Just to let anyone know, I will be in and out of contact for a couple weeks starting on August 24th. I am moving to Bozhou China for at least 6 months and perhaps a year.

And yes Ms Fr Chuck and our son is going with me there. I have already checked with several friends in China and our web site here is available. So once I get settled, I will be back on line. In route I may or may not be online, so if you miss me for a week or two, that is where I am going to.

I will be working on my Martial Arts and Chinese culture.

I will have a travel blog going of my adventures. If people have any advice on China or living in China, please post them here.

WoW awesome.
I'm sure you'll take full advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity...

Yes, I "retired" from my police job some years ago, "retired" from my medical tech job last Oct. And as of now have merged my school with another school ( making us most likely the largest karate school in the area) and sold part of the school. I retained part ownership, but I am taking the money and going to do things NOW instead of wishing latter. Also what a life for my son Nate who is 11. How many children get to spend a year learning culture and seeing all the major sites of China. We may stay longer if it goes well, or may also go to Japan and a few other places.

And of course if things don't go well, I may come back sooner.

Lady Toni (MS Fr Chuck) has always wanted to have some of the stories I tell about living in Mexico and Japan and other places. The stories of Cambodia sound more fun than they were at the time I am sure.

But this will give her and Nate experience many people only dream of. ** or perhaps dread, we have actually lost a few "friends" who have stopped talking to us because we are going to live there.

Well sold my one car today, getting rid of everything I have a debt on, so I will be free to live better in China.

I am interested in any suggestions on things to take ( and not to take) , packing ideas and more.

Well sold my one car today, getting rid of everything I have a debt on, so I will be free to live better in China.

I am interested in any suggestions on things to take ( and not to take) , packing ideas and more.


Me, take me! Me! I'm small, I don't eat much. I'll TRY to keep my opinions to myself.

Me, please, me, take me!

Oh, by the way - I don't refer to your wife as MrsFrChuck. I refer to you as MrLadyToni.

Keep opinions to yourself, HUMMMMM?

Wow! What a great adventure! I hope y'all have a great time!

18 days and counting. So I may be off here for a week or two, ( and maybe not) Hope internet is not an issue where we are going. Appears to be a small farming village will be our first stop after we do a week in Beijing. Have to get new cell phones, open bank accounts there and other issues for a long term stay to make life easier.

Not looking forward to the toliets ( or lack of them)
Random Observations from China: Toilets :: Dammit Jim! (http://scott.sherrillmix.com/blog/tourist/random-observations-from-china-toilets/)

I'm glad you looked into the toilets... I didn't want to bring that subject up.

Already knew about them, they use these somewhat in Japan and other parts of Asia

I just can't imagine using those "holes."

What happens when you hit 65 and aren't as limber?

What happens when you hit 65 and aren't as limber?

You have to aim better?

I will see about posting a few photos ( not of them being used of course)

Actually, I'd like to see one being used. I can't imagine how a woman uses one.

Sort of squats over it and lets it go, wearing a skirt I understand makes it easier.

What if she has bad knees?

sorta squats over it and lets it go, wearing a skirt I understand makes it easier.

Gives new meaning to 'got a link for that?'. Well I don't know if it would make it easier, one still has to deal with getting the panties out of the way of the stream and that is awkward when squatting. I guess one could go without them. I hope they don't have streetcars (inside joke).

Panties ? What panties ?

Well have not left and may have a slight change to schedule, I had been trying to get a residence permit for China, so I don't have to enter and leave the country as you do with a tourist visa.

So I had been refused because of my religious status ( or so I was told by the people working on it for me) Well it finally got though today and I can change to a residence permit and a visa that allows me to work and not have to enter and leave the nation.
I guess if this was the US I would call it a Green Card for the best comparison I can.

I had almost given up on this happening, but this changes my plans some, we will still be traveling around and seeing the culture but I have the opportunity to consult in China, I am not at liberty to say for who and exactly what. But I will be telling about some of my adventures on my blog and some things here.

So when does the ship leave port?

On the 24th, leave for the exotic land of Canada for a day and then off to China. Will arriave in China on the afternoon of the 25th.

Will spend the first couple of days, just "being in China" first day most likely sleep, trying to get over the jet lag everyone says I will have, then a trip to the great wall out side of Beijing, the Forbidden Palace, and other sites. Then off to Zhengzhou on Thursday. Then get registered, most likely a trip to the local police to register my living there.

Then in the next week or two I will have to run off to Hong Kong to change over my visa's and then back to China to re-register and do the paper work for my residency papers.

So during that period If I have internet I will be on some in the evenings ( or mornings here) maybe.

Already working on my spoken Chinese, I can say hello, how are you doing, call the police, tell them here is my passport, tell them I am an American and order some basic foods, plus my coffee.

Are you taking only clothes and necessities, and will buy stuff there? Do you have a place to live?

Yes I have an apartment there already, ( 7th floor) It is suppose to be fully furnished, 2 bedroom with American bathroom ( real toilet). Hopefully it will have some pots and pans and the such.

But yes we are each packing a bag under 50 lbs. and a 22 lb carry on bag. Everything else stays here. Toni and Nate are going lighter on the clothes since they will not have any trouble finding clothes to fit, I was told that my clothes may be harder and since I will be working with some of the Communist Party people and with some of the legal systems, I have to have more dress clothes and then everyday clothes also.

And then lots of special shampoo and some items we were told would be hard to find high quality for.

I still think we have too much packed but we are all packed and ready.

