After arriving in Suzhou from Beijing the culture shock, that never really materialized in Beijing surrounded by westerners, hit full force. It's amazing how much less of an alien one feels in a crowd of similar people. But in Suzhou we might as well be walking around wearing flashing lights and a clown suit. People stare and take (not so) subtle photos everywhere you go and really, it's a bit disconcerting. Most of the time it's friendly curiosity and the children on the street love it and they're adorable so I don't mind, but when everyone in a restaurant is watching to see if you screw up with your chopsticks it becomes nerve-wracking.
Add to the staring huge accommodation surprises (in the worst way) and I think it's safe to say that, for me, my first full day in Suzhou (Valentines Day) was a 'China day'. A 'China day' is one of those days where everything just seems too much and the culture shock hits square in the face to knock you off balance. Not the most fun. But like in any situation, there's always a silver lining and 'China days' are just going to have to be battled through with determination. LoveTEFL, TTC and IES have been so helpful and I am so greatful for their help communicating and explaining why where we are is unacceptable long term.
I know most of what I'm about to say is going to sound super spoilt and demanding but the fact is that we signed a contract stating a certain standard of accommodation; and what we're in now doesn't even come close! Now wait a moment while I pout and stamp my foot...But seriously, the situation didn't make me a happy bunny.
For now we are staying in a dodgy little hotel. At first we thought staying in a hotel sounded like a pretty good deal but when the hotel tells you not to use the towels because they are dirty and that dropping something on the floor will basically kill you it's not so reassuring. We are also beginning to question the standard clientele when they have popular rooms that charge by the hour, but this is all heresay and so far everyone has been very nice.
However, although everyone is nice it is impossible to stay here for the duration. We have no laundry facilities, no cooking facilities, shared rooms (doesn't sound like a drama, but I need my personal space!) and no desk or chair to do that all important teacher planning. It's hard to complain without feeling like a brat, but at the same time it is really really hard living in this hotel. Having no kitchen means eating is expensive and money is tight. No laundry facilities means hand washing, but bad heating means a pair of socks will take days to dry. I daren't even try washing my jeans! Up until now we have been sitting tight and staying positive.
And in tne spirit of staying positive, I can honestly say that it could be a lot worse. The first room that we were shown in the hotel had two double beds (nice!), it had a wardrobe (luxury!)...and it had a bathroom with a floor to ceiling glass wall and door. What!? How is that even a thing? To be fair the bathroom glass wall of immodesty (made up word?) did have a frosted section. However, this section was from about chin to bellybutton height and therefore left the 'key zone' completely on show; and the toilet lay comfortably below this line. Now, maybe this would be okay if you had the room to yourself, or even (dare I say it) with paid for company, but when sharing with a friend there are some views that are never going to be okay to wake up to. So there we go, some perspective into how it could be worse!
But at the moment we thank god for LoveTEFL and IES calling and checking up on us and any progress. Communication is hard enough and misunderstandings and miscommunications can become very 'convenient'. When there is bilingual help on your side, who are equally invested in your contract being met, it can be a real life saver and takes off a lot of the stress of China in general. This is why going to China with LoveTEFL and their ongoing in-country support was the best thing we could have done! We love you Graham and Niels!
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| The Humble Administrator's Garden |
But its not all bad at all. We've had some great days exploring the city and have so far discovered impressive parks, an historic water village called Mudu and visited the lovely Humble Administrator's Garden on a beautiful sunny day.
AND as of yesterday there is a light at the end of the tunnel! We have found a little area really close to us, which sells cheap food so eating is less of a financial drain and we went to view an apartment and, thank god, we loved it! We were all expecting a bit of a hovel but what we've seen is so much better than that! Three good sized double rooms, a huge living and dining room and finally(!!), a washing machine and kitchen! We've been told that we can move into the apartment on the 1st March and I personally can't wait! It will be so good to have our own space and be able to cook food. I can finally start to get through some of the many packets of porridge I brought with me!
So for now, everything is looking up in Suzhou!
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