Sunnysideup Perspectives: Goodbye to China (for now)

I’m back! My hubby and I left Mainland China last March 26 so here I am back in my hometown and back to blogging. My blog posts have been intermittent, well even nonexistent since the blocking of blogspot late last year.

In China I learned and observed much about their people, food and culture. There were times when I had to adjust and adapt to some of their ways but overall the experience was interesting and worthwhile. As a newlywed who decided to settle in a foreign land with a language I am not able to speak nor understand, my first few months were challenging. I initially felt like a fish on land, but looking back I will always value these moments because it made us closer as a couple. At the same time the relocation taught and reminded me of wifely values and traits like humility, adaptability, selflessness, openness and thankfulness. I am grateful to have had time to experience and focus on being a wife - a fulltime housewife - with lots of quiet and relaxed time on my hands. It actually felt like a 2 year summer vacation for me.

Anyway this entry marks my return to blogging and soon corporate life. There is so much to share having missed blogging for months. That said, expect that some of my upcoming posts will be about the experiences I had during the half of last year.

And so, let me end this article by enlisting the top 10 things I will be missing in China.

#10.Cooler Weather. Being back in my home country -one that is located in the equator, I definitely miss the fact that I don’t need airconditioning for months.
#9.Our rented apartment which became our home for a while, I just love everything about it - the glass windows, the view of the nearby mountain, the man-made waterfalls below us and the noisy frogs singing at night.
#8.Photo perfect places and things. I think I took thousands of photos during my stay here in China.
#7.My evening walks with hubby. It’s daily our time to bond and talk while exercising.
#6.Shitake Mushroom and KiatKiat Oranges. I just can’t enough of this.
#5. Their yummy steamed dumplings and meatballs which we usually buy at the grocery on weekends.
#4. Bread, Bread, Bread. I don’t know what it is with Madeli and Cai De Xuan but everytime we pass by these stores the smell is just so good. It’s like the Pied Piper hypnotizing the rats.
#3. Pasta by Papponi and Cheese cakes (especially the Japan Cheesecake and Cappucino Cheesecake) by Tiramisu.
#2. Our new friends and Catan playmates Victor, Janna and Jonette

and...

#1. Milk Tea/Nai Cha. My ultimate favorite drink. I’ve tried several brands from MTR, Comebuy, AH-2, EDO. Each one with it’s own distinct taste I’ve come to adore.

sunnysideup perspectives: Holiday walks with Hubby

I'm feeling so much better. No attacks and stomach pain for past few days. Even better my hubby had a long holiday weekend so we were able to spend more (quality) time together.

One of the things I cherish most are my walks and talks with my hubby. I just relish and enjoy such moments. I think it's a girl thing. Most women love the attention, the time and the listening ear. Maybe not all women will agree, but I really think that "attentive listening" is one of the best ways for a man to show his love and affection towards their spouse.

It's the "small" things that really matter. A compliment and a listening ear goes a looong way. :)

Anyway, we had a great time. We visited another pagoda here in Zhongshan. We walked and talked for hours, had a plateful of Sushi for dinner, and took lots of photos. By the way, lately my hubby has been influenced by my interest in photography. It's another activity - aside from eating - that we both love. We are now practicing together. Well he is using our point-and-shoot digital camera, while practice on our new DSLR. :)

Here are some of our pics, but I will upload more of them on my photo blog.

Thank you series: Macau becomes our second home

As Filipinos, my husband and I grew up with a strong inclination to the western ways - specially for (fast)food and entertainment. Although I have adapted more to the food and culture here in Zhongshan, my husband has more difficulty. He still craves for the food and environment he has grown into and although we pledged on eating healthy, a once in a while a fastfood meal is always a treat.

There are several McDonalds and KFC branches here but it doesn't taste the same. As expected the food they served has been slightly modified to appeal to the Asian/Chinese taste. For example:

• KFC's chicken is still good but is served without the gravy. (Again what is KFC without gravy?)
  
