I'm feelin' it. The Halloween spirit, of course. There are so many things that I miss about home, and Halloween is at the top of my list. China doesn't celebrate or really even recognize it. It's not the same without stores selling 50% more candy than usual or seeing any decorations. I miss going to Foy's and being dragged through whatever haunted things my friends would want to go to. Lucky for me, my mom took care of that. The decor issue, anyways.
Half of the package she sent me was Halloween decorations. Apparently they were supposed to be mostly for my classroom. Well, the way I look at it, I'm only in my classroom for 2.5 hours Monday through Friday. I wanna enjoy the decorations as much as possible, therefore it only made sense to put them up in my room. No? Don't get me wrong, I'm saving some for my kiddies! I'll decorate my classroom tomorrow sometime and finish my room and then I'll be sure to post pictures. Kate and I have spent all evening decorating our room while listening to Halloween music (The Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack) and it was great. As we were decorating, I thought about how much I was enjoying myself because at home, I don't usually have time for this kind of stuff.
In the midst of decorating, we decided we really needed some yarn. We put our big girl panties on and decided to go to the supply room, which is a few buildings away from where we live. It's probably like a 7-8 minute walk or so. However, Kate and I are both total wusses. We both have the most irrational fears about everything, especially anything including darkness. She's actually worse than me and I had to drag her up the staircase. It was pretty creepy, I will admit. All the empty classrooms and such. On the way back, we almost got ran over by a car driving in reverse. When he turned around, the guy rolled down his window and said, very creepily, "You guys going for a walk?" As Kate sarcastically said later, "No, we're shaving a cat. What does it look like we're doing?!" This guy happens to be another white teacher who lives at the school. He's from Canada and we all think he's a little strange. He dyes his hair black as though he's trying to be Asian or something. Weird.
Other than decorating, I didn't do much! That's the best part of the weekend, especially a weekend after getting home from vacation. I woke up at an embarrassing hour, Pinterested most of the day away, took a nap, and got Muslim food with Kate. The electricity was out on the entire block where the restaurant is. They all cook with propane anyways, so everything stayed open. We had a nice, candlelit dinner, just the two of us. It was really, uh, romantic? Haha. Well sort of, because we just talked about what our lives would be like if they turned out how we dreamed they would. Me? I don't have everything figured out, but I do know that I will be living my dream life if I get to marry my best friend. Everything else will fall into place and be perfect to me. That's my sap for the day. You can't complain, I haven't spilled any in a long time.
Yesterday, I made rainbows with my chillins and we had store where they got to buy some Halloween stuff. They love store and their excitement is just so precious. I will upload pictures tomorrow. In fact, the only reason my lazy butt is writing a blog post today, is because I have a few belly-achers complaining that I didn't post one last night. Cry me a river, people. I'm a busy lady!!!
Anyways, after teaching the school took us out for dinner. They call it Hot Pot. Basically, there's a boiling pot of unknown fluid in the center of the table and they bring out trays of raw food for you to dump in the pot. You let it cook for awhile and then you take out what you want. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't delicious either. I just don't have a taste for authentic Chinese food, I guess. After dinner we got to experience KTV. It's karaoke, but in China, it's a HUGE deal. There is a KTV on every corner. The Chinese teachers warned us that we had to be out of there by a certain time though, because after 11 pm I guess the place turns into a whorehouse. Lovely. I did everyone a favor and did not participate in any singing because anyone who knows me knows that I'm extremely tone deaf and can't carry a tune in a bucket. I came home and watched Hocus Pocus and fell asleep. It was a good night.
Does anyone have any Halloween movie suggestions for me? I don't like scary or violent movies so that weeds most of them out. Usually if it's rated R, I won't like it :) Let me know what you come up with.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Thursday, October 11, 2012
The Lost Flower
I started off today on a high note. I decided to drag my lazy arse out of bed at 8:30 instead of the usual 9:45 (ten minutes before I have to go to ELE). I took a shower and had a PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE from STARBUCKS. You heard me, people. It was delicious. Never mind the after effects that I suffered from not having coffee in a coon's age and drinking it on an empty stomach.
