So interesting to hear your perspective of living here! China is an amazing place. You’ve lived such a cool life already, so adventurous and you clearly have no regrets, which is how more people should live their lives. So many people stay in their comfort zones… and how boring is that 😂
Sorry that you had this experience. I lived in China for quite some time nearly 2 decades ago, and it was exactly the same. Even in many parts of Shanghai, the staring and gross comments - and the occasional touching - were shocking. The part that was really, really defeating and depressing was how many people made excuses for it. I visited Korea while in China and it was worlds better. Being in Korea for that brief period really made me think, and eventually I left China in a mixture of disgust and regret, because there were so many other things I found wonderful. I have been back to China since then, mainly Shanghai, and I tend to forget things like this. Despite China's supposed "respect" for teachers, kids do it if you are a dark skinned teacher, even very young kids. I started writing this meaning to tell you to keep your head up, but on reflection and feeling your 100% understandable frustration, I can remain speechless. Chongqing isn't some backwater city just rising out of the Cultural Revolution, it is modern metropolis and it is 2024. Good luck to you and you are indeed strong. As for me, despite studying Chinese with gusto, making close friends that I still adore, and falling in love with so many things about the country, the thought of China being that backwards, "othering" and racist towards black people (no way to sugarcoat) turns my stomach.
Thanks for sharing! There are a lot of people in Mainland who want to keep things the way they are. Young people. I was recently told a certain city will not hire dark skinned teachers, therefore I can’t get a job there. Yesterday I was offered a job there lol. There will always be people who pride themselves on ridiculous outdated principles based on “tradition”. They love to say “This is China, it will never change”.
Hey, thank you for this video. I just heard about this city and your videos have been very informative and fun. Thank you for your honesty about your experiences. I’m in America and sometimes I still have the stares and the whispers. But we continue to live, God bless!
NIce video. Indeed one has to realise that a lot of the people that one will come into contact with are bumpkins, country bumpkins and other bumpkins. The people of China have move at the speed of light from the 19th century to the 21st (some would say the 18th to ...). The physiology and infrastructure have changed dramatically but the mind and psyche change only slowly. So correct to say, Chongqing is a village masquerading as one of world's metropolis. It has got to be a great experience and it great that we can see/hear your analysis - you have good eyes, good brain informed by a good heart.
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Great understanding your perspective on the stares from natives. How awesome it was that you learned enough of the language to realize your hyper vigilance was actually a safety mechanism. You are phenomenal queen.
Thanks again for continuing to share your experiences and reflections. Sometimes, we are set in our ways and even when faced with much social pressures, we persist in living life the way we want. It's good that the world (and cities like Chongqing) are large enough, diverse enough, and tolerant enough, with parts that can comfortably accommodate our individualities.
Body shaming and staring was outrageous in Guangzhou as well… After my fifth month I was able to tune it out thankfully. Finally I’m returning soon, so I’ll see how it goes this time around.
Only 5 months wow! That's impressive. I didn't experience that in GZ, but I never got followed around stores so much in my life. I wanted to buy everything just to show them I could then return it all. 🤣 Congratulations on going back! It will probably be even faster this time!
Thanks. We all see CQ differently, don't we? I will miss living in Raffles when we decide to go. Such luxury might never come again my way but that's life. I will miss my ¥16 tomato-egg-meatball noodles down the street and the lady that cooks and knows my order w/o asking. So I will probably miss the small interactions with the folks who make up the city the most. And the noodle dish...
This is soo dope !! Props to you doing Your thing out there! I lived in parts Of south East Asia and I love it … I’m Actually in the process of going to do a tattoo apprenticeship on chongqing. How long did it take to get your manderian so great? And how long did it take you to learn the basics ?
That’s awesome! I know a few tattoo artists in CQ. My mandarin still sucks but I learned the basics very quickly. I took a trial class my first week and learned the “alphabet” and tones. After that I learned the day to day vocabulary I needed, then took a 2 hour class each week for a few months. I wish I had an opportunity to study the language full time so I could communicate beyond an elementary level. 😂
I’d love to go experience Chongquing for myself but I don’t know. Staring where I’m from mean they will do harm. I know that probably wont happen but it still scares me quite a bit.
