In case you only read this and do not get my emails, I have arrived safely home.
I’ve been busy. Busy avoiding something, busy with other things. Figured it was high time to write.
My trip back was relatively uneventful. Stayed in a nice hotel in Beijing, did some shopping. Had to check out around 5:30 AM, then proceeded to fly for the remainder of the day and the day following. The flights weren’t as crowded as they are in the summer, which is obvious. I hear that Northwest’s trans-Atlantic and domestic flights are terrible, but their Pacific flights are not bad.
In Seattle, I thought I lost one of my bags, which would be the first time ever, bu t it turns out someone took it, found out, and checked it into lost and found. So I made a B-line there, figuring I’d find my dad later (he’s a big person and all that). Well he anticipated my movements and met me at baggage. With my mom.
A pleasant surprise.
So we then met with my brother for breakfast, then hung out in the Alaska board room. My parents had graciously arranged to fly home with me—9 hours after arrival. It was good.
So now I’ve been getting settled. I’m glad I first came here. 98% of all my friends are in Washington, which means things are really quiet here. It gives me about a month to readjust, which is definitely taking time. This town is too small, I’ll tell you what. Yesterday I had three appointments. I had to go to the health clinic to get my TB test read, which was negative; then, the dentist, who told me my tooth is really just an irritated gum, but I should get my teeth cleaned (pending an opening in their schedule); finally, the chiropractor who told me one leg is longer than the other and my back is a bit weird—but whose isn’t.
Today, I have a meeting with the newspaper, tomorrow another chiropractor appointment.
Want to know why this town is too small? I know the dentist’s oldest son, I graduated with the daughter and son of the two ladies who work in the dentist’s office. My chiropractor is the father of three boys, the oldest graduated with my brother, the youngest with my sister, and I hung out with the two younger boys. Then I happen to go to the post office where I ran into two people I know.
So anyway, that’s life for now. I’ll probably start laying insulation underneath our house soon. Then my feet won’t be so cold when I go downstairs. My room is in the attic. Although it is zoned for heating, the temperature up here tended to be opposite of downstairs. So if I was freezing, they’d be warm. If I’d be dying of heatstroke, they’d be freezing—and turn up the heat. So years ago I shut off the heat and got a space heater… and life has been bliss.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Mixed Feelings
So I haven't written in a while. I've had dozens of potential things to write about. I'm sure they'd be interesting. I could've written about the beggar I saw with a live monkey that starred at me. I could've written about our small (5) Chinese 2 class having dinner over at our teacher's house, then taking her out the night after and the great times we had. I could've written about some friends from church taking me to an island here for the day. I could've written about my last Sunday and church and how sad I am to leave. I could've written about my Chinese 2 exam…
But each time, I just didn't want to organize my thoughts. Perhaps I'm in denial.
I'm sad to go. It hit me on Sunday when I was chilling out front on a beautiful Xiamen day talking with some friends at church. I looked around and realized I was leaving. I wouldn't be here anymore.
And I was sad.
It seems our group as loosened up in these last days. We seem more carefree, more energetic from a very exhausting semester. We've had some good times, and I'll be honestly sad to see some of them go. I'm going to miss some of the profs I've had, the friends I've made.
The experiences I've had.
I'll have plenty of time for introspection as I travel for two days or so to get home. But this is it for me. These last five months have been the first taste of my dreams, my goals: China. I've been here, I've seen it, tasted it, smelled it, heard it, LEARNED it. This is the beginning…
And I don't want it to end.
Sure I want to go home and see my family. I am so excited to see my dad in SeaTac and spend my layover with him. I'm stoked to see my mom in Ketchikan. My sister wouldn't even make a bet with me whether or not my mom would cry! She just said she would. I'm excited for these things, to see friends, family, and the like.
But I feel alive here. Like I'm doing something, like I'm living life. Life is a constant adventure, an adventure that I am interested and eager to get on. Now, I understand that my time, for now, is over. I understand that I will return someday. But understanding and feeling are often different.
So as I finish packing, as I attend my 5,654th banquet in China, my last one, I leave with mixed feelings. I am excited to return home, to relax, to see those I miss. But I'm sad to leave, leave the adventure, and leave those that I will miss. I've made friends, people I would love to spend more time with. People who make me laugh. People who I've learned from.
I could write a book on what I've learned, and not just about China, but about myself.
I know I've changed, but I don't know how. A quote in a book we had to read said that, "Living overseas spoils you for regular life."
And I know it has.
But each time, I just didn't want to organize my thoughts. Perhaps I'm in denial.
I'm sad to go. It hit me on Sunday when I was chilling out front on a beautiful Xiamen day talking with some friends at church. I looked around and realized I was leaving. I wouldn't be here anymore.
And I was sad.
It seems our group as loosened up in these last days. We seem more carefree, more energetic from a very exhausting semester. We've had some good times, and I'll be honestly sad to see some of them go. I'm going to miss some of the profs I've had, the friends I've made.
The experiences I've had.
I'll have plenty of time for introspection as I travel for two days or so to get home. But this is it for me. These last five months have been the first taste of my dreams, my goals: China. I've been here, I've seen it, tasted it, smelled it, heard it, LEARNED it. This is the beginning…
And I don't want it to end.
Sure I want to go home and see my family. I am so excited to see my dad in SeaTac and spend my layover with him. I'm stoked to see my mom in Ketchikan. My sister wouldn't even make a bet with me whether or not my mom would cry! She just said she would. I'm excited for these things, to see friends, family, and the like.
But I feel alive here. Like I'm doing something, like I'm living life. Life is a constant adventure, an adventure that I am interested and eager to get on. Now, I understand that my time, for now, is over. I understand that I will return someday. But understanding and feeling are often different.
So as I finish packing, as I attend my 5,654th banquet in China, my last one, I leave with mixed feelings. I am excited to return home, to relax, to see those I miss. But I'm sad to leave, leave the adventure, and leave those that I will miss. I've made friends, people I would love to spend more time with. People who make me laugh. People who I've learned from.
I could write a book on what I've learned, and not just about China, but about myself.
I know I've changed, but I don't know how. A quote in a book we had to read said that, "Living overseas spoils you for regular life."
And I know it has.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Art
I think I’m going to skip clever intros and just cut to the chase:
My art teacher came to class with a hangover.
I probably could end this post right here, but I’ll explain a bit. He’s a grad student here at Xiada, studying art. He’s really good and loves what he does. He really wants to help us and wants us to get it. A nice guy, albeit a bit single minded at times. For several days, he would come to class late. Like an hour late. We didn’t mind too much, we’d just paint. However, the day before, he was absent and the assistant director of our program happen to be in the building and stop in. When she heard our teacher was absent, she made some phone calls to the Overseas College here. He showed up.
The next day, he was on time! Like right on time!
With a hangover.
Now, that isn’t even the best part. Class started like this.
He walks in, looking a bit tired, under the weather. We’re getting ready to paint.
He goes to the board and begins to write on it. He says, and this is a direct quote, “Yesterday, I am drinking.” The mistake made there makes a ton of sense now that I speak a little Chinese. They do not conjugate verbs. They have one word for am, are, is, was, were, will be. You just throw another word after it to denote time. Anyway, I was a bit surprised, and on reflex, everyone turned to look at Ted, our TA, who had been translating for the class (the teacher speaks some English). He looks back and says, “What? He has a hangover.”
I understood, I was just a bit shocked.
Anyway, we’re done with painting now.
I just have one exam left, my Chinese 2 exam, and a short paper to write. The exam will be interesting because of the oral part. I’ll probably spend most the weekend studying. The biggest problem I have is usage: Chinese grammar, although loose in some areas, has a fairly rigid structure. Word order is extremely important. Sure I know the words. Sure I can say them with reasonable clarity. But where do I put them? Study study.
Picking up my ticket to Beijing today. Six days from now I leave for Beijing. A week from today I leave for America.
My art teacher came to class with a hangover.
I probably could end this post right here, but I’ll explain a bit. He’s a grad student here at Xiada, studying art. He’s really good and loves what he does. He really wants to help us and wants us to get it. A nice guy, albeit a bit single minded at times. For several days, he would come to class late. Like an hour late. We didn’t mind too much, we’d just paint. However, the day before, he was absent and the assistant director of our program happen to be in the building and stop in. When she heard our teacher was absent, she made some phone calls to the Overseas College here. He showed up.
The next day, he was on time! Like right on time!
With a hangover.
Now, that isn’t even the best part. Class started like this.
He walks in, looking a bit tired, under the weather. We’re getting ready to paint.
