Back to China

Well, my fiance and I are back in China....back to reality, as they say...after a very enjoyable holiday break in the States.

The first day we got back, in order to avoid falling asleep at noon and thus prolonging jet lag, we went out to get some final stuff for the apartment...we really are almost finish, thank god....just a bit of decorating left to do...we are both pretty ready to have our own space available.

Back to the chaos of trying to get all my work visa stuff finalized, back to the chaos of getting things done in China, and back to our Chinese family (who we missed of course, but who are also a bit exhausting at times, as we were reminded when my fiance's mom started yelling at him about the floor trim we bought not being high-quality enough...exhausted he collapsed into bed and said softly, "I miss America." haha.).

I do have to say, it has been really enjoyable getting to hear him describe his observations and experiences to other Chinese friends and family...they are intrigued by some of the funniest things!

He described the American wedding traditions he observed (particularly interesting as we are planning our wedding in China), family relationships, houses, and the food. One particularly funny moment was when he was trying to explain the time difference and that China is ahead so many hours...which led someone (who shall remain nameless) to remark, "Oh yes, China time is better."

I've also been trying to help him deal with some reverse culture shock....the first days back he has struggled with seeing with new eyes how crazy stupid Chinese drivers are in our city, and how strange people are when they ask us questions sometimes....he was confused by how angry he felt at people here, and as someone who has gone back and forth between two cultures frequently, I was able to explain to him the reverse culture-shock phenomenon.

Anyhow, with more apartment work, starting the business, his sister getting married, my starting a new teaching job, and planning our own wedding, we have a lot on our plate, but also a lot to look forward to!