Mom Does Shenyang! Day 1:

Written by Mom:

What is your first impression of Shenyang?

Wow...when you leave the airport in Shenyang, it feels slightly like a war zone.  Dusty, concrete, almost like, well, a war zone or deserted apocalypse movies you've seen.  Then, as you approach the city, you see the overwhelming amount of new construction.  Huge skyscrapers, like the Miami real estate boom.  Only it's not Miami.  Ca told us about the Chinese love for festive, gaudy lighting...you have to see it to believe it!  Twinkling lights, almost like Christmas overload, are EVERYWHERE.  And it stays that way all year long.  Vibrant blues and pinks, crazy neon colors everywhere.  In the trees, on the buildings, wow.  It's a really large city, but you can not tell that by looking out the window.  I suppose it's the air that limits your view to the distance, kind of foggy all the time.

We noticed right away that we really were the oddity and that's an interesting feeling.  People do stare at you, but in a friendly way.  We had more than a few occasions when complete strangers would come over and start chatting!  No care on their part that we were staring at them like deer in the headlights.  I was mistaken for a Russian, but I suppose there are a lot of Russians here.  Having a Shenyangese man speaking Russian to you in the North Market is kind of fun!  It was good to have the knowledge to be able to answer back.

The market is something to see!  Amazing fish and aquarium supplies, then upstairs to the jewelry.  Man, if Beijing is better, you better pull out your wallet!!!  Amazing amber, jade of all colors, white, red, and of course, green.  Pink Opals.  Love, love, love. Pottery, beautiful scrolls on and on and on.  We're holding up on the shopping because a little bird told us there is MORE in Beijing.  I am loving it.

What has been your favorite dish so far?

That is hard to say...the dumpling place was amayyyzzing.  Everything there was to die for.  Probably best was this combo of eggplant wrapped around a small slice of beef and then dipped in batter and fried lightly like tempura!  (oh yeah, with the little shrimps in it too!) AND the broccoli / carrot stir fry.  Now I see what the Chinese restaurants at home are trying to represent!  and it is darn good.  Best of all, we ate like kings and spent a total of +/- $20 for everybody.  Crazy!

How does it feel to be an American in Shenyang?

I felt different, and we clearly were seen that way.  That's a new feeling for me! People were so friendly, and curious to talk to us, or try their English.  The faces were always smiling, even if not a word was understood.  For certain you realize that the high end life pictured in Shanghai or Beijing is not exactly the norm in Shenyang.  We are so fortunate to live as we do.  I think we really take our material life for granted.  The things we consider "normal" are considered luxuries in a lot of the world. Hanging out with the FS people too makes one aware of the great people, great smarts, and great ambition these folks have.  They really are the best and represent the US in such a wonderful way.  I'm proud of my country and always feel it more when I'm out of it.

Full day #1 and we are really pleased to see where Ca lives and works.  It is truly what she said - "the real China."  Wouldn't miss a minute.

The Busy RSO Shop

My job as an OMS in the RSO Shop can be pretty busy from time to time. Like my other jobs in the past, the busy-ness comes in overwhelming waves and droughts. I enjoy the variety of tasks I do and the opportunities they bring.

Today has been no different, although I'm learning by trial through most of the new assignments. We received a new employee today in the Information Management section, so I'm no longer the newest kid on the block. I feel the most connected with H in terms of experiencing Shenyang with new eyes, ears, and nose; however, that's about as far as our similarities go. I have only been here fewer than 30 days, and already I feel like I have some insight on the things to see, places to go, and stuff to know. I wonder if when I arrived everyone else felt the same, imparting their knowledge through little tidbits of conversation mixed in with the regular introductory greetings and pleasantries.

Another thing I've realized about arriving when I did: although the winter season in Shenyang is harsh, I think it is the perfect time to arrive at post. My reasoning is based on the overwhelming sense of community developed during the holidays. Imagine 25 or so Americans in a cold, sometimes dreary city located on the other side of the globe, all wishing they were back home with family. In a country where Christmas is no more than a shopping holiday, these brave souls come together to celebrate with traditions that remind them of their loved ones and cherished memories. As a new person, I felt so welcome during this time, especially because everyone else is yearning for the sense of community that a new person desires when arriving in a foreign place. Not only that, but the holiday is the time of parties and festivities. The first few weeks I was in Shenyang, I attended a party or two a week and had a great opportunity to meet everyone while they were in jolly spirits.

I've been enjoying post so far, and I'm looking forward to being the tour guide for all the brave souls who come from America to visit this little place I'll be calling home. It's not Philadelphia, the home of all homes, but it will do for the next two years.