Back home, but never back to the starting point.

The day has come. My adventure in China ended and now I'm back home once again. I knew it was going to end. I was aware that coming back home won't be easy. But the feelings that I hold in my heart now is something that nobody can understand, if they never spend the best times of their lives somewehere far away from home.

Eight months in China gave me so much. Courage, self-confidence, friendship, dreams. It made me feel that I can do anything I want and I can reach to any goal I set for myself. It made me get my wings to fly, believe no Red Bull is needed. I started to believe in people and started to be active about who I am. I changed my ways and I like how it's changed. I managed to realise a dream that I was not able to do anything with for a loooong time, I finally went to Japan. I could face people I like and people I care about. And above all, I had time to think. Time to plan everything I want to do. And now I will not back out, because now I know that only if I say out loud my dreams, hopes and aspirations, only when me, alone, became aware that this is actually what I want to do, only then can I achieve them or at least stand closer to them.

It will be difficult. I know that. It will be hard and boring. But I have time, I will honestly face my fears and doubts. I will take it easy. Step by step, without rushing things, I will definitely reach my goal. I can plan my whole year ahead, but I'm still not too clear about the final goal. So I will take my time to see it clearly.

To be honest, when I came back home after 8 months in China and almost a month in Japan, I wanted to cry. Yes, I was happy to meet my family and enthusiastic to meet my friends. But when I was thinking about even trivial matters like, food or living conditions.... I wanted to cry. I want to eat Asian food and live alone, is what I thought at first. I want to see Asian faces, and listen to Chinese or Japanese. I want people to smaller, less open, more polite... I want to go back to Asia. But I can't forget my other dreams and can't forget my future.

It's time to think about New Yer's resolutions again and I believe that year 2013 will be the most important year of my life. Or this is what I'm gonna make it. I will make it the most life affecting year of my life. And for this I will try my best!


For coming back with the blog in such a heavy way, I'm very sorry!

Good parties create a temporary youthfulness.

Ok! It's high time to move!
My flight leaves around 10am tomorrow! Which means that soon I'll be in the land of rice!

Which also means I will start my fight with Great Firewall, which blockes every website I'm addicted to. Blogspot is one of them too, but to make my blogging easier, I will move to a website hich is not blocked. So I invite you all to the Chinese Edition of my blog>>> Pam's Daily - The Chinese Edition

See you in China!

Astronauts are very professional and when they're preparing for launch, they prepare for it as the most serious endeavor of our lives.

I'm not Austronaut, I guess :P
Today is Sunday - last shift at work and two days left.... wait, no, it's actually one hour to Monday left and one day to prepare everything! Hell, no! Since I got my visa I was thinking that I have sooo much time to prepare that I don't need to rush anything. But... but... but... I still have problems with deciding what to pack and what to leave out. I merely decided what to wear on the day of travel. I was supposed to send my photo to TN manager from AIESEC too. And prepare all the photos to take. And... and... and...

I don't know. I feel I should be busy with everything, while I cannot get round to packing my stuff, let alone preparing myself mentally for the travel. I'm still not fully aware that I'm leaving safe home, Poland filled with awesome friends and family and going to some weird, far away country to work in a hotel! And for one year too! Unbelievable!

From the time I told everyone I'm leaving I was hugged so many times! It's like hugging amount for the whole year haha ^^)v
It's fun somehow. Because I'm leaving everyone wants to meet with me, so I could see some face for the first time this year! To meet people I really need a solid excuse, it seems :P

Well then, I'm drinking my coffee and starting packing my stuff seriously!

Days left to be in China: 1!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last days of doing silly stuff with crazy friendssss :D

I believe you should live each day as if it is your last, which is why I don't have any clean laundry, because, come on, who wants to wash clothes on the last day of their life?

Last two weeks in Poland. I still feel weird. I'm saying I'm nervous, but this nervousness actually is more connected with my flight than living in China itself. I can adapt to any environment, but the flight... It's just scary. Two stopovers on the way, 1,5-3 hours to transfer to totally different side of the airport. I'm going crazy thinking about how to survive it and reach my final destination. And then, what about my luggage. I mean, the checked luggage? Thanks god, mt laptop is gonna be with me, but then, I don't want to loose my clothes, lingerie, cosmetics, books, souvenirs from Poland or anything! I'm very anxious about it.

