Shanghai: Walmart Trips

So like everything I do in China, going to Walmart is just crazy...why? Because it's supposed to be something like home and recognizable, but it just isn't the same experience. This is an obvious thing, but can still give you a culture shock when experienced.

I had culture shock because I had not seen a Walmart since early May. It was such an experience, I decided to break my blog story timeline, and show you guys now. I am also choosing to post it now, because it's a quick post and I just have not had the time to write, photo edit, and blog like I did this summer. Ok so anyway...

As always, the adventure starts with the metro. Luckily, this stop is only 3 stations away from school

And of course a crowded and long walk across 8-10 lanes of roadway with 100s of my closest strangers!

I know you guys can see that sign! Not your typical Walmart, huh?! Yeah it's actually above some shops and is apart of a larger outdoor, mall complex. It's actually quite nice and there's a Burger King behind it, haha. I know this area quite well, needless to say....

The main entrance

Going up to the first floor. They sell all types of things on the outside of the store as well

So now that we've successfully made into Walmart, here's where it gets weird-ish...

Not the typical, warm Walmart greeting I'm used to... 

Here you can find all things dried...fruit, meat, noodles, and other things I am not brave enough to explore

Oreos at low prices...I always seem to go for what I know...and because of this I will not lose a pound LOL

Not so bad...just not home. But there's more! I call this the mad dash for fruit....

So you grab your bag, pick through the fruits to get the best ones (typical), but the have to wait in line to have everything weighed before you go to the register. It's really a pain sometimes, especially when people have 7 or 8 things to weigh, while you just want apples smh!

After that's all said and done...up we go...

Now the escalators go up about 4 floors, where you can get the same types of things as home; appliances, clothes, and specialty items. If you are not careful, it's easy to get lost just walking around and look at/for items...Luckily for you all, this trip was a quick mission. But unfortunately for me, the check out line situation was CRAZY as always.

My small pick up: Beef jerky, sea weed, apples, yogurt, olive oil, golden ores with strawberry cream, drinks, cressants, and butter...luxury items cost me (yogurt, butter, cressants, and beef jerky)

I can already see that this is gonna be a rough wait

The lines are such a buzz kill when your total shopping time was 30mins...

So not the most absurd thing I've done in China, however, when your are looking for normality, it just doesn't quite cut it...I still enjoy all of my weekly trips to Walmart! 

Kaiping: Li Gardens

After walking down the long, winding road from Zili Village I was back at the barren road. I had no actual idea when and where the next bus would come, but decided to stand on the opposite side of the road and wait. Luckily, one skidded to a stop in front of me. I spoke my finest Mandarin and asked him, "Li Gardens ma?" (This is like me saying, "Is this bus going to Li Gardens?") The driver shook his head yes, I paid 4 RMB and headed to my destination.

While the walk from the road to the gardens was about the same as to Zili Village, there was a much different feel. First, There were more touristy type things outside and I saw a few astonished drivers in the parking lot. They were very friendly and spoke some English to me. I laughed, as usual, and spoke my Chinglish to them before going and buying my ticket inside.

At this point I am a sweaty monster. Despite wearing an oversized tank and some Nike shorts, I was sooooo hot. I can never understand how the Chinese can walk around in long sleeves and pants in this weather! Fortunately, there was a welcome center with AC at the entrance. It was very beautiful, with very surprising Western style architecture.

Some of the refurbished homes at Li Gardens. This Western style Architecture happened because many Chinese would move to the west and send money home to their families to build houses. They often times sent building plans as well.

The welcome center was nice with a movie, some "artifacts," and pictures explaining the Diaolou culture and Li Gardens. (see previous post for link to a better explanation). I went inside to cool off while I ate some fruit and rehydrated for a while.
I can immediately see where my 180 RMB went...It's pricey (relatively) but worth it!

As much as I wanted to stay in the Air Conditioned goodness of the welcome center, I had to move on to the gardens. Despite being instantly hot again, the gardens very beautiful and peaceful to wander around. I literally wandered for hours and took way too many pictures. There are a range of things to see from more traditional Chinese style gardens to a Fantasy Land area.

An aerial view from a small tower

Some of the beautifully refurbished garden

The gate leading into the Fantasy Gardens. I didn't really care for the gardens themselves. They were a bit cheesy and out of place

Another aerial shot from the other side of the tower

My view as I headed back to the main entrance

After hours and hours in the sun, I concluded that I should begin my journey home. As soon as I turned to walk towards the exits I hear someone yell "Hallllloooooooo" from somewhere. I literally almost missed it, but did a double take and see a group of preteen girls waving their arms frantically from across the Gardens.

