A Challenge

Living in China is like living anywhere else. There are good points, and there are points that can make living difficult.

Sometimes it is easier to focus on the frustrations and things that are difficult here, particularly after a non-preferred event occurs... But I will make my best attempt to focus on the aspects that are good and positive.

One of the things I like most about China is the challenge. There are many Challenges that I can embrace. The good part is that most of the challenges that I encounter are optional, so I can avoid them if they become too overwhelming. Obviously, I deal with a language barrier, but I also deal with cultural differences as well. Last month, I found a Buddhist place. I am not exactly too sure of what they do there, but I do know that it pertains to Buddhism. I know it isn't a temple, although the building that houses this place does contain some alters. There is a man who is approximately in his forties who runs the place. He provides some type of consultation. Perhaps spiritual consultation, but I am currently not too clear. He seems very friendly. He resembles what I would think of as a Buddhist monk, although people who are not monks may also wear the Buddhist monk garb. Im not sure. A friend told me that all Buddhist monks shave their heads. This man does not. His hair is short, but not shaved. I know that he does have a superior, but he is the highest person of that place that I have met in terms of authority. One of his assistants is quite a challenge because he asks difficult questions. Overcoming the language barrier, and addressing my ideas in Chinese are difficult.

I don't know if all Buddhist are alike, but these Buddhist seem to have a love for fire. During my last visit, the group lit two fires in front of the building. There seems little regard for what I would think of as fire safety. There are many things that I observe at this Buddhist location and others like it that puzzle me. For example, leaving food at the alters. That seems like such a waste.

The next think I want to share is, is a portion of a letter that I wrote to a friend describing what it feels like living in China;

" ... Welcome to the China ride! Don't try to change anyone or anything. Don't be a reformer. Don't try to fix things. Don't get involved in any arguments between Chinese people, no matter what. Don't expect Chinese people to be honest. Most things here are straight forward. Start at the beginning, do what your told, don't deviate, and get off when the ride is over. China can be a great source of entertainment if I can try to find the humorous side of things, but it can also be quite depressing. ... "

I am here by choice. I am a foreigner. This means that some things are forbidden to me, while other things are more accessible. I have seen so much that I am sure that I would never have encountered if I had never left the United States. So since I am here, I just try to gracefully accept my lot. However, my lot isn't really that bad!

If anyone is considering a move to China, I think that a few characteristics are probably essential ordered from least important to most.
- an open mind
- flexibility - i.e. last minute changes
- having the ability to just let things be without trying to change them
- patience, and slow to anger.
and finally... A sense of humor. There is plenty of humor to be found here.

p.s.

For those considering trips to China... If you plan on traveling within China, and intend on taking a train, I strongly suggest that you not book a hard seat train for trips that last more than 2-4 hours. I can handle them with too much complaint for about 4 hours, but after that... They suck. They are misery for long hauls, I.E. the 12 hour train ride from Beijing to Hohhot. Instead, what you should do is spend the extra money, and book a hard sleeper. Sleepers are bunks that I think are reasonably comfortable. Some people prefer the soft sleeper, but to me, the extra money vs the additional comfort provided are just not worth the value.

Book an overnight train that leaves at around 6pm. As soon as you get on the train, you can sit and look out the window for a few hours, or you can read a book or whatever. Later, you can eat whatever you brought with you, or buy the overpriced shit they sell on the train. Go to sleep, because they will turn the cabin lights off at around 10 -1030, and all the Chinese people go to sleep. Sleep through the night, and next morning you will have arrived at your destination! Plus, you just save money on lodging.

In a word, hard seats suck. I will ride them for short trips, but not for long trips.