• KFC's gogo sandwich sauce has been updated to take on the chinese taste.

Also I have still yet to find a Starbucks store here in our area. Although there are a lot in Shanghai or Beijing, I have not found one here in Zhongshan. The nearest branches are in Macau or Guangzhou.

Thankfully we are blessed with the visa and capacity to travel to Macau regularly. Most of the things we crave for is just 2 hours away from us. Everytime we visit Macau we feel better and less homesick. We get to have the once in a while treat of eating fastfood we crave for. Just this week I got to eat Mcdonalds breakfast meal and my husband also discovered donuts that tasted the way he wanted. We have yet to find a nearby Dunkin Donuts or Krispy Kreme but the patisserie in Macau Tower is good enough. The bread and food they serve is really superb!

sunnysideup perspectives: Reform and Opening Up

I woke up this morning to a TV news on China's Anniversary Celebration - 30 years of successful Reform and Opening up. It just struck me that their opening up anniversary is almost the same age I have. So recent, so young yet so vibrant! I just find it amazing that in just a span of 3 decades, the changes in their country occurred and are so obvious. Just this year we've witnessed China host the Olympics and send men to outer space. They've also been more active in Global forums and meetings with country leaders.

Their current and resounding battle cry is Reform, Change and Open Up, something I am really witnessing firsthand. Their focus on education, labor and development is so apparent: Buildings are in construction here and there, roads and highways are well maintained, English schools and centers are thriving. In fact, I am meeting more and more Chinese people who are able/or learning to speak English. Times are hard now but I have no doubt that in a few more years, this country will grow further and attain more success. I congratulate them in advance for a job well done!

In all of this the main realization and learning that we can get is 'change'. That we all need to be open to change and adapt to our fast evolving world. It's a learn, adapt or be-left-behind world. Those who move, win!

Thank you series: Old Friends from Manila!

Welcome to China Jaime and Cindy!


(From left to right) Jaime, Cindy and me! :)


Jaime and his beautiful camera :)


A view of Zhongshan from Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park


Here's a prenuptial shoot in the park.


Cindy and I. Yep we do look like locals unfortunately we don't speak and understand the language. :)


Cute couple, Jaime and Cindy, with the "Hot pot"

November 30 - December 2. It's our first time, my hubby and I, to have guests here in China. It's been 3 months since we got here and I'm glad to have my friends come over. Of course I warned them in advance, yep they were my guinea pigs! I still have yet to get use to the place and language but we managed. Oh well, lucky are my next guests since by then I would be a better tourist guide hehe :)

I just hope they enjoyed their short stay and got a lot of insights during this "exploration" trip. Worthwhile enough to let them forget the camera we lost. :(

Thanks for the gifts and for being such great guests. See you in Manila soon!


Note... Here are some of my insights from this trip:

• Best to remind guests to bring RMB or HK dollars as pocket money especially if they plan to shop. US dollars are hard to exchange when containing stamp marks from banks.
  
• Dinner in the 'Zhongshan Revolving Restaurant' is always best done on the first day/evening.
  
• Socks and Winter clothes are advised (at least until March)
  
• Always double check restos and cabs before leaving, just to make sure we did not leave anything.
  
• Foot and Body Massage in country club is well appreciated. Also great way to end the day.
  

Thank you series: The Revolving Restaurant in Zhongshan, China

As I mentioned in my earlier blog, we went out last weekend and had dinner with friends. This time we tried 'The Revolving Restaurant'. It's located in the upper floor of the Fuhua Zhongshan hotel, also very near the Sun Wen Xi Road.

Food was good and the view was great. It took two hours to make a complete revolution and it was just enough time for us to enjoy the food and the company.

One small reminder: In case you will be eating here soon, don't leave your bag on the side. The glass walls are steady but your floor isn't :)

"My view from the restaurant."

"The walls."

