How to get there, how to get around, where to find stuff and how to ask for it. These are tips from the local insider to make your stay here a breeze
It came to me last night - after spending a frustrating evening trying to get by in Chinese - quite unsuccessfully. I am here in China for one primary reason and that is to learn the Chinese language. Now, let’s be honest with each other, this isn’t your Mammy’s Spanish were talking about - this is Chinese!!! Couple that with the fact that I have never learned a language before and that I’m starting my first at 32 (33 in a month) and we have quite a challenge on our hands. I am willing to put everything I have into it, and if I can do it anyone can, do anything. Oh yeah, I have another confession to make, I am tone-deaf! - and Chinese is a tone-based language. I am so tone-deaf in fact, that, when I was waiting tables at the Cheesecake Factory, I was banned from even singing “happy birthday.” Believe me, this is a true story.
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First of all, Thank you all very much for posting comments. I really appreciate the many great relationships that I’ve developed while travelling the world. I have asked my friend, Sean, the owner of Bootsnall.com, to modify the site, so that it will show the country where each of you have posted from. So far, I can name Italy, Mexico, France, China, Greece, Gibralter, and of course, The US of A.
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Hello there - My name is Adam Reed and I am/will be living in China for the next year or so. I met Sean and Mika while in Germany this summer, where we were all taking in the excitement of World Cup. I am really big on “small world” stories and, while on a tour, Mika overheard me telling some people that I was from Portland, Oregon. He came up and introduced himself and Sean and we all became friends one fateful night in Berlin.
First, let me tell you how I arrived here in China. …
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I just moved into my new apartment. I am satisfied that I got a nice deal. It is on the 16th floor of a new building and nothing is between me and the Ocean, except for the lower level Olympic Regatta that is being built. I am right near JUSCO, which is the main shopping center here in Qingdao. The monthly cost is 3000 RMB/month (about $375.) The street that I am on is called Donghai Rd. This is the main road that goes along the waterfront. The last thing I need to do is get an internet connection in my apartment and I will be able to upload some pics.
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I am loving this place more and more everyday. I have met some great people since I arrived in China about a week and a half ago. When in Beijing, I met with the daughter of a former business associate of mine. Her name is Kim, and she and I went to a pretty chic lounge and ended up shooting pool with the owner of Becks Brewing Co. Since I have been in Qindao, I have also been blessed to make some great new friends that have helped me look for an apartment and navigate the …
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