As for the other stuff. Hm... I'm working everyday now that I decided to quit, because I don't want to trouble anyone at work, especially that one girl was sent to other city, so there are two people to cover all of the shifts. So, basically, I'm not thinking about preparing for my travel. I don;t know what will I pack, let alone doing the laundry. I still need to buy a few things, like toothpaste or tiny bottle of shampoo. I still haven't even printed my electronic plane ticket! And what's more I'm not even thinking about it.

I wanted to meet all of my friends before I leave, but it seem rather impossible, esp because of work. Plus my pc turned out to be full of viruses, so I used up the whole day for taking it to repair and then picking it up. But it's all sound and safe at home now /phew/

Freegate is already installed on my pc, the newest version launched on 8th of March and seem to be all ready for me to use it in China. Thanks to this little software I'll be able to connect to Facebook, Youtube and other websites, which might be blocked in China ^^
Before I started to google it, I'd never know how many software to enter the blocked websites actually exist! Freegate is just the most popular one. Another 9 are also recommended. Piece of cake, China! ^^)v

Well then! Gotto go to work now!

Time left to arriving in China: around 2 weeks

Life is all about risks and it requires you to jump. Don't be a person who has to look back and wonder what they would have or could have had. No one waits forever.

Ok. Next week on Monday I'm going to Warsaw to pick up my visa from Chinese consulate. When I already get my hand on my brand new Chinese visa, I will have only one worry left. I mean, one major worry and that is my part-time job. Of course, you must know that I decided to sign the contract, so I need to work for another 2 weeks after I officially say I'm quitting. Which is quite a pain in the neck, especially that my manager at work is hell annoying person, so I'm afraid he might make it hard for me. Plus, again, as always they messed up with my pay for February...

As for the rest of preparations... I really don't know what is left. I was creating huge list of what to pack and what to leave out, I was thinking hard for 2 months already, but following a piece of advice of my older sister, I should be moderate when it comes to stuffing my bag with useless things and clothes.

For now, apart from clothes and toiletries, this is my list:

> PC
> list of addresses of my friends
> at least one CD with my favourite music and at least one book in normal language (that is Polish/English/Japanese)
> espresso maker and at least a small package of grinded coffee
> notebook with Polish dishes' recipies
> Polish chocolate and krówki as a gift for people from AIESEC XMU
> photos of my family&friends (sob sob)
> Polish postcards and stuff to advertise my country in China ^^


And here are the things I decided to leave out and buy cheaply in China:

> towels
> slippers (I need at least one pair of Hello Kitty slipperssss)
> photo frames


Ooops... that's all I can think of for now! ^^;

I'm gonna keep the list updated!

Time left to Noodles in China: something over 2 weeks

At no time are we ever in such complete possession of a journey, down to its last nook and cranny, as when we are busy with preparations for it. (Yukio Mishima)

Finally, preparations for my Chinese Adventure started. Only now am I becoming aware of what's awaiting me and I'm really getting scared!

Hotel in Xiamen.

AIESEC in Xiamen changed the contact person. This time it's girl called Juno, who's the most active from all three that I was talking to. She sent me all documents right away, helped with understanding visa matters, answered all my silly and not that silly questions. I'm amazed by how nice this girl is. Chinese girl - 100 points to awesomeness!

But new fact came on the surface. I'll be staying in Xiamen for 6 months, another six months I'll be in Shishi where the main hotel of this Wanguard Oriental Chain Hotels Group is situated. When I saw the photos I was like WOAH, so why not. Shishi seems to be famous because of its garmet industry (clothes clothes clothes) and is situated some 100 kilometers away from Xiamen. It's still close to the sea and photos I got from Juno shows it as a quite a beautiful piece of land!
As I suspected, uniforms will be prepared for us. In Xiamen I'm gonna live in dormitories for employees, don't know why but I was given the same address as the hotel itself...... Well, anyway. At Shishi I will have to rent my own flat, I guess. The Chinese are not too sure about the situation in Shishi either. But my own flat...... it sound so cool. I would like to share it with someone of course. I just hope to be able to communicate in Chinese after 6 months!

I heard that Chinese beds are hard as stone....... But this one looks soo... yummy!

Lobby! That's where I'll be working at first!
Welcome to China!!!!!