He goes to the board and begins to write on it. He says, and this is a direct quote, “Yesterday, I am drinking.” The mistake made there makes a ton of sense now that I speak a little Chinese. They do not conjugate verbs. They have one word for am, are, is, was, were, will be. You just throw another word after it to denote time. Anyway, I was a bit surprised, and on reflex, everyone turned to look at Ted, our TA, who had been translating for the class (the teacher speaks some English). He looks back and says, “What? He has a hangover.”
I understood, I was just a bit shocked.
Anyway, we’re done with painting now.
I just have one exam left, my Chinese 2 exam, and a short paper to write. The exam will be interesting because of the oral part. I’ll probably spend most the weekend studying. The biggest problem I have is usage: Chinese grammar, although loose in some areas, has a fairly rigid structure. Word order is extremely important. Sure I know the words. Sure I can say them with reasonable clarity. But where do I put them? Study study.
Picking up my ticket to Beijing today. Six days from now I leave for Beijing. A week from today I leave for America.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Laughter
Today after church, I went down to the bookstore to get a friend one of the bilingual Bibles. I wanted to pick one up myself, so I told the lady I wanted two books.
In Chinese, there are words called “measure words.” They are exclusively used after a number to denote the KIND of thing. There is a general, catchall word, but it is more appropriate if you use the proper word. So far I know the measure words for cups, bottles, books, pieces of meat (or just chicken, I haven’t figured that out yet), paper, desks, money, and probably a few other things I am forgetting. It roughly translates as two “things” or “units” and if you know the specific one, then it would be just like saying, “I’ll have two PIECES of chicken,” or “I’ll have two BOOKS.” Now most the time I do not know the measure word, so I just use the general word, which is fine. However, when I do know it, I try to use the proper one. They like that.
So, when I asked for two books, I used the general measure word. However, after a second I realized I KNOW the measure word for books, so I corrected myself by saying two books with the proper book measure word.
The lady burst out in laughter.
Now, this was not a patronizing, your-an-idiot laugh as much as the he-actually-said-something-correctly laugh. Well, I like to think of it that way. I think she was giggling because when I correct myself I purposefully pronounced both words very clearly and exaggerated the tones.
Anyway, that just made my day. I had this old woman in the church bookstore laughing for five minutes.
After that, we all went to a big Thai festival that was being held on campus. In our building alone, there are tons of Thai students. This year they had a public celebration of the Loi Kratong festival, which is a full moon type lantern festival. It seems every culture has some sort of fall/full moon festival. Ours may not be a full moon, but merely full stomachs. Anyway, they had an international beauty pageant that three of our girls were in. One of them is half-Chinese, the other full-blooded Mexican, and the third is just … white. Anyway, we went out and supported and cheered for them as they looked beautiful.
I stayed away from the Thai food, however. Twice going to Thailand and twice getting food poisoning tends to give one a physical aversion to the food.
In Chinese, there are words called “measure words.” They are exclusively used after a number to denote the KIND of thing. There is a general, catchall word, but it is more appropriate if you use the proper word. So far I know the measure words for cups, bottles, books, pieces of meat (or just chicken, I haven’t figured that out yet), paper, desks, money, and probably a few other things I am forgetting. It roughly translates as two “things” or “units” and if you know the specific one, then it would be just like saying, “I’ll have two PIECES of chicken,” or “I’ll have two BOOKS.” Now most the time I do not know the measure word, so I just use the general word, which is fine. However, when I do know it, I try to use the proper one. They like that.
So, when I asked for two books, I used the general measure word. However, after a second I realized I KNOW the measure word for books, so I corrected myself by saying two books with the proper book measure word.
The lady burst out in laughter.
Now, this was not a patronizing, your-an-idiot laugh as much as the he-actually-said-something-correctly laugh. Well, I like to think of it that way. I think she was giggling because when I correct myself I purposefully pronounced both words very clearly and exaggerated the tones.
Anyway, that just made my day. I had this old woman in the church bookstore laughing for five minutes.
After that, we all went to a big Thai festival that was being held on campus. In our building alone, there are tons of Thai students. This year they had a public celebration of the Loi Kratong festival, which is a full moon type lantern festival. It seems every culture has some sort of fall/full moon festival. Ours may not be a full moon, but merely full stomachs. Anyway, they had an international beauty pageant that three of our girls were in. One of them is half-Chinese, the other full-blooded Mexican, and the third is just … white. Anyway, we went out and supported and cheered for them as they looked beautiful.
I stayed away from the Thai food, however. Twice going to Thailand and twice getting food poisoning tends to give one a physical aversion to the food.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Thanksgiving
I am certainly envious of my friends and family who have related stories of delectable meals and wonderful times with family.
How do you celebrate an American holiday in… not America?
By going to Pizza Hut.
Yes, friends, you heard me correctly. Of course, I have never eaten at Pizza Hut in the US, mainly because I’d rather spend my money on other pizzas. However, in China, a land largely free from pizza, you really don’t have a choice. Furthermore, Pizza Hut is a fancy restaurant here. And expensive. They serve all serves of other entrees, soups, salads (with a full salad bar), and a host of desserts. And the pizza isn’t have bad.
Most of our group went and we were joined by one German friend, studying here at Xiada, as well as five or six Chinese friends. And considering one of our group is a Korean who is from Paraguay (it’s complicated), studying in the US, and now studying in China (I told you…), we had three continents of the world represented.
Pretty sure the first Thanksgiving only had two.
Other than that, I haven’t done much. As a friend and I stared out his window and chatted, I commented that for almost five months I haven’t had much time to NOT do anything. I find myself increasingly tired, on edge. Time is drawing near, and I’m ready for it.
We actually did get a Thanksgiving break, which after I thought about it, was the first days off school that we’ve had. Our trips we’ve taken are all required, so I don’t really count those. Then I also realized that I’ve never missed a class, since we have a zero attendance policy, and I’ve never been late, since it is INCREDIBLY rude to be late here.
However, I still have homework to work on. I have a presentation to give about my family on Monday, in Chinese, and I need to continue to work on my translation of a Chinese song.
Sounds like tomorrow.
Oh and in case you were wondering, I did call my parents on Thanksgiving--at least Thanksgiving there. I may be half a world away, but I still must do my sonly duties!
How do you celebrate an American holiday in… not America?
By going to Pizza Hut.
Yes, friends, you heard me correctly. Of course, I have never eaten at Pizza Hut in the US, mainly because I’d rather spend my money on other pizzas. However, in China, a land largely free from pizza, you really don’t have a choice. Furthermore, Pizza Hut is a fancy restaurant here. And expensive. They serve all serves of other entrees, soups, salads (with a full salad bar), and a host of desserts. And the pizza isn’t have bad.
Most of our group went and we were joined by one German friend, studying here at Xiada, as well as five or six Chinese friends. And considering one of our group is a Korean who is from Paraguay (it’s complicated), studying in the US, and now studying in China (I told you…), we had three continents of the world represented.
Pretty sure the first Thanksgiving only had two.
Other than that, I haven’t done much. As a friend and I stared out his window and chatted, I commented that for almost five months I haven’t had much time to NOT do anything. I find myself increasingly tired, on edge. Time is drawing near, and I’m ready for it.
We actually did get a Thanksgiving break, which after I thought about it, was the first days off school that we’ve had. Our trips we’ve taken are all required, so I don’t really count those. Then I also realized that I’ve never missed a class, since we have a zero attendance policy, and I’ve never been late, since it is INCREDIBLY rude to be late here.
However, I still have homework to work on. I have a presentation to give about my family on Monday, in Chinese, and I need to continue to work on my translation of a Chinese song.
Sounds like tomorrow.
Oh and in case you were wondering, I did call my parents on Thanksgiving--at least Thanksgiving there. I may be half a world away, but I still must do my sonly duties!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The Moon
I got done with Taiji today and took off to… well to hide. On my way to hide, I stopped at a restaurant. As I sat down, I looked up and saw an incredibly bright moon against a blue sky.
The moon. It seems brighter in the Middle Kingdom.
As I waited for my food, I pondered the moon and its importance in Chinese cultural and mythology. There are all sorts of myths about the moon and people hiding in it and all these cool things. The moon itself, however, is important within the culture.
Each September or early October, Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated. There are this sort of not good tasting things called mooncakes and in Xiamen there is some cool dice games. The roots of the festival have to do with harvest times and all that, kind of like Thanksgiving. But another meaning is the moon.
Mid Autumn Festival always falls on the full moon. There is a poem I have written down somewhere that has to do with it, but basically it is that the moon looks the same anywhere you are on the earth. We had to memorize a Chinese poem, one of the more famous ones in China, which has to do with the moon and missing your home.
When asked about the importance of Mid-Autumn, many Chinese told me that today they just remember their families if they cannot be with them during it. They often would say that they would look at the moon and dream of home. The idea is that that same moon is seen at home.
