Job Security?

In general, I have found that buildings (inside and out), roads, sidewalks and tunnels are not made carefully with quality workmanship here. Examples are water pipes clogged with garbage and cigarette butts and even cement, windows sealed with duct tape, ceilings with leaks have holes cut in the middle of the room so the pipe can be repaired. I know a family that was told they just take too many showers, the pipes are fine. I think that is the one that had cement in it. A door that isn't installed properly will just have the wood around it cut so it will open. One friend of mine had an entire cupboard fall on her. And a different friend had her glass shower door come crashing down. Luckily no body was taking a shower! If there is something wrong, usually a temporarily fix will do.

There is a tunnel near our house. Every day hundreds of cars drive through it. This is the third winter we have been here, each year the same problem occurs. I am convinced that they will not properly fix this tunnel from leaking. Why? Job security for these guys who have the job of hacking at the ice every day for five or six months.

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Many quality products are produced in China and then shipped off. Everyone has seen the "Made in China" stamp right? It is interesting to me, that the quality goods leave the country. Even Chinese people will go to other countries to buy the "good stuff". So don't worry, keep buying as usual, the quality is good for exported goods.

MSG or salt?

No salt? Are you kidding me? I looked everywhere in this store. Mind you this is a huge store, similar to Costco, it usually has a lot of imported goods and they didn't have salt! What? I even asked people who worked there, they just told me "mei you" don't have. I showed them the Chinese character, so there was no mistake in my pronunciation either!

But.....there are about 10 different brands of MSG, they use that here instead of table salt.
Workers are stocking shelves. This is not at midnight or any "non busy hour". I try to shop on weekdays because the weekends are even more crowded. But even on the weekends they close off isles and have crates in your way with no regard for any customers.
Chinese New Year is coming! Red is everywhere because it is good luck.

Just put this photo here because I thought it was cool seeing this sting ray for sale.

Two Year Anniversary

We have been here living in Dalian, China for two years and it feels like home more than ever. I don't even think about the differences in culture on a daily basis. I guess I am not shocked by much anymore.

My mandarin is still improving, although I wouldn't say I speak well. I am glad I have stuck with lessons because some of my favorite moments are talking to people who don't speak English. Our ayi (maid) is not only a huge help to me, I also consider her a friend. Our driver is wonderful. We have seen these two lovely people almost every day the past two years, they are an integral part of our daily life. It has been fun getting to know them this past year, since I can actually have a conversation in mandarin now! Both of them help me with my homework sometimes. I will truly miss them both when we move to the USA in July.
Living here has taught me so much about the Chinese culture and given me the chance to visit several other Asian countries. I feel truly blessed to be given these opportunities.