That being said, I decided to go to Warsaw immediately to take care of the visa matters. I decided it today! And I checked the application for visa again and..... PHOTO! I forgot about the photo for visaaaa! As I had to be at work on 4pm, and it was almost 1pm (and I was still eating my breakfast, chatting with Juno and what's most important wearing my pjs), I started running panically around the house and in 30 mins I was heading to the photographer. When asked by the photographer when do I want my photos? I was like 'ASAAAAAP please'. I got them after 15 minutes ^^)v
I don't have to add that I look really awkward on the photo, right?
But it's still better than my ugly passport photograph. I haven't used my passport even once yet, I never left Europe, never been to Ukraine, so I've never needed it. When my ugly photo will be enclosed to public it will be sooo embarassing....

Why did they set their HQs in the smaller city, I wonder......

But when I think right now..... Damn, only 26 days left for me in Poland. I'm soooo damn scared!!!!!!!!!!


Time left to Noodles in China: too little

By forgetting the past and by throwing myself into other interests, I forget to worry.

I'm still recovering from the best party ever in my life! Or at least this year! I promised to attend it even before being invited! I had to refuse going on other awesome parties to attend this one. And I don't regret it. As always it was a big home party at friend's place. People attending were all from Japanese studies or Japanese people studying in Poland. I invited a Japanese friend from Warsaw, who promised to make takoyaki - which is a Japanese dish, which looks like a small balls from sth similar to pancake mixture, but with octopus inside. He brought all the utensils to make it, two octopuses and one crazy Japanese friend of his.

The final product of Japanese master cook skills, experience, professional utensils and few ingredients.

But it wasn't the only position in the party's menu. It was much more developed! We got a few more warm dishes, toasts, chocolate cake, carrot cake.... One word: PARADISE!
Adding to that more than ten different types of alcohol and people who doesn't need much to act as if they were drunk (although they are 93% sober), and the party was great.
Downstairs we were eating, upstairs we could sing karaoke. Of course kitchen was the most crowded room, as always. I ate so much, that I'm prett sure I gained somewhere around 10 kilos. Or even more.
And today I'm trying to get back to normal, but I still feel hangovered.

I'm really happy to meet all those people, who attended the party and I'm so happy it became a perfect stress reliever, because I really needed to forget for a sec about all those troublesome and annoying things.

No Product Placement please!

Days left to NiC: around a month

I had to make some drastic choices to avoid losing myself.

A jelly that's suppossed to look like a hamburger. It's awesome!

As the time before my departure to China gets shorter, every day seems to be full of events, which seem to test my patience and perseverance. I'm reacting in different ways, but to say I'm patient and confident is the least true. But, no matter what I'm not giving up!
I will fight till the end! I think, the more problems I got, the more all this Chinese internshp stuff feel real. You know, as long as I feel the pressure, it means it's gonna be fine!


It doesn't matter that the hairdresser cut 3/4th of my hair! To improve my mood I ordered a dress from online shop. It looks like this:

It's this so-called 'Japan-style'.... Although it looks more Korean (?)

As I bought myself high-heels a few days earlier, I have an ultimate set! Adding a hair band I bought for a few cents in newly opened shop very close to the place I work in.... It definitely made my mood lighter! And I'm getting used to the new hairstyle too.

Again, something I can't even wear now...

On the left side you see my new shoes, I'm still not able to walk in them properly, but I'm learning. I still don't know where will I wear them. In China if I wera those heels, everyone will run away from me. Which can be a good thing, if I want to be alone, far from Chinese, yellow and flat faces, I can just wear them and stand there like Godzilla. I bet they would be taking photos and then running away like a wind! Phew... life of a tall person is so hard, you normal-height people wouldn't understand ^^;

On th right, my new hair-band. After my terrible haircut, I decided that I have to look awesome at work, to make up for my lack of hair haha. So I used all the make-up stuff I had at home, wore a dress, cleaned my shoes (never do it normally!) and wore this hair-band. All kids were looking at it like at a treasure!
The photo is upside down, but at least the hair-band is visible.

I like silver stuff and fishes. Fishes are nice!

Well, that's it for now. From tomorrow I'm going to fight with the new manager at work to give me my job contract, which I wa suppossed to sign like... 20 days ago. Wish me luck!

