28 hours later.... Welcome to Hefei!

On Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 6:15 in the morning, I flew from Charleston International Airport. I stopped in Atlanta, L. A. , and Shanghai. I landed in the Anhui Province of Hefei, China at 10:50 pm, Friday Night on September 23, 2011. The culture shock was overwhelming I was scared, and not the least bit tired. I was instantly ready to come home. I knew what I was here for, but I had no idea of what to expect. Every worst possible thought entered into my mind. I locked and barracked myself into my new room; and I cried myself to sleep. 

The next morning I woke up to Nino, my Chinese guide from the school, knocking on my door. I had to report to the school at 9:30 am. We left my apartment, and I got a really good look at where I am living. It was actually some what beautiful. I say that, to say.... that they have a lot of modern buildings, and beautiful gardens. Unfortunately the people are traditional and use to being poor. So, they don't always take care. or manage the upkeep, on their things. I live in an apartment complex with middle class families. A school practically in the backyard, and a playground for the kids. 

Anyway, as I am observing my surrounds, I realize that the locals are becoming intrigued by the "foreigner w/the dark skin". They can't help but stare. Some just wait to see my reaction, and others want a chance to practice the little English that they know. Altogether, this is making me nervous. I am quickly keeping up with Nino!!! She waves down a taxi, and we get in. The cab driver too!!! She is fascinated by the foreigner. Nino tells me she said that I look young, and wanted to know where I am from. I have no idea what she is saying. Hopefully, that is what it was. lol

I hadn't eaten since the plan ride to Shanghai. I was starving!!! Nino, being so kind, got me breakfast. She brought me a box of egg pastry things; and a sandwich with corn, and some kind of shredded meat on it. I didn't know what that was, and I wasn't hungry enough just to try it. So I gave it to the Chinese teachers. They loved it!!! Thankfully, the foreign teacher, that I was shadowing and replacing, took me to the coffee shop and bakery. I got some "better than Starbucks" coffee, and a piece of cake that tasted just like my Aunt's pound cake. I don't think I was mentally ready for "Authentic" Chinese food. For lunch, the foreign teachers and myself went to an American style restaurant. I ordered the meat lovers pizza, and some kinda fruit tea that was sugar-free. I was happy for little pieces of home. It was comforting in such an overwhelming time in my life. 

The Chinese teachers are all very nice, and can use English better than most. They were use to working with foreign teachers. They didn't act overly surprised to meet someone who was not Chinese. They were fascinated to see someone of dark skin, and locks in their hair. They had all been taught that pale skin, and long, blonde hair is the standard of beautiful. So for the whole day, the admired my skin, and my hair, and my eyes, and my clothes. After while, hearing you are so pretty got annoying. Please don't take that as conceited in anyway!!! And we will dig deeper into this surreal standard of beauty in a later post. Most of these people were from Hefei or a place like it; and have never lived anywhere else. So, there ideas of the world are clouded, or rather non-existent. But, overall they are really nice people, and good teachers. They work well with the kids. They work extremely hard for one-third of my salary. 

Overall, I can get use to living here. I still really miss home, but I will take advantage of this wonderful year. There will be pictures!!!! I will post at least 1-2 blogs a week. Feel free to ask questions and I will respond accordingly. Keep me in your prayers. If you have my contact info... use it! It is funny the appreciation you gain for the things or people you have lost, or rather are not as accessible. 

Next Post... Beauty is only Skin Deep?