I motioned to them and said hello back. They told me me to stay there as they sprinted towards me. When they arrived they ask for a picture. LOL. Normally I'm surly about taking pictures because its a bit rude, but they were so excited and sweet about it, I couldn't refused. I took as many pictures as they wanted. There was one girl who took all the pictures but did not get in any. I asked her if she wanted to take some, but she said it was ok because I was probably ready to leave. I insisted that she take a few with me, and the smile she had on her face was priceless. I am, however, glad I will never see the end results of those pictures because I was a sweaty, tired, monster at that point; just lookin' a complete mess!

Finally I walked out on to the main road and waited, assuming that another bus would come and be headed back to the station.

A bus arrives and I get on. I put my money in the box and show the driver where I want to go (Yici). He nods, and I walk to the back of a moderately crowded bus. Now the buses aren't like regular city busses, but more like glorified 12 passenger vans. They are a little longer, and a little wider, but have the same feel; cozy to say the least.

Now you'll have to use your imagination for what I am about to describe because to me, it was the most comical scene.

I get to the back of the bus and passengers are still getting on. The driver is saying something in Cantonese (I believe) which is completely lost on me. You'll have to imagine my surprise when a young girl gets on and asks me if I can speak Chinese. I say no, and she looks shocked because apparently the driver was speaking to me.

Fortunately, she decided to help me out. The driver was concerned that I was lost. It was funny because after she started talking to me, the entire bus erupted in people offering advice, including an older gentleman. He was convinced that if he yelled louder at me, then I would understand him. The girl and I both tried to help him understand that I cannot understand him. He was so friendly (and loud) it was hard to ignore him. The biggest issue for me was that I wasn't lost. I knew exactly where I was trying to go and what I was going to do after, catch a bus back to Guangzhou.

The girl explained this to the concerned bus driver. He, and the rest of the bus were not quite convinced that I could make it, so a woman and her family offered to show me where to go once inside of the station. This was enough to convince the bus driver to turn bus on and drive the rest of the route. IT WAS GREAT. Quite possibly one of the most chaotic, bizarre, but funny and heartwarming situations I've ever been in. This is very typical China.

Just think of what its like to be illiterate and unable to communication with 98% of the people who are talking to you. Simple things are difficult, exciting, annoying, scary, a hassle, and you must stoop down to the level of an infant because you need help for almost everything. This is a typical foreigner experience. It was just the kind of thing I live for; a challenge. It always feels good to make it out, even if its just by pure luck and favor!

Some of my Instagram captures from the trip

Bae even came through for a while *Side eye* #LoveMeSomeHim

My Kaiping Adventure to Zili Village

So sleeping has been a very big issue in China. The first month I was so exhausted all the time, I would sleep whenever. As much as I tried to adjust to living an opposite schedule, (China is 12 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time) I literally could only sleep for 2 to 5 hour increments throughout the day.

This particular Friday, I fell asleep almost as soon as I got off work, and, because of that, I found myself wide awake at 3am on a Saturday. I tried Face Timing and Skyping family and friends, since it was a reasonable time there, but got no answers. Bored and bummed, I decided to search the web for things to do in Guangdong Province (the province where Guangzhou is located).

After about an hour or two of research, I decided I would make a 2 hour bus ride to Kaiping Diaolou Village to see some old watch towers and its distinct architecture. It's nice being in a place where transportation is fairly inexpensive, and just about anywhere is accessible to people without cars. It's truly been a life saver for me here. After taking some screen shots of my destinations inside the city, I took a quick shower and I packed some water and snacks, and then hit the road.

Since I woke up so early it was about 6:30 in the morning when I reached Haizhu Passenger Terminal to take the metro. I decided to grab some McPoison for breakfast. I walked in and ordered a sausage McMuffin with hashbrowns and orange juice (they don't have biscuits here). It was like heaven because it tasted just like home. (Well at the time, I had it a few times after and realized it was orange drink, not juice, and the cheese tasted funny. I call this the China effect. You get so used to eating Chinese foods that whenever you taste something from home its automatically the best thing you've ever eaten, mostly because you want it to be amazing). Upon leaving, I realized that McDonald's wasn't supposed to open until 7am. Because the employees spoke limited English and did not know how to explain that they weren't open yet, they just fired up the grill 30mins early. I was so embarrassed, but happy because I was hungry.