Ah, btw, the happy guy on the left is a person, who works in a shop wth stuff for animals, that's just close to my shop. One day he suddenly showed up and eeryone, beside me, seemed to know him very well. He never told me his name, neither did I do it, but as I hear how others call him, I think I can say I know him. Although he's weird, he knows Japanese katakana alphabet, so I think it's cool!




This is my new hairstyle after I got back home and washed my hair. The hairdresser, who was actually a trainee (that's why I didn't pay for it) didn't have a clue what to do with my weird hair, so he cut a lot, then streightened it with sth and then he put tons of tons of hairspray. So I just had to wash my hair when I reached home.... But it looks better now, so no worries! ^^

I want my hair back! Boooohooooooooo~~~~~~

Days left to NiC: 37

Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change - this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress.

Now, just what happened during those last two days?!

As I wrote before I was sure to have a flight on 29th of March and everything was all set, when I got a call that my flighed got changed again! What the...! But no worries! I was at work so I couldn't panic and do all those stuff to put a spell on airlines to give back my flight to me, so I decided to take care of it cooly! I talked to like at least 5 people from the company which reserved my earlier ticket (I mean, the first one) and finally I could talk with a kind and helpful person. The women not only explained everything I should do, she even offered to help me look for the flights and organise everything. I didn't have to pay additional costs for the reservation either. I even got a full insurance after paying a few zlotys more. She was sooo nice! I think she should get a promotion! Or a bonus! Higher salary! Handsome and awesome husband! Lovely kids! Great life!
All the best for the lady who helped me! I feel so amazed everytime I come across people, who are nice even to strangers without any ulterior motive... I just wanted to tell her "Marry me!", but I 'm not a guy, so it would be difficult hahah ^^)v

So I guess, not only must I count again, I think I should think of a new name for my internship in China haha. Any idea? Because after working for 11 hours two days in a row, my head is filled with contact lenses, Valentine's Day's songs and other stuff, which has no use for anything.

Talking about Valentine's.... From three small packets with two hand-made chocolates (by me) in each, which I sent to my friends in Japan, only one was delievered safely. Why only one!?! The other two were sent to the same place, one also to Tokyo and one to Saitama, it's just 2 hours by train from Tokyo. Why??? Oh why???

Because you know, Japan has its own Valentine's Day traditions. On this day girls present guys with chocolate. But then, guys can also give chocolate to girls, but it's not that usual. And also people give chocolate to friends and to co-workers, and stuff.

This girl here, don't know who she is, but she talks about chocolate and Japan:

I don't remember if she mentions that every guy who received chocolate on Valentine's Day has to respond to those feelings (no matter if it's a friend or lover) and give white chocolate to the girl on White Day, which comes one month after Valentine's Day - 14th of March.

So it's not that bad to give chocolates to many people, month later it's you who will receive some too! Hahah ^^)v




Days left to Noodles in China: 41

Bad news isn't wine. It doesn't improve with age.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Tell me it's not true! NO NO NO NO NO! NOOOOO!!!!!

I'm in despair. Everything got screwed! Boohoo!!!!
I think when I finally find myself in China, I will be half-dead, I know it.

Today I got a message from Tom (the guy from Budapest). Hungarian Airlines bankupted and so all the flights from Budapest to China with Hainan Airlines got cancelled. Dunno what's the connection between Hungarian and Vietnamese Airlines, but anyway. MY FLIGHT got CANCELLED! The reason is not important. I didn't get any notice or information at all, but when I checked it, it was true!

Next thing I remember is when I finally got my head straight after having been panicking for a few hours, that is like running in circles, banging my head on a wall, trying to pull out my hair and making other weird stuff that were supposed to change my bad fate. As it didn't really work out, I decided to buy a new ticket. Of course, I had to buy it for the cheapest price possible and this way the date of my departure moved slightly. The new date is 29th. I'm leaving from Warsaw on 29th of March, arriving to Xiamen on 30th in the morning, that is around 10-11am.

Dear God, I hope you don't have another hurdles for me to jump over, because lately I'm quite sensitive. Too much work, I'm telling you. This week too, although I had things planned, everything will fail again, because I need to work overtime again. Ah, one more wish, please oh please, may it not be true that we'll have uniforms at work, very pleaaaaseee!

Well, this way...

Days left for my Big Annoying Chinese Adventure (new shortcut: BACA): 45

Accomplishment is such a patronizing, dangerous word, isn't it? I haven't really accomplished anything. The most accomplished thing I've done is to have lived this long.

