- I've put together a sort of a guide for all things Dalian - Bars, Restaurants, Hotels, whatever. Any attempt at putting together this kind of guide should (in my opinion) have addresses listed in English, and pinyin and Chinese. What's the use of a guide that says, "go up the road until you see a restaurant with a blue overhang next to the post office." If it doesn't have a precise address that people can use in a taxi, it's not worth a damn.
I'm happy to say that all Chinese characters on that part of my site will display pinyin when you hover over the chinese characters. What a ninja I am...
This site also has an area where you can contribute info about your favorite places in Dalian, so I hope all you guys out there will participate and submit any useful information you may have. Also, please give some feedback about the bars and restaurants listed by clicking "Comments" at the end of each post. I've tried to stay neutral and just list the address, and leave it to readers to provide reviews. - My PandaShop. If you need an "I Love Dalian" thong, you're in luck! Right now the product line is limited, but I plan to add an "I love xiaojie" shirt, as well as an "I love boba" (meaning "I love whores," and "I love big titties," respectively). They will be added shortly.
- I'm also gonna try to start writing some blog entries for for Ryan's (aka The Humanaught) new site, "Lost Laowai," the second coolest China-related domain name there is. I've gotta try and stay civilized though, and be a little more serious than I am on this site. I don't know if I succeeded in my first attempt though...
For those of you not familiar with Ryan's new site, please check it out. The Haohao Report is one of the coolest things China-related websites to pop up in a long time. It's basically a China-related Digg. It's one stop shopping for all your China news. If you have a China-related blog, you should consider adding these buttons to your site, so that people can submit your articles to Haohao with a single click.
Anyway, my biggest problem these days is sticking to one project because I have too many silly ideas, and I'm always getting sidetracked. But we'll see how it goes. So far this site has about 6 components, and I'm gonna try and tie them all together a little better than they are now (i.e. using a common color scheme, and a common navigation bar on every page). If anyone has any comments or suggestions please let me know.
This site is still just a hobby, and I can't say I'm too serious about it. Still pretty half-assed, but it's a good laugh all the same.
In other news, I've added two new additions to my Dalian Bloglist, Eyes East and International Misfit. Please check 'em out. And then there's this. Dalian Xpat is making progress as well, which is good to see.
So off I went to the nearest 电子城 (dianzi cheng, Electronic City) to pick me up a copy of Windows XP. I was determined this time that I would buy a "real" copy, as I expected if I were to purchase a fake it'd only lead to more computer headaches in the not-so distant future.
So I arrive at Electronic City and start chatting the sales lady:
Me: Do you guys have an English version of Windows XP?
Lady: Yes, please wait a moment. Please, sit sit sit.
(lady goes behind a mountain of cardboard boxes, comes back)
Lady: Here you are. 15 yuan.
Me: I was just wondering, how much for a "real" version of windows? I should really buy that one, I think.
Lady: Well, we don't have it here, but it would surely be more than a thousand RMB.
Me: Holy Windows Batman!
Lady: 什么？
Anyway, I spoke to another friend of mine yesterday who tells me that he believes a real copy of windows may cost more than two thousand RMB. I have no idea. To me, Real Windows packages are kinda like Mr. Snuffleuppagus -- I'll buy one when I can afford it. But until then, fuck off Snuffy...
If a Windows package costs about 2000 RMB, here are some things to consider:
- What's the average monthly salary in China? Anyone willing to pay a month's salary on a copy of Windows, say "I."
- How much is a desktop computer in China? You can buy some for three or four thousand. Would you spend $1000 on a computer in America, only to have to pay $500 to buy the operating system on top of that?
- How much does a hooker cost? I'm willing to bet that you could squeeze 3 or 4 into your bed for same cost.
- 2000 羊肉串 (yang rou chuanr or meat-on-a-stick) doesn't sound too lousy either. I bet those Xinjiang dudes would really love me then!
Anyway, I'm not saying that all of this software piracy is ok. But man, Windows eXtra Pricy doesn't seem that accessible to the general population as the price stands now.
Tags:
Windows xp fake software product China counterfeit Microsoft software
My buddy Dezza over at Mask of China (HK edition) tells about his experience in a town outside Beijing called Huairou. The section of the wall is named Huang Hua. Anyway, I encourage you to drop over and read his post about how several people in that town happily pointed him in the direction of (and taxied him up to) a section of Great Wall that they knew very well to be closed for repairs.
Anyway, if you or any of your friends are making plans to hit Beijing this October, be sure to stay away from Huairou.
You guys just messed with the wrong laowai!
