A Day of My Life in China

[@pingliang2159]

It is a blessing to see the scriptures you shared at the end. With God you will make it. Thank you for sharing about your life in China. God bless!

[@dessertofhearts2147]

Although I'm an English teacher, I always find myself to be the *student* when I watch the Red Dragon Diaries👍

[@chonglor4709]

Hey, Tom. I'm close to being done with teaching in Korea. I hope to teach in China some day. Great to see you doing well.

[@Reddragondiaries]

China's a good financial choice. I miss Korea

[@chonglor4709]

@@Reddragondiaries Korea was good. I just did not like the job. I work at an English Center where I teach teaching strategies to Korean teachers, and I teach adults. I don't get to teach kids. China is on my radar. What city are you currently teaching in? Btw, I bought your book.

[@라이프-l5q]

@@chonglor4709 He's in Dongguan, between Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Where did you teach in S Korea? In Seoul? I will be going SK as soon as I receive my F-4 visa. I also bought Tom's book and read the section on "older teachers."

[@chonglor4709]

@@라이프-l5q I taught in Jeju.

[@gmoney7826]

Just caught up on all your newest videos! Is there restrictions on your internet use? Ty for your videos, they're great. More Judo please!!!!

[@lingeringquestions519]

Watching your life in these videos always amazes me. You've moved around, taught, showed us Judo stuff. It's amazing.

[@Reddragondiaries]

It's been a journey for sure

[@lingeringquestions519]

@@Reddragondiaries It must be.

[@TuwanaVining]

Worse things have happened over misunderstandings, sadly. I'm glad you're safe. Thank you sharing your day. I cut my hair for the same reason but thankfully it was long enough to donate.

[@Reddragondiaries]

They sure have. I won't be donating my hair, but I'm glad you did. Very worthy cause.

[@bryancole842]

Really detailed and informative look at life there in China. Thanks Tom 🙏 you stayed so calm and collect at the post office_ I could relate to it. During my 10yrs in Tokyo I jumped through hoops I never imagined I could. Also wondering about the cost of food there in the nice neighborhood market. How’s the coffee ?

[@CaroleMcDonnell]

That lake looks so wonderful. And yes! walking/jogging around the lake is good for phytoncides. Thanks for the video. Prayed for you and a good fellowship.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thanks so much for the prayers. At night, the is even better. Lots of people, all lit up and a very positive vibe.

[@simplyvicent4569]

Also, thank you for the videos. I left teaching altogether a few years back, but your videos helps me remember the things I loved and challenges I went through while teaching abroad. Hope all is well. - Cisco

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thanks. Glad to hear it brought back some good memories

[@HenryFlores4]

Really love these mega-vlogs! Keep it up Tom. God bless.

[@alohilani1111]

It’s been years since I’ve visited your KZbin, last time you where in Japan…wow now China? Hope you are doing well friend and having a happy journey & adventures life. Aloha

[@tame112blood]

They prefer the dark meat because it holds flavor better and it cooks well over long periods of time. America is about the only place I know that prefers the white meat. #FurikakeSeasoning

[@Reddragondiaries]

I was thinking that after I made the video. I always preferred dark meat anyway. I guess it works in my favor though that chicken breast is inexpensive.

[@Steven-ep7ed]

I dont know if its still the case but the chicken feet in china, could be from chickens from the States. A little taste of home?

[@blessednhadie]

Hi there! Watched some of your vids when you were here in Korea. Im also a teacher and moving to Dongguan in August. So Fortunate to have stumbled upon your China videos knowing that I will be working at the same school as yours. Hows life there overall? Thanks in advance. - Ronaldo

[@mohamedadan6678]

love these types of videos! Make more :)

[@SamuraiKidMusic]

Cool! I hope you continue your judo/bjj journey as well. I suspect bjj is not very popular yet in China...

[@Reddragondiaries]

Maybe some day. BJJ is gaining momentum though. It's a tough battle though because of the strong attachment to wushu

[@simplyvicent4569]

Tom, what gear are you using to stabilize your camera? Or do you have an incredibly steady hand :D?

[@Reddragondiaries]

I have a Sony FDR-X3000 with optical stabilization (not digital). Works amazingly

[@Katee88]

That grocery reminds me of the small grocery stores we have in the little seaside and lake towns, here. ❤️ I’m sorry about your cheese shortage, but envious of the egg variety, wow. Some of them look like maybe duck eggs? Also, was that 3 bonus eggs on top of the ones you picked up? I have questions about the eggs. The sealed packaged meats remind me of the prepackaged camping meals that are getting to be kind of a big deal here for outdoor activities like hiking, etc. Its mostly complete (and usually not very palatable) meals in the package. There would probably be a good market for just individual protein and veg selections like you have there. Also, I’ve never tried chicken foot but that lotus looks relevant to my interests. So glad to see you vlogging, again & doing well☺️ I love that you found such a good purpose for your narrative talent with the prayer channel. It’s really good. I hope it continues to grow. I think so many would find it helpful, right now. But geez, please be careful of saw?? wielding hangry old men on scooters. WTH. So glad you were able to nope outta there when he whoopsed himself. Maybe bring some bear mace or something when you are out on the mean streets of suburban China..