So, as I ate my food, I starred at the moon, which did seem bright, and ponder of home.
Perhaps it is fitting on the eve of Thanksgiving.
The moon. It seems brighter in the Middle Kingdom.
As I waited for my food, I pondered the moon and its importance in Chinese cultural and mythology. There are all sorts of myths about the moon and people hiding in it and all these cool things. The moon itself, however, is important within the culture.
Each September or early October, Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated. There are this sort of not good tasting things called mooncakes and in Xiamen there is some cool dice games. The roots of the festival have to do with harvest times and all that, kind of like Thanksgiving. But another meaning is the moon.
Mid Autumn Festival always falls on the full moon. There is a poem I have written down somewhere that has to do with it, but basically it is that the moon looks the same anywhere you are on the earth. We had to memorize a Chinese poem, one of the more famous ones in China, which has to do with the moon and missing your home.
When asked about the importance of Mid-Autumn, many Chinese told me that today they just remember their families if they cannot be with them during it. They often would say that they would look at the moon and dream of home. The idea is that that same moon is seen at home.
So, as I ate my food, I starred at the moon, which did seem bright, and ponder of home.
Perhaps it is fitting on the eve of Thanksgiving.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
The Note
So yesterday was a bad day.
No specific circumstance, just me coming to exhaustion. I won’t go into it other than as I walked back to my dorm last night, through the bustling streets of Xiamen, I prayed, “God. I know I’m not alone. Send me a sign. Something.”
So, last night I went to bed early. Here’s a quick shout out to my roommate who was really good about being quiet.
I get up today, make some oatmeal and coffee, as I have for the last year or so, and am poking through emails and news. I start talking to one of the Business Concentration girls on MSN. The six business concentration peeps are now interning full time with companies over here. Two of the girls are required to use MSN at work to communicate between workers. And friends.
So, we’re talking, and she says, “Did you get the note outside your door?” Now, initially, I thought it was from her, but she went on to say, “Someone gave notes to everyone. And M&Ms!” Remembering my prayer last night, I replied, “Interesting.”
So I grab the note on my way to painting class and forget about it until I’m in my room for lunch. I pull it out, read the note. Encouragement, yes. From the note, I surmised who wrote it… It made me smile and laugh and be overall encouraged. I’m reading along, “…I just wanted to encourage you because I’ve seen your amazing people skills--“
Wait, what?
If I were to take a self-assessment test right now, I would rate my people skills as fairly low. In fact, the ONE thing I have struggled with the most and been challenged on the most in China has been my people skills. During my internship, this was something we worked on. I have felt that I’ve grown in this area. However, I’ve had plenty of opportunities that could be used to illustrate the poor use of people skills. I’ve even burned a few bridges, pissed a few people off. Now, I can’t remember if I mentioned struggling with this to this person or not, but I have a feeling I did.
Now, I know some responses to this will likely be proving me wrong, and I do appreciate your encouragements, but please understand that things have been different here. For close to five months, none of you have seen me, interacted with me (unless of course you’re reading this from China, which I’m almost certain is not the case). Things over here are different, personal faults and weaknesses are more exposed.
We all have our moments.
But the moral of all this isn’t about me, but about how God is continually faithful. To quote a book I was given at the end of my internship, “If God calls, he enables.”
Those M&Ms were good, too…
No specific circumstance, just me coming to exhaustion. I won’t go into it other than as I walked back to my dorm last night, through the bustling streets of Xiamen, I prayed, “God. I know I’m not alone. Send me a sign. Something.”
So, last night I went to bed early. Here’s a quick shout out to my roommate who was really good about being quiet.
I get up today, make some oatmeal and coffee, as I have for the last year or so, and am poking through emails and news. I start talking to one of the Business Concentration girls on MSN. The six business concentration peeps are now interning full time with companies over here. Two of the girls are required to use MSN at work to communicate between workers. And friends.
So, we’re talking, and she says, “Did you get the note outside your door?” Now, initially, I thought it was from her, but she went on to say, “Someone gave notes to everyone. And M&Ms!” Remembering my prayer last night, I replied, “Interesting.”
So I grab the note on my way to painting class and forget about it until I’m in my room for lunch. I pull it out, read the note. Encouragement, yes. From the note, I surmised who wrote it… It made me smile and laugh and be overall encouraged. I’m reading along, “…I just wanted to encourage you because I’ve seen your amazing people skills--“
Wait, what?
If I were to take a self-assessment test right now, I would rate my people skills as fairly low. In fact, the ONE thing I have struggled with the most and been challenged on the most in China has been my people skills. During my internship, this was something we worked on. I have felt that I’ve grown in this area. However, I’ve had plenty of opportunities that could be used to illustrate the poor use of people skills. I’ve even burned a few bridges, pissed a few people off. Now, I can’t remember if I mentioned struggling with this to this person or not, but I have a feeling I did.
Now, I know some responses to this will likely be proving me wrong, and I do appreciate your encouragements, but please understand that things have been different here. For close to five months, none of you have seen me, interacted with me (unless of course you’re reading this from China, which I’m almost certain is not the case). Things over here are different, personal faults and weaknesses are more exposed.
We all have our moments.
But the moral of all this isn’t about me, but about how God is continually faithful. To quote a book I was given at the end of my internship, “If God calls, he enables.”
Those M&Ms were good, too…
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Uh oh
So we’ve got a little problem. Let me stress little.
My pants don’t fit.
Well, I think one pair does because I had them cleaned in Linyi and I think they had a dryer. So they shrank.
But, I put on my other pair of jeans, cause that’s what I do when my other pair gets dirty enough, and they don’t fit at all. They’ve definitely stretched in length, which means I have to hike them up a bit, but that’s not the worst part…
You know how they say you should be able to fit two fingers into the waist of your pants?
I can almost fit two hands.
I kid you not. Now, it’s a combination of pants stretching and me losing weight.
When we were in Shanghai, the hotel had a scale in our room. After doing the conversions from kilograms I found that according to my health examination I had when I first arrived in Xiamen I’ve lost a grand total of…
about 15-17 pounds.
I came to China with a few to lose, but dang it’s posing a problem now. The necks on my shirts are about twice the size of normal, and now my pants don’t fit. I’m cinching that belt of mine a bit more than normal.
“Oh, he must not be eating right! Losing all the weight…”
Tell you a secret:
I’m eating healthier than I ever did before I came to China. And I’m walking a TON each day. And we live on the six floor, no elevator.
Maybe that’s it…. I'm not sure...
My pants don’t fit.
Well, I think one pair does because I had them cleaned in Linyi and I think they had a dryer. So they shrank.
But, I put on my other pair of jeans, cause that’s what I do when my other pair gets dirty enough, and they don’t fit at all. They’ve definitely stretched in length, which means I have to hike them up a bit, but that’s not the worst part…
You know how they say you should be able to fit two fingers into the waist of your pants?
I can almost fit two hands.
I kid you not. Now, it’s a combination of pants stretching and me losing weight.
When we were in Shanghai, the hotel had a scale in our room. After doing the conversions from kilograms I found that according to my health examination I had when I first arrived in Xiamen I’ve lost a grand total of…
about 15-17 pounds.
I came to China with a few to lose, but dang it’s posing a problem now. The necks on my shirts are about twice the size of normal, and now my pants don’t fit. I’m cinching that belt of mine a bit more than normal.
“Oh, he must not be eating right! Losing all the weight…”
Tell you a secret:
I’m eating healthier than I ever did before I came to China. And I’m walking a TON each day. And we live on the six floor, no elevator.
Maybe that’s it…. I'm not sure...
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Friend Life
How long is your friend life?
That is, how long do you, on average, keep a friend before you grow apart/lose contact/have a bitter argument/steal significant others/get kicked in the teeth/etc.
Discuss.
That is, how long do you, on average, keep a friend before you grow apart/lose contact/have a bitter argument/steal significant others/get kicked in the teeth/etc.
Discuss.
Never Take Us Alive
Ok, so somehow, even though I have yet to be able to pay my internet bill, I have posted twice within a short time of each other. I say not ABLE to pay because Monday I had class from 8 AM to 6:30 PM, and today (Tuesday) I went only to have the conversation go like this (In Chinese):
*I walk up*
Lady: You here for internet?
Me: Yea. One month.
Lady: No internet today. Come back tomorrow. (More or less literal translation. She meant can’t pay for it today).
Me: Tomorrow?! (Even though I had just remember you can only do it MWF)
Lady: Yes.
Me: Ok. See you tomorrow.
So I went to McDonalds for breakfast.
