Are you a new foreigner living in China?
After sometime living in China you are now realizing going out is time consuming. Shopping isn’t a quick car trip down the street to a Safeway or Walgreens. You have no idea where to start to prepare a Chinese dish; the spice aisle in the grocery store is daunting. Cleaning, well let’s face it, it takes a few too many hours during your week when you rather be enjoying a good book, your hobby, or launching your newest job into society. You’re a foreigner looking for real scenarios to practice your Mandarin.
At this point you are realizing that time is your only commodity. Once “time” is gone it’s gone forever. Your time doesn’t have to be spent on these tasks. You make money and can spend it on what you desire. “Time” is a resource just like buying clean water, food and items we enjoy. You can save your “time” and hire an a(1)yi(2) to help free you up to spend your time the way you want to. An a(1)yi(2) is the name of a Chinese maid/nanny.
The 5 Reasons Why You Should Have an A(1)yi(2):
1) They will cook you meals.
2) They will clean your home.
3) Their presence gives you an opportunity to practice your Mandarin.
4) You are helping the economy, giving someone employment.
5) Their work saves you time because they do the general household shopping, cooking and cleaning.
Below are some pictures of our a(1)yi(2).
The secret behind cutting up tu(3)dou(3)Si(1); a popular Chinese dish of shredded potatoes.
Shredded potato
Fresh veggies from the local market.
Our first meal from our ayi.
Chinese wings that are steaming.
Our a(1)yi(2) comes into our home twice a week for four hours. She does our grocery shopping before she arrives here, prepares two Chinese meat and vegetable dishes and cleans our attire small flat.
You can find an a(1)yi(2) by either asking your friends or getting connected to the local international community. More than likely another foreigner has had one.
If your living in China I recommend you try having an a(1)yi(2) because it is really affordable and their service saves you time that can’t be bought back.
