Farewell to another year...

2 January 2008

Another year has sped past with dizzying speed.  The new year seems destined to be as quick as the past year, even though we are only into it a few days.  With advanced age, it is difficult for The Old Codger to remember everything that happened - or at the very least "when" it happened.  But, then again, recollection of times and dates have never been his strong point.  I suspect that it is better to simply be able to remember that something happened rather than worrying too much about when. 

It could be assumed that one has pretty well "lost the plot" - or is well on the way to losing it - when they have to bring out the calculator to figure out how old they are.   

For The Old Codger, the biggest events of the past year was the decision to first consider moving to China and second to actually move to China.  Once the decision to move to China had been made, there simply was no turning back.  With the decision to move, the next step was selling everything that could not be carried in a suitcase or shipped economically.  The latter option proved to be an impossibility.  Nothing can be shipped economically.

The "consideration" phase was quite simple.  The Old Codger was burned out - a common complaint of teachers in private schools in Thailand as the schools seem to suck the life out of a person.  Hence, the vacation that he took was good.  During the vacation, he talked to a few different local schools and ruled out working for them because they simply wanted too much of his time.  Hence, the "consideration" phase consisted of doing a lot of research on the Internet about China and talking about it with other people.

It was not surprising that some people thought that it would be a great opportunity and experience.  Yet, there were many negative commentators there in Udon Thani, all who claimed to have been to China numerous times and that it was a terrible place.  The Old Codger of course expected the negativities, as that is one thing that the Udon ex-pats are extremely good at - when it does not involve them directly.  Many of those who claimed to have been to China reminded The Old Codger of a bloke that claimed that he had been to virtually every country in the world.  Turned out that upon closer questioning about the places he had been to, he had never been out of the airport terminal in those countries.  He had only been there for a plane transfer or lay over for an hour or two. 

The full impact of the momentous journey The Old Codger was embarking upon came when he was waiting for his late night plane to Beijing in the new Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.  There he was, with two large, overweight suitcases (which cost 3,000 Baht extra) wondering what he was actually getting himself into.  Sure, he had a contract that had been signed promising all sorts of things, but was that contract worth any more than the paper it was written on?  The contract was for one year, but what if he really hated the school or the area?  He knew absolutely no Chinese, so would he be able to survive?  And of course, the nagging questions about moving to, and living in a communist country.  At that point in time, The Old Codger felt that he was heading into no-man's land, with enough money for an exit ticket, but where then would he go?  It can be a scary thought knowing that your entire world is packed into two suitcases, and you hope to hell that they arrive at the final destination when you do.

Yes, this was much different than moving to Thailand.  When that move was made, The Old Codger knew people in Udon Thani, having made numerous trips there over the years.  He also had a "wife" waiting for him - well, more so than less, but that is another story.  No - going to China was much different.  It was difficult not to question the rationality of what had been contemplated, and what was finally being acted upon.  Not fear, but just a temporary loss of confidence which comes when one questions ones self too closely at times.

Of course, and needless to say, all of the self questioning and trepidations proved to have been in vain, other than to ensure that The Old Codger was keeping both feet on the ground.  See Letters From China for a complete chronicle of the arrival and subsequent settling in here in China.

The Old Codger has been offered a couple of part time teaching jobs; ideas that he toyed with a bit.  Given that he has about two months of "vacation time" he thought  he might work a bit just to fill in the time since it is too cold to do any traveling.  One job, which looked pretty good, has since been rejected totally.  Under the terms of his contract, The Old Codger must obtain permission from the University to accept any part time positions.  In response to that issue, the private school responded:

"Usually the University will not allow their teachers to do any part-time jobs. But a lot of teachers take part-time jobs in their spare time. So, I don't think you should get the permission from your University. And all the teachers and training centers will keep it confidential."

Right.  That is a job one can feel real secure in.  Essentially, one can work at that school, get caught and get deported after paying a bit of a fine.  Sounds real good to me if one is interested in discovering and obtaining first hand experience with the Chinese judicial system.  Pass.  Will look at the second school now to see what that situation looks like. 