An hour metro ride later, I got to the bus station. This station was very far outside of Guangzhou city center, and lets just say English was almost non-existent. I'm glad I took some screen shots of directions on getting around the station, and was able to purchase my ticket. A young lady at the customer service desk was able to show me where to go to wait for my bus, and I was finally headed towards Kaiping.

With some help, I was able to find the correct local bus (everything is written in Chinese at this point). I am lucky that this town is used to many tourists. I was able to tell the bus driver where I wanted to go, and he agreed to show me where to get off. It was only 6 RMB, a cab would have cost anywhere from 50 to 100 RMB, depending on the cabbie and his greed. A tour bus would have cost me 180 RMB. I won't lie, I did question my decision when the city bus stopped for gas with everyone still on it, but I mean 6 RMB is almost $1 so...I was ok.

By time I get to my first stop, Zili Village, it's already hot. I was glad I brought water. The driver let me off on the side of the road and gave me extremely detail directions on how to get to the village...in Cantonese. I was very appreciative, despite being lost. 

By the time I looked around, nothing else really mattered. It had been a long time since I had been in such a beautiful and sunny place. No smog. No noise. Just nature and the occasional villager.

My view on the walk to the village

The mile walk to the village was no big deal, as I took my time snapping pictures and wandered off to explore smaller paths. 

The first path I followed, led me to the Fang watchtower. I had to climb through some tall grasses to get there and ran into several grave markers on my way

 The towers are very interesting. While not ancient, (built in the 1920s) they played a large role in Chinese culture during the 20th Century. You should read more about it here

I just loved looking around and taking in the scenery here. Kaiping was the perfect escape from the big city. It was a very freeing experience because I did it by myself, and, with a little help, made it to my destination. I took way too many pictures and they still barely do justice to my experience. I don't think I can really describe the place or the feeling of being there. Its like this with traveling in general. No one can understand the satisfaction of figuring something out or learning something new in a foreign place, unless they have done it themselves. It makes you feel unstoppable, like you've done something big. Most times, the journey is reward enough.

One of my favorite Landscape shots while in Kaiping

With all of the side trips and walking, I was pouring down sweat by time I reached the ticket booth. The tickets are actually kind of pricey(80 RMB), but I paid anyway and headed into the village. I immediately see where my 80 RMB went as I walked by some sculptures.

One time for the bruhs. Who ya wit?! Iccceeeeeee. I couldn't help myself

I took my time going through the village, walking along every path I could find. I discovered that this village still serves as a lived-in community for local people as well as an attraction to tourists. It was shocking but then funny for both parties, as I wandered around, running into surprised villagers, imagining what it would be like to have lived in these villages when they were completely isolated. 

It was hot outside, but nice to be out and away. Its nice being my own time, doing whatever I felt like, whenever I felt like it; just walking to satisfy my curiosity. 

Just a few of the beautiful scenes within Zili Village

As much as I enjoy exploring the landscape, I got just as much enjoyment going in the dwellings. Its very interesting to see how rural Chinese were living during that time.

Even more impressive, were the views from the roof tops of the Diaolou. I spent hours wandering from building to building. I can show you what that was like, much better than I can tell you.

By the time I made it back towards the exit, I was thirsty and hot. I bought a drink at the gift shop just get some AC and cool down. I ate a banana and then headed back down the road realizing 2 things: 1. The buildings I had walked to earlier were apart of a paid walking tour (oops) 2. I was not exactly sure how to take the bus to my next destination... 

Feeling the Distance

Technology is an amazing thing. It has allowed me to stay connected, despite having, literally, opposite schedules. I have enjoyed this new adventure; all of the new experiences will be remembered for a lifetime.

As much as I love to meet new people, I really wish my friends were here to experience them with me. During this little struggle to adapt, I find myself leaning on friends back home to give me the strength to continue to push forward. While its nice to have that support, it puts an extra (and unfair) burden on them.

It was great in the beginning, but as more calls are missed and ignored, I have found social media helpful to feel a little less "out-of the-loop." Documenting my journey through writing and photos has forced me to go out and explore. Though extremely time consuming, it makes me feel a little less lonely.

While I don't want to lose contact with my friends and family, I need to learn to cope with my new situation. While we all want to have someone to depend on, we have to learn how to "fix" our own situations.

When I was recovering from my surgery, it was hard to rebuild. A very overwhelming feeling, because I realized that the rest of world did not stop just because mine stopped. I had to start form the bottom; sitting up, standing, walking, moving my arm, lifting my arm, holding things...

