Hello from China!

[AlecBGreen]

:hi: Hey everybody! Ive gotten my new job teaching English here in China and I have been COMPLETELY out of the loop for the last 2 weeks. What have I missed? I read the latest conservative idiots (man, this was a dark week for human morality) but I have missed everything else. So...Whats goin on?! How is the Repug CONvention going? What other news have I missed? One of my friends here in China told me that there was a huge explosion in Russia...Whats goin on?

I hope everyone is having a good time back in the States or wherever else you lovely DU'ers may be from. Take care!

-Alec

[Fenris]

1. The idiot's speaking right now.

[AlecBGreen]

3. Shrub is on RIGHT NOW?

wow, I knew my radar was picking up something smelly. Its Friday morning here in China, so its Thursday 10:30 pm EST back in the states. I didnt even think about that...

[Catch22Dem]

2. So...

Did you find out about the rules regarding internet usage? Are you fairly unrestricted?

[AlecBGreen]

6. good question

no I havent. I hope Im not breaking any laws by looking at this website. I dont think I am though...I think the Chinese want to get rid of Bush even more than we do! In fact some of my students assked me "What do you think of Bush?" I really had to bite my tongue...I jsut said I dont like politics and left it at that...

[Old and In the Way]

9. No laws broken.

They do filter out a lot of news sites, though. They probably haven't figured out the DU has the best LBN.

You'll find the people pretty easy going. They loved Clinton, but they really don't like Bush. They're pretty smart people.

[GreenPartyVoter]

4. Howdy! You are lucky not to be here *l* How is it going?

[Maple]

5. 2 weeks hmmm?

Well, Kerry was trounced for swiftboats most of that time. Not that most people were paying attention.

Someone caused two explosions in Russia, plus 2 of their passenger planes went down. Cause still unknown, but Putin is trying to blame Chechnya.

Georgia however has announced it will be declaring war on Russia shortly, so it could be them too. As well as all the other usual suspects, like their mafia.

Republican national convention has been a snooze so far.

Polls show America still divided, Kerry and Bush are statistically tied.

Huge hurricane headed towards Florida with 2.5 million people told to evacuate.

Pipelines blown up in Iraq again, and price of oil is up.

But other than that, everyone has had a wonderful time.

[LeighAnn]

7. Wow China! How is it?

Do you like it there? What's it like?

Cheers!

[AlecBGreen]

11. Its heavan!

The people here are very curious and friendly, the food is terrific (if you know what to order!) and the scenery is unbelievable. I went to my friends college on the outskirts of the city and in 10 minutes we walked to a big mountain lake. It was straight out of a fairy tale.

There are a few drawbacks. The air is really polluted with dust, soot, and fumes. People litter everywhere and have no concept of "lines." Its basically every (wo)man for themselves. People also stare a lot which can be unsettling. They dont do it out of rudedness, just curiosity. Still, as a foreigner I get lots of stares and it can become very annoying.

On the whole I love this place, its people and its environment. Im staying for a year so Ill have lots more to report in the future!

[LeighAnn]

12. Cool! Look forward to hearing it

It's unlikely, but I fear I might have to expatriate if this election gets stolen like the last one.

I'm on the lookout for destinations for a 4-year world tour.

Glad you're having a blast!

[Old and In the Way]

8. Where in China?

If your in Zhongshan, stop by Panyo's (by the International Hotel) and have a Tsingtao on me! Lot's of ex-pats hang around there....

[AlecBGreen]

10. Old and In the Way

sounds great! What province is Zhongshan in? Im in Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province. I have a couple weeks of travel time so Id love to come visit. It would be really cool to meet another DUer, especially in a foreign country!

edit: please PM me. I have to get off the internet now and I dont know the next time I can get on...

[AmerDem]

13. Question I have for you is..

What are the real feelings of the people you come across there on America and Americans? Any info?