Ling Ling

10 Minutes and You Know About China

2011-10-31T16:05:00.003+08:00

I found this nice video called 10 minutes and you know about China http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvEVEIzmYBc. Enjoying!

I am flying back to Beijing today to spend a half month holiday with Martin and my sister. I am just so excited. Nothing can be better than to spend holiday together with the people whom I love most.....................................See you later:-)

The Adult Problem

2011-10-05T04:53:00.005+08:00

Some weeks ago, my sister told me one of her girlfriend is suffering from acute depression and she tried to kill herself.

This surprised me because we know this girl as she looked always so happy and positive. She always comforting other people. From her case I realised that people who looks happy doesn't mean they are really happy from inside. I had a girlfriend who was always complaining and looked unhappy, but it doesn't really mean she suffers more depression than the people who look always happy.

I am having a moody evening tonight. Maybe because the lack of sleep. Recently I often wake up in the middle night after one or two hours sleeping.I know lack of sleeping will cause depression. So I thought to write down is good to let the mood out. I don't know whom I should to talk with, I am not a person who likes to tell negative things and problem to other people. In real life, I am a better listener than problem talker. Even to my sister, I find it's hard to talk my problem to, because to my sister and the rest family, I seem always strong and independent, they think I can take good care of myself.

I find it good that I have this blog to write my problem, to give me a place to express my feeling.

Last Time in Hong Kong

2011-09-26T16:23:00.004+08:00

My last flight to Hong Kong was the most stressful flight I ever had. The team leader has being famous in our base for very strict. Before the flight I prepared my documents and try not to make any mistakes in the flight. Actually I always respect leaders being strict as long as they are not biased.

I am not sure why I felt the leader didn't like me and pointed many things I did wrong. Another German colleague were also not friendly. After the flight to Hong Kong I felt so much stress and slept only 6 hours in the two days layover in Hong Kong.

On the fligh back to Germany, I tried my best not to make any more mistakes, or I could say I tried my best to do what the leader likes. After the flight another leader who was responsible for my team wrote me a positive feedback, which made me feel somehow released and comforted.

However, I cherish every experience, no matter if it's good or not. I know in the future there are more difficult time will come, I have to look positive.

The interesting thing I found that last time even though I didn't sleep enough, but on the return flight I felt so energetic and didn't feel tired at all. I thought because of the stress and my diet habit that I have changed since weeks. I didn't do binge eating, even during the layover in Hong Kong. I stopped eating as long as I feel I had enough food, which is a big progress for me.I think eating too much will bring burden to our body.Do everything moderatly, especially eating habit maybe is good for us-thats what I think recently. I went to Star Avenue with my colleague. Background is the beautiful victoria harbour.

Pam Ann

2011-09-12T05:33:00.002+08:00

From Wikipedia:

Pam Ann is the air hostess alter-ego of Australian comedienne Caroline Reid. Performances focus on the nuances of air travel, identifying the individual quirks of some of the biggest international airlines and their media stereotypes. Her style leans towards camp humour, in the vein of Dame Edna Everage, Kathy Griffin and Chelsea Handler. The character of Pam Ann has developed a cult-like following and fans include Madonna, who describes Pam as "cruelly funny".

Our trainer introduced this vedio to us....... http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhgfh30Y5Iw

Bicycle Riding with Gerhard

2011-09-12T04:40:00.014+08:00

As Martin is working in Beijing at this moment, my parents-in-law worries that I feel lonely in Nürnberg so they invited me to go to them on this weekend. Last week Germany has been very cold, it was about 15-18 degree, we felt like the autumn already came to Germany. But this weekend we had a very nice and warm weather. Saturday afternoon I went a bike ride with my father-in-law Gerhard around their city. Gerhard took some fotos to send to Martin.We started the trip at 15:00 and went back home at 18:30-more than three hour's trip. I didn't feel tired at all. I love the nature of Germany as we don't see this often in China.
Gerhard rides bike on every sunday for one hour. I took the bike from Karin, so she didn't join us this time. Maybe next time when I go to them I bring my own bike with me, then we can ride together.

You often see the "becarefull of deers" signs on the highway or street. Here are some nice views of the countryside.

Gerhard made a lot of photos for Martin.
Bikes and shadows. We are all making photos.....

My Route of Exercise

2011-09-05T02:56:00.014+08:00

After moved to Nürnberg, finally I found a regular route to do exercise recently.

Due to my Asia face, it's very easy for me to draw other people's attention when I am doing exercising, which I dont't really like. Now I found a quiet and beautiful route to do my every day's work out. It is a way of one hours walk.

Today I took some photos along the way.
Starting of the way-where closing to our apartment.
There is an old people's home.
Keep walking.....
One the right hand is a stud farm.
Sunday is family day, on the way many families riding bikes together.
Turning to another direction, now I can find my shadow.Going to the woods .....
A river.........
One the way back. A Pumpkin field.
The route takes exactly one hour of walking. Thats why I chose it as my regular route to do exersice. I don't run that much anymore as I felt too much pressure and always exhausted. Besides I don't want to have big muscles one my shank. So I choose to a quick walking, that I found I enjoy much more.....

One Day Fasting

2011-09-04T05:06:00.002+08:00

Due to yesterday overeating at dinner, today I did one day's fasting to calm down my stomach and body. As the whole day I stayed at home and didn't do so much activities, I thought it's good to let my body rest from yesterday's overwork. The whole day I had only water and two cup of coffee.But in the evening I had no energy to do exercise.

Tomorrow I will go back to my normal diet, but without overeating anymore!!

In last Months

2011-09-03T05:09:00.002+08:00

I was surprised how time goes fast. My last post was in the end of June, which was two months ago.I thought I shouldn't stop so lang for writing, but in between I have tried to update my blog then I deleted them because I wasn't patient enough to check the sentences and words. I putted too much attention or stress on eating habit, exercising and cleaning the new apartment in Nürnberg.

Even though at this moment everyone is writing on Facebook, or writing on Weibo(Micro-blogging), but I never thought about to give up writing my blog. Because I don't like to give up things easily if I started to do it, Secondly I still want to practice my English even though my German is still not so good, Thirdly I don't want make the old friends who are still visiting my blog disappointed.

So after this evening's binge(overeating), at this moment I feel better about my stomach. But I still didn't sleep so far, my mind at this moment is still not so clear and I am lazy to check every word what I am writing now. I guess my English is still understandable.

What I did in the past months? Firstly we have moved to Nürnberg. I also found the right routes to run or walking in the late afternoon, which I enjoy very much. I like the small village where we live now. Its a small village, and the people here are more friendly. I enjoy to take the bus driving through the green land to the city center. I also enjoy to walk through the forest and river in the afternoon while listening the musics.

There's a friend also close to us. We meet often and play together with their kinds. We are also closer to my parents-in-law, I don't feel stress to drive to them like before.

In August, Martin and I made a trip to France, which was one of the best trip I ever had.We habe been driving by our car through Switzerland, Italy, Nice, through Provence then to Paris.

It was a one week trip and we have drove in total 3000 km for the whole trip. Here are some photos I put it on OICQ and edited in Chinese for my family to read.http://user.qzone.qq.com/29778333?ptlang=2052.

I started the German course in my company. It takes one week in every two months. Now I have chances to get together with my Chinese colleagues who are from the initial training course. Its interesting to see how the colleagues changed after one year been living in Germany.I don't have to fly recently because of the various trainings in the company, but I need to drive to Munich more often. Its about 160 km far from home. This number would be very far for me if it's in China, but in Germany it looks much shorter and easier to me because of the unlimited driving speed, I feel its easier to drive back and force in the same day(not everyday!)

Martin went to China again for a project. Its funny because I came to Germany for Martin, but now he went to China and I have to live in Germany and work here. Luckily he will be in China only for some months....not forever!!!!

Binge

2011-09-03T02:23:00.003+08:00

Today I learned a new English word "Binge". After a Binge dinner, I went out for one hours quick walk. Hopefully it will help me not to gain more weight.

Since beginning of this year, I started to do regular sport such as running, my weight went down slightly from 52.5 kg to around 50kg. No matter how much sport I did, due to my unstable diet, I never get under 50kg.

Since August, I controlled the diet very strict, my weight then went down to 48kg. After moved to Nürnberg, I changed from running to quick walking. Because I found I enjoy quick walking more than just running. Running was too much stress to me.

Unfortunately this dinner I just couldn't control myself to stop eating, until the refrigerator was empty. Luckily I didn't save too much food in the refrigerator.

I started to look at the reason why today I couldn't control myself. Then I found as long as I feel tired, then I always keep eating without stop.In the past days my sleep was too short, and this morning I had to get up at 5 a.m to drive two hours to my company for one day's meeting.When I came back in the afternoon at 6p.m, I felt crazy about food:-(

Maybe I shouldn't start to eat anything if I feel tired, just go to sleep or rest until my body is recovered.Hopefully I will not experience the feeling about overeating again.

Meeting Martin in Beijing

2011-06-30T03:37:00.012+08:00

Since we decided to move, Martin and I have been living separately in Nuernberg and Frankfurt. We didn't have chance to see each other so often in the past two months. The interesting thing was, last week we had a chance to meet each other in Beijing for our work.

It was very exciting to meet him in Beijing as Beijing is a very meaningful and special place for us, and we both stayed in the same hotel where he used to live before. My sister and my niece were also very excited to meet Martin as they haven't seen each other for two years.

We had dinner at my sister's home in the evening I arrived in Beijing. To me, no food can compare to my sister's food! Here Martin bought some gifts for Yingying.Next day we went to a restaurant where we used to go often for afternoon beer/tee. We were just so happy to get together again. This evening in Mianyang, Miaoyan went to a model competition for children. She was in the top five. My brother sent us the photos later.

The little model in art photos.

Recently

2011-06-21T15:07:00.005+08:00

Recently there has been a lot of rain. I just came back from Shanghai two days ago, it has rained in Shanghai all the time of my stay; When I came back to Germany, it has been raining all the time for the last few days. I love raining days! In Germany the rainfall spread evenly throughout the year. In China it happens often that it doesn't rain at all in winter, and in summer it rains non-stop for days. That's why almost every summer there are flood disasters in some areas.

Recently we are also dealing with moving from Frankfurt to Nuernberg. We are going to move next month. We have made this decision when Martin got a new job offer in Nuernberg. I am very much looking forward to move. Even though I hate to pack cartons, as I used to move numerous in my life. This time I want to move into a new environment. I have been living in Offenbach since I came to Germany. The city is not so bad, but I prefer not to live in a city where many foreigners live. Germans call Offenbach as "little Istanbul". When I am living in Germany, I want to live in a city with Germans and German cultures. Another reason for me to happy to move is living in Nuernberg will be more convenient for us to visit my parents-in-law and friends. It will be very close to Martin's work place, then he doesn't have to drive one hour to work as before.For me it will be also closer to my base.

Here is a photo from outside of the window in our new apartment in Nuernberg-the sunset.We almost packed everything in Offenbach. Packing is an exhausting work. Martin was tired and I could hardly find him in the cartons.

Trip to Mianyang-2

2011-05-24T05:25:00.013+08:00

My brother in law Caohui working on a project in Chengdu-the capital city of Sichuan. So I also spent some days in Chengdu with my sister.

Sichuan is a leisure city. People like to play MaJiang, even on the street when they are doing business.Caohui's friend invited us to a club after dinner. There were some live shows and bargirls.I was not allowed to take photos after this photo was taken.
The club was too noisy to us. Outside of the bar was some street barbecue booth. Their guests are mostly the people who are working in the clubs.We also enjoyed the food.One of the most important thing to go back to Mianyang is to visit my father's tomb-where located in a village. It was Caohui's first time to drive on such a uneven road, he was too careful to drove the car to the side road.
Many people from the village helped us.
After four hours, the car was pulled out.This is the village. The hauses are all newly builted. After the earthquake in 2008, most of the farmer's hauses were damaged.The government offered every family each person 10,000 RMB (about 9500 EURO)to build up new hauses.

Trip to Mianyang

2011-05-23T21:21:00.008+08:00

Here are some photos I made from my trip to Mianyang.
Here are my nieces playing in the park. The childern are always playing and running, no wonder the don't get fat even though they eat all the day.
They are good sisters .They also fight. When one is crying, another one is happier.
We are also good sisters.
We still fight with each other. But the time to recover take longer.

Miaoyang is a good student. She is going to primary school in September this year.

Going Back to Mianyang

2011-04-29T20:55:00.002+08:00

I am going to spend ten days in Mianyang to visit my brother and relatives. I haven't seen my brother and his family since October 2009. I am looking forward very much to go back and to spend some time at the places where I grown up.

I will not forget to take some photos...........

Haha

2011-04-19T02:33:00.005+08:00

What happend to me?

Recently I try every way to keep young. I learnt from a beauty book to put cotton pads with toning lotion on face, then use preservative film wind it up on the face.

My skin still look the same, but the first time use preservative film on my face I almost died by apnea. It was very stupid!

Hot Girl

2011-03-23T06:10:00.001+08:00

I don't know how to post a video. I like this girl! She looks perfect!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o452oDkF-xY&feature=player_detailpage

Trip to Beijing

2011-03-21T00:17:00.014+08:00

Beijing is like my second home. Not only I have lived there for five years, but also my sister lives there. It always make my sister Dandan and I happy when I have a flight to Beijing. Even though we can meet more often than before, but Dandan says she feels still not enough, as I usually only stay one or two days. However we are already very satisfied that we can meet more often.

