We also visited the English language church this morning (the law here stipulates that only foreign passport holders can attend the English language church). Finding this church is a major answer to prayer. They were incredibly warm and hospitable. I was happy to see female leadership up front, and there are people from all over the world (Burundi, Columbia, Nigeria, Bolivia, Philippines, Rwanda, Bulgaria, the US, Korea, Malaysia, and Germany were all represented). I am glad that the congregation seems to be vibrant, and we look forward to acquainting ourselves with others there.
I've been pleasantly surprised with the swath of nationalities in Hangzhou. Apparently there are students from 120 countries at the university we are attending. 120! I must admit, it's an enlightening and humbling experience to be in a place where I am a minority. I've never really experienced being an outsider or an immigrant before, and I'm grateful for the experience. It gives me an enormous amount of respect for those who immigrate to the United States, especially if they are not familiar with the dominant language.
Those are my seemingly random thoughts for the day. I'll finish up today's musings with some quick snapshots about the more intriguing aspects of life here:
- women carry parasols everywhere
- men pull their shirts up to their chests walking around when they are hot. I've seen my share of potbellies this week!
- many restaurants have incredibly plush, soft sofas that they offer for seating, yet the beds here are insanely firm. I wish I could sleep on a couch! :)
- biking and motorbikes are a predominant form of transportation here. I can't wait to join the city's bikeshare!
- one popular dessert/sweet drink is red bean milk. It sounds and looks disgusting, yet it's actually quite pleasant.
- want to take your dog to the vet, yet don't have a car? Simple! Put him on your lap while you whiz by on your moped.
- want to transport 20 cases of beer, yet don't have a car? Simple! Strap them to your moped.
- the escalators have a motion sensor in them so that they only operate if someone approaches them. In general, I'm very impressed with how the city uses discretion in its energy use.
- this city is a canal city (in fact, it's on China's Grand Canal). There are countless lovely paths along the numerous canals.