the real Beijing

The Real Hangzhou

For the past week I’ve been in Hangzhou, experiencing life as a regular Zhou. I’m currently staying with a family friend who has been teaching me the ropes.

My days typically start at 7 am in the heat of the morning. Once I step outside the small one-bedroom apartment, I find myself in a normal Hangzhou alleyway, busy with motor scooters, roadside peddlers selling mantou and doujiang, not to mention the fusion of sewage and cooking oils… ah the bliss.

I follow my way onto the K12 bus to work, where I meet my greatest enemy: morning traffic. Aboard the bus I encounter protruding butts, elbows, bags, and the like. I fight may way through—and, by the time I arrive at my stop I’m soaking wet in a pool of sweat.

Work mostly consists of a giant law book (completely in Chinese), a handy dictionary and lots and lots of reading and writing. In between, I glance up and muster up my best Mandarin possible when addressing others. In China, etiquette is more important than anything else. Basically I am known in the office as “Xiao Liang,” while I must address everyone else with the utmost respect.

But, I mustn’t forget the best part of work—well, almost. The afternoon nap! Oh, how I was made to work in China, or Taiwan or Spain. Slowly but surely, the office grows strangely quiet, while one by one, people doze off.

After work hours includes many entertaining activities such as foot massages, KTV, basketball, and great Hangzhou cuisine. My friend, Pan Gege also makes me read the newspaper aloud and keep a journal in Chinese.

I’ve also had a lot of time to reflect on my character, on my weaknesses and my life in general. God has been gracious to me—I’ve been convicted to glorify Him in all things: most notably, time management; eating, sleeping and exercising right, responsibility, interactions with others and in my inner most thoughts.

Thanks to all of you who have been faithfully praying for me back home. I thank God for your faithfulness and hope that you are all staying strong in the faith! Please let me know how you are doing by leaving a comment! =)