Feeling the Need to Get OUT of Beijing

In April we went to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, in May we went to Fragrant Hills and in June we went to Longqing Gorge.  Our goal is to get out of town every weekend but we haven't managed that yet.  One weekend we told our driver we wanted to get out of Beijing and he drove us to this ranch with horseback riding, go-carts, carnival games and ONLY Chinese.  We had to explain to Hubo that when we say “OUT” of Beijing, we sometimes mean “AWAY” from people.  Getting away from people in China is difficult but a few less than usual feels good.  

Now if the darn pollution would improve, we'd be happy to explore Beijing as there are so many things to see in the city.  Unfortunately we feel the need to escape the air quality by going out of Beijing.

Don't Hate Me Because I Live In China

My last post talked about the kooky, sometimes unpleasant aspects of Beijing.  I wanted to balance that out with some good stuff.  

Some of you would never have done what we have done...leave our lovely home, close to our family and dear friends to move half way around the world to such a foreign country.  Most of you think it is a fabulous experience but when push came to shove, you would probably not trade places.  I could be wrong but I've seen the eyes of people when I told them we were moving to China...their eyes got as round as saucers, their mouths dropped and then they were usually speechless, trying to grasp something positive to say.  Well here's something positive...

I have servants!

Kooky Tales from Planet China

I am reading this fabulous book called "Lost on Planet China" that my British School of Houston gal pals gave me as a going away present.  I am so glad I waited to read it as it is hilarious once you know that he is speaking the truth.   China is a whole other planet, strange and mystifying but familiar in some ways.  Beijing can be just like Houston.  You might forget for a while where you are but then some kooky thing happens and reality rushes in.

Hocking Loogies, Shooting Snot, Urinating in Public - Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China.  Hello!?!  It is NOT civilized to purge an immense, glutinous loogie from somewhere deep within your innards or expel snot from first one nostril and then the other!  I hear the city has improved in this regard since there was a crackdown pre-Olympics to curtail the expulsion of the contents of noses and lungs.  There is nothing like seeing this lovely sweet Chinese grandmother, hocking the biggest loogie in the history of mankind, right before your shocked and appalled eyes.

    My Facebook friends will be familiar with this story but it's a doozie and worth sharing again.  I was at Shin Kong Place which is a Galleria type mall with high-end stores and a huge indoor playground.  I took Isla in the family bathroom and was helping her in one of the many open stalls.  As I exit the stall, I notice another mother standing in front of the sink, holding her toddler boy as he wizzes into the sink.  Isla points to the little boy's willie and asks what it is.  I'm too busy gaping in utter horror and amazement, waiting for the woman to turn around so she can see the perfectly clear disgust on my face.  Unfortunately, she never looked at me and she definitely didn't understand my words of revulsion. 

Paparazzi

The girls are looked at and photographed quite often in Beijing.  It is usually one guy or gal who whips out their camera phone to shoot a pic of their lovely locks and big blue eyes.

But when we went to the Great Wall this past weekend, it all changed.  Suddenly we weren't in Beijing where they are somewhat used to seeing the occasional expat.  Now we were in the country where the rural Chinese were in awe of these two gorgeous girls.

Or they wanted pictures with the girls.

The Great Wall photos above are only 2 of the many instances when the paparazzi descended on the girls.  You have to see it to believe it!

School Days

Fiona's 1st Week at the British School of Beijing (BSB)

Fiona had a fantastic first day - made 6 new friends and loved her teacher and teaching assistant.  I was very touched by the warm welcome she received from everyone.  She is such a social child so having a group of gals to chat with and play with is very important to her (and me I suppose).  She seems to like the lessons, especially her Chinese lessons.  She is coming home telling me all the shapes and it's going in one ear and out the other.  She could count to 5 by the first day and is already up to 10 after a week.  We hope to get an Ayi who will help her with her pronunciation.

She started her swim class in P.E. today and her first day of After School Activity is this afternoon.  She chose Endangered Animals on Tuesdays and I chose Chinese Culture on Wednesdays.

She really wants to participate in the BSB Idol which is a talent show but it is on April 29th (9 days away).  I think she is so brave to want to try out but I'm not sure we  have time to put something together.  I don't even know the other mom's so how am I suppose to help organize some act?  I think it would be best for her to do something with others but who?

Her favorite friend from the first day is now "not very nice" so a very important lesson has been learned.  You have to get to know someone before you'll know whether you'll like them.  ;-)

Isla's First Days at BSB

Isla just wants to be like her big sister.  She loves that she has a uniform and a water bottle...just like Fiona.  She has an adorable cubby hole and hook with her name and picture on it.  Her teacher is super sweet just like she should be.  Isla gave her a BIG hug goodbye on the 2nd day.  They are learning about bugs this week - butterfly & caterpillar crafts are decorating our apartment and she was crawling around like a worm today.  Her day starts at 8:30 and ends at noon.  We have lunch together then she naps before we head back to BSB to pick up Fiona.  It will be much more convenient when we move to our apartment 4 blocks away from the school...10 more days. 

I am very pleased with how well the girls have adapted to all the changes in their lives.  They are truly amazing!