I Have the Best Friends

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“The Big Game” is coming up this weekend and sadly, I will be sleeping or teaching my grade eights for most of the game.  I’ll miss eating myself silly and watching the commercials, but I’m sure I can get my fill of both at a later time.  The cool thing is, I was invited to a Super Bowl party in Kansas City.

I have the best friends.

My friends invite me to events that they know I can’t attend.  My friend Charlie invited me to his birthday party.  My friend Justin invited me to our annual celebration of Nakatomi Friday.  I get weekly invitations from a former workmate inviting me to Friday happy hours. You’d think this would make me gloomy and violently homesick, but it doesn’t.  It makes me feel warm and giddy every time.  I guess it reminds me that I’m not forgotten, yet.

In the fall I was so surprised when my friend Lisa created a “Flat Andrea and Harry” who went to K-state Football games and other great activities.  She even got a Flat Me into the hands of my friends Dave and Lori so I could travel with them to see my friend Donnyves graduate from the Naval Academy.  I even visited friend’s Nick, Sara, and Josie in Washington D.C.  I told my new friends about how cool my friends back at home were.  I was told, “Yeah, that will stop.” Essentially, preparing me for when my friends “move on.” I’m pleased to say, my friends are still as amazing as ever.

Co-workers sent me a Christmas package (even though I didn’t get it until after the New Year… grrrr China Post!).  It was filled with sweet and thoughtful gifts from home.  I was especially pleased to find a copy of People’s Sexiest Men issue.  Bradley Cooper’s seductive smile still sits on my desk at work (under a stack of grading of course). Magazines are super expensive and you can only get British versions in Hong Kong, so this was an particularly special gift that brought out jealousy in many a co-worker.

I love getting to chat with friends via facebook and skype.  Especially when it’s just simple day-to-day conversations.  This past summer I spent many dinners with friends Matthew and Juli and I’ve been lucky enough to continue that tradition on the other side of the world… although I’m eating breakfast while they have dinner. 

I find myself talking about my friends often.  I brag about their amazing achievements, share their sadness, and retell stories of adventure and hilarity.  I’m sure some are sick of hearing me talk about how great my friends are, but I’ve had on more than one occasion a co-worker tell me, “I want to be friends with your friends.”

Yeah, get in line. 

Because my friends are awesome.

Adventure Andrea- Now with underwater breathing capabilities! (Scuba gear sold separately)

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Let me begin by saying Manila is a place I never need to visit again.  Which is unfortunate because the beautiful beachside village of Sabang where I stayed last week was so lovely, I’d return there in a heartbeat.

Sabang is situated a two-hour bus ride and a one and a half hour ferry ride south of Manila. My travel companions, Lindsey and Lindsey, and I chose this place for it’s relative ease of travel.  It just so happens that this village has some of the best scuba diving sites in Southeast Asia. When we discovered this fact, Lindsey looked at me with a slightly devious grin and asked, “So, would you be interested in getting your open water diving certification?” Without taking so much as a half a breath I replied, “Yes. Heck yes.”

I have to admit, I had a bit of a flutter in my tummy as I walked to my first day of “Scuba School.” I was a bit freaked out about the whole breathing underwater thing. When I arrived, I met my classmate Oscar a Mexican currently living in Shanghai, and my instructor, Huw (pronounce Hugh), a soft-spoken and patient Welshman.  We watched a few short videos and then suited up for our first dive. 

Seriously? After watching a few videos I am now qualified to go underwater and breathe?  From this little thingy in my mouth, I just breathe?  Really? After a few minutes of slight panic and holy crap moments, I was swimming around Little La Laguna saying hello to fishes.

Both Lindseys joined me for my first “open water” boat dive.  It was so great to have friends with me for my big moment.  I passed the class with flying colors, model student that I am (of course) and was very tempted to continue on and take the advanced course.  I decided (or more truthfully my wallet decided for me) to pick up that challenge another time.  I did however end up doing a total of six dives during the week, the deepest being 20 meters (65ft.).  I loved every minute of it and am totally hooked.  Luckily, it looks like I’ll be diving during spring break as well.

