Who would have guessed, but Thanksgiving isn't a big holiday in China?? :P The whole Thanksgiving/ Christmas season seems to be lost on the Chinese people as I assume they make a bigger fuss about the Chinese New Year in January instead. There haven't been too many Christmas decorations or music around here in Beijing, so yesterday when I was studying in a coffee shop and heard Christmas music for the first time, I was sooo happy! The people around me probably thought I was crazy from how much I was smiling and bobbing my head to the music. Even though I'm all the way in China, I'm definitely thinking about Thanksgiving and the people back at home and I thought this would be a good way to say what I'm thankful for this year =)
1) My time in China: I was excited yet nervous about coming here and meeting new people and the new environment. While it took awhile to adjust, I have come to love Beijing and this semester has been amazing! I've gotten to see and do things that would only have been possible since I came here like the Great Wall, the Terra Cotta warriors, experiencing the culture... I would never trade it for anything.
2) The people I've met here: I've gotten to meet sooo many different people all from different countries and backgrounds. It has been really fun experiencing China with each other and learning about each others cultures. Annddddd, now I always have a contact person whenever I want to go visit all the countries where they're from! ;)
3) Family and friends back home: It has been hard being away from everyone for so long. But every time I talk to them, they're always so supportive and reminding me to have as much fun as possible while I'm here! I always end my conversations with everyone smiling and in a good mood. I love you guys!
4) How lucky I am to live in America: Especially after being here and
talking to people, sooo many people want to come to America but can't
whether it be money issues, visa issues, etc. I'm lucky that I was born
in America, or I'd probably be in the same situation. I have so many
"luxuries" in America that aren't as available in other countries like
clean bathrooms, free drinking water, plentiful job options, clean air, a
car, unlimited hot shower hours... things I definitely won't take for
granted when I get back.
5) A kitchen/ oven/peanut butter/banana bread: While I've been in China, it's been pretty hard to find healthy options to eat. I've mentioned before how many things are pretty oily and salty. I'm missing the numerous healthier options back in the US! Like whole wheat bread, greek yogurt, fruits... binging on all those when I get back =P Anddd, my love of baking has been put on hold as there is no access to an oven at all here. Going to be baking like crazy when I get back so be ready for some baked goods when I get back, everyone!
I'm sure there are some things that I'm missing, but these are the big ones I could think of right now. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, instead of having Turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie and that whole shebang, some friends and I are going to do unlimited Teppanyaki!! Mmmmmmm. I've never done Teppanyaki so I can't wait! I'll make sure to post pictures after =D
Hope everyone is enjoying Thanksgiving at home! Love and miss you all! <3
No comments:
Post a Comment