My last flight was also to Beijing. I used my new camera to record this trip.Dandan has been through a threathening of cancer one month ago. She is still recovering from a small operation. We all happy that the health check was positive in the end. Through this operation we realised how important to be healthy to us. On this photo we were in the Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital waiting for the doctor's call. Chinese people still believe traditional Chinese medicine. Dandan even ask me to get a traditional Chinese medicine prescription from doctor to do some therapies for my body, to make my skin more smooth. I told her I started to do sport and I believe sport helps more for the skin. We will see.......Many people said Beijing is changing too quick. Martin is curious how his former apartment look like now. So I went to the area where were lived before and took some photos for Martin. The building looks the same as before, but there are some newly opened luxirous shops in the near.
This is the famous CCTV (China Central Television) new building. Chinese make fun of is as Da Ku Cha (the large underpants ). It was build up in 2008 before Beijing Olympic Games opens.
The building next to CCTV Building is another office building of CCTV. This building was burned out in 2009 during Chinese New Year due to fireworks.I found this photo from Internet. It shows how it looked like at that time when the building was in fire. Fergot to say, it was an empty building, no one get hurt or dead from this fire.My mom prepared some salted meat and sausages for me to take back to Germany. As I mentioned this kind of dried meat and sausages are the traditional food from my hometown for Chinese New Year.They were made by my brother in Mianyang and my mom took them to Beijing for my sister and me.When we are far away from home, those sausages will always take out memories back to the hometown.
My mom also bought some sweet potatoes for me to take. They are heavy but I love to eat them.I also brought some beans and nuts from China. I love to eat beans and nuts. Even though I know they are not the good food to losing weight, but I just can not resist them. I found when we are getting older or when we are away from home, the food we like to eat are usually the food we eat often when we were a child. I like to eat nature food. I think one of the reason is in China there are many scandals from factories and companies.
One of the important thing to bring from China is books.These years everything is getting more expensive in China but books.Vogue China costs only 20 Chinese Yuan(about 22 euro) Vogue in Germany costs 7 euro. I ordered the other books on the Internet, four books costs only about 100 Chinese Yuan(about 12 euro).

No Running Today

2011-03-20T01:44:00.004+08:00

Yesterday after 50 minutes running in the park, I felt that I have never been so exhausted. Not only the legs were in pain, but I felt the whole body has been overdrawn. So I decide to have a rest today. I will just do some Yoga and sit-ups.

My weight has been kept at 50kg-50.5kg since three weeks.When I stop running for four or five days, I usually weight a little bit lighter. After two or more days running, I usually weight slightly more. Maye like Vivi has said that because of the muscles.

I found running in gym on the machine is much easier than running in park. I can do 1 hour running on machine without stopping. But I will feel tired after 20 minutes running in the park.

Best Wishes to Japan

2011-03-19T21:24:00.003+08:00

Last Friday I heard the Japan earthquake when I was on the way to a duty.When I watched news on TV after one day I realised how serious the earthquake this time.When I came back to Germany, some colleagues from airport asked me how Japan is now and if China has influenced from this earthquake etc questions.

When I walk on the street in Germany, many young boys say hallo in Japanese to me. Maybe to them all the Asian faces are Japanese, or because they have big influences by Japanese culture. Anyway, as a foreigner living in Europe, I feel closer when I see an Asia face on the street, even though they are not Chinese.

These days Martin and I keep watching the news on TV or on the Internet about the earthquake. The biggest impression I got is that even though the situation is very bad for Japanese, but they looked very calm. Many of the woman are still good dressed and wore some make up.

Hope they will get over the hard situation very soon.

Two Years in Germany

2011-03-10T02:59:00.003+08:00

Since yesterday I have been living in Germany for two years!

Two years ago yesterday I arrived in Germany and started my new life here. Two years is not long also not short. I remember at that time I thought after two years I could speak very good German, but until today I still speak very poor German-I was too lazy!

Today I am thinking about after two more years, will I be able to speak very fluent German? I wish so and I should do! I think I need to set up a plan for myself to improve my German level. At least I should speak German with Martin instead of English. If I can do it, I believe after two more years my German will be much better.

Even though my German is still not fluent, but I still learnt a lot in the past two years, and I also changed a lot. The biggest step is that I got a job. The other big changes are my attitude and stomach. In the past two years, I have gone through some hard time to adjust myself to the new country. I could get over of it was due to the supports and encouragements from Martin, my parents-in-law,my sister and my brother,. After the hard time, I am now cherishing my families much more than before. I realized how important they are to me; My stomach has also changed. From the beginning I didn't like the German food until now sometimes when I am leaving home for some days I will miss German bread. My stomach adjusted the new environment quicker than I thought.

Today I thought the same as the day I arrived in Germany two years ago. I don't know how I will be after two years, but I am more enjoying my life now.

Pink

2011-03-09T05:38:00.007+08:00

I realized recently I am more into pink than other colours. Asian girls like to wear pink. In Germany, pink is usually worn by little girls, not many adults wear this colour.

I like most colours like white, pink, black, red green....To choose the colour is more depend on the weather. In winter, I like to use red, purple etc. dark colours to decorate the home. In summer I am more into white, yellow etc. light colours. Maybe the winter is too long, and the gloomy weather is easily to make people feel depressed. A little bit color at home is good to make our mood higher. I bought the shoes in China, it costs 250 Chinese Yuan. I am not sure if it's not so funny to wear it in Germany with my age.
This cloth I also bought in China, it costs 140 Chinese Yuan. I thought it for running, but when I am back to Germany, I found it's not possible to wear it outside. Otherwise I will draw too much attention.
The in-house-slipper is from my mother-in-law Karin. She knows that I like pink, so she bought me many of pink things. This shoes are one of them. My old camera was broken. Martin ordered this pink camera for me to bring along with the trips.

Hong Kong

2011-02-25T02:08:00.016+08:00

I have never been to Hong Kong until two months ago. Chinese people from mainland China traveling to Hong Kong still need a visa. Before we applying a visa for Hong Kong was not easier than applying a visa for Germany.In recent years, there are more and more mainland Chinese going to Hongkong to do shopping, whom brought big economy to Hongkong, so the visa applying process is getting simpler than before.

Right now because of my job requirements, I will need to go to Hong Kong often. So far I have been to there only twice, so except the area of our hotel I haven't been to so many tourists places. I am waiting to go together with Martin one day to explore the attractions. When I am alone, I prefer to spend my time in the shopping malls.

This is the boat we took to another island where the big shopping mall located. Taking this boat is much cheaper than taking the subways. It costed only 2.5 HK Dollar. Hongkong is a heaven for our girls. Delicious foods and many shops. The shops are open until very late(most of them open until 23:00).
Walking on the streets and in the shopping centers, I can always hear people speaking mandarin. Just like me, people in all the shops are mostly come from mainland. The sales people are also speak good mandarin. Shopping shopping...............

In the first two trips, my main focus was at the local foods. I tried many of the local foods in small restaurants with my colleague. The second time after two days eating local food, I felt a little bit sick to my stomach. Until then, I started to miss the simple German bread.
One night I couldn't sleep due to the time difference, then I decided to go out to see how the early morning looks like in Hongkong. At about 4 a.m, there are already some people started to work, and near the hotel there are some restaurants open 24 hours.
The real estate in Hongkong. I heard the local people are very stressful because of the expensive apartments. But I think the people in mainland are having more stree for the apartments now.
Outside of the hotel window.

Sport

2011-02-17T05:39:00.003+08:00

Except working, recently my focus is at making sports and losing weight.About two months ago I found I have gained about 4-5kg weight, then I decided to stop eating too much and to do some sports. It is so hard for me to stop eating in winter time, especially when I don't have to work and staying at home.Then I choose not to eat too many cakes and chocolates, instead to eat fruits,like apples and oranges,whenever I feel want to eat something. Then I started running every afternoon when I don't go to work about 1 hour and doing 45 minutes yoga in the evening and then 100 situps.

Until now(after one and half months sport), I have lost only 1KG:-((

It is very strange, in the first year I came to Germany, I didn't control my diet at all and I often overate but only until 2 or 3 months ago, my weight suddenly from 48 kg jumped to 53kg:-(((

This is the reason why I don't like to take photos of myself recently-I don't like to see myself been fat in photos.I will post a photo here to celebrate when my weight is back to 48kg.........

Pressure of Chinese Young Generation

2011-01-16T06:31:00.004+08:00

Before Christmas, I have stayed in Beijing for a short time to visit my sister and my mom. One of their relative also lives at my sister's house. From her situation, it tells part of the stress situation of Chinese young generation.

She is 27 and graduated last year with a Bachelor's Degree. She majored in some kind of law (her father has a law firm). She started internship last year in a magazine company for law, after she graduated she stayed in the same company works as an editor. Her salary is 1500 Chinese Yuan per month(about EURO170?). Due to the expensive rental in Beijing, she lives with my sister and her family all the times.

She was very upset at this time. Not only because of the job, also because she is already 27 but has no boyfriend yet. She has been to many blind dates but come to nothing.

I know her since years. I thought she got a very good character. She is not a material girl, and she looks forward a real love, not a man who has a good car and house. She is also not ugly.

She is not the only one I know who is frustrating and depressing. At this moment in China, the first 'one-child' generation is grown up. They started to get married and have their own children. The problem is coming. Because the incomplete social system, most Chinese have no healthy and social insurance. The couple both are from one-child family have to take responsibilities of their own child plus four parents.

I am the lucky one because I am not the only child in my family. That's why I don't have to worry even though at this moment my mom is sick and staying in hospital. If I don't have sister and brother, maybe I can not even come to live in Germany.

Differences between Chinese and Germans

2011-01-12T02:55:00.028+08:00

Since I am living in Germany, I often compare things between China and Germany. I found the two cultures have many habbits and characters in opposite ways.

Just now I found a funny post on the Internet, which showed the differences between Germans and Chinese in photos. The first photo is the habbits of German and the second photo is for Chinese.Three meals a day
Interpersonal relationship
Mood and weather
Life Style
Transportation(comparasion of year 1970 and 2006)
Life of old age
Selfhood
Weekend on the street
Child
Standards of beauty
Drinks when having stomachache Punctuality
Travelling
Queuing
Taking shower
Imaginary of the other side(German and Chinese)
Expressing opinion
Party
Decibel in restaurant
Dealing problems
Handling of new things
Handling of anger
Fashion
Leader

New Year's Eve

2011-01-09T03:57:00.023+08:00

Yesterday the temperature in Frankfurt has reached 15°C. It was very sunny looked like spring is coming, that reminds me that I still have some photos in the camera which are taken from the cold Eve of New Year.

We spent this New Year's Eve at a friend's hause. It was my first time to spend New Year in Germany. Last Year Martin and I were in Milan. Chinese New Year is Chinese Spring Festival, this year it will be on 3nd February 2011 (lunar calender). 01.01.2011 is an national holiday for Chinese as well, but no celebrations.
At 12 o'clock we went outside to drink champagne and watch fireworks. The neighbours of our friend played a lot of fireworks. The whole city was just as noisy as in Chinese cities at Spring Festival' Eve. This was suprised me, because I thought Germans don't like such noisy things.

Cheers! "einen Guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr" people say each other in German.

When I turned back around, Martin wrote some sweet wolds on the car. I wished the snow will never melt away. Even though the worlds were gone on the next day, but I have captured the evidence.
Here I am.............This is how I look like in winter in Germany.

New Year's Wishes

2010-12-30T05:20:00.004+08:00

I wish my mother can be cured and she will stop complaining;
I wish Martin to be healthy and happy;
I wish all my beloved and friends to be healthy and happy;
I wish we will be satisfied and happy with our jobs;

I wish I can speak fluent German;

I wish to keep writing my blog;

I wish to keep doing Yoga;

I wish to read more books;
I wish my sister Dandan and her family will visit us in Germany;
I wish we will visit Canada;
I wish to go more traveling with Martin;
I wish to lose 3 kg weight!

What are your wishes for next year?

Big Snow in this Christmas

2010-12-30T04:47:00.004+08:00

During Christmasit has snowed a lot in Germany. I never saw so much snow. Even though every year it will snow in Germany, but such heavy snow like in this year was also not usual for Germans. People were hardly to find a place stow away the snow. Good thing is that it has stopped snowing after Christmas.

In China people say "瑞雪兆丰年Rui Xue Zhao Feng Nian", which means" Winter snow signifies a year of good crops". I wish next year will be a fruit year for Germany.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2010-12-24T15:01:00.001+08:00

I wish all of you and your family a happy Christmas!
Healthy and happy in year 2011.

Integration Course

2010-11-12T08:32:00.005+08:00

I finished my German language course in August, according to complementing of the language level B1 test.The German language level starts at the very basic level A1, then A2,B1, B2,C1 and C2.The highest level is C2, which is about the native speaker's level.

The German course was one of the immigration project supported by German government.It called 'Integration project'.

After I arrived Germany, when I went to the immigration office to change my visa, the immigration officer asked me the level of my German language.Then they decided if I need to go to the school or not, since my German level was zero. The immigration office recommended me some language schools for myself to choose. For this project, the government pays half of the school fee, which is in total 600 school hours. The students pay one euro per hour. Government sometimes also pays the complete money, if the students are are unable to pay the one euro.

If we past B1 test within 2 years after arrived in Germany, we can also get half money reimbursement from which we paid.

I heard the integration project started in 2005 because many immigrations living in Germany for many years but they are unable to speak any German.In the my A1 and A2 classes I met some people who have been living in Germany for 10 to 15 years.

Even though such integration course is not as efficient as the fully paid school.I still appreciated it very much.

'You have brother and sister?!!'

2010-11-10T06:46:00.004+08:00

Yes, I have a brother and a sister!

