How stupid of me to think that there was such a thing as an un-shallow way of keeping fit in China?! I mean, I’ve already seen how women behave in the dressing room before they head into the gym for a work-out: some put on make-up, some put on mini-hot pants, and wrap their bodies in plastic foil...
Then I joined a yoga club. And was amazed by the fact that I was NOT the only woman washing off my make-up before a class. Hallelujah!
That’s until yesterday, when I got changed next to a petite Chinese girl who put on a tight singlet and pants, and then suddenly took out a pair of fake boobs that she put on inside the singlet.
Oh, and there I thought I’d come to the land of naturals. What was I thinking. One must remember that she lives in a country of shallowness.
Hi, not really in relation to this particular post. But I found your blog whilst looking for ideas of kids shows to watch to improve my mandarin. I am English but living in China (Hunan province) for a year whilst teaching. I was curious is there a page that you explain what you do in china and how you got here? I am interested as my dream is to work in films/tv out here if I can master the language well enough. Thanks in advance.
ReplyDeletegreeting for you
ReplyDeleteehm faking it hehehe getting some idea for get nice mean.oh iya i was follow you,greeting from me in hongkong ok keep in touch hehehe good luck
It would be exhausting to worry about your appearance every second of the day.
ReplyDeleteI read your earlier blog post 'Plastic Fantastic'. I once saw a TV documentary about sex in modern China compared to Mao's period. I think make-up, parfumes and brand clothes are still so new to Chinese people because in Mao's time everybody dressed the same uniforms and women had short hair and no make-up and nobody was really allowed to talk about sex or show romantic feelings in public. It's incredible how many make-up, beauty product and lingerie boutiques there are in Chinese malls these days.
ReplyDeleteI love Chinese and Japanese fashion magazine Rayli and ViVi models but recently I've suddenly grown up and become little bit bored of colorful contact lenses, hair extensions, false eye lashes, gel nails etc. I've noticed that what I used to like few years ago looks totally silly now. Sometimes I've very confused what's beautiful in real life instead of just films and magazines.
But then again I'm an overweighted Finnish woman dating over 6 years with a Chinese man. My boyfriend's Chinese mom and sis try telling me tactfully that I should not eat so much sweets and I should drink green tea and do yoga. :) Well, maybe later...
If I would have money and it would be totally safe to have a plastic surgery for my big nose, I'd do it!
I've read your blog recently and it sometimes sounds like you worry about your weight (sales women commenting about you in shops etc) but to me it looks like you've got nothing to worry about at all! You are slim enough and you exercise a lot and blonde hair with brown eyes is cool. :) Chinese figures are very childlike when they are so slim.
'a country of shallowness' because women get their boobs done? and you think this happens only in China? You've left the west for too long hon.
ReplyDeleteI read on some british tabloid yesterday that Pete Burns has said getting a plastic surgery is like buying a new sofa.
and fake boobs? what's that? I guess you meant pads that women put in their bra? Just because you have an ample chest doesn't mean other women can't try to make their figure look fuller.
ReplyDeleteHugo -wow, that's a HUGE question! I was living and working in Fi when I decided I needed a change of scene.. So I decided to quit my job and take a chance in China. I came here in Aug, 2006, and since then I have worked for media in Shanghai and Suzhou, studied Chinese, and taught some wonderful Korean kids Eng! Now I'm working full-time in Shanghai. I will write more about my job towards the end of this year, when I get all sentimental and do the traditional "looking back at the year that went by". Stay tuned!
ReplyDeleteJewels -agree!
Anonymous -yeah u r right of course. Some things are still new to China. But not THAT new. Nowadays it's a very shallow community, I think Mao would turn in his grave if he knew!
As for me, it's impossible not to worry about my weight in China because over here I'm a giant. But... it comes and goes. Overall I don't think about it too much. I eat well, exercise a lot and live a quite healthy life without too much drinking... so nah, I know I should not be complaining.
However, not eating sweets is a lot of HARD WORK!!!
Anonymous -well I still think some countries are more shallow than others. I have friends who have done boob jobs for various reasons. Some because their boobs have been too big and a health risk, and some because they feel their boobs are too small and want bigger ones. They know for themselves who's shallow and who's not. nothing wrong with being shallow from time to time but I think there's a time and place for everything. Fake boobs at yoga isn't really common.
I am a beijinger.It has been bit of fun since I started reading your post some time ago, cuz I know it was/is going to be sarcastic, as I am also quite sarcastic at things.
ReplyDeleteIt was first time I heard about "faking boobs", hope it is only a shanghai thing. Never been to Shanghai even though my mom was born there, I always image that city is full of snoby and fake people as they always are picturing themselves as people with taste but actually just being fake 24/7, once-colony-status made them more western wana-be.And only thing the girls are good at probably was taken advantage by western male losers. Your story just approved it. and here is the advice from a Beijinger: be self-respect and confident.
Are there any guys at the yoga club? I mean, who are the boobs supposed to impress?
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to the gym since March 2009. My membership runs out in January so I'd better get down there and perhaps get some more blog material!
some chinese don't make it past puberty... i can't blame them for wanting to be womanly....
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