ELE was crazy. My usual teacher, Jade, wasn't there today and I had a crappy substitute. The kids were acting like monkeys and I was tired of yelling at them. My lesson this week is about clothing and I know it's boring to them. And it's no wonder sincemost half of China is wildly fond of public nudity. Tomorrow should be better since I'm teaching second grade. The computer doesn't work in that room so I just read them stories on this projector thing and they like it pretty well.
ILP classes were a huge success today. We made tissue paper flowers thanks to Elysia and her awesome suggestion. The kids really love crafts so it's my favorite rotation. When they're really interested in things it's super easy to keep them engaged. Whenever we make crafts, they have to set them on the window sill in the hallway so they don't drag them from class to class and get distracted by them. Certain things, it's just hard to put names on. Tissue paper flowers certainly fit into this category.
At the end of the day, the kids gather their crafts from the window. Every now and then, someone takes the wrong one and it usually isn't a big deal. Today was different. Because today, someone took Colin's flower. You know, this Colin.
The one who has my heart wrapped around his little fingers and I swear that angels sing whenever he opens his mouth. I love, love, love him. He is so sweet and when he giggles I want to bottle him up and stick him in my pocket. I adore this child.
I watched as he desperately searched for his flower, checking each and every window sill and classroom and his fellow classmates to see if someone had taken it. No flower to be found. I thought my heart was literally breaking in half when I watched his adorable little face crinkle up and tears start flowing down his face.
You know, Teacha Kayla is pretty awesome. So awesome that she took that little boy by the hand and led him back into my classroom where we made a brand new flower that was even better than the first one- he said so himself!
Sometimes, I really am overwhelmed with their innocence and how it rubs off on me. The most important thing in the world to Colin was having that flower made of tissue paper and pipecleaner. And it was important to me, too, after seeing him so upset. Kids are amazing like that. I wish the rest of the world was that easy to fix.
After all was right in the world of Chinese second graders, Megan, Kate, my head teachers, and I went out to the night market. I'm happy to report that my obsession with dumplings has ended (I think). Naturally, something else had to take their place. There are these wraps that we've found and they are SO delicious.
My excitement was curbed when I learned that our usual guy isn't selling ice cream anymore because it's "cold" outside. SERIOUSLY???? It's frackin' 85 degrees every day!!! Lord forbid it get down to 65 when the sun goes down. What is wrong with these people?? Hmph, that's fine Mr. Lamepants, we fat Americans shall take our business elsewhere. We walked around the corner of the block and found a fruit store with ice cream inside. Oh, the joy.
On the way there, we passed these guys lighting paper lanterns and letting them go in the sky. It was so beautiful, and I had a "this is why I love China" moment. Until I saw mystery fluid bubbling up out of the sewer. Then I told Megan and Kate that I only love China because I don't have to stay here. If they held me captive, I'd probably just kill myself.
ELE was crazy. My usual teacher, Jade, wasn't there today and I had a crappy substitute. The kids were acting like monkeys and I was tired of yelling at them. My lesson this week is about clothing and I know it's boring to them. And it's no wonder since
ILP classes were a huge success today. We made tissue paper flowers thanks to Elysia and her awesome suggestion. The kids really love crafts so it's my favorite rotation. When they're really interested in things it's super easy to keep them engaged. Whenever we make crafts, they have to set them on the window sill in the hallway so they don't drag them from class to class and get distracted by them. Certain things, it's just hard to put names on. Tissue paper flowers certainly fit into this category.
At the end of the day, the kids gather their crafts from the window. Every now and then, someone takes the wrong one and it usually isn't a big deal. Today was different. Because today, someone took Colin's flower. You know, this Colin.
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| Perfection in child form. |
I watched as he desperately searched for his flower, checking each and every window sill and classroom and his fellow classmates to see if someone had taken it. No flower to be found. I thought my heart was literally breaking in half when I watched his adorable little face crinkle up and tears start flowing down his face.
You know, Teacha Kayla is pretty awesome. So awesome that she took that little boy by the hand and led him back into my classroom where we made a brand new flower that was even better than the first one- he said so himself!
