UN-BELIEVABLE...or not

I went to the Marseille Chinese consulate and dropped off my 8 page visa application along with, hopefully, EVERY COPY AND LETTER AND ITINIRARY THEY MIGHT NEED. Fingers crossed. Joe thinks it’s all good now, but I will wait til I have it in my hand. I know I’ve said it before, but it is EXTREMELY uncomfortable surrendering your passport to ANYONE. The work hours for this place are T-TH, 9-12. No visa assistance on Thursdays. Also they are not available 11-12 (so you say the hours SHOULD be posted 9 to 11, yeah I agree) I think they consider it lunchtime, but why not go home and eat, SINCE YOU CLOSE AT 12! Whatever. I’m not surprised. The Chinese consulate in Chicago was equally retarded with the ‘work hour’ (literally hour)
Joe called me to tell me that his 9 stitches have been removed and doctors said he’s doing good and “I told you it was nothing” (whatever). He also called to report to me that when he went to pay my phone bill that my balance owed was at 2500RMB (approx 350USD) I laughed (I had Destiny’s Child “Bills, Bills, Bills” in my head all of a sudden. No man has offered to pay my phone bill…EVER) and he asked “what’s funny, I’ve not told you the best part”. He asked me why it was so high. I reminded him that I have a Chinese number that I’m using to call the States and France (seriously not that much or that often) I look at the phone and just THINK about using it and there seems to be a charge. Tiger mom said I can use one of her phones, but I can’t figure out how to dial numbers ANYWHERE (there’s different number combination for dialing every country whether it’s a land line vs. mobile phone, day time rates vs nighttime, what time zone are you in vs the time zone you call. I feel like my dad trying to use the internets. So I gave up. So frustrating.) I asked Joe “you didn’t pay that did you?"He laughs “well, sort of”. He then explains to me how the sales rep at China Unicom told him “that’s too much. Don’t pay that”, after seeing the balance. The rep looks up my account and sees that my SIM card was never registered and Joe tells them my hellish story or trying to send them facsimiles (true damn story) of my information because that was the only way they would register me + my SIM card. The rep asked if I bought it on the street and he told them I had bought it at Best Buy. (thank you Best Buy for leaving China…ugh) The rep laughs and told Joe “since the card was never registered and there are no traces of who the owner is…don’t pay and wait for service to end August 31st. Then get a new SIM card”. I asked Joe if this conversation happened in the back alley and then thought about it “of course, only in China would this happen.” In broad daylight, at the Service Counter of the phone carrier main office. He paid the rep 200RMB (approx 30USD) for the advice (which he happily accept I’m sure). Which turns out was what he thought the phone bill would be.
The private school that I was working hard at to make “international”, contacted me saying “they would love for me to return for the Fall semester teaching when I get MY Visa ISSUE figured out” I could only scream, internally, YOU ARE THE SUPPOSE TO TAKE CARE OF MY VISA ‘ISSUE’. WHAT KIND OF SCHOOL ARE YOU? I did not and will not reply. I got other ‘issue’ to think about.
Unbelievable
News on the home, FRANCE, front:
None. Its been very quiet since Tiger mom left. I’ve not been 100% feeling well, so the kids come to my house when they want to study or bring me their homework. Its like a vacation for us all while mom is away. We’re not on the move NONSTOP. I can rest. I’m trying to get a workout and Chinese lesson daily routine but it seems impossible. Because I am lazy.
Blah.

I need to organize my pics. To show that I was at the Eiffel Tower (I swear this isn't photoshopped...tiger moms camera is crazy) Charlotte likes to give me flowers. We're in a fight and she's calling a truce. Then she took a photo of me with said flower, with extremely chocolatey fingers and proceeds to dropping the camera...Truce off.

~Anne

This is how it is

While Jo is looking for various ways for me to enter China I'm caught in an ongoing 'As the World Turns' episode.

I’ve somehow caught a cold and didn’t want to pass up some promenade strolling,crepe eating, art looking in Cannes, St. Tropez, and Nice. So enjoy a few pics of me trying to have a good time with a runny nose and headache.