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thanks so much for all the encouragement. I really hope Prayerful Hope serves a real and meaningful purpose over time. There's a great variety of stuff at the market. As more tech and Huawei folks move into town, the overall variety should improve too. They'll be more demanding. I hope to keep up even a minimum schedule of vlogging when school starts, but it's tough. So tired all the time now!

[@Katee88]

@@Reddragondiaries it sounds like they are working you quite a bit. Which is good on one hand, but can be really physically & mentally draining over time. It’s important to rest your body on your downtime. I hope you find a means to decompress your mind, as well.

[@Reddragondiaries]

@@Katee88 finding the ways to decompress is always the challenge

[@justinleon3509]

hi, tried emailing you tom. are you not posting videos anymore?

[@zenosyne]

currently trying to decide on whether to go to China or Korea first. Not got a lot of money saved up so the main thing is cheaper living and being able to save up. Any advice?

[@Reddragondiaries]

Cost of living is cheaper in China. Not sure what jobs you qualify for, but cost of living is cheaper

[@rachelleanderson4291]

My friend Shirmane and I met you a few years back in Busan, glad to see you're managing well in China! Minus that incident with the guy and the saw....definitely sounded like something out of a Michael Myers film lol

[@Reddragondiaries]

yes, it was a freaky moment for sure! I think the best way to describe the experience here is that I'm managing...

[@rachelleanderson4291]

@@Reddragondiaries I kinda picked up on that. Life abroad isn't all roses, but I'm sure you'll push through.

[@ElenaErvin]

I love this video. Reminds me of when I was in Dalian - happy memories! So glad you are doing well!

[@Reddragondiaries]

I just looked that up. That's way up there. Even very close to NK.

[@ElenaErvin]

@@Reddragondiaries Yeah, pretty close. Whenever I visited Seoul, it was a 30 min flight, and that included taxing down the runway!! I loved my time in China - very happy memories for me. I was pretty sure I was going to be killed by those electric scooters, though - they sneak up on ya when you're walking!!!

[@Reddragondiaries]

@@ElenaErvin that's so cool. So easy to visit Seoul! I would love that kind of access. Yes LOL. It's bad enough that there are so many scooters, but on top of that they are completely silent. Like a bad scary movie or something. They are cracking down on them now though. Though they haven't enforced it completely yet, they are moving towards only allowing scooters that go maybe 25-30 km/hr max. Periodically they do sweeps in the city and the cops just roll up and take thousands of noncompliant scooters from people.

[@ElenaErvin]

@@Reddragondiaries Like electric death ninjas! I'd be walking down the sidewalk, and zzzt!! They'd be speeding pass before I realized they were there! Dalian only has 6 mil, but the traffic was insane. After I got back State side, rush hour was NOTHING compared to that. Definitely changed my perspective! I loved my time in China, and one day hope to return. The company I work for now has offices in Shanghai and Beijing - I'm working on finangling a worktrip to return for even a bit!

[@Reddragondiaries]

@@ElenaErvin Yup lol. They just appear out of nowhere. That's really great. I hope things come together for you so you can make it back to China. Shanghai is really a nice city. Expensive but nice.

[@limosine]

Props for the comprehensive supermarket tour! Very well-presented store, but looks expensive for China. Shame the post lady saw your camera - she was a bit gruff wasn't she!

[@Reddragondiaries]

Yeah she wasn't the friendliest person I've encountered. I would say prices in China are similar to, maybe a bit less than back home (in Florida). I'm glad you enjoyed the supermarket tour. They're always fun to show.

[@Haywood-Jablomie]

@@Reddragondiaries Show her what O-Goshi Nage feels like on hard cement !!! #EqualTreatment

[@ktimekiller]

Tom, how are you liking China compared to your time in Korea and Japan?

[@Reddragondiaries]

Great question. It's different. Like many, the first few years in Korea will always be the brightest memories, but China pays well. If I lived in a more bustling city I would have higher expenses and maybe even have a lower salary. So it's part sacrifice and making the best of what the area has to offer. It's not like Busan though.

[@Reddragondiaries]

@@missplainjane3905 I was in Japan for only a year so I never had a chance to settle in. Maybe I'll go back someday

[@missplainjane3905]

@@Reddragondiaries But do you somehow miss Japan ?

[@Reddragondiaries]

@@missplainjane3905 Yes, I do. I hope to visit there again some day

[@dreammfyre]

There’s something super creepy about “happy” music being played at malls. “No, you’re not depressed at all. Listen to this soothing song while spending your hard earned money and everything will be fine...”. EDIT: I’m not saying this is a Chinese thing. It’s even worse in Japan.

