Two Months in China

2 Months down!

 So after two months of being in China I must say life here is still pretty good, normal ups and down but can't really complain.

Meeting some new foreigners/expats from time to time, and also making some new Chinese friends who are helping learn the language in exchange for helping them with English. One of the best deals I've gotten in China so far next to my gym membership!

I still say for anyone wanting to get into teaching English in foreign country and you are okay with the occasional or major in your face culture shocks, then China is the place for you. This is from people I have met in Harbin and people from other cities in China I have conversed with during my time in China so far.

The sun setting over river in Hulan, Harbin & sun down at Songhua river

Also was informed by someone I met here who is from Russia about a few different restaurants which are all you eat, a few good places for a nice prime steak and some beers/drinks to try during my time in Harbin. For anyone who knows me well, knows I like to eat and a good steak! For example my steak I ate at the Porsche Museum last year. It was around 38oz 40oz I think and hit the spot perfectly!

Still to come proof of the Walmart and the Beer festival!

Life in China!

Life in China after almost two months has been great truly cannot complain. Only problems I've is the language which I am still learning and the fact I've been sick here more than I usually do back home in Toronto. 

So recently I've been asked by my student's why I don't have a Chinese name, and trying to explain that young children can be difficult when some of them have different levels of understanding the English language. A friend of mine from Toronto helped resolve this issue recently "Jaleel in Chinese pinyin is 贾里尔 Foster is 科史達." So I will present this to my students one day soon and  hopefully its correct, or at least close enough for them to understand or correct LOL
I teach at two different school and, usually have a driver who picks me up from my home and back. Well one day my driver tells me he's a father, I say congrats! Then some Chinese hip hop comes on and he started bobbing his head, I don't understand a thing all I can say is that rapper must of been spitting fire!

Recently got brave and got a hair cut in China, as it is super hot here some days an having a lot of curly hair on your head isn't a good idea. As some of you may have already seen on Instagram, surprisingly it actually turned out good! I also introduced some Chinese girls to Trey Songz, because they've never heard of him before. That was the highlight of that week!
Being a foreigner here is like being a celebrity most days. People wanting to talk to me, always checking out my shoes, getting free stuff or discounts at certain stores and people wanting to take photo's with me. Also as you can see above free food and beer from my favourite restaurant.
Also found a Wal-Mart Super Center here of all stores! (proof coming soon)

Next I am looking forward to Harbin Beer Festival which will be taking place in about two weeks from now, which should also mark my two months in China. Stay tuned!

One month in China!

One Month in China

So after one month of being in China I must say life here is pretty good, can't really complain. The people here are really friendly and helpful, especially considering I do not speak the language very well but I am slowly learning the language day by day, trying new foods, new drinks and meeting new people.

Finally in China!

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.

Flight Booked YYZ > HRB

Flight has finally been booked! Leaving out May 18th for my 24hr journey to Harbin, China. I will be teaching English to elementary school kids, and also getting the chance explore the country and learn about the culture, plus my attempts at the language so good luck to me on that!
During my stay in China I will be visiting a few of my friends whom are also from Toronto, Canada in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing and also in Hong Kong. Apart from that I will be visiting the land down under where I will also be visiting a few friends of mine so stay tuned for more to come!

Working Visa √, Next the Flight

Finally my work visa has been fully processed and picked up as of 04/21/16. Next step on my list to check flights going to my city in China that doesn't cost a ridiculous amount of money, and from that send a copy of my flight plan to my employer in China so that they can meet me at the airport and bring me to my temporary residence until my permanent residence is ready for me to move into.

There is someone I must thank for all this especially the motivation to take such a large step in my life. Her name is Kaila and she also has a travel blog called Restless Feet you must check out. She was previously at the same school that I am going to and has since returned home to Toronto about two weeks ago, and has told me good things about this country. Simply interacting with her from time to time online and watching her YouTube channel it helped me gain the perspective needed to make this big decision to fly half way around the world to not only start a new chapter in my life but, to also help make a difference in the world plus some good travel destinations.

Working Visa Processed 🙌

Finally great success after 2 long hours of waiting in the Travel Visa office. The work visa I require to enter China to work and explore has finally been processed, so all I need to do now is go back Downtown Toronto on Thursday afternoon April 21st to pick up my travel documents and from that point contact my employer at the school in China where I'll be working and book my long 23hr (If I am lucky. Fingers crossed.) flight to Harbin, China.

Everything at this point is in motion and right on track no hiccups. I personally cannot wait to start this rewarding experience to make a difference in the world.