I hope China will be forever in peace and prosperity regardless of internal or geo politics! I can never unsee the images of what Chinese peoples went through as it was bombs for 7 years by Japanese as it was war time capital after fall of Nanjing in 1937, whether you by in to propaganda from the West to demonize China! You have to give CCP achievements past 40 years and will understand CCP determination to be fully sovereign from foreign influences!
We're thinking about relocating to Chongqing. What's the bottom line? Would you recommend it or not? I've been watching another channel (I think it's called "Living in China"), but that guy only shows positive things. We're attracted to the safety, prices and infrastructure there.
😂 Well I’m glad you found an alternative to the all things positive narrative. My goal is for people to get all the information possible and decide for yourselves. I don’t ever want to tell anyone “you should/shouldn’t”. Would I recommend CQ? It depends on what you’re looking for. All of China is safe so thats not really a factor. In Chongqing, the prices and infrastructure are great, but there aren’t a lot of expats, no one speaks English, and many people don’t even speak proper Mandarin. So if having a broad social life is important to you, it’s not a good city to live in unless you plan to learn Chongqinghua quickly. I have a dedicated pros/cons of choosing Chongqing video in the drafts. It will be out in 3 days!
wow, very interesting experiences. Girl, I could not survive the staring but you did. Kudos to you. Ignorance sure is ugly. Thanks for sharing and keep the videos coming .
Wuhan, CQ and surrounding areas are the real center of Chinese traditional culture. Their language are most understood by all regions of China before they push Mandarin as our national language. Even Beijing operas use language from this region.
I like you putting in the good and the bad. Chinese are very direct, my mum, grandma etc, will always comment ok my appearance whenever they see me, it is a part of the culture, and I'm from Hong Kong, so not central China. Even Japanese likes living in Hkng Kong because it is a complete contrast to passive aggressive Japanese culture.l, but as we know, it is good and bad with all fo the cultural aspects.
Prior to the pandemic, China was the 3rd or 4th most largest tourist destination in the world. More than Thailand, Japan and Korea. Even with the bad and disgusting habits, China will not be short of tourist. Tons of foreigners want to experience China.
Wow what ignorance! I didn’t realize they could be so vocally ignorant and disrespectful it’s disgusting. I am so sorry you had to go through that! And so many of them are headed to Africa I wonder what they’d feel if we started behaving the same way as them?
@@DualityIsAThing Lol right, but my issue is, what do you do with the pants and avoid any mess? 🤔 Lol you don’t have to answer. That’s just always been my issue and it’s never explained in those little illustrations 🤣🤦🏽♀️
You gotta poke your butt back more, pull the back of the pants to the front, and aim properly…or take the pants off 😂😂😂 It’s definitely easier in a skirt!
IT must be very rare for them to see a black person, they will check you out, its the same in my country Hungary or in Poland, because there are little to no black people in these countries, I wish i could move there as well and live there, you are doing amazing ! Do not worry about anything +1 Hungarian Sub, EDIT: it would be the same effect if I moved there, i am a highlander so i got very hairy body and i am tall :D and white.... they would check me out like hell too :D we just have to accpt it :D
This is such a weird take to me this day and age because we all have access to the internet. Growing up in a place where we have all people of the world gives me a different perspective though. I hope you at least get to visit China one day and experience being stared at constantly! 😊
Without the spitting, staring and able to speak English, like in Malaysia, it will give that homie feeling. more adaptable for expat. You can try Japan or Korea. Expat feels more homie there.
Exactly, adapt & adjust, or leave. 🤷🏽♀️ Nothing wrong with a few comforts from home in your home abroad but if you want everything to feel like home then stay home lol
I don't recall people using the street as bathroom in all my times in China dating back to the 1970s. Yes, behind the bushes off the side of streets in rural / village areas in an emergency, especially for kids but not in the cities - especially when public bathrooms are almost everywhere there.
Ohh hey, you must be in a western country now😂, now you can talk other than China is best. They aren't use to columbian body types especially black. I knew this was coming, you must not be going back😅
So interesting to hear your perspective of living here! China is an amazing place. You’ve lived such a cool life already, so adventurous and you clearly have no regrets, which is how more people should live their lives. So many people stay in their comfort zones… and how boring is that 😂
Yesssssss! Mistakes were made, but no regrets!
