Today I went by myself to get dumplings (or jiaozi) for lunch. I am getting less and less afear'd of talking with regular people, so I am not clinging to other students for help as much as I did last week. Anyway, at the dumpling place, a guy sitting there just hanging out told me my jeans were cool and asked me how much they cost. Now I got these jeans for around 6 dollars at a secondhand store in America and I had no idea how to explain that, or whether or not he wanted the price in dollars or renminbi. So I just stood there all speechless. Anyway eventually I managed to explain that they were very cheap because they were secondhand, and they asked me if I went to the local university (yes), and I think it all went well. But I was still really confused most of the time. I like to think that three to five months from now I will be able to sit and have lunch and chat it up with the regulars, but we'll see.
Speaking of chatting it up with the regulars, I am beginning to realize that if you let it, ACC will control your entire life, leaving no time for that sort of fun. Homework takes hours every day, and you are surrounded for the most part by other American students. If you want, they plan sightseeing on the weekends with teachers. Sometimes I don't even feel like I'm in Beijing, just this weird building in nowhereland where a bunch of people get together and study Chinese.
I get that feeling in college too sometimes--when you are so caught up in your work and never leave your dorm, you start to feel like you aren't really existing in a tangible world. It's worse in China though, because I came here to experience China, not just learn Chinese. In addition, only using Chinese with my American classmates is never going to help me improve drastically because we all use the simplest easiest language to get across what we need to say.
The point is, I think I need to get out a little more. I want to be able to use what I'm learning with people on the street, but also to taste smell touch and see a little more of Beijing than I did this past week. That is what I hate about dormitories--in Pittsburgh and here--they really inhibit the full use of the senses. So...I'll keep you updated on how this goes.
4 comments:
i forgot i wanted to tell you--ten delicious dumplings are 4 kuai--a little more than 50 cents. probably the best bet for lunch in China.
what is the probability of quitting this ACC program and find a part time job to teach English in high/language school or private teaching.etc. You will have more flexible time schedule to do something else?
Jenn, Keep on studying. It will get easier and you will have more free time.Hang in, Mom
hey!
haha, that is a hot picture of you there! nelly furtado free like a bird style, haha (I'm a big weirdo this year, don't worry about it)
Classes sound like they're challenging enough for you! No more wondering like in the englit program ("am I really smart or is this just easy...")
Also, in regards to your frustrations on not getting out enough: you're going to be there for an entire year. Once you adjust more you'll find lots more time to go out/experience life and get more tasty donuts. I'm glad you update your blog so often, keep it up!
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