As promised, Agnes (the first wife of Hairong ex-deceased husband) came for a visit. I understood after she left what “special relationship” meant. Hairong has her working on French documents and running errands. Agnes happily obliges, while giving the boys French lessons. (I crashed a few lessons because I could use them as well) She’s this 65 year old woman that smokes like a chimney, and is very slow talking and patient. I like when I’m able to get different sides and versions of stories. (I apologize in advance. I feel like I’m airing these folks dirty laundry, but whatever. They shouldn’t be so ridiculous)
Agnes told me her about her place, or role I should say, in this family. She said that she still loved her ex-deceased husband (Bernard is his name) and that she was with him the last few weeks he was alive (she told me not to tell Hairong that and that also Bernard’s last wish was for Agnes to ‘fix’ immigration papers so that the Russian and HER 2 kids with him, can stay in France. Hairong would have them kicked out immediately after Bernard died). My ‘share EVERYTHING with me’ sign must have been shining brightly for her, because she did not hold back. She told me that Hairong still loved the “SOB” and how she is still upset to this day that she didn’t ‘win’ Bernard completely. After chasing her for 10 years, he still ran off with the Russian girl (ummm who wouldn’t be) Anges says she’s worried about the boys and how sheltered they are kept. Agnes has 3 boys from Bernard (papa was a rolling stone) they worry about their step brothers Jacques and Pierre with Hairong’s ‘child rearing’ methods. That seems unanimous with everyone that knows the family. She said she would take them if she didn’t have her own family problems (90 year old mother has cut almost everyone out of the will and if she should die in a suspicious way, all of her money goes to charity. The mom lives in a castle afraid of her child in northern France. Agnes “I think she will try to take her money with her”) I think I’ve had enough practice hearing these stories that I can keep a straight face. (in my head I’m thinking, “what did Alexis do now to Crystal”-Dynasty reference if you didn’t know)
Agnes stayed with me in one of the houses I am currently living in on the compound. She tells me that she knows that Hairong doesn’t trust her and thinks she’s a begging snake. (I look at her thinking “well hairong said viper fox, but I guess its about the same”) Anges says that she only keep useful people around her. She says “I use to work in the government so I understand certain paperwork better than most. Hairong knows this well." She tells me to be careful not to upset Hairong, because you don't want to be on her bad side. She leaves and gives me her contact information in Paris and tells me "just in case, you just never know here. don't tell hairong. it will be the end for you"...I smile and thank her and wish her luck with her family. (what the hell else could I say?)

Jo tells me "He who sups with the devil should have a long spoon" after I complain to him about my woes(because he's an old man and likes to speak in proverbs for some reason...
I'm learning about many interesting sides to Hairong. I told her she should write a book...maybe I will help her (quite possibly without her knowing)

I must now go eat some 5 bean and rice soup to get rid of my cold. Hairong made it, cause she knows best...

nothing is free...

As some of you know, Hairong has asked me to help her find her youngest son Pierre a place to live, go to school, someone to watch him like prisoner on death row in the good ol' U S of A.
Her ONLY requirements...
-A family with 1 or more children that plans to go to Harvard or any other top school in the US
-A 2 parent home (mother and father)
-One of said parents should be a professor or teacher
-Said parent should work at the school where Pierre with be attending (so that they can watch him throughout the day)
-Someone that can cook, clean, take him to school and pick him up.
I look at her waiting for the punchline, cause this has GOT to be a joke. It wasn't. She was quite serious.
Completely irrational and unreasonable...what do I do...Of course I start looking. I don't think I know that many people or have enough experience with rich folks and their strange problems, but I do know I’m resourceful as hell.
So I gathered a small list of schools and options. I explain to her that it will cost a lot because NO ONE does this...for cheap anyway. (you’re asking someone to raise your child for crying out loud) After she scoffs at how expensive children are, she asked if I had family that would like to do something like this. I told her that my family would probably be MUCH MORE expensive to work with. (much like me, my family sees an opportunity and should be paid properly for it) At this point I've already started to realize that this woman has no idea what to do with her children. Whether raising them or educating them. Her fanciful idea of raising children and being a mother are turning out to be soooo far from her ideal. She treats the children like employees.(They get yelled at about once or twice a day) They don't have any friends they can go socialize or play with, nor do they have freedom to do anything. I really am worried about these boys.
Hairong and I went to Paris for a few days (she had a Dr appt, but really she wanted to get away. Apparently she can't be with her kids more than 2 or 3 days at a time) she spent about a quarter of a million euros on clothes and some other useless things. We came back to Toulon and the boys asked their mother when will they get to get some clothes (they needed them. They wear the same 5 pants, shirts, underwear everyday). We go to carrefour (walmart of france) to get the boys a few pants and underwear. Hairong won't let them pick out their own things and she only wants to spend 30 euro on both of them.(yes thats about $43USD)I looked at this spectacle in pure astonishment. Pierre showing his mom something he likes and looked to be pretty cheap and her tell him "no, that’s too much". I watched her in Paris (with her personal shopper in every store we went to) just pick up and buy. Not one time did she look at a price tag. Now you can't tell people how to spend their money or raise their their kids, but do you have to feign poverty with it comes to the kids basic needs. At first I thought she was teaching the boys the value of a dollar and not to be spoiled and blah blah life lessons, but come on. You just bought 4 helicopters and sold your castle. Throw the kids a damn bone...
The boys happily accepted the precious scraps they were thrown and thanked their mother. I'm still dumbfounded from witnessing this. The boys later told me that they understand how things work with their mother and that she won't change. I don't get it and its not for me to understand.
Hairong does find it strange that I don't live and work in the States making millions since I am "so smart and attractive". I keep telling her its not that easy (or even like that). I tell her I was just above poor living in Chicago. She laughs at me and says "you don't need to be modest with me". I try very hard to explain to her that, sadly there are millions of people better looking and smarter than me. She replies "oh you will find a good husband and family soon to settle down with" as if to encourage me. I cannot understand how someone so worldly and well traveled, does not understand that I'm not being overly humble nor do I need to 'settle' down to feel 'complete'. I can only guess its a cultural, age, economic level difference. All she hears is "how much you win" (I've come to understand, speaking to Jacques the oldest son, that this is Chinese thinking of "what you make, your salary") I explain to Jacques that maybe there's some erroneous translating on some ones part, but I don't win money. I work hard and EARN money.
Let’s just say, that attitudes have changed toward me since I’ve told her that its not going to be as simple at she would like to find places for her son nor will the fact she has money make me act differently. I think the free ride is over. Its fine because I knew this was coming. Nothing is free.

