The Apartment

I've been here a little over a week now. Things are still good and I haven't had a complete breakdown yet. I've felt a bit lonely a few times and had a couple frustrating experiences, but nothing I haven't been able to handle. I even managed to kill my first cockroach without screaming.
Since I haven't quite started at my new job yet, I've taken time to explore all around the city and already have a few favorite haunts. Of course, haunt number one is my actual home.
So I dedicate this week's post to my apartment.

When I arrived, I went straight to the kindergarten, bags and all. It was a bit much. Because I had just been on a plane for almost a day and a half, I was wearing a sweater, no bra, and the world's ugliest ponytail. I toured the facilities, met all the teachers, bosses, and coworkers like this. Then, for some unfathomable reason, the head of the foreign teacher's office and the Chinese aide (who helps us translate a lot of government paperwork) took me out for a fancy Cantonese tea lunch. Yikes.

All I wanted was a shower... but alas.

The aide took me shopping and helped me get a few of the essentials: laundry detergent, sheets, toilet paper... Then, finally! FINALLY! She took me to my new apartment. After showing me around and how to work the washing machine, she left.

[Tangential advice for people thinking of traveling]
Being alone in a strange land, in an unfamiliar room with only your bags next to you can be intensely lonely. But don't worry, just unpack. 
Getting to work and making the space your own right away will be so much better than wallowing.

I had originally requested a roommate. A lot of the foreign teachers from the school room together and I thought it would be nice to have someone around who had some experience, but it just worked out that no other teacher was available to room with. I have the option to get a roommate in a few months as some teacher's contracts finish up, but I think I might stick to living alone. I love being alone. My alone time is what I look forward to most, and having my own space to recharge in, and organize how I like is really helpful when dealing with an already unfamiliar country.

My apartment is built for one person. It's basically just a room with a bed in it. But after a week here to settle in, and after finding all kinds of my favorite cleaners and cleaning implements, I think I've made myself quite at home in it. (I seriously have to stop myself from buying new cleaners, but I did that back home too! Any other compulsive cleaner buyers out there?)

 So this is the building I live in. It's about a five minute walk from the kindergarten and there's a bus stop right outside it, so it's pretty convenient. (I wish I knew what the yellow words say! Someone who knows, tell me!)

My bed comes with this mosquito net. I kind of love it.

Here it is with curtains closed and mosquito net up. Those curtains are an abomination... but what do you do? Only a year, right? 

 On the other wall from RT to LT is my tiny shoe rack, fridge, drinking water, and coffee table with the TV that doesn't work. I bought that fan hanging up today:) and the mysterious England garden picture came with the place.

Over near the sliding door is my other desk. It's full of work stuff as well as a tiny pantry, pots and pans, and cleaning supplies. It does it all!

This is my wardrobe, mirror, and pencil shaped hanger. Fun, right?

Hello Kitty came for free:)

The view from the front door. 

To the left once you come in is my bathroom. This is it! It's tiny. It can all get wet. It's easy to clean. Just douse the whole guy in soap, turn on the shower and blast it. 

These are the freaky little hooks that live in my shower. 

 This is my balcony. It is also my kitchen. See the sink? I got a little hot plate to cook on. I also have a little washing machine there. I hang all my clothes and let them billow in the tropical breeze.

This is my little patio set. I love to sit out here in the mornings and evenings. 

And this is the view. Just like the lake back home, it doesn't ever bore you.

P.S. Thanks to those who've commented on these posts. You keep me going.