Welcome to Hangzhou!
I didn’t really know what to expect coming into China. People will tell you so many different contradictory things–half of them vague observations, half of them lazy racist stereotypes. I’ve been here for almost a month now, and I’m still not quite sure what to make of it.
People told me that cities in China were gross and dirty–but Hangzhou isn’t gross and dirty. There’s certainly less trash in the streets than Los Angeles, and less dog shit than Paris. Although sometimes doormen will get in a crowded elevator with an already lit cigarette, which is kinda gross.
Driving and walking through traffic is truly the elegantly conducted orchestra of which I had heard legends–there is a constant dance of electric bikes, pedestrians and cars. You can assume cars will stop for you, however abruptly, but you also have to remain vigilant, watching where you are going and reacting to the environment as it moves around you, because there’s no such thing as truly standing still, even on the sidewalk.
While Chinese culture can certainly be old-fashioned and superstitious (imagine being told to drink warm water for an eye infection at a Western-style hospital), you will also see literally everyone glued to their phones. You use your phone for everything–online wallets have pretty much usurped cash and credit cards, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone reading a book on the metro. (‘Cause they’re all watching videos on Chinese YouTube.)
So there’s your push and pull (or dialectical materialism, if you’ll permit the dumb Marx joke): in some ways, China is dazzlingly fast and modern and convenient. In others, it’s slow and tedious and seemingly unnecessary confusing. Our school principal told us that we’re only allowed to ask “Why?” once a day here, otherwise we’ll go crazy. Just enjoy the fact that you can get pretty anything you could ever want shipped directly to your door, for half the list price on Amazon.
Whiskey Sour Wayfarer 
How dirty is LA? I haven’t been there, but yes I agree with Paris! I have only been to Guangzhou for a day on a long layover, and I didn’t notice it to be dirty like some of the bigger European cities. I did however notice the queues everywhere and a few nasty public restrooms.. the crowds were what shocked me the most. I can see why China feels modern in so many ways yet superstitious and traditional in other. I think it might feel more so than other developed Asian countries such as Japan or Singapore or Korea. Looks like you’re settling in! Looking forward to more blog posts from China!
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Certain parts of LA, there is trash EVERYWHERE. (Not like, Beverly Hills. But everywhere else haha)
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interesting, not surprising though. i think i have this image of what it’s like there that i’d have to go and see
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Great place to start. Hangzhou is a beautiful city I liked it when I visited there years ago. With the high speed train, you are not far from anywhere. Have fun in China!
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I’m looking forward to seeing China through your eyes! Loved this post as always your sense of humour shines through :)) enjoy your time!!
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Wow how did you end up in China? That’s so cool! I’m sure you’ll make tons of great experience there and most importantly, have lot of fun 😉
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I got a job here! (That’s usually how I end up anywhere hahaha.) I hope it’s gonna be great!
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Omg I’m sure it will!
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You ARE getting around, Arielle. I think your instructor’s suggestion makes sense. Part of living in a cultural so foreign to what you are used to, is to observe and absorb, and maybe one of these days, some of your questions will be answered. Enjoy your time there.
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She meant more like, don’t ask why the school is operating in such an annoying way more than once a day, but yeah, the culture may eventually start to make sense to me too.
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I misunderstood her statement, but it made sense both ways. I hope you are enjoying yourself.
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