Recently, I decided to make a leap across the world...
From my home country, the United States, to Southern China, where I signed a 1 year contract to live and teach English in Guangdong Province.
I wound up in Zhongshan, a city of about 1.
5 - 3 million depending on who you ask.
It's a small city by Chinese standards, where Cantonese is the traditional language.
But, in general, people also speak Mandarin (The official Chinese language).
Needless to say, there is a big difference between American culture and Chinese culture; and in the time I have been here so far, I have been surprised quite a few times by things I have seen, heard, or experienced.
Here are three things in particular that have caught me off guard; which might also catch you off guard if you are traveling or living as a foreigner in Zhongguo (China)...
1.
Bathroom Massages - I don't know about other cities, but when you go out to a nightclub in Zhongshan and have to step into the restroom, there is a guy inside who gives you a neck and back massage during or after your urination.
Needless to say, this can be quite a surprise for a westerner.
Recently I saw the massage guy lift a man up off the floor to crack his back while he was standing in front of a urinal.
He then came over and cracked my neck, chiropractor style, while I was washing my hands.
It was a bit painful.
2.
Sidewalk Peeing Toddlers - When parents take their small child to a store and the kid has to urinate, the parent will just send them outside to go on the sidewalk right in front of the store.
It is a very common sight to see a toddler squatting or standing outside a shop relieving him or herself, leaving a little puddle behind, and then running back inside to Mom or Dad.
You might want to take your shoes off when you are inside your hotel or apartment in China because the ground can be quite a bit dirtier around here! 3.
Did I Just Hear the N Word? - If you are listening to a conversation between locals, you may notice a certain word being repeated over and over again that might make you turn your head...
"Nei-ga.
" It is the Chinese way of saying "that" and it is also used frequently as a filler word, the way "Ummm" is used in English.
For example: "I went to the store and I...
ummm...
ran into an old friend...
And ummm...
things seem to be going well for him...
ummm...
etc.
" From this sentence you can obviously see how this word can get used a lot at times.
You will hear it over and over again in conversations, so don't be shocked when you do! Facing Challenges...
At the time of this article, I have been in China for a little over a month now and am happy I made the move.
There are significant challenges that come with being in a new land.
But, for me, being afraid of unforeseen challenges isn't a good enough reason not to do something.
Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone if you think the rewards of doing something are worthwhile enough...
And that's why I'm here and getting some unexpected surprises along the way! China is a big and interesting country with a lot of people and places to discover.
There are many things I want to do while I am here.
Maybe you'll find yourself in this part of the world at some point too.
If so, just keep an open mind; and I hope you have a great time and a meaningful experience!