"My favorite Pearl Milk Tea."


"Our salads, Caesars and Chef."

"Meat and rice galore."

Thank you series: Welcome to China Lot and Anna!

Last week two more colleagues of my hubby arrived. They will be in China for a month and just like us they were welcomed to China with a dinner in a hotpot restaurant and night out at Alex bar.

All Filipino group, except for CK (a German who's almost Filipino :) ).

We also accompanied them for a shopping day at the Sun Wen Xi road, it's shopping area also called walking street. I was so delighted, afterall, I miss being with women. I truly enjoyed the day with them, shopping is soo much more fun and the dinner talk was absolutely intense. :)

Thank you for the stories, I learned so much from you. Welcome to China girls!

Sunnysideup perspectives: The seasons of our lives

I'd like to share a very inspiring video by Bo Sanchez. It's about the seasons of our lives. When we experience growth, failure, change and end. I can relate so much especially since I'm in a moment of many changes in my life.

This is also very timely since we just had All Souls day and Halloween. Reminds us of our need to grow and move on. Plus it's a great way to start our week. A blessed Monday to you all!



Got this video from Youtube, uploaded by Annasamovar.

Thank you series: My first Halloween in China

I spent my Halloween weekend quite differently this year.

1. I was not able to go and visit my mom's in her garden resting place so I just lit a candle for her in our veranda and said my prayers. In the same way, I am not able to bond with my dad, since this is usually our 'day off' to bond and go to my moms grave.
2. I wasn't also able to meet up with my old friends, usually I also get to meet them since they also a a family, parent or grandparent, buried in the same cemetery were my mom is.
3. I was not able to see the entertaining mall decors and Trick or Treat costumed kids at the mall.

But,

1. I shared the moment with my hubby. This is our first Halloween as husband and wife. Soon it will also be our first Christmas together.

2. I got to attend another feast here in China. It's a thank you ceremony complete with dances and acrobatic performances. I was told that it was a celebration hosted by a realty company, to give thanks for their successful projects and to bless the new project they are going to build. I guess, one of the best ways to ward off bad karma or spirits is with a celebration.

3. We also spent a Halloween evening in Alex bar. It was pleasant and fun to see people in wild and wacky costumes. Bumped into a group of young expats on the bus already dressed for the fun evening.

Happy Halloween!

Thank you series: FREE Fresh Pearls!

Just like most girls, I love to shop. So Sunday, I headed out for a day at the mall and was extremely delighted to see that there was a sale. I bought 3 blouses all with 40% discount! Even better I got free pearls! I think it was part of the promotion of the jewelry shop. They offer the pearls for free then encourage you to have it set as a pendant. Sad to say I no longer had the budget for it since I had my eye on two more shirts. It was tempting, maybe next time!

Oooh by the way, what really was amazing was I witnessed the pearls being taken out from the shells. They cracked it open, took out the pearls and washed it clean.

"Fresh pearls."

"I got two."

Thank you series: Barbeque party, China style!

Saturday, my hubby and I attended a Barbeque party hosted by his bosses. It was for the entire R&D department of their company.

Here in China, Barbeque parties are so much for for people like my hubby. Similar to their hotpot tradition, they also gather around a grilling table for 'barbeques'. Although the only difference is that they also grill green leafy vegetables, crab sticks, meatballs and bread. One thing is sure, he enjoyed immensely. It was because of the access he had to all the food being cooked.

Here's a quick snapshot of our barbque table last Saturday.

"Starting to grill - beef, crab, chicken wings and corn."

"Hubby and I share a corn while Noel, behind me, is busy grilling."

Thank you series: A different gym experience

Happy Monday everyone! :)

Today I am officially starting my morning exercises. For the past few weeks I usually had it in the evening, I join my hubby whos just in from work. Sadly it's not working for me, I really prefer exercises in the morning because the weather is so much better (healthy sun with a cool breeze) and the early activity helps wake me up.

