Well, I’ve sort of started on my big adventure, although I’m still in quarantine. I wanted to get the ball rolling with this blog first to let you know that I’m ok, and also what’s in store.
As I write, it’s 9pm on Tuesday 14th September. It’s the end of day 20 out of 21 days in my quarantine hotel in Xiamen, Fujian Province. Keep an eye out for my post on quarantine life soon.
My balcony doors are open to let in some of the cool evening air. From the boardwalk below are the amplified sounds of several nostalgic Chinese pop songs. All are resounding together in an amusing cacophony of oriental harmony. There is no audience except for the older ladies of the area, enjoying their version of square dancing. Affectionately known as Dancing Grannies, they can be found everywhere in China doing something similar in parks and public spaces.
For them, it is their exercise, a chance to dance, and talk, and be happy. But lately they have come under scrutiny as they have unwittingly become a form of public nuisance. Who knew old grannies would be the reason for a loud music complaint. Several cities across China have since begun banning them from congregating in certain areas as they are disturbing urban residents.
At first, I found it all rather charming. It made for some light entertainment after a long day of nothing. But when you hear the same loud music every night, the novelty does ware off.
So, what’s to come? Well, first, I’ll be filling you in on my mammoth journey here. From home to hotel took a grand total of…wait for it…59 hours! This did include a ridiculously long 30 hour stop-over in Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
Not Amsterdam. The airport.
That’s around 48 hours with a mask on. My poor ears.
I also can’t wait to share with you the journey from Xiamen to Guangzhou and my new home, as well as my first impressions of China, my experiences of Covid life here, and also the process of being able to come here at all (visas and such).
In the meantime, feel free to leave a comment or get in touch via the Contact page if there’s anything you’d like me to cover.
Until the next post!
Fab, Nat. A brilliant idea to share such exciting experiences; and beautifully written. Glad to hear you’re so (typically) full of beans. I’m subscribed!
Nice blog – happy to follow this exciting journey.
Par contre, tu as oublié que tu parles très bien français 😁
Pas du tout. De toute façon j’apprends le chinois maintenant.
Definitely feels for your ears Nat! Glad you kept sane and got there safe x cant wait for more to come on this!
Nat! This is exciting! Looking forward to reading more. Xx
So looking forward to joining you on this great adventure little bro and eagerly await noodle dispatches….bring home a dancing granny for me and take good care x
Glad you’ve created this Blog MySon..
Now I am more relax to see how you’re doing …x
Go Nat, can’t wait to hear more. Stay safe, remember you can say NO but enjoy it all.
Ganbei, Steve & Angela xx
Loving the blog, such a brilliant idea my friend! Looking forward to hearing more and glad the quarantine is nearly over! Take care xxxxx
This is great, Nat! Very excited to hear more about the big city once you can actually explore it… Wonder how much Guangzhou has changed since 2015 when I was there!
Nat, this is so exciting mate, all the very best. Looking forward to all the noodle updates. xx
My little bro! Braver than all of us put together. Amazing and really interesting blog. I can’t wait to experience it all myself when we are allowed. Look forward to the next installment!