I finished orientation week and prepared to start a full week at school (without students yet). Throughout the week, we took care of the necessities, ate fabulous meals, spent time making friends with other new teachers, and gradually feeling like we could go out on our own…
It feels like I have been here for a month. It has been really busy setting up life here. Still hurdles to get through to get the residence visa and that is rolling along. Opening the bank account at Bank of China necessary to get paid and also to set up life.
Paying for goods here is insanely easy. I loved We Chat for keeping in touch with family (can you say free video and phone calls as well as texts through the app?) But the best part is that you can pay for anything through we chat. You can scan the vendor or they can scan you and since it is set up with the Bank of China, it is immediate payment. This can be used in restaurants, vending machines, department stores… You can even pay your friends and split bills. Amazing. I love not having to carry cash, but so tempting when you have your phone with you wherever you go…
After hiking Baiyun mountain yesterday, I was exhausted and finally slept a couple hours in the afternoon. Today I feel much better. After staying in the bulk of yesterday, I spent a couple hours shopping at the Chinese version of a Sam’s Club (called Metro). Then I went on a long bike ride using bike share (MoBike). So easy as bikes are left on the street anywhere. You find one and scan the QR code and it unlocks. When you are done, you leave it wherever you want and then push the knob on the bike to lock it. It was super cheap (about $0.44 for 1.5 hours). I biked along the river until I reached construction then back down along the road. There are many parks and it is beautiful biking along the river.
I left the bike at Tianhe which is not too far from the apartment. It is a pedestrian area that leads to many malls (one is called Mall of the World) and has a huge underground labryinth between most of them. I also enjoyed mango sorbet.
This is the IFC tower at Tianhe.
While I was there they turned on the fountain which coordinated with music. it was a delight to watch the children.
Oops. Need to not change the orientation of the phone next time.
And the best part of coming back to the apartment – rooftop pool to cool down!
I enjoy reading your blogs. You seem to be enjoying the time. I am sure it is & will be up and down but what an opportunity.