This time I don't have much to write about. Maybe only one thing. Of all my troubles and worries I got only 1,5 problems left ^^. This one and a half means that one is a real problem and the other might become one. The first thing makes me worried for some time already and it's about money. I don't have energy to figt with my boss, but I have to do something to get my salary, because the company is making problems for me.... But when it comes to money I don't know how to fight. Like last time, I worked like a slave for a week in sushi bar. I couldn't stand an ambience of that place, the work was very hard and I couldn't get used to it, so I quit. And then it turned out that I was working for free. My friends told me to go there and get those money from them, but I just gave up. Whatever. But my 112 hours of overtime this time... Plus the basic salary.... It's hell ton of money for me haha.

Anyway! My new Hungarian friend bought a ticket to Xiamen for 23rd of March, so he will be there a few days before me. Hope he will come for me to the airport. He still doesn't know about it, but he will! Ha!
But what is weird, from the 10 people that were to be chosen for the internship, we're only two. What about the remaining 8? I heard that 5 people failed the interview? Excuse me, what...? Failed? I need to make my own investigation when I arrive there. Mayb they are choosing people depending on their eye colour? Or European accent. My Polish-Japanese-English accent is the best after all! :P

It's snowing a lot in Poland, so I used this occassion to buy sneakers two times cheaper than usual! They're perfect!

...can't wear them at all now ;_;

Time left to CA: 46 days!

Babies act out when they're hungry, cold, tired. They do this for survival.

And I was like a baby lately. Complaining because of the cold, complaining because of hunger, complaining because of the overload of work.

That's me when I've had enough of everything.

First of, Poland was attacked by cold masses of air from Russia, which made us experience a real thing winter. At night it reached -30 Celsius degrees, during a day, oh only -20!
Then, I have a problem with my company, cause they want to cheat me out of money. I worked 100 hours of overtime, which should be paid, as I work with hourly wage, but they are piling up problems.
Next thing, is the Chinese Adventure thing.
And last, but not least, a few moeny issues. Well, but it's just an effect of my company's rules. Or whatever it is. I didn't get my pay last month....

I was bored one day, so I cut this piece! A winter accent in my room!

Anyway. I started to complain to everybody how aweful situation I am in, while I haven't noticed that the situation is changing. And now I can see the light and I can smile again.

Cakes!!!!!!!!!!!

The cold weather will last around week or two and the spring will show up. That's according to the weather forecast from the internet.
I talked with my manager and he will try doing something about my pay, but I just need to wait a bit more.
I found a buddy! I mean, one guy who got on the same internship as me, in Xiamen, found me. I know that this person is on the same stage as me, that is, no news from the Tall Fish Tank at all. But it's so much better to know that I'm not alone. Plus, he doesn't know Chinese either, so I think we're gonna be good buddies. Especially that he's from Hungary. You know what they say, Poles and Hungarians are best friends when it comes to both drinking and fighting hand by hand :D

So! Time for smiles!

A friend from work! Hipster Sylwia! After few hours of work she starts talking funny ^^

Days eft to CA: 54

The greatest mistake you can make in life is continually fearing that you'll make one.

Okay. Lately I have my worst times. A level of stress is getting way above the average. I know that it's no good, but then what should I do. I made a few mistakes, which will cost me a lot and I'm quite sensitive before my departure to China. I got a ticket already, but then Chinese AIESEC is all closed, because of the official holidays in China, from 22nd to 28th of January they celebrate Chinese New Year, so I don't have any news from them. I don't want to hear that I cannot go there after all, or that I was disqualified or something. I have to go this time. But how is it that Chinese people are sooo slow. Okay, I know, Poles are even more beaurocratic and annoying and slow too probably, but now, it's very important to me. Sometimes this part of me awakens, when I become an organized person. I need to take care of everything to prepare properly to my CA.

Plus, today, I totally quarelled with the new manager at work. He came here and started picking on every mistake that I made. Of course, I make mistakes a lot and I'm aware of it. And it's his job to tell me to change it. But his way of saying it pissed me off.
Manager: How many times should I tell you to blablabla
Pam: I'm sorry. I forgot. I will remember about it this time.
Manager: I'm telling you every time... You should do this this that blabla
Pam: I think you're better than me at this job, so if you could come here for a few hours and work, I will watch how you do things and learn.
Manager: That's the issue of competence, I'm here to show you your mistakes. I was learning techniques of sales...
Pam: That's right, competence...