China is a very similar situation;  I am an adult who is, more or less, illiterate. Just as before, nothing stopped because of my struggles, but instead of being depressed, I am just lonely. I read and write to pass the time, and take pictures for enjoyment. I explore when I have enough nerve and energy to "cope" with the ignorant. It's a freeing, but frustrating experience.

In the end, being abroad is like a magnifying glass to all your quirks and insecurities. I am an impatient American; I always want results now. I want to be normal, when know I'm destined to stand out. I'm always near the "in crowd," but never quite apart of it. I'm known, but seemingly unnoticed; always waiting, listening, and observing.

This time for realization is necessary, and instead of fighting the truth, we must learn to embrace it. My goal is to continue to patiently invest in myself.

A Much Needed Mini-Victory

So my work situation is fairly nice. We are paid quite well, given free dorm-style apartments, and a meal card that covers meals Monday to Friday. Since it does not cover meals on the weekends, it forces me to explore the city and find places to eat.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I can be somewhat picky about the types of foods that I eat. At home, I eat mostly raw foods, so very minimal meat, especially pork (I don't like the taste of most pork, except bacon. Bacon is in its own category, lol!). In addition to these limitations, guess what my least favorite cuisine is? Yup, you guessed it...CHINESE FOOD.

I am Simone, and I have chosen to live in China for 15 months, despite not liking Chinese food.

Ok now that little tid bit is out of the way, you all can imagine my food struggles in China. It was very bad initially because I knew no restaurants, was not very familiar with the metro system, and struggled to take taxis because they rarely spoke or understood any English. Luckily, my boss has traveled abroad and experienced the same thing. She always invited me out for meals and showed me a few places in the village that were affordable and tasty.

Over the course of a month, I found that I liked to keep it cheap and simple on the weekends; noodle shop or rice shop. I liked the noodle shop because it served huge bowls of noodles for 7 RMB (slightly more than $1). I liked the rice shop because it was close, filling, and had veggies that came with it for only 10 RMB (~$1.75). Following the Dragon Boat Festival, I was much less inclined to go out looking for new places to eat, and became a regular at either of these places. It was at the rice shop where I became a regular. While small, I can usually enjoy my food without "much" trouble.  

I like to describe this place as being a real life "Diner Dash" experience. When I initially went there alone, it was quite interesting. The menus were falling apart and had no pictures or English. My sure fire method became "the look and point" method; you find the 1st or last thing on the menu, point to it, and hope that it's edible. By my 4th week I found a rice bowl that was mostly veggies. It became my go to each week.

Now, as I have described many times before, many people stare at me. It's a constant thing, and I tell myself that they are mostly curious, and attempt to ignore it. This always happened to me by the cooks. I get my food. I look up. I smile and wave. They keep staring. I go about my business.

I found some comfort in my routine, but I noticed small changes with my food each time. I always ordered the same thing, but my food was slightly different. I figured out that the cook was watching me eat. He noticed if I liked something, and the next time I ordered it, there would be more of it in my bowl. After a month or so, my bowls were meatless and filled with egg, green beans, and jalapeños! It was exactly what I wanted, despite being unable to tell them.

I also noticed that small improvements were made throughout the restaurant. One week all the menus were replaced. The next, the AC units were being used. The week after, the cook had a hair cut and a new uniform. The next, the was a fridge full of cold cokes and sprites. Heaven on earth I tell you!

While these little things may seem like nothing, I found them to be so encouraging. I struggle a lot with being foreign in the village. There's always a lot of pointing and laughing and shock. Its very often not fun, but I can say that people always pay attention to me. Though it takes a while for me to get things done here, persistence pays off.  Despite not actually "doing" all that much, not giving in to the temptation of staying locked inside allowed me to find foods that I enjoyed. I will take any progress because it means that I am at least moving forward!

My First Holiday

The Dragon Boat Festival in China is a festival is a way to commemorate the death of famous poet, Qu Yuan. I encourage you to read more about his this story; it's somewhat interesting. Today's people are somewhat disconnected from the traditions of this holiday and it mostly seen as a (rare) day off from work. Luckily, I live in a urban village where more people celebrate and observe this holiday.

View from my room of the fireworks and decorations in Lijiao Village

Rowing team observing some of the Dragon Boat traditions

In downtown Guangzhou, boat races are held that draw rowing teams from all over the world.  Unfortunately, I never saw the actual races but got to explore some of the city and see people in a much more relaxed state as they hung out by the river front. As you can image, my presence started quite a commotion during the races. Everyone yelled as I walked by, camera in hand. I was able to catch some very special moments this way.

