I may not be able to offer you...

Living overseas is a mixture of good things and bad things. This afternoon I spent some time reflecting on some of those bad things. Probably not the most uplifting way to spend my xiuxi (little rest) but still I feel better after identifying what exactly gets under my skin here. And no, it's not the humongous green onions. Then I got online to read a language blog when I stumbled upon this article. If you aren't able to view the video, click here instead.

And I started thinking about what it would look like if this country "DTRed" with me...what would that look like. Then I wrote myself a letter from this country...

Dear Ruo Xi,

So you've been living in my borders for a couple of months now, zenmayang? Do you feel like you fit in? How do you like the food? Will you ever not feel surprised to see raw meat carcasses not only hanging inside the meat market but occasionally hanging by the side of the road as well. Probably not, sorry about that chicken heart in the road a few weeks back, I'm sure that was a shocker.

Are you used to people staring at you? I know it's probably uncomfortable, but don't worry. They are just staring because they think that foreigners have beautiful eyes. At least that's what I'm told. It's ok, because if someone is staring at you it means you get to stare back. And you know the better your language gets the more often you will have the fun experience of responding to what they say while they watch you.

Oh and I know the bathroom floor is always wet because most people aren't into western bathtubes here, the sun really is blinding and riding a bike everywhere can be extremely ma fan, but you know this place really isn't that bad. It may not feel like home yet but I'm sure that over time it will, especially if you let this country prove itself to you.

So while I cannot promise you there will not be spit or human excrement both in the streets and in the stairwell to your apartment, I can promise you that friendly people will always take the time to help you here when you ask. I cannot promise you cream cheese, bagels and mercury free fish, but I can promise you delicious homemade noodles at every restaurant you visit.

Give it time my pengyou, you will feel like you are at home in no time. And until then comfort yourself with the fact that you live in a place where you might just get to see a group of people break out into the dance from Thriller in the middle of the city at any given moment.

With love,
Your new home