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| Trying to not be sad anymore! |
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| My poor, sad baby :( |
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| A happy picture of Miss Julius with her flower :) |
After all was right in the world of Chinese second graders, Megan, Kate, my head teachers, and I went out to the night market. I'm happy to report that my obsession with dumplings has ended (I think). Naturally, something else had to take their place. There are these wraps that we've found and they are SO delicious.
My excitement was curbed when I learned that our usual guy isn't selling ice cream anymore because it's "cold" outside. SERIOUSLY???? It's frackin' 85 degrees every day!!! Lord forbid it get down to 65 when the sun goes down. What is wrong with these people?? Hmph, that's fine Mr. Lamepants, we fat Americans shall take our business elsewhere. We walked around the corner of the block and found a fruit store with ice cream inside. Oh, the joy.
On the way there, we passed these guys lighting paper lanterns and letting them go in the sky. It was so beautiful, and I had a "this is why I love China" moment. Until I saw mystery fluid bubbling up out of the sewer. Then I told Megan and Kate that I only love China because I don't have to stay here. If they held me captive, I'd probably just kill myself.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Worms in Class. And I'm Not Talking About My Kids :)
They're really cute when my kids make them. I'm not sure exactly why, but today was just fantastic. I loved every minute of it and felt as though the day passed by way too fast.
I didn't teach ELE today so that was amazing. I would love every minute of my life here if I didn't have to teach ELE, although I must admit it's getting better. It was just rough getting back into the swing of things after being on vacation for over a week.
After teaching, Megan, Kate, and I cleaned out the supply room for three hours. You are welcome to the other teachers who didn't volunteer themselves for the cleaning of the disaster of the dynasty.
Other than that, my life wasn't extra exciting today. But that's okay. I am way excited for the weekend so that I can do nothing for two days straight. Besides decorate my room for Halloween with Megan and Kate :)
OH- and Kate and I watched Practical Magic last night while eating white cheddar popcorn and smelling this amazing "falling leaves and spice" candle. Why is life so good right now??
Sorry this is so short, but here are some pictures of my loves!
I didn't teach ELE today so that was amazing. I would love every minute of my life here if I didn't have to teach ELE, although I must admit it's getting better. It was just rough getting back into the swing of things after being on vacation for over a week.
After teaching, Megan, Kate, and I cleaned out the supply room for three hours. You are welcome to the other teachers who didn't volunteer themselves for the cleaning of the disaster of the dynasty.
Other than that, my life wasn't extra exciting today. But that's okay. I am way excited for the weekend so that I can do nothing for two days straight. Besides decorate my room for Halloween with Megan and Kate :)
OH- and Kate and I watched Practical Magic last night while eating white cheddar popcorn and smelling this amazing "falling leaves and spice" candle. Why is life so good right now??
Sorry this is so short, but here are some pictures of my loves!
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| Ricky |
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| Krew |
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| Ricky and Angela |
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| My homeroom! |
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| Welcome to my life :) |
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| Ughh could they be any cuter?? |
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| Ricky is a picture hog. |
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| Whenever I leave my hair down, this is what he does the entire class period. |
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Christmas in October- AKA I Love My Friends and Family
Here's the deal. We're going to pretend that I haven't sucked at blogging lately. Deal? K, good.
I left off with my beating that I paid way too much for in Guilin. To be honest, I really didn't do much in Guilin. We crammed SO much into Yangshuo that I felt pretty dead most of the time. Until nighttime, of course, where I always found plenty of energy to go out dancing with my awesome group. We made some of the best memories just being out in the town until probably way too late in the night.
We flew home from Guilin because there were no train tickets. This is both a blessing and a curse. That 23 hour train ride was nearly enough to send me over the edge. I will never complain about any other travel arrangement ever again. While it was nice to be back in Changzhou in 1.5 hours instead of 26 (the 23 hour train ride started in Shanghai which is 3 hours away), I was bitter about having to shell out $100 USD for that plane ticket. Ah well, what's done is done.
The airport is on the other side of the city from where we live, of course. Of course it was also 3 am and there were no busses running. The only option? To take a taxi that went up one kuai for every .3 kilometers traveled. Usually they go up one kuai for every kilometer traveled. After paying 133 kuai for that stupid cab and being dropped off at the school, I noticed a large box in the security office as we were passing through the gate. What happened next is really a blur, but I ran inside very quickly to see if it was mine. Oh, the joy I felt when I saw my mother's handwriting! I literally screamed and danced in a circle. These security guards no doubt think I'm quite far off my rocker. And it got even better! I not only had one package, but I had 3! Both of my moms and my friend McKenzie are super, awesome, amazing people.
