When researching travelling to China, many people talked about the 'Culture Shock' that they experienced. I can't say that the phenomena has hit me, at least not yet. The life here is completely different to the way of life I am used to, but it is pretty much what I expected.
Traffic:
There are certain Chinese practices that I would find most alarming if I ever saw something like that happening in England, but here, they just seem to work, despite the inherent health and safety risks. The most shocking of which, is the transport of children on the back of motorcycles or electric bikes. Children as young as one year old are placed on the back of these motorised vehicles without any form of seat belt or strapping. In addition to this, there is a complete lack of any form of road safety or structure, there are very few traffic lights, and drivers just drive on whichever side of the road that they want. I was most distressed when my taxi driver was driving in the same lane as an oncoming lorry, it wasn't until the very last second that he swerved out of the way, just sliding past the lorry. Several times a day I see infants and children, sometimes two or three on one bike, being swerved in and out of traffic. The children themselves appear perfectly content and at ease, barely holding on to anything, but sat comfortably.
'Yinggouren' (British)
I am finally getting a taste of what it might be like to be famous, and it isn't all that bad, but I think that as time passes it will become increasingly annoying. Every-time I step outside I am greeted by staring eyes, and curious faces. They speak to the people I am with from the school in Chinese, if I hear the word 'Yinggouren' in their reply, I know that they are talking about me. Yinggouren means 'British', and the Chinese people here are very fascinated by having a 'foreigner' in their midst. The majority of people in this town have never met a 'foreigner' before, cultural diversity in China is pretty much non-existent, and so for many I am the first non-Chinese person they have met in person.
Other teachers at the school were most confused by the colour of my skin, the one teacher who speaks a little English was able to enquire as to why my skin is not white. "English people have white skin? Why are you not white?" I told them that my father is Black and my Mother is white, and they responded; "You not born in England??" I began to explain to them that I was, and that my father was also born in England, but that his parents were from Jamaica. I am not sure if they fully understood what I was saying, the concept of inter-racial relationships is probably very alien to them. Despite this, all of the people at the school have been more than welcoming of me, and their kindness has helped in the transition process. Even though they use the term 'foreigner' to describe me, their attitude towards my presence is much more positive than attitudes towards 'foreigners' in England.
Life in China
My first week in China has been fun, I am quickly becoming accustomed to the daily life in China, and to the weird and wonderful foods, although it is going to take longer for me to get used to having noodles and chicken for breakfast! Also, language learning is slow progress, but I can ask for 'Rice and Chicken', so I'm good for now! :)
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