Not only foreigners are surprised that I am not the only Child in my family, many Chinese people are also often wondering why. In my schools, I was usually the only person in the class who has brother and sister. People often ask me how come we have three children in my family, then I always very patient and proud to tell them the story how my parents brought us to the world.

In China, the one child policy started in the end of 1970s and implemented all over China at the beginning of 1980s. My sister was the second child of my family, she was born in end of 70s, so her birth was already against the rule, but Sichuan province is located in southwest China, which is one of the largest and most inaccessible provinces in China. When the one child rule started in our city really serious was the time of beginning of 80s. Here come to the story how my parents kept me, which I already told innumerable times.

When I was in my mom's belly, I was about 4 months. My parents didn't know how the birth control office got the news, they came to our house asked my parents to abort me. My father is a persevering man and he wanted to have three children. He argued with government and insisted to keep me. In the end, the officer could do nothing with my parents's wishes, another reason was at that time the rules were not that strict as later on in my city, so they asked my parents to pay some penalty to keep me. In the end my parents kept me by spending about 500 Chinese Yuan. It was a lot of money for my parents at that time, at that time one kinogram pork costed 1 Yuan. But they never regreted to have three of us.

One Day Staying in Beijing

2010-11-08T19:19:00.008+08:00

In October I had a chance to fly to Beijing. Even though it was just one day's layover, but I haven't been back to China since one year, I was already satisfied even just a short meeting with my sister Dandan and other friends.

Here are the girls-my sister Dandan, niece Yingying, Nini and Qianqian.

The girls are prettier and Yingying is bigger. They all think that I have gained weight, and they keep asking me not to eat too much German breads. However I found German rolls are really delicious.

A mall trick in this photo. Do I look slimmer? When girls are together taking photos, all of us will try to hide ourselves in the back so that we look slimmer. Thats what I did in this photo.

I missed Chinese food!!! There are many Chinese restaurant in Germany, but the flavours changed a lot. I prefer to cook food at home other than going to a Chinese restaurant in Germany. When I was living in China, there are many things I didn't like to eat. But now when I go back, I enjoy to eat everything. Here Qianqian looked very enjoy the dinner..haha, so am I.
It was so great to go back to China meeting family and friends. I wish next time I can go back together with Martin. My family and friends in China also miss him.

Training Finished

2010-11-05T16:22:00.007+08:00

I finished the training course finally. In between I also have done two training flights.

The training have been taken place in Munich, as we stayed in the hotel the airline company provided, so there's not much chance to use the Internet in the hotel. This was one of the reason why I couldn't update my blog in the past months.

We had two classes for this period of training, and two girls from another class didn't pass the tests, so that made all of rest people very nervous, especially me. In the end, luckily all the 20 people in my class have passed the training tests.

This photos was taken when I was in the hotel bus. At that time I was worrying about the emergency training on coming week. Because one night my friend from another class came to my room told me she failed the emergency training, she was told to go home. Which shocked me, then I started to worry. It was really unnecessary when I think back now.

When I am looking at this photo, it reminds me that now I have short hair, that is to the shoulder. My classmate from university looked at this photos and told me:' dear, you have to take good care of yourself, you look much older on the photo than your age':-(

Now I have half month holiday before next flight. Finally I can spend this weekend together with Martin at home. We haven't spent weekend together for a long time already(about one month?)-we both missed it.

I wish you all have a nice weekend. Sorry again for not been updated my blog for a long time.

Updates

2010-10-10T21:28:00.003+08:00

Last entry I wrote Home Made Juice-a very boring topic. Actually I did felt bored and I wanted to write something interesting but there had not so much interested things happened to me everyday.

So I thought I will just write my blog whenever I feel want. I don't want to take it as obligations.

In the past three months, I finished my German language course and I passed the B1 test; I had my training started in August and soon the training will be finished.So far the training going very smooth, I enjoy it very much.

To start working in Germany makes me feel I am finally settled here. I cherish the opportunity to work and I try to learn as much as I can during the training.

Home Made Juice

2010-07-11T17:44:00.006+08:00

Today I made a home-made-juice to cool down us in the summer. It's very simple and healthy. This is the materials we need-banana and yoghourt.In Germany the price of food is not so expensive, the natural yoghourt costs 0,39 EURO and banana costs 1,09 EURO per KG. I just put the yoghourt and two bananas in the mixer with some milk. Then it comes out to this juice. I also added two piece of pineapple. It will look better withe a straw. I love fruits. As I believe eating fruits is good for our body and skin(this is typical Chinese thinking). On the weekend I buy pineapples often, as it's not expensive and people say it helps our body to get ride of the fat.
Such a big pineapple costs 1,39 EURO. It can be so cheap one of the reason I think is that people have to peel the skin by themselves. For many Germans peeling the skin is such a difficult and troublesome work. After several experiences, now I can peel the skin in 8 minutes.

Hot Summer

2010-07-10T22:59:00.003+08:00

This year in Germany is unusually hot. Today the temperature in our city reached 39 degree. And it hasn't rained since three weeks here. This would be normal in Beijing, but in Germany it is absolutely abnormal. In Germany it rains often and the temperature is usually not so hot-even though in summer. So there's no air conditioning in German private houses.

In Beijing it's very hot and humid and here in Frankfurt is hot and dry. Today the first time in Germany I wished it could have some rain. I am like a steaming Baozi.

Football

2010-07-05T07:25:00.003+08:00

I wanted to write a post regarding football, but I stopped many times because I did't want to pretend that I understand this game. I never watched a complete football game in China. In Germany I am influenced by Martin and the German football cultures, now I can sit there without moving for 90 minutes to watch Germany play with other countries on the World Cup.

In China we don't have a real football culture. Most Chinese play footballs in school, to us it is also a man's game-few man's game. It has not many relationship with most girls, girls are more interested in cloths, make ups and shopping.

Now I understand why Chinese National Team can not play in World Cup after I saw how Germans support their team. Football to Germans is not only a 11 people's competition, it is a sport for the entire people. For Chinese, the football is more like a game for the football player and related companies. Many Chinese football fans support England, Argentina, Italy and Spain etc. foreign countries.

But I don't like the Chinese medias and fans always disgust Chinese football teams. Just because they can not play or play good on World Cup or on international competitions. If there's no good system, no culture, no support from the people, no country can be successful on a game. If most Chinese people don't understand and watch football, then there's no need to invest so much money just to win the World Cup.

Do in Rome as Rome does. However I cheer up for Germany, I wish Germany wins this World Cup.

Unsuccessful Date

2010-07-02T15:32:00.007+08:00

One week ago I met a Chinese girl on MSN. She lives in Frankfurt and last year summer we have been meeting up for couple of times. But we didn't continue to contact each other until one week ago.

She said hallo to me and said sorry she didn't contact with me because she had not a good time in the past months. I also told her that I had not much mood to meet up because I was preparing my wedding and then I was looking for a job.

Then she suggested we meet up again. I thought it's a good idea to meet up and have more friends, so we agreed to meet in Frankfurt at 14:00 on Tuesday.

On Tuesday I took the train from my city to Frankfurt at 11:00. I wanted to go earlier so I have efficient time to have a look in the center city of Frankfurt. It was hot, I didn't feel like shopping, then I went to a coffee shop to read my books and wait for her.

At 12:30, she sent me a message:" Hi Ling, I can not come because I have some work to do. Can we meet next week?"

No sorry! no call! just a simple message so easily destroyed my half day and my mood.

I didn't reply her because I thought I will not waste my time on her more. I just ignore her and let her disappear from my life.

I bought the return ticket went home and deleted her from my MSN list. In the late afternoon I changed my mind, I thought I should let her knows how angry I am. I sent her a message:" This is very impolite that you didn't tell me earlier you couldn't come. I am very disappointed that you wasted my time".

Later she replied:"I am sorry, today I was at labor bureau register I am a job loser. I had a bad mood so I didn't want to bring the bad mood to you. But I am happy you are angry, because you are more like a German now".

I replied:"I am not angry anymore, I try to understand.Wish you good luck with everything". I said farewell in my heart to her. She could call me or told me earlier, so I didn't have to use a half day to prepare the date. Or if she called me at that time and said sorry, I think I would forgive her.

After half day, she sent me a message:" If you want, can we meet next week?".

I didn't reply her, because I don't know what to say.

the Dragon Boat Festival

2010-06-17T01:26:00.003+08:00

Today is the Dragon Boat Festival in China(the 5th day of the 5th lunar month). We call it in Chinese as 端午节（Duan Wu Jie). This is one of the most important traditional festival for Chinese. Before there's no special holiday for this day, since two or three years ago the government decided to take holidays for the important Chinese festivals to keep the traditions not missing. Right now Chinese are having three days national holidays( two days are from the weekend).

The specialty for Dragon Boat Festival is eating Zongzi(Chinese rice-pudding). I have read on the Internet that many Chinese here in Germany made their own Zongzi, so I decided also to have a try.

Yesterday I bought all of the necessary materials from the Asia market. Today I have successfully made 30 of them.It is made by glutinous rice and meat. The skin I bought is banana leaves, many people also use bamboo leaves.

I didn't take a photo for the inside. Here I found some information on Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zongzi

My First Time Went to Police Station in Germany

2010-06-15T04:08:00.004+08:00

Because my Bike was stolen so I got my first experience in Germany to go to the police station.

That day when I found my bike was missing, I asked my German teacher to help me to call the police. The police told her I should go to their station to register my case. I misunderstood my teacher's explanation about the address of the police station and went to the station where called in German" Stadtwache". I thought it is a police station because everyday I pass by there I saw there are people always dressed with police uniform. I have checked before in my dictionary the world" Stadtwache", it explains it as "town watch station" or "city ward". Then I went there explained to a guy who was in police uniform. He told me they don't accept the bike stolen case as there's no chance to find it back, if I want the paper for the insurance, then I should go to the next door in a day of next week.

I was confused and thought why he was on the phone just now with my teacher and asked me to come? why he says he can not do anything now? I thought I misunderstood either his German or my teacher's German. I left him as I saw he had no chance to help me.

I didn't have hope to find my bike back, but I thought I can not just go home and leave it away. I wandered a little on the street and saw two policeman was on patrol. I asked them what I should do as my bike is stolen. They told me I should go to another police station to register my case. They said exactly the same as the other one who told my teacher on the phone. Then I realised I have been to the wrong station.

I found the "real" police station and the policeman gave me a paper which with the details of the bike's information for me to fill out. I had bad experiences before with the people in the city hall, so I worried if the police will be nice to me here. But in the end he was very friendly and helpful. Even though he didn't try to find my bike, but he tried register my case when I had no passport with me, and he was patient to me when I spoken my poor German.

In the end the policeman issued me a lost certificate for me to claim against the insurance. We didn't insure my bike but this paper is still meaningful.

I will try to buy a second hand bike, so the chance to get the thieves attention is lower..................

DAMN THIEVES!!

My Bicycle was Stolen

2010-06-10T21:01:00.004+08:00

The day before yesterday I rode my bike to school as usually and I locked it with two locks at the downstairs of our school building. After the class, which was, after 2 hours, I found my bike is gone!!!

Then I asked my teacher to help me call the police. The police said on the phone that they can not do anything but record this case by giving me a paper to fill out for the insurance process. We didn't insure our bicycles, so my bike is just gone with the wind:-( . However I went to the police station and registered my case.

In Germany riding bicycle is my favorite sport. Whenever the weather is good, I always ride my bike to school, to downtown and to Frankfurt. The bike is like my friend.

It is more important that it is a gift from my parents-in-law. I cherished and liked it very much. Yesterday I took some photos from Martin's bike, which looks the same as mine, for the record of the police. I also found a old post I wrote last year about my bike http://luolingling.blogspot.com/2009/04/frankfurt-main-river.html
My German teacher told me last years she also had her bike stolen at downstairs of the school. In my city I see at many bike parking places, there are some bikes only have one tyre locked on the stub, or broken lockers. In the police station I see two special notices, one is to remind people to lock their bikes with special locker; another notice is to remind people don't leave their navigation system in their car, because the thieves often break the front window of the car just to steal the navigation system.

Barcelona_Olympic Center

2010-06-07T00:00:00.007+08:00

We took a bus tour at the first day in Barcelona and had a glance at some of the famous scenic spots. In Barcelona there are two different lines of tourists buses: one drives through the left sides of the center city and stops at the famous travelers spots; and another one drives on the right side of the center city. We chose the left side bus and it costs about 30 EURO per person. This bus stops at in total 18 stops and with the tickets you can stop and get in at any of the stops within the same day and to take the bus freely.

This is the Olympic area. We didn't stop at this station, then only took some photos from outside on the bus. From one friend who lives in Barcelona we got to know that Barcelona became to a tourists city after the Olympic games in 1992. Many of the tourists spots, including the famous beach, were built up for the game. Here is the explanation on the tourists instruction:

"The Olympic area of Montjuic was the focal point and main sporting area of the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. In this area, which is interconnected by means of squares and staires we find the two main sports facilities: the Olympic stadium and the Paulau Sant Jordi, neaby are the Bernat Pocinell Olympic swimming pools, where the swimming and the water polo events were held. The Olympic Stadium was home of the opening and closing ceremonies. The athletic events also took place here. the Palau Sant Jordi which was design by the Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, was the venue for gymnastics and volley ball among other Olympic events. Nowadays various events and music concert are staged in this stadium. Nearby, we find another of the music city's communications masts: the Calatrava Tower, which was designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. It is constructed in white steel and the inclination of the shaft mirrors the axis of the earth. The hosting of the 25th Olympic Games meant a great urban transformation for Barcelona."