Well, basicly the manager is new at our company. He never worked on my position, nor can he operate all those sales systems we have here. He never wore contact lenses and he smells of cigarettes. He talks like he never studied and uses dirty words. He thinks he's cool, but I just cannot digest his sense of humour.
After our conversation and a few words that I said later too, he was practically running away from me.... ^^;

Phew... I feel so much better, having it all written here ^^)v
I hope he won't find out about this blog. Well, even if he did, he wouldn't understand English. Oops.... I forgot about Google Translate haha.

Days left to CA: 59

We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.

My friend from Japan said he sent me a small gift. I was happy to hear that and I was waiting for it. I even checked mail box yesterday and today too. And finally today I took out a small package from the mailbox. I saw Japanese characters on it and I smiled brightly. Yay! Finally here!
And then, how surprised I was to see it's not the package I was waiting for. But, here another pleasant surprise. Another friend, who I actually never personally met, sent me a small gift for the New Year's. This friend is a Japanese women of Korean descent, who lives in Japan as a Japanese person. As I was writing about Korean community in Japan for my graduation thesis, I wrote to her to ask for some help. She kindly replied and told me a lot of interesting things, which I'm always very thankful for. As she was travelling to Polan, we were to meet in Warsaw, but because of my graduation thesis (sic!) I couldn't go. And it's a second time she's sending me a small gift. I'm very happy to receive it.

What can be more Japanese than Hello Kitty?!?!

Today, I got an email from Japan also, saying that the project I took part in will be taken on another level. As a Polish representant I was sharing my thoughts about Japanese manga for girls. We were just writing about what we like and dislike on an internet forum. Now, a book might be made out of it. Photos of the people who took part in it might be shown in the book too. I hope I made enough of a contribution to this project. It makes me excited to think that my opinions will be printed! They said we will receive this book, when it gets printed.

Days to CA: 62

And to me, seriousness is a sickness; and the sense of humor makes you more human, more humble. The sense of humor – according to me – is one of the most essential parts of religiousness.

The quote in title of this post is a fragment from Osho's book. Osho is a guy who created his own philosophy, or religion, as some might say, which is very human. I like some parts of it. Osho's book were quite popular in Poland some time ago too and you could buy them in every bookstore. Not so much now, but it's still possible to find some, translated into Polish language.

You might be curious about what's happening with my internship in China. Again, nothing. I finally got an e-mail from Chinese AIESEC just to be informed that owing to the Chinese New Year's celebrations, hotel is too busy to sign the documents for me. So ok, cool, I'll wait, is what I thought. But then, after checking everything with Mr. Google I learned that New Year's celebrations mean 15 days of different events. 15 days!!! Just how long can I wait to get one paper with one damn sign. Anyone from the hotel can sign it. Even just a stamp would do.

Having that said, on 23rd is the first day of Chinese New Year. It will be a year of Dragon. My Chinese zodiac sign is Horse. I checked my horoscope.

Horse's personality:

Occupying the 7th position on the Chinese Zodiac, the Horse symbolizes such character traits as strength, energy, and an outgoing nature. Extremely animated, Horses thrive when they’re the center of attention. Always in search of a good time, Horses keep the crowds happy with their humor and their wit.

Horses are extremely intelligent so they’re able to grasp new subjects with ease. They’re also capable of multi-tasking however they don’t always finish what they start because they’re forever chasing the next opportunity. Horses are honest, friendly and open-minded. They’re perhaps a bit too centered on themselves and have been known to throw tantrums when situations don’t go their way.

Another one is here: http://www.usbridalguide.com/special/chinesehoroscopes/Horse.htm
You can read about your sign too. It's interesting, although I don't think it matches with my personality that much. But well, I'd rather believe that those positive traits are true ^^

Well, that's it for today!
A bit too early maybe, but:

Tangerines as a symbol of good fortune :D

Days left to CA: 65

All things are difficult before they are easy.