Then I went to Chinese Painting. I’m totally rocking that class. We’re doing bamboo right now. I could draw bamboo all day long and be happy. I find it strangely satisfying. I also enjoy the smell of the ink. Luckily we don’t have to grind our own though. It’s very Daoist in nature, that is, harmony, and painting with your heart and mind and all that. Taiji is also fun, but it’s more challenging. And starting to be a workout.
I did learn how to break someone’s arm today. Well, course we did it really slowly like Taiji does, but if you speed it up, you’re supposed to blocking a punch and breaking the arm.
I love this country.
So, this week and the next will be pretty busy for me. I got those two classes which are NOT pushovers. Both teachers take their vocations VERY seriously (our art teacher is a grad student in art) and require us to practice outside of class. Plus I have my Chinese class which holds regular quizzes. Just this week, we are starting our assignment to translate a Chinese pop song. We need characters / pinyin / English. I’m super excited for it and I have a good song. I feel I have a good start on it too.
That’s it. Due lack of ready internet and a really busy schedule, pictures/videos are stalled. Someday I’ll get them. Maybe the weekend?
Or maybe in three weeks when I’m in Alaska.
*I walk up*
Lady: You here for internet?
Me: Yea. One month.
Lady: No internet today. Come back tomorrow. (More or less literal translation. She meant can’t pay for it today).
Me: Tomorrow?! (Even though I had just remember you can only do it MWF)
Lady: Yes.
Me: Ok. See you tomorrow.
So I went to McDonalds for breakfast.
Then I went to Chinese Painting. I’m totally rocking that class. We’re doing bamboo right now. I could draw bamboo all day long and be happy. I find it strangely satisfying. I also enjoy the smell of the ink. Luckily we don’t have to grind our own though. It’s very Daoist in nature, that is, harmony, and painting with your heart and mind and all that. Taiji is also fun, but it’s more challenging. And starting to be a workout.
I did learn how to break someone’s arm today. Well, course we did it really slowly like Taiji does, but if you speed it up, you’re supposed to blocking a punch and breaking the arm.
I love this country.
So, this week and the next will be pretty busy for me. I got those two classes which are NOT pushovers. Both teachers take their vocations VERY seriously (our art teacher is a grad student in art) and require us to practice outside of class. Plus I have my Chinese class which holds regular quizzes. Just this week, we are starting our assignment to translate a Chinese pop song. We need characters / pinyin / English. I’m super excited for it and I have a good song. I feel I have a good start on it too.
That’s it. Due lack of ready internet and a really busy schedule, pictures/videos are stalled. Someday I’ll get them. Maybe the weekend?
Or maybe in three weeks when I’m in Alaska.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Missed This One
Found this one over on MySpace from during the Trek:
11.30.07
Word.
I'm still alive. Xi'an was great. I gave my presentation at the Da Qin Nestorian (Christian) pagoda. We rode horses through the country side to get there. It was pretty much the coolest thing. Riding a horse on a dirt road and around me people are tilling their fields.
Train to Beijing was nice. We have an odd number of people and my teachers put me in a compartment without any other of my classmates. It was stinkin awesome though. Got to talk with some really neat Chinese people. Overnight trains are kind of fun. Reminded my of those two day ferry rides in high school.
Went to the Great Wall on a perfectly clear day. Summer Palace was today. It was a bit foggy, but was still good. Tomorrow is the Temple of Heaven. I should have dinner with some friends of mine, assuming their daughter doesn't decide she wants to interrupt our dinner plans and be born. I know, I'm selfish.
Things are good, but I am looking forward to being done and being home. I haven't really had a break in a long time, and really won't have one until I return home. Something is always going on. I think we have a four day weekend, and some people want to travel, but I'm seriously considering sticking around, maybe just seeing some things in Xiamen. Relaxing.
Thursday we leave for some rural areas of Shandong. I should be going dark then, that is, no internet, no phones, etc. We'll be teaching, I believe, and visiting some churches and schools. Then on to Shanghai for a day or two, then home for the rest of the semester.
Anyway, I still exist, I'm not sick like many of my classmates. It's nice and cold up here, around 10 degrees Celsius. I'm loving it. I'll bundle up in the freezing cold over sweating any day. It's the Alaskan in me.
Ok, at a Starbucks in a far end of Beijing where I took some girls to go shopping. It's weird seeing a place I've been before. Now we gotta flag a taxi and get home. Leave comments, let me know YOU are alive.
11.30.07
Word.
I'm still alive. Xi'an was great. I gave my presentation at the Da Qin Nestorian (Christian) pagoda. We rode horses through the country side to get there. It was pretty much the coolest thing. Riding a horse on a dirt road and around me people are tilling their fields.
Train to Beijing was nice. We have an odd number of people and my teachers put me in a compartment without any other of my classmates. It was stinkin awesome though. Got to talk with some really neat Chinese people. Overnight trains are kind of fun. Reminded my of those two day ferry rides in high school.
Went to the Great Wall on a perfectly clear day. Summer Palace was today. It was a bit foggy, but was still good. Tomorrow is the Temple of Heaven. I should have dinner with some friends of mine, assuming their daughter doesn't decide she wants to interrupt our dinner plans and be born. I know, I'm selfish.
Things are good, but I am looking forward to being done and being home. I haven't really had a break in a long time, and really won't have one until I return home. Something is always going on. I think we have a four day weekend, and some people want to travel, but I'm seriously considering sticking around, maybe just seeing some things in Xiamen. Relaxing.
Thursday we leave for some rural areas of Shandong. I should be going dark then, that is, no internet, no phones, etc. We'll be teaching, I believe, and visiting some churches and schools. Then on to Shanghai for a day or two, then home for the rest of the semester.
Anyway, I still exist, I'm not sick like many of my classmates. It's nice and cold up here, around 10 degrees Celsius. I'm loving it. I'll bundle up in the freezing cold over sweating any day. It's the Alaskan in me.
Ok, at a Starbucks in a far end of Beijing where I took some girls to go shopping. It's weird seeing a place I've been before. Now we gotta flag a taxi and get home. Leave comments, let me know YOU are alive.
Whoops
It’s been brought to my attention that I haven’t updated in a while.
Sometimes I forget, honestly. And we were roaming around China like nomads. And before that I was taking tests every day. Things got crazy there for a while. So crazy that the days began to blur together.
We probably looked like some afterwards.
But seriously, we had a great time. Here’s a hopefully quick recap:
Time: Two weeks
Cities (In order): Xi’an (Shaanxi Province), Beijing (Beijing Municipality), Linyi (Shandong Province), Shanghai (Shanghai Municipality).
Transportation methods: Plane (2), Bus (1; 10 hours, however), Sleeper Train (2)
Famous places seen: Terracotta Soldiers, LouGuanTai Daoist Monastery, Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter (Xi’an), Xi’an city wall, Da Qin Nestorian Pagoda, Forest of Steles (Beilin Museum), Great Wall, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, JingShan Park, BeiHai Park, YongHeGong Tibetan Temple, Han Tombs where the oldest manuscript for Sunzi’s Art of War was found, Shanghai Museum. I suppose one could include Xi’an, Beijing, and Shanghai as sites seen.
Times I rode a horse: 1
Times I gave a presentation after riding that horse: You guessed. 1.
Strange things eaten: Dog (again), Donkey (again), Scorpion, Locust
Hotels stayed in: 4
Pictures taken: Over 1,000 (700 in Beijing alone)
Times called “uncle” in Chinese: at least 7
Times I was solicited for “a lady”: 4
Times I pulled ponytails/tapped kids on the shoulder and ran away/or generally played with kids: The entire time we were in Linyi (5 days).
Times I sang the song “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” with Michelle in a classroom: 3
Schools visited in Linyi: 3
Banquets/Ceremonies attended: 4? Maybe 5?
Classes visited in Linyi: at least 6
Times I felt like a celebrity when I was at those schools: Every single freaking time
Times I saw a woman with bound feet: 1
Times I took “illegal photos” (that is, a photo where a sign said “NO PHOTO”) in temples: I lost count after something like 30.
Times I got yelled at for it: 1
Times I saw things that can never be described in a story or a photo: Too many.
So hopefully there is a brief overview of what went on. We toured, except in Linyi where we visited schools and churches and taught. Lots of time on the road. Lots of time walking. It felt great to be in the cold for once. Xiamen is around 75ish F. Evening are perfect.
It is good to be back thought. Familiarity and all. The Trek did seem to bring us all together as a group. Some good time, some hard times, some times I wanted to kill folks… that’s all normal though. Now, I’ll just be taking Chinese 2, Chinese Painting, and Taiji. Mondays are going to be crazy busy for about two weeks. We have a four day weekend over Thanksgiving. Some are going to travel—I’m probably just going to stick around and relax. Visit some places here in Xiamen. I’d love to travel to Yunnan or something, but four days… and I’m sick of traveling and spending money.