Barcelona_2

2010-06-03T22:34:00.005+08:00

Before I went to Barcelona my German teacher reminded me that Barcelona is a thieves paradise and all of her friends went Barcelona and had their wallets stolen by Pickpockets. This made me nervous and at the first two days of arrival I held my bag tightly all the time. Luckily the whole trip our wallets were safely stayed with us. On the street I see how other tourists were in high tension with their bags.

Tapas is the famous spanish food. I like it very much as they are small dishes and with different flavours. Barcelona is close to the sea, the sea food are fresh and cheaper. I don't give up the chance to try the sea food.

Croissant is the popular breakfast dish for Spanish and Italian. When I was in Milan and Barcelona, I see many local people eat croissant with cappuccino. I also liked it but I don't eat it that much, as Martin reminded me how much butter made for one Croissant.

Barcelona

2010-06-01T23:14:00.005+08:00

Last week Martin and I went to Barcelona spent our weekend.

Barcelona is a femous tourist city. I guess many of you have already been there.
I post some photos first and will write more later on. First let's have a overview at the city.

Garbage Sorting in Germany

2010-05-26T18:32:00.003+08:00

These days the theme we are learning in German class is "Environment in Germany". Then I want to write about the garbage sorting in Germany.

When I arrived in Germany, one of the first things Martin taught me was to sort the garbage. I haven't been to many other countries, therefore all the time I took the special features what German people impressed me (such as: well ordered; planning; taking very good care of their living environment etc.) as the common trait of all the other western countries.

Along with my study in German class and talked over with the teachers and the classmates who are from different countries. I found not all developed countries are the same. Germans are very special in the way they take care of their homes and their environment.

Germans separate the home garbage into Plastic, Paper and Rest. When we bring the garbage downstairs, they are three different colors of containers for a certain kind of waste. People put the garbage into the correct bins or sacks.

For the glasses or bottles, almost all the big discount stores and supermarkets have automatic machines to recycle beer and plastic bottles. The rest bottles or glasses, such as: red wine bottle etc. there are the bottle recycling containers not far from the home communities which are also seperated by different colors. Different color of the bottles go to named bins(green, brown and white). Like many of other Germans, Martin always wash up the empty bottles before throw them into the containers.

There are also containers recycle old clothes or blankets for poor people.

Anyway, the recycling system in Germany is complicated and however very efficient. I guess what I know right now is far not enough.

Beautiful May

2010-05-25T17:15:00.007+08:00

This year Germany started to get warm until last weekend. I remember last year in April the weather was already warm, but this year we had only two or three days warm days in April (it was around 20 degree), then before last weekend the temperature kept at 5 to 15 degree.

On Saturday it was almost 30 degree. After a long time cold weather, I enjoying the nice weather very much. May is the month to starting to have a lot of sunshine, the flowers are blooming and people are getting more activities. You see more smiles on the street.

When I was in China I liked to do Yoga; In Germany I am more prefer to go out and to ride bicycle along the Main river, to enjoy the sunshine and greens. On the weekend I ride together with Martin. During the week, I like to ride to Frankfurt in the afternoon along, then come back to my German class.

My skin is getting drak because I explore myself too much under the sunshine. The asian people think girls have a white skin is more beautiful, and on the contrary the westen girls like to get their skin brown.

Anyway my skin is not that white and it's easy to get dark in summer. Even though in summer whenever I go out, I always put on the sun protection cream which is with Sun Protection Factor at 30.

Apology For Not Answering The Comments In Time

2010-05-13T22:47:00.004+08:00

I know I haven't take good care of my blog since a long time. These time I rarely to read the comments and respond them. Here I apologise to the friends who has left kind comments.

My purpose to write the blog is to practice my English. Since I came to Germany, I found there are too many things I need to learn-to learn how to walk on the street; to learn to sort the garbage; to learn driving; to learn German and to look for a job. At the time of the past one year's living in Germany was the time to refresh myself. It wasn't easy but it is a normal transition period for everyone who moves abroad.

I have set up many works for me to finish so that I don't feel boring. For example, I force myself everyday to study German( every day to write a German letter to Martin, to read the updated news and translate them, to read some other German articles and to do homework from the school)and look for jobs(everyday to send 3 resumes). I just made my time full everyday so that I don't let my self give up in the special period and in the new environment.

The progress of job searching has made me sometimes kind of depressed, especially when I keep receiving rejections from recruitment companies. I thought I will be like many of the other students in my German class to work as a cleaning lady. I doubted myself, and I studied German very hard, but I didn't see so much progress. The pressure I gave to myself helps me not to think too much and to fulfil my time, but sometimes makes me stressed out. Then I didn't have so much energy to take care of my blog, to keep practicing my English.

Luckily, I found a job half month ago. It is a job I have dreamed for a long time. After Martin's support and a long period interviewing process, finally, in the end of April I received a positive feedback from the company. I will start to work in August. Another good news is one week ago I received an offer from a research company work as a freelance for a small project that concerning Chinese market.

Now I will be able to write more posts and answer the comments in time, as recently I am much more relaxed and I have putted down some burdens of German study.

Thank You Mama; Thank You Karin

2010-05-09T11:20:00.006+08:00

Today is the Mother's day, I want to write something to thank our mothers.

For my mom, I always appreciate that she gave me life, gave me the chance to come to the world. I especially thank her for giving me a brother and a sister, which is one of my greatest fortunes. I am always proud that I have a big family and we are always supporting each other. I know how difficult it was,when 29 years ago my parents brought me to the world at the time China had already started one-child policy. It was even more difficult to raise up three children without help from their parents, and then to send us to school to be educated. Right now she is living in Mianyang together with my brother and his family. Even though my sister and I are so far away from her, and she had a very hard time to accept I moved to Germany, but everytime I call her she is always showing me her supports.

For Karin-my mother in law. I thank her for Martin. There is a saying:" Marriage is women's second-life". I am very lucky to find Martin, and then Martin brought me the biggest gift-my parents-in-law. They are the best parents-in-law in the world! I could have gone through the difficult transition period in Germany not only because the support from Martin, also the supports from Karin and Gerhard.They are always encouraging me and supporting me, that keeps me positive and motivated to live in this new environment.

In my heart before there was a harbor, now there are two harbors, one is in China and one is in Germany. The harbors are the places where our parents living; The places where we can relax and spoiled as a child.

Me in 10 Years

2010-03-27T00:01:00.003+08:00

Today when I was reorganizing my wallet. I find I have so many small photos that I collected from the earliest in 1999 and then to the photos I took recently.

So I had the idea to put them together and make a comparision to them. Ten years is quite lang, especially to a woman. I am not sure after ten years how I will look like when I am 39 years old. Hopefully there will be not so much change for me........

Do you know which one is the earliest and which is the latest?

Some Photos from Beijing

2010-03-22T17:23:00.006+08:00

Nini sent me some photos she took in Beijing.

The below two pictures are the decorations of a shopping center in winter, where we used to go often for our regularly meeting.

Our wedding in Sanya was such a good memory. My little niece Yingying often asking my sister to show her the pictures of our wedding.

Nini is getting more beautiful. She works in a Japanese advertisement company.

Respect

2010-03-20T17:56:00.007+08:00

Yesterday when I was sitting in a open bakery in our city drinking coffee and waiting for my German class to start.

A man with his wife bring a four years old boy came into the bakery. The man used his dirty hand to tough almost every bread to compare the best value. The salesgirl came to stopping him that made him unhappy then he started to push the girl.

After five minutes, two boys( about 8 years old) ran into the shop and grabbed some cups that are laying next to the coffee machine and wanted to run away. They are stopped by the clerk again.

There are always some people like to take advantages of others and don't think about others.

It reminds me about the people( or person) who comes across my blog consistently and left some insulting comments or left comments to laughing at others. I don't understand why they (or he) could be so persistent year by year coming to visit a strangers blog which they don't like and don't understand.

I don't remember I have ever written some thing to judge others or offend others. But I remember some years ago some people wrote me and pretended to help me, then copied my email to other forums and laughed at me.

I had never understood their behaviors, since I don't know any of them and we don't have to care those who lacks education and pride.

When yesterday I saw how the man and little boys taking advantages to others. I think I know now that there are some people never understand what respects and prides are. Maybe because no one ever taught and showed them how to respect others. Of course they will not to be respected by others. Other people will just keeping aways from them like I saw how the other customers reacted yesterday in the bakery.

Luckily I don't know any body around me in real life like this.

Spring is Here

2010-03-16T06:04:00.006+08:00

I have tried many time to write something in the past month. But I always stopped because there's not much to write about as here are not much news to update in the past weeks. Besides, the winter is very long in Germany, almost six months of the year is winter. Most of the time it's gloomy and cold. I am a moody person and my mood changes with the weather. Then I became like a hibernating beer.

These days the weather is getting warmer and warmer, and we are seeing more sunshine. I have never cherished sunshine as much as I do now. This is our nature that we always want something that we don't have, or we say" distance makes things more sweet"?

I thought about my family too. When I was working in Beijing, I would hardly call my mom and brother once a month. Only after I came to Germany I realized how important my family is to me. No matter if I am frustrated, sad, happy or excited, they are always there for me and supporting me. Right now I call them almost every second day. The more frequent chatting makeus feel more closer to each other.

Especially to my sister Dandan. She has played a very important role in my life and she is the one who guided me to find my path. I love her very much!

Happy Chinese New Year

2010-02-14T03:17:00.006+08:00

I felt I just wrote the last "Happy Chinese New Year" post not long ago. We always say time goes so fast, I have been living in Germany almost for one year, but I feel I just came to Germany yesterday.

When I realised today is the Eve of Chinese New Year was on this morning after I woke up and read the news. I had thought the New Year Eve is on tomorrow. Good I realised it in time and made all the Best Wishes calls to China when they all already had Eve's dinner and are watching the Spring Festival Gala which holds by the China Central Television.

In Germany there is no China Town or Chinese union( so far I didn't find any), so there is no atmosphere for Chinese New Year. All the Chinese in Germany are spread. When I called my family and friends in China today, all of them are already went back to their home together with their parents or family. From their sides on the phone calls, the noise of people's laughing and firecrackers made me jealous.

Chinese New Year Eve is the day of family reunification. After a girl is married, the girl will not spend this day with her parents anymore but with her husband's family or parents. After New Year Eve's reunification, on or after the first day, people are going out to visit relatives or friends. The married woman with her husbands and childern will first together to go back to her parents. After the Eve when the New Year started, as early to visit the people, the people is more important to them. So usually on the first or second day, the girls will bring their husband and children first to visit their parents.

Today my sister Dandan was together with her husband Caohui and daughter Yingying at Caohui's parents, where about 2 hours drive from Beijing. Caohui has four brothers, this year three of the brothers and their children's are gathered at their parents to spend the Eve. The biggest wishes for all Chinese parents are that their children have successful careers and a harmonious family, and then all of the children and their family come back home on the eve of new year.

In my brother's family in Mianyang, there are my mom, my sister-in-law, Miaoyan and my brother together. They all are living together, so today for them maybe not so special but a little bit loss as my sister and I are not at home anymore.

Today Martin and I also celebrated our New Year at home. My sister entrusted Martin's friend, whom just came back from Beijing, took some books and sausages to me. The sausages were made by my brother one year ago. As I wrote before that it's a tradition that in the South of China people making sausages and preserved meat for New Year. Usually we don't eat meat preserved over one year, we think it's not healthy and posible to cause cancer. As my sister saved the sausages in the ice box, so it tasted still fresh. This is how it is still raw.
The way we eat is to boil them until well done. German sausages are usually to eat in the raw. Chinese eating habits are likely to be warm and well cooked. We think the boiled water can kill all the bacterias. Raw meat carries pathogen or ascarid, only when the foods are well cooked then the sanitation of food is secured.

We also think eat too much preserved food will cause cancer. Before I have always resisted to eat sausages and preserved meat, even during the New Year. But today I couldn't control myself to stop eating them. I didn't care if it's not healthy, if it will cause cancer, if there are too much fats in the meat. When I starting to cook the sausages, the way I cut them into pieces etc. during all the process I smelled the New Year, it reminds me the time my whole family sitting together for the dinner. The sausage is so spacial to me, because it has special flavour from my family. Which I can not get from elsewhere.

Even though there are so many delicious foods in China, but this sausage is the only food I missed. That's why today when I was eating it, I felt suddenly I cached something that from the buttom of my heart. It is the home made sausage which I used to resist to eat before. It brings so much of the memory from my home and hometown.

Learning German and Forgetting English

2010-02-07T19:34:00.004+08:00

Many people said when they are learning German they forgot their English. Now it is the same situation to me.

There are many German words that are similar or same to English. I often mix them or sometimes I forgot some very simple English words. This is not good as my German is still poor but my English is getting worse.

When I am searching jobs on the websites, most of the companies require both good German and English skills. In the German TVs, all the speakings are translated to German, including all the Hollywood movies. At the beginning I liked to watch CNN, but now I watch more German speaking TVs to improve my German. In case I forget the English words, when I am writing German new words or when I am doing translation, I usually write the notes in English.

Happy Birthday, Martin!

2010-01-25T20:25:00.002+08:00

Today is Martin's Birthday, I will not go to the German class but preparing a small party to celebrate it with Martin.

This is the third year Martin and I are together celebrating his Birthday. I wish him to be happy and healthy everyday, as I always wished.