I was imagining myself being all busy before my departure to China, getting everything prepared and stressing about everything that hasn't been done yet, but reality looks a bit different. I'm living normally, working overtime, wasting time as usual. Chinese AIESEC still ignores my e-mails asking for documents. I'm not learning Chinese as I planned. I'm not thinking about what should I pack. I'm doing nothing. Now that I think about it... what can I actually do? I got 3 months, so there's no need to rush actually.

I'm signing the contract soon. I'm still a bit of a pinch about what to do with that all. I mean, I'll sign the contract, just to resign 1,5 months later. But then, what should I do. I have no other option. I want to earn more too, before I go to China. After I sign this contract my salary will go up after all.

I don't know what should I do...


Days left to CA: 67

Continuity does not rule out fresh approaches to fresh situations.

Well, my days continue and I'm trying to spend them in a pleasant way, but of course there are things noone can predict. Like the 7th change of schedule at work. Sometimes I feel that this schedule is like an animal... It lives on its own and changes as quickly as a women's moods ^^;

But it's nothing to complain about. Soon, I'll be signing a contract at work, so for those two months before going to China I will be working for my retirement pension. That's how it works in Poland.

I think I should slowly start counting days to my Chinese adventure. Although I still haven't got any information from the company that hires me, they should send me an invitation soon. Plus, I got my ticket already. Departure: 26th of March. I'm flying with two stopovers, one in Budapest, where I'll have enough time to go and walk around and then in Beijing for just 2 hours. I got the ticket ultra cheap, so I hope they won't make any problem, because I will arrive in Xiamen on 27th and the internship starts on 31st.

Anyway!

I hope I'll be able to lessen some stress during snow fights and making snowmen. I made two tiny snowmen already. If I managed to get the photo my friend took, I'll upload it then.

It was the first day of snow. When the guy saw I'm trying to take a photo he started to run away Xp

Hey, but when it comes to snow and white color, I'm thinking of weird things... Like:

And why the hell am I thinking "Wooow it looks sooo niceee"!?!

Days left to China Adventure: 70

Always give a word or sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, or even a stranger, if in a lonely place.

Those few days were so pleasant and fun that I hardly noticed it was Friday the Thirteenth. Well, from what I heard, in some countries people consider this day the luckiest day, in contrary to Poland. But when you see beautiful snowflakes dancing around in the air, when you meet awesome people, who are so much different than you, but you have so much fun with them, when everything seems nice and cool... I would say it's what 'the luckiest day' should be.

Maybe some of you heard about Couch surfing, maybe some not. Basically it's a idea to enrich your traveling experience. And makes your travel costs lower. So, you just sign in, and when you decide to go traveling, you can ask some one from this website to host you for free. Ok. Not for free. The prize is to share your experiences and thoughts. It's not a high prize to pay, but it's so valuable when you receive it.
I cannot host people, so I set a coffee-or-drink option. Which means, I'm showing people around my city and meet with different people.

The day before yesterday, I met a Japanese guy, who was living in Russia for some time and his Russian friend who lives in Kraków and studies Polish language. It was so weird meeting them, but I had lots of fun. I felt that I want to do more more more. I want to meet people more. I want to travel more. And I want to improve myself more. Every time I'm meeting people who have many stories to tell, I gain new confidence to go forward. Although my internship matters got slower lately, because Chinese side cannot keep their promises and I still haven't received important documents for visa... But I will push forward!!!

Yes, it's a Polish BEER~!

I hope no matter where I go, I will be able to keep in touch with my friends! And I believe I will become a new person after living in a wild country like China haha~!

It was difficult for me because I was searching for the answer for so long, and the answer was right in front of me. Do what I do best.

Today I understood that I have a weird destiny with my friend. I'm not talking about love or stuff. Just somehow we meet in the most unpredictable places on Earth. Today was the same. She is going to Indonesia by the end of this month, I'll be most likely in China soon, so I guess the next place we should be meeting is like... Malaysia or Singapore ^^)v

When I was walking to the shopping mall today a guy approached me with a leaflet n his hand. I wa sin a hurry so I only slowed down a little, but didn't stop when he started talking to me. You know, usually when a guy approaches me on the streets, he's asking about money or advertising a new restaurant. It's so sad to not be popular. Why won't anyone try to ask me for my number or invite me for a coffee, dammit!!!
Anyway, he handed me the leaflet and said: "My friend is looking for a girl". I was like LOL, what is he talking about. One glance on the leaflet and I was almost crying from laughter. I read: "I'm looking for a girl I met in the tram yesterday around 4pm. She was wearing purple coat and brown boots.... It was the second time I met her, earlier it was in the train to Warsaw one year ago [talking about destiny!]. She might be the love of my life! Help me! Go to my facebook profile and check her photo and if you know her, please tell me".

