As I spent my last few moments in the states, I couldn’t help but find myself savoring the faces of the Americans around me. I knew once I exited the plane I was about to board, everything would be different. I took note of the guy across from me in the camo jacket reading a book. I noticed a girl with bleached blonde hair walk past, wearing a shirt that said “wifey”. I smiled as a little girl in a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt trotted by holding hands with her mother who donned a Disney sweater.
I can still hear the last few English phrases I heard, “Have a good one.” A bored looking flight attendant said as I debarked my Dallas flight.
“I like your purse!” A chipper woman in the bathroom complimented as we washed our hands.
“It sure is cold today!” A smiling security guard commented on my chattering teeth while I walked down the frigid terminal to the plane.
Those words ring in my head as I sit among throngs of Asians brushing past me, speaking in tones and words that couldn’t be more foreign.
I sit here, and I soak it all in. The Asian faces that I first thought all appeared so similar, I now see look so different from one another. I study the symbols on the signs that throw my brain into a frenzy. I take note of the officials standing at every corner. I can’t help but notice all of the pastel clothes, the serious faces, and the hurried paces of those around me. I soak it all in and allow myself to feel the excitement running through my veins. I’m finally here. It’s finally time.
I feel so lucky. So fortunate to be able to wake up in the morning and go downstairs and here “Nǐ hǎo ma!” as I exit my apartments.
It’s a privilege. It’s exciting. And I can’t wait till the day I can speak to them in fluent Mandarin perfection.
Until then, I’ll keep learning. Observing. And soaking it all in.
♥
Do you feel privileged to live the life you are living?! Do you feel excited about what the future might hold for you?! Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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Wow, it must be really different in China! Is China your new home country?
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It is so so different! And yes, It is for now 🙂
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OK, cool!
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That is a wonderful post Courtney. Reminded me of the first time I left India to come to US. The language was not as foreign to me as is the case with you, but the faces, the familiarity, the sense of belonging, I did miss, for the first few months in this new country. (I guess anyone would)
But then I do consider myself lucky to have been surrounded by nice people who helped me along the way and still do. And I learned that as long as I can accept, embrace and celebrate the new ways of a new place, I can make any place my home. (There are still some good days, some bad days but on most days that is true :))
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Aw I’m glad I’m not the only one who has gone through this! I like your outlook – as long as you can accept, embrace, and celebrate the new ways of a place it can become home- that is so true, and something I try to remind myself of. And yes, there are both good and bad days! But that’s bound to happen anyways. 🙂
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Your blog posts are amazing. I love to read post like this. What a journey you’ve embarked on. Have fun Courtney!
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Thanks for reading!!
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This is a beautifully written post! I can imagine that it must feel so foreign. The first time I moved to the UK I experienced a serious culture shock but I began to embrace the difference and appreciate it after a while! You’ll definitely have fun ❤️❤️
Pearl || http://thepearlylife.com
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Thanks Pearl! I’m glad I’m not the only one who has ever had to deal with culture shock. But I know as time goes on I will embrace the new culture more and more! ❤
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Have fun in China! Loved this post
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Aw thanks girl!
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Photos totally on point. xx
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Aw thanks xx
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That’s great. I would miss some niceties although I’m sure there are nice people everywhere, you just have to find them!
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Yea the people have been nice for sure, and I do miss some things from America! mainly tacos haha
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Here’s to you rattling out posts in Mandarin soon and us scratching our heads in bemusement 😉 xx
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Haha oh gosh, I don’t know how soon that’ll be!!
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The years, they fly, and the mind it attunes itself to new places that you tend to call home. So who knows 🙂
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Yea you make a good point 🙂 So maybe sooner than later!
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This is such a great outlook in general! Learning, observing and soaking everything in as you settle into your new home! Good luck with it all Courtney 🙂
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Aw thanks Angela! Trying to stay positive 💕
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Lovely pics!!
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Thank you!
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Interior design trend, not fashion & interior design, but we are talking about the rise of interior design.
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Wonderful once again (: lovely photos!
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Aw thanks girly!
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These photos are gorgeous! What a great post .xx
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Thanks Chloe!
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So beautiful pictures!! I love ypur maroon printed top!😍😍😍😍
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Thank you! xx
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zhù nǐ shùn lì! Enjoy your new home 🙂
xx Ali
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In 1986, my late wife and I left the comfort of Arizona and soon found ourselves in the comfort of – South Korea. I was impressed with the efficiency and industry of the people. It was quite similar to what you have found in China, although Koreans use an alphabet, Hangul, that is unique to their language.
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It’s always awesome to travel so much because you can experience so many things. I hope you have a wonderful time in China.
https://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
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All of the pictures are so pretty – China does seem like a place I would like to visit for sure, it is so different to the world we live in in the West but that makes it incredibly interesting. So glad you are having a good experience!
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Hope you have an amazing time in China!! Just being in a different country is amazing but definitely takes some getting used to 😊 xx
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Very interesting post Courtney 😉 How long do you plan to stay there? My nephew fell in love with Japan … so now he’s learning to speak and write before going back there! Have a great week 😉
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Aw that’s so cool! Japanese is difficult to learn but it’s a beautiful language. I will be staying here long term! ❤️
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Congrats on the big move! Can’t wait to see more
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I definitely feel privileged for the life I live too. I’m lucky to have to occasion to travel often and to take care of my baby (my blog!) full time. I’m so grateful for that!
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