I hope that you are enjoying the spring spotlights and interviews. I greatly enjoy sharing about my expat adventures, but during the month of May I will share about the experiences of some fellow expats I have met during my time in China.
Eric: Thanks so much for joining me on my blog. More importantly, thanks for sharing with us about your experience in China.
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 Eric Sharps. I’m from Baltimore, MD but I came to China from Augusta, Ga. Ive been living here for almost 5 years now.
2. Are you single, married, have any children?
Soon to be married! – that’s exciting! Congratulations friend.
3. If you are married how has married life been for you in China – as a black couple abroad?
Ummm, she’s Chinese haha, but it’s the same as being in a relationship anywhere. The only difference is that the “get to know you” process is a lot longer (In a good way). Two people that have never shared the same types of experiences or lifestyles, it tends to stretch the conversation a bit.
4. If you do have child(ren) how has life been for them growing up in China?
I will never raise my child in China.
5. Would you and your family ever consider moving back to America or to another country?
God willing, I hope I never have to live in America again. Other countries are on the list, we’re just trying to narrow down our options at the moment. We should be leaving within the next 3 years.
6. What brought you to Asia- more specifically China?
The desire to get out of America was so strong I honestly didn’t care where I ended up. China was the first country to send me a job offer. Everything kind of just took off right after I received that 1st email. Honestly, after everything that has happened, I’m glad that it was China that reached out first.
Now we have a little background information about you lets dig a little deeper!
Breaking and Crushing:
- 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?
Off the top of my head, I cant really think of any. I tend to hear more “American” stereotypes rather than any black stereotypes.
- What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced living here?
The biggest challenge is me getting in my own way. It’s so easy to get caught up with people not doing things my way or to my standards. The world doesn’t revolve around me and it’s rude and disrespectful for me to fault others for not doing something the way I would. A lot of people may disagree but when dealing with other cultures, its ok to lower or even get rid of all your standards and start from scratch.
- How do you think we are crushing stereotypes- if we are at all?
Stereotypes shouldn’t define or drive anyone. Just do you and let people see who you are as a person, not as a color or a gender.
- 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?
Absolutely
#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).
How easily accessible the rest of the world is, the freedom make my own schedule, and the pace of life just can’t be beat.
- What do you do for fun with your free time?
Drink, go on walks with my fiancé and our dog, and travel.
- Has it been hard for you to meet people and make friends here?
Not at all. It’s extremely easy. You just have to step out of your bubble.
- What do you do for work here in China?
I Teach part-time and I also assist foreigners find jobs here in China
Food- Food makes the world go round!
- How has your food journey been here? Has it been a hard transition from home to here?
As long as you can throw down in the kitchen, food is never a problem. I don’t miss too much of anything back from America.
- Have you tried anything here that you love that you don’t have at home?
Cauliflower! I know they have it in the states but America COULD NEVER do it how china does it!
- Have you tried anything here that you absolutely hate and hope to never eat again?
Duck blood
- How is shopping for food here for you? Do you spend a lot buying food or eating out?
Eh, I don’t pay attention to the cost. If you need it or want it, get it.
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? I’ve already done just about all of my traveling in China. Xiamen is the only place left. Other than that, I’m finished.
- Have you visited any nearby countries since you have been here? Where did you go?
Anyone that knows me knows that Japan is my second home.
- What cities/countries are on your travel list?
Venice, other than that, I’m down to go anywhere as long as I don’t have to apply for a visa.
- What is your dream trip? Have you been there yet?
Tokyo, and yes, many times at this point
One Last thing-
If you could share one thing with everyone about life what would it be.
Stop letting color define you. Imagine how wonderful the world could be if people weren’t constantly arguing and fighting over skin color.
Thanks so much for joining me on my blog! Many blessings.
Currently Eric is listening to “Sunflower” (&I like this one a lot too)
Here are a few pictures of Eric while abroad!
#FearlessinShanghai #Thankful #joychangeslives #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #BlackInChina #BlackAmericanInChina #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 