China!

 We've been in China for a little over a few weeks now, so things have settled down and I thought it was past time for a blog! (not that I write blogs often anyways, but hey, I'm going to try to update this at least once a week.)

Anyways, Ryan and I are starting to get into the teaching routine. The great thing about teaching here is that there aren't many restrictions on us as teachers. Although that can sometimes be hard on the kids (we're allowed to kick them out of class if they're being naughty) it can also be good for them. I have a little 3-year old in my Small Star Blue class who is really cute—on Friday I scooped her up in my arms and gave her adorable chubby cheeks some kisses! We're also encouraged to tickle, hug, high-five and chase our students, as showing affection will actually encourage them to learn in our class and endear us to both the students and parents :-)

At first, I was a little surprised about our small apartment. I thought it would be 2 bedrooms, but it's technically a studio (it might be a little closer to a small 1-bedroom). However, now I'm really starting to like it! It's cute and so snuggly! It also makes it easier to decorate for Christmas. Ryan and I went to one of the big grocery stores (Auchan) and bought a mini-Christmas tree, some stockings and a dozen little ornaments we'll hang from the ceiling once we get some fishing wire. We work the weekends, so on Tuesday and Wednesday (our days off), I have Ryan play Christmas music while I practice cooking on our temperamental hot plate. So far in the battle of the hot plate, I think I'm winning... although it has burnt one of my pans beyond use. Ryan is really great with it and hasn't burned a dinner yet! 

One of the first cravings I've had since being here is.......popcorn! (and you thought I would say chocolate, didn't you?) Actually, I'm really surprised that I'm not craving chocolate or sweets—I guess cutting sugar cold turkey wasn't as hard as I first supposed. I don't even know what the deal with popcorn is, I didn't eat much of it in the States even. Weird. Luckily, that craving is starting to subside. They do have mini bags of popcorn in the foreign section of the stores, but each bag is about $2-$3 USD! Crazy expensive (whereas Chinese food is cheap!). Since leaving home, Ryan has craved his Dad's Sunday Spaghetti, mac & cheese, and coffee. Next time we're home, we're definitely filling our suitcases with some coffee to take back!

In all, we are having a blast so far. We usually spend one day of our 'weekend' traveling to a nearby district called Luqiao, where we get to have Starbucks! This weekend, we also went to the street market  and had some dumplings at a little hole-in-the wall place (which is kinda funny, because most restaurants here are literally hole-in-the-wall rooms with a couple of tables and a stray dog waiting for your leftovers).

Anyways, I'll post some pictures so everyone can see our apartment! It's on the 12th floor and we love having a view of the city from our bed :-) Even though I'm typically a big fan of the beige, brown, and tans—I'm kinda boring in my color admiration—our bright blue walls are cheery and I actually really enjoy them. I hope you do to! 

Our front door, pantry, and bathroom door

Our Kitchen

Sink & Electric Kettle

Our Microwave, hotplate and big vent!

Dining room- fridge and table (kitchen is to the right)

Ryan sitting on the bed

Our closet

This is where we usually eat- I love the little table and decorated it for Christmas!

Our TV, which we've actually only watched once

I really like our shower! I feel like I'm in a space capsule

This is for my sweet mom—we have a toilet!

We have a washer (and laundry room!)

Our view

To the right

To the left (the blue lit-up building is an international hotel, where we turn right when walking to school)