I am so excited to share this interview with you all! Please enjoy getting to know my friend Sidney and learning a little about her experience being “BLACK AND ABROAD.”
- They think I am from Africa. I am not saying my ancestor are not, but I grew up in states and I am very much so an American, culturally.
- They think I am rich because I am a foreigner.
- Having someone making monkey noises at me.
- Having people touch me and my hair without my permission
- My students wanting to touch my hair, after I have told them no
- The language barrier is a huge challenge. Mandarin is not an easy language for me to pick up.
- The racism here. I know some people will disagree with me on this. However, anything that upholds white supremacy or feels their race is superior to another, is racism. That’s something you can’t argue, and it’s very prevalent in China. They literally have signs requesting only white people.
- Going to an attraction and being treated like the attraction. It makes it really hard for me to enjoy myself and marvel at the scenery.
- I do not know if we are crushing stereotypes. Their opinions are formed from western entertainment, and most of western entertainment has not shifted from displaying black people in stereotypical way.
- I would still have moved here. I would never want to eliminate this experience from my life. It has been both a positive and a negative experience for me. However, I am grateful I was able to have this experience.
#LIC – Let’s talk a little about Life in China! There are definitely some positives about being here.
What are three things you like about living in China (if you can think of three).
- The black community here. The community here is very supportive and helpful. We have some of the most insightful and eye-opening conversations.
- My Chinese family
- My yoga class made a huge impact on improving my quality of life in Shanghai. I never felt out of place or unwelcomed. They encouraged me to push myself even when I did not feel like it haha.
What do you do for fun with your free time?
- Yoga, dance, eat, go to afro events, go to other events in Shanghai, and travel.
Has it been hard for you to meet people and make friends here?
- It has not been difficult for me to meet new people and make friends in China.
What do you do for work here in China?
- I am a student and I have an internship working as a school social worker.
Food- Food makes the world go round!
- How has your food journey been here? My food journey here has been interesting. Chinese people eat a lot of pork, and I don’t eat beef or pork. However, if you’re trying local dishes or hanging out with a Chinese family. It’s almost impossible not to eat pork. I spent the weekend at my Chinese family’s house and didn’t want to complicate things and ate what they served me. The transition has been slightly difficult.
- Have you tried anything here that you love that you don’t have at home? I like the Chinese pancakes, those are my favorites. I really enjoy malatang, shucai boazes, and a couple of other dishes that are authentic to China. American Chinese food is not real Chinese food.
- Have you tried anything here that you absolutely hate and hope to never eat again?Of course! Black stinky tofu is nasty! I do not like it at all. I think I have had other dishes I do not like but I can’t remember the names of the food.
- How is shopping for food here for you? Do you spend a lot buying food or eating out?I hate grocery shopping in China. The layout of their grocery stores confuses and I prefer to order out because it’s not that expensive. Especially if you use one of the local Chinese ordering apps.
Access to travel – A lot of people move abroad because of the access to travel to other countries. Let’s talk about this!
- China is huge!!! Have you been to any places in China? Are there any places in China you would like to visit? Of course, I have traveled China. I went to Lishui, Hongzhou, Yellow Mountain, Shaoxing, and a couple of other places.
- Have you visited any nearby countries since you have been here? Where did you go?I have traveled to Mongolia, Philippines, and Vietnam. I missed a trip to South Korea, unfortunately Over the Christmas break, I went home and to Aruba.
- What cities/countries are on your list ???I am going back to Taiwan at the end of this month. My goal is to see Green island and orchid island. I am also traveling to Singapore and spending the month of June in India. I wish I had traveled more in China. The country is huge and there were so many more sites I would have loved to see.
One Last thing-
If you could share one thing with everyone about life what would it be.
If you wait on other people, it will never happen.
Thanks so much for joining me on my blog! Many blessings.
Here are a few pictures from Sidney’s time in China! Thanks for Sharing Sidney.
Sidney was a sweet reminder of how temporary the expat life is. Some people come to China and love it and stay. Some stay for their allotted time and leave. Some people come and go and live here off and on for years while going back home to America or other countries. I met Sidney shortly after arriving here and it was sistership (sister-friendship) at first sight. We both have degrees in Social Work and are passionate about making a real change and impact within our communities. We also both jumped into the Black Shanghai-China life quickly and became very connected – community is super important for both of us….. Sidney your smile definitely lights up a room and I love how you love to have a good time. You will surely be missed here in Shanghai – but I am so excited for all that is to come in your future Sidney. NYU is lucky to have you. Change the world with all your #melaninmagic …. super bummed you’re not here with me … can’t wait to travel more and see you soon!
I am excited about life! I am filled with Hope. I am overwhelmed with JOY!
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 