I found that all of our computers will run off their power so that is a blessing.

One of my cell phones is unlocked, so I can buy a sim card for it, at the airport and have a cell phone from day one on the ground. We will buy Lady Toni and Nate a phone when we get to the apartment so it has the right area code for the local area.

I use a certain bank here that is "connected to a China bank" so money transfer is going to be easy.

And my major credit card is owned by a company whose parent company is in China
Hong Kong, Singapore Banking Company which we know as HSBC who does many credit cards, There will not even be extra fees for my using the cards I have there.

I will be posting photos of the entire trip as I go along.

Are you three nervous? Excited? Have you researched China and the culture?

Hello Padre:

Sayanara.. Ok, that's probably Japanese, but you get my drift.

excon

Researched it to death. I know customs, sanitation, and more. Many of the legal requirements is so much as to where you are at, or what embassy you go to.

And not having exact plans has been killing me. I over plan everything, that is what I do.

But in the last year, I retired from full time work as a Medical Tech
Now in last month, I have sold 1/3 of my business and turned over all the management and running of it over to a business manger.
Closing up my home, and having a family member move in to take care of it.
The exactly what I was going to do and exactly where we were going was in limbo. I had a backup plan just in case, But was really counting on a one of the two other plans to work out. So the one was suppose to have all worked out, I am suppose to have all of the paper work emailed to me on Monday. I will need the original paper work for the government, but can take care of that after I get to my apartment.

So if all works out as promised today, I will make the hotel reservations, and other travel plans in the morning for in country. Already have the flights to there booked

Hello Padre:

Sayanara.. Ok, that's probably Japanese, but you get my drift.

excon

You all will most likely not even notice I am somewhere else, ( at least if it works as I have planned)

Except maybe you have to call me comrade or something not padre

Already working on my spoken Chinese, I can say hello, how are you doing, call the police, tell them here is my passport, tell them I am an American and order some basic foods, plus my coffee.


This made me laugh - "Hello" I understand.

"How are you doing" Okay.

"Call the Police"?

I just can't stop thinking about those toilets. *shudder*

I just can't stop thinking about those toilets. *shudder*

Then you never want to travel through europe because they have them in other countries as well. At least you don't have to worry about getting something off a toilet seat !

Yes a some of Europe and most Asian nations use those.I was just much ,much younger, not sure I can even get into the right get that low anymore. Guess like a gun, point and shoot, and see what you hit.

Yes a some of Europe and most Asian nations use those.I was just much ,much younger, not sure I can even get into the right get that low anymore. Guess like a gun, point and shoot, and see what you hit.

Easy for your to say ! Point and shoot. With us it is aim and dribble !

Right on!

I bid you safe travels and hope to see you on again soon!

-Justin

Yes, I have not traveled internationally since before they had internet. So I guess they will have it in the hotel in Beijing. But my first 5 days is in a very "discount" place they list internet but not sure if it is free or costs and what. After that I will be traveling to my apartment but then also not sure if it is turned on yet or not. Withdraws hit after two days so most likely will have to have a coffee shop ( well for coffee also,and can't go two days before that withdraw hits first.) But I will try and get on some but it may be a couple weeks.

You know in Beijing, should I answer questions here or go see the Great Wall or the Fobidden City , hard choice (LOL)

Of course I may have internet everywhere I am at, and just my IP will be different

Arrived at may first stop of the day, the exotic and enchanting Toronto Canada. Started my day off with some of their unique items, Canadian eggs from real Canadian chickens. And none of that swiss cheese on my eggs it had to be Canadian cheese. On the coffee, all I can say is I am not in Star Bucks no more. I am sure they tried to make me feel at home in Georgia since everything was fried in extra amounts of oil or grease of some sort.

Well getting a chance to practice my Chinese, I must not be real good, no one has blieved I was Chinese yet.

I must not be real good, no one has blieved I was Chinese yet.Hello Padre,

That's because you look Jewish...

Keep us informed. It'll be like we're there with you. Funny... Now, I have to have some hot and sour soup for lunch.

excon

Ok on the ground in Beijing. And the traffic was not as bad as I had been told.

Have to fun, will be on some over next few days

Arrived at may first stop of the day, the exotic and enchanting Toronto Canada. Started my day off with some of their unique items, Canadian eggs from real Canadian chickens. and none of that swiss cheese on my eggs it had to be Canadian cheese. On the coffee, all I can say is I am not in Star Bucks no more. I am sure they tried to make me feel at home in Georgia since everything was fried in extra amounts of oil or grease of some sort.

well getting a chance to practice my Chinese, I must not be real good, no one has blieved I was Chinese yet.

Why do you call Toronto 'exotic'; do we really say 'canadian eggs'? I know we say 'canadian back bacon' because no where in the world do they do it the same way.

Our coffee comes from the same place yours does.

We do have a very large asian community in Torornto and rich in ethnicity which makes it a very international city. Too bad you can see more then what you do at the airport.

Why do you call Toronto 'exotic'; do we really say 'canadian eggs'? I know we say 'canadian back bacon' because no where in the world do they do it the same way.

Our coffee comes from the same place yours does.

We do have a very large asian community in Torornto and rich in ethnicity which makes it a very international city. Too bad you can see more then what you do at the airport.


The lady at the little diner where we ate, called it that, made a point that the eggs and cheese were Canadian style. We had a long lay over almost a full day. So we got out and about some. I used to live about 20 min from the border and shopped and was in Canada a little.

