Nanlang.

From the moment that I arrived in Nanlang I was absolutely in love. The busy streets and friendly people make for an amazing place to call home. Here are some things that I realized within the first few days. 

-Being a foreigner is insane. PEOPLE STARE & STARE & THEN STARE SOME MORE. You would think we are aliens or something. When we go anywhere every single person on the street, across the street, in their car or anywhere within a one mile radius is looking at us. Not only do they stare, they follow us and tell us how beautiful we are or say inappropriate things to us. 

-The weather over here is unreal. Much like California weather. Regardless of the amazing temperature the people wear winter coats? They think it's freezing. Our native coordinator once told us she was hot but didn't want to take off her coat in fear that she would get cold. Riddle me that? 

-They love to give gifts. This is one of the things that they gave me. 

-Everyone honks their horns here. If they change lanes, they honk. If they speed up, they honk. If they breathe, they honk. It's terrifying & quite frankly annoying. [Although I'm already getting used to it.]

-We live in a nice gated area and I was able to have my own room. Which is rare. I feel blessed! 

-This is a dirty, dirty country. There is trash everywhere.I'm constantly seeing people walk outside and throw their trash in the street.  The first thing I did when we got to our apartment was clean. I hope that doesn't make me high maintenance.  

-Red lights mean do whatever you want. I've almost been hit by a car more times than I can count. 

-Our school is absolutely darling. They even have itty bitty toilets for the kids. It wasn't long before it began to feel like home. 

-I'd say at least 90% of the people over here smoke. They also smoke wherever they want. It's not a rare thing to see a thirteen year old lighting one up in a restaurant or on a bus. 

-China is full of underwear ads. Its the weirdest thing. 

-There is this little Muslim noodle place down the road that quickly became my favorite. [They now know our orders] Their fried rice is my favorite. Puts Panda express to so much shame. 

-I think that places like the one pictured below are so beautiful & all the natives think I'm straight crazy. Last time I said I can't get over how lovely this is Anna [One of the Chinese teachers] said "Are you kidding me?"

-Ordering food is either a complete gamble or pointing to something someone else is eating that looks good. 

-I learned that people name their kids the weirdest of things. At my school we have a firecracker, source, tiger, stone, seven, gogo, miffy, hard, cookie, angle, & petter. 

-The police carry big guns but they also wear high heels. So I have a hard time taking any of them seriously. 

-Here are a few more random shots from around the city. 

So much more to come. Till then!