Aawwwww....!

The red letters say: "I'M LOOKING FOR A GIRL OF MY LIFE!" It's just like drama scenario! I got an inspiration thanks to that guy!

My small hobby is to think of drama scenarios with my friend Ellen, so I think this leaflet will be a great inspiration! Thank you Daniel! (Apparently that's the guy's name)

Intuition is a suspension of logic due to impatience.

Ok. So I started my New Year with laziness and impatience. I had so many days off (almost a week!!!!!), so I slept in late and went to bed around 2-3am. And today, to wake up to work, was like hell! That would be it for laziness. Impatience? This Chinese AIESEC drives me crazy! Is it even working? Maybe they are already preparing to celebrate Chinese New Year, but they totally ignore all my questions! To sign one paper... it took them ages! Wait, no. It took would be a past tense, so it's not right. Becuase I still didn't get this document. How many more days am I suppossed to wait for it? Come on, one sign. Just one. Please!

As I'm back at work, I'm also back to doing practical things. That is... writing my blog haha~! And learning Chinese ^^ No, it's not a New Year's Resolution. But I was learning it on my studies for a year and guess what? I can't speak it at all! So I decided that I should know at least how to ask where is the toilet. I still have some time, so I will use all my energy to learn from time to time..........

To be honest, I don't like Chinese language. Japanese is my first and last love, and Korean is following me everywhere (I'm trying to learn it to). Chinese sounds ridiculous. All those tones and sounds makes me go nuts. I don't hear the difference, I cannot diffirentiate two similar words. But, well, noone said it would be easy. I'm going to fight it, cause it's like my enemy. I want to know all those three main Asian languages, but only Chinese is such a pain in the... neck.

But it's still not the time to get discouraged! Cheer me on, I will concur it!

Today the biggest charity event in Poland took place. Just next to my workplace there was a small stage. The bigger one was in the center of course. I could hear some bands play, but when I got off work, they were already deconstructing it T^T

The lighting was taken down too. Boo!

Well then~!

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.

Scrap New Year's Resolutions. I'm not gonna bother with them at all! I know and you know it as well, although you might feign ignorance, no New Year's Resolution turn out well. Of course, there might be people who always keep theirs, but how few of those people actually exists! I'm not gonna do it this year.

I will make a balance of 2011 year, on the contrary. I think it was a good year.
January - I quit job in Cinema City.
February - I met a guy I like till now ^^
March - I started teaching Japanese language to one nice girl.
April - My friend got married!!!
May - Student's festival in Kraków, my hometown :)
June - I finished classes for the last year of undergraduate level studies.
July - I worked part-time in Information Center in Kraków.
August - I went to Prague.
September - I graduated with A grade for my BA thesis. I waved Ellen goodbye and sent her off to China first haha ^^)v
October - I started to work in the store here. I sat in the JLPT exam N2.
November - I signed in for AIESEC.
December - I passed a recrutation for internship in China.

Anyway, this 2011 year was full of surprises. I never expected things would turn out like it did. But I feel that the new 2012 year will be even better and I'm anticipating all that awaits me.

In this past 2011 year, I met many people, I gained many new experiences, and I decided I need to change too! Year 2012 will be very important to me!!!


Ok, I might have said, no New Year's Resolutions.... but! I need to stop bitting my nails! That's why I painted them in nice purple colour!

My ugly little fingernails....

Now, because the colour is too pretty, I'm not bitting them at all. The only problem now is.... I don't know if I can have my nails painted at work... Well, if noone tells me otherwise, I will continue with the purple ones~!




Maybe some words about New Year's Eve. I met people from high school! It's been such a long time, since I last saw them. I was so happy to see all those familiar faces! And I have to say, they all changed so much. Everyone looks so mature and pretty and hansome now. I'm ashamed. I should do something too... I have to catch up!




Well, anyway, before this post turns into a novel. I will write again. One photo from New Year's Eve party to end today's post.

Denial ;_;

Ok. Let's no deny anything this year. Year 2012 - the YES time :D