Next installment: Agnes (not Annez as I thought)…the ex wife comes for a visit

Trying to take one day at a time,

-Anne

Jo is ok and I'm feeling better but...

I've started writing many times and kept stopping because its unbelieveable the things I'm experiencing...

Hairong and I have had many heart to heart conversations these past few weeks. It breaks my heart that someone so rich, sweet, kind, and scary can have the life she's living. She's so worried about her sons and what’s going to happen to them after she’s gone. She is clueless about how to educate boys that have been given such a life and don't have the same drive and determination she does. It seems she's lonely and has few confidantes.

So this is the story...
She is not married to the tiger father apparently. (I KNOW, RIGHT! THAT IS THE TIP OF THE DAMN ICEBURG) Tiger dad, Alain, has and an ex-wife and 3 children, ages from 17 to 27. They all go to Alain for money. Hairong said she won't marry him, because she doesn’t' want any of her money to go to lazy, selfish people that don’t work or want to be proper members of socitey...(I'm with her on that!!!) I've met 2 of the children. French guys are afraid of their kids, no joke. Alain has told his children all the homes (12 on 3 different continents) that Hairong has bought and own are his homes and its ok for them to call it 'their' home. I've see fire in Hairong eyes when he's said this (I’ve heard it many times now). Hairong has told me on many occasions that she’s never married or would marry for money. She is extremely hard working and driven. The 'home' Alains kids liked the most is in Normandy (its a chateau, no exaggeration. a damn castle). The kids complained a few weeks ago about some things needing 'fixed' and that they needed more help (they can't possible wash their own clothes or cook themselves) and that their father should take care of it.
Without warning or notice, Hairong and I took a train to Normandy 3 days ago. Met 3 very good looking men at the castle. She signed some papers and told me, "fin, this place is full of bad memories.” We headed back to Toulon. She sold the place to some neighbor that had been asking to buy it for the past 10 years. She told Alain when we came back to Toulon "you should tell the children thats not 'home' anymore. Now what should I make for dinner”. Hairong has been with Alain for over 10 years now. She says she MIGHT marry him when she’s 80 or something, but not a second before. She’s explained to me that the laws in France are not fair if the woman has more money than the man. C’est la vie.
Then there is the 1st wife of her husband that ran off with the Russian girl (Russia girl was his 3rd wife). Jacques and Pierre’s father…Her name is Annez and she is probably the scariest person next to Alain’s kids. She works as a teacher in Paris. Had been divorced from Hairong’s husband 10 years before Hairong married him. She says they are “special friends”. The people around Hairong make me really understand that saying “keep your friends close and your enemies closer”. Annez has tried to pay off a few of Hairong’s drivers to get evidence that could be used against her and have have Hairong committed to an insane asylum. In addition to the heart to hearts I’ve had with Hairong, I’ve spoken with a lot of the help since I’ve known the kids. I have a face that looks like I should be told these things I guess…
Anyway, that’s the main cast of characters I’ve been dealing with on the regular. I’m sure more will follow. Focus now is on visa. Joe really thinks I don’t want to come back, so I need to prove him wrong.

