or show her smile, but just enjoyed watching us from a nearby distance. Many tried to get a response from her, but all failed. Some got really close to her, which just scared her away and made her step backwards, so I decided to keep my distance and just smile at her when our eyes met.

After several failed attempts of people trying to gain her attention, they all got up and headed towards the bus stop. We were walking when I noticed she was following us. I figured she might just follow us to the bus stop and then turn around and return to her family, but, the bus pulled up, she got on, and we were all headed to the fruit market.

Through the travels, she finally warmed up a little bit to me and I got her to play patty cake with me and I finally saw her sweet smile. I just fell in love with this little girl instantly. We got off at our desired stop, with her following of course. Our connecting bus was at the stop across the street, so everyone ran to catch it. The little one was following close behind me, so I didn't run. I just decided to stay back with her and go buy her a drink or something; she was in long pants and a long sleeve and it was so hot out. However, Amanda spotted me from across the street and hollered at me, reminding me that I couldn't wander off alone. I was forced to leave my new little friend behind and join the others on the bus.

I must admit, I felt some sort of connection to this sweet little one, even though we had no way of communicating. I felt as though I should have made sure she was ok, or that she knew where she was going. But in all reality, she probably knew way more about this place than I do anyways. I just felt so bad for leaving her, and I'm kind of sad that I did. I'm not exactly sure why, but I did. She was a tender and gentle little girl, but had a strong spirit that obviously left an impression on me.

Day 57: A day in the life of

If I were to describe today in two words, I would choose productive and peaceful. I started out the day how I always do, with a good breakfast and a rowdy morning of teaching. Then, I had to work on my monthly student evaluations for my kiddos after lunch. Each evaluation is quite a process to fill out, so I was in there for the majority of my afternoon.

After I painfully finished, Jenna and I went and met up with Amanda and Preston and the crew for a group run and workout in the park. As soon as we started, the rain began to pour. Some were discouraged, but I was absolutely thrilled. This is one of my most favorite things in the world; while I was growing up, I would go running just because it was raining. It's such a great escape for me to clear my mind and just get rid of some of the craziness inside.

After the run, I sat in the middle of the park and just watched the tiny raindrops splash all around me. Everything was so still around that I could literally hear the individual drops hitting the surface of the water. I loved it. At one point while I was sitting there, a police officer came up to me, while he was his under his umbrella of course, and just mumbled something to me after he chuckled. I mean, I would probably laugh if I saw someone sitting by themselves in the rain as well, it's not the most common thing to do.

The rest of the day, I just spent reading my book and admiring the beautiful sunset. We have been lucky enough to see two of these this week, so I'm pretty content with my life right now.

Day 56: Chants

"Tomato in the salad,
Do you want to eat it?
Yes, yes, yes!
Yes I want to eat it!"

Best way to start the day.

Day 55: Rooftop

Right now, Lexi and I are sitting on our rooftop, looking out over the beauty that's surrounding us. It is so calm up here; all I can hear is the wind passing by my ears, the distant sound of children laughing and passing cars below me. It's also a rather special night because I am witnessing several patches of blue sky and sun rays peeking through the gray haze that always follows us here. The air feels dry and clean today; it feels like spring.

We first found a patio to the roof but it's surrounded by tall walls, which don't allow you to see anything beyond them. Thus, we climbed up the roof's red shingles and planted ourselves. Lexi sat on the roof itself and I found a nearby pillar that looked a little safer.

I knew from the moment that I got to China that this place was remarkable, but the view I was now looking at was something that really took my breath away. The pink and purple sunset was sinking into the lush green mountains and I just couldn't get enough. While the place in itself is incredible, the people, too, are equally as great. With the more time I spend here, the more I realize how happy and content they are. They live simply, which is something I really admire.

I still struggle with the fact that I'm about half way done with the program, it kind if breaks my heart. I have fallen in love with the people, the scenery, the school, everything here. I feel like the kids are part of my family and I shouldn't have to leave them behind. My life back in Utah is almost seeming unreal, like this is where I belong now. I know I'm being overly dramatic, but I truly just love everything about this place. I've learned so much about people and how we influence one another. I believe that the people you surround yourself with really dictate the kind of person you are and they help make your life experiences, life experiences, for better or worse. I do have great people in my life in which I'm am so grateful for.

Pictures:
1: Can you find Lexi?
2: Sunset
3: Reflecting pool