I paid Paul five kuai to carry the big box up to my room- don't forget I live on the fifth floor and it was a 45 pound package- where I attacked those boxes with a pair of scissors. There's no telling what my roommate thinks of me. I was so, so excited. I really just can't explain. I opened the box and got a whiff of fall. Sounds really lame and cliche but it's true. I just smelled home- cinnamon, campfire, sugar cookies. The candles my mom put in there are probably to blame, but still. I lost it. I'm not sure if I've ever gone from one emotion to the next so fast before in my life, but it happened.
I have more Halloween decorations and food than I know what to do with, and I LOVE it! My kids are going to be so excited for all the goodies that my mommy packed for them :) I'm currently burning a candle scented "falling leaves and spice" and it's possible I might become slightly inebriated.
My wonderful stepmom, Michelle, also sent me a package! With a full package of Oreos- dangerous move, right there- goldfish crackers in individual packages that will be fabulous to take with me on the go, an adorable Halloween t-shirt, and a cup with a lid and straw that's reusable, and Easy Mac (which is my favorite).
And there's Miss McKenzie. She sent me the movie Steel Magnolias. It is my favorite movie of all time, and it just so happens that her and I were together the very first time I saw it. Correct me if I'm wrong, Kenz, but I'm pretty sure it was actually the first time we ever hung out just me and you. I love this girl so much and I admire her for her never-ending strength and courage. She's an awesome role model and I hope that if I ever have any daughters, that they are just like her. Strong, resilient, beautiful, good-hearted- what's not to love about this lady?!
I left off with my beating that I paid way too much for in Guilin. To be honest, I really didn't do much in Guilin. We crammed SO much into Yangshuo that I felt pretty dead most of the time. Until nighttime, of course, where I always found plenty of energy to go out dancing with my awesome group. We made some of the best memories just being out in the town until probably way too late in the night.
We flew home from Guilin because there were no train tickets. This is both a blessing and a curse. That 23 hour train ride was nearly enough to send me over the edge. I will never complain about any other travel arrangement ever again. While it was nice to be back in Changzhou in 1.5 hours instead of 26 (the 23 hour train ride started in Shanghai which is 3 hours away), I was bitter about having to shell out $100 USD for that plane ticket. Ah well, what's done is done.
The airport is on the other side of the city from where we live, of course. Of course it was also 3 am and there were no busses running. The only option? To take a taxi that went up one kuai for every .3 kilometers traveled. Usually they go up one kuai for every kilometer traveled. After paying 133 kuai for that stupid cab and being dropped off at the school, I noticed a large box in the security office as we were passing through the gate. What happened next is really a blur, but I ran inside very quickly to see if it was mine. Oh, the joy I felt when I saw my mother's handwriting! I literally screamed and danced in a circle. These security guards no doubt think I'm quite far off my rocker. And it got even better! I not only had one package, but I had 3! Both of my moms and my friend McKenzie are super, awesome, amazing people.
I paid Paul five kuai to carry the big box up to my room- don't forget I live on the fifth floor and it was a 45 pound package- where I attacked those boxes with a pair of scissors. There's no telling what my roommate thinks of me. I was so, so excited. I really just can't explain. I opened the box and got a whiff of fall. Sounds really lame and cliche but it's true. I just smelled home- cinnamon, campfire, sugar cookies. The candles my mom put in there are probably to blame, but still. I lost it. I'm not sure if I've ever gone from one emotion to the next so fast before in my life, but it happened.
I have more Halloween decorations and food than I know what to do with, and I LOVE it! My kids are going to be so excited for all the goodies that my mommy packed for them :) I'm currently burning a candle scented "falling leaves and spice" and it's possible I might become slightly inebriated.
My wonderful stepmom, Michelle, also sent me a package! With a full package of Oreos- dangerous move, right there- goldfish crackers in individual packages that will be fabulous to take with me on the go, an adorable Halloween t-shirt, and a cup with a lid and straw that's reusable, and Easy Mac (which is my favorite).