My New Car

2010-01-24T02:23:00.006+08:00

Next Monday is Martin's birthday, but today I received a big gift from him. It is a new car-a Suzuki. My first car was too old and wasn't convenient to drive, so Martin got a new one for me. The car shop gave a good offer and this car has been once used for display, so it's a little bit cheaper than other same cars. My favorite color was pink or yellow, but most Germans drive manual gear, then there are not many automatic gear cars to offer. But the black color looks not bad at all. I thought it is too expensive to have a car, especially I don't have a job right now. But Martin thought I need to go to different interviews where possible in different cities, and the train tickets in Germany also very expensive and inconvenient to go.

Now I have to work hard to find a job, then I am able to afford the gasoline for my Suzuki:-)

Avatar

2010-01-04T11:40:00.003+08:00

These days the most popular movie in the cinema is Avatar. I have heard from many people that it's the best movie in years. So I decided to go to the cinema with Martin to experience my first movie in the cinema in Germany. I had no problem to watch it when there had no English version, as this movie is more about action.

The movie tickets in Germany are not more expensive than in China. We bought the ticket for one person about 8 Euro. In Beijing the movie ticket costs about 80-120 RMB, a little bit more expensive. But think about how dofferent the people's average incomes. I don't understand why in China going to the cinema are that expensive.

Christmas at Parents-in-Law

2009-12-29T20:50:00.011+08:00

We spent 4 days at Karin and Gerhard's for Christmas. The first time I experienced the most important festival in Germany. There are not much differences between German Christmas and Chinese New Year. Both are for family reunion and eating. We went on 24th afternoon and there were not so many traffics on the high way. Along with the driving and calls to home, it reminds me the time on Chinese New Years when we were going home on the Eve for dinner and on the way calling home to report how long we are closer to home.
Christmas tree.
We received many gifts from Karin and Gerhard. This is one of them. I love pink!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2009-12-24T04:55:00.007+08:00

Our Christmas holiday starts on tomorrow, and it's going to be 10 days which includes New Year. We are planning to go to Karin and Gerhard for the Christmas and go to Milan for New year. All the time going to be eating and shopping....Yahoo!

This year is the first time for me to experience the real Christmas festival. In China on Christmas eve some young people go out to party or eating, but there are no real Christmas traditions inside. These days in Germany I see how people started very early to prepare for this festival-the parties, Christmas market, hot red wein, decoration bulbs, Christmas cakes etc. all the things made the cold, frozen winter more colorful and interesting.

Today we had a small party in our class for celebration. Every student required to bring one food to the class to share with everybody. Then first time I made the Chinese dumplings. Making dumplings was not so difficult as I found the recipe on the internet, but it takes too long time to prepare all the matierals.
It took me 3 hours to make 35 dumplings. When I finished I thought since every of them are so valuable, then people should eat them very slowly to taste every flavour of them.

Maybe they don't look so good from outside, but inside are very wealthy. My German teacher is a vegetarian, so I made half of them filled only with vegetables, another half filled with meat and mushroom. Thats why there are two kinds of shapes.
It took Martin only 5 minutes to eat 10 of the dumplings, which means they are really tasty. So here are the dumplings ready to take to the school. In the end my classmates and teacher liked them!

Here I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Have a lot of fun in the holiday and eat & rest as much as you can.

Christmas Market

2009-12-14T03:12:00.010+08:00

Two weeks ago I passed my driving test, and now I am more focusing at looking for a job. I know there are not so much chances but I want to give myself some pressures so that I can learn German more diligently. The slow learning makes my mood sometimes as gloomy as the weather here, especially November's weather. In December the weather is not as gloomy as in November as it starting to get some snow. The coming Christmas festival makes people more active. People started to shopping, buying Christmas gift, decorating their houses, going to Christmas parties etc.

Last weekend we visited one of the biggest Christmas market in Nuernberg together with our friends. The first time I tasted the Christmas wine-Gluehwein. I am allergic to wines, but I loved the hot red wine. Last night I tried 5 cups, in which 2 cups of them were only children's style:-)
I like the boot. I wish I have a boot like this because the color looks so cozy.
The market was very crowed, I felt like in China again. The friend told us many tourists come over shopping for Christmas goods.
Santa Claus and ......????

Car Accident in Sanya

2009-11-18T17:18:00.004+08:00

Our wedding in Sanya was finished very smoothly. But there were also some small problems or accidents. The time we stayed most time have rained, except the wedding day and the day before. It was very lucky for us.

After the wedding, we had a car accident when we took our guests out for a boat touring. Our rented bus hited a car at the cross street where no traffic light. In the another car the person who was sitting on the right side of the driver was a little bit hurted, but after the check in the hospital he was fine.

Wedding Photos

2009-11-07T13:58:00.004+08:00

Sorry I deletet the photos in Picassa because I found it's blocked in China and my family and friends were unable to read them. So I changed to the address

http://cid-ca4eee1174671adb.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Lingling%5E4s%20Wedding.

Enjoy:-)

The Wedding Site

2009-10-31T22:01:00.009+08:00

Here are some photos from the wedding site.

At the beginning we planned to hold our wedding on the beach where close to the buffet bar. In the end we chose the lawn because it's easier to walk than the beach, and the green of grass with the decorations makes it looks nicer. I also considered the rental fee of lawn is 1/3 cheaper than the beach.

This picture was taken from the room of Karin when we were having make ups in the room. The wedding planner started to decorate the site from 10 a.m. I choose white and green as the main color because I like white as it looks clean and green is the favorite color of Martin. My mom complained we didn't use red color because red is the traditional color for Chinese weddings. However we had a western style wedding.

Hello from Phuket

2009-10-30T20:46:00.011+08:00

Hello from Phuket. We started our honeymoon in Thailand since 23th. The Internet in the hotel is slow, so I just try to update few photos from our wedding.

The wedding was done very smoothly. While our stay in Sanya, it rained most of the times except our wedding day and the day before. We also got some help from the friend whom works in Kempinski hotel and introduced by Jens. We had so much fun with our family, friends in the 10 days in Sanya. But there were also some small accidents happened. When we came back from breakfast on the next day when we arrived, we found the glass of our room is broken without any evidence. The hotel changed room for us then. Another accident was our bus hitted a car the day after our wedding when we took our guests out for boat touring. The other car was damaged and luckily no one was injured.
Our wedding started on 17th at 5 p.m. I started to have the make up at 1 p.m in Karin's room. Here are some photos when I was preparing in the room with the make up girls, Nini, Karin and my mom.

The Internet is too slow so I will stop for today. When I go back to Germany I will try to update all the photos in a photo gallery, to share them with you and friends. By the way, which program can you recommend for the photos?

Leave on Tomorrow

2009-10-10T01:33:00.002+08:00

Tomorrow we will fly from Frankfurt to Munich to meet Karin and Gerhard. Then we fly together to Beijing, Mianyang, Sanya. After Sanya Martin and I will go to Thailand to have our Honeymoon.

I will try to update the photos I am going to take along our trip. See you soon:-).

I Love You

2009-10-09T03:26:00.005+08:00

" I love you" is the most beautiful words in the world. It means so much to the person who says it and to the person who hears it.

Chinese people are conservative at express their loves. I never heard my father said " I love you" to my mom. Even though we know how much he loved her. It's not so often to hear this between Chinese families, friends and relatives. Nowadays Chinese lovers say it more to each other. They are just different to western cultures.

Tomorrow I will not go to school as we will be leaving on Saturday and I want to use tomorrow to get our stuff packed. Besides, I also can not concentrating myself to study before the day leaving for China. Karin and Martin both suggests me to stay at home. So Great!!!

It was so sweet in today's class when my classmates hugging me to say goodbye and sending me their wedding wishes. And I got a gift from each of them.
I asked them to write down " I love you" in their mother languages. Can you tell all of them in which languages? Of course the English one is not hard to find and number 3 is my language.

7 Months in Germany

2009-10-08T03:43:00.008+08:00

I have been in Germany for seven months and four days. It sounds like not so long, but I feel like I have been here already for years. In China we always complain time pass too fast, because life in China is changeable and unexpected. Germany is on the opposite. Life in Germany is organized, expected and everything planned in advance.

But we can not always compare them. They are two countries one is on the west, one is on the east; One is developed, one is still developing; One is capitalist society, one is socialist society. Both countries have their own advantages.

Many Chinese in Germany think China is better because of the delicious and various food, because of the bigger development space for their own careers; And many Chinese in Germany like Germany more because of the better living environment, less pressure from work and interpersonal relationship.

I like both countries, now I have two families they are living on both sides. It would be good if Martin and I can live in both countries every half year(well..I know it' just my dream for this moment). But at this moment it's good for us to live in Germany so we are closer to Karin and Gerhard, then we are able to meet each other more often. In China, my mom has my sister, brother and my nieces to accompany.

These days I am thinking if I should start to write blog in German, even though just some simple sentences. Two months ago Karin told me that she and Gerhard have spent a night read all my blog entries,since they want to know me more and they want to know how I am thinking.

I love Karin and Gerhard. This is the biggest gains for me that I came come to Germany to get to know them. I have been feel lucky to met Martin and then to met my parents in law. Their love to me just as much as the love my parents gave to me. They are the best parents in law.

In the 7 months, besides the support Karin and Gerhard have given to me. Martin has putted a lot of efforts to help me. From the beginning our apartment searching, moving, purchasing furniture, taking me out to know the environment, applying for my long term residence visa, finding German school for me, find a job for me, buying a car for me and again and again to practice with me to drive on German roads. If I say moving from China to Germany was not easy to me, but taking me to integrate into the new country was even harder to Martin.

Now after these months, I am getting more independent. I try to adjust myself to the new things better.

When we come back from the wedding, it will be another new start. I wish then I can be doing better.

The Eyesight

2009-10-06T04:06:00.007+08:00

When we were little, my father told us how important to protect our eyes. I have been proud for our good eyesights in our family, until two months ago when I went to the traffic aid course had my sight tested.

With my Chinese driving licences, I am allowed to drive in Germany for the first 6 months, then I need to change it to German licence by passed the theory and road exams. After registered in the driving school for the exams, the first course we were required to take is a 4 hours traffic aid course. Then the eyesight test were carried out firstly.

From the tester's word, the result of my eyesight was:" schlecht!", which means in English “very poor“. At that time I thought they made mistake because of the language misunderstanding, or at least my sight is not that bad that I needed to wear a pair of glasses.

Until I got my first glasses, no matter how Martin pursue me to accept the truth for my bad sight. I still couldn't believe how and when my eyesight got this bad.

But these days I can obviously feel how hard to recognise people without glasses when they are only 20 meters far.

Am I old? or I didn't protect my eyes so good? I believe my sister and brother will not to accept how I look like in this photo.

Luxury Goods

2009-10-05T05:28:00.009+08:00

Couple of days ago there's an news says now China becomes to the second luxuries goods consuming country after USA. I noticed in Frankfurt most of the luxuries shops have Chinese speaking shopping guide. When Martin and I were buying our wedding rings in one of the shop, we asked the German sales woman why all the shops have Chinese guide, she told us because many big customers are Chinese people.

In China especially the big cities, there are more and more shopping centers have been built up. Wearing famous foreign brand clothes, bags, watchs are status symobl to many people. Patheticlly is Made in China is not even recognizable to many Chinese rich people. They feel proud by wearing LV, CHANEL and Gucci etc. foreign luxury goods.

The luxuries goods in China are much more expensive than in Europe, but Chinese people's average salaries are much lower than Europeans. So many Chinese try to ask their friends or acquaintances to bring goods from abroad.

I don't like to bring too many things because of the limitation of luggage; Also because of the laws at the airport custom. Then I refused the requirements from some acquaintances whom asks me to bring expensive things for them.

But I still bought two Versace bags for my brother in law Caohui. For him to send out as gifts to friends or business partners.
This lady bag I bought in an outlets here near by Frankfurt at the price of 409 EURO. I searched on the internet for the price in China, it costs at least four times more. This briefcase I bought for 270 EURO. I don't know the price in China, but it should be at least double prices more.

Breakfaft and Dinner

2009-10-04T02:17:00.007+08:00

As usual, this morning we cooked breakfast in the late morning to get our weekend started. The contents are always the same-eggs, bread or rolls, sausages. Fresh rolls are one of my favorite German food. In the two years, we never changed the way how to eat breakfast. This is one of the moment I love most. Martin made steak for our dinner. In German:"Das war sehr lecker".

Weekend

2009-10-02T21:46:00.003+08:00

Last couple of days I wrote all the posts in evening after I finished my German class. Today I want to write today's entry earlier as it's Friday.

Germany started to get cold already. Now it's 4:00 p.m and outside temperature is only 16 degree. But we are going to Sanya and Thailand soon to spend 20 days under the sunshine, so I will not complain at this moment.

So, this weekend is going to be the last weekend before our wedding vacation. Then we will just stay at home to prepare some things for the wedding.

However, on the weekends to stay at home just with Martin is one of the things I enjoy mostly. We get up late, slowly make breakfast, drinking coffee, watch TV ...no work, no study, just to be lazy.

10 Days left

2009-10-02T03:04:00.005+08:00

Today I shopped the whole day. Now I am tired and regreting I spent too much money. In the photo are the gifts I bought for friends and family these days.There are more people I need to bring gifts back, but the luggage is already full. Buying gifts is one of the thing making me headache mostly. Friends, family, relatives, family's friends etc. ......

Chinese National Holiday

2009-10-01T03:47:00.005+08:00

The Chinese National Holiday starts tomorrow, this year they have 8 days holidays, this includes one day's Middle Autumn Day.

From the Chinese government to normal Chinese people, all of them are immersing into the happiness of 60 year's foundation of new China and the happiness of long holiday. Even my mom attended the Opera performance which organized by the local association to celebrate the 60 years foundation.