It will never get better
youtube.com/@AfroScientificSprituality?feature=shared
This is were where you should be
Sorry that you had this experience. I lived in China for quite some time nearly 2 decades ago, and it was exactly the same. Even in many parts of Shanghai, the staring and gross comments - and the occasional touching - were shocking. The part that was really, really defeating and depressing was how many people made excuses for it. I visited Korea while in China and it was worlds better. Being in Korea for that brief period really made me think, and eventually I left China in a mixture of disgust and regret, because there were so many other things I found wonderful. I have been back to China since then, mainly Shanghai, and I tend to forget things like this. Despite China's supposed "respect" for teachers, kids do it if you are a dark skinned teacher, even very young kids. I started writing this meaning to tell you to keep your head up, but on reflection and feeling your 100% understandable frustration, I can remain speechless. Chongqing isn't some backwater city just rising out of the Cultural Revolution, it is modern metropolis and it is 2024. Good luck to you and you are indeed strong. As for me, despite studying Chinese with gusto, making close friends that I still adore, and falling in love with so many things about the country, the thought of China being that backwards, "othering" and racist towards black people (no way to sugarcoat) turns my stomach.
Thanks for sharing! There are a lot of people in Mainland who want to keep things the way they are. Young people. I was recently told a certain city will not hire dark skinned teachers, therefore I can’t get a job there. Yesterday I was offered a job there lol.
There will always be people who pride themselves on ridiculous outdated principles based on “tradition”. They love to say “This is China, it will never change”.
@@DualityIsAThing Your grit and dedication will carry you far!
I love that you provided visual examples of everything you were explaining to us. This is great work. Thanks for sharing!
Glad it was helpful!
Love your honesty. I livevin laos for a long time now. I really dig your vibe. I am Daniel, originaly from Boston.
Hi Daniel from Boston! Thanks for watching!
Hey, thank you for this video. I just heard about this city and your videos have been very informative and fun. Thank you for your honesty about your experiences. I’m in America and sometimes I still have the stares and the whispers. But we continue to live, God bless!
Glad you enjoyed it!
NIce video. Indeed one has to realise that a lot of the people that one will come into contact with are bumpkins, country bumpkins and other bumpkins. The people of China have move at the speed of light from the 19th century to the 21st (some would say the 18th to ...). The physiology and infrastructure have changed dramatically but the mind and psyche change only slowly. So correct to say, Chongqing is a village masquerading as one of world's metropolis.
It has got to be a great experience and it great that we can see/hear your analysis - you have good eyes, good brain informed by a good heart.
Thanks for watching! I am immensely grateful for these experiences. All bumpkins included. ☺️
Chongqing is also still relatively poor compared to the other first and second tier cities
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Great understanding your perspective on the stares from natives. How awesome it was that you learned enough of the language to realize your hyper vigilance was actually a safety mechanism. You are phenomenal queen.
Thanks so much!
Thanks again for continuing to share your experiences and reflections. Sometimes, we are set in our ways and even when faced with much social pressures, we persist in living life the way we want. It's good that the world (and cities like Chongqing) are large enough, diverse enough, and tolerant enough, with parts that can comfortably accommodate our individualities.
Well said!
Great vid, most don't even want to try and cover both sides of their experience in china. Especially in the same video.💘
Thanks! 😃 I've learned this confuses the people who lean too far on either side; much better experience for me with the comments. 🤣🤣🤣
Of course they're staring at you. You're so beautiful!
☺️ thank you
Great video. I can clearly feel your love for the city despite certain unpleasant things.
Thanks for watching!
About the village - it was my impression as well. Love it though.
Body shaming and staring was outrageous in Guangzhou as well… After my fifth month I was able to tune it out thankfully. Finally I’m returning soon, so I’ll see how it goes this time around.
Only 5 months wow! That's impressive. I didn't experience that in GZ, but I never got followed around stores so much in my life. I wanted to buy everything just to show them I could then return it all. 🤣 Congratulations on going back! It will probably be even faster this time!
I like the way you make videos 🙃 I would be happy about more Chongqing Volgs :)
Thank you! Check out my Chongqing playlist. There are so many CQ Vlogs. 😊
I've been in China for over 5 years and I'm still not used to the staring.