I think I found a place to eat with a nut case as a waitress actually.

Actually don't know what she meant by CDN style, must be something new! My style is over easy cooked with butter! And as for cheese, well we are one of biggest exporters in the world of any kind imagineable!

Big hug to you !

Her style was too much grease, cheese not melted good and no salt.

But that was good compared to the coffee.

OK, not my best meal of the day,

Ok it is official, my first real Asian toilet. Lady Toni said I could not frame a photo of it, for the wall.

We did all of the normal tourist things yesterday, Saw the Great Wall. And I can fully understand how that would have stopped a army. That was huge.

Went to the Forbidden Palace and saw some of the Government buildings down town.

Here is a few of the photos.

And we felt like movie stars at these places, Chinese tourist would come up and hug us, and others come up with cameras to take our photos, they wanted to start next to us and have their photos taken. Actually Nate and Lady Toni were more popular than I was to get photographed.

Some of the larger differences I have seen, there are clerks in all the stores, every isle or at least every two isles has a clerk there to help you. None of them speak English of course but if you speak Chinese they are there to help you.

There are more coffee shops here than in the area where I live. So who ever told me I would not find coffee was trying to scare me.

American Food ( not doing it right now) but there are McDonalds every few miles. Subway and KFC seems to be on almost every corner. Ice cream shops are common.

Many ( a lot) of the teenage kids and even adults are all wearing T shirts with American wording, they think it is better and prettier writing than Chinese to show off on shirts. And a status that you can afford an "American" brand shirt.

Worst, Hello Kitty, OK, maybe just me, but one can only do so much Hello Kitty,

Well here I am at Zhengzhou and getting settled in. We are in a temp housing till our apartment gets ready. We are living in a traditional Chinese apartment now but will get an american style one in a couple weeks.

They don't have soft matress like we do, it is about a one inch hard mat on a wood frame. The stove is one burner, all food is done in one dish or in a rice cooker.

We were told how lucky we were, we got a washer and "dryer" the washer you have to turn it by hand from wash to rinse and guess where the water goes, unto the bathroom floor, which is also the shower, You can use the toilet, show and watch the washer rinse at the same time.

The dryer is nothing but a spin cycle, but here on campus all of the students basically wash their clothes by hand.

But this is fun, the markets are unbelievable, and while we are eating the same foods everyone else does, for now, everything you want is here.
Just sometimes slightly different, miss butter and cheese the most since they are too costly to get a lot of.

But there are KFC ( and fake KFC's) there are McDonalds and fake one, we ate at a McDove a couple nights ago for Nate.

Buying meat is interesting, you can pick your own chicken, duck or fish out, still alive and they kill and prepare it for you right there. Plus things like squid and ell are all fresh. Veggies come in every day and you can get to the market early and get them off the trucks.

Eggs are a laugh, every type, size you can think of.

I will have some photos here of the markets latter with a hidden camera, they did not like me taking photos there.

But here is a gentleman teaching me to squat properly, that is very important when you use the toilet here ( or should I say hole in the ground)

Wow, this is all so very strange, yet so very interesting. Please keep us updated.

Some things the same, some different.

Did not eat there today but about 3 blocks up from the Apartment is a KFC, they are big over here. Can't go a few miles without seeing one. Plus of couse almost every block has some sort of "chicken" to eat.

But some things a little strange also, here is a photo of either peas or lima bean pop cycle. ( they had both and appear to be popular)

If anyone has any questions about life here, please ask, I post some as education of the difference in culture, so many things about the same, but others so different.

These three photos show some of the same but different.

We were told we were so lucky we were getting a washer with a dryer.
Yes it is a washer, you have to go and turn the water on to fill and then turn the water off. You wash, then you have to go and turn it to drain, ( which it does onto the floor of the bathroom which which is OK, since the toilet and sink and shower all share the same space)

Then you fill the water for the rinse and then turn the button for the drain.

The dryer is of course not a dryer but a spin dry, and then you hang the clothes all around the apartment to dry. I can't figure out how to reach the rack outside of the window without half climbing out the window.

But on campus most of the students all go to the room where large sinks where they wash all their clothes by hand and then hang them outside on long lines ( we could take ours to the long lines too but it is about a block away.

The streets are keep very clean, as are the very very few public bathrooms I can find.
But they have people that actually go out and sweep the streets by hand. They hand make brooms from limbs. I sat and watched a older lady making brooms for the street crews the other day. This is her showing me how to use the broom.

The next is one of the market areas ( not during a prime time) and I will show the better market with live animals in a day or two.
But this is how I shop, who wants to go down this street with me?

There are security guards at the front of almost every apartment complex. Here on campus there are guards at each of the four gates, three gates close at night. But there are guards setting every few blocks. But on the street, every major intersection has 4 to 8 traffic guards ( or police) and there are obvious police every few blocks also. Now I am only a few blocks from the main government center so this may be part of it, but it seems to be about the same no matter where we go.

The people are wonderful, OK sometimes almost too wonderful, stores have clerks in every isle, sometimes two clerks who want to show you every product, help you make chocies and more. " I DON"T WANT" was the second Chinese phrase I learned.
But we have bought phones here ( since US phones are locked) Lady Toni bought a new guitar plus many household items we needed.

Unlike the stories we have heard, we have found milk, ice cream, cheese and almost anything you want. Coke products are big here , almost every store has them, and cheaper than the US, so the blogs we read about all of that just are not true.

