Hey All! I am so excited to have my friend Alondra share about her experience living in China. Read & enjoy!
Let’s do a quick introduction:
KG: Can you please share your name, where are you from, and how long have you been in China? I am
AR: My name is Alondra Rena, I am from Georgia, and I have been in China for 8 months by way of Atlanta, Georgia.
KG: Are you single, married, have any children?
AR: I am single with no kids
KG: Would you ever consider moving back to America or to another country?
AR: Another country, not back to America.
KG: A lot of people are curious about this so I can’t wait to hear your response. What brought you to Asia- more specifically China?
AR: I have wanted to live in Singapore since I studied about it in 10th grade. I never thought about China though when the opportunity presented itself, I knew that it would be a way to do what I love, in a completely different environment, where I could learn about the people and the culture while learning more about myself… and that is it close enough to the place I have always wanted to live.
KG: Alondra that all sounds fantastic! Everyone has such different experiences and reasons for moving and living in China. I really that hope you enjoy being in China.
Now we have a little background information about you lets dig a little deeper!
Breaking and Crushing:
KG: 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?
AR: Not sure.
KG: Okay, no worries. Thanks for your honest response. Let’s keep going.
KG: I would love to know what are some of the biggest challenges you have faced living here?
AR: Learning the language though it is not a huge challenge because I study body language as a part of the art of speaking and analyzing different audiences to convey my points in a relatable and appropriate manner. I remember when I first arrived, having the issue of ordering food. So I would say that was one of the major challenges for me being that I don’t eat certain things.
KG: Great. This is all so interesting. Next, how do you think we (Black Americans) are crushing stereotypes- if we are at all?
AR: Sure, I can answer that. One stereotype that we are crushing is that black people don’t travel and another is that we are hard to work with.
KG: Well I can definitely say that we are travelers and that we are not all hard to work with, so I am glad that you are able to show this to people outside of America.
KG: 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? I know I am glad that I came.
AR: Yes indeed, sooner.
KG: Oh wow. Sooner?! That’s so cool! I love your spirit and outlook on life. Just a few more questions and we will be finished soon.
#LIC Let’s talk a little about Life in China! There are definitely some positives about being here.
KG: What are three things you like about living in China (if you can think of three).
AR: I can think if more than 3. Here you go- I like the feeling of safety that I get here. I like how I am treated because at this point, if I am not treated correctly, I am ignorant to it. I don’t understand when I am being talked about, negatively. So being here has taught me that some forms of ignorance actually is bliss. I have to say, since I have been here, people have been kind, helpful, and welcoming. You run into a few things but nothing in comparison to what I have had plenty of training in, in America.
KG: That’s all great. I know I can agree with many of those things. It’s nice to hear that people have been kind and so welcoming to you here. I know moving to Asia that is really needed. Thanks for those responses.
KG: I would love to know what you do for fun with your free time?
AR: I like to read, cook, sing, dance, run, hang out with different people, try different foods (within my diet), travel, and explore.
KG: Ahhh! You like to keep busy!
KG: Has it been hard for you to meet people and make friends here?
AR: I don’t really meet strangers though I don’t really call people friends very easily. There are people that I love getting to know and there are some I can just see when I see. So, no. Meeting people is not a struggle at all for me, even here in China.
KG: What do you do for work here in China?
AR: I am a teacher though my background is in Teaching, Speaking, Acting and Makeup artistry in Film and TV.
KG: Makeup? Film? TV? Speaking? Acting? Teaching? You’re a ‘Jill of All Trades” – this must be what is meant by, BLACK GIRL MAGIC! Continue to shine.
Food- Food makes the world go round!
KG: I know that I love to eat and when I first moved here it was really tough for me. Can you please share how your food journey has been here? Has it been a hard transition from home to here?
AR: My food journey has been a big one. I can cook whatever I miss from America, give or take a few dishes. When I first arrived, I got really sick because my body had to adjust, which was a great thing because I do look and feel better and I believe some of that has to do with not eating so many processed foods (as much as I was eating anyway) and being more active.
KG: Cool! Glad your body is adjusting well. Have you tried anything here that you love that you don’t have at home?
AR: I am at home.
KG: I love that you say you are at home. Nice!
AR: I love bubble drinks though I think they have them back in the States, but I didn’t experience them until I moved here.
KG: That’s great that you tried something here and really enjoy it. Bubble drinks on me next time you’re in Shanghai!
AR: DEAL!
KG: Have you tried anything here that you absolutely hate and hope to never eat again?
AR: No, because there are things that I won’t try.
KG: I can definitely understand that. I know there are lots things that I wont try too.
KG: How is shopping for food here for you? Do you spend a lot buying food or eating out?
AR: Both. I do both here. Eat out and shop for food and I don’t really spend a lot of money in either.
KG: Great! Teach me your budgeting ways…
Access to travel- A lot of people move abroad because of the access to travel to other countries. Let’s talk about this!
KG: Alondra, I have learn in my time here that -China is huge!!! Have you been to any places in China? Are there any places in China you would like to visit?
AR: I want to experience as many places in China as possible. The places I have been in China are Suzhou, Nanjing, Shanghai, Beijing, Zhenjiang (where I live of course) and that’s it. The places I would like to visit in China are Xiamen, Harbin, Sanya and others that I don’t know about yet.
KG: Nice. China is great. So much to see and do. Have you visited any nearby countries since you have been here? If yes, where did you go?
AR: Yes, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, so far.
KG: What cities/countries are on your travel list?
AR: Uganda, Vancouver, Canada, Paris this year, with a possible few others.
KG: What is your dream trip? Have you been there yet?
AR: Santorini Greece; I have not been there as if yet.
KG: Take me with you when you go!
Just for Kicks!
If you could meet any one person, past or present, who would it be and why?
AR: Akon-to see what it takes to build a city
KG: I just have one Last thing to ask you. If you could share one thing with everyone about life what would it be?
AR: If I could share only one thing about this amazing journey called life, it would be to pay attention to the things you think about and feel about. Purify it, love it genuinely, and live it. Seek alignment, natural, untainted, alignment.
KG: Alondra! Big Thanks to you for your time with this interview. I am so grateful for you sharing your experience.
#alondra #teacher #makeupartist #author #speaker #blackgirlmagic #seekalignment #lovelife #bekind #fullofjoy #livingherlifelikeitsgolden #alondrarena
Wow that was great! I remember when I first Alondra! So full of life and energy. I’m so thankful she took the time to share her experience with all of us! Very fitting for this Women’s Month.
As always, thanks for following the blog and for reading. I appreciate it! Hope you are well.
#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*
This is what Alondra is listening to:
Here are a few pictures of Alondra and her adventures!
FEARLESS in SHANGHAI 
Thank you for keeping me updated on the Virus in China &they are really looking out for the people!! That’s comforting to know!! Your Survival list was very informative!! Great to know you’re comfortable with life at the present!! I Love the interview with Alondra experience in China! Very informative & detailed! Interesting to know she would like to live in Singapore!! Loved her Photos!! Thank you for an Amazing interview!! Bless you for sharing this Amazing journey!!! Love you & I’m praying for you 🙏🏾💖💕✝️
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