September 17th, 2009:
Rainy days”
Some people say rainy days are gloomy days. When it gets dark and moldy, so many creep inside their houses.
Me and Wijb both like rain and I have enjoyed rain enough for almost one month in middle of summer in Holland though.
Fair enough, but things get a bit harder to get and buy, as we are so lucky and prepared and planed for everything.
We just got out for eating and back home for the rest of the days. I am quite busy with reading and studying 2 other languages and my violin is my best friend after Wijb in the time of loneliness and gives me spiritual great motivation.
For the past 2 days was raining continuously and I and Wijbren were totally busy like beavers inside the home and even we didn’t care and it didn’t bother us either.
As I have been in a raining country (China) for over 5 years, so that I am quite used to this weather for at least 6 months of the year.
Especially, on the east coast when it gets so much rain for half of the year.
But actually, we still have some hopes to have some snow in this part which is North West of China and surrounded by mountains.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The first day of work( teacher’s day)
I had my first day of teaching and back to work today and it was exactly adjust on Teacher’s day.
Well I don’t know how much in Europe take care of this day, possibly not too much ,but in Asia and middle East ,we respect teachers in different levels by buying flowers, greeting cards, saying nice words shows appreciation, being more polite and nice in classrooms or other ways.
Students were so excited specially men to see a female teacher.
As my teaching style goes in this way that for the first session they should ask me questions and I check their level and grammar and so on, therefore some were shrewd enough to ask about my age and my marital status and my mobile number, that was funny though.
I came up with some hints to tell them what kind of questions socially accepted in West and polite and what separated as being informal and bit rude and not convenience to ask someone you meet for first time…
Anyhow I had great day back to work. it was hard starting the day to wake up earlier while Wijb had time in bed and I had to work and after 3 months off from work.
Anyhow my Ms engineering students were so nice and eager to learn I had 4 hours sweet teaching and feel adjust for next week teaching.
Well I don’t know how much in Europe take care of this day, possibly not too much ,but in Asia and middle East ,we respect teachers in different levels by buying flowers, greeting cards, saying nice words shows appreciation, being more polite and nice in classrooms or other ways.
Students were so excited specially men to see a female teacher.
As my teaching style goes in this way that for the first session they should ask me questions and I check their level and grammar and so on, therefore some were shrewd enough to ask about my age and my marital status and my mobile number, that was funny though.
I came up with some hints to tell them what kind of questions socially accepted in West and polite and what separated as being informal and bit rude and not convenience to ask someone you meet for first time…
Anyhow I had great day back to work. it was hard starting the day to wake up earlier while Wijb had time in bed and I had to work and after 3 months off from work.
Anyhow my Ms engineering students were so nice and eager to learn I had 4 hours sweet teaching and feel adjust for next week teaching.
Our big feast and annual teachers meeting:
From the University management we received an invitation for a big meal on a hotel close to the university’s office department. It was Tuesday night and almost one hour earlier I received 2 phone calls one after the other for changing the schedule .It was not very sweet though.
As usually big meal( Business dinners) open discussions and it is a great time talk to the bosses and melt the difficulties, they came up with new timetable for me and some other stuff.
In fact that dinner was good in so many ways.
We met new teachers and some of our old colleagues .Wijb was so happy to talk about his hobbies with some other men!
Some new females were so interested to see how long we have our relations ship and how we met. Well that was out of blue. But I can understand a lot of westerners desperately looking for men to get married. I WAS SO PROUD OF MYSELF and Wijb and we felt at the end everyone look at us and admire ,so we are so lucky, both!.
The food was so much and variety of dishes and sea food and of course toasting wine. We tried to escape from that but it was unavoidable and inconvenience. In fact after having 3 glasses we felt woozy and at night we both had wired night mares!
As usually big meal( Business dinners) open discussions and it is a great time talk to the bosses and melt the difficulties, they came up with new timetable for me and some other stuff.
In fact that dinner was good in so many ways.
We met new teachers and some of our old colleagues .Wijb was so happy to talk about his hobbies with some other men!
Some new females were so interested to see how long we have our relations ship and how we met. Well that was out of blue. But I can understand a lot of westerners desperately looking for men to get married. I WAS SO PROUD OF MYSELF and Wijb and we felt at the end everyone look at us and admire ,so we are so lucky, both!.
The food was so much and variety of dishes and sea food and of course toasting wine. We tried to escape from that but it was unavoidable and inconvenience. In fact after having 3 glasses we felt woozy and at night we both had wired night mares!
Monday, September 7, 2009
the story of Our new scooter
Buying a scooter:
Yesterday me and Wijb made decision to get an electric scooter. He would prefer to have a gas one, but as new regulations in big cities in china we can’t ride a gas, petrol scooter inside the city, out skirt possible.
