Settling In

It is a Wednesday morning in Kunshan as I am greeted with loud blasts from outside our window.  I do not flinch, I know exactly what it is.  Fireworks.

Repeated shots explode into the air like a machine gun.  It is shortly paused while a louder shot can be seen visibly as a can reaches the height of the 10th floor before exploding.   A thick smoke covers the ground and slowly fades away.  Bystanders begin to clap and cheer.

Next week marks the beginning of a week-long Chinese holiday:  National Day.  I am certain this explains the firecrackers at random hours of the day... Either that or we have an amazing group of pyromaniacs in our neighborhood.


Putting aside some of the slight nuances in culture, adjusting to the Chinese way of life has not been difficult.

The people I have met are very kind and helpful.  A friendly smile always gives you one in exchange, and although there may be a language barrier, the people of China are excited to communicate and lend a helping hand.  Today we went on a quest to find Walmart.  We approached a rickshaw driver for directions, he was quick to help us find our way.

We made it to Walmart!

The conveniences of living in the city has also eased our transition.  On many corners, you will spot a "KEDI," which is a small convenience store that works much like Walgreens.  You can buy a cold soda, snacks, and even eggs from a local farmer.  

The Chinese version of "Walgreens"

There is always a taxi to grab outside our home, and for an even cheaper fee, you can take the bus service that runs every 10 minutes.  You are always certain you will reach your destination.

Buses frequent the roads, along with obnoxious taxis and rickshaws, making mobility easy.

China has a familiarity about it--its culture has India's mix of old and new, while life everyday life demands a capitalistic mentality and western luxuries for the monied.   The streets are clean and newly paved.  There are 7-story  malls that are walking distance from our apartment.  They carry brand names like Calvin Klein, Ecco, Gucci, and Lancome --brands I couldn't think of buying while living in the US.   The restrooms have a choice of a western toilet and Asian toliet (AKA squatty-potty).  It you feel overwhelmed by the Chinese cuisine, you can find a Pizza Hut, Papa Johns, or KFC nearby.  I'm sure if we searched harder, we'd see a McDonald's, Burger King, and Subway too.  With all the western influences in China, you can see how easy it is to neglect the culture of middle-class China and live in a comfortable "expat bubble."

A mall within 4 blocks of our home.  You can pay upwards of $200 USD for blue jeans here.

Pizza Hut

As I gnaw away at my chicken wings smothered in ranch a Katy Perry song plays in the speakers of La Taverna.  I must remind myself, "Megan, you are living in China!".  Although there are differences between our cultures, I am excited and proud to call China our new home.