I am so excited to share this interview with you all! Please enjoy getting to know my friend Christen and learning a little about her experience being “BLACK AND ABROAD.”
Let’s do a quick introduction:
1. What’s your name, where are you from, and how long have you been in China?
My name is Christen Weathersby, born and raised in Chicago, IL, and I’ve been in China a little over 5 months.
2. Are you single, married, have any children?
I am single with no children.
3. What brought you to Asia- more specifically China?
I came to China to be able to travel more frequently. Intially I wanted to go to South Korea, but China was hiring year round.
4. How long have you been here?
A little over 5 months.
Now we have a little background information about you lets dig a little deeper!
Breaking and Crushing:
1. In your opinion – what do you think are some of the biggest stereotypes we (generally speaking – though I know you don’t speak for everyone) face as people of color living abroad – here in China?
Honestly, I’m not sure. I haven’t had to deal with any stereotypes.
2. What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced living here?
Having to walk EVERYWHERE has definitely been an adjustment. I’m used to getting in my car to run a quick errand.
3. How do you think we are crushing stereotypes- if we are at all?
Ummmmm…. Lol
4. Knowing what you know now- about life in China and being here as long as you have been here, would you still have moved here knowing what you know now?
Yes! I would’ve packed differently though. And I would have taken my time finding a better apartment.
#LIC – Let’s talk a little about Life in China! There are definitely some positives about being here.
1. What are three things you like about living in China (if you can think of three).
I like having the ability to travel so cheaply and how close other countries are. I like how inexpensive the cost of living is here. I like that even though I am over 7,000 miles away from home, I still feel like I’m home. I often forget I’m in China. Lol
2. What do you do for fun with your free time?
I love crafting and making new things. I enjoy boxing. I love shopping. I love salsa dancing.
3. Has it been hard for you to meet people and make friends here?
Well, I’m an introvert and can come off as “stand offish”. I’m fine with that. It helps to weed out the people that don’t need to be in my life anyway. Lol But to answer the question, I think I’ve made friends quite easily. It’s very easy to meet people here, especially black people.
4. What do you do for work here in China?
I’m an ESL teacher.
Food- Food makes the world go round!
1. How has your food journey been here? Has it been a hard transition from home to here?
It has definitely been a struggle. I don’t eat beef or pork, and I haven’t in over a decade. All the local restaurants prepare food with either beef or pork so it’s hard to try new things. I mostly cook at home so when I do want to eat out, I stick with western restaurants.
2. Have you tried anything here that you love that you don’t have at home?
No
3. Have you tried anything here that you absolutely hate and hope to never eat again?
I’m not really an adventurous eater, so no.
4. How is shopping for food here for you? Do you spend a lot buying food or eating out?
Some of the fruits and vegetables are different here. It’s hard that a lot of the seasonings I like aren’t available. The cost of imported goods is extremely high sometimes. It’s definitely an adjustment.
Access to travel – A lot of people move abroad because of the access to travel to other countries. Let’s talk about this!
1. China is huge!!! Have you been to any places in China? Are there any places in China you would like to visit?
I recently visited Hong Kong and that was awesome! I visited HK Disneyland and the Tian Tian Buddha. I also had my first time riding a cable car. There’s so much more to see. I’m sure I’ll visit again. I would like to visit Beijing to see the Great Wall, Chengdu to visit a friend and see the pandas, and Sanya for a beautiful beach getaway.
2. Have you visited any nearby countries since you have been here? Where did you go?
Since being in China I have visited Tokyo, Japan, Bangkok, Thailand, and Siem Reap, Cambodia.
3. What cities/countries are on your list ???
I want to see the world!
One Last thing-
If you could share one thing with everyone about life what would it be.
Just do it. Do whatever it is you want to do. Don’t let fear, family, or foe stop you.
Thanks so much for joining me on my blog! Many blessings.
Christen is a BIG Musiq Soulchild fan! She is currently jamming to this. Enjoy.
I am going to do my best to live by the ‘Glad Texts’
(one of my favorites is–Psalms 98:4-Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music) — Did you know that there are over 800 Glad Texts in the Bible?!?! More than one for each day of the year for me to live by.
#FearlessinShanghai #Thankful #joychangeslives #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai #eatsleeppartyrepeat #givingisgood #givingisfun #WakandaForever #ShuriAndNakiaAndOkoye #MelaninMagic #Blessed #FaithfulIsMyGod
“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” – Hellen Keller
*I choose ADVENTURE*
FEARLESS in SHANGHAI 
It really is something to see the differences in our experiences. This is why I tell people that everyone’s experiences are literally their own. Her time here has been so different from mine in terms of meeting adversity and dealing through stereotypes. These interviews are great, Karla!
LikeLike
You are right about that – a few more interviews coming!
LikeLike