Really wish you all were here with me to witness the going ons here, alas...

Love,
Tired anne w/ an 'e'

"Great geniuses have the shortest biographies" -Emerson

I suffered from a little too much heat on "La Fête Nationale" (no one here calls it Bastille Day, so I felt like a tool trying to explain what I was talking about...)
Charlotte brought me flowers (in a glass that her mother would kill her if she found out it became a planter) as I layed in bed and she sat and watched me sleep. I woke up and told her that I'm not dying, so 'wo bu xihuan hua' (i don't want flowers) merci beaucoup. The girl is hilarious.

my problems are small...i know

When he finally called, Jo seemed fine. He’s worried and didn’t want me to be worried. So this was his logic behind not really explaining things to me in the first place. He’s looking for a doctor that is or could be somewhat reliable. In China, this is very complicated. Many foreigners I know say that they just go home for any major medical procedures. This may sound racist but considering Jo is from Nigeria, I’m not sure if healthcare is really that much different from China. (think what you want, but I’m American. I take things for granted…I know) The doctors in China are crazy because they see a million people daily. The international hospitals are ok, but extremely overpriced. (no surprises there) So finding someone that understands your health problem AND someone to take care of it are massive upheavals. If you’re educated and able to question things, they tend can get very defensive. (losing face and all)
He says he’ll keep me posted…I can only hope he does. Meanwhile he text messages me that he’s putting more money on my phone because we keep talking so much (WHOSE FAULT IS THAT?!?!?) GUYS ARE DUMB.
I’m 15 days into this little joyride and/or holiday thing. Tiger dad has shown up and the family is all over the place. They want to remodel the 3rd house and move furniture around and blah, blah, blah domestic things I’m not interested in. I think I will venture out on my own more now. The Chinese drivers and the ayi’s (maids) 30 day visas are almost up so I wonder what will happen. I’m sure it will be fine.

So news on the Shanghai front…

Those idiots at the pimp school have lost their minds. So apparently my students don’t like their replacements (cause I can’t teach while I’m in France) and they want me to return as soon as possible. The head lady was fired and the new ‘john’ is even crazier. Someone thought it was a good idea not to pay me my salary from the last 2 months to make sure “I come back”. What is wrong with people?!?!?!?! I will deal with that when I return to Shanghai. Now to take one challenge at a time…get back to Shanghai.
That’s all for now. I will post more pics later. I look forward to reading my snail mail (^_^)

the boyfriend...Arghhhh

Jo (I'm not sure why I don't spell it Joe, but whatever) has called me frequently since my arrival. I know he misses me and thinks this is a good opportunity for me, but he insist I try to see everything possible. China and France were never on my bucket list, but life happens. I try not to complain. I'm grateful for this and all my opportunities.

I appreciate Jo, whether he's obsessing over some football (soccer match), working late hours, sneaking smokes, dragging me places or whatever. I like him. Although he talks of 'future' and whatnot, I still like him.
Last time I spoke to him, he told me "From looking at your pics, France is making you more beautiful. I wouldn't blame you if you stayed there". I laughed and thought "if I could afford such a lifestyle...maybe."

I received a text message today from him saying, "I have to go the hospital for surgery. I will be in for 4 days. They need to remove 2 lipomas. I will call you later" WHY ON EARTH DID HE TEXT MESSAGE ME!?!??!?! You call me every damn day to tell me what you're wearing and what you eat and ask me what I did...but you don't share this detail with me. I don't know if its a guy thing, but he is ridiculous. Now I am WAITING for him to call. I don't wait, but since I like this guy, I guess I have no choice. I would give more details, but I don't have any. Arghhhhh

signed

-Anne with and 'e'(e for enraged)

sorry just venting

Without fail, I get sick in a new place

I feel like the most inconsiderate houseguest ever. Tiger mom suggested I move back to the main house so that I can be looked after. I told her that I'm fine and its because I've been eating like a pig the past few weeks, so no worries. She laughs and says (channeling her very Chinese side)"oh you silly Americans and your week systems. Almost every American I know that comes to China, France, or anywhere abroad, seems to need time to adjust. But its ok, I will make you plenty of good soup." I can't argue this point and simply say "oui, madam"

I'm not sure that I mentioned that she's been cooking lunch and dinner almost everyday. The ayi and 1 of the drivers were sent back to China to help the family of the "accidental death/murdered" father. So we have one driver and no ayi (maid)now. (until the father, thats currently doing business in Germany comes his 2 kids from a previous wife and house staff) The children clean, wash, organize the house. She has an army.

