Goodbye, Qingdao

The school year is winding down and I'm now at the tail-end of my two year contract in Qingdao. This weekend I celebrated my 26th birthday as well as my fourth year in Asia.  With the Qingdao chapter of my life coming to an end, it's about time for a little reflection ;)

May 4th Square, Downtown Qingdao

My first two years abroad were certainly self-growth focused as I've mentioned before.  I learned to be alone (which is a lot harder than it sounds), travel, be a "grown up", and fell in love with surfing and diving.  As I look back on these past two years, I can certainly say they were more professional-growth focused.  I've enjoyed all of my students and [most of] my co-workers.  I've lived comfortably- though without much excitement or adventure.  My social life and previously healthy lifestyle have fallen by the wayside, but this job has taught me a lot and helped me by being the stepping stone I needed to a larger school and city.

Qingdao Favorites

Lion dances.  I've seen dozens upon dozens, and they never get old.  I usually see them around my apartment complex after a couple gets married and is being escorted to their new home.  The strength and skill of these guys is unreal and definitely entertaining.  They always put a smile on my face and I will stop to watch no matter where I am.

It's not what it looks like, but it's the only shot I have...

Deja Vu.  A cafe about a 10 minute walk from my apartment.  It's where everyone goes after work and on the weekends after a stroll on the beach, the only nearby Western food, and the place where all the workers know you by name and order.  Our second home.

My co-workers.  As I said before, these two years have been mainly professional growth, and most of that is due to a few folks who are not just awesome teachers but awesome people.  They made going to work fun and taught me a lot along the way.  On the other hand, I also worked with some of the worst teachers, but I like to think they also helped me be a better teacher by striving to never, ever be anything like them. 

My Best friend. In each country I've been in, I've been lucky enough to have best friends who speak the local language - Bean in Korea, B in the Philippines, and my boyfriend here.  He has been my translator, Chinese guru, best friend, and family - without him, I wouldn't have even a fraction of the happy memories that I do here.

Walks around the neighborhood.  The sights, sounds, and smells around the neighborhood are always interesting. 

Catch of the day 

Fish being sold on the sidewalk

Qingdao Least Favorites

Customer service.  The worst of all being a "beauty house" called Tian Bei where I spent thousands of kuai for a couple of different aesthetic procedures.  I have never in my life experienced such terrible customer service and rude, unprofessional staff (to be fair, the nurses were really kind - it was the owner and manager that were nasty).  Of course, I Googled the place before I went, but when no results came up, I took that as a good thing.  Only after the awful experiences did I have my boyfriend search in Chinese and learn of the various lawsuits and reports on the place.  That being said, if you found my blog by seaching Tian Bei in Qingdao....it's not worth the money, time, or the risk. Unfortunately the whole ordeal with Tian Bei will be a poor memory associated with Qingdao.

Taxi drivers.  The worst drivers ever.  Seriously.  Awful.

Loogies, snot-rockets, and children peeing and/or pooping on the side of the road.  None uncommon.  I will never get used to seeing a grown person blow snot out of their nose, then wipe their hand on a tree.  Gag, every time.



** Now for a three week holiday in America before the next adventure beings**