My first morning here was a surprise, there were doing college student military drills on three sides of me. So to walk outside and find people in military uniforms surrounding your apartment can be a little unnerving till I found out that all college freshment are required to go though some military training. ** not really like our ROTC but the closet thing I can compare it to.

These pics are really amazing. Please keep them coming. It's really interesting to learn about different cultures.

I'm still thinking about the toilet.

Sorry I have been off line a bit, seems that down loading all of the Chinese programs into my US computer made it have some issues, so it crashed.

I had to get a new operating system, and yes all in Chinese. Have a wired interent but still can not seem to get wireless in my apartment.

Well Toni got her teaching schedule today, she will be doing part time here at the College. I don't start working till the 24th so I have not gotten my schedule yet.

We got moved into our new ( well new to us) it is a two bedroom. It has a better water supply, a two burner stove and move pots and pans. It also has a working home phone and a working TV.

On the down side, of course computer crash, and my US cell phone crashed. I had a older US cell phone, it would never text ( could not understand Chinese) but it did call but would drop all the time. So I bought a new cell phone last night and working fine.j

Lady Toni got a new guitar, we did not try to bring hers over.

People are still stopping us on the street to get their photos taken with us.

This weekend we are going to a anceint temple and the Old China Capitol. That the college is arranging for us. I will attach a few photos but was busy getting moved

One of the photos shows some local housing. Another a busy street with parents waiting for their kids to get out of school. The other is a local laundry with clothes on the line, but the funny thing is the duck walking around under the clothes

I guess the duck will be someone's dinner in the near future !

Wonderful news from you, keep it coming we miss you !

No, I think the duck is a college mascot or a dorm mascot of some sort.

All of these photos are from college campus.

We moved about two blocks off campus yesterday. We live in a regular apartment ( older) and everyone in our unit ( 10 apartments in our unit and total of 60 in the building) are all local Chinese from best I can tell.

We wanted to live basically the same as almost everyone else in China to shop and live like they do. Only way to learn the culture.

Things I really miss?

A mattress on the bed. Only have basically a bamboo mat on plywood, and covered with what I would call a thick blanket.

Butter, they have it, but it costs a lot.

Wireless internet ( OK that we should get at some point,) but still can't get it fixed by any of the local shops.

A oven, don't exist in most homes, ( you can get a small toaster oven but they are costly)

What we love.

The people, so friendly

The food, fresh foods on push or peddle carts along most side streets.

What surprised me the most?
The food is nothing like the Chinese eating places in US. At least the food the common people eat every day.

No, I think the duck is a college mascot or a dorm mascot of some sort.

All of these photos are from college campus.

We moved about two blocks off campus yesterday. We live in a regular apartment ( older) and everyone in our unit ( 10 apartments in our unit and total of 60 in the building) are all local Chinese from best I can tell.

We wanted to live basicly the same as almost everyone else in China to shop and live like they do. Only way to learn the culture.

Things I really miss?

A mattress on the bed. Only have basicly a bamboo mat on plywood, and covered with what i would call a thick blanket.

Butter, they have it, but it costs a lot.

Wireless internet ( ok that we should get at some point,) but still can't get it fixed by any of the local shops.

A oven, don't exist in most homes, ( you can get a small toaster oven but they are costly)

What we love.

The people, so friendly

The food, fresh foods on push or peddle carts along most side streets.

What surprised me the most?
The food is nothing like the Chinese eating places in US. At least the food the common people eat every day.



Cool!

I think the hardest part for me would be learning the language. All in all I think it would be really neat to learn another culture that way. Would love to see more pics come soon!

Did some tourist things today, There was a conference on grain storage attended by people from all over the world, Africa, Asia, Europe so I went with them to the Millennium City Park, it is a ultra large theme park basically based on Chinese culture from 1000 years ago.

In one photo, you see me petting a cow, all of the teen Chinese girls were scared to go up to the cow, So being from the farm, I held the cow while they got to get her.

Did some tourist things today, There was a conference on grain storage attended by people from all over the world, Africa, Asia, Europe so i went with them to the Millennium City Park, it is a ultra large theme park basicly based on Chinese culture from 1000 years ago.

In one photo, you see me petting a cow, all of the teen Chinese girls were scared to go up to the cow, So being from the farm, I held the cow while they got to get her.


Don't you tower over just about everyone? I'll guess you are easy to spot in a crowd.

Well not everyone, there is a 7 foot student who plays basketball ( of course)

And many that come close in the younger kids. But yes I am taller than most likely 80 percent of the crowd.

But being American is like being a rock star almost. I was asked three times today to take photos with various people.

And the young girls just love Nate, I think I could arrange a marriage for him easily.

Well not everyone, there is a 7 foot student who plays basketball ( of course)

And many that come close in the younger kids. but yes I am taller than most likely 80 percent of the crowd.

But being American is like being a rock star almost. I was asked three times today to take photos with various people.

And the young girls just love Nate, I think I could arrange a marriage for him easily.


Laughing...

Visited a Buddhist Temple yesterday. It was over 5000 years old, and they have 10,000 full time students that live and study there. The students are from 3 to 25 years old.

That bottom photo is a cemetery?

Basically, the more important monks, the ones who have reached higher states of enlightenment are all cremated of course but they build a monument to them, they call them a Pagadoa. On each is the Monks name and his life history.

Some go back to Ming Dynasty, the newest from about 2008. There were 100s of them. So no one is actually buried there, but they are in the monks memory

Well I took a walk around the neighborhood. And yes I was humming the theme to Mr Rogers till Lady Toni made me stop.