Anyway, I’m slowly uploading photos over at http://picasaweb.google.com/tyler.cronk. Drop by. I think I’ve finished the photos in Beijing. I’ve tried to only select the good ones and offer some commentary/historical context on the places. I also have eliminated the many temples I visited—I find those things totally interesting, but most people think one Buddha looks like the next. If you’re interested… talk to me.
Should be posting a non-China story sometime soon, in two parts. So strap yourselves in for that.
Sometimes I forget, honestly. And we were roaming around China like nomads. And before that I was taking tests every day. Things got crazy there for a while. So crazy that the days began to blur together.
We probably looked like some afterwards.
But seriously, we had a great time. Here’s a hopefully quick recap:
Time: Two weeks
Cities (In order): Xi’an (Shaanxi Province), Beijing (Beijing Municipality), Linyi (Shandong Province), Shanghai (Shanghai Municipality).
Transportation methods: Plane (2), Bus (1; 10 hours, however), Sleeper Train (2)
Famous places seen: Terracotta Soldiers, LouGuanTai Daoist Monastery, Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter (Xi’an), Xi’an city wall, Da Qin Nestorian Pagoda, Forest of Steles (Beilin Museum), Great Wall, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, JingShan Park, BeiHai Park, YongHeGong Tibetan Temple, Han Tombs where the oldest manuscript for Sunzi’s Art of War was found, Shanghai Museum. I suppose one could include Xi’an, Beijing, and Shanghai as sites seen.
Times I rode a horse: 1
Times I gave a presentation after riding that horse: You guessed. 1.
Strange things eaten: Dog (again), Donkey (again), Scorpion, Locust
Hotels stayed in: 4
Pictures taken: Over 1,000 (700 in Beijing alone)
Times called “uncle” in Chinese: at least 7
Times I was solicited for “a lady”: 4
Times I pulled ponytails/tapped kids on the shoulder and ran away/or generally played with kids: The entire time we were in Linyi (5 days).
Times I sang the song “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” with Michelle in a classroom: 3
Schools visited in Linyi: 3
Banquets/Ceremonies attended: 4? Maybe 5?
Classes visited in Linyi: at least 6
Times I felt like a celebrity when I was at those schools: Every single freaking time
Times I saw a woman with bound feet: 1
Times I took “illegal photos” (that is, a photo where a sign said “NO PHOTO”) in temples: I lost count after something like 30.
Times I got yelled at for it: 1
Times I saw things that can never be described in a story or a photo: Too many.
So hopefully there is a brief overview of what went on. We toured, except in Linyi where we visited schools and churches and taught. Lots of time on the road. Lots of time walking. It felt great to be in the cold for once. Xiamen is around 75ish F. Evening are perfect.
It is good to be back thought. Familiarity and all. The Trek did seem to bring us all together as a group. Some good time, some hard times, some times I wanted to kill folks… that’s all normal though. Now, I’ll just be taking Chinese 2, Chinese Painting, and Taiji. Mondays are going to be crazy busy for about two weeks. We have a four day weekend over Thanksgiving. Some are going to travel—I’m probably just going to stick around and relax. Visit some places here in Xiamen. I’d love to travel to Yunnan or something, but four days… and I’m sick of traveling and spending money.
Anyway, I’m slowly uploading photos over at http://picasaweb.google.com/tyler.cronk. Drop by. I think I’ve finished the photos in Beijing. I’ve tried to only select the good ones and offer some commentary/historical context on the places. I also have eliminated the many temples I visited—I find those things totally interesting, but most people think one Buddha looks like the next. If you’re interested… talk to me.
Should be posting a non-China story sometime soon, in two parts. So strap yourselves in for that.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Word
So, I’ve drafted the first part to the epic story of my bestfriend and I getting lost. Interestingly enough, I had wanted to get in touch with him to have him look it over, fill in the cracks in my memory and such. We’ve been out of touch for quite a while. I had emailed my mom to have her get his email, when the next day he emails me. Now, I haven’t confirmed whether or not she contacted him, but at any rate, the epic story will be delayed, but quite possibly even MORE epic as it will be co-authored by my former partner in crime.
I know you wait with eager anticipation.
Anyway, today was the first day of Chinese 2. We have a new teacher and only 5 of us in it. Class started and my brain crashed. Of course, I didn’t know what to expect, but when all I heard was Chinese, which they NEVER EVER SPEAK SLOWLY, I had to shift several gears. Now, I know there are five hundred of you out there who are already clicking the comment button to tell me how YOU learned a language and all THEY spoke was said language.
Seriously. I don’t care.
If you tried to learn Chinese, or have learned it, please, tell me. But here’s the problem: we have here a monosyllabic, tonal language. And they speak very quickly and often slur their words together. None of us could even tell you how many words were in the sentence, let alone tell you what words they said.
It definitely makes things difficult, but after a while, we settled in and strained to hear anything we could understand.
This is a problem.
It’s a monosyllabic language. Similar to English, they combine words to make new words. This means we know enough words to NOT UNDERSTAND ANYTHING. For instance, I will understand the WHO, and sometimes the WHAT… but let’s take this example. Suppose someone says “I like flowers” in Chinese. Now, this is hypothetical, because I know all those words. Track with me though. Let’s say I don’t know the word for “flower.” So all I understand is, “I like…” what?
Now you begin to see the possible problems and frustrations.
It’s all good. We came out of the class energized and excited. We’d learned a ton already. She really focuses on characters and works hard on making sure our listening and pronunciation is good.
We told some of the other people in later classes about it, and most of them got wide eyed and said, “I think I’d freak out if that happened.” Many had problems with Chinese 1. No one came here to exclusively study language, as say other foreigners here do, or as my sister is doing in France. Ergo, the first teacher speaking in English was a blessing.
But now it’s time to get serious.
Ok, I’ve got to work on memorizing a famous Chinese poem. Peace.
I know you wait with eager anticipation.
Anyway, today was the first day of Chinese 2. We have a new teacher and only 5 of us in it. Class started and my brain crashed. Of course, I didn’t know what to expect, but when all I heard was Chinese, which they NEVER EVER SPEAK SLOWLY, I had to shift several gears. Now, I know there are five hundred of you out there who are already clicking the comment button to tell me how YOU learned a language and all THEY spoke was said language.
Seriously. I don’t care.
If you tried to learn Chinese, or have learned it, please, tell me. But here’s the problem: we have here a monosyllabic, tonal language. And they speak very quickly and often slur their words together. None of us could even tell you how many words were in the sentence, let alone tell you what words they said.
It definitely makes things difficult, but after a while, we settled in and strained to hear anything we could understand.
This is a problem.
It’s a monosyllabic language. Similar to English, they combine words to make new words. This means we know enough words to NOT UNDERSTAND ANYTHING. For instance, I will understand the WHO, and sometimes the WHAT… but let’s take this example. Suppose someone says “I like flowers” in Chinese. Now, this is hypothetical, because I know all those words. Track with me though. Let’s say I don’t know the word for “flower.” So all I understand is, “I like…” what?
Now you begin to see the possible problems and frustrations.
It’s all good. We came out of the class energized and excited. We’d learned a ton already. She really focuses on characters and works hard on making sure our listening and pronunciation is good.
We told some of the other people in later classes about it, and most of them got wide eyed and said, “I think I’d freak out if that happened.” Many had problems with Chinese 1. No one came here to exclusively study language, as say other foreigners here do, or as my sister is doing in France. Ergo, the first teacher speaking in English was a blessing.
But now it’s time to get serious.
Ok, I’ve got to work on memorizing a famous Chinese poem. Peace.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Quanzhou
Well, school seems to have dominated my life. I just realized I haven’t really written about Quanzhou, getting sick, or anything.
So we went to a nearby city called Quanzhou (Chwen-joe). Around 1000 years ago, it was the largest city in the world. It was the start of the “Maritime Silk Road.” In fact, Columbus, in all of his intelligence, was trying to find a faster route to Quanzhou when he ran into the Americas. While we were there, we visited the oldest mosque in China, built in 1009. We visited a sort of Daoist temple and a Confucian temple. We spent some time at one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China, built in 649. We also stopped by the second largest Protestant church in China. We spent most of a day at a Maritime museum, which talked about China’s incredible maritime exploits. I’ve got a ton of photos that I would’ve posted sooner, but my internet bill came due on Sunday and I couldn’t pay until Monday. They’ll be on Facebook, and if you don’t have that, ask and I can get you the external link. All in all it was quite eventful and worthwhile…
…except for the part where I threw up before we went to the Confucian temple. I had other symptoms, but I won’t bother to describe. Suffice it to say, it wasn’t fun. I hardly ate all day, which isn’t really a good thing considering I had to do a lot of walking and standing. It did bring me back to the time a friend and I got lost on an island when we were backpacking… perhaps I’ll write about that story. Anyway, I had to rush to the bathroom just before we hopped on the bus home, but after that I felt pretty good. The rest of the weekend was spent resting and recovering. It took until Monday before I ate a full meal, which was good because myself and another gal were picked to take the president of CCCU (Council of Christian Colleges and Universities—the organization that puts on this and other programs) out to dinner.
