Friday, March 5, 2010

Greetings from Hangzhou, China

Dear Gentlemen,

Ni hao! I have landed safely in Hangzhou, China and already I've been experiencing so many life changing things. Not being able to speak the language is a huge detriment and I am forced to constantly travel with a companion who can translate for me. I've registered at Zhejiang University and just received internet connection a few days ago(took over a week). Unfortunately the Chinese government blocks sites like Facebook, Youtube, and yes even Blogspot, which is why I couldn't update for such a long period of time. After meeting tons of people from over 12 countries, one of my friends allowed me to use her "internet proxy" which is now allowing me to write in this blog and what will continue to allow me to keep it running through the next year.

The manners of the natives here in China are absolutely horrid haha. The country itself isn't very acquainted with western etiquettes that we view as common sense. I feel there is a need to cover the basics in manners and will do so in the next post. I'm very excited to be given an opportunity to live in such a different and interesting environment and am greatly looking forward to what I will be learning and in turn sharing with all of you. As mentioned before, I plan on using more personal photos and video footage with future updates. Many sites are limited and quite a hassle to go through with the proxy service but I will update as often as I can. This will be all for now, the next posting will come very shortly so until then keep safe, warm, and check back often for more postings. Cheers!

7 comments:

  1. Congrats man! Good luck and keep the good stuff coming

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  2. Really glad to see an update. I'm sure it's quite a culture shock. Like I said before, I've only been to Hong Kong, and I think compared to mainland China, the inhabitants have been influenced more by 'Western' ideals. Looking forward to the next post my friend.

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  3. I'm actually from a city about 2 hours away from Hangzhou, in Suzhou... But I live in Canada now lol

    I have to agree with you, mannerisms and common sense is SO lacking in the general public, both lower and higher classes that it really disgusts me and prevents be from ever actually wanting to go back to visit my relatives... So in a sense, I'm glad you don't feel the same way that I do and that you're trying to enjoy it.

    One word of caution, watch out for summer. It gets hella humid in that area

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  4. All That I see - Thank you!

    Fy4asko21 - Thanks for the encouragement

    Tim - I've been to Hong Kong as well, and mainland China is another world haha.

    Steevo - Yes I've heard of Suzhou. I find the mannerisms both obnoxious but also quite interesting. The culture here is something I really am beginning to dig, the crazy cab drivers(yes worse than New York), all the unique street foods available, and just how different everything is.

    I'm going to visit Shanghai on Saturday, will update my next post when I return, thanks guys.

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  5. I definitely agree with you. I visited China about 3 years ago and the lack of the usual Western social mannerisms was evident. SPITTING is the worst lol. Gotta love the night markets! Try the grilled shrimp. You catch them yourself and grill it on the spot. YUM!

    Have fun though and thanks for posting.

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