ch
English
-Photos/ Attention-
I can recall vividly my very first encounter in a subway on my way to the migration office to get my visa as a new International student when I noticed random people taking pictures of me. I was in total shock, as it was totally a strange experience. my countrymate Jalloh who was with me at that particular point in time explained to me the reason behind, as he has already spent one year in China and has the same experience.
-Censorship-
Most of the popular social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Ticktok are all banned in China. Its not just social media that is been blocked but also streaming site like YouTube, Google, Gmail and some other news websites like the Aljazeera are all not accessible. We were introduced to Chinese popular search engines known as Baidu which provides less information couple with the fact that we are not so familiar with its environment.
-WeChat in replacement of WhatsApp -
Everything in China is increasing centered around WeChat, It is a full package which is connected to your bank account. It has cool features compared to WhatsApp, some of these features can be use in doing live by creating your own channel to broadcast information. Many Companies, Organizations and Universities own a WeChat Channel in which they make their publications to communicate with larger audience as they broadcast their job adverts, college admission, and so many more. WeChat can also be used for direct voice communication with friends and colleagues. It is the most famous form of electronic communication and transaction been used in China.
-Stares and Pointing-
On countless occasions I have been stared and pointed out in public. Most times people just want to take a spectacle while they can. While it took time for me to be able to adjust to this new normal, I figured it that it was not a big deal anyways. Now, if anyone stared at me, I pay back with the most charming smile while I wave.
-Asking about personal stuff-
It was overwhelmingly surprising to me that at every encounter with a Chinese the very first information they will seek from you is your age and relationship status. Where I came from such information are been considered sort of privacy especially to a total stranger. To this date I still have no exact answers to why such information is so important to them, however, I have developed a coping mechanism. Moving forward, once I meet a new friend or an acquaintance, I will be the first to tell you all those details.
-Group singing and Dancing -
The Chinese do spend a lot of their time in city parks singing and dancing in groups. I first noticed such event when I was on campus, at around dinner time, mid age people will form grounds, play music with their speakers and start dancing. This is cool as it is a form of exercises which is essential for a healthy living.
