Yes, yes…I know. It’s been too long since I last wrote.
No, I didn’t die in China. MERS is in South Korea…mostly.
Anyway, since it’s been a longer gap since I’ve taken my
experiences here and regurgitated them into a friendly, slightly snarky,
hopefully hopeful anecdote about my time here, let’s try and make this one a
good one, shall we?
“But Sarrah, what makes Qingdao so wonderful? And, how do
you know that you’re supposed to be in China? Don’t they eat dogs there?” Well,
since you mentioned it, hypothetical people who asked me those questions quite conveniently,
let me help you out a bit.
5 Reasons to Come to China
1. You can spit/pee/drink anywhere
Seriously, the culture isn’t the same as
American culture. You want to drink beer in a taxi? Ok. You want to pee on the
sidewalk? That’s cool. Gotta hock some snot on the bus? Be my guest. Anywhere
and almost everywhere, you can drink, pee, and be merry.
2. Cheap living
Many things are available cheaper in China,
like transportation and housing. A tax ride can be as cheap as $1.50, and the
bus might only cost you about 20 cents. Can you live extravagantly and waste
your money? Sure, but you can find that anywhere in the world. If you want to
save your pennies, China is a practical place to do it.
3. Cultural experience
Hey, you’re in another country, that’s
pretty exciting! Want to eat weird/exotic foods like squid eggs, sushi, or dog?
Come on over! Love to hear Chinese every day, all day? Hop on the next flight!
Do you like KTV (karaoke), Asian cuisine, and occasionally getting stared at? I
don’t know why you’re not here yet?
4. Mountains and Ocean
Are you a mountain lover? Do you enjoy the
beach? Well, Qingdao has them both. Isn’t that fantastic? You can climb or swim
or tan (which, ironically no one in China does cause then you’d get ugly). Look
out your window in the morning; it can be breathtaking.
5. Starbucks/Cafes
Are you a coffee drinker? Do you prefer tea?
Well, China (and basically all of Asia) loves their cafes…especially Starbucks.
It’s pretty wonderful. In fact, downtown Qingdao has an entire area dedicated
to caffeine called Coffee Street. I’ve spent many a weekend bundled up in one
of these coffee meccas doing work, writing, and watching movies and gameplays.
It’s magical.
And if you’re not already packing your bags to come
visit/live/habitat in this general Asian vicinity, maybe this will be the last
nudge you need to hop on that plane.
China is your future if…
1. You look American
One of the most unique things about our
country (America…I’m not officially Chinese yet until I can climb a mountain,
meditate for 5 years, and wrestle a dragon) is the diversity. I’m not sure if
we do or not, but we should really be playing that up more (culturally
speaking). Most other countries are home to a handful of ethnic groups; America
is a melting pot. “Be creative, be unique, be yourself!” are all mantras
advertised on our free and glossy shores daily. And, it’s a pretty unique
message in the cultural scheme of things. By this I mean that many countries
advertise conformity (like China) opposed to what we of the red, white, and
blue are used to. Americans come in a colorful variety of packaging, and even
the plainest of us can look exotic to those in China.
2. You have 2 functioning legs
No offense to any handicapped…handicapable
(as my mom likes to say) individuals who want to come to China. But, in China
(again, you probably won’t have a car) you’re gonna be hoofing it everywhere
(that’s slang for walking for those of you who aren’t “down” with my lingo).
So, you’ll need a pair of strong legs to get you from “point home” to “point
sushi.” You don’t have to be Lance Armstrong fit, but slight mobility would be
nice in Asia.
3. You speak English
English teachers, tutors, and language speakers
wanted! If you speak English and LOOK like you speak English, then you’ll be
welcomed with open arms by many of the Chinese.
4. You eat food
Do you love Chinese food? Do you hate
Chinese food? Well, Qingdao is home to a variety of cuisine options. German, American/Western,
Italian, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese: your taste buds can experience all of
this culinary wonder and delight in…you guessed it, Qingdao!
5. You love communism
Want some first-hand experience? Need to
earn your “red badge” in Boy Scouts? Well, you’re in luck! This country is run
by your people. Come on over. I’ll fire up the barbecue. You like dogs, right?
Ok, so maybe all of these reasons don’t have you dusting off
your passport quite yet. That’s ok. I understand if you have to take some time
with this decision. I mean, it’s only a short period of your life in an awesome
place with awesome people and food…
But please, take your time. Just keep in mind that my time
in China, and hopefully the years to come, are not (and won’t ever be)
overrated.
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