I've only had energy to lay on the beaches. So we've been to 6 different locations. I might have had too much sun. I have zero energy and alway dizzy. Tiger mom said if it continues "we're going to the doctor". She is very excited to show me how the health system works and where here tax dollars are going. She has a business meeting with some Swiss company in Monaco on Thursday and I told her I would tag along for the Monaco part if I was up to it. She said that the driver can take me around. I laughed at her and said "oh no, thats ok, I'll go old school with public transportation". She looked at me very confused "why would you do that"....
I scratch my head in confusion and said "well I can get to know the city that way". She says ok "driver zhou can follow". I told her "I will have the driver drive me" I saw a look of "of course you will" on her face. She is definitely in control. Oh Type A personalities, I do enjoy letting them think they won something.

I've given the boys lessons. Reading and writing assignments (at least I'm trying to give them 20euro and hours worth)They humor me and then go play. this place has everything so its very hard to leave. I think Tiger mom planned it that way. I could go out and be a tourist, but its really easy to act like a native. Get up, go to the market, go to the backyard and lay by the sea and just let the day pass. Come in for an amazing lunch. Read on the terrace. NAP...YES NAP. Go swimming and layout on the boat. Come in for some 6 or 7 course dinner. Go for a walk around the compound. Watch a light show or whatever the hell is going on along the coast line...

I know I shouldn't but I could get use to this life. Extremely dangerous. I thought the 1st few beaches we went to were nude beaches. No every beach we've visited has naked folks walking around. I'm not getting any ideas, but its interesting how laid back everything and everyone is here.

Ok, I'm going to attempt to help with dinner now.

love, love you all

-anne with an 'e'

The local frenchies in the soutth...

Do not like me. I'm sure its in my head, but I can feel the eyes rolling as I desperately form sentences. I am also not being stared at here like in China. (My popularity is down here...black folks everywhere.) I finally decided that the youngest daughter of tiger mom will just go with me when I need a fanyi, translator. She doesn't really speak english, but what little chinese and french I do know, she can understand and translate. We've become a comedy act. We SHOULD be famous.

setting: random boutique

situation: I want to try on shoes size 8, medium dress, 2 shirts
problem: store lady has zero patients with my slow speaking.
Enters Charlotte...

(charlotte in chinese to me) what are you doing?
(me to charlotte in chinese) she doesn't want to help me.She crazy
(charlotte in french to sales lady) excuse me ma'am, will you please assist my friend
(me to charlotte in a chinese french mess of sentences) i want to try this and that in this size
(charlotte to sales lady in french. slow enough for me to hear ever word she said)do you understand, it was very simple. I understood.
(sales lady)yes

I don't think Charlotte knows what the word sarcasm means, but she can put it out there.
Charlotte giggled at me while the sales lady went to gather the things I asked for. I quickly remembered she was 5 years old. Without a doubt, she is her mother's daughter.

Livin' my life like its golden...

It started with a mushy and funny send off from Jo. We had lunch at the airport and he hilariously carried around my stuff and held my hand like I'd need flown before. He asked if I was coming back and I told him yes. Now I'm here...I wonder.

I will try to make a long story short...

I fly to Paris and discover that the young girl that lives with the 2 boys I am going to France with, father either killed himself or accidentally died in a "boating" incident a few days before. Tiger mom is worried and think its tied to some people he owned about 2 or 3 million dollars...US dollar. Maybe russian mafia...I don't know

Pictured above is where I'm writing my blog from in the main house. I think thats the Atlantic or something.

I get to Paris and Tiger mom picks me up and tells me why I was rererouted. This is probably the first time in my life that I've traveled and not looked at a map or figured out transit or anything before arriving. I have, for some reason, left it up to Tiger mom to take care of things. She seems like a Type A personality so whatever. I let perfectionist do their thing, especially if they're my benefactors.

