When in Rome… or China

It's easy to stay in the western bubble here. Especially since I work at an international school, in an upscale part of town, near the mall, and with access to a couple of large westernized stores, including IKEA.

But, why would I want to? Yea, it may be more comfortable and familiar, but is that what I want my gravestone to read.

HERE LIES BONNIE: SHE LIVED A COMFORTABLE, FAMILIAR LIFE. blah.

So, my goals are simple (well, simple sounding)
1. Learning the language
       a.  Speech
       b. Writing
       c. Reading
2. Learn the transit system (stop always using Taxis like a westerner)
3. Make local friends (who better to learn from and you get a new friend out of it)
4. Shop locally
       a. attempt to eat some of the local food (even if it burns your mouth or is different)

I am excited for the most part and looking forward to the challenge! Today, I even bought a couple of Chinese snacks (I haven't tried them yet, but believe me there will be an update when I do).

These are just a couple of the snacks I bought and have yet to try. I have tried banana flavored puffs and an egg crispy, which are both good. I am not brave enough, nor do I think I will be able to stomach (literally) a packaged chicken foot, but only time will tell!