Tianjin is pretty big. Luckily for us we seem to be slap bang in the middle so everything is within cycling distance. All we needed were some bikes so we headed to Chinese Tesco to get some. Supermarkets sell all sorts here.
As well as bikes we've bought a kettle, a toaster and some pillows. We had been given pillows but they were like bean bags. Uncomfortable bean bags. The toaster was a tad expensive but totally worth it to get a taste of home. Peanut butter on toast is an absolute dream after a month of rice.
On our first touristy expedition, a group of us visited the Tianjin TV Tower which is the fourth tallest TV Tower in the world . Luckily we went on a clear day so the views were pretty spectacular. The tower is to the south of the city and the view below looks north towards the centre.
We also checked out the Water Park where we hired a couple of boats and floated around for a while. It was nice to visit an area that had some green (and blue). As you can see from the photo above, most of the city is pretty grey. Joining us in the boat are fellow ELAs Mike and Jay.
Our first day in school involved getting up early to watch the School Opening and Raising the Flag Ceremony which kicked off at 0730. The ceremony is attended by all 3000 students who march and maneuver themselves around the sports field with military precision.
Once everyone was in place, a man started screaming into a microphone until it was time to sing the school song and the national anthem. Finally, the flag was raised and then everyone marched off to their lessons. It was a bit of a special start to the day.
And the morning wasn't over yet, next up was our 'Medical Test'. Skin was prodded, blood was taken, urine was given and all in rooms along a corridor that anyone could just look / walk into. There were pee cups and bloodied cotton buds lying on the floor by bins and I'm pretty sure the chest x-ray process wasn't taken as seriously as it should have been. I think we passed though. Luckily for you I didn't take any photos.
Culture shock: A lot of people stare at us for an uncomfortable length of time. Some riding by on mopeds will put their lives at risk just to get a good look.
Toaster Cost: £20! - Totally worth it with peanut butter (£1.50) or butter (£1) and jam (£1.50) involved. Oh and bread (£0.50) obvs.
Dialogue used: Duo shao qian? Tai gui le! (How much? Too expensive!)
Dude how much were the bikes out there?
ReplyDeleteYou joined a gym or anything out there? playing the old footy?
£30 for the bikes. They've served us well so far. No gym as yet and not too sure if I'll join one as we're not earning a lot! I've played a bit of foose with the expat's team here which has been good. Gonna keep that up and try and get some badminton and table tennis in too
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