The first time I felt like a local was the first time that I fell asleep on bus 21 on my way back home. I’d taken that route enough to have a general sense of where I was each time I briefly woke up and peered out the window. Is it odd that the times I most feel like a local are when …
On Being American, Take Two
Being American Chinese has always been a huge part of my identity. So it was with some confusion that I entered China and found myself… solely American. But not unequivocally. Because I don’t look American. But neither am I Chinese especially with my lack of Chinese language. So in the end, I’m just… American. But always with an explanation. …
Pee in a Bottle & the Onesie of Personal Space
Personal space in the USA is a wide and spacious bubble. Personal space in China, on the other hand, is more like a snug onesie… Or maybe spandex… In other words, it might as well not exist. This onesie of personal space isn’t as uncomfortable as you might think, even if it does take some getting used to. …
Why I’m Learning Chinese
Final exams are quickly approaching, and with my recent 2-week hiatus from class (spent instead with family for Christmas and New Year’s!), my motivation to study is just about non-existent. So since I’ve been procrastinating all day long on studying, I might as well procrastinate by completing this list (which I began 3 months ago) to remind myself …