My apartment, health checks, and adventures at IKEA

Here is the video from the first morning in my apartment:

I could not get it to load into the blog directly and my days have been pretty busy just getting my life up and running and learning how to work the controls on every appliance in the apartment (as the buttons are all in Chinese). I can say that the appliances (and daily life) here is actually very organized and efficient. More on that later especially after I figure out how to run the dryer cycle (the washer and dryer are the same machine).

One day we went to a traditional Cantonese Dim Sum lunch. They bring out dishes several at a time, very well presented and then take them away when half of the items on a plate have been eaten. They transfer them to a smaller plate so that they can bring out more dishes. Lunch lasts a long time and you are very full from trying everything and the food just keeps coming and coming.

The Canton Tower is a landmark in Guangzhou and you can go up to the top of it. It lights up at night. I actually can see this from one of my apartment balconies but took this shot  whilst traveling to one of the many get togethers.

I was able to get all of my clothes into the wardrobe which is a feat! It helped that I only brought clothes that paired well with others. Many buy another wardrobe from IKEA but have been working at owning less. My shoes are in a separate shoe cabinet in the apartment.

 

 

Yesterday we had the health check for the residence visa. In an hour and a half I had the following tests:

• Urinalysis
• Blood
• Chest x-ray
• EKG (they noted I had bradycardia – do they know I run? – and threw several PVC’s)
• Ultrasound of abdomen, kidneys, etc.
• Check ear, nose, throat
• Sight and colorblind
• Blood pressure, BMI
• Lung and heart sounds

It was actually very efficient and they moved you along from one station to the other. Afterwards we went to starbucks and was able to eat as we were not allowed to eat before. After that we went to IKEA. I have never been to one before and all I can say is that it is overwhelming. I did have a list of things to buy (towels, extra dishes/silverware, organizers for the wardrobe, bath mat, kitchen storage jars…) and bought three things that I did not intend but will probably be thankful later that I did.

I have gone for a run most days and it is very hot here. It is best to do so right when it gets light and before the sun hits the horizon. My favorite place to run is Ersha Island. There are large parks through the center of Ersha and running through them is not only pretty but cooler as it is shaded.

Today we set up some Chinese apps that make carrying money a thing of the past. We chat, which is the best app in the world is what we use to message each other. I speak to my kids daily using phone call or video call. It does not cost any money to call or video through the app. You can also pay anyone on the street for anything. Street vendors use it, stores use it, and even vending machines as well. They scan your QR code and you authorize payment – you can even split checks at a restaurant through the app. We set up the payment feature today.

We also set up Alipay and Taobao. Alipay is how you pay in Taobao and it is linked to your Bank account here in China. Taobao is the Chinese equivalent of Amazon and you can get everything. It sets up the time it is delivered right to your door. These two are set up but in Mandarin so knowing exactly what you order takes time as you have to translate.

So far everyone I have met has been very nice and they work hard to help understand what you are asking or need. So far I am enjoying every minute of the amazing city and slowly expanding the circle that I explore.