This morning when I got up log into MSN as usual try to talk to the friends in China, I found most of them are offline. All the friends who are working in out of hometown were going back to their parents for reunification.

Since I moved out when I talk to friends or family in China, what they said most frequently is:" these days I am so busy". The whole China looks like a booming market. People are like hectic ants always so busy, they are busy for the families, busy for working, busy for making money, busy for making relationships, busy for changes..........

Compared to China, the life to many Chinese in Germany is too calm, too quiet, too organized. But when many people go back to China, they say they will miss the quiet environment in Germany again.

Human beings are complicated, right? I will see how I will feel this time when I go back to China.

The German Class

2009-09-30T03:09:00.003+08:00

After two months summer holiday since finished German A1 class, I started my A2 German course two weeks ago in a new school.

I changed to the new language school called Berlitz, which is one the best integration language school in Germany. The former school wasn't so efficient enough to me. The main reason was the teachers, both male, were not patient enough to their students. One of the teacher cancelled or stopped the class many times when there were not enough students attend the class. The two famle teachers in Berlitz are much more patient and professional.

the new course I attend is at evening from 18:30 to 20:45. Because after the wedding I want to start to look for a job, even though there are not so much opportunities yet as my German is still on the lower level.

In the new class I also find the learning environment is better and the students in the evening class are more enthusiastic to learn. The new class is more fun also because the students are able to speak some German and we can communicate to each other.

The language class is like a united union. Students are from everywhere in the world and with different backgrounds and different ages. We have one Russian, one Dutch, three Poles, one Bangladeshi, one Jordanese, two American, two Turkish, one Serbian. Am I the only Asian there?

Interesting right?

One of the Pole guy is only 23 year old but he already got three children. When our teacher asking our hobbies, he replied:" my hobby is only to play with my children". What a good father! The important thing is he and his wife want to have more children. 4, he said.

The Turkish girl is called Tükka, she is also 23 years old and very cute. After two days class, she said to me:" Lirong, Du bist sehr süß".

But I found she is even cuter. When we are introducing our occupations I said:"I don't have a job now, Ich bin Hausfrau". Tükka then very anxiously to explain to other people" Lirong, you are not a housewife, you are a STUDENT". Tonight after the class I got to know she is also trying to find a job, she hates to be married and stay at home just to be a homewife.

Count Down

2009-09-28T19:10:00.004+08:00

Since last entry, I have tried to write some posts between but didn't finish them in the end. The day for Sanya is getting closer, I am like all other brides to start to get excited since one month ago. On 1oth of October, we will start our trip for China. Then I decided to make the count down post everyday to note how we process.....

I finished my internship at former company two weeks ago, now I have more time to prepare for the trip in October.

On the Friday one week before finish the work, I invited my colleagues to our home for dinner. Of course the dinner I cooked is Chinese. I wanted to thank the colleagues shared their work experience with me. They are very nice people that always impatient to explain me the works, even though they don't speak good English and my German is too poor to understand them.

I cooked about 9 dishes for 7 people, it was too busy to take photos but this one. This is one of the most successful cake I ever made. I learned this on the Internet and first time made it successfully.
In Germany, between the colleagues seems they don't share private life easily. They separate business and personal things clearly. So inviting colleagues to home is not usual. But as a Chinese, this is a very normal way for us to show our appreciation or to make friends. So before I inviting them, I thought about if it's suitable to do this. But in the end, it was worked out and we had a good time on that Friday. It also gave us the chance to know each other besides work.

First Time Make Cake

2009-08-24T15:45:00.013+08:00

Karin and Gerhard are planning to visit us in middle of September. I want to make a cake for them when they arrive. Then two weeks ago I started my first trial. The first time I made honey bear cake. They looked good from appearance, but I didn't really successful as they tasted not as decent as real cakes.

Last second weekend I tried again. This time I tried to make real cakes, at least from the shape. This time it looks better and tasted better. But this is only the basic material for a cake. This weekend I have to try another one with cream.

Weekend Visiting Friend in Dresden

2009-08-12T18:09:00.009+08:00

In the past tree weekends, Martin and I were out of town visiting friends and parents.

Last weekend we visited Martin's friend Claudia, who lives in Dresden and building their own house in a village where 70 km far from Dresden city. Last Friday was Claudia's birthday and also the day for their house to finish the last nail of the roof. So Claudia invited people to celebrate the two events.

Friends and people from the village are gathered together celebrating. They started to build the house in May and until now the main construction already finished.
the village is far from the city. There are mass of grass and sunflower land. Maybe the place will be too simple to live for young people, but the air is fresh. Next day we visited Dresden city. This is an old and important city where has been heavily destroyed during Second World War. Claudia is the friend of Martin from University. In the village the tempreture of the night very low. We needed fire to warm up.

My Nieces

2009-08-05T15:48:00.006+08:00

I am a lucky person that I am not from one child family and I have one brother and one sister. So I have two cute nieces. Miaoyan is taking summer holiday in Beijing at Dandans house. Then Dandan has to take care of two kids. What a heavy work to do, but meanwhile she is also enjoying the fun time with the kids.

Yesterday Dandan sent me some photos of my two nieces.

Yingying always make us laugh. She makes a lo unimaginable
Miaoyan is almost 5 years old. she is a little pretty girl now.
The sisters.............................

Weekend Visiting Parents in Law

2009-07-29T04:13:00.013+08:00

Last weekend I got my wedding dress at the city where close to my parents in law. The dress is a gift from Karin and Gerhard:-) :-)))))))))))). Two months ago we have been to the wedding shop and found the right dress for me, then last Saturday we went there again to take it as they adjusted the size to fit me best.

Nowadays in China the newlyweds usually take wedding photos before the wedding feast, then they can post the photos on the wedding ceremony party. The wedding photos cost about 300 euro to 2000 euro or more in China. For Germans(also to many other western countries) , the dresses of newlywed are confidentially to another one before the wedding. So I can not put my dress photo here until my wedding day, so that Martin will not see it.

On Saturday after I finished all the things for my dress, we went to my parents in law's and stayed over night. The next morning when we got up, Karin already prepared breakfast for us. And I got something special.
This is the coffee Karin made for me. On the cup she wrote" hast du gut geschlafen?", which means "do you have a good sleep?".

In summer Germany rains often. Last week the temperature wasn't so stable. In some days there were maximum only 20 or 23 degrees. But Sunday it has started to get warmer. Then I took my camera out of Karin's house captured some photos from outside.

Karin's peach tree. There are three peaches on such a small tree.
Cherry is my favorite fruit.I was very happy to see Karin has a cherry tree and it's grown all over red cherries. Unfortunately the cherries were not so sweet but a little sour. Karin take them to make marmalade or cherry wine.

Martin allowed me to post one of his photo. We wish he can quit smoking, he is trying but seems not so easy...

Chinese Cooking

2009-07-23T04:21:00.009+08:00

I have never been to a Chinese restaurant here in Germany. Because I cook more often now than I was in China as the restaurants here cost more expensive, I also don't think they are more tasty than my food.

I usually cook dinner every second day, and the other days we eat German food-bread with sausages. Whenever we have guests visiting, I like to cook real Chinese food-the Sichuan style food which are with many chilies.

Today we have a guest visiting, as usual I cooked Chinese food. But this time I didn't forget to take some photos.

This is a typical Sichuan food-Double cooked pork. They are cooked with pork and paprika. When I was in China, I didn't like to eat it as I thought it's too much fat. But in Germany I started to love it and I don't care the fats anymore.

This is chicken meat with mushrooms. Germans eat a lot of meat. Then whenever I cook, I try my best to cook vegetables with some meat. Today when I went to the Asian shop to buy Chinese sauces, I found this shop also sells Tofu. That made me very happy as Tofu is one my favorite food. I didn't take a close photo of broccoli because it doesn't look really good.

For three people I cooked four dishes. In China we say whenever we order food, we order the amount of dishes that always one more than the number of people.

Naked Photo

2009-07-18T21:29:00.003+08:00

Haha...hope Yingying doesn't mind I publish her naked photo.

Recently

2009-07-13T19:27:00.011+08:00

Long time no blog. I haven't taken my camera out for a long time. Here are just some updates about my life recently in Germany.

Blogger is still blocked in China.

I have finished the first part of my German course-the first 100 hours. Now I am taking the summer holiday. The new course will start in September, but I want to change to another school as the old school was not not efficient enough. We had 15 students in the class at the beginning, in the end only 4 students was there. The school had too long holidays and the teacher finishs our class often 15 or even 30 minutes earlier. However my German has improved, I am now able to make some simple conversations, but still not able to write emails.

Except learning German, I have found a chance to work in my former German company in Frankfurt office as practice. The working time only three days per week. But I cherish the opportunity I get as it's a good chance to learn German in the working environment and to learn how to work together with German colleagues.

Martin bought a second hand car as my birthday gift for me to drive to work. I am holding a Chinese driving licence which has 6 months permit to drive in Germany. Driving in Germany is quite different comparing to drive in China. In Germany you have to stick to the rule very closely, otherwise you will get punished very hard. Not many people really follow the rules in China, the pedestrians always have to stop for the cars. But in Germany and all Europe, which is on the contrary. Since I have been in Germany already for more than 4 months, I have only not more than 2 months left to drive with my Chinese licence. Then I need to get a German licence. This is one of my task now.

Here is my car. On the plate" LL"is the abbreviation of my name and "78" is the birth year of Martin. Working and driving give me a real start of my life in Germany.

I am also preparing for our wedding which will be held in October in China. This is a complicated process, many details have to think about. I am glad my mother in law Karin helped us a lot.

Careless Cause Accidents

2009-06-06T04:39:00.010+08:00

These days there are so many shocking news. Air France plane has disappeared without any progress for searching so far. Then this morning a bus burning accident happened in Chengdu, Sichuan province, 25 people have burned in the bus. If I say the flight tragedy is unpredictable and no chance to escape for the passengers. But how can a bus can caused so many people to death?

When I was looking at the radio from one of the Chinese forum in Germany http://www.dolc.de/forum/viewthread.php?tid=955692&extra=page%3D1&page=1, I am not only sad, but angry.

If you have been to China, you should be aware how Chinese people are careless. If the bus equipped with hammer, people could have escaped from the windows. However until now I still don't understand why the door of the bus didn't open for people to run.

I can't image how many Chinese people died from car accident every year, but I would say most of the accidents happened due to people's careless.

Chinese people don't have the habit to use safety belt in the car. Some driver even put a shoulder bag when they are driving just to cheat the police. My sister and her husband also don't have the habit to put the safety belt on when they are driving. I have told them how dangerous it could be without the belt on, now my sister started to use safety belt.

When we were in Beijing, Martin already mentioned to me that my sister should install a baby seat in her car for the baby. He thinks it's very dangerous for the baby to sit in the car without a baby seat, or the baby hold by an adult in the car. I forwarded my worlds to my sister and her husband many time, but they thought it shouldn't be a big problem for the baby sitting in the adults arms.

In China, you can rarely see a driver stop and wait for the pedestrian to go first. For the countries I have been, I never seen a driver in other countries can be as ignorance and pushing as Chinese drivers. Even in Thailand, the drivers always politely and stop for pedestrian to go.

Not only car driving, there are too many cases about Chinese people's careless. Since I am living in Germany, I also need time to adjust myself from the old habbit to some new changes.

I also hope my sister and her husband will be able to visit my blog to read this entry- after the blogger is released in China.

Happy Birthday

2009-06-03T16:06:00.010+08:00

Happy Birthday to me! Yesterday I have turned to 28.

When I was 20, I thought getting 30 is such a weired thing. I couldn't image if I get old like 30. I even thought about to kill myself if I am getting 30. Now I am already 28, which is very close to 30. I found life is still as beautiful as when I was 20-actually more beautiful. I am not as naive as when I was 25, but I have learnt more from my life experience; I also found the man for my life; I have one more family in Germany and one more parents to love.

I am not a party person, I never had a party with friends to celebrate my birthday. Usually second of June to me was just as quiet and normal as before. Since I met Martin, I knew this day is a special day for me. Because every year of this time Martin and my parents-in-law would say Happy Birthday to me and they always send me some gifts as surprises.

This year, Martin bought me a bunch of flower as one of my gift. He knows I love flowers.

Karin and Gerhard mailed me a birthday card, which has arrived to me just on yesterday.

Martin prepared this gift one week ago. But I couldn't open it until yesterday. It's a cosmetic box.

We made Pizza for dinner, it was our first time making Pizza at home.

My friend Nini didn't forget to send me a gift.

Yesterday I also called my sister Dandan and my brother Xiaou to remind them it is my birthday. Then I called my mom because I wanted to thank her have given me the birth 28 years ago, I could have the chance to come to the world because of her. However in the end I forgot to tell my mom this, but at least I called her.

This morning Nini updated her blog, I told her this is one of my gift as well. Because she wrote in her blog about me. http://blog.rayli.com.cn/index.php?uid-1415088-action-viewspace-itemid-1337108

Our Flowers and Vegetables

2009-05-30T17:07:00.011+08:00

Something I like about Germany is during spring and summer there are always flowers and greens all over. Germans are more caring about their living enviornment than Chinese. Many houses here are surrounded by trees and flowers. However southen China is better than Northen China in living due to the milder weather in south.

We don't have a garden for trees and vegetables, but we have planted some flowers at our balcony. These days there are frequent rains in Germany, after the rains our flowers are blooming in profusion.When I was in Beijing, there had no chance to plant any flowers. But the growned flowers in the market are much cheaper than in Germany. In Germany people are like to plant their own flowers in their garden or around their house.

