Funny things that have happened so far:
1) At every airport I landed/took-off from, I've left my carry-on luggage in the waiting area/security. I realized I left it when I was either about to board the plane or leaving security. I would have to run back and get it. To me, this is a sign that a part of me wanted to stay home. Anyway, I'm glad I have ALL my luggage.
2) The day I moved into my host parents home is the day their building elevator breaks. They live on the 11th floor...yeah...
3) I get stared at from random people, I usually just smile and wave!
4) Shen Feifei is my Chinese name. I laugh every time I say my own name.
5) I keep saying "hello" in replace of "thank you" in Mandarin. So I'll say "hello (Ni hao), ask for/buy water" and instead of saying "Thanks (xiexie)," I say "Hello," again. Peeps must think I'm cray.
6) My host sister, who is 8 yrs.old, poked my chest and said "boobs/chest" in Mandarin, out loud, in a grocery store...
7) My host sister walked into the bathroom as I was using it and stared at me.
8) My host sister told me my feet stink. She was right, I washed them immediately.
10) I had to jump over a wall to get to a destination...that was a pretty funny scene.
11) Weirdest things I've eaten: Rabbit, probably the smallest egg in the world, some animals neck/shoulder, some animals liver (which didn't taste so bad).
11) Weirdest things I've eaten: Rabbit, probably the smallest egg in the world, some animals neck/shoulder, some animals liver (which didn't taste so bad).
Luck has been on my side in China. I have eaten great food,
met some unique and inspiring people, and now I am with an awesome host family!
My host mom is an artist! I am so glad PC matched my
interests with my host families’ interests. She teaches at a University and
specifically teaches furniture design. She had an exhibition at UMass and MIT when
she lived in the States for a year. Her imagination is vast and I am honored to
just be in her company. I even got a copy of her book, which is pages of her
art work! When I get my apartment, I will hang her drawings up on the wall. She
also showed me the furniture she has designed, which is more for display/show
than for actual use, I’ve never seen anything like it. I can’t wait to paint
and draw with her this summer. It will definitely bring back memories of when I
use to paint, I don’t know why I ever stopped.
My host sister is eight years old and a handful! She has
great energy, is always laughing, and really takes care of me. She is so easy
to love and she’s got some sass to her, too! My host grandparents are super
adorable. My grandfather does majority of the cooking and when he gets started
in the kitchen, he goes all out. I caught him in the cutest apron the other
day; purple with a bow! I am still getting to know my host dad, he’s pretty
laid back and has been very helpful. Overall, I am so blessed to be with a
modern, laid-back, fun and caring family.
This week will be our first week training at another
University. I am excited to hang out with my fellow volunteers but I’m also
nervous at how intense things will get in terms of language classes and TEFL
prep. I will get through it and I’m glad I have a great support system here and
back at home to help me out.
Biking/walking to and from school will be interesting.
Hopefully with all the eating I’ve been doing, It’ll do me some good!! More on
that later!
Sorry for the boring writing, I’ve been very tired lately.
~Shen Feifei
