Oh patience, thy name is China. After much mucking about I now have internet and a local Chinese mobile number. Without my "team" of locals who translate, negotiate, arrange and make magic happen I would be sitting on my balcony crying because I can't contact anyone or know what is happening in the world.
Of course my newfound internet/mobile status does not mean all is well in the land we call China. My air conditioners have decided to turn off at random - when it is 100% humidity and sweat is pooling around your toes (and in your underwear, your bra...) no air-conditioning reminds me of my grad school days in my 3rd floor apartment in Guelph...with one small window and barely any breeze. Fortunately here I am getting a delightful breeze off the water - if I sit on the balcony it is almost bearable.
I also apparently do not have hot water - a fact that has not yet bothered me - I can boil water for dishes and with no air-conditioning I am enjoying the cold baths and showers. Today the man came to fix it - shouted at me a bit in Chinese, tripped the breaker and left. One of my team informs me he will be back Saturday. Since then my power now appears to go on and off at random.
Fortunately I continue to view this as an adventure and I am having a lot of fun. I am overwhelmed by the helpfulness of everyone I meet - and the willingness for people to be my phone translators at night and on weekends. I also continue to appreciate the immigrant experience...and bow down to those who do this without the privilege of a support system.
Of course my newfound internet/mobile status does not mean all is well in the land we call China. My air conditioners have decided to turn off at random - when it is 100% humidity and sweat is pooling around your toes (and in your underwear, your bra...) no air-conditioning reminds me of my grad school days in my 3rd floor apartment in Guelph...with one small window and barely any breeze. Fortunately here I am getting a delightful breeze off the water - if I sit on the balcony it is almost bearable.
I also apparently do not have hot water - a fact that has not yet bothered me - I can boil water for dishes and with no air-conditioning I am enjoying the cold baths and showers. Today the man came to fix it - shouted at me a bit in Chinese, tripped the breaker and left. One of my team informs me he will be back Saturday. Since then my power now appears to go on and off at random.
Fortunately I continue to view this as an adventure and I am having a lot of fun. I am overwhelmed by the helpfulness of everyone I meet - and the willingness for people to be my phone translators at night and on weekends. I also continue to appreciate the immigrant experience...and bow down to those who do this without the privilege of a support system.
Restores your faith in human nature that's for sure, the willingness to help others. I love the "If you don't understand me, shout a little louder!" So many cultures around the world are loud & fast...!
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