Our fist weekend in Yantai, China is over. It has been great, We went to a shopping mall with some friends. We traveled on the city bus, it cost, 3rmb or 50cents US. It has been amazing to see a city in such growth, buildings are being constructed all around. Most are medium size buildings, and although the city is 6.5 million it really does feel small and quiet. The sights, smells and sounds can be a bit of sensory overload at times. But not to worry, we have found the people to be friendly, helpful and accepting. There is lots to do and see, and we are ready to enjoy all that this place has to offer.
Sunday we were woken by what can only be described as... BOMBS!!! We ran to the kitchen window to see what was going on. Lining our entire street were large red boxes with explosions coming out of them. Fireworks go with every occasion, and this was a wedding. The barrage lasted for what seemed to be ten minutes. It was a lavish wedding so they did a second blast just to make sure. The line of shiny Audi's made John drool a little. No expense was spared. The decor was, well... RED. They had a huge inflatable arch for the wedding party to walk through, and lanterns and posters.
While Steph prepared her classroom, John went on a bike ride with one of the teachers. A good ole bloke from Australia, Nigel. He had an extra bike and we pumped up the tire and headed south, out into the country. It was a great way to get to see the area and get acclimated. The farms and villages were a nice change from the city. Although it's not noisy where we live, the quiet was welcomed.
We have a great expat community here. There are many talented and fun people to hang out with. we often get together for big family style meals and beer. One place we have been a few times serves meat on a stick. There is pork, lamb,beef, octopus, garlic cloves and many others. We eat a bunch of those and it ends up to be like 20rmbs a person, (so a few dollers US). Can't beet that. We miss everyone back home so drop us a line. Ne Hao!