And there's Miss McKenzie. She sent me the movie Steel Magnolias. It is my favorite movie of all time, and it just so happens that her and I were together the very first time I saw it. Correct me if I'm wrong, Kenz, but I'm pretty sure it was actually the first time we ever hung out just me and you. I love this girl so much and I admire her for her never-ending strength and courage. She's an awesome role model and I hope that if I ever have any daughters, that they are just like her. Strong, resilient, beautiful, good-hearted- what's not to love about this lady?!
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| Please excuse the fact that I had taken nasty to a different level in these photos. It was 3:30 am and I had been travelling all day. Anyways, here's me with my presents!!! |
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| I had barely opened the card when I bursted into tears. |
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| The pile from one of my mommies :) |
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| McKenzie is the best :) |
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| Another pile from another mommy :) They're just the greatest! |
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Lazy Day+Massage=Good Day
Today was a lazy day for sure. We woke up really late and then had to switch rooms in our hostel. We even have to switch again before we leave...I'm not sure why, but that's China for you.
After switching rooms, most of the people in my group went out into the city but I wasn't feeling well. My allergies have been acting up for the first time in forever and of course it has to be the time that I'm on vacation. All I have is Benadryl and it knocks me out so that's not really ideal. I'm finding it really hard to stay well here and I hate that. I think it all goes back to food. I don't eat nearly enough and I feel my blood sugar bottom out almost every day. And, because it's my blog and I can say whatever I want to, I'll throw it out there that I'm cramping and bloated :) Sorry to any men who read my blog. But not really.
I laid around most of the day and skyped with Lucas, Fields, and Tyler. Those hooligans always make me feel better but I do miss them. When my group came back, some of us decided to get a massage here at the hostel. It was only 80 kuai (about 13 dollars) so I figured it was the cheapest one I'll ever get.
I certainly got more than I bargained for. About five minutes into this session, I couldn't tell if I was going into a trance or going into shock. They are way into pressure points in Chinese massage, apparently. My lady had a habit of pushing right on the points of my bones though. So hard that I thought my bone might pop through my skin. And then I hear these punching/smacking noises and vaguely wonder if poor Megan is being beaten to death. Don't you worry though, I got my turn at "Whack-a-Foreigner." It probably wasn't even part of the massage, they just don't like foreigners and wanted to take out some angst.
As if things couldn't get more strange, the lady climbs on top of me and straddles me while massaging my butt for a solid 10 minutes. Uhh awkward. I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. A lot of it felt really good, don't get me wrong. I guess I'm just a delicate little flower.
After switching rooms, most of the people in my group went out into the city but I wasn't feeling well. My allergies have been acting up for the first time in forever and of course it has to be the time that I'm on vacation. All I have is Benadryl and it knocks me out so that's not really ideal. I'm finding it really hard to stay well here and I hate that. I think it all goes back to food. I don't eat nearly enough and I feel my blood sugar bottom out almost every day. And, because it's my blog and I can say whatever I want to, I'll throw it out there that I'm cramping and bloated :) Sorry to any men who read my blog. But not really.
I laid around most of the day and skyped with Lucas, Fields, and Tyler. Those hooligans always make me feel better but I do miss them. When my group came back, some of us decided to get a massage here at the hostel. It was only 80 kuai (about 13 dollars) so I figured it was the cheapest one I'll ever get.
I certainly got more than I bargained for. About five minutes into this session, I couldn't tell if I was going into a trance or going into shock. They are way into pressure points in Chinese massage, apparently. My lady had a habit of pushing right on the points of my bones though. So hard that I thought my bone might pop through my skin. And then I hear these punching/smacking noises and vaguely wonder if poor Megan is being beaten to death. Don't you worry though, I got my turn at "Whack-a-Foreigner." It probably wasn't even part of the massage, they just don't like foreigners and wanted to take out some angst.
As if things couldn't get more strange, the lady climbs on top of me and straddles me while massaging my butt for a solid 10 minutes. Uhh awkward. I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. A lot of it felt really good, don't get me wrong. I guess I'm just a delicate little flower.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Days 1 and 2 of Vacation
Aaaack! Don't hate me for not posting in forever! You know how vacations are... Busy, busy, busy.
