What do I like best about Chongqing?
Let's start with the hardest question first. To be honest, this city is not my favorite. Besides the amazing people I've met and my job, I haven't really connected with it and nothing has really stood out to me so far. To some people that sounds depressing and negative, I know. But that's not how I feel. I have an incredible opportunity to do whatever I want here and learn so much. I'm learning more about what I want and don't want in my life. I'm having a break from the normal routine of western culture. So that's what I'd say is my favorite thing about Chongqing. Not the physical location, but the new mental space available here for me to grow.
How do I like the food? What is it like? Any favorites?
I don't know how I feel about the food yet but it is so exciting trying all new different flavors and foods! Eating here has been difficult for me for multiple reasons. The menus are all in Mandarin, the food is extremely spicy, and I'm vegetarian. This city loves its meat and spicy food!
In Chongqing, the city is known for a dish called "hot pot". It is a big bowl of spicy broth that you and your friends gather around and cook different meats and vegetables in. I had my first hot pot experience with some coworkers last week. My team leader was very kind and prepared it at his apartment. The flavor was very good but was too spicy for me to handle. My face turned red after the first bite! The spice is like no other that I've tried. Just breathing in the smell chokes me a little. It's going to take some getting used to.
My favorite dish so far is from a little restaurant outside of my workplace. I don't know what it is called because I just point to the picture and say "bu yao la" (basically means I don't want spicy). It's a noodle dish with chickpeas and greens. Yum!
How am I managing with the language barrier? How many English speakers are there?
I'll be honest, it has been difficult but it is encouraging me to learn as much as I can! In Thailand, there are lots of tourists, so locals are encouraged to learn English to help their businesses. In Chongqing, there are hardly any expats living here and even fewer tourists. This means that there really isn't a need to learn English. I've had to depend solely on using translator apps, gestures, and guessing. Some days I feel like I'm in a big game of charades...and I'm not good at that game! I have learned to say "I don't understand" and I use it all day, every day! Luckily, the people at my work speak very good English and have helped me around!
What is the weirdest encounter I've had with a local?
I haven't had any weird encounters yet but living life here is quite different. Whenever I am in public, I am constantly being watched, having pictures taken of me, parents push their children to come to practice their English with me, and try to talk to me to see if I speak Mandarin. Since there are very few expats living here, when people see a westerner they are confused and curious. I feel like a celebrity and there are paparazzi. It has taken some getting used to.
A lot of people will stop me to take photos and ask me questions. For example, one day I was reading under a tree and I felt someone staring at me. When I looked up, two women were taking pictures of me and squealed in delight when I noticed them. They immediately sat down beside me and began asking me questions in Chinese. I have no idea what they were asking except for when they asked me where I was from and how old I was. They were, however, able to ask me if I was married in English. Seems like everyone is able to here! The rest of the time was spent taking selfies with them. Sometimes this is fun. Other times I feel like a walking exhibit.
What is something I didn't expect about China?
I'm constantly shocked by how people treat the streets here. Men spit on the ground all the time, litter is thrown on the ground, and babies defecate wherever they please. There is actually a cut out in babies clothing on their butt to make it easier for them to publicly defecate. However, the streets remain visibly very clean. Workers are always sweeping and mopping the sidewalks.
What is the toughest obstacle I've faced in Chonqing?
The toughest obstacle I've had has been eating. I am a vegetarian and Chongqing loves meat. I've ordered dishes that don't have meat on the menu, but still come out topped with meat. It's annoying to have to translate everything on the menu and not be able to find anything. Luckily, the people I work with have helped me so much and I've relied a lot on my own cooking. It's gotten easier the longer I've been here and explored more.
How old are the children I am teaching?
I am teaching children from ages 4-18. There are 4 groups based on age and I will be teaching mostly the younger 3 groups. Before coming I thought I would like teaching the older children, but now I think I will like to teach younger children more. The younger children are called "Small Stars" and I to give them stickers and play songs. I like that I get to teach multiple age ranges because it will make work more interesting.
How is air pollution? Am I wearing a mask?
The air pollution is not as bad as I imagined, but it is definitely noticeable. The air is thick and the sky is gray. I don't wear a mask because no one else does here. Maybe if it gets worse throughout the year I might. In Thailand, the people wore masks all the time but yet the pollution was not as bad.
What are the toilets like?
Everywhere I have been so far have had squat toilets. Malls have been an exception because they will have a couple western toilets in the back. When I was looking for an apartment, I originally was set on getting a western toilet. Only looking at apartments with western toilets limits your choices though. I eventually decided that I would consider a place with a squat toilet. I figured that having a squat toilet at home would let me practice for public squat toilets. Also, I would be living more like a local. Turns out that the squat toilet isn't all that bad, just takes some getting used to and a lot of mental preparation!
Is there McDonald's or KFC?
There are both actually! I haven't been to KFC, but I have been to McDonald's. The McDonald's is quite the same except there are fried chicken options and the flavors of desserts are different.
What are the crime rates? Do I feel safe?
I am surprised to say that I feel like this is the safest country I have lived in. There are few policemen roaming around, I haven't seen any sketchy people, and you are never alone when you are outside. I don't know if it's this way in other cities, but I think a couple things contribute to safety. First, Chongqing is not a touristy city, therefore, there are no people walking the streets to prey on ignorant tourists. Second, I've only been to certain parts of the city. It could be different in other parts. Where I live though, people are too busy living there lives to even think about harming me.
What is the cost of rent and are utilities included?
I have a furnished two-bedroom apartment with a washer and a balcony for 2500 RMB. This converts to around 350 USD. The utilities are not included. Studios are typically 2000 RMB and two-bedrooms are typically 2500 RMB. In Chongqing, rent is paid every three months. So when I bought my apartment I had to pay three months rent plus a 2500 deposit.
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Thank you to the people who sent me questions! I would like to keep everyone involved in my blog posts, so I'm also giving you all the control for the next post! I have some ideas down below and would love for you all to comment on which topic I should write about next from the list!
Thank you and talk soon!
Apartment Tour
A Day in my Life