[@cityofjoy8830]

Nice to see your videos..any videos on country life in China. Also do all chinese know kung-fu.??

[@vincentnnyc]

Any update on the recent CCP crackdown on private education system? Are you still currently employed as a English teacher now in dongguan? If not, what is your next plan?

[@nataleeflores3487]

Is this a good city for a first year ESL teacher from America? Asking for myself. I ride scooters and Mandarin seems fairly accessible. Haven't been in China since 97. It has grown!

[@tomgates6262]

I would very much not recommend Dongguan to anyone if quality of life is a part of your equation. I came here strictly for the job so I've suffered through a lot, just as every other teacher here. They universally dislike the city. Choose a place you want to live and then find a job there.

[@koreancardboard]

Long time, no talk. When did you move to China? Were you in Japan after Busan? if so, how long were you there (Japan)? Hahaha. That's a crazy story about the road rage! What level are you teaching? Hear about China trying to claim kimchi as their own?

[@paketa7736]

How is it living there, language barrier-wise?

[@Reddragondiaries]

Big language barrier, but we have translation apps! I'm trying to learn some Mandarin though.

[@trashybasher7368]

Which city is this ?

[@Mat2da]

You seem to miss Judo and Worship a lot just from your running segment. Why not move to a location where there are both? You have been in China for awhile now. I'm surprised you haven't moved yet.

[@Reddragondiaries]

That's a good point and something I've considered many times. The main reason I don't move is because of the job opportunity I currently have. Judo, even if I do train again, is something I am careful with now at my age. It takes a toll on the body and injuries happen much more frequently. Nobody beats father time!

[@Mat2da]

@@Reddragondiaries Doesn't hurt at any age to stop you from doing uchikomis! All jokes aside, I wish you well sir. Great vlog.

[@georgemkay5980]

Awesome!!! 😃

[@dn-anonymous]

Which city are you in?

[@StephanieJoRountree]

What exactly do you mean "health card" - is that like a vaxxed card? Oh, okay - you later mentioned testing. Have you been vaxxed?

[@Reddragondiaries]

I think I said health code. It's a QR code that accesses your current health status based on where you've visited and what recent tests you've had. So for instance, we had a couple cases in the city and it was mandatory that everyone in the province (just imagine those numbers) get tested. Twice so far. Those test results get loaded into your health status that is brought up by your personal QR code

[@StephanieJoRountree]

@@Reddragondiaries You probably did say code. Thanks for your quick response.

[@Reddragondiaries]

@@StephanieJoRountree you're welcome

[@MilkShaikh]

There’s a BJJ gym in DaLingShan that does some judo

[@Reddragondiaries]

Can you tell me how I can find it. I only know of the BJJ place in Nancheng

[@VolcardoReviewer]

Crazy to think a city with 9 million people is considered second or third tier in China. lol

[@lejaders]

Why don’t you schedule a kuai di return through taobao? They’ll come to your house and pick it up! In the 4 years I’ve lived here I’ve never even seen a China Post, I just find a kuai di place or man in the streets 😂 They never need my passport 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

[@lejaders]

Another box ma? 😂😂😂😂😂😂 I am dying!

[@Reddragondiaries]

I don't think I've heard of that. Is it legit?

[@maldova]

Are you American Chinese?

[@Reddragondiaries]

American half Korean

[@lingeringquestions519]

I wonder what your hair or lack of hair will look like next video.

[@Reddragondiaries]

LOL! You watched till the end. Amazing

[@lingeringquestions519]

@@Reddragondiaries Yeah! Lol

[@dn-anonymous]

My guess is the electric saw man would have threatened you with the saw, but done some damage to your bike and messed it up badly - Chinese people are not violent, but some of them are crazy and on-edge. Often got their own sense of justice, and a foreigner will have a bad time of it. Why did you leave Korea?

[@Reddragondiaries]

I think you're right about them not being violent. It was just time for me to leave Korea. There is a finite set of opportunities there and I think I'd seen all that I could at that time. I may go back someday, but just not for now. My best memories will probably always be in Busan.

[@ningningprecious9842]

In my observation as I watch your videos, you are a loner (internet era)😉 I hate internet because of that, no more fellowship😉 Hard to find good friends ever since!😉 Nice video soecially where cutting your hair!!!!😉😉😉😉

[@3210vca]

Whoah!!! Collision with a China Man with Chainsaw!!! Exciting. Looks like a clip from a Bruce Lee movie. Lol...but do Stay Safe. And always Err on the safe side of caution.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Wataaa!!

[@sbring00able]

Cool slice of life in China. Great seeing videos in China that aren't pandering or overly political.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thank you. Although talking politics, particularly negative China politics, is highly lucrative I try to stay away from it

[@Non-esthetic]

Vegan McKee D’s 😂