China, and more specifically my city, Qinhuangdao, has proven to me that the title of this blog is absolutely true, in many many ways. I have been unintentionally compiling a list of reasons I make this claim that directly apply to my experience here. Most of this is tongue in cheek, but for all of the reformed thinkers out there, 'ta panta,' right? :)
Signs that China is fallen
a. the spitting
b. overselling of tickets around holidays so that trains are absolutely packed, too hot, and impossible to get on or off.
c. pigs feet as a snack. (did it once, won't do it again.)
d. when one is running, and that one is clearly listening to one's ipod, in one's own world, shouting hello and putting your hand in one's face in order to get that one's attention (because that one isn't hyper-aware enough to know you're there already but is choosing to ignore you) is assinine. and more proof.
e. crazy taxi rides that only God could save one from
f. KTV
g. chipmunk techno music in crazy taxi rides that only God could save one from
h. how hard my students study in order to stay at average
i. the real-estate bubble
j. the closing of the Beijing church on Easter Morning
k. the bird that flew into one's bedroom at 6am due to the perfect sized hole in one's wall
l. the coal dust. ...so much coal dust.
m. when one blows one's nose it's a color that is new this year per 'l.'
n. the beeping of horns and shouts of 'hello!! ...hello?' while one is running
o. all of the oil in the food that makes one's pants tighter
p. Kunming airport closing at night, making comfortable couches and chairs easily seen but unavailable, closing all vending stations, and taking away luggage carts while one is spending the night there due to a layover.
q. the rats
r. how sinfully good the snacks on snack street are
s. glitter, bows, hello kitty, and sequins
Signs that China is redeemed/redeemable
a. the strawberries
b. the pineapple
c. the mangoes
d. the fast trains on non-holiday weekends
e. the beach near Dongda, and how close it is
f. my students, and how intelligent, sweet, considerate, curious, loving, caring, and funny they are.
g. my coworkers at my school. supportive and helpful, despite language barriers
h. basketball tournaments and winning them
i. NanDaiHe
j. BeiDaiHe
k. being the tallest on the court during basketball tournaments
l. a dear friendship I have with a student who is exactly like me. essentially me, but Chinese
m. students cooking food in my apartment
n. meals out at restaurants with my students
o. discussions with my students
p. my students in class
q. my students
r. how divinely good the snacks on snack street are
s. how close Beijing is for necessary clothes shopping and cheese. ...and cereal
Obviously this is a very narrow scope, and almost 100% is tailored to my comfort level and my desires. Buuuuuuuuut i think my claim still stands.
Love you all <3
linds