Besides the flower, I also tried to plant vegetables by my own. I thought its funny to eat my own vegetables. I bought the seeds two month ago, but so far there are still too small. I don't know how long it takes for them to grown up. The big ones are potato and onion. The onion and potato were not from the seeds, but the leftover from my cooking. When I was going to cook dinner with them, I found they are already germinating. Then I thought to plant them at the balcony. So far they look very good. Even though I don't know how many new potatos and onions will coming out from one, but it's very interesting just to look at their green leaves and to see how they are growing up.There are 6 garlics I have planted, but only 3 of them are sprouting up. What's wrong with the other 3?

Blogger is Blocked in China

2009-05-29T16:32:00.004+08:00

At this sensitive period for Chinese government, my blog is blocked in China since half month ago. There are other many websites also blocked in China. My family and friends in China are not able to see the photos.

S*******!!

Photos from Gerhard

2009-05-18T17:18:00.010+08:00

Sunnday my father in law-Gerhard rode his bicycle to outside of their city captured some pictures for me and Martin. The views are beautiful and Gerhard made very good photos. He described in his email as:"Es war ein herrlicher Frühlingstag wie ihr auf den Fotos sehen könnt. Selbst die Tierwelt zeigte sich von ihrer besten Seite. "

I used google dictionary for translation. I hope someday soon I can talk in German to Gerhard and Karin. By the way, we will be able to see them this weekend again.

Last day Trip for Labour Holiday

2009-05-14T16:21:00.025+08:00

Our last day of Labour holiday trip spent at some famous tourist spots in Bayern. The most impressive one was at Obersalzberg -the Adolf Hitler's beloved mountain residence. Here are some introductions I searched from Wikipedia.

Hitler first visited Obersalzberg in 1923 and was so fond of the place that in 1928 he rented Haus Wachenfeld (Berghof). In 1933 he bought the Berghof estate and started to rebuild and expand it. Other Nazi leaders such as Hermann Göring and Martin Bormann also bought estates in the area and by 1935-36 all residents of Obersalzberg were either bought out or kicked out and the area was blocked from public use as a so-called Führersperrgebiet. The area was heavily expanded with military installations for security and support staff, hotels, underground bunkers and air raid shelters. Hitler and Eva Braun spent much time in Obersalzberg in the 1930s. Hitler's last known visit was in July 1944.In the 19th century Germans started going there for vacations. The area is very beautiful and the mountain views are sweeping.

The RAF bombed the area on April 25, 1945 and a little of Obersalzberg was damaged. Since then the government of Bavaria has gradually destroyed or buried almost every trace of the Berghof. The former Gastehaus Höher Göll houses a museum chronicling the span of World War II. The nearby Platterhof hotel survived the war and was rebuilt by the US Army for use as a recreation center. This retreat, the General Walker Hotel, remained in US hands until its demolition in 2000. In its place is a new 5-star hotel, InterContinental Resort Berchtesgaden. Although there is universal agreement that the Berghof and other Nazi building remains had to be covered up, the decision to build a resort literally on top of the dark history is a controversial one. Nevertheless, this "war tourism" destination could soon be known as a popular golf course rather than a reminder of the war.

Visiting to Obersalzberg helps me to know more about Germany histroy and the second World War. The house of below is the main part of the exhibition shows the old pictures of Adolf Hitler and other important people whom palyed important roles during second World War.

To help my family understanding the photos, I will mark some Chinese to explain them.劳动节假期的最后一天我们去了德国南部接近奥地利的上萨尔茨堡山。从1923年起这里是希特勒的度假住所，1933年改建成为希特勒和纳粹高官们的官邸区1937年又在上萨尔茨堡山的山脚下设立了纳粹德国除柏林外的第二政府驻地。

1923年希特勒在贝希特斯加登附近的上萨尔茨堡山，完成了他的反犹太人著作《我的奋斗》第二卷，同时深深地迷恋上了贝希特斯加登的山湖景色。希特勒上台纳粹掌权后，上萨尔茨堡山经历了很大的变动，先是建造了一座简单的夏季避暑小屋，后来根据建筑师Alois Degano和希特勒本人的设计，经过多次扩建成为一座大型的住所，建筑的中心大厅有一扇可以升降的窗户，可以一览贝希特斯加登的阿尔卑斯山风光。

1933年起上萨尔茨堡山改建成希特勒与纳粹高官的官邸区，在希特勒住所的周围还有纳粹领袖马丁·鲍曼、赫尔曼·戈林和阿尔伯特·斯佩尔的住所、党卫军基地、礼宾所和地下碉堡，许多柏林的官员也纷纷搬迁到了贝希特斯加登，山谷下为大型机械的搬运建造了一座小型机场，二战结束后曾改建成难民营。

1937年在在上萨尔茨堡山的山脚下建造了希特勒政府的驻地，是纳粹德国除柏林外的第二政府驻地，希特勒每年要在贝希特斯加登逗留数月，期间的政治策划由此发布，并在驻地以帝国元首的身份，接待了包括英国首相内维尔·张伯伦、英国前首相戴维·劳合·乔治、罗马尼亚国王卡洛尔二世等在内的国家客人，其中最重要的一次是1938年2月12日同奥地利总理库尔特·许士尼格的会面，在希特勒恐吓要进军奥地利的威胁之下，德奥两国签订了《贝希特斯加登条约》，走出了一个月后纳粹德国吞并奥地利的第一步。下面的图片是主展览室，里面有很多第二次大战时期的图片和资料。

This is the entrance of this exhibition. 展览中心的入口。

A brief introduction of Adolf Hitler's life. I haven't had time to translate the all the contents.希特勒的生平简介。德文的我还看得不是很懂呢。

The entrance of bomb shelter and insides . 防空洞入口及里面设施。。。

At the exit, there are some figures from the Second World War. Below figures are the number of people died during this war for each country. China died 9.9 million people, including army and civilians; Germany died 6.5 millions. Should we cherish the peace time we have at this moment?下面是第二次大战中个国家中死亡的人数。中国死亡9.9百万；德国死亡6.5百万。

Afterwards, we went to the lake and snow mountain near by Obersalzberg.山下的著名湖泊。

The Alps snow mountains.....阿尔贝斯雪山When the weather is nice, some Germans like to parachuting。德国很多人喜欢跳伞运动.

In the evening we headed to Martin's friend whom lives in Bayern. In Germany, there are massive of grasslands. But I didn't see many animals on the grass and I didn't see many corps as well. I finally understand why vegetables and fruits are expensive in Germany. But I wonder what people living for when they live in countryside . 晚上我们去了马丁的一个朋友家里做客。德国到处都能看见下面这种草地。但是草地上面看不见牛羊，也看不见太多的庄稼。 Martin's friend got two daughters. The older one is Martin's god daughter. This is the same coulture we have in China, my brother got a god parents, we call it as Gan Er Zi.马丁朋友的女儿们。 Martin's friend Bjoern-the girl's father invites me for swing. I thought we are too heavy for the swing, which was made for the little girls only.马丁的朋友邀请我荡秋千。The girls seems like me.I didn't like childern that much until I had my two nieces- Miaoyan and Yingying. When I have more experience with childern and I feel they are much easier to deal with than I thought. That is you treat them nice and they will difinately treat you good back. Other than adults, kids are easier to deal with .马丁朋友的孩子。

Nini

2009-05-13T19:25:00.007+08:00

Even though I am far away from my family and friends, but the convenient modern communication tools make me feel they are not that far from me.

I am using the telephone which paid monthly for a fixed amount to make international fixed line without limitations.Therefore I can call my family and friends whenever I want.

I talk to Nini almost everyday on internet. Just now she sent me some photos of her that taken from last weekend. I like those photos.........

Labour Holiday in Austria

2009-05-09T03:40:00.021+08:00

The next day after a short visit to Karine and Gerhard, Martin drove me to the south of Bayern state where the Alps mountains starts in Germany. Bayern is the biggest state of Germany, it has 12 million people but occupied more than 70 thousand km2 ground. All the way to south we saw mostly are grassland and cars. We saw more cars than people. This is something different compared to China. In China, everywhere seems so crowded with so many people. Thats why many Chinese who lives in Germany think Germany is too quiet and without many activities.

We stayed in the hotel where located at the starting area of the Alps. This big area is the tourists spot that also close to Austria. Especially in winter along the Alps mountains there are many famous ski resorts.The hotel we stayed also hosted a wedding feast.In the early morning some people dressed with local traditional dresses and starting to prepare for the wedding. Those dresses style look like royal's dress to me. I am not sure if local people did wear this kind of dresses in old time. I like the girl's traditional dress. I guess Miaoyan will like it very much if I bring one such dress back to China for her.we see this kind of motorcycle drivers all the way .We are entering the border of Austria. Except this board will remind you that you are entering to another country, there's not much differences compared to Austria and Germany. Except the gasoline in Austria is a little bit cheaper due to the lower tax. The snow mountains not far away. As snow started melting, all the sking resorts always closed for this moment. But still many tourists going to the Alps area to visit the mountains or ride bikes or doing other activities....People selling wooden birds hauses. Before Martin explain me about them, I thought they are toys for the childern.We wanted to go into the mountain to see snow. This was the first toll station I saw in Europe, on the board it noted that it charges 28 EURO for a normal car. I complained to Martin its too expensive. I said in China eventhough every roads has toll station, but it only charges 2 EURO for each road. Here in Germany I only see this toll station but it charges 14 times than in China. Martin said:" do you know how much it costs to mantain this road every year?". Anyhow, Martin explained me deeper later that they charge this much because this road is leads to the top of a mountain in more than 3000 meters altitute. I didn't have the chance to see this road as its closed for this period. People like us whom didn't pay attention to the notice on the road couple of miles in advance. Then we had to go back, I was happy that we saved 28 EURO.....We drove back and headed to another famous town where close to the snow mountain. Many rich people go there for ski in the winter. We stayed one hour in this town and had some coffee and beer. Most people on the street are tourists. I believe in winter there will be much more people coming. On the way back we stopped again at a city where the German famous athletes coming from. Nice town and nice air.......... This boy was playing alone while his parents sitting in the coffee shop having coffee and talking to their friends. He looked cute, I couldn't stop taking photos of him.he got a hat now....

From Labour's Holiday

2009-05-08T03:47:00.011+08:00

The trip of our Labour holiday started on 30th of April and finished on 5th of May. I searched a Germany map on google to indicate the route of our entirely trip. We have been to the middle area of Germany to meet Martin's friends and his parents, then we headed to the south area where the Alps starts, we also went to Austria visited the most famous skiing area, and Hitler's residence area in Bavaria-the biggest state of Germany.

Like many other Germans, we have drove to all the places. It was another experience to me as there's no speed limitations on most German highways.

On 30th evening, we have met Martin's friends in this town(I can not remember the name of the town). The last day in April is the day for Germans to celebrate winter's ending and spring's coming, many parties hold in this evening with bonfires. Martin and his friends whom are from the same unniversity come to this town every year for the party and meeting.

It took us more than 6 hours to drove here(about 350 km far) as the traffic jam getting heavier on German's high way whenever there's holiday coming. The people started barbecue and beers at the grassland where the tents setted. Germans often making joks of Chinese that we can not dink alcohol. Many Chinese will get flushed face when we try a little beer. For Germans, the main part of a party is beer. German men take beer as Chinese drink water. Party for Chinese usually is Karaok-hummm..... I think Karaok is healthier.When all of them slept in the tents, Martin and I slept in our car- where you can see the two bikes on above. We have brought our tent, but Martin thinks sleep in the car is better. I almost caught a cold though, it was too cold in the night. I never slept in a tent, maybe next time when there's a trip, I will try how it feel when sleeping in the tent.

At around 10 p.m, we went to the castle where located on the mountain. My camera was in short of battery, so I didnt take much photos from the party. Many people dressed traditionally and the party also got some very traditional musics.

That's all for the first day's trip. Later I will post the pictures from the trip to south of Germany and the trip in Austria.

Labour's Holiday

2009-04-29T20:21:00.003+08:00

The international Labour's Day is coming soon. What's your plan?

People In germany have one day off from work. There will be 3 days free including this weekend. We are planning to go to a party with Martin's friends on Thursday evening and then to have a short visit to Karin and Gerhard on Friday morning, and the rest holidays will be spent at some place where is still a secret to me.

These days the biggest news is the swine flu happend at the begaining in Mexico and then spreaded out to many other countries, including America. Please take care everybody. Health is the most important thing to us. I will not forget to take pictures back from my holiday.

17th of October, 2009-in Sanya

2009-04-22T20:38:00.007+08:00

Martin and I have decided to hold our wedding at Sanya Kempinski hotel on 17th of October, 2009.

We have started to plan our wedding since end of last year. Recently I just confirmed the date with the hotel, then I decided to announce this news and also starting to write down the details of the preparation process.

Why did we choose Sanya as our wedding place? After we were engaged, someday Martin asked me which city of China I want to have my wedding most? As I had my first trip with Martin in Sanya and I liked the beach and sunshine there, so I told him I would like to have it held in Sanya. Even though at that moment I didn't think its possible to invite all of our friends and relatives to Sanya for our wedding. As the time goes by, Martin took my worlds seriously and he insisted to have our wedding in Sanya, and my parents in law-Karin and Gerhard, also support us and they are very much looking forward to our big day happens at a beautiful place. Martin and I had a nice experience at Kempinski hotel in 2008, thats made us to chose the same hotel to have our beach wedding.

Why did we choose the date for our wedding? Karin has the long holiday in October, so we decided to take the date in her middle holiday to make our wedding.