We also had a Chinese exam on Monday. I did very well, except for the writing part. I’ve neglected my writing a bit and forgot a few characters. I was glad I did well because that night I had to order all the food amongst other things… much to my surprise I didn’t think twice about it. My listening is horrible, but that’ll come with time.
We basically finish our semester here in 9 weeks. So we are now having what is more or less finals. At the end of the month we start gallivanting around China for two or three weeks and when we return we’ll only have a few weeks before we return to the other side of the world. We’ll have a few classes then, but not much. I am taking Chinese 2 which will continue through that time and will take the most of my time.
So that’s basically it. I’ve got a few things to write about… ok maybe one or two, so hopefully in the next few days I’ll do that.
So we went to a nearby city called Quanzhou (Chwen-joe). Around 1000 years ago, it was the largest city in the world. It was the start of the “Maritime Silk Road.” In fact, Columbus, in all of his intelligence, was trying to find a faster route to Quanzhou when he ran into the Americas. While we were there, we visited the oldest mosque in China, built in 1009. We visited a sort of Daoist temple and a Confucian temple. We spent some time at one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China, built in 649. We also stopped by the second largest Protestant church in China. We spent most of a day at a Maritime museum, which talked about China’s incredible maritime exploits. I’ve got a ton of photos that I would’ve posted sooner, but my internet bill came due on Sunday and I couldn’t pay until Monday. They’ll be on Facebook, and if you don’t have that, ask and I can get you the external link. All in all it was quite eventful and worthwhile…
…except for the part where I threw up before we went to the Confucian temple. I had other symptoms, but I won’t bother to describe. Suffice it to say, it wasn’t fun. I hardly ate all day, which isn’t really a good thing considering I had to do a lot of walking and standing. It did bring me back to the time a friend and I got lost on an island when we were backpacking… perhaps I’ll write about that story. Anyway, I had to rush to the bathroom just before we hopped on the bus home, but after that I felt pretty good. The rest of the weekend was spent resting and recovering. It took until Monday before I ate a full meal, which was good because myself and another gal were picked to take the president of CCCU (Council of Christian Colleges and Universities—the organization that puts on this and other programs) out to dinner.
We also had a Chinese exam on Monday. I did very well, except for the writing part. I’ve neglected my writing a bit and forgot a few characters. I was glad I did well because that night I had to order all the food amongst other things… much to my surprise I didn’t think twice about it. My listening is horrible, but that’ll come with time.
We basically finish our semester here in 9 weeks. So we are now having what is more or less finals. At the end of the month we start gallivanting around China for two or three weeks and when we return we’ll only have a few weeks before we return to the other side of the world. We’ll have a few classes then, but not much. I am taking Chinese 2 which will continue through that time and will take the most of my time.
So that’s basically it. I’ve got a few things to write about… ok maybe one or two, so hopefully in the next few days I’ll do that.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Big Picture
As I lay on my set of box-springs disguised as a mattress reading, the song on my playlist changed. The song distracted me from my reading and reminded me of the end of my freshman year and beginning of my sophomore year of college. It reminded me of a time that I was pretty stupid and foolish.
A time when my little silly world was the most important thing around.
It got me thinking about the big picture. This has been something on my mind recently as it applies to culture. In particular, the horrible disease known as ethnocentrism. I am convinced that this disease, which is instinctual, is caused by a lack of seeing the big picture. The same goes for selfishness and egocentrism.
My world became the most important thing because I failed to see what else was going on around me.
That is, I am 1 person of 6.5 billion people. I am 1 person of 300 million citizens of the United States.
Perhaps it is our individualist culture, which indoctrinates people with things like, “You can change the world”, “You can make a difference”, “Dream it and it will happen…” and so on. Don’t get me wrong. Pursue your dreams. One person CAN effect change. But where would that one person be without the people who rallied around him and continued his dream after his death? I am 1 person.
The big picture includes others. Our lives, our actions, touch people around us—often times unbeknownst to us. Our mistakes, our tragedies affect other people. Our family. Our friends. Our loss is shared by others. Our happiness is shared by those same people.
This same big picture applies to culture. My culture is 1 culture, many of which are older.
The big picture leaves us small, which is perhaps why we often miss it. No one wants to be smaller. In our own worlds, we are so important. This song, which triggered further thoughts, brought me back to silly times when such trivial actions were so serious and important in life, when in reality… they were just a fleeting thing. Just a few years down the road, the events are merely memories—memories that are only ever conjured when a song or topic triggers it.
The big picture includes our entire lives—past, present, and future. Who we were has shaped us now, and who we are now and what we do now will shape our future. Today is affected by yesterday and will affect tomorrow.
The big picture, brought to you by a random song on a random playlist.
A time when my little silly world was the most important thing around.
It got me thinking about the big picture. This has been something on my mind recently as it applies to culture. In particular, the horrible disease known as ethnocentrism. I am convinced that this disease, which is instinctual, is caused by a lack of seeing the big picture. The same goes for selfishness and egocentrism.
My world became the most important thing because I failed to see what else was going on around me.
That is, I am 1 person of 6.5 billion people. I am 1 person of 300 million citizens of the United States.
Perhaps it is our individualist culture, which indoctrinates people with things like, “You can change the world”, “You can make a difference”, “Dream it and it will happen…” and so on. Don’t get me wrong. Pursue your dreams. One person CAN effect change. But where would that one person be without the people who rallied around him and continued his dream after his death? I am 1 person.
The big picture includes others. Our lives, our actions, touch people around us—often times unbeknownst to us. Our mistakes, our tragedies affect other people. Our family. Our friends. Our loss is shared by others. Our happiness is shared by those same people.
This same big picture applies to culture. My culture is 1 culture, many of which are older.
The big picture leaves us small, which is perhaps why we often miss it. No one wants to be smaller. In our own worlds, we are so important. This song, which triggered further thoughts, brought me back to silly times when such trivial actions were so serious and important in life, when in reality… they were just a fleeting thing. Just a few years down the road, the events are merely memories—memories that are only ever conjured when a song or topic triggers it.
The big picture includes our entire lives—past, present, and future. Who we were has shaped us now, and who we are now and what we do now will shape our future. Today is affected by yesterday and will affect tomorrow.
The big picture, brought to you by a random song on a random playlist.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Life
What is there to write about? My life is consumed with school, sleep, and the like. Go figure. A few highlights of recent and ones that are upcoming:
I took a 45 minute bus ride with some others to go to a Western store and bought way over priced chips and salsa. First time in three months.
We’re more or less finished with Chinese I, just have an exam and have to memorize a Chinese poem and we’re done. Then on to Chinese 2 for me…
Next week, which is National Week here in China, we go north to Quanzhou (Chwen-Joe) for about three days to see some cool things. About 1000 years ago, it was the largest city in the world. Rock. Course we say, 1000 years ago? That’s nothing.
Yea, well Chinese see time differently.
And America hasn’t even seen 300 years.
So things have been busy. Lots of reading, have to do some interviews, we have around three quizzes a week. I also have to practice playing Chinese Chess, because when we’re in Shanghai, we get graded on that too. Coolest thing about Chinese Chess: the canons.
I need practice my oral Chinese more often.
Also, I hate girls.
Here is a pic to illustrate my life recently: http://www.llarian.net/~xhentild/China/Xiamen.jpg
Sorry, too lazy to embed.
I took a 45 minute bus ride with some others to go to a Western store and bought way over priced chips and salsa. First time in three months.
We’re more or less finished with Chinese I, just have an exam and have to memorize a Chinese poem and we’re done. Then on to Chinese 2 for me…
Next week, which is National Week here in China, we go north to Quanzhou (Chwen-Joe) for about three days to see some cool things. About 1000 years ago, it was the largest city in the world. Rock. Course we say, 1000 years ago? That’s nothing.
Yea, well Chinese see time differently.
And America hasn’t even seen 300 years.
So things have been busy. Lots of reading, have to do some interviews, we have around three quizzes a week. I also have to practice playing Chinese Chess, because when we’re in Shanghai, we get graded on that too. Coolest thing about Chinese Chess: the canons.
