I like these things about you, China.

I wrote a post about the things I like about China about a year ago. Since it is November, the month that we should all be a little more thankful (before eating our emotions), I'm going to kick this month off with some good mojo positivity business. 

Last time I said people watching, green spaces in the concrete jungle, Sherpa's, talking shit in public, diversity of expats here, and the "opportunities to force myself out of seeing things in black and white." I love how hard I was trying not to hate it here then. 

I do like it here, more than I ever thought I would, although it's still not the place for me. So, here goes:

1. The affordability of massages and getting your hair did. I can get my hair blown out (they wash it, massage your head and straighten/curl your hair) for about $5. The other day I went and got a 60 minute foot massage and 60 minute Chinese massage for about $20. That shit goes a long way when it comes to mental health and I am going to get massaged as much as possible before I leave. 

2. My scooter. It's a fake Yamaha that looks Vespa-esque. I plug that baby in every other evening and zoom around town quite happily. I have just recently heard that they aren't street legal but a $3 bribe seems to do the trick if you get stopped. So, yeah, no real registration or fee after you pay for it the initial time. It also cost me about $500 U.S. 

3. Everyone seems to have an ayi- basically a house cleaner. I didn't spring for one this school year but I had one last year and I'm thinking about getting one again so I don't have to mop my floors (my least favorite house cleaning task). You pay about $5 an hour for an English speaking ayi. 

4. The Fabric Market. I can get anything I want custom made at a very affordable rate. I am planning on getting a custom made leather jacket in about a week. A lot of my co-workers go more often than I do, but it's a great option to have. There is also an Eyeglasses Market with something like 8 levels of eyeglass frames to go. You better believe I'm hitting that shit up in the near future. 

5. Real Chinese food. I never have really been a Chinese food person, then I moved to China and realized that what we eat in the U.S. is nothing like what real Chinese food is like. Dim sum is probably the closest thing to real Chinese back home. There is amazing street food and so many great options here... I will surely miss real Chinese food when I depart. 

Hugs, China, for 8 more months!