I posted a couple dozen short videos showing where we live to my blog.

Travels of Chuck, Toni and Nate - Home (http://www.adventureinchina.weebly.com)

Ok, hope someone is still reading these.

As you all know I can not use Facebook or YouTube here in China. Normally not a loss, but for posting video and photo for people to look at, esp longer video.

So they have something here called YouKu ( OK, it is the Chinese version of youtube)
I have set up an account and did a trial video ( very short)

But I have no idea if anyone in the US or Europe can log on and see it,

So if someone could see if this link works for them, I would love to hear back

KungFu?????????????????? (http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDUzODY4MTE2.html)

I hope it worked, I have spent a long time translating pop up boxes that will not goggle translate to make this happen.

So if someone could see if this link works for them, I would love to hear backG'morning, Padre:

I got it... Was that you swinging the sticks?? Wow, that water must be powerful stuff...

excon

Well I took a walk around the neighborhood. And yes I was humming the theme to Mr Rogers till Lady Toni made me stop.

I posted a couple dozen short videos showing where we live to my blog.

Travels of Chuck, Toni and Nate - Home (http://www.adventureinchina.weebly.com)

Links are working. Great job!!

Already bookmaked your blog.

That is some of my students here in China. We were having a English Club sign up, showing how powerful and great the English Club is. Plus the BBQ every Tuesday at 12 in the square.

I start my first official day of teaching tomorrow. They gave Lady Toni, all the advanced students and she started two week ago working. I was suppose to just be doing English speaking but they have over 1/2 my classes in formal English Writing.

Ok, lets get serious here, my spelling and sentence structure ? Glad to know even in China some things never change, find the person and assign them to the worst possible class they can do.

So I find out tomorrow if I start with what grade level. Lady Tonis advance class is at about 8th or 9th grade high school level. So I am betting my class will be more 3 to 4th grade level.

Ne how ma, Chuck

By now Chuck you will have learned you don't put paper in the toilets and that you need hand sanitizer, you also drink bottled water. I hope you enjoy your stay, the smog and the stench of tobacco smoke. Try some of the exotic dishes while you are there such as the crab. I expect you have also learned the chinese can't pronouce Chuck and they have a pecular way of translating english

Yes, learned the TP issue first day here in the hotel in Bejieng.

But every public toilet and they are every couple blocks have American Toliets, the only place that does not have them, is where I work ( both new and old campus) In fact the old campus does not even have the newer Chinese squat toliets, they just have a trench that runs length of building and you just squat over it, if you are down stream, you see the others float by.

But here in our apartment, the plumbing is up graded, as actually most of Zhengzhou newer areas and business areas. And upgrades going on daily.
But paper flushes fine here.

I don't teach at the old campus, but do go there to do some shopping, some things are cheaper at the campus stores, plus the medical clinic we use is on the old campus.

Water is OK if you boil it, so we use it in most all the cooking, even brush our teeth with it, as long as we don't swallow.

Smog not really that bad, no as bad as Atlanta, at least here in Zhengzhou. And it was not that bad in Bejing ( but was only there a week)

And there is not that many people smoking, again, I am living and working down town, central part of the city, There are people smoking some at the eating places, but in general, I actually see most people smoking back home in US.

Mostly the older people smoking here, from what I see there is not that many younger kids smoking. There is a very large anti smoking campaign going on.

And a super large safe driving program going. ** God only knows they need that.
One way streets are just suggestions, as are lane markings. Not sure why they have traffic lights but they are pretty.

We have traffic crossing guards on every corner, ( again this has to do with our locaton around government offices I think) but no one pays them any attention, they wave their flag, and blow their whistle but people still cross against the light.

Still hard to get used to cars driving on the side walk, that is where they park, so they may pull up on side walk 100 feet down and just drive on side walk honking for you to jump out of the way.

I was told I was a natural riding my bike here, I think that is a insult but not sure.

Not a single crab to be seen, but then we are way, way inland. So while there are large tanks of live fish to buy at the meat market, have not seen crabs.

Chicken is the main dish, and some pork. And if you get to the buther early, you can also get beef at times. We got fresh ground beef this week and did a meat loaf.

Between Walmart and the foreign food sections in several large stores, there is almost nothing we have not gotten. Pancake sryup and mustard are the only two things I have not found yet. Taco sause, no issue, cheese no issue, ( but pricey) Every American brand you want, can be gotten at the legal and the perhaps not so legal markets. ** not that I know the difference, I was told if I don't get a receipt they are most likely don't have a business license and don't pay taxes. ** sounds more like American every day, cheating on their taxes.

I am located about one block from the main province government offices, and other Communist party buildings, plus surrounded by 5 colleges. So between government workers, military, police on every street corner and 1000's and 1000's of college kids,

Yes, we got a bootleg copy of some of the movies ( just out in US) some in English, some with English subtitles, the subtitles are a laugh The person who did them, does not know english at all. Even the Google translator would have done better.

But the thing I found, China being the size of US, things are not the same in the NE, to the SE or to the Center or to the West. And get up near Mongolia and it all changes.





ne how ma, Chuck

By now Chuck you will have learned you don't put paper in the toilets and that you need hand sanitizer, you also drink bottled water. I hope you enjoy your stay, the smog and the stench of tobacco smoke. Try some of the exotic dishes while you are there such as the crab. I expect you have also learned the chinese can't pronouce Chuck and they have a pecular way of translating english

Well I see you haven't learned yet and be careful of the oranges

Ah yes Zhengzhou, remember it well, couldn't make myself understood in the bus station and banged up my knee on the ice, take a side trip to Penggu sometime, the old town, not the new one

I was thinking of doing that teaching lark once but I heard too many horror stories. I will be interested to hear how you go.