We go to the hotel because its 9pm and STILL BRIGHT AS HELL OUT, drop off my things and go to a restaurant nearby. Apparently Parisians don't really like Paris.(or so says tiger mom to me over a glass of wine) We go to bed because I am sooooo tired from the 10 hour flight. She tells me that everything is taken care of and not to worry. We get up at 6am to pick the boys (the ones that love me and are the reason I am on this trip) from the airport. They were so excited to see me when they walked to the car. I yell 'Bonjour' and tell them "wo shi yao shuijiao" (I want to sleep)
We go to a hotel and have the most amazing breakfast. I am eating like a pig meat and ALL!!!! Perrie and Jacques look at me and tell their mother that they've never seen me eat like this. I look at tiger mom and tell her that I fear I will get fatter in France. She smiles and says "no worry, i won't let that happen" (I should worry)
Pierre is pictured below amazed at my eating ability

We go to the Paris Air Show and I understand why Tiger mom is kind of a big deal. She hands me all of these flair pins and crap for me to wear so that we can get into planes, not wait in line, sit on rooftops watching the show drinking wine, eat with millionaires (pictured below),and so on

We somehow end up spending 8 hours there and I'm so so tired. I don't remember eating just going to bed. We wake up and I have no idea whats the plan for today. Tiger mom calls my room and tells me that I should come down to breakfast. I go down and the hotel has the largest most delicious looking buffet I've ever seen. I pile everything on my plate. I'm not sure why I did that. It wasn't the last supper and I wasn't that hungry. Tiger mom leans over and quietly tells me "en france we don't mix everything. sweetie you're not in America. Enjoy your food slowly...its not going anywhere." I smiled and thought "WTF" and then immediately thought, she's right. I knew when I got all that crap I looked ridiculous. I didn't finish the food and Tiger mom informs me that instead of taking the train to London, we're going to drive through France to Toulon. "Doesn't that sound fun". I said ummm sure ok. I attempted to pay for breakfast and she wouldn't have it. She's given me cash and I've not spend one dollar on anything. I ask her when should I start classes with the boys, she replies "you're in France. Just enjoy yourself" What is going on here?!?!?So we set off on what became an 11 hour trip, stopping in 6 cities for wine and cheese and coke. We arrive at "the compound" (which is how I will refer to their summer home from now on) at 9pm. Tiger mom whips up a four course light meal for us and we watch the sun set. She apologizes for my house not being ready..."I dislike unreliable people because they're useless... Don't worry. The main house is fine for now." The compound consist of 3 separate living spaces that are small houses with 5 to 8 rooms each, and 1 main house with 15 rooms. The outside looks like something on the Florida coast with its brightly colored outside, the inside looks like a cottage from the book Jane Erye. Its not fancy, but its nice and quaint. I can't get a full picture of the compound because its position on a damn cliff surrounded by what seems to be a jungle of lavender flowers and all sorts of foliage and the ocean. Tiger mom bought it for her 50th Birthday a few years ago. I don't think she's as rich as I thought but seems to have a very powerful way of doing things.

Top pic is Tiger mom asking the Pilot how he likes flying.
Next pic is one of the helicopters she sales to different military agencies around the globe(arms and all)
The next pic is a helicopter she helped design and sells. Its a French/Chinese collaboration. Her "baby".
The last is of her after asking the owner "how much for this" and then laughs at the price.I'm not sure if it was too cheap or too expensive... she then hopped in it.


So tired now. I must nap before dinner. The eldest Jacques is cooking lasagna and vegetables. I think we're shopping in Marseille tomorrow.
I believe Tiger mom is grooming me for something by spoiling me rotten and I think I'm ok with it.

More to follow soon

missing everyone and wishing you all were here with me.

love,

Anne with and 'e'

made it to paris

After an interesting send off from Joseph, another change in plans, no Russia, 1 hour delayed flight...I made it to Paris.

More details to follow. Must sleep for the air show tomorrow.

5 days to go and I'm not ready

This is what Jo's face looks like after saying "no" to me and then saying "ok fine" to whatever wonderful idea I have. Also pictured is my life o' crap in a nutshell.