Tags:
great wall huang hua huairou chinese cheating foreigners boycott the great wall mask of china pandapassport
In the meantime, I've been working on building another site, and haven't really been doing much with this one. Although I hope to re-vamp it sometime soon.
Anyway, hopefully when I start work, I won't be wasting time on things like this.
I just completed these surveys on Blogthings.com.
Warning: This shit is quite addictive...
Here are some of my results:
You Should Travel to India |
 You're a passionate, gusty traveler - and India's gritty urban centers won't scare you away. Maybe you'll take in the Taj Mahal, eat the best curry of your life, or attend a huge street festival. |
Your Japanese Name Is... |
 |
You Are Rowlf the Dog |
 Mellow and serious, you enjoy time alone cultivating your talents. You're a cool dog, and you always present a relaxed vibe. A talented pianist, you can play almost anything - especially songs by Beethoven. "My bark is worse than my bite, and my piano playing beats 'em both." |
Your Pimp Name Is... |
 |
Your Daddy Is Pedro Martinez |
 What You Call Him: Pa Why You Love Him: He's your sugar daddy |
I recommend checking it out if you haven't already. There are also 2 sequels which are worth a look as well.
Why should you watch Infernal Affairs?
It seems that Brad Pitt liked it so much that he bought the rights to the film, and has just remade it for release in the States. Leo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Martin Sheen, and Mark Walberg. Directed by Scorcese. This one looks like it could be big. Check out the trailer:
Tags: China, The Departed Trailer, Brad Pitt, Scorcese, Infernal Affairs Remake
In the West, stem-cell research is highly regulated and it's often very difficult for researchers to have access to fetal tissues. As a result, this specific medical technology is progressing much slower in the west in comparison with (yeah, you guessed it) China.
China seems to have surveyed the international playing field, and identified this situation as an opportunity for medical prestige. Or maybe you could call it "International Face?" No mainland China scientist has ever been awarded the Nobel Prize, and this just might be their chance.
Whatever the case, it seems that many people from America and other western countries (where stem-cell treament is governed by heavy restrictions) are coming to China, because the treatment they require is available here now. Take this British girl from Boston, for example. When did Boston join the UK, anyway?
Tags: China, stem-cell treatment, stem cell research, Stem-cell research in China, pandapassport
ESL for Dumbasses
(I can't say "dummies" can I? That's taken.)
Contents:
1. Is China right for me?
2. ESL Teaching Certification: Do I really need it?
3. Understand the different types of Chinese Visas.
4. Understand the contract.
5. What do I need to bring with me?
6. Do I need to study any Chinese?
7. How can I be sure my school isn't dodgy and run by mafia thugs?
8. Other "Rules of the Game"
1. Is China right for you? This is a crucial question that you must look into.
Maybe Korea or Japan, or even Taiwan "Province," is a better fit? China is a cool country to see, and it probably is easier to travel around during your holidays as the trains are cheap and convenient. But the wages are relatively low in comparison with other places. But as living costs are low inside China, you'll find that it's more than enough to get by.
If you do not have a flexible, adjust-to-adversity type personality, be wary about coming here. There are a lot of pissed-off foreigners in China, who bitch and complain on a daily basis. Ask yourself, do you possess the understanding to live in a place where thoughts and opinions often differ greatly from your own? China is still third world, with countless injustices. Ask yourself how you will react to that.
2. ESL Teaching Certification: Do you really need it?
If teaching is not in your future career plans, I would advise against it. While certain qualifications may be required to teach in other Asian countries, China is not nearly as picky when it comes to the English Teaching Industry, and this is especially true of private schools (as opposed to public schools or universities. If your purpose in China is to mostly travel, and see the world, and all that jazz - I'd recommend skipping on the certification. If you look like you speak English (i.e. if you look different from the local population) it's often enough.
It's not uncommon for a person whose first language is not English (maybe someone from France, Spain, or Italy for example) to be employed at a school, despite not having great English themselves. But they look the part. On the other hand there are often teachers (such as Chinese Americans or Canadians, or teachers from English speaking African countries for example) who have trouble finding work in China - simply because they are not what many Chinese stereotypically perceive as a Native English Speaker. This is unfortunate, but it happens sometimes.
3. Understand the different types of Chinese Visas.
I'm gonna defer to another source on this one. Also, do some research into the "Foreign Experts Card" which you might have if you are employed by a more credible (usually) institution.
Do some reading on the internet about the different types of Chinese Visas, and be wary of schools that don't seem to follow these rules. Yes, there are some schools that will bring teachers here to teach on only a tourist visa - this is illegal, and should be avoided.