You might have to go further south for the crab

Remember to bargain for everything Chuck the chinese like a good haggle, learn the numbers and remember to watch out for the hand signals where they multipy by ten

Yes first chinese words learned, how much, and no too much.

I went to work for one of the larger national university. Not one of the English schools.
This school, I am the only new teacher this year. They have 3 teachers who have been here for over 6 years, another few that have been here 3 or 4 and several who are starting their second year. Most of their English teachers are from UK or Philliphines.

This school did not make any big promises, pay lower than some of the other schools promised but at this point.

They do pay, already got pay check directed deposted ( have option of being paid in cash)
They furnish apartment, all utilities, phone, TV. They furnish bus to school each day.

Most likely some of the same issues I have read some. There is not much help with any lesson plan, they expect you to design and do your own classes. There is not much communication, you find out a day or two before the class, what class you are teaching.

Even in a new campus, while the restrooms are clean, and the floors sweep, nothing else much gets cleaned. About 1/2 the lights don't work, and air condition is a open window and I have a feeling, heater is your coat on.

On second day, have no idea where the copy machine is, but found the teachers lounge and where the teachers water is ( teachers get bottled water, students get boiled water)

Learned somewhat how to buy my lunch, but I think it is suppose to be furnished free, so I stlil have to figure out how that works.

Enjoyed their National holiday, I celebrated with one of the locals today by doing one of the local morning customs, We went to Dunkin donut for coffee and a donut. Strange custom but when in China do what the local Chinese do.

Yesterday, was the moon festival, and we got to be part of the reinactment of bowing to the moon when it rose into the air. Lady Toni, got to dress up in traditional Chinese clothing from about 200 to 300 years ago. Pick a outfit and use it in the reinactment.

I took tons of photos, they are on my daily blog site, listed at bottom of question

I don't think most Chinese 300 year ago, were a size XXXL, so I opted to take photos.

For those Chinese not going to Dunkin Donuts, the other breakfeast of Choice is KFC, ( they are open 24 hours a day and deliver) at our local one. They serve a sandwich that tastes just like a Egg McMuffin except on a hamber bun.

Tomorrow, since I am paying of course, my new local friend wants to show me the new McDonalds that is a few miles away, so we are meeting at the main gate at 11 am to ride out bikes there.

All Americans are required to live in a gated community with a guard at the gate. I understand it is for our protection, But we live off campus, in a older housing area where just Chinese teachers live. Most Amerian or English teachers are single and live on campus in housing for single persons. So to have a two bedroom, we live off campus where some of the Chinese teachers live.

Ours like many larger apartment complexes, have a small market and several vendors who are in the housing complex. There is also indoor parking for your bikes, if you want to pay a extra 6RMB a month for parking. We also have a police office in the complex, they are not always there, but are there if not out for other purposes.

McDonalds, that sort of says it all, a Big Mac, fries and a Coke on ice for 4 dollars US. And yes it tastes exactly like the one at home, pickles, cheese, lettece and onions.
Fries were not quite as salty, but still great. Was told the ice was safe to drink. Will tell you latter tonight. Most places it isnot, since it is not purified water and it is not boiled water.

But McDonalds uses fountain drinks, just like in the US, and a ice machine, we were told all purified water. Lets us hope so.

Yes Chuck it can be hard for some, I had some friends who only lasted a week. I hope you have a good experience


That sort of sounds somewhat more expensive than I remember it Chuck. 20 RMB is a lot for a hamburger. I know Macca's is the only way to get western food but when in China... I remember the sweet rolls from the street vendors were great for breakfast 1 RMB. You can buy a Restaurant dinner for two for 40 RMB and live it up, private room and all.

That rule on living is to keep an eye on you so you don't do anything too subversive, watch for the fellows in the black leather coats and yes you have acquired a local friend, interestingly did that the second day I was there, very welcoming, the chinese

Yes, we have our income from the Karate school plus some of my other investments, plus Toni and I both have incomes here. So we can spend more than many here.

It is the dollar value that has fallen over the past few years. It is like a Pizza at Pizza Hut is 100 RMB but we can get one from the local company for about 60.

But yes we normally eat dinner at the local street vendors, and spend about 4 US dollars for our entire meal for 3 people. Or eat at a little more fancy Chinese place for about 30 RMB for the entire family.

The US food places are near the higher end income people, For example, stores where dresses are 800 RMB and shirts for men are 400 RMB. We looked at watches today that were 9000 RMB. This is the mall where McDonald is. Now the Chinese are lined up for this, but this is most certainly a high income area.

I bought a shirt today for 49RMB and it is a nice as the other ones. I had one hand made last week for less than 100RMB. My best shirt deal was at Walmart, a special clearance sell. All for the odd non popular sizes ( yet that is the 3XL) I got it for 20RMB.

This week we are on vacation for the National Holiday, and we have a tour guide to show us how to get to all of the US buying places. Of course we buy their meal when we go, so they get a good meal and often get us special pricing. Now they will get very loud, yell and ask for the manager. At Dunkin Donuts we all got free coffee and they get to take photos of Americans eating at their place to show off.

