remember Ive mentioned the potential for major power disruptions?

Our population keeps growing and yet our sources of renewable energies is decreasing. I see a correlation.

Bottled water takes priority over public water supplies. The trend to privatize water supplies is rampant.

 

The birth rate in the West is in a steady decline. Most of the overpopulation seen in the "developed" world is coming from the "developing" (ie. third world) nations -- for instance in the US, it is an influx of people coming up from Mexico. Europe is seeing an influx of people from the Middle East.

 

Yes. The world's population continues to grow. I'm glad we agree on this.

 

if this be true then we are all a threat to each others existence..

 

Yeah, well,

Living IS Hazardous to our Health...

 

One year. I really don't know 100% why I choose China. Like you said, if you were to go, it was the experience. But also, I wanted to support myself while traveling, and make money, enough to maybe see other parts of Asia after this year. I could have gone to India too. But there is just so much being said about this country in many sources, and I wanted to confirm some of these stories if possible, as I stay here. See how it is from first hand experience. It is indeed an interesting country.

Oh, my job here is an English teacher. The main draw for this University is they have teachers on site to assist students. So, for instance, one student was able to come see me at 8 pm on Friday for some help. Yay. It was also my first week there and I was napping (yes for jet lag).

Since I am on a campus of 10,000, and written and oral English is required for all students, most students to some degree, know English. Some know it very very well, while with other students you need to speak loud, slow and simply. But it is easy to find someone to help you with daily life if you want to venture outside the campus for anything. The Chinese are timid people, but once you get to know them, even basically, they are very nice and helpful and go out of there way to large extents to make sure you have everything you need.

On the other hand, while around town, it is a lot harder to find English speakers. Which is fine, I would like to learn basic spoken Chinese anyways. But even using hand gestures doesn't make things easier. In other countries I was able to communicate with my hands.

Hell yah, it does sometimes feel really odd. I can't even begin to explain it. Imagine being woken up by a loud announcement your first day here at 6:30 am. Apparently it is "student (campus) news"...at 6:30..Most students are required to get up at this point and do morning exercise and/or morning study period. It is like highschool extended. The teachers of course are not required. But I was thinking "what the hell is up that voice." Other interesting things too.

But yah, it can be a bit of a culture shock. Most teachers take two to three months to really adapt well. I might take at least two perhaps. But I want to make an honest effort to understand the culture. So far, I think the people are honest. They know I don't know the money, the language and culture, but the shop keepers seem to always give me the right change (I confirm this with the students after purchases).

Oh yes, and of course, China is very crowded indeed. But I have not been to the country side yet so we shall see about those areas. I think it is hard for most people to get time alone, so maybe a lot go to the country side to relax.

I think it would be cool to take a train to Mongolia during my week off later in the year. Plus two months off in the summer to do stuff.

 

Well yeah, that is common knowledge. But I was referring to the problem of overpopulation, which is not a global problem, but a regional problem. When you have too many people in one particular area, then you do encounter resource scarcity and this does create problems. In the West, overpopulation and overcrowding are the result mostly of failed immigration policies. What I have found somewhat ironic is that those who are the most vocal critics of overpopulation tend to support immigration policies that create such problems in the first place.

 

Carl,

Thanks for the info. I might be asking you more questions in the coming weeks because I have been interested in China for a while, and I find it fascinating to hear from someone actually living there?

So how are you adapting to the food? Obviously what the Chinese eat is very different from the Americanized version of "Chinese food."

It would be nice if you could take some pictures while you are there.

 

Its better than the electrical shock, I guess.. :hat:..

 

The blackout of 2003 affected about 55 million people in the U.S. and Canada. All of that happened as a result of some sagging wires brushing against trees that should have been trimmed by First Energy and some slipshod mistakes in the way the grid was being run that day.

All terrorists need to do is pick a hot summer day when the power grid is being pushed near its max and fly a kite into a power line.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_North_America_blackout




.

 

Please feel free to ask more questions!
Chinese food is different in some ways. But, when I get food at random road side stands (all over the place) it is still greasy like the Americanized food joints. Even at restaurants! So I also get a lot of veggies and cook myself. But I will take pictures. There are a few dishes I like a lot.

And if you ever do come, and if I am here, please remember that you have a place to stay and I can show you around and introduce you to very kind Chinese folk who will show us both around. It is not as crazy as you think. Even with the heavy language barrier, I still share a lot of smiles with locals, and the body language speaks louder than you think. At this point a lot of locals, literally run over to see me when I need help. the Chinese are very shy people, but once they feel they know you, they are amazingly outgoing. And it does not take that much to make that transition, usually just an initial meeting and five minute talk. At least where I am.