In recent years, service outsourcing industry in Xi'an has maintained robust growth. The outstanding contractor enterprises, rich human resources and preferential policies have paved a solid foundation for Xi'an to becoming a capital for service outsourcing.
Anyhow after seeing one of colleague’s scooter had been taken away by police, WIJB GOT CONVNICED TO GET ELECTRIC ONE. Well I went with him as we always share everything ,like nice old couples( it has been just a year we are together0,MOREOVER I AM SO CAREFUL OF CHOOSING THINGS AND BARGAINING.
Our Chinese is not that much advance to go through mechanical words, therefore we took one Chinese with us. We met a new American teacher though ,but she was hesitated to get one and we were being lead to another out skirt area. There were just 2 shops and so limited and prices were so high in comparison’s we have one hour rush hour in Chinese cities between 4 to 5 and shifting taxies, so we were standing for half an hour and then finally got one, by the time we arrived to the destination it was 5.30 anyhow we realized new brands are insanely expensive ,so I agreed we get a good second hand.
In fact when we were in taxi I once again realized how much a middle size city as Xian has robust in economy and city size ,when you are sitting in car you have chance to look carefully around. there are enormous changes happening in each Chinese cities, constructions, skyscrapers, highways which have their own advantage and disadvantage though.
Anyhow, the one we got it is just used 6 months and they gave us a good battery, we are not looking for race ,so we considered mostly for battery ‘s life on the road.
As they claimed it take 80 KM for one and half for 2 passengers on the road till recharged. We had to wait one hour in dust and dirt and pollution to received a charged battery, but the point is we asked for something additional for free, as for second hand they should be happy just to sell .
The point of view is, that Chinese talking for an hour to them to negotiate and finally we got nothing, we could always bluff and run away. they mentioned this type can’t add this or that.. blablaaa..
Now it is on our shoulder to get more stuff for it, but I am happy at least we have one now.I am going to add a photo of scooter as well. our first scooter !
Yesterday me and Wijb made decision to get an electric scooter. He would prefer to have a gas one, but as new regulations in big cities in china we can’t ride a gas, petrol scooter inside the city, out skirt possible.
In recent years, service outsourcing industry in Xi'an has maintained robust growth. The outstanding contractor enterprises, rich human resources and preferential policies have paved a solid foundation for Xi'an to becoming a capital for service outsourcing.
Anyhow after seeing one of colleague’s scooter had been taken away by police, WIJB GOT CONVNICED TO GET ELECTRIC ONE. Well I went with him as we always share everything ,like nice old couples( it has been just a year we are together0,MOREOVER I AM SO CAREFUL OF CHOOSING THINGS AND BARGAINING.
Our Chinese is not that much advance to go through mechanical words, therefore we took one Chinese with us. We met a new American teacher though ,but she was hesitated to get one and we were being lead to another out skirt area. There were just 2 shops and so limited and prices were so high in comparison’s we have one hour rush hour in Chinese cities between 4 to 5 and shifting taxies, so we were standing for half an hour and then finally got one, by the time we arrived to the destination it was 5.30 anyhow we realized new brands are insanely expensive ,so I agreed we get a good second hand.
In fact when we were in taxi I once again realized how much a middle size city as Xian has robust in economy and city size ,when you are sitting in car you have chance to look carefully around. there are enormous changes happening in each Chinese cities, constructions, skyscrapers, highways which have their own advantage and disadvantage though.
Anyhow, the one we got it is just used 6 months and they gave us a good battery, we are not looking for race ,so we considered mostly for battery ‘s life on the road.
As they claimed it take 80 KM for one and half for 2 passengers on the road till recharged. We had to wait one hour in dust and dirt and pollution to received a charged battery, but the point is we asked for something additional for free, as for second hand they should be happy just to sell .
The point of view is, that Chinese talking for an hour to them to negotiate and finally we got nothing, we could always bluff and run away. they mentioned this type can’t add this or that.. blablaaa..
Now it is on our shoulder to get more stuff for it, but I am happy at least we have one now.I am going to add a photo of scooter as well. our first scooter !
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Xian and shanghai in glance
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Shanghai has a rich collection of buildings and structures of various architectural styles. The Bund, located by the bank of the Huangpu River, contains a rich collection of early 20th century architecture, ranging in style from neoclassical HSBC Building to the art deco Sassoon House.
A number of areas in the former foreign concessions are also well preserved, most notably the French Concession. Despite rampant redevelopment, the old city still retains some buildings of a traditional style, such as the Yuyuan Garden, an elaborate traditional garden in the Jiangnan style.
The lights of the Bund and Puxi skyscrapers at night.