Anyway, I just want to share a new bunch of oddities I've observed in ZhongShan, China. This time its in the gym. Only here will you:

1. use unplugged exercise equipment. I mean, except for the treadmill, everything has no electricity. It was weird at first because there was no way for me to check my mileage, level, and calories. I guess it's their way of cutting the electric bill and their support to Global warming.
2. see someone wearing a dress while exercising on the treadmill. (And yes its a Sunday/summer dress paired with flats!)
3. find someone exercising backward. Yep I mean the entire 1 hour she was walking backwards on the treadmill. I wonder why? Is this much more effective?
4. see someone using sandals and slippers for running.

Mainly I noticed that the Chinese locals are not particular with their exercise attire. Maybe its because the gym is very near our houses, just a one minute walk from our condo units. Although if there's one thing a lot of them are into exercise - may it be swimming, tennis, jogging or a walk in around the indoor park. That's probably why most of them are fit and slim although, I'm also seeing a few chubby ones once in a while. Must be because of the availability of fastfoods like KFC, Pizzahut and Mcdo.

Sunnysideup photography: China mornings with a photography enthusiast

Happy Friday mawning! :)

Today I had my morning walk in Kaiyin Hao Yen - the condo community we currently live in. It's very refreshing to take morning walks here, I especially love the greens that surround me.

I took photos of my favorite spots. Unfortunately I still don't have a Digital SLR, but I do have my handy Canon Digital Ixus 65 to capture the pics.




Let me share them with you, here's my collection of photos for this morning.

"Morning view from our veranda."

"I love this tree, good morning tree!"

"Here's another view from our veranda - a perfect place for a game or chess or chit chat. Hmm... a quick glance and it looks a little like Stone Henge"

"A man-made pond, I think they call area the 'Poet's Nook' or something."

"If you have zooming powers you'll see me in the mirror hehehe."

"Kaiyin in a mirror.'"

"Nice place to rest amongst trees."

Thank you series: Enjoying a one week holiday!

October 1 is National holiday in China. And for a week since Monday September 29, I have been enjoying lots of quality and fun time with my hubby. So far, in the last three days we've been able to:

watch an Audry Hepburn classic - Sabrina,
swim for half a day,
shop at Zhu Hai with friends,
and get a superb two hour foot and back massage!

So far, so good. Life is great! My marriage is growing stronger as we adjust to our roles of husband and wife. Of course we do have a couple of arguments and hurts here and there, but nothing a major that an hour of loving and honest communication won't solve.

By the way, here are some photos of our visit to Zhu Hai yesterday.

"Breakfast with the gang before boarding the bus."

"Before anything else, lunch at KFC. "

"Gong Bei Port, the boundary between Macau and China. Shopping area 'ala Divisoria' is found in the basement. :) "


"The Clock Tower in Gong Bei."


"Love my new (unbranded) shoes and (Mango) shorts. Mango was on sale and got a really good deal with my shorts! Maybe I should have gotten a few more?"

Settling series: The adventure begins as we furnish the apartment

August 29, 2008, Our first week was spent mostly shopping for grocery and furnishing. It took a little longer than expected because I dared not go out alone since I wasn’t comfortable with the idea just yet. I was not familiar with the place and I was hindered by language barrier. I mean this is truly the first time I felt like a kid learning how to talk and write.

"Our first batch of groceries."

Thanks to my husband’s colleagues, CK and Beng, we had several evenings of good food and conversation. They took us out for dinner and showed us around.

"Lady chef prepares our yummy dinner."

Also on a lighter note, I did enjoy our “shopping adventures” because Jason and I met new, Chinese, friends. It was a pleasure to bump into them since they offered the luxury of language. They were blessings from above, speaking to us in English, and assisting us with our purchases. They went beyond their call of duty. In them I saw my first impression of China. In them I saw discipline, perseverance, industriousness and goodwill.