One Month Down...

So, it has been about a month that I boarded that plane and headed east for a year. I must say, that this month has been incredibly surprising. I don't really know what I expected in general, but every day has been some sort of new discovery (which I know sounds lame, but is so true). Thailand was absolutely incredible. It was just two weeks of getting to know some amazing people, people who have the same desire to travel all over and will pretty much do whatever it takes. I met people who got excited about yak meat, who looked at sleeping on a beach in Hainan as the perfect winter vacation, who would eat anything put in front of them (bugs, meerkats, etc.) and basically would never, ever pass on any experience.
While in Chiang Mai, on two separate occasions I had very cool discussions with monks (lack of a better word, 'cool' will just have to suffice). The first time was during a Chiang Mai scavenger hunt (getting to know the city and overcoming our fear of just talking to people, anyone who made eye contact was in danger!). The Monk was really into telling us about the different aspects of the temple, the traditions they hold to each day, why they do certain things, and what certain holidays mean. It was really interesting to see his point of view on the whole lifestyle as monks can join and then proceed to a 'normal' lifestyle (ie. get married and have kids). It isn't a life commitment, more of a period of discovery. The second discussion was with two monks during a Monk Chat session (yes, these are really interesting periods of time where everyone can come and talk to Monks about anything, conversion, theory, Christianity, etc.). Anyways, after I mentioned that I was a neuroscience major they got really REALLY excited and got into how the field really should consider Buddhist Philosophy as they are also concerned with the mind and it's workings, outside of the physical but more on the level of the personal. (There is a book I need to read, I will post it later.)
So, I then went from this...sunny blue skies, nice people, easy to get around, loads of English, etc.
To China...questionable air quality (smog or fog? that was usually the question in the morning), getting yelled at by many people and not understanding a word, not many people speak English so it is incredibly difficult to communicate (but this will hopefully really force me to learn) and just difficult in general (did I mention a lot of people, I mean A LOT!).

(Shanghai)

But, after the culture shock wore off and I got used to the environment, I really like China. I like being forced to use the language, and I really don't mind being laughed at (and yes, they crack up because of the language barrier, which makes you laugh and then it becomes all good). I start to brush of the yelling, most people are just in a rush and if I could survive the attitude of NYC, well the people of China are just barking up the wrong tree. Though I had to include the next two pictures, to just give you an idea of the general mentality of China (I feel like they sum things up quite well, for further questions, ask when I return, I have become paranoid of screenings).

(these photos are from the North Gate at the school that I will be teaching at)

Alright, well I wish I had a lot more China to get into but the last few weeks have been mostly me getting settled, trying to find food stores, convenience stores, etc. and just enjoying having a 'home.' Traveling for a month and living out of suitcases does take a toll on one's sanity.
Hope everyone at home is doing well! Enjoy the pics and I truly enjoy reading comments (a not so subtle hint I know...)!