Foreigner Sighting

This past week, as I was about to get on the bus heading home. I noticed the first 老外. Laowai is a word used here for foreigners. The literal translation is "old foreigner" but it doesn't really have that connotation. In riding this bus for eight months, I still have not seen a foreigner on it. It rides through the Olympic park everyday. I just think to myself next year, this will all change in a BIG way. I just try to enjoy it all now before all the foreigners come. The funny thing was I looked at her and she looked at me... it was as if we were both amazed to see each other there.

I continue to be amazed at the rate of construction around the Olympic Village here. It seems like such a special time to be living in the area I live. Not many people get to see the vast changes I see on a daily basis. I just wish I could capture it all on camera better. The area is going to be absolutely amazing when complete next year.

As I was going to work this week, I snapped two shots for you. One is of the "Birds Nest". This is where they will host the Opening Ceremonies. Still a lot of work to do around it but it is a beatiful structure. Another picture is a streetscape shot around where I get off for work. I always find it interesting to see black VW Passats whizzing by as old men on horse and carriage take bricks somewhere. This shows the vast difference in ways of living that exists even in the cities here.

Random Things

For some of you, especially those living in China, you may think this blog entry is crazy but there are things that in everyday life continue to amaze me here. I was teaching a beginner golfer awhile back (she was a 50 year old lady) and she was wearing high heels trying to hit golf balls off the driving range. She was having a great time... smiling and absolutely loving it. I was just wishing I could have snapped a good pic. But, not an opportunity:( So, I thought this pic would do.

Qingdao

I was in Qingdao seeing some friends and going to another China Tour event. Qingdao is a great city... on the ocean and very clean. We had a great week meeting people and helping the players but the best part of the week was seeing two friends. One afternoon, a good friend and I took his mountain bikes and rode the entire boardwalk in Qingdao. It was beautiful, except for the fog. That day we really must have seen at least 300 couples getting their pictures taken for their wedding. Here in China, people typically get their pictures taken before the wedding. I asked a local why so many people today? He replied: 好日子, which basically means a good day on the Lunar Calender. This is also the year of the Pig... so everyone and their dog who wanted to get married was out that day... it was pretty interesting. Wish I would have taken some mor pic's... some of the outfits and pictures were pretty funny. If you ever get a chance to go to Qingdao... don't pass it up... fun place!

Cultures

One of the main reasons why I love living overseas... meeting people from different cultures. I don't know what it is but I am so intrigued by hang out with people from other countries. Especially countries that most people don't go to or know much about. That's why one of the highlights of this year was and still is teaching twelve North Korean professors golf one afternoon.

Last night, I had a fun time hanging out with some friends. As I looked around, the thing I loved about this group was: There were two Mongolian guys I sat next two who spoke amazing English, a Japanese girl, an Italian, South African, Aussy from Cambodia/Vietnam, and a Chinese. Why couldn't we have just threw in an Egyptian and Argentine for fun? Anyway, for those who know me, you probably know this... but I thought many may not know what intrigues me about living overseas... other cultures are great and we have a lot to learn from others.

Chinglish

Living in China has its ups and downs. One of the things I enjoy is finding good Chinglish signage. Here in Beijing there is less and less as the Olympics draw near. But, if you venture out, you can find some pretty funny things that will keep you laughing. I could only imaging what our signage would say if we used Chinese in the US! Anyway, thought I would share with you my favorite. Never knew Go Cart Racing was so good for the body. Guess I'll have to do it more!


If you want to see more, go to my Photosite. It is on the upper right hand corner of my Blog site.