Changed Perspectives

Living in another country, any country, is bound to teach you new things, open your eyes to new ways of living and change your perspective on who you are and what your role is in this world. If it doesn't, then you're not truly "living" in another country.

We learn small things every day here that alter our preconceived notions of how daily activities must be performed.

• We were surprised when we first went to purchase trash cans at the store and all they sold were really small ones. But it makes sense now...first, this allows us to monitor how much we really are wasting and tossing out and reevaluate what we're consuming. Second, we take our trash out on a regular basis now...it doesn't really smell and the house stays cleaner because waste stays in the apartment for less time. Third, the "trash man" makes his rounds to our apartment at least 3 times a day. He rides his pedicab cart around the neighborhood and sorts through everyone's "trash" to pull out recyclables. This way, the recycling is done for everyone and there is never a pile of waste or a dumpster of stench sitting outside our apartment building.
• Grocery shopping is done almost daily by the Chinese. You buy what you need for that meal/day and that's it. Every trip to the grocery can be done using the little hand baskets...rarely have I seen a local with a cart full of goods (exceptions = rice and oil). I have still yet to master this and often shop only once a week, but I see the value and meaning in this shopping ritual and I have high hopes to master it in due time. 1) While more and more Chinese are purchasing cars, many still rely on bikes, buses, foot, or taxi...buying a load of groceries at once is illogical for someone who can't fit them all on their bike. 2) Buying too many groceries at once means the food is that much less fresh the longer it sits in your kitchen. Why buy Friday's groceries on Monday when you can buy them on Friday and they'll taste that much better? Plus, there are so many fresh, local fruit and vegetable markets around...why would you want anything less than fruits/veggies picked that day? 3) If the food sits too long, it rots and is wasted. There aren't the level of preservatives in foods/produce in China as there are in the States. The food tastes more natural and subconsciously I feel better about what I'm eating, knowing that it wasn't genetically enhanced or altered to look nicer or last longer. But it also means it goes bad quicker. No sense in buying your eggplant for next week when it will be floppy and soft way before then.
• I have never been more content NOT having a car. Actually, I've never been "without car" in my life until now. Since I was 16, I've owned a vehicle and relied on it to get me everywhere. I never realized the stress that comes along with it. Yes, it is convenient...and in most of the U.S. it is unfathomable to be able to get around without your own car (we have SO much to learn in terms of public transportation). But along with the freedoms having your own car brings, there is the cost of gas/insurance/car payments/maintenance, the stress of being SO dependent on something that could pop a tire, blow a belt, or do any number of things to completely alter your daily activities...not to mention the fact that you always have to have a DD or other plans when you're out for the night having some drinks :) While it's somewhat alarming to see the transition of the Chinese culture to a car consuming society, they still have public transportation that will do you just fine if you want to avoid the chaos of driving yourself around. Buses, pedicabs, taxis, eBikes, walking, subways, trains. You can get anywhere in this enormous country (and for very cheap) without your own car. I have so enjoyed riding my bike, getting my very own Chinese bus pass, and just walking to get where I need. It has definitely changed my perspective on where I want to live and work if/when we move somewhere else...living somewhere close enough that I can bike to/from work/grocery/restaurants/friends is a priority. (Fort Collins, I never appreciated or made use of your wonderful bike-friendliness until now :) )

Oddly, while living in a country that has a reputation for it's unregulated pollution and lack of personal hygiene (I can't argue against either of those claims...both unfortunately very true), I have come away with a stronger desire and appreciation for a more sustainable way of life. Less waste...buy/eat local and fresh...use public transportation. I admit this is not something I imagined I'd learn here. I thought after living in Fort Collins, CO that I already knew, understood and appreciated how to live "greener"...but honestly, I didn't embrace it as fully as I should have or could have. I sometimes imagine life back in FoCo and how amazing it would be to ride my bike everywhere, shop at the farmer's markets, and be a part of a CSA...why wasn't I doing more of that when I actually lived there???

I guess all I can say is "Thank You, China" for this change in perspective.