And so it comes to an end...

No, I'm not leaving China. In fact, this morning I officially committed myself to staying in Suzhou until August 30, 2010. That's right, I am now officially employed in the PRC.

I've accepted a job at an English language center called Sunflower. How can you not love that name? They specialize in teaching children (ages 3-15) after school and on weekends. They all outsource their teachers to instruct young kids at other schools during the day. The hours are light (only 20 a week for full time), the pay is excellent, and the people are as friendly and caring as can be. I officially start on Tuesday, September 1, but I possibly have to do some training this weekend. Today was the first step- signing the contract. Tomorrow is step two- medical exam. In order to get a work visa, I need to be poked and prodded by the Chinese. I hear it's not bad, but I'm sure I'll have a few good stories to tell after tomorrow.

I've also found a fantastic apartment. Well, I didn't really find it. The head teacher at Sunflower, Michael, asked me about my living situation during my interview. When I told him I didn't have any ideas, he told me his wife had a friend who was looking for a single woman to rent her place. Michael, his wife Xian and their two adorable daughters took me over to the apartment to check it out yesterday, and it is fantastic. Clean, modern, fully furnished, safe, and overlooks a giant lake. I move in on the 6th, so I'll make sure to take lots of photos.

Interesting side note- It's pretty standard in China that when you rent a place, you pay 6-12 months of rent right up front. It's a safety net for the owner, since there is no such thing as a credit check out here. Seems strange to me, but nice because I don't have to worry about paying rent again until February.

But alas, as excited as I am to get started on this new chapter, I've yet to finish school. Tomorrow I have my class planning exam and my oral exam. Monday is my Chinese exam and my written exam. I've already done quite well on my teaching exam, so I know I'm going into these next 3 (Chinese is separate) exams on a high note. Technically, I shouldn't stress because I have a job already, but I need the diploma to get certified as a "foreign expert", which will help me get my work permit.

So that's about it for me- just a medical exam sandwiched by lots of studying. Below I've included a list of some random observations that don't really have a rhyme or reason.

1. Chinese girls watch too much Gossip Girl. "Oh My God" starts like every other sentence.

2. Fact: My Chinese teacher has a far better knowledge of English grammar than I ever will.

3. Chinese men- young, old, fat, skinny- like to walk around with their shirts pulled up, exposing their stomachs. I'm not sure if it's to keep cool or if it's some sort of bizarre mating ritual, but most of them should probably keep their shirts down.

4. I can go from literally hating this country to absolutely loving it in .5 seconds. Example: My laptop contracted a nasty virus, probably caused by the programs I used to get over the Great Firewall of China. Since my computer is my main source of communication, I was grumpy. Stupid country. Went to school, where they gave me a card of an IT man who speaks English. Within a few hours he'd come to the school, wiped out the virus and installed a 3 year anti-virus program. All for like $60. God, I love this country.

5. I've done next to no shopping in the month I've been here, which is very unlike me. I think it's because although I know the numbers and different expressions to use while bargaining, the idea of actually doing it is too exhausting. But this week I was in a good mood and wanted to buy a new purse. I didn't feel like going to the fake market, so I walked around my neighborhood, prepared to bargain. And I didn't find a single one I liked. The Chinese love the tackiest stuff.

6. Sorry, I had to stop and take a nap. Seriously.

7. When we went to the lake last weekend, I was worried that I looked like a tourist- wearing khaki shorts, a baggy t-shirt, a baseball cap and sneakers. Also add a travel purse across my chest and my camera. About 5 seconds later I remembered that no matter where I am or what I wear, I will never, ever look like a local, so I might as well be comfortable.

8. I am halfway convinced the Chinese are intentionally polluting their air in an attempt to block out the sun. They hate the sun because they don't want dark skin- it's a symbol of the working class. You see the most umbrellas on the sunny days. Even in the super hot weather they wear long sleeves and gloves while riding their bikes. The stores are filled with creams to whiten the skin. Doesn't seem to bother the men as much, though. Instead, the grow out their pinkie fingernails to prove that they don't do manual labor. I assumed they had grown them out for another reason...

9. We ordered chicken at lunch. I picked up a piece, kind of grossed out at at the skin and bones, but I picked at it best I could. I wasn't getting much meat, so I flipped it over. And it's eye was starting right back up me. Yes, I ate the chicken's head. And yes, I'm still getting slightly queasy writing this. Thinking about wiping the brain off my chopsticks. Convince you to come to China yet?

10. I taught a lesson on common American names, and how to pronounce them. I explained that my first name, Rachel, is very common. I then explained that my middle name, Dori, is very uncommon, especially in the spelling. They laughed at me. This, coming from a society that picks English names like Starburst, Money, Hitler, 7 and Monkey Dream. I can't wait to see what names my new students pick for themselves.

I absolutely love the comments everyone is leaving, and I apologize for not answering them directly. But I miss and love you all!

And a note on the photos- I've taken a ton and really want to share them, but I'm having a really tough time uploading them. I think it's because my internet connection is so poor. I'm going to try somewhere else tomorrow, in the hopes that I can get it to work. But I promise they're coming eventually!

XOXO,

RDG