When talking with a LaRoy, a co-worker’s husband, about spring break travel plans he said, “Krabi.”

I said, “Huh?”

He said, “Krabi.  Diving, hiking, rock climbing…”

“Yes. I want to go to there.  That place. I want to go to that place.” I stammered.

I don’t know why, but being here has revealed a new Andrea… Adventure Andrea.  I mean, I’m not doing crazy things like base jumping or getting a tattoo on a shady Chinese side street, but I sure have experienced some great adventures.  Canyoning, rock climbing, kayaking, hiking the deepest gorge in China, riding in a Jeepney, scuba diving in the South China Sea, eating yak, walking across the street in Shekou…

Which leads me to wonder, where has Adventure Andrea been all these years?  Has she always been lurking just under the surface or does she just not exist in the Midwest? Did China do this to me? 

If so, thank you China…

Now, there’s something you don’t hear often.

Xīn nián kuài lè!

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Monday, January 23^rd will mark the official beginning of the Year of the Dragon, but the preparations have been in full swing for weeks now.  This is a really big deal. Last night we celebrated "China Day" at our school.  There were games, dancers, acrobats, face changers, lion and dragon dancers and amazing Chinese food.  It was a super event.

For the past few weeks auspicious decorations and symbols have been popping up over night.  Lanterns have been hung, plant sellers are hawking beautiful potted plants, and mandarin oranges are everywhere. Last night, while walking to work (yes, I worked on a Saturday night) I witnessed a musically coordinated light display that sang, “Xīn nián kuài lè!” to the tune of “Happy Birthday.”  It was something to behold. All of these displays have meaning of their own, but in truth I think the singing lights display was just delicious tackiness.

Before Christmas break, we were given a primer about Chinese New Year from the Chinese staff at our school. Rachel taught us the basic ins and outs of the season… mainly so we westerners don’t do something totally culturally insensitive.  We discussed lucky numbers, red envelopes and the appropriate amount to give ayis and doormen for a New Year’s bonus.  I for sure wouldn’t want to give Zhou a big fat envelope of bad luck for the New Year. 

[Side note:  During this presentation I also learned that it is bad luck to talk about things being broken or not working during New Year.  The conundrum I am facing is that Boc Choi (my scooter) is currently out of commission.  So, do I go get it fixed (and possibly spread bad luck) or do I just hold tight till the end of New Year celebrations?  So far, I’m going with being culturally sensitive and Boc Choi is staying parked. ]

In the PowerPoint, she also shared pictures of the mass exodus that happens during the week of the New Year.  It is intensely important for everyone to return home and be with family for the celebration.  Madeline, one of our Chinese teachers, spent 30 hours on a train to see her family.  People spend days in lines to buy train tickets. And these are not tickets for seats; these are tickets to get on the train.  After that, the space that you claim as your own is up to you.  Madeline spent something like 16 hours standing on one train before she found a seat.  So, when you complain about road traffic or lines at the airline ticket counters, think of sweet little Madeline crammed in the upper corner of a sleeping berth of a train.  What amazing dedication they show to their families. 

This year marks the Year of the Dragon, a very auspicious sign.  This year is the year to be born and the Chinese are taking this quite literally.  There are SO MANY pregnant women!  It seems like every Chinese woman of child bearing age (who doesn’t already have one child…) is pregnant right now.  In fact, a friend reported that if you want to have a baby in the Year of the Dragon, you would be hard pressed to find a place to give birth; all of the rooms in all of the hospitals in Hong Kong are already booked for the entire year.  I’m no demographer, but I’d predict a surge in population this year in Asian countries.  Just a hunch.

Meanwhile, just as the fireworks hit their zenith, I will be meandering through the Philippines.  I board a plane for Manila the Saturday before the New Year.  I will come back about five days after the New Year, but the party will still be in full swing.  Fireworks should last until the Lantern Festival which the 15^th day of the celebration.  I’ve been told to expect very little sleep until then as the fireworks are deafening and come at regular interval throughout the night.  Gotta keep those evil spirits at bay.  At least the week in the Philippines will be restful!

