Anywho, last time I posted I talked about going to a water town and seeing a pretty stellar concert that is Steve Aoki, hopefully this one will be just as interesting.
This past Friday, a group of us guys decided to head out for some night fun at a bar called Perry's. Many of our group had already been here and told us that it was a good time. It had a great atmosphere and most of the people there were fellow internationals who were here either for school, internships, or jobs, which made it easier to relate to and start conversations with.
To start with, it was just Elliot, Carlin, and I that got one of the bigger party tables that were there because it was the only table that was available. We were perfectly okay with this, just more room for us when the rest of the group came. We ordered and were getting used to the atmosphere when a bigger group of girls came to meet up with some of their friends that were sitting at a table close to ours. (Please read the rest before jumping to any conclusions haha). Being the good gentlemen we are, we decided to graciously relinquish our seats so that these lovely ladies could enjoy a night with their entire group. Later, a girl from the group came over and talked to us introducing us to the rest of their group. The girls were from a scattered number of countries throughout this world. Germany, Finland, Norway, Sweden, England, and one lone American girl. They were all here for school, and being at a bar figured they were around our age. After talking more and more with the American girl, we found out that most of the girls were 16 and 17 years old! Haha, Carlin, Elliot, and myself all looked at each other, wondering why such "young" girls were doing at a bar. The official drinking age in China is 18, but many bars do not care who they let in.
The rest of our group showed up, and that was the end of talking for the most part with that group of girls. Myself and Carlin just sat in amazement just looking around the bar observing the different culture of this bar, the amount of "underage" drinkers, and the diversity of the seemingly worldwide activity that is drinking.
I knew I was going to be in a place that was nothing like anything I had experienced before; new food, new people, new everything, but even by week 4, I am amazed at the stark differences between what I thought I knew China was like, and what it is really like. Although Shanghai is a very diverse city, I did not think I would meet people from 10 different countries in one night. I was thinking that when I went out to a bar or club, that I would be meeting people my age or older than me, I was not expecting to meet people younger than me let alone 16! The funny thing about some of the 16 year olds, they seemed to fit the bar scene better than I did haha. This all being said, I have been loving experiences these new things, things that if I would have played it safe, would have never experienced in a million years. It still just takes me back to the fact that God has to have an amazing plan for me...I cannot wait to see what the rest of this semester has to bring.
I must say that going to Perry's was a great time, and getting to know some of my fellow students on this trip has already proved invaluable. I definitely know that these relationships will last outside this trip and continue to last for quite some time. The rest of last weekend was pretty laid back, and so I won't post really about that. Homework was complete and movies were watched, that is about it haha.
This is at Perry's. The whole bar is covered in signatures from people around the world. It makes for quite the wallpaper.
That brings us to Tuesday-Thursday which really nothing exciting happened, other than on Wednesday night, many of us went out to Burger Night at a bar in the French Concession of Shanghai. Below is said burger, which I must say was an experience in itself. Below is a picture of the burger that I got. It was a Blu Cheese Burger which I was expecting to have a bit of blu cheese sprinkled on the burger. NOPE, haha there was a ton of it right smack dab in the middle. It was still a pretty dang good burger which sent me home a pretty happy camper.
The burger was really like a baseball. Both the burger and the fries were delicious
This brings us to today (Friday February 1st, 4 weeks in). I can't express how thankful I am that I am here living out this experience. God is working in me, that much I know is true. Also so thankful for my parents and my family. I was able to skype with my lovely parents this morning, and their bright faces said enough without them saying a single word. I love them so much! Also shoutout to my amazing sister Ashley and her husband Lance, and to my brothers Logan and Nate. Now, none of you can be mad at me haha =]
Before I head off to another pretty relaxed weekend, I want to share my progress for the first 4 weeks on a few topics
The Bet: None of us have caved, all facial hair is going strong. Not going to lie, I grow a pretty awesome mustache! Ask my parents if you don't believe me haha, they saw it on skype this morning
Chopsticks: Never thought I would love these little guys as much as I do. They are really useful, pretty much an extension of my hand. I wouldn't say that I am on grandmaster level with them yet, but I am extremely close!
Friends: Never would I have thought that I could actually have engineering friends outside of Carlin and Elliot haha, but I have already made a few good ones. Also, I have been reminded why I like hanging out with Carlin and Elliot haha.
Faith: I was pretty nervous that when I came here, my faith would suffer. I keep mentioning in my posts that God has blessed me so much with being able to go on this trip, and it really is so true. I keep seeing his amazing works where ever I go whether its in the people I am talking to, the opportunities he opens for me, or just the amazing scenery here, I see Him. It really is relieving to know that whatever happens here, He has His plan for me and has everything under control!
Writing these entries really makes me step back from this entire experience of China already, and really want to understand why the people here are the way they are. Why they focus so much on family? Why "face" and self-pride are so highly regarded? Why China keeps adapting to western society, when outside influence in America is so menial and slow? I still have about 3 and a half months, and I am hoping I can answer some of these questions before I have to leave!
Hopefully you who read this get something out of it! =] I really do enjoy writing them when I get the time. I am hoping to keep posting atleast once a week.
If you are wondering about anything I am doing or will be doing, please please please email me at blairc@purdue.edu. I would love to answer any questions that this blog may have sparked or questions you already had about China.
Also, if you want to skype, my skype name is at the top right underneath the picture. Just add my name, and we can set up a time, I would love to skype!
God Bless!
Corbin
OH WAIT, PLEASE CHECK OUT THIS YOUTUBE VIDEO!! haha its of some of my group doing a little dance for a Chinese banquet. I was in charge of doing the music for it, enjoy! =]
http://www.youtube.com/
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