By this time in my narrative, the thrill of travel really began to wear off and that whole "being different" thing kicked in. I would love to say that I took part in many of the dinners and festivities of this holiday, but I really just wanted to stay in seclusion. I spent most of my 3-day-weekend inside, catching up on rest, recovering from my first club experience (I'll describe later), and basically hiding from people.

Ok, first let me describe the club experience because it was nuts (this is technically later, right?!). So my African friends that bought dinner (previous post) for my friends and I, hit us up to go to a club. Somehow this weekend was the busiest weekend for all of us. One of my classmates mother (who is awesome!) was visiting and in Beijing, and my other 2 classmates were heading to Beijing for the weekend, but meeting up with friends that night. I was looking to do something "other" for my first night alone, so I met up with them for a bite to eat and then to a club.

Maybe I'm getting older and all clubs are like this, or maybe I'm so American and just feel like anything other than our party scene is just not up to par, but let me tell you...I arrived to an OMG party with techno blasting at deafening volumes. It actually took me 3 days to fully recover my hearing after that, but I digress. Now if you're like me, then you have no clue what an OMG party is. I attended one and can say that I still have no idea what it is, but I'll describe the scene. Loud, flashy, corny, and neon watered down American trends, but I schleeeeep doh! LOL. Only some of you will get that phrase, but really I could have lived without it. They actually brought in some American DJs who did a good job and some random, no-name performers who did covers of old American songs like Rhianna's Cake. It was like culture shock all over again as I could NOT, for the life of me, understand why everyone was so hype.

After staying out wayyyyy too late (I got back at 5am) and being awakened by fireworks that sounded like a drive by, I was up. Despite not really feeling like interacting with locals, I decided I wanted to do something American. I decided that was to eat Pizza Hut. Still feeling experimental, I took a "bus" to the closer metro station. Now I say "bus" because it more accurately could be described as a glorified 12 passenger van that drives as fast as possible with so many people crammed inside it, that people are standing in the isles. By time I got to the metro I was just happy to be alive.

I don't know if it was because it was a holiday weekend or I just was sensitive, but by week 3 in China, the stares really started to get to me. I will say that its actually more than just people looking at me, but the looks of disgust or fear that come as I walk, stand, or sit anywhere. Having people jump away from you because they touched your skin or laugh in your face point and joking about you because they know you don't understand, is not the best of feelings. By time I exited the metro I was pretty exhausted and defeated so I really wasn't trying to hear all the pedicab drivers yelling "Halllloooooo" and, well, any other random English in my face as I try to find the Pizza Hut.

I walked quickly down the street to get away from them and to get a better idea of what was in the area. I was slowed down by a group of girls who were walking much slower than I was, and I tried to get around them before having to see their reactions. Unfortunately, I was not fast enough and 2 of the girls separated from a third girl who was directly in front of me.  They yelled something to her (I assume my description) and she ran a few step up and then over in fear, and they all walked away laughing. Extremely hurt, I walked to the intersection and crossed the street.

Who knew that I could, while minding my own business, offend so many people?

Though shaken, I was still hungry and determined to find the Pizza Hut. It was in a huge mall that took up the space equivalent to 4 or 5 American city blocks. I walk up and see a long line, forcing me to stand outside and wait as every passerby stared and laughed. I get finally get a table and am able to eat near the back of the restaurant in relative peace.

Many people could, and have said, "just ignore them." "This is how they feel in America." "Just think of it like you're famous!" But I would argue that none of these things were felt in my experience. I doubt that they ever feel like this. I don't want to lessen their struggles and experience, but I cannot imagine that this is how they feel in America.

I hate it. In fact, I really hate being the center of attention in any situation. I can remember feeling like crying in my younger days when everyone would stop and stare at me while they sang "Happy Birthday to youuuuu!" Yeah. So one can only imagine how I feel when the attention is seemingly so negative every time you go anywhere.

 Is it ignorance? Yes. In its most literal form.

Are there cultural differences? Yes.

Are they used to seeing black people? Absolutely not.

I have dealt with a lot of uncomfortable situations before. I have been in similar situations before while traveling abroad.  I have gone to cultural sensitivity trainings, body language classes, and been in a myriad of other situations that have allowed me to have a fairly open mind, but being mocked and ridiculed on a daily basis is totally different. I have found myself making decisions like skipping meals to avoid having to go outside and I often give myself pep talks just to go across the street to the grocery store.

 This Chinese experience is giving me a lot more of "other" than I could have ever imagined or prepared for.