Tuesday:
We woke up bright and early to find a place to rent bikes. There was a girl staying in our hostel room with us who was travelling by herself so we invited her to come along. She is super amazing and I'm glad we met her!
So, the first place that we went to rent bikes was a place the hostel recommended. They told us that it would be 30 kuai for the bike for the day. When we get there, the lady insists it was 34. She gets on the phone and calls our hostel. Before you know it, the price is up to 35. It was so stupid and we were all really annoyed so we found someplace else to go.
After we got our bike situation figured out, we headed for the trail that we were looking for. It was so unbelievable gorgeous. There are truly no words for the beauty of the scenery here. We rode around for a few hours, just exploring all the little towns and villages that we passed through. This is exactly what I wanted to see in China. The rural countryside with no skyscrapers! We stopped at this little restaurant for lunch. I had fried rice that was SO good. Why can't the school cafeteria food be this good??
However, the traffic was a nightmare. It is National Holiday here in China so everyone and their mother seems to be every place we want to go. While we were heading back, this lady stopped us and asked if we'd like to take a tour with her. Her name was Wendy and she's a local of one of the villages in Yangshuo. We didn't have time to do it right then because our bikes had to be back by seven but we set something up for the next day!
Later, Jessica, Kate, Paul and I decided to go out to a bar. We had a blast dancing with the Chinese people who have no rhythm whatsoever. Oh, and Michael Jackson isn't really dead. He just relocated to China.
Wednesday:
Again, woke up really early! Wendy was waiting at our hostel for us to take us out! She first took us to a bike rental place. When everyone was all saddled up we headed out. Wendy is a local of Yangshuo and she took us around all the back roads so we could see what real China was like. Once again, we spent the day driving through the mountains and little villages!
Wendy took us to a set of caves. The first one we went through was just a tour of a part of the cave and honestly it was really boring. I could have done without it. Next was the mud cave. Ohmahgosh, it was so much fun. Nothing is better than rolling around a humongous mud puddle, right? Right :) We didn't think it could get any better, but it did. The next part of the cave is a natural hot spring. It's just like lounging in a hot tub, so we did that for a good half hour or so. I didn't bring a swimsuit to China and neither did a lot of my group so we just went for the bra and underwear deal. I know it looks like we are totally naked, but I promise we aren't.
After caving, we had lunch at Moon Hill Cafe. I was elated to see "hamburger with cheese" on the menu. Was it too good to be true? Of course. It's okay, though.
We went back to our hostel, grabbed our things, and headed to the bus station so we could get to Guilin. I am so over Chinese public transportation. It is awful. Two hours later, we arrived at our hostel where I finally showered off all my mud. Lord Almighty, the places that mud was... You don't even want to know :)
I wish I could make everyone understand how amazing it is here! With all this amazingness, comes some pretty severe exhaustion as well. I haven't gotten a good restful sleep since we've been here. But you know what? That's okay. At the end of my life, I'm not going to remember all the nights that I got a good night's rest. I'm seriously getting ripped being here. Everything we do is strenuous physical activity. It makes me realize what a fatty/lazy person I was back in the States and that's something I want to change. But, no, Lucas, I'm not doing crossfit!
P.S. I'm going to post pictures to my blog when I get back to the school. The internet at the hostels is too slow, but I am able to put them on Facebook so check them out there!
Tuesday:
We woke up bright and early to find a place to rent bikes. There was a girl staying in our hostel room with us who was travelling by herself so we invited her to come along. She is super amazing and I'm glad we met her!
So, the first place that we went to rent bikes was a place the hostel recommended. They told us that it would be 30 kuai for the bike for the day. When we get there, the lady insists it was 34. She gets on the phone and calls our hostel. Before you know it, the price is up to 35. It was so stupid and we were all really annoyed so we found someplace else to go.
After we got our bike situation figured out, we headed for the trail that we were looking for. It was so unbelievable gorgeous. There are truly no words for the beauty of the scenery here. We rode around for a few hours, just exploring all the little towns and villages that we passed through. This is exactly what I wanted to see in China. The rural countryside with no skyscrapers! We stopped at this little restaurant for lunch. I had fried rice that was SO good. Why can't the school cafeteria food be this good??
