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??????????????????

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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck

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.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck

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.