I needed to explore China, but I also wanted to be productive in doing so. I was fresh out of university and had absolutely no interest in finding a 9-5, Monday to Friday with some future wife, a buddle of rascals and a mountain of bills to keep me tied down for the next 40 years. So, I completed my Certificate of English Language Teaching, did a couple of 3am skype interviews, none of which actually excited me about the thought or prospect of moving to China. Then, Voilà! I came across Aihua English Academy, and after speaking with Dr. David Cotter (a fellow Irishman) I knew Aihua was perfect for me. The reason being that every other interview I had leading up to this followed the exact same routine; ‘Karl, teach me the difference between these things, give me example sentences, here is a lesson topic- you have 2 minutes to prepare a lesson and conduct it over Skype.’ Not once, was I asked about my likes and dislikes, abilities, skills and characteristics as a person or even questions related to previous experiences that would benefit me while working as an English teacher. As long as I followed a strict guideline they didn’t seem to care if I had the social skills of a lamp. My interview with Dr. Cotter was in complete contrast to these robotically conducted interviews. It was a conversation, from one person to another. A discussion about me, the type of person I am, Aihua, and China. Of course, there were questions about qualifications and merits, but it was really an interview to find out if I would be a suitable fit for the Aihua team along with the element of transitioning comfortably into Chinese society (If you’re an amiable, positive and caring person with the desire to grow, not just as teacher but also as a person, you will fit right in here.)
OK, so I love to travel, I caught the bug in my late teens, I probably won’t be content until I have stepped foot in every country in the world, or at least most of them anyway. China was a completely alien concept to me, until I decided I needed to go here. However negatively China is portrayed in western media, it’s the complete opposite of that. The people have a great respect for each other here; there is a magnificent sense of community and everyone is your neighbour. I would even go as far as to say that they are as friendly as the Irish, and that’s a huge statement to make because we’re great! Beijing has to be the safest city I have ever lived in or been to. You could leave your grandmother at the bus-stop covered in ¥100 notes and she would still be there the next day sitting pretty.
On the subject of safety, I made an executive decision and decided it was in my best interest to buy a moped (scooter) my first month here. Before I came to China transportation was the last thing on my mind, especially buying a moped. Let me just say; flying around Beijing on moped is even more fun than it sounds, believe me! Rob Warman, one of Aihua’s centre managers and an absolute gentleman took time out of his busy schedule one sunny morning to take me scooter shopping. With Rob there it was a breeze. Rob has built up a good relationship with the scooter garage over recent years and this meant that I could try out any of the scooters and with negotiations on Robs part, I got one brand spanking new for next to nothing compared to what you might fork out back home, she even threw in a few freebies for good measure. Just a heads up, Rob likes chocolate so maybe bribe him with the prospect of crunchy’s afterwards. It worked for me.
BUY A HELMET! You may think “bah, I’m a great driver; I don’t need a stupid helmet to mess up my perfect fro” but trust me, you need to buy a helmet. Even if you’re the next best motor-cross king, you are still prone to accidents. Beijinger’s are the most fearless drivers I have ever met. For example, a truck may be coming at you and planning on turning left (their left); normally if you are coming straight you would slow down and let the truck turn, right? Not here! You keep driving and hope you make it past the truck before the truck makes it through you. I believe that to successfully drive here you just need two things, common sense and a certain level of bravery. I’ve only been riding my scooter for about a month now but after the first few days you will quickly understand how things are done here. It really is the most convenient means of transport for getting around, not to mention the endless fun and ability to explore. I honestly couldn’t imagine Beijing without the Black Panther (Yes, I did name my scooter). If you don’t think a scooter would be suitable for you or it’s just not your cup of tea, you are spoilt for choice in terms of transport here. Buses run to must places but can be irregular and crowded at times. A taxi costs next to nothing and is very efficient, as long as you can show an address in Chinese. The subway is great and will take you from one corner of Beijing to the next. You can always get a bike, but who wants a bike?!
Here is a list of rules I have learned to live by when riding my scooter and some facts:
- BUY A HELMET!
- Wing mirrors are just for show.
- Red lights don’t necessarily mean stop.
- Licence and registration is not needed for bikes.
- Electric bikes have a 50km/h top speed (varied).
- Rules of the road do not apply.
- Every man/woman for themselves.
- They love to use their horn.
- Always look left and right when turning or at junctions.
- Pedestrians are also fearless, watch out for them.
- Be cautious – see rules 2, 6 and 7.
- If you hear a horn behind you someone is letting you know they are there.
- Don’t take your eyes off the road, even for a pretty Chinese girl!
- Charge your bike each night; you don’t want to push it 4 miles home.
- Get a good lock and lock it always.
- Get a rain cover.
- It may get stolen if new and left outside subway stations.
- There is bike storage at most subway stations (its free).
- Buy Rob Cadbury chocolate.
- BUY A HELMET!