And we had been a month, without any of this, so a little over the top extra

But you can buy spice cake on the street or in the store bakery, donuts and most of the things. I can buy sort of of large bun and hamburger and make our own burgers.
But even their regular places have spaggitti ( they claim discovered it first).

I am getting some Chinese down, and love to bargain prices, we are starting to play ping pong and wanted to get some paddles. I looked at a set and they asked 40RMB, I made a face, just put them down and said NO ( in Chinese of course) and started to walk off, he followed and said 30, and I waved my hand and laughed. Sort of a insult I am told, that they must be joking on the price. I walked back when he said 20 and ended up with 15 as the price. About 2.25 US for two paddles and 4 balls. They have a large ping pong area near us.

Toni can read and talk more Chinese than I can, but she does not bargain as well. She shows too much emotion on things she likes. I had to act like the mean husband today, she saw a back pack, not that she does not have one already, but she wanted this purple one. Like all the "girls" carry. Yep, back pack envy. Well they asked 60 I think and she got it to 55 or something and was getting ready to pay, so I walked up and yelled like no it was a waste of money, look at cheap it is made. I got another 15 off and most likely could have got more but I think Toni was not playing along well.

I think we get followed every now and then, We are two blocks from the main headquarters of their Province government. And there are lots of government buidings all around us.
Of course they have all of the military training for the college students, we see some only because it is done in the open fields where we have to walk past.
I have a National Party member monitor in all of my classes, they don't set though all but come in and sit in the back of many of the classes.

There are two army soldiers who stand across the street from our complex all day, but I think they are guarding or watching the place they stand in front of. It looks like a lot, and I mean a lot of important people eat and meet there all the time. Lots of big cars driving in
There are about 10 foreign people in my complex, but we are the only Americans.
There are only about 3 Americans working at our campus besides us, the rest are from Europe.

Hi Chuck I expect you know that there is, shall we say, special places in each city where the cadre meet privately, you are probably across the road from one. Don't make the mistake of taking photos. I find it interesting that inflation has taken over there, but I expect tourism has brought a certain amount of profiteering you should avoid buying anything for more than half the asking price. It is hard to get used to such a system but it is the way things are throughout the orient, it's sort of like tipping, not done there

I hope you do well with Chinese, hard to get used to that tonal thing. But I'm sure you will be able to use your background well to teach english

One secret Im going to let you in on. If you want the "best" bargin for your money on an item especially a big ticket item be the first one to buy for the day. Tradition has it that the first customer of the day is going to dictate how the day is going to go. So be first and make the sale happen.

Some great videos of my day today, a giant mall, some wonderful street music of traditional music, and my eating at a street café. Funny at the café, they were using plastic stools, I guess I am so heavy, I broke it and hit the floor, they were so concerned but I just laughed to let them know I was OK, and the entire café starting laughting once I did. So polite they would never have laughed no matter how hard they wanted to unless I did.

Great mean for all three of us for 7 RMB ( about 1.10 US dollar)
If you though in the cokes, the entire meal was under 3 US dollars for all three of us to eat.

There is a video with traditional music, and another showing the areas largest mall.

My blog shows my photo with some local soldier who was helping take some of our photos and helping "protect" me in the crowd. Also a great photo with a large group of cheer leaders.

Street Music

Traditional Chinese Music?????????????????? (http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDU3NDEwMTY0.html)

Large mall
Large Mall in Zhengzhou?????????????????? (http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDU3NDA4MjY0.html)

Our sidewalk café
Side walk dinner (http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDU3NDA2ODUy.html)

City Center

Two Seven Square?????????????????? (http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDU3NDA0OTgw.html)

Hi Chuck I see you are learning about the difference between locals and tourists, yes watch out for plastic chairs, they are not UV stable and degenerate quickly in sunlight. I've done that myself and seen it happen to others. There are some really big malls in China but what ,Zhengzhou has 17 Million people? So scale is something you have to get used to. I was amazed at the width of the streets in Wuhan and the scale of the bridges

I am still gettting used to the idea that traffic lights are "suggestions" and that people walking are targets. Even one way streets are only one way since you are only going "ONE WAY" many times a taxi or a delivery truck will be going the wrong way up a one way street.

And of course driving on the side walk is acceptable, if you are only going part way up the block to park. Learning some interesting new hand signs, ( I am sure they are greetings of love) when they don't like they way you ride your bike on the street.

I had an experience yesterday, with my Chinese friend. Don't walk or cross with bikes, that sign only applies to others I guess, Honking and yelling at people walking to get out of the way on side walk is a past time.

The best was his argument with the store manager or customer service manager when he did not get his "free" gift for his purchase. Had this been a Kung Fu movie they would have fought to the death.

Another day of shopping,

Zhengzhou City Center?????????????????? (http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDU4MjQ4NDI0.html)

Well I took a man's day off and went to the spa, It was wonderful.
Started with a shower and then hot tub and then hotter tub, while watching the large screen TV. From there you do the Sauna. Another shower and then a massage and a milk bath. Followerd by another shower. Then they find silk robes and you rest and either nap or watch TV.

This was the budget treatment and cost me about 33RMB or a little more than 5 US dollars.

They had much higher packages, not sure what came with them. Since this was a max experience for me.

But I may try the 200 RMB spa treatment next time, it is only about 33 US dollars and I wonder how better it could be.

Just a update, I am spending the week in Hong Kong. It is so different from China. Almost everyone speaks English, and all of the main food is exactly like US.

But the prices are high also. A Pizza was almost 500 HK dollars with drinks and chicken wings.