I need practice my oral Chinese more often.
Also, I hate girls.
Here is a pic to illustrate my life recently: http://www.llarian.net/~xhentild/China/Xiamen.jpg
Sorry, too lazy to embed.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Teacher
Tonight at English Corner, I mentioned that my birthday was the 10th of this month—basically that I spent it in China.
“Ohh! That is Teacher’s Day!”
“Yes, that’s right!”
“Maybe you were born to be a teacher in China!”
“Ohh! That is Teacher’s Day!”
“Yes, that’s right!”
“Maybe you were born to be a teacher in China!”
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Grasping for Straws
I always try to write when I have inspiration or something to write about. Something at least semi interesting.
Obviously, I’ve lacked that as of late.
Routine has settled in. We have quizzes almost every day that require study, plus daily life things like sweet talking girls to get me a Coke Light (Diet Coke) when they go to the story. Important things.
Most of us are tired after a day of classes. A day is usually three classes, each two hours long, starting at 8 AM. So usually, those wonderfully fun things like exploring and stuff are done on the weekends.
In the past few weeks, I’ve learned a few things outside of class:
How to bleach clothes (the water here is warmer than I figured…).
The cats here probably have rabies.
I’d rather have a good hard mattress than a bad soft mattress.
National Geographic shows the same commercials.
Telecommunication infrastructure in developing nations like China is… developing.
When people laugh in your face for trying to speak their language, shake it off.
I don’t have Syphilis, AIDs, Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E or F, or any other contagious or communicable diseases.
Ultimate Frisbee always seems to lead to injury.
I crave chocolate while in China.
I love garlic.
I love fried/steamed vegetables with garlic.
Time is going quickly.
So there are a few things I’ve learned.
Seriously, that’s all I’ve got. Someone comment. I know at least a few people read this thing. Give me something to talk about. Give me questions, because probably until we go to Quanzhou in early October, I won’t have much to write about.
Obviously, I’ve lacked that as of late.
Routine has settled in. We have quizzes almost every day that require study, plus daily life things like sweet talking girls to get me a Coke Light (Diet Coke) when they go to the story. Important things.
Most of us are tired after a day of classes. A day is usually three classes, each two hours long, starting at 8 AM. So usually, those wonderfully fun things like exploring and stuff are done on the weekends.
In the past few weeks, I’ve learned a few things outside of class:
How to bleach clothes (the water here is warmer than I figured…).
The cats here probably have rabies.
I’d rather have a good hard mattress than a bad soft mattress.
National Geographic shows the same commercials.
Telecommunication infrastructure in developing nations like China is… developing.
When people laugh in your face for trying to speak their language, shake it off.
I don’t have Syphilis, AIDs, Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E or F, or any other contagious or communicable diseases.
Ultimate Frisbee always seems to lead to injury.
I crave chocolate while in China.
I love garlic.
I love fried/steamed vegetables with garlic.
Time is going quickly.
So there are a few things I’ve learned.
Seriously, that’s all I’ve got. Someone comment. I know at least a few people read this thing. Give me something to talk about. Give me questions, because probably until we go to Quanzhou in early October, I won’t have much to write about.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Introversion
This article is totally spot on. Read it carefully. Then again.
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200303/rauch?r
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200303/rauch?r
Monday, September 10, 2007
Birthday
A day or so ago, I asked my mom:
“Did you ever think that 22 years ago, almost to the day (I think it was the 9th), that you’d be talking to your son and wishing him a happy birthday while he was in China?”
She naturally replied no. However, it has put in perspective for me the journey I’ve undertaken. I have recently passed the two month mark. Prior to this experience, I’d been out of the country on multiple occasions for two weeks at a time. By the time I leave, I’ll have been here for five months. Honestly, I’ve toyed with the idea of traveling a bit after the program. However, I have a feeling it’ll be time to return home. And, although I could get more money, funds are always on the mind.
So, on my 22nd birthday, I am in China. Today is also Teacher’s Day in China, so we gave our Chinese teacher some presents. When I came back from lunch with a few friends, most everyone was already back and they sang me happy birthday in Chinese and had gotten me a small cake that was deposited at my desk. After class, I got an IP Card (a super cheap international phone card. The internet connection here is inconsistent, so Skype is touch and go) and called my folks, albeit late for them. Then, the guys (that’s 4 of us total, minus our RA/TA) went out to a Xi’an restaurant that I enjoy. I the way back I bought myself to CDs, the Chinese epic song Liang Zhu (Google or Wikipedia it. It’s the most famous song in China and is considered a Romeo and Juliet of China) and a CD of Yoyo Ma playing Ennio Morricone pieces. Ennio is a fantastic composer that has done some awarded work on many films.
I bought myself birthday presents.
It couldn’t have been much better of a birthday. Only could’ve been better if I were with family and friends, but this was great. I’ve only been with these folks for two weeks, but it made me happy to get a few happy birthdays, a song, and a cake with a tomato on it. Simple, easy, not a lot. That’s what I like.
Just now, someone was running to the store.
I’m getting ice cream. Heck yes.
A good, simple day.
“Did you ever think that 22 years ago, almost to the day (I think it was the 9th), that you’d be talking to your son and wishing him a happy birthday while he was in China?”
She naturally replied no. However, it has put in perspective for me the journey I’ve undertaken. I have recently passed the two month mark. Prior to this experience, I’d been out of the country on multiple occasions for two weeks at a time. By the time I leave, I’ll have been here for five months. Honestly, I’ve toyed with the idea of traveling a bit after the program. However, I have a feeling it’ll be time to return home. And, although I could get more money, funds are always on the mind.
So, on my 22nd birthday, I am in China. Today is also Teacher’s Day in China, so we gave our Chinese teacher some presents. When I came back from lunch with a few friends, most everyone was already back and they sang me happy birthday in Chinese and had gotten me a small cake that was deposited at my desk. After class, I got an IP Card (a super cheap international phone card. The internet connection here is inconsistent, so Skype is touch and go) and called my folks, albeit late for them. Then, the guys (that’s 4 of us total, minus our RA/TA) went out to a Xi’an restaurant that I enjoy. I the way back I bought myself to CDs, the Chinese epic song Liang Zhu (Google or Wikipedia it. It’s the most famous song in China and is considered a Romeo and Juliet of China) and a CD of Yoyo Ma playing Ennio Morricone pieces. Ennio is a fantastic composer that has done some awarded work on many films.
I bought myself birthday presents.
It couldn’t have been much better of a birthday. Only could’ve been better if I were with family and friends, but this was great. I’ve only been with these folks for two weeks, but it made me happy to get a few happy birthdays, a song, and a cake with a tomato on it. Simple, easy, not a lot. That’s what I like.
Just now, someone was running to the store.
I’m getting ice cream. Heck yes.
A good, simple day.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Opinion: Idealism
Idealism.
It seems so many of my generation, or we could further generalize to around the college age, are incredibly idealistic and incredibly polarized in their opinions. Vegetarians (“don’t eat the poor animals/they all suffer/etc”), political stances (“Give peace a chance/War is evil and pointless/etc”), or just overall post-modern relative thought (“truth is relative/everyone should get along/that’s what you believe/etc”). The list could grow further, but I think that on some level , you all know what I’m talking about.
Now, for some reason, this great idealism drives me up a wall. After giving it some thought, I’ve found two things: One is that often times people don’t take time to explore these idealistic beliefs they hold—they polarize the topic, and never look over to the other side. The other is that I’m not an idealist.
I’m not an optimist.
Nor a pessimist.
I suppose I’d call myself a realist. Or perhaps fatalistic.
Allow me to explain. I think that peace is a good thing. But I also know that peace will never occur. Why? Because humans are inherently evil. If 99 out of 100 people wanted peace, that 1 moron would kill someone. I don’t think we can live in perfect harmony.
Well that’s bold, you say.
I’m just repeating the words of a man who told his disciples that things would get worse before they got better. Yes, at one point, he mentions there will be a period of peace—but merely a calm before the storm. Sure, war is hell, but it’s inevitable (there it is, the fatalistic streak)! That doesn’t justify anything, any atrocity done, but it explains it. People have been fighting since…. Ohh Cain and Abel? Maybe Adam (you conned me into it!) was ticked at Eve (You didn’t have to listen to me, moron), or vice versa, and THAT was the first fight. Regardless, it happens and will happen and that is the sad state of human nature.
