I know I\u2019ve been beating everyone up with details, but as soon as we both get into school, we\u2019ll get a routine established and life will become normal.\u00a0 Right now, the language barrier makes trying to set-up everyday life a challenge.\u00a0 I haven\u2019t ended a day without laughing at myself, and the situations I find myself in.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re both up early and eager to start the day.\u00a0 Judy leaves around 7:00, and as I\u2019m showering\u2026..THE HOT WATER STOPS!\u00a0 This has the makings of a \u201cTIC\u201d day.\u00a0 I finish getting ready and leave around 7:40, heading to the train.<\/p>\n
Today is \u201cBeijing Subway\u201d at it\u2019s best. \u00a0Every car is crammed full.\u00a0 Officers are on the loading platforms barking orders and helping stuff the doors as they close. \u00a0Overall the train ride is very quiet.\u00a0 Everyone is referencing their phones, some playing games, some email, some video.\u00a0 I get the passport swap completed and head home.\u00a0 It has taken 2\u00bd hrs for the ride and walk to BHSF campus and back.<\/p>\n
Hot water is now my goal.\u00a0 I type up comments I might need for UHN management on my translator app, and head to the office.\u00a0 In the office, I show the clerk the app stating that my hot water has stopped and I need help.\u00a0 I show her my receipt from the previous week.\u00a0 After many gestures and a few more translator app references, the clerk tells me she\u2019ll send someone.<\/p>\n
I get a call a little later \u2013 in Chinese.\u00a0 I\u2019m not sure what they want, but I\u2019m sure it has something to do with hot water.\u00a0 20 minutes later, a tech shows up.\u00a0 I show him what I think is the hot water meter under a bathroom sink.\u00a0 He takes my two water cards, reads them and slides one of them into a slot.\u00a0 Something starts whirring and I guess it\u2019s fixed.\u00a0 I show him where the other meters are, and he gives me the \u201cget lost\u201d signal.\u00a0 He doesn\u2019t want me to see the secret, I guess.\u00a0 I just want to know which meter is cold water so I can load the other meter.\u00a0 A few minutes later, he steps in, waves goodbye, and \u201cthat\u2019s it\u201d, we\u2019re fixed.<\/p>\n
Judy calls, frustrated with all the meetings and lack of time in her room.\u00a0 I travel to BISS at the end of the day to help with the bulletin boards.\u00a0 I think this is the first time I\u2019ve ever covered a bulletin board with paper.\u00a0 It takes some practice.\u00a0 I\u2019m glad no one was watching.\u00a0 We taxi home and enjoy an evening of sandwiches and movies off our computer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I know I\u2019ve been beating everyone up with details, but as soon as we both get into school, we\u2019ll get a routine established and life will become normal.\u00a0 Right now, the language barrier makes trying to set-up everyday life a … Continue reading