Life in China Part: 2
Life in Harbin, China is still good and only getting better!
James, myself & chill locals @ The Fox Pub
Weather here in the summer I will say is similar to back in Toronto, Canada. What I mean is that the weather is very moody for example, it can be super hot here one day, cool the next or rainy which can leave expats who are still fresh to the environment here a little exposed to the possibility of getting sick more than they normally would in their own home country. When you think about it its honestly not that bad when think about it. Weather like this makes it easier to explore the city and meet other expats from around the world, locals who want to
become friends, seeing new monuments or tourist attractions, and also getting the chance to test out just how much your Chinese has progressed or how badly your foreign pronunciation butchers the language lol All in all people usually always know or have an idea of what you are trying to say and some will help you with pronunciation. My Advice on the language meet locals who speak English or understand a great deal of English this can help you the language faster.
Since meeting some other expats here in Harbin, I have been able to meet a lot of new people, gain some insight on tips and tricks to survive here, and overall new experiences.
Jake & I outside Black Jack's Bar
This is Jake the Taxi driver I found who speaks English, which is a huge life saver at night time trying to get home or go out to meet some friends, especially after a good night of bar hopping or partying. I suggest everyone find themselves a Jake while in a foreign country! Very handy resource that not only has your back, but can also teach you some of the language, places to avoid and things to see and try during my time in Harbin. Boom Boom Room
One of the other local expats I met here in Harbin, who funny enough found me through my blog. His name is James, a really cool guy who like me is an English Teacher and is a big travel like myself which is good to have to exchange info or eventually plan a trip. Another local expat I met through James her name is Estefania, she is from Ecuador and a guy named Prince he is from Iraq. Like James they are super cool, down to earth and laid back people, the best expats I have met so far in Harbin; they know the language and there way around which is really helpful for someone like myself who has just moved here. My first experience meeting all three of them together was a great night started out a bar called the Madieer an then moved to a club called the Boom Boom Room.Jake, myself & Lisa @ Ava Lava Bar
One of the locals here I have had the pleasure of meeting is Lisa. She is an amazing girl, speaks a fair amount of English which again for me comes in handy. I have tried some new authentic Chinese food with and a few other experiences, all in all what I can say about her is that is smart, down to earth and can hold her own!
Besides all the partying you have to go out experience some of the local life during the day for example check out a local park, a monument, just any tourist stuff you can do when its like piping hot outside and you feel like your melting like the witch from wizard of Oz.
Harbin is a big city but it has a lot of beauty in it and locals can help you experience that beauty, like trying a restaurant, certain foods, drinks, stores for better deals and of course for all us travelers out there; hook up on cheap flights and travel deals. Things you can't find or get just trying to Google it or using Trip Advisor. Those resources can only take you so far and in my opinion only occasionally scratches the surface of life here and what it can offer.