In recent years, a large number of architecturally distinctive, even eccentric, skyscrapers have sprung up throughout Shanghai. Notable examples of contemporary architecture include the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Grand Theatre in the People's Square precinct and Shanghai Oriental Arts Center.
Shanghai has couple of great museums which are worth visiting and a nice aquarium as well. Podong and Pushi area are completely vast and make the two side of city completely far and isolated from each other.
In fact in this trip as we were there for business we couldn’t be bother to go around the city for all we have seen before .
When we were back I was comparing Xian as an old cultural and historical city with Shanghai, which is commercial and industrial .shanghai is located on east the Chinese sea and absorbing too many tourists and business people from all around the world.
The traffic is horrible there and without Metro line you are crippled. Cost of life is almost as twice as Xian which is located on the North West of China.
The interesting part of Xi'an itself is the area inside the city wall. This is the old part of town and inside are the Bell and Drum Towers, huge Ming-era towers built to house the city's bell and drum. The Muslim quarter is just west of the Bell Tower. You can easily spend a day inside this area: rent bikes and ride along the walls peering down onto daily Xi'an life, wander around the towers and then stroll into the Muslim quarter, snack on street food and find yourself a bargain in the markets. There's lots to see in the surrounding area too, not to mention the Army of the Terracotta Warriors.
City Walls:
The walls were built on the foundation of the Tang Dynasty's imperial residence in Chang'an (read more about Xi'an's History). While most ancient Chinese cities had walls, most have been knocked down to make way for modern-day roads. Fortunately for you, the Ming-era walls are still mostly intact. Take a few hours to climb up and rent bikes at the top. It's a great way to see Xi'an.
Temples & Such:
Xi'an has some lovely temples to visit.
* Big Goose Pagoda, Dayan Ta - originally built in 648 by a Tang prince, this temple compound has been beautifully restored. Its buildings and gardens offer a park-like atmosphere in which to wander. The pagoda was built to store sutras brought back from India by a Chinese monk.
* Small Goose Pagoda, Xiaoyan Ta - was originally built in 684 in honor of Tang emperor Gaozong.
* Great Mosque, Daqingzhen Si - one of the largest mosques in China. Just five minutes from the Drum Tower in central Xi'an, the courtyard can be visited by non-Muslims.
* Temple of Eight Immortals, Baxian An - Xi'an's largest Taoist temple.
* Forest of Steles Museum (former Confucius Temple), Beilin Bowuguan - largely a collection Silk Road history, the museum has some English labels and the area around the museum has been renovated in Ming-era style so is interesting in itself.
Ban Po Neolithic Village:
Many tours to Xi'an will include a stop at this "village" which is basically a museum housing the pits where the remains of this village have been unearthed. A few interesting artifacts are inside the museum, but it's not terribly interesting unless you happen to be a big fan of Neolithic Man.
The Army of the Terracotta Warriors:
The Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors & Horses Museum is by far the top reason people visit Xi'an. The museum is just a half hour outside Xi'an by car or bus. Read more about visiting the Army of the Terracotta Warriors.
There are so many big malls and brands from west there. people are not traditional anymore. Everybody is so busy ,running and rushing to work place and time is too essential as nobody care for anything else.
It is good sometimes to have a trip to Eat coast of China and see how much are the differences in life style between east and west in one country.
I DO LOVE TO BE THERE FOR SHOPPING AND STROLLING IN BIG MALLS AND ENJOY MY TIME CHOOSING DIFFERENT INTERNATIONAL CUISINES BUT NOT MORE THAN THAT.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Ecstatic ,trip to Shanghai:
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Ecstatic ,trip to Shanghai:
We are back from special trip to shanghai .I say “special” cause it was a hectic ,annoying, tiring , insane, but successful trip at the end. We spent 3 days in shanghai and 2 days on the round train between Xian and shanghai. We had the last document left, which had to be received from our embassies in China related to our marital status in China and our residency in China, which should have been certified by our embassies in order to be presented as well.
Well these days for me traveling is not very special anymore. I have been traveling for 6 years ,all around Asia and East Asia and started traveling to Europe as well.
I do love traveling but, sitting on the plane or train for such a long time and specially for business trip is another story itself.
We arrived Shanghai in the morning and after being 15 hours on the train with a quick shower started our racing game to hop the metro and reach my embassy and all those papers issued and had to jump to the bank miles away to get the embassy fee there.
I am wondering why my embassy in China so weird ,I have been to Berlin and Hagge, both places are so organized and had accepted credit cards ,anyhow we are in CHINA!.WWOWOW! and after 2hours stuff sorted out and we had nice lunch ,but we the speed of jet craft, due to lack of time.
Then rushed to Dutch embassy and suddenly realized we need another creepy documents ,cause wijb had lived in Ireland for a year and need to prove he was single too. Oh my goodness !~
I am so happy we are back .
