So far my time in China has been very warm. The people of Harbin are very welcoming and helpful to foreigners who barely or do not at all speak the language. For example there is a lady downstairs from my apartment who owns a nice little convenience store speaks zero English, but she has been my go to girl for all my basic necessities. On that note the people I work with at the school are also very helpful when it comes to taking me places or helping order food and keeping familiar with the city.
Yesterday I taught my first class of students, I will admit I was extremely nervous but once I was in the class room it was easier than I thought and went very smoothly teaching the students. Than on my way home a guy stopped me and was trying to ask me for directions, looks up and we both smile at each other than start laughing when he notices I don't speak the Chinese or speak very little of it LOL
The weather here in Harbin so pretty hot, a little humid and rainy similar to weather in Toronto. One thing I was told about was how cold it gets here from the people I work with and other foreigners I've met so far. Coldest temperature is around -25 to -30 in the mid winter months, and as crazy as that may seem Toronto used to be the way years ago when I was kid. I look forward to the winter months for the Harbin Ice Festival that happens here. I've seen pictures and videos of it and it is marvelous sight, plus the ski resort looks like a place I might check out.