Why are you having so much fun? I had envisioned all sort of poverty and anguish and that you would regret the move. China and Hong Kong are looking pretty good, thanks to your glowing reports! The spa experience sounds wonderful!

Well last week Lady Toni, went to the spa with me, they have it better, private hot tubs and showers, and then we both got foot massage.

There is of course poor,and the average worker makes about 200 US dollars a month and the well paid college teachers ( chinese teachers) only make about 800 US dollars a month.

So I guess I do have it somewhat better, since I have a higher income so we can do more things. But I am living in the same normal housing that the Chinese teachers live in.

In Hong Kong we got a "hostle" so Toni, Nate and I are in one small room with two double beds ( small double beds) but who is going to stay in the room in Hong Kong. We are down on Nathon Blvd. But the room with air conditioner and TV but not cable, but wi fi only costs me 300 US dollars for 4 nights and they tell me I over paid.

Hello from Hong Kong.

I posted about 100 photos of Hong Kong, including some great harbor shots and a wonderful temple.

You know we do want you to come back some day don't you ? Awesome pictures and thanks for keeping up with your blog. What an exciting time of your lives.

Well God willing, it will be at least a year here, but to be honest we just love it.

Well back to Zhengzhou from Hong Kong. China's airlines, well, they get you there and serve a large meal. And they are really nice, but they are the roughest rides I have ever had.
One passenger when to the lavatory and said he almost forgot if he was masturbating or urinating they plane was bouncing so much.

Well Hong Kong, all I can say is that it is unforgettable, still not sure I really liked it.
It is too for crowded, the prices are way to high ( for Asia) and they drive on the "wrong" side of the road.

Positives, any and everything American, from fast foods ( Burger King, various Pizza places, TGI Fridays, and more all there.

But then if there was not 100 there was 10,000 people on the sidewalk trying to sell me watches, sim cards, tailor made suits, and of course massages and sex. Prostitution is legal, so no issue just being direct and basically handing out business cards promising what ever service they offer. In fact the hardest is finding a real massage that was not sexual.

Well it is official, Toni, Nate and I was issued our legal residence permits today, so we are all legal residents of China now.

Toni is doing well in both reading, writing and speaking Chinese. I survive with my electric translator and phrase book. I do have about 100 words or so I know that will get me the basics of life.

Well it is official, Toni, Nate and I was issued our legal residence permits today, so we are all legal residents of China now.

Toni is doing well in both reading, writing and speaking Chinese. I survive with my electric translator and phrase book. I do have about 100 words or so I know that will get me the basics of life.


Congratulations. Im glad to see your playing nice over there ;)

Yes, I bet you we had at least 12 photos taken at various offices from the embassy, to the experts bureau to the Public security office and finally the entry and exit office.
Some had to have white backgrounds, some red, some had to be electronic on government systems.

Yes, I bet you we had at least 12 photos taken at various offices from the embassy, to the experts bureau to the Public security office and finally the entry and exit office.
Some had to have white backgrounds, some red, some had to be electronic on government systems.

That sounds like something they want to do here if you should think about buying a gun.

Well even the police don't carry guns here, only special bank guards, we live near a large bank center where they load or unload armored cars, and they have men in black clothing that carry automatic weapons.
At least the patrol and street police. They carry clubs.

What a wonderful experience for you and your family. Can't wait to see the updates!

Well going to be teaching at the Law School this next semester, got to see my new class room today, remember my old one, had no heat, seats for the kids and that was it.

My new one is heated ( it was almost hot in it today with 25 degrees outside) my old one was about 32 inside today. There is a soda and snack machine in the hall, I have a seat and over head projectors. Plus I don't have to change classrooms each period but get to use same room for all classes.

Finger Lick'in Good.
And the chicken was not that bad either (LOL) OK Toni was with me, she is right beside me, really. Well the KFC here not only has somewhat American chicken but lots of chicken sandwiches. But they also have good Chinese food also, like curry chicken and rice or perhaps congee for breakfast. So we have eat there a few times this week, Normally we don't eat there that often.

There was something about Colonel Sanders with a Chinese title, that just was funny today, I bet he did not ever forsee KFC being one of the largest fast food chains in China.

And OK, since I am a guy and not dead yet, a 1/2 dressed lady will get their photo taken. Now for all you single guys, or the ones who wish they were single after seeing all of these girls, not all of them look like this, many of the others are much prettier. (LOL)

I know such a tough life here in China, I only have 3 more weeks left in my 6 week vacation And I am going to have to work 18 hours a week next semester. What slave drivers
And I even got moved to new class rooms with heat inside the Law School..

A interesting day in China

Hello again, Padre:

Your consort? She's hot!

excon

You can have your pick of any of the four from the post before.
The top two speak a little English.

Just a photo of a traditional Chinese wedding, the color is "red" even the lovely brides dress. Plus food and food and even more food. And then fireworks after the food is done.

Sadness this week, one of our teachers and someone I had viewed as a friend, passed away this week. We had planned some activities for the coming weeks.
He went to India for his Spring vaction, I stayed here in the city, he returned last week and was feeling ill. He had developed some form of cancer, I never was told exactly what, and passed within a week of finding out.

He will be missed.

Good Bye Authur

And for those that want some humor I am now teaching in the Idological and Political Education College.

And if me teaching politics in China is not bad enough, this one got me today.
AMWAY, OK I was taught that it stood for "AMERICAN WAY"

But guess what, where in the middle of China, the Amway Corporation offices and store.