The term ‘Bad China Day’ is reserved for those moments in time when you want to scream your head off in frustration at such things like your inability to articulate the most basic phrases to accomplish an everyday, mundane task. These days definitely occur more frequently during the initial adjustment phase after having just moved to China, but they can spring on you anywhere, anytime. There are many a tale about these so called “Bad China Days” and even the most resilient and tolerant of us can recount moments where utter frustration lurked dangerously close. However, I personally would like to redefine ‘Bad China Day’ in a sense – or at least coin a similar phrase for its antonym.

I think it is important to differentiate between the bad China days and the really good China days. This may be an extreme attempt to go against the flow of expat terminology but such is the paradox of this place. The sometimes really low lows should not be diminished, but should be held in comparison to the really high highs that happen here too.

In contrast to the Bad China Day, I would like to define the ‘Good China Day’ as those moments in time, when amidst the frustration and challenges associated with adapting to this new culture, this place actually becomes a gem in the rough; a day when this place reveals a golden moment to be savoured rather than endured. I have obviously experienced these good China days and can’t help but share some of these moments with you. Here is an example of a good China day:

“The morning began with a manicure and pedicure at Lily’s. I am a faithful customer here at this little shop on the fourth floor at Yashow Market in Beijing. I’ve even got my frequent customer card. I am usually not prone to indulgence in such luxuries but it is these luxuries that make China the experience that it is for me. So I indulge. And often. Back home I had only had one pedicure in my life, courtesy of my Mom. But here, I’ll be honest... I get a couple of them a month. Manicures, I sometimes get three or four. It’s just so cheap and I know that beyond my time here I couldn’t afford such simple pleasures. And even if I could, I don’t think I could ever justify it in my mind to spend so much money when there are so many other needs in the world and in my local community. But here, for $10 you can have the same experience. And you should! If feels good to have my hands and feet so well kept.

For lunch (if that’s what we can really call it), I went to the Kempi bakery and had the most lovely Cappuccino, served up with a chocolate dipped spoon and a piece of chocolate truffle cake. My, oh, my! I had been saving it up all week and it was so worth it. I lounged and sipped and snacked the afternoon away. My poor stomach is still recovering. It’s either from the chocolate, caffeine and sugar combo or whatever made me violently ill last night. That does sometimes happen here too. Food sanitation is not quite what we are used to.

After a stroll around the flower and fish market (pet fish – not the ones being served for dinner), I decided on another splurge... a message. Once again, I only had a couple of these in my lifetime before China but here I just can’t help myself. I chose a Royal winter foot message and.... I am so relaxed its challenging to come up with a proper adjective. An hour and a half later and my stress levels are so low I think I might have to have an early evening nap before tackling my dinner.

I do think I will miss these ‘Good China Days’. Even on a tight budget I am still somehow able to afford such luxury that I am almost ashamed of myself. It is however what makes this experience a truly memorable moment in my life and a time to be savoured and enjoyed. I think its nap time...”

These Good China Days come in all sorts of itineraries to suit all sorts of interests. Sometimes they might consist of a bike ride through an old hutong or a stroll through a lively, fun market. Other days it’s a walk around the lake district and an afternoon spent in a coffee shop. When it’s nice out, one of my favourite China days is spent in one of the many parks, journaling and doing a bit of artwork while sitting under a tree. I’ve always said that one of my secret hidden talents is exploiting leisure time properly and here in China, these exploits can be blissful. My various Good China Days are moments when I get to exercise this ability to thoroughly enjoy living my life outside of the box that attempts to contain me.

Adrienne Ramsey is an American teacher in Beijing who has written a book of her experiences here on her website www.mybeijingadventure.com.

Related links
Remember the BCD? Get ready for TIC: This is China
The Beginning of the End for Lavish Expat Lifestyles?
8 Bad Habits to Avoid Developing in China

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