The Old Codger received his class assignments for the next term the other day and to be honest, he is trying not to analyze it too much.   His schedule calls for 8 classes per week, while everyone else's schedule (with the exception of 1 other teacher) calls for only 6 classes a week.  It could be because The Old Codger is a good teacher, or it could be because....  One thing is certain, the Chinese would never be able to explain it to anyone in English.  One plus to the schedule though is that all of the classes are on the same campus; all of the other teachers have to travel to other campuses for some of their classes.

Things The Old Codger has learned about living in China: (At least in the Nantong area.  It may not be applicable in other parts of China given that China is very culturally diverse.)

	When traveling on the road, (walking, driving or even riding) never make eye contact with anyone.  Just go ahead and act like you own the road.  Making eye contact means that you are not courageous which gives the other person the right to take over your space.
	When driving, use your horn liberally - which means at least 70% of the time.   This is a safety feature and hopefully will keep someone in front of you from stopping without warning or from turning directly in front of you.
	Chinese people do not believe in closing doors.  It can be below freezing outside and they will leave the door wide open for the fresh air.  The same can be said for open windows.
	When it is cold outside, Chinese will leave their coats and jackets on, fully zipped or buttoned even when in a warm, heated room that does not have any windows or doors open.
	Chinese packaging is the securest in the world.  Anything that you buy that has been pre-packaged is going to be locked up tighter than a virgin in a chastity belt.
	Being "on time" in China means you should be there at least 10 minutes early.  In Thailand, being on time was being at least 30 minutes late.
	Chinese women are very possessive and jealous.  After going out with them for a maximum of 7 times, you are "owned."
	The Chinese believe that all foreigners are rich, but it is not polite to talk about that unless the foreigner claims to be poor.
	Chinese people love giving away, and receiving cigarettes.  Giving a pack of expensive cigarettes as a gift to a male Chinese person is perfect acceptable even if he doesn't smoke.
	Most Chinese are very financially conservative.  They see no sense in taking a taxi cab if a bus will be along in 20 minutes, no matter how cold it is, and no matter how long the bus ride might be.
	When waiting to get onto an elevator or a bus, the Chinese will crowd up right next to the door to be the first on, no matter how many people are trying to get off the conveyance.
	Chinese people do not know how to stand in line or queues. If there is even a remote opening, they will jump right in like there is no tomorrow.  With a few words or gestures, they can easily be dissuaded, and will apologize for jumping line.
	If a Chinese person is angry, and smiling at the same time...  Well, use some common sense at that point.
	Chinese people are extremely friendly and tolerant in virtually every situation.  They will make exceptions for foreigner's stupidity, as long as they are not anti-Chinese or China.
	In markets, Chinese people like to barter, and will not take advantage of a foreigner.  Their bottom price is the same for everyone - all you have to do is find it.
	Many Chinese people like to eat dog.  Avoid a restaurant that has a lot of dog collars piled up outside the back door, unless of course you are keen on having a retaliatory bite out of old Fido.
	The Chinese people are very resilient, though often lacking in common sense.
	The Chinese hate to be compared to the Japanese.  They still harbor ill feelings over the Japanese invasions and atrocities (numerous) during WW II.

The new year looks to be promising.  The Old Codger will be going down to Shanghai for at least a day or two in a few weeks.  He has to get some pages added to his passport.  While there, it is probable that he will meet up with some other Americans - two who recently moved to Shanghai and two from Texas who will be visiting.  The latter two The Old Codger knew a few years ago back in Fort Worth when they had a computer shop near The Old Codger's office.  'Tis a small world. 

I must say that the political situation in the US is a bit confusing.  An avowed bible thumper (former minister / fire and brimstone preacher) on the republican side and a black man on the democratic side winning the Iowa caucus this evening.  From my perspective, the only candidate that is running that is worth voting for is Ron Paul - and he hardly hits the radar.  Oh well, as long as no candidate wants to bomb China because of its nuclear program because it is a communist country, I reckon I feel a lot safer over here than I would in America. 

Enough for this time around.  Hope that all have a happy and prosperous new year.

The Old Codger

Letters Index

Return to Old Codger's 
Guide Page