Month

Month. One Month. Thats how long I've been in China. (plus, two days)

I arrived here on the 14th and today its the 15th, one  month later. I'm still alive. I'm still walking and talking. (not that there was any concern) For me, it has been only a week and yet it seems like a lifetime. Granted, I'm only 22, so my concept of a lifetime is a bit short. I digress.

My month in China has been full of experiences that I would never have had in other circumstances. From the good, to the bad, to the strange and the ugly. My first morning here I saw a guy peeing on a building from my kitchen window. Today, I saw a guy peeing in the bushes on the way home from school.... Now this doesn't happen often, but the irony is amazing in this instance. Ha. I've had the opportunity to make new friends, I've been on a trip, I've swam in the Yellow Sea, I've eaten a few crazy things, and I've absorbed so many sights.

Along with this. I've shuffled, trudged, and flown through an array of emotions. (global relocation is not a walk in the park) I've been excited, thrilled, and curious. I've been homesick, confused, and frustrated. I've been content, happy, and relaxed. Although, not necessarily in that order. I've told a few people this in my time here, and perhaps I've told you but here goes. I don't know what I was expecting, but this isn't it. All my preconceived notions (I'll admit there weren't many) have been shattered. Don't get me wrong, I'm not disappointed. Rather, I'm pleasantly surprised, and amazed.

One month. China and I have gotten along so far. Some of us foreigners in Shaoxing have a saying when we do something successful here... 'We China so well.' It's true. I ride the bus to school, I teach, I get fruit, I put money on my phone, I sleep, I China pretty well.

I've been here a month! Did I say that? Still seems crazy to me. Only 8 more to go.

Until next time.