Please make sure that when you research this topic, that your information is up-to-date. Here are some links:
Introduction to types of Chinese Visas
Dave's ESL Cafe Visa Discussion
Hong Kong Visa Shopping
State Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs
Personally, I would not sign a contract before arrival. While some schools may demand that you sign a faxed copy, I would not sign a contract in this manner unless you are fully confident that this particular school can meet your standards.
It's common that you might be told one thing before you arrive, and then see that things are not as they should be when you get here.
If you arrive at your school, and for some reason are surprised and/or shocked by your situation, don't hesitate to hit the streets in seach of a better situation.
Get in touch with the ex-pat community in whatever city you choose to work in, and ask for advice from those who have done it all before. Read weblogs and forums, and organize the information you've gathered. I started a discussion on Dave's ESL Cafe where teachers rate their China Teaching Experience on a 1 to 5 scale. I have to say, I'm finding the results very informatitive, and also somewhat surprising!
5. What do I need to take with me?
If you're in one of the more developed cities, you likely won't need to bring too much. Generally speaking, you can buy pretty much everything you need in big shopping centers like Wal-mart or Carrefour, which are all over China and still spreading.
Consider taking a laptop computer, if you have one. Especially if it has a DVD player (you can build a pretty hefty DVD collection here. Many schools will accomodate you with an internet conection, or help set one up in your apartment. I'm really glad I brought mine (on ebay). I can watch Canadian news or Meet the Press whenever I want, and keep in touch with friends and family very easily. When I first arrived I unnecessarily spent a lot of money on IP cards to phone home, but now I just use voice chat on a MSN messenger. It's free! Some of my friends use Skype as well. Also, if you do take your computer, back up all your important information and programs on a CD, just in case you need them later (I'm glad I did!). Other handy items: mp3 players.
If you are dependant on any medication, then you should probably stock up if you cannot find it in China. If you wear contact lenses, bring enough to last your trip, unless you're ok with a trip to Mr. Chinese Optomitrist. Do your research as to what you can and cannot bring into the country.
Everyone seems to have a cell phone here, but it may not be necessary to bring one as they're pretty cheap here anyway. Second hand phones are readily available. If you take a phone from home, check to see if it's China compatible.
Under-arm Deodorant used to be a rarity here, but now certain brands (Adidas Sport, for example) beginning to pop up in department stores. You can bring a few sticks of your own and bring them along if you're nervous.
6. Do I need to study any Chinese?
While learning Chinese is not necessary for an English teacher by any means, it does help things go much more smoothly. Some teachers arrive and speak English at work, spend time outside the school with ex-pat friends, and don't really have much contact with people who don't speak English (which is a sizable portion of the population!). I think if you want to maximize the value of your trip to China, you should have some basic knowledge of the language.
First of all, you can get more done in your day to day life without having to rely on your school or friends for translation help all the time. It's nice to be independant. Secondly, it also helps when you are teaching English, believe it or not! If you understand some basic Chinese grammar, it can help you understand some common mistakes that Chinese people make when speaking English. for example: "I very like apples" or "I tomorrow with my father will play ping-pong ball."
I recommend taking a course at your local university, or hook up with a language exchange partner before you leave (and maybe after you arrive as well). Many of the private English schools in China have class mostly in the evenings and weekends. While most universities will offer Chinese language classes Monday to Friday, mornings and afternoons - sometimes, just mornings! English teaching in China is not too demanding, at about 20 to 25 hours a week, and there are some who do both work and study.
There are also many resources on the net for Chinese study. The best of which is chinesepod.com. I also recommend the Pimsleur Mandarin Lessons (mp3 format), which you can track down pretty easily. I discovered them only recently, and I wish I had known about them before I came here. Or you can also try languageguide.org, which has some useful beginner level Chinese.
7. How can I be sure my school isn't dodgy and run by mafia thugs?
You can't. Especially when you're dealing with private schools. They are businesses, and unfortunately, Chinese business practices often involve underhanded tactics such as bribery, and the like. When dealing with most Chinese schools, I would advise taking a somewhat defensive posture, and stick up for yourself if you feel you're being shafted.
The best remedy is to fully research a school before-hand, by getting in touch with the ex-pat community, and explore School Blacklist sites such as TEFL Watch (see their forum too), and Buxiban.com.
Update: Buxiban now requires paid membership. BOOERNS Buxiban!
The English Teaching industry in China is in a constant state of flux, and the rules are never the same - from time to time, from place to place, from school to school. That said, it would be wise to do as much research as you can into the rules and regulations regarding working in China. Buxiban.com provides some reading material on the Labor Laws of the PRC and Regulations for the Employment of Foreigners.
Hope that helps! Happy teaching!
Tags: China, ESL, English Teaching, Teach in China, TEFL, TESOL, Teach and Travel, English Teaching in China, pandapassport
