The 5 Biggest Things to Get Used to in Jilin

  I've officially been living in China for a week now, and I feel I'm more than qualified to hold a lengthy discussion about any aspect of Chinese history, culture, and the general nuances of being Chinese. The food is amazing, you can`t drink the water, the smoking is out of control, and I can't tell how old any of the women are, but all those don't compare with these: the 5 biggest things for me to get used to here. These are daily details that are at the very least interesting to experience, and can even be daunting at times. But don’t worry, I’ll guide you through- remember, I’m a Chinese expert.

1.   The Chinese Language

  Ok this one is sort of obvious, but seriously- EVERYTHING is in Chinese over here! The language barrier has been severe so far, leaving me pointing at restaurants and markets, ordering food like a spoiled monkey. The people are very kind about me butchering their language like a spicy duck neck, but getting around is difficult, and conversations are impossible. In addition to this, the written language is extremely hard to decipher and remember, which means I don’t know what any building is without actually going inside, and navigational landmarks are much harder to come by, as every sign just looks like colourful neon to me.

Here's where I live. Now try and find it in the dark, when these guys and their birdcages aren't there.

2.   Middle of the Road

  Whether you’re walking, driving, scootering, cycling, busing, or taking a taxi, safety is completely your responsibility. China is not going to hold your hand and make sure you cross the street safely, although you’re free to do so at any time. Lane lines, red lights, speed limits, and even the directional flow of traffic are all guidelines in place, but observing them is really up to you. I haven’t seen anyone being pulled over for a traffic violation, but I also haven’t been hit by a car, so overall I’m pretty happy with it. Just be smart, be aware, and honk your horn as much as you can.

Everything in every direction.

3.   Sunrise, Sunset

  In terms of land area, China is the fourth largest country in the world, and yet it only has one time zone. Although that means Chinese relatives can call each other whenever and it’s always convenient, it leaves us in the northeast squinting at a sunrise that comes shortly after 3 AM. Just roll over and try to sleep; sure it looks like broad daylight but that’s just your crazy Chinese imagination. Obviously the sun sets early as well, so walking home at 2 AM means you’ll have the streets to yourself… go to bed you deadbeat, daylight is an hour away! Early to bed, early to rise and all that. I’ll keep working on it.

4.   The Shower Area

  If you’re lucky enough to have a shower, it didn’t come with a stall. There’s no tub, there’s no sliding doors, and forget about a curtain. It’s just you, a faucet, and a designated corner of the shower that has a drain nearby. Let’s call it open concept design. So far I’ve come to terms with the reality that the floor will get soaked, I just try to limit how much water I end up splashing on the toilet.

My bathroom and shower and washing machine.

5.   Speaking of Which…

        You might have known this was coming. Sorry, but this is pretty important, since if you`re healthy it`s going to come up every day. I`m thankful to have a Western toilet in my apartment, but out on the town this is the best you`re going to get: a toilet minus the toilet, they just kept the indoor plumbing and the hole in the floor. So cop a squat, relax, and pray that you remembered to bring your toilet paper. 

This one is actually nice, I love this restaurant.