Happy New Year All!

I Heart HK

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 A little primer for those not up to snuff on the geography and culture of Hong Kong. 

Hong Kong is comprised of many islands and a peninsula that juts off Mainland China.  Victoria harbor divides the peninsula (Kowloon) from the main island (Hong Kong Island).  When you picture the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, this is the place you are picturing. However, just outside of the frenetic quarters of Central, SoHo, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, and Wan Chai you find beautiful hiking trails, camping sights and beaches. 

Culturally speaking, Hong Kong is a completely different world. Technically, it is under the control of the Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC), but it’s citizens have much more political freedom than the rest of the Mainland.  The people who live in Hong Kong speak Cantonese and English and consider themselves Hong Kongers or Cantonese, not Chinese. 

So, why do I love this place so much?

It’s not China.

Again, I don’t hate China. But seriously think about this:  Imagine a completely different country, where they have more resources than your country.  There is more freedom there.  You understand the language and their manners are familiar.  The transportation is accessible and there is a lot to see and do.  Stylish clothing (in your size) and delicious foods are readily available.  Oh yeah, and there are western men there who speak English… often with British accents. You can see that country from your office window and it’s only a 45 min. ferry ride away.

Yeah, you’d love this place too.

When I go to Hong Kong, I relax.  Which seems counter-intuitive for such a frantic and crazy city.  I don’t know how it happens, but as I walk down the gangplank of the ferry I get a skip in my step.  I smile quite uncontrollably.  I’m sure the Hong Kong immigration officials think I’m crazy, but I know that on the other side of that yellow line on the floor is Hong Kong. 

As I exit the ferry terminal, I am swept up into the swirling mass of people that is Central Hong Kong.  This is truly a part of the city where you have to literally go with the flow.  I always imagine myself as a part of a huge dance and everyone has moves to follow.  If I know where I’m going, I take my prescribed route and dance my way through the crowds.  If I’m not quite sure where I’m headed I mimic the moves of others and keep my eyes open for my destination knowing that if I get lost, I can ask for directions.  Generally people understand English and are helpful.   

On the outset, Hong Kong looks to be complete chaos.  The sheer number of people completely overwhelmed me on my first visit.  This is one of the most densely populated cities in the world and when trying to work you way through Central on a weekend day, you feel it.  But there is order to the chaos.  There are manners and rules to be followed here.  There are laws against spitting on the sidewalks.  People wish you a good day. People queue up for subway tickets.  Cars allow pedestrians to cross the street.  On escalators, people stand on the right and walk on the left.  It’s orderly.  And for me, there is such peace found in that order.

Yesterday I headed to Hong Kong for a hike with a group of co-workers and their kids.  After taking a ferry, a subway and a bus, I found myself on the side of the island opposite from the crazy pace of Central.  We hiked up to a ridge trail called Dragon’s Back.  On one side of the trail you could see Big Wave Beach and the outer islands of Hong Kong. On the other side was the upscale town of Stanley and it’s beaches.  With views like these, we were inspired to dream up plans of retirement on the island of Hong Kong. We ended our hike in the sleepy beachside town of Shek O.  We found our way to the beach (I see a trip to the beach in my future, when its warmer) and ate lunch in an adorable little café where the food was homemade and fantastic.  I had a lime ale made with freshly squeezed lime and ginger juice.  Amazing.

A short but twisty double decker bus ride returned us to the bus station and chaos of city life.  All of this in the span of about 7 hours. Heck of a day trip.

Shenzhen is not glamorous, but it is home.  As I left the ferry terminal in Shekou, I was not swept up into any mass of people.  I slowly meandered home, stopping to buy some DVDs and say, “Ni hao” to the homeless man with no legs. This time, no one spit in my direction and I didn’t have to dodge any buses as I crossed the street. I was greeted by one of my doormen, the one who always says, “Ni hao” and “You’re welcome (in Chinese of course).” So yeah, until my next trip to HK, this’ll do.