I won’t even pay the whole vegetarian thing any mind. Granted, some of my good friends are vegan, but honestly I find the whole thing … what’s a kind word for dumb? Oh well…
Politics annoy me. I hold my own political views, but too many people I’ve met don’t CARE about YOUR views—they want to hear your views long enough to argue with you. THEY are right, who cares what you think. The EXACT same things goes with religious topics. Sure, I know what I believe. I hold to it. But I hate talking about it in certain contexts because I know the person just wants to argue. Arguments are entirely pointless because no one listens.
Truth is absolute, but both sides of the argument should be considered. It’s like taking the time to learn the language of another culture: you are showing that you are interested and care enough to learn something different. I’m not going to impress my beliefs on anyone, but I will sure tell them about them. It is their choice from there.
Is that what this is all about? Choice? I think so. It’s our own choice, but often times people don’t care that it was your choice or opinion—only theirs is right.
Discussion > argument.
It seems so many of my generation, or we could further generalize to around the college age, are incredibly idealistic and incredibly polarized in their opinions. Vegetarians (“don’t eat the poor animals/they all suffer/etc”), political stances (“Give peace a chance/War is evil and pointless/etc”), or just overall post-modern relative thought (“truth is relative/everyone should get along/that’s what you believe/etc”). The list could grow further, but I think that on some level , you all know what I’m talking about.
Now, for some reason, this great idealism drives me up a wall. After giving it some thought, I’ve found two things: One is that often times people don’t take time to explore these idealistic beliefs they hold—they polarize the topic, and never look over to the other side. The other is that I’m not an idealist.
I’m not an optimist.
Nor a pessimist.
I suppose I’d call myself a realist. Or perhaps fatalistic.
Allow me to explain. I think that peace is a good thing. But I also know that peace will never occur. Why? Because humans are inherently evil. If 99 out of 100 people wanted peace, that 1 moron would kill someone. I don’t think we can live in perfect harmony.
Well that’s bold, you say.
I’m just repeating the words of a man who told his disciples that things would get worse before they got better. Yes, at one point, he mentions there will be a period of peace—but merely a calm before the storm. Sure, war is hell, but it’s inevitable (there it is, the fatalistic streak)! That doesn’t justify anything, any atrocity done, but it explains it. People have been fighting since…. Ohh Cain and Abel? Maybe Adam (you conned me into it!) was ticked at Eve (You didn’t have to listen to me, moron), or vice versa, and THAT was the first fight. Regardless, it happens and will happen and that is the sad state of human nature.
I won’t even pay the whole vegetarian thing any mind. Granted, some of my good friends are vegan, but honestly I find the whole thing … what’s a kind word for dumb? Oh well…
Politics annoy me. I hold my own political views, but too many people I’ve met don’t CARE about YOUR views—they want to hear your views long enough to argue with you. THEY are right, who cares what you think. The EXACT same things goes with religious topics. Sure, I know what I believe. I hold to it. But I hate talking about it in certain contexts because I know the person just wants to argue. Arguments are entirely pointless because no one listens.
Truth is absolute, but both sides of the argument should be considered. It’s like taking the time to learn the language of another culture: you are showing that you are interested and care enough to learn something different. I’m not going to impress my beliefs on anyone, but I will sure tell them about them. It is their choice from there.
Is that what this is all about? Choice? I think so. It’s our own choice, but often times people don’t care that it was your choice or opinion—only theirs is right.
Discussion > argument.
Opinion: Idealism
Idealism.
It seems so many of my generation, or we could further generalize to around the college age, are incredibly idealistic and incredibly polarized in their opinions. Vegetarians (“don’t eat the poor animals/they all suffer/etc”), political stances (“Give peace a chance/War is evil and pointless/etc”), or just overall post-modern relative thought (“truth is relative/everyone should get along/that’s what you believe/etc”). The list could grow further, but I think that on some level , you all know what I’m talking about.
Now, for some reason, this great idealism drives me up a wall. After giving it some thought, I’ve found two things: One is that often times people don’t take time to explore these idealistic beliefs they hold—they polarize the topic, and never look over to the other side. The other is that I’m not an idealist.
I’m not an optimist.
Nor a pessimist.
I suppose I’d call myself a realist. Or perhaps fatalistic.
Allow me to explain. I think that peace is a good thing. But I also know that peace will never occur. Why? Because humans are inherently evil. If 99 out of 100 people wanted peace, that 1 moron would kill someone. I don’t think we can live in perfect harmony.
Well that’s bold, you say.
I’m just repeating the words of a man who told his disciples that things would get worse before they got better. Yes, at one point, he mentions there will be a period of peace—but merely a calm before the storm. Sure, war is hell, but it’s inevitable (there it is, the fatalistic streak)! That doesn’t justify anything, any atrocity done, but it explains it. People have been fighting since…. Ohh Cain and Abel? Maybe Adam (you conned me into it!) was ticked at Eve (You didn’t have to listen to me, moron), or vice versa, and THAT was the first fight. Regardless, it happens and will happen and that is the sad state of human nature.
I won’t even pay the whole vegetarian thing any mind. Granted, some of my good friends are vegan, but honestly I find the whole thing … what’s a kind word for dumb? Oh well…
Politics annoy me. I hold my own political views, but too many people I’ve met don’t CARE about YOUR views—they want to hear your views long enough to argue with you. THEY are right, who cares what you think. The EXACT same things goes with religious topics. Sure, I know what I believe. I hold to it. But I hate talking about it in certain contexts because I know the person just wants to argue. Arguments are entirely pointless because no one listens.
Truth is absolute, but both sides of the argument should be considered. It’s like taking the time to learn the language of another culture: you are showing that you are interested and care enough to learn something different. I’m not going to impress my beliefs on anyone, but I will sure tell them about them. It is their choice from there.
Is that what this is all about? Choice? I think so. It’s our own choice, but often times people don’t care that it was your choice or opinion—only theirs is right.
Discussion > argument.
It seems so many of my generation, or we could further generalize to around the college age, are incredibly idealistic and incredibly polarized in their opinions. Vegetarians (“don’t eat the poor animals/they all suffer/etc”), political stances (“Give peace a chance/War is evil and pointless/etc”), or just overall post-modern relative thought (“truth is relative/everyone should get along/that’s what you believe/etc”). The list could grow further, but I think that on some level , you all know what I’m talking about.
Now, for some reason, this great idealism drives me up a wall. After giving it some thought, I’ve found two things: One is that often times people don’t take time to explore these idealistic beliefs they hold—they polarize the topic, and never look over to the other side. The other is that I’m not an idealist.
I’m not an optimist.
Nor a pessimist.
I suppose I’d call myself a realist. Or perhaps fatalistic.
Allow me to explain. I think that peace is a good thing. But I also know that peace will never occur. Why? Because humans are inherently evil. If 99 out of 100 people wanted peace, that 1 moron would kill someone. I don’t think we can live in perfect harmony.
Well that’s bold, you say.
I’m just repeating the words of a man who told his disciples that things would get worse before they got better. Yes, at one point, he mentions there will be a period of peace—but merely a calm before the storm. Sure, war is hell, but it’s inevitable (there it is, the fatalistic streak)! That doesn’t justify anything, any atrocity done, but it explains it. People have been fighting since…. Ohh Cain and Abel? Maybe Adam (you conned me into it!) was ticked at Eve (You didn’t have to listen to me, moron), or vice versa, and THAT was the first fight. Regardless, it happens and will happen and that is the sad state of human nature.
I won’t even pay the whole vegetarian thing any mind. Granted, some of my good friends are vegan, but honestly I find the whole thing … what’s a kind word for dumb? Oh well…
Politics annoy me. I hold my own political views, but too many people I’ve met don’t CARE about YOUR views—they want to hear your views long enough to argue with you. THEY are right, who cares what you think. The EXACT same things goes with religious topics. Sure, I know what I believe. I hold to it. But I hate talking about it in certain contexts because I know the person just wants to argue. Arguments are entirely pointless because no one listens.
Truth is absolute, but both sides of the argument should be considered. It’s like taking the time to learn the language of another culture: you are showing that you are interested and care enough to learn something different. I’m not going to impress my beliefs on anyone, but I will sure tell them about them. It is their choice from there.
Is that what this is all about? Choice? I think so. It’s our own choice, but often times people don’t care that it was your choice or opinion—only theirs is right.
Discussion > argument.
Second Forum on the Economic Zone...
Thursday night we got word that we had to dust off our nice clothes: we were invited to, what was described as at the time, a big business event. We were “invited,” and I use quotes to signify the non-optional part of the invitation, by the school to attend. So, I dusted off of my clothes that I had hoped I’d seldom have to wear, and off we went.
Turns out, they understated the whole “big event” thing. By big event, they meant freakin huge.
Notable honored guests: the governor of the Fujian province, the governor of the Guizhou province, the president of Mozambique (yea, in Africa), the