Nice and Settled In

Well I have been here for about a week and starting to feel at home. I have been basing my comfort level based on how boldly I cross the streets here. While there are lights to indicate when cars and buses can cross an intersection, the tuktuks, motor cycles, ebikes, bicycles, and numerous pedestrians all seemed to march to their own beat. So I just join in now. I find the cars will get extremely close but not actually hit you. Definitely make sure you look both ways though.

The last week surely has been a unique experience. The fact that my fellow teachers are extremely nice and willing to help out has been a huge help.  Been out for a couple nice meals and what we affectionately call  "hole in the wall" joints. A place where for 5 bucks a friend and I got a meal and a drink, all the while the cooks child slept under the table next to us (their were only 3 tables in the joint). We have found a ton more similar joints but yet to try them out. Took an elevator ride down with a guy on a motorcycle, had some more late night BBQ (seriously the best part about china, will probably get a blog going just on this), accidentally tried frog and chicken neck (two seperate dishes and both completely gross). So ya, getting some good 'cultural' experiences in.

School is progressing well. The students are full of energy and questions. I never have any issues with disrespect or classroom management issues, usually just trying to control the energy. I had one student come and ask me about the War of 1812 which through me for a loop as I have no idea how he heard about it.

Still getting tons of stares walking down the street, usually it is the old woman who are most vocal about yelling what I have found out translates to "ha, what a tall foreigner".

So my two stove elements are gas powered and extremely powerful. First couple meals I cooked were so burnt even my dad would not have had them.  I am making progress with them, was able to to cook myself scrambled eggs without burning them this morning. Now, it is possible they were not fully cooked as I was so worried about burning them but I will take the small victory. Realized my favorite home cooked meal is frying up onion, potato, green pepper and bok choy with instant noodles.

Figured out the laundry machine, not sure how clean the clothes got but they were wet at the end (again the small victories).

Thats all for now, will update as more stories arise. This country is still blowing me away with how unique it is, and it will surely create more stories.