However, the traffic was a nightmare. It is National Holiday here in China so everyone and their mother seems to be every place we want to go. While we were heading back, this lady stopped us and asked if we'd like to take a tour with her. Her name was Wendy and she's a local of one of the villages in Yangshuo. We didn't have time to do it right then because our bikes had to be back by seven but we set something up for the next day!
Later, Jessica, Kate, Paul and I decided to go out to a bar. We had a blast dancing with the Chinese people who have no rhythm whatsoever. Oh, and Michael Jackson isn't really dead. He just relocated to China.
Wednesday:
Again, woke up really early! Wendy was waiting at our hostel for us to take us out! She first took us to a bike rental place. When everyone was all saddled up we headed out. Wendy is a local of Yangshuo and she took us around all the back roads so we could see what real China was like. Once again, we spent the day driving through the mountains and little villages!
Wendy took us to a set of caves. The first one we went through was just a tour of a part of the cave and honestly it was really boring. I could have done without it. Next was the mud cave. Ohmahgosh, it was so much fun. Nothing is better than rolling around a humongous mud puddle, right? Right :) We didn't think it could get any better, but it did. The next part of the cave is a natural hot spring. It's just like lounging in a hot tub, so we did that for a good half hour or so. I didn't bring a swimsuit to China and neither did a lot of my group so we just went for the bra and underwear deal. I know it looks like we are totally naked, but I promise we aren't.
After caving, we had lunch at Moon Hill Cafe. I was elated to see "hamburger with cheese" on the menu. Was it too good to be true? Of course. It's okay, though.
We went back to our hostel, grabbed our things, and headed to the bus station so we could get to Guilin. I am so over Chinese public transportation. It is awful. Two hours later, we arrived at our hostel where I finally showered off all my mud. Lord Almighty, the places that mud was... You don't even want to know :)
I wish I could make everyone understand how amazing it is here! With all this amazingness, comes some pretty severe exhaustion as well. I haven't gotten a good restful sleep since we've been here. But you know what? That's okay. At the end of my life, I'm not going to remember all the nights that I got a good night's rest. I'm seriously getting ripped being here. Everything we do is strenuous physical activity. It makes me realize what a fatty/lazy person I was back in the States and that's something I want to change. But, no, Lucas, I'm not doing crossfit!
P.S. I'm going to post pictures to my blog when I get back to the school. The internet at the hostels is too slow, but I am able to put them on Facebook so check them out there!
Monday, October 1, 2012
We Made It... Barely.
I'm writing from my hostel in Yangshuo to let everyone know that we made it safely, albeit not easily. Let me give you a brief synopsis of how the travel went.
- Walk to the end of the road outside the school
- Catch a cab that Laurra thinks is sketchy and will sell us to the sex trade
- Ride to the train station
- Take a 3 hour train ride to Shanghai amongst millions of smelly Asians
- Camp out in a McDonalds outside the train station for 4 and a half hours
- Listen to the same exact song in said McDonalds about 90 times. Yes, we did calculate
- Take the Metro to the other train station in Shanghai
- Meet life saving man on the Metro (we would have missed our train to Guilin without him)
- Take the train to Guilin, which was a
completely dreadful and unpleasant 23 hours amongst billions of smelly Asians, on a hard seat which was impossible to sleep on - Go to the bus station and purchase tickets to Yangshuo
- Wait around for two hours because the bus is delayed.
- Buy delicious dumplings off the street
- Take bus to Yangshuo that was supposed to be one hour, but was indeed three
- Get dumped in the middle of the city
- Realize that National Holiday in Yangshuo means that the streets are as crowded as Times Square on New Year's Eve. No freakin' exaggeration.
- Consider ending your own life right then and there when you realize you have to drag a suitcase through these mass hoards of people
- Realize that there are some awesome clubs in Yangshuo and that we're gettin' our party on tomorrow night
- FINALLY make it to the hostel and take a shower, brush my teeth, and sleep for the first time in three days
Sorry for the lazy blogging, but I can truthfully say that I've never been so exhausted in my entire life and I have a busy day ahead of me. Nighty night!
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