Weather
It is COLD here! I've been here only a week and I've learned that I cannot leave home without at least 3 layers on top and 2-3 layers on bottom...and the bottom must include thick wool leggings. THEN I add my coat. The one day I wore boots other than my rubber-soled, lined boots, I thought my toes were going to freeze off if I didn't first slip to death on the sheets of ice covering the ground. I won't be trying that again anytime soon. Another article of clothing that I never leave home without is my hat. I am so grateful for the hat my mom got me as a Christmas present before I left. It's gotten many amusing responses from the people here, but I don't mind because it keeps my ears and head nice and toasty.
Although it's cold outside, all the buildings here are heated by government provision, which means that my apartment stays very warm – flannel pants and a short-sleeved T-shirt are enough to keep me comfortable indoors!
Food
The food here is delicious! This city is known for its sour cabbage soup, dumplings, and eggplant dishes. The few times I’ve ventured out on my own did not yield great result, but I’ve loved every meal I’ve had with friends. I must admit that I did cave in to Mickey Ds a few days after I arrived. Unfortunately, I ordered the wrong sandwich. I think it’s a language thing. Oh, and I had donkey meat for the first time here. It was interesting.
Language
Ok, this has been interesting. I have a few thoughts and stories for this section.
- I can speak the language but I can’t read or write it. I didn’t think it would be a big deal until I tried buying shampoo and conditioner. I spent so much time trying to figure out what was what in hair products that my shopping cart was taken away from me. When you have to pick up the same items again on the same shopping trip, it goes much faster the second time around.
- It has been a blessing as well as a challenge to be able to speak the language. Understandably, it is assumed I know the language because I look Asian…and I could get away with that impression if I didn’t say much. No such luck. I have received many, many, many funny looks because of my “accent” or “dialect” (the way I speak sounds different from the locals), or when I mispronounce words, or when I ask people to explain common phrases/words. It does bother me at times, but it is mainly amusing to me and it generates great conversation!
- People speak very loudly and forcefully over here. An American friend asked me the other day if a man was angry because he was yelling into his phone. He wasn’t – he was just asking a question. I have trouble remembering this sometimes, and it can make me feel that I am being yelled at for no reason.
- My goal is to learn the written language.
Random
- There are no “lanes” here. Cars will drive wherever there is space, even on sidewalks.
- I ordered a bowl of soup for takeout and this is what I got.
- Nearly all apartments come furnished. When looking at apartments, the place can be quite dirty...you must be able to look past it and see the "potential" of the place. It is the new tenant's responsibility, not the old tenant's or the landlord's, to clean up the place before moving in. Also, there are no contracts. My friend has been kicked out (two different times!) because her landlords decided they wanted to live in her apartment.
Getting Lost
I’ve gotten lost twice. The first time occurred because I just didn’t recognize my surroundings – I was only a few blocks from home. The second time, I unknowingly missed my stop on the bus and ended up riding the bus to the very end. It was a very long ride. I consider it my first tour of the city.
Medical work
I haven’t done much clinical work, yet, since I’m just getting settled. I have been to our clinic(s) a few times already and met most of the staff at both LIGHT and GD. We went to a large foster home in the city on Monday and then to several foster homes in the countryside on Tuesday. Many of the children are developmentally delayed, some with cerebral palsy, and some with congenital heart problems. All are beautiful.