I strongly dislike countowns with a passion and I do them all the time. I'm random and strange. I know. As I pack and get ready, I'm trying to get an idea of what to expect on this very strange rollercoaster I'm about to get on. I open an email a few days ago and Tiger mom has sent me mail apologizing because the trip as been altered a little. I'm thinking "ok, this was too good to be true and I need a back up plan" Turns out the plans changed to 3 to 4 days in Moscow now instead of straight to Paris. I laugh and think "oh of course we need to pop over to Russia and visit someone for something....WTF?!?!?" I look at the email and it has my new routing and flight/train itinerary update. It reads as follows: Shanghai to Moscow to Paris to Marseille to Toulon to London to Shanghai. I look at it for awhile and reply to Tiger mom "oh moscow, of course. I've never been. Guess I will need to exchange some Russian currency ahaha.(I'm not embarrased to admit that I have no idea what the money is called in Russia) Keep me updated :)
yes I did included the smiley in the reply.

Thats all I got for now.

12 days to go

Oh Diana,

What a strange time it is for me. I picked up my last salary from the private school today. I'm not sure what they told the students about "Teacher D" no longer teaching there, but I have a feeling it was along the lines of "well she died and/or ran away" or something. I walked into the school and students were looking as if they saw a ghost and shouting "Teacher D is ok". Sadly, I didn't hang around long enough to talk or chit-chat. I have apartments to look at, ugh. I think the students and teachers are use to nothing ever being consistent or organized. As I left the school grounds, I saw some parents holding that stupid brochure for the school with my ugly mug proudly advertising the schools 'internationalism'. I laughed and thought, "well they have that if they want to remember me, whatever.” On to the next thing now.
12 days to go. I have no idea what I should be doing (well yes I do, but I've turned into a lazy snail) I've called the US consulate in France, the Chinese consulate in France, spoke to a few people here at the Immigration Exit & Entrance Bureau, posted on various Q&A forums about getting a visa without going to home country...they all say it’s possible and should be ok if I fill out all the 6 pages correctly and pray. If I’ve learned anything here is that nothing is consistent, rules are made for shits and giggles, and you can be denied for any and everything for no rational reason.
So I'm looking for place now, yes with 12 days to go. My friend's place became a bit of a soap opera and you know how much I like drama...I don't. Her roommate is feeling neglected and ignore by my friend. (I'm not sure why, he has a good rotation of 5 girls in and out of his room) My friend seems deathly afraid of him, because he's suddenly become this asshole that thinks he's king of the house. I am trying to be adult about grown ass people acting like spoiled 8 year olds throwing tantrums. The guy doesn't want to confront me about whatever’s bother him. Jo seems to think that he's afraid of me. He fucking should be. I told Regina, it will take one time for him to pretend to raise his voice at me and I will be the last female in his room...kicking his ass. She doesn't want trouble or confrontation. So therefore I am trying to find an apartment, hopefully with her. I'm thinking that I've never lived with a female before and it worries me that she is a bit too shy at times like this. I'm surprised because she threatened to kill 2 women that where trying to hustle me over a Chloe bag. On the other hand, her roommate is a handsome 6'2 lean African dude that likes to yell at her when no one is around. I must remember to be diplomatic…I decided to try to just look for another place and be civil with this dude. I believe he’s not met someone he can’t smooth talk before. I’m glad to make his acquaintance and happy to be the 1st to let him know his shit does stink like everyone else’s. I promise not bloodshed, is what I told Jo. So Jo has been staying over a few times. (I not sure if its for my protect or the roommates)

Anyway, my days are filled with NPR music,news, stories, following the NBA finals (waking up at 8am) GO MAVS!!!, taking naps (you know I love my naps), yoga, blind massages, and me practicing my Chinese. I might have to bite the bullet and seriously enroll in a school. I can't believe how stupid this language is making me feel.

Ok, must make a to do list for this weekend. Time is flying here. Its been almost a year. I do not believe it!!!

love love,

Anne with an 'e'

Decided to just go to France and learn Chinese

please enjoy photos...1st is at Japanese all you can eat, which I ate all I could and almost died from 1st degree burns. 2nd photo is Yin and Regina (whom I'm staying with until I go to France). 3rd photo is of me, last day at the school. (yes that is a look of huge indifference)


Verdict is in...drumroll please..."your visa request is rejected" Me: ok, I quit.
I made it that simple. I've been waiting since January for this. They waited til a month ago to move their asses and I just don't have the time. I called Tiger mom up and told her about my situation. (Of course she's in flight somewhere...) She tells me that I can just apply for a new visa while in France and we can work on it while we're there. She suggest that, worst case scenerio, she can have my return flight rerouted to the States and I can just work on it there. I'm not sure why or how she made it sound so easy and fixable. I calmly say ok, hangup with her, and begin to panick at this point. I've quit the private school and will remain with the pimp school until I figure things out.