This morning we were so active and we got some nice shopping for home decoration’s stuff and I had some other shopping as well. well thing somehow done.
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Ecstatic ,trip to Shanghai:
We are back from special trip to shanghai .I say “special” cause it was a hectic ,annoying, tiring , insane, but successful trip at the end. We spent 3 days in shanghai and 2 days on the round train between Xian and shanghai. We had the last document left, which had to be received from our embassies in China related to our marital status in China and our residency in China, which should have been certified by our embassies in order to be presented as well.
Well these days for me traveling is not very special anymore. I have been traveling for 6 years ,all around Asia and East Asia and started traveling to Europe as well.
I do love traveling but, sitting on the plane or train for such a long time and specially for business trip is another story itself.
We arrived Shanghai in the morning and after being 15 hours on the train with a quick shower started our racing game to hop the metro and reach my embassy and all those papers issued and had to jump to the bank miles away to get the embassy fee there.
I am wondering why my embassy in China so weird ,I have been to Berlin and Hagge, both places are so organized and had accepted credit cards ,anyhow we are in CHINA!.WWOWOW! and after 2hours stuff sorted out and we had nice lunch ,but we the speed of jet craft, due to lack of time.
Then rushed to Dutch embassy and suddenly realized we need another creepy documents ,cause wijb had lived in Ireland for a year and need to prove he was single too. Oh my goodness !~
I am so happy we are back .
This morning we were so active and we got some nice shopping for home decoration’s stuff and I had some other shopping as well. well thing somehow done.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Chinese food affect in my health and our trip to Shanghai
Today was one of those horrible days for me. I have hardly ever had, serious problems with food and stomach ache, but I think after living with Wijb for a year his stomach weakness transfer to me as well. Well beside kidding ,the problem is Chinese food.
I have been living in China for over than 5 years. I remember the first couple of month while I was teaching IN Chinese schools in Wenzhou, I had 2 colleagues from Canada and every other day they were running to the hospital.
I have had some minor problems with stomach once arriving to China.
Anyhow after Wijb got better from last night till now, over 24 hours I am spinning around with pain and simply I don’t know what has happened.
The reality is that is easy to get sick cause the dish are not that much hygiene in fact.
Well beside that has happened to me we are hopefully heading to Shanghai, after waiting for more than a week to get an appointment with Iran consulate in Shanghai as who are in charge of my case are back from summer vacation.
I wish I had a job like that.!
Anyhow ,I am hopping after spending so much money on the phone calling ,stress out and troubling my parents mentally plus ,consuming so much time for documents to get ready and post them to China ,with this one could be the last paper ,which we need for our marriage in Holland .
Well this is just the first step ,if we go through Iranian marriage law to get a certificate from embassy ,then we need to get some more stuff around. I am hopping things will be done be the end of Jan-Feb. next year..
Although with all these ,I am lucky that my job at University starts next week and hopefully by that time we will have done these paper works.
Then we will be back from trip ,we are planning to look for a scooter ( Wijb loves it)and get a few more things for our new apartment, after wards I must confess I will be too tired after 3 months vacation to go back to work.!
Wijb will have another 2 weeks off ,but this term I have more classes than him, no complain anyhow It is fine schedule.
I have been living in China for over than 5 years. I remember the first couple of month while I was teaching IN Chinese schools in Wenzhou, I had 2 colleagues from Canada and every other day they were running to the hospital.
I have had some minor problems with stomach once arriving to China.
Anyhow after Wijb got better from last night till now, over 24 hours I am spinning around with pain and simply I don’t know what has happened.
The reality is that is easy to get sick cause the dish are not that much hygiene in fact.
Well beside that has happened to me we are hopefully heading to Shanghai, after waiting for more than a week to get an appointment with Iran consulate in Shanghai as who are in charge of my case are back from summer vacation.
I wish I had a job like that.!
Anyhow ,I am hopping after spending so much money on the phone calling ,stress out and troubling my parents mentally plus ,consuming so much time for documents to get ready and post them to China ,with this one could be the last paper ,which we need for our marriage in Holland .
Well this is just the first step ,if we go through Iranian marriage law to get a certificate from embassy ,then we need to get some more stuff around. I am hopping things will be done be the end of Jan-Feb. next year..
Although with all these ,I am lucky that my job at University starts next week and hopefully by that time we will have done these paper works.
Then we will be back from trip ,we are planning to look for a scooter ( Wijb loves it)and get a few more things for our new apartment, after wards I must confess I will be too tired after 3 months vacation to go back to work.!
Wijb will have another 2 weeks off ,but this term I have more classes than him, no complain anyhow It is fine schedule.
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