| Subject: |
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Re: Re: Working In Asia |
| Name: |
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Bernadette Christie |
| Date Posted: |
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Jan 3, 06 - 10:07 PM |
| Email: |
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ttbchristie@hotmail.com |
| Instant Messenger: |
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 bernadette59@hotmail.com |
| Where are you located ? |
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Grande Prairie, Alberta |
| When did you graduate ? |
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August 2002, Edmonton Alberta |
| Message: |
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Hi Hanan,
I have travelled lots in my life and lived in England. Even living in a different province in Canada, there is culture shock! I find most of my days are the same, I need to eat, and sleep warmly and safely, and be able to get to and fro. Life in China was no different.
My worst nightmare going to China, was not being able to read characters and find my way from one plane to the other, and all the signs were in English as well as Manderin!!! There are many signs in English, and even 2 star hotels have desk clerks who have a complete English guide, or a hand held computer which translates for them. If you had one, you would have no problems anywhere. The 2nd night we were there, we noticed our hosts were in bed when we got in at 9 p.m., so we went to bed as well. After getting up at 5 a.m., we were tired anyways. We realized after a few days that everyone goes to bed at 9 p.m. to be up at 5 a.m.
The alleys we had to walk through to get home at night would in our country be called ghetto's, and alcoholics and druggies would be doing their thing. We found it very safe. When we greeted everyone on the streets, they all replied "hello". The favorite song in malls, on buses, eveywhere was "Auld Lang Syne", and it was strange to see weathered Christmas wreaths and decorations out of season.
Their driving habits take a few days to figure out, but when you do, you realize you are very safe, and no one will run you down. The Chinese are very slow and careful drivers. We stayed behind a hospital for 3 weeks and did not hear one ambulance siren. I asked my friend, and she said people do not die in car accidents. The difference is they drive slowly.
In tourist areas, the Chinese love to ask if you will have your photos taken with their family. They are very grateful for this honor. Also in tourist areas, they charge foreigners extra for water and things. Once you figure out what the real price is, you just bargain and get your way. Except for groceries, almost anything can be bargained.
You can buy Canadian food at Walmart and other large department stores. Cookies, chocolate and dry good from England were in all the large stores. It is funny to see our brands with Chinese characters on them. I ate alot of bowls of noodles with large chunks of beef, when I didn't know what to order. They are safe, tasty, and cost about 75 cents for a huge bowl. When I was able to find someone who could speak some English, I always said, nothing spicy hot, which is what I can't handle. There were lots of what we would call "witches" brew menu items, and I did not try any of them. The cities have some restaurants with English menus, one night we kept going till we found one. KFC and Pizza Hut are the top franchaises as well as McDonalds and others. They are expensive by Chinese standards, but not by ours. We paid $10.00 for a bucket with 5 whole breasts, (both sides), corn on the cob, buns, and salad and fries I think. There are lots of street vendors that sell corn, baked potatoes, and other unseasoned items for pennies. Our biggest surprise was that we didn't eat rice with every meal!!!! We also found good restaurants that served western food, although cooked and served differently than we would. Price was never an issue, all food was inexpensive. On the wages you are paid in China you could eat out everyday and not go broke. Note!! the franchaise restaurants and more expensive restaurants supply a sit on toilet, warm water to wash your hands...and TOILET paper!!! The biggest culture shock was to remember to always carry toilet paper!
However in any homes I was in, they had a sit on toilet.
The other huge culture shock was no dryers. I took tee shirts that were ribbed, so they did not look wrinkled. I am 5.6, and cannot buy clothes off the rack there, as the Chinese are all short. Same with shoes. However once you are there, you can find a tailor to make you anything in your size for a fraction of the price here.
Beer is 22 cents for equivelent to 4 of ours in strength, and smokes are 60 cents, and not bad. Pop is 60 cents, expensive. Coffee in shops is the same. Bottled water starts at 15 cents.
Please do not let your fears keep you from trying Asia. Like home, stay with the lights, stay with the crowds, take care of yourself and money.
Make sure you use good use of forums to make sure you are going to a decent job. Even the Chinese will tell you there are some crooks among them. You also will make instant friends with anyone who speaks English. Travellers from similar backgrounds are noted for being like family in a foreign land.
I look at it as a huge opportunity to get the experience necessary to teach anywhere. One day we will return.
If you have any more questions please do not hesitate to write. I will help you in any way I can.
Happy New Year,
Bernadette |
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