Here I post some pictures from our trip from April of 2008 at Kempinski. this is the overview of Kempinski hotel.

Beach of the hotel.

We plan the have the banquet at the beach bar. This year I guess my big job is going to be preparing our wedding. I am looking forward to this day.

Frankfurt-The Main River

2009-04-16T05:03:00.020+08:00

Karin and Gerhard bought two bikes for me and Martin as the gift of our moving to Germany.

This is a great season to ride bikes for leisures and exercises. Last weekend Martin and I have rode the bikes along the Main river to north of Frankfurt. Along the river, we are 7 km far from Offenbach to the center of Frankfurt city.

When the weather gets better, the trees are germinating and the flowers are blooming. This is something I like Germany most- a quiet and clean country, with greens and flowers everywhere. People are very relaxing during holiday and weekends. They are sitting on the grass and reading, drinking, running, joging, making barbecues, riding bikes.

This afternoon I went out to ride to Frankfurt again. It takes only about 20 minutes to ride to the center of Frankfurt city. I like the scenery along the river. Here's my bike. Martin and I got the same bikes but mine is a little bit smaller. It was surprised me because the two bikes costed 1000 euro(I still can not accepted for the price). My bike together with my sister's in Beijing only costed 50 euro.The below photos for Nini. She wanted to see the river so I took the camera with me to take the photos for her.

This is the street where we live.

This is the begaining of the river where I head to Frankfurt. Many young people sitting around and chating.

All the way you will see many of this kind of couple doing bike trip. On the weekend you see more of them with their kids.Frankfurt is not far.......

Young mom is playing with her child. and two guys are playing frisbee.....

Beautiful avenue to ride bikes right?You can also have fun on the water.

Closer........ More...

Frankfurt is near at hand... Frankfurt is here.......... I need a rest...
People are jogging..........
to Nini...here's my new hair style.

Happy Ostern

2009-04-12T03:35:00.007+08:00

Ostern is the German word for " Easter". Tomorrow is the Ostern day, but the Germans already started their holidays since last Friday. This holiday will be continued until next Monday. Martin told me Ostern is the second important holiday to them which after Christmas. During the holidays and weekends, besides restaurant and bars, all the shops are closed in Germany. People usually going out travel , or laying down aside of the Main river enjoying the sunshine, having drinks talking to friends at the open bar.

My first impression of Ostern was the colored eggs. They are sold at every market one month before Ostern day's coming. The rabbit chocolates is also the important factor to this event.

My parents in law Karin and Gerhard have visited us in the two days. Karin brought us an Ostern basket that filled with chocolates and cockies.

Karin also brought other foods for our refrigerator. Whenever we are together with her and Gerhard, we are spoiled children whom never worries no food to eat. Humm....Martin and I are going to have many delicious food to eat in the next week.

Label of China-Faked?

2009-04-03T12:29:00.005+08:00

It has embarrassed me when I had my first real conversation yesterday afternoon to a German since I came to Germany.

Yesterday afternoon the weather was very good with sunshine, so I decided to go to a coffee shop to have some coffee and study German since my German class is taking a pause for three weeks due to the coming Easter holiday.

It was a nice place to sitting outside of the restaurant and have some drinks while exploring yourself under the sunshine. I believe the city will be fresher and nicer when the greens came out after about one more week.This coffee cost 2.5 EURO. The price is roughly the same compared to the coffee shops in China, indeed a little bit cheaper. This is something I found in Germany that compared to people's average income, the prices in Germany are not much more expensive than the prices in some big cities of China like Beijing and Shnghai.

Ok, here is the story that embarrassed me.

When I was studying German in this shop, there's a German guy sitting on next table, who's at his 35s. He started to talk to me and then I got to know he is an artist, doing sculptures. He told me there will an art exhibition held soon in Frankfurt by a Chinese painter. Then he mentioned there's a city in China that the whole city makes paintings, but he emphasised they are copy painting. I wanted to confirm with him:" does that mean they are faked paintings?“, he said:" Yes".

He was kind all the time; I know he didn't means to focus on the" fake" word. But as a Chinese, I was sensitive and really embarrassed. It is the truth that there are too many false goods in China.

I wonder if "Fake" is becoming the label of China to the world?

The Differences-Food

2009-03-29T23:39:00.017+08:00

Some comments left by Jens and Mick about more of the different cultures on food. Here I copy some of them to this page and add more that just came to my mind, they are displayed below in green. Of course not all of what I am saying apply to all people in two countries, just a comment feature.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This week the weather in Germany started to get better. The sun is out, the blue sky is appeared, more people going out. What makes me happier is that I will start to go to school this afternoon. Thank you all for your comments and advices and encouragement in previous post.

In Germany I like to compare things to same things in China- The price, the food, the people and the environment. As a new comer, I am still not qualified to comment much of the culture differences, not yet.

I just got the thought to write down the differences that I have seen and experienced in this short period. Maybe you have different ideas, just don’t hesitate to put your comments here. Here starts with food:

THE FOOD
Chinese prefer warm and cooked food; Germans eat more cold and uncooked food.

Chinese drink tea and water; Germans drink coffee and beer.

German's fridges full of processed food; Chinese fridges have more vegetables.

German foods are simple and limited choice; Chinese have many choices and more restaurant. Germans don't drink as much soup as Chinese.

Germans think its strange that Chinese eat rabbits head, ducks neck, chicken feet; Chinese think its strange that Germans eat cheese.

Germans take potato as staple food; Chinese treat potato as vegetable.

Germans eat some uncooked meat; Chinese think Germans are not well developed in this way.

Chinese take eating as the most important matter, they meet friends, making business and hooking up with someone such activities are all done in restaurant; Most of German activities are done in coffee shop or bar.

In Germany, going to a restaurant is just too expensive on a regular basis especially if you order more than the main dish (Jens); In China, there are so many different level of restaurants with different prices for you to choose. I went to restaurants in China with Martin or my family, friends at lest twice a week. Here in Germany.... no much chances any more.... we need to cook at home.

Chinese like to order food much more than they can eat at the moment in the restaurant, especially on business and friends treatment; Germans are better in this way, they order what they can eat at once.

When I went to restaurant asking for warm water, it was always a surprise to the waitress and they usually brought me hot water. Then I don’t ask for warm water anymore.

Germans eat bread as the main food (Jens); Southern Chinese eat rice and northern Chinese eat steamed bread or dumplings as the main food.

That’s all I have in my mind for now, do you have more to add?

Raining Day

2009-03-26T07:10:00.010+08:00

This Monday I went to the immigration office changed my visa to a one year term visa. At the first three years I can only get one year visa each time. After first three year then I can get the perminent residence permit. good thing is now I can legally work in Germany. But I don't speak German, how can I find a job here?

The immigration office provided me a list with the recommended German language schools which I can go to take German course. This kind of German course will take 600 hours study, but I need to pay one euro per hour. After finished this course and if I pass the test, then I will get the half money back, which is 300 euro. I am now calling every school to find out the information for my study. Unfortunately 4 of 8 schools I called don't speak english. Here's the conversation between us:

School: @@@###$$$$%%^^^
Lirong: hello, this is lirong,calling for the German course, do you speak English?
School: Nein
Lirong: is there any body speaks English?
School: Nein
Lirong: ok, Thank you.Bye
School: tschuss

What the!!!!!

So Martin will help me to find it out again later. They other two schools says they will have a class starts at begaining of May.

Even though the language problem made me unhappy today. but when I heard Martin will take me out to dinner, then I started to spend two hours to dress up, however the dinner has only taken one hour. Until Martin mentioned, I didn't know I had a unhappy face all the way. but I still didn't forget to bring my camera, I told Martin I need to take photos for my blog. haha.....I changed my hair style because I wanted to change my mood. Today the highest tempreture was 6 degree, it has started raining again since yesterday. I didn't know I was unhappy until Martin mentioned to me. Isn't it strange?He could recognise when I have any little thing hide in my heart, even I can not notice by myself. Martin give me this rose.he didn't buy it, its from the dining table. He took the picture for me, so I take it as his rose for me.

Grocery

2009-03-23T00:41:00.005+08:00

When I go shopping in German shopps, the price is my first concern. I still multipling 10 on EURO to compare the prices to Chinese Yuan. Before I came to Germany, I bought many wearing goods such as clothes, socks in China. Then I try not to shop clothes in Germany, not only concerning the price, but also the style and size. Now when I am going to shopps mostly just for daily groceries.

Here are something last week I bought from the supermarket nearby. I like to buy their fresh mushrooms and tomatos. All of the stuff costed 19 euro(lets equal to 190 RMB). I think the prices of groceries are not much more expensive than in China, compared to the qualities.

Visiting Martin's Parents

2009-03-16T18:43:00.037+08:00

Since I arrived in Germany, the rain hasn't stopped in our city for almost one week. This week the weather is starting to get better.

Martin was taking holidays from office to accompany me until last Wednesday. When he went to work on last Wednesday, I thought I should go out to have a walk to explore the new environment. It was my first time to go out alone. By humans nature, I felt insecure and shy to face the new place, especially when I don't speak and understand local language. Therefore, before going out, I started to prepare my handbag very carefully.

When I am going out in China, my handbags usually have things like purse, key and cellphone. Here in Germany my handbag is heavier. Here are my belongings I need to take with me: cellphone, passport, purse, umbrella, dictionaries(German to Chinese, Chinese to German),book for simple conversations in German, city map, mirror, of course including my camera. aah.....I forgot my key...Unfortunately, I spent the whole day at home on Wednesday after I watched the rampage news that took place in the school of Winnenden. I watched this news on CNN just when I was ready to go out. I have shocked and felt more insecure about this new place.

But the weekend I had a good time when Martin and I visiting my parent in law-Karin and Gerhard. They live in a city where 3 hours drive from Frankfurt.

I have met Karin and Gerhard two times in China. First time was in October of 2006, when I just joined DPD and it was the first year when Martin come to live in China. Even though we were working in the same office, but we both were too shy to talk to each other, so we rarely talked to each other at that time. When Karin and Gerhard came to Beijing visiting Martin, our company invited them for dinner. Since I was working in same team, I also attended to this dinner. I could feel Karin likes me and she was paying attention to me. After dinner during our coffee time, she seemed very curious about my hobbies and interests. I remember she asked me if I will move to another country for my love. She has pulled wires between me and Martin.

The second time we met in Beijing in October of 2008, when Martin and I are engaged. The two times of meeting was significant to us.

Now we are one family, I was so much looking forward to visit them after I arrived in Germany. I wanted to see where Martin has growned up and the city he lived during his childhood. Martin is the only child to Karin and Gerhard, they have given us a lot of supports. I tell Martin often that I couldn't find a better parents in law in the world.

Karin and Gerhard prepared with great care for our visiting. The food, our room, music, even my slipper. I love the flowers and plants they have in their house; I also love the clean, tidy environment they are living. I never seen a house can be this clean and beautiful in China.

This is the balcony. I like the color of the chairs and the clean windows. On the table are the old photos Gerhard showed me from their old times, including some of Martin's photos when he was a little boy. Maybe someday I can scan it to show you how cute he was. Sigh...what a pity I can not find any of my photo from childhood.Below are some photos of the plants in the house. Karin is a romantic person. Her house has so many plants, flowers, different beautiful candles and decorating futnitures. I told her I need to learn from her to be a good wife.

Karin prepared us a decent German style breakfast. Chinese breakfast is usually combined with stuffed buns, steamed bread, porridge and preserved vegetables. Chinese people prefer warm food. Until now I still prefer to drink warm water. Porridge is one of my favorite food, Germans don't eat it much.Since I am living with Martin, I am now getting used to German bread, sausage, cheese. Unlike Chinese people, German dishes are usually cold. When I asking for warm water in German restaurant, the waitress looked very suprised that she couldn't understand why I drink warm water. Besides the flavor of food, I like the dining table of Germans. Their tables look more clean and tidy than Chinese dining tables.

On Sunday, Karin and Gerhard took us to a steak restaurant for lunch. This restaurant is famous for the meat which are from their own feed ox( or cows?). Restaurant located in one of the village on a mountain.The oxes are just living next to the restaurant.

This is the entrance of the restaurant. Most part of the house built by wood.I like the decoration of this restaurant. It looks very cozy. Here is Gerhard walking towards us....In the market, I see this kinds of colored eggs everywhere, Martin told me its for Easter Day. In this steak restaurant, we see the decoration eggs on every table to welcome this holiday. I need to check the information about Easter Day. I still have no idea about it.Gerhard is showing me the menu. I don't understand the German characters, but the picture illustrated detailed enough which part of the meat is good for us.
Outside of the restaurant is cowshed and snow mountain. This restaurant is located on the mountain which over 700miters high, the snow of this area still not completely melted yet. This is another side of the window. Some cows are staying outside of the shed. The feeling is very strange to looking at those cows and later eating the steak.The waitress told us a cow needs 2.5 years to grow up. A closer photo to the cow(Martin says they are OX, not Cow). Food is coming. First we had the starter. I always welcome vegetables.They keep my body slim.Here you go, the main dish. I don't like to eat meat that much. I prefer to have some vegetables next to the meat. But this steak tasted really good and the potato also not bad. After lunch I told Martin no dinner for us.Martin took this photo of me. He corrects me often about the right way to use knifes and forks. But my sister also often corrects me the right way to hold chopsticks. Anyway, as long as I am able to eat food, I guess should no problem.This women is the only waitress of this restaurant. All the lunch time I only saw her serving 5 tables alone, but still well organized. In China, you always see 4 or 5 waiters or waitresses serving one or two table. This is something different in Germany. Martin told me because in Germany the labour is expensive and they are efficient.