Episode One: The Panda Menace

I had some spare time on my hands so decided to put together this little clip with my friend.  Hope you enjoy!

Just made my first movie (with some help)!,

Jac

Happy Thanksgiving to Wonderful Family & Friends

This Thanksgiving, all the Americans from DUT (around 10, not many!) celebrated our Thanksgiving together by going the Swish Hotel for an all-you-can-eat buffet.  I would like to preface this by saying it was the best meal I've had since I've been in China.  There were the staples: turkey, baked ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing... I'm drooling just recounting this meal.  I also indulged in some other non-traditional items: sushi, fajitas, and abalone... all delicious and I say, great for anytime of the year.

Halfway through the meal, we went around the table saying what we were thankful for at this moment. I immediately thought of family and friends at home.  I also thought about this unique opportunity that allowed me to postpone work and live the simple life of a student.  I'm thankful for the humbling experiences that immediately snap things back into perspective.  Living in China is a constant reminder of how lucky we are to have the opportunities to travel or excel in work and life.  Many Chinese people I come across express the desire to travel or work in another country but do not have the opportunities or funds to do so.

A very Christmas-y Thanksgiving!

And then last night, I was invited to my American friend's parent's house for another Thanksgiving celebration.  Who knew there would be so many ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Dalian?!  It was an intimate dinner and I felt lucky to attend this warm celebration (and eat another great meal!).  It reminded me again that the true essence of Thanksgiving is to share and enjoy quality time with your loved ones.  Nothing is more special or irreplaceable.

Happy Thanksgiving again! I hope everyone had a wonderful, belly-filling Thanksgiving and lots of leftovers to indulge in.

Thankful,
Jac

My Humble Abode

For the past 6 years, I have lived in 6 different spots.  There was Sunset Terrace, Rieber, and then the 60-girl Alpha Phi House, followed by (my favorite) 10951 Roebling, Fudan International Dorms, and now my current home: Dalian University of Technology (DUT) International Dorms.  Each place had its unique charm and characteristics that I liked and disliked.  However, I must say that the DUT Dorm is the most interesting place I have lived in so far.

My very first step into the dorm caught me by surprise.  In traditional dorms, the front door leads to the main room, where you can get acquainted with the residents and relax.  However in this dorm, the front door leads to the sink.  This is good if the first thing you need to do when you get home is wash your hands.

Peekaboo!

From there, you have two options: turn left or right.  To the right is the main bedroom with the 2 sets of furniture.  It's a comfortable sized room for one person so I'm quite happy with it.

My Side of the Room

Meow.  This was left by the previous
resident.  I immediately took it off.  

Yes, there is a GRE prep book on the shelf.  

And to the left, we have the bathroom.  It very much resembles one in a hostel where there is one room with both the shower and toilet inside.  I wasn't too thrilled at first but I've grown to like this set-up.  It makes getting out of the shower really easy because you don't get that cold draft when you usually get out of a normal shower.   It's nice, huh?

Sadly, my luxurious room is not equipped with a kitchen but I luckily made a really great friend, Marianna, who has her own apartment so I kind of have 2 homes now.  I go there every night for dinner and we make delicious, home-cooked meals at her apartment (Thanks Nana!).  Unlike my Fudan room, this accommodation does not have an AC unit in which I can randomly turn on the air or heat.  Instead it has central heating that comes from water running through pipes along the wall.  The main office sets the temperature and when the heat turns on and off.  Not the most convenient but at least it's keeping me warm since the weather is getting chilly.  Now that you've seen my lovely dorm, the invitation is still open if you want to come visit!

So much to update you on,
Jac

I'm in China Again...!?!

Hi Family and Friends!

Welcome to my new blog, one which will outline my life in the northeastern, coastal city of Dalian. To the Chinese, Dalian is considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the country that boasts of clean air and pretty beaches.  According to the China Daily in 2006, Dalian was rated as the #1 most livable city and is often compared to San Francisco or Seattle... I beg to differ but will admit that it is a small, charming city that I enjoy living in.

This past summer, I was presented with an opportunity from the Chinese Government to continue studying Mandarin for the next year.  One thing led to another and before I knew it, I was booking my flight ticket and packing my suitcases.  I have now been in Dalian for about 3 months and am really enjoying this new phase in my life.  I currently live on campus in the International Student Dorms with an entire room just for myself- yay!  All students in this building have roommates but I somehow lucked out and am roommate-free.  This means that my room has 2 sets of everything: 2 beds, 2 desks, 2 dressers, etc.  If anyone wants to come visit, I can promise a place to stay!  The room is comfortable enough although it makes my old dorm room in Fudan feel like a luxurious accommodation.  

I have class 5 days a week, starting at 8 AM everyday.  (This is very good in making me go to sleep early and waking up early.)  There are few Americans in my school which I really like because I can focus on making non-English speaking friends.  This semester's students are mainly composed of Koreans, Japanese, Russian, Belerusians (tiny country located near Russia), and Thai.  It's exciting to go back to school and attend class because I actually want to learn, not because I need a good grade.  As I am late in starting this blog, the postings may be a bit out of order.  Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy!  

Happy to finally be writing this blog again,

Jac

宝玉

My new home away from home!