Same! You’ll probably never get used to it, I know I won’t lol
It kind of makes you appreciate home more I bet.
Not really lol, I can see why you’d think that though.
Thanks. We all see CQ differently, don't we? I will miss living in Raffles when we decide to go. Such luxury might never come again my way but that's life. I will miss my ¥16 tomato-egg-meatball noodles down the street and the lady that cooks and knows my order w/o asking. So I will probably miss the small interactions with the folks who make up the city the most. And the noodle dish...
We do! You guys aren't leaving soon so lots of time to cherish all the luxury and things you love!
This is soo dope !! Props to you doing
Your thing out there! I lived in parts
Of south East Asia and I love it … I’m
Actually in the process of going to do a tattoo apprenticeship on chongqing. How long did it take to get your manderian so great? And how long did it take you to learn the basics ?
That’s awesome! I know a few tattoo artists in CQ. My mandarin still sucks but I learned the basics very quickly. I took a trial class my first week and learned the “alphabet” and tones. After that I learned the day to day vocabulary I needed, then took a 2 hour class each week for a few months. I wish I had an opportunity to study the language full time so I could communicate beyond an elementary level. 😂
Realest video I’ve seen
I appreciate that!
Now im scared to go back to China,because when i visited 4 years ago i was slim, but not anymore.
😂 Don’t be scared. Just get prepared to be called fat all the time.
Your friends in China will tell you that you have spent so much money and worked so hard to gain so much weight, so you should cherish it.
If you easily get bored, have you try traveling around the world like other vblogger did. It will spice up your life.
I don't get bored. I feel like only boring people suffer from boredom lol.
I’d love to go experience Chongquing for myself but I don’t know. Staring where I’m from mean they will do harm. I know that probably wont happen but it still scares me quite a bit.
I understand, it is very jarring and off putting for me as well.
You’re very beautiful and imposing for them 😂,keep being safe ❤
Thanks for watching 😊
I hope China will be forever in peace and prosperity regardless of internal or geo politics! I can never unsee the images of what Chinese peoples went through as it was bombs for 7 years by Japanese as it was war time capital after fall of Nanjing in 1937, whether you by in to propaganda from the West to demonize China! You have to give CCP achievements past 40 years and will understand CCP determination to be fully sovereign from foreign influences!
This is a demonizing-free zone. Lol thanks for watching
I would love to move there where do I start!! Is it expensive to move out there??? Help please thanks
We're thinking about relocating to Chongqing. What's the bottom line? Would you recommend it or not? I've been watching another channel (I think it's called "Living in China"), but that guy only shows positive things. We're attracted to the safety, prices and infrastructure there.
😂 Well I’m glad you found an alternative to the all things positive narrative. My goal is for people to get all the information possible and decide for yourselves. I don’t ever want to tell anyone “you should/shouldn’t”.
Would I recommend CQ? It depends on what you’re looking for. All of China is safe so thats not really a factor. In Chongqing, the prices and infrastructure are great, but there aren’t a lot of expats, no one speaks English, and many people don’t even speak proper Mandarin. So if having a broad social life is important to you, it’s not a good city to live in unless you plan to learn Chongqinghua quickly.
I have a dedicated pros/cons of choosing Chongqing video in the drafts. It will be out in 3 days!
@@DualityIsAThing Thanks so much!
wow, very interesting experiences. Girl, I could not survive the staring but you did. Kudos to you. Ignorance sure is ugly. Thanks for sharing and keep the videos coming .
Thanks for always coming through!
I got used to staring, but I spent 30 years in Asia 😆
I imagine it takes about 20 years to get used to it so that tracks 😂
So interesting. The points you stated can also be said about Wuhan.
I’ve heard there are a lot of similarities since they are so close. I wish I had gotten a chance to visit Wuhan.
Wuhan, CQ and surrounding areas are the real center of Chinese traditional culture. Their language are most understood by all regions of China before they push Mandarin as our national language. Even Beijing operas use language from this region.
@@Fordance100 Wow! This is really interesting.
I like you putting in the good and the bad.
Chinese are very direct, my mum, grandma etc, will always comment ok my appearance whenever they see me, it is a part of the culture, and I'm from Hong Kong, so not central China.