Pluses: I'm down to 6 students. They will all be officially mine and no more middleman (pimp school) taking their cut when I come back from France. I've paid rent up until I leave. I know where I'm storing my things while I'm away. I now have time for Bikram and Chinese lessons...the list goes on.

Minuses: Missing income(wasn't much to begin with), a little homelessness when I return, oh yeah that Visa thing.

I've talked to so many people and everyone seems to be in the same boat. They've been changing the Visa requirements everyday it seems. Which to my private schools surprise, they "did not have the power to get Visas and the government wants more Chinese working in Chinese school". I laughed when I heard this, mainly because of my photo shoot for the brochure a month ago. 'Yes this school is international, look at the Black lady in the pamphlet.' The headmaster has lost face and seems to think that his "guanxi" or relations with the government was something short of amazing. Guess not. Whatever. Moving on.

Meanwhile, Vida (implant from Lithuania by way of Tokyo) has become my roommate. She's a friend of Jakes (now mine) that needed to come to Shanghai to defend her thesis at Fudong University. She's extremely smart and has been a huge asset in keeping me sane these past few weeks. She so reasonable and rational. I see a Ph.D in her future for sure. She suggested I find a language program at one of the many universities, apply and convert visa to a student visa to buy some time for me to think about what I can/want to do.---One option
Jo has a 'guy' I can talk to and get some suggestions. I say "of course you have a guy".--Another option

I'm not as stressed about my situation as I was initially. I want to use my time and money wisely now (considering the little of both I have for the time being). I will call the Chinese consulate in Paris to confirm whether or not Tiger mom was right and see what papers THEY need for visas. (as soon as I figure out the time difference)I will start looking at fitness places again to work at. I really feel thats where my heart is at. Meanwhile get in shape, so that I'm somewhat hirable...SO MUCH WORK TO BE DONE.

no more being absurd and lazy.

thats all for now folks.

My patience and time is short these days

I've solved 2 of the 3 issues I had previously. I got insurance for my trip and found a place to live for 24 days for free on June 1st. I am STILL working on my visa. I don't like threatening people, so I 'PROMISED' the school that if my visa isn't taken care of by June 1st, I will not return for the next term in the fall. I am told its a long process the first time, but this is really too much. Worst case scenerio is I go back to the states (f'n expensive)after my summer in France, apply for a job and work visa like most normal people and come back to China. I am dead set on not stepping foot on US soil again until I can speak Chinese and have gotten everything out of this 'experience' that I possibly can. I'm clearly stubborn and/or dumb right now.

I've cut down the number of private students to 6. I've decided this will definitely give me less grey hair. I've not been to the gym or worked out really in almost 2 months now. Somehow discouragement and motivation go hand in hand. Having a boyfriend makes me fat, lazy and spoiled. *mental note: think about perhaps not having a boyfriend*
Jo is good. I told him I've been reading forums and having discussions about how Nigerians are a crazy bunch and to be in a relationship with one is "proceed with caution". He laughs at me tells me "Most Black people (meaning the Africans) here in Shanghai are rude and that he doesn't trust any of them." He then ask me "Why do you think I don't introduce you to anyone when we go out." I reply "because you're rude?" He says "No, because someone will try to challenge me to try and take you from me" I laugh and say "well Spartacus, good to know you are not wanting to fight for me and we live in such a barbaric time". He looks at me kisses me on the forehead and says "its a cultural thing that I'm not sure I can explain in English, so work harder learning Chinese and we can have more serious conversations" He's an asshole sometimes. Patronizing me. My 7 year old student, Ken told me he was also disappointed in my Chinese learning. He told me last week that "Lǎoshī D hěn cōngmíng" (Teacher D is very smart/clever).wèishéme zài nǐ de zhōngwén xuéxí (why bad at studying your chinese?) I told him "Wǒ míngbái nǐ gāngcái shuō de!!!!" (I understand what you just said) He sighs and pats me on the back and says in English "we will work hard together. i'm going to practice a little piano and you study some chinese. english lesson after." Whats with these kids having me questioning my life choices...hilarious.


One of my lovely Chinese friends told me she bought me this new thing in China called a "Groupon" for yoga classes.(yes Groupon is finally here, I am in so much trouble now) She wants me to go with her. All I could do was laugh. I like WHEN the stars do feel like lining up in my favor. Fate is kind of amazing.

this is my life...for now