Even Japanese likes living in Hkng Kong because it is a complete contrast to passive aggressive Japanese culture.l, but as we know, it is good and bad with all fo the cultural aspects.
Very true!
Prior to the pandemic, China was the 3rd or 4th most largest tourist destination in the world. More than Thailand, Japan and Korea. Even with the bad and disgusting habits, China will not be short of tourist. Tons of foreigners want to experience China.
Very true!
You look very healthy, not overweight.
Lol thanks, technically I’m both, but idiots don’t know these 2 things can be true at the same time. 😂😂😂
Is it safe at night?
Yes, everywhere in China is safe at night
Something big happen in Maine tonight.
Is it big or just normal American life?
Wow what ignorance! I didn’t realize they could be so vocally ignorant and disrespectful it’s disgusting. I am so sorry you had to go through that! And so many of them are headed to Africa I wonder what they’d feel if we started behaving the same way as them?
Imagine that...Africans are far too accommodating to even remotely treat them the way they treat us.
I still can’t figure out eastern toilets! 🤦🏽♀️😭🤣
Just squat and go! It is easier said than done first though 😂😂😂
@@DualityIsAThing Lol right, but my issue is, what do you do with the pants and avoid any mess? 🤔 Lol you don’t have to answer. That’s just always been my issue and it’s never explained in those little illustrations 🤣🤦🏽♀️
You gotta poke your butt back more, pull the back of the pants to the front, and aim properly…or take the pants off 😂😂😂 It’s definitely easier in a skirt!
@@DualityIsAThing My knees and behind can’t do all that no more! 😮💨🤣 Lol thanks for the explanation! Makes more sense now lol
@DIYDiaz 😂😂😂 my squat depth has definitely improved from living here
No other countries can match China's modernity. The only other country come close is Dubai or UAE
IT must be very rare for them to see a black person, they will check you out, its the same in my country Hungary or in Poland, because there are little to no black people in these countries, I wish i could move there as well and live there, you are doing amazing ! Do not worry about anything +1 Hungarian Sub, EDIT: it would be the same effect if I moved there, i am a highlander so i got very hairy body and i am tall :D and white.... they would check me out like hell too :D we just have to accpt it :D
This is such a weird take to me this day and age because we all have access to the internet. Growing up in a place where we have all people of the world gives me a different perspective though. I hope you at least get to visit China one day and experience being stared at constantly! 😊
Without the spitting, staring and able to speak English, like in Malaysia, it will give that homie feeling. more adaptable for expat. You can try Japan or Korea. Expat feels more homie there.
People don't come to China to feel "homie" 😊
Exactly, adapt & adjust, or leave. 🤷🏽♀️ Nothing wrong with a few comforts from home in your home abroad but if you want everything to feel like home then stay home lol
Old habits in china has a lot of commonality with India. Using the street as bathroom
Indeed
I don't recall people using the street as bathroom in all my times in China dating back to the 1970s. Yes, behind the bushes off the side of streets in rural / village areas in an emergency, especially for kids but not in the cities - especially when public bathrooms are almost everywhere there.
I’m talking about Chongqing specifically. It happens. Even in 2023. Even with all the public bathrooms everywhere.
"The fat black"?!? 😭😭😭 im so sorry! Thats wild.
lol Chinese is very literal and direct 😂
你太漂亮，怪不得人们丁了你！
☺️☺️☺️😂 谢谢你
你还住在重庆吗？
You are beautiful.
Thank you! ☺️
许多人喜欢日本 因为日本的流于表面的礼仪 而中国人的文明确实可在内心骨子里的 只有你能流利掌握中文与中国人深刻交流才能体会到中国人内心的温良 恭让 而日本人的礼仪更像是一朵没有气味的漂亮的塑料花。
Lol most of my like-minded friends didn’t like living in Japan for that reason.
I think you’re beautiful i might stare too 😅😍
☺️Thank you
Ohh hey, you must be in a western country now😂, now you can talk other than China is best. They aren't use to columbian body types especially black. I knew this was coming, you must not be going back😅
😂😂😂
Surprise Chinese Sam's Club vs surprise French Costco in American wholesale markets I didn't expect to see internationally.
I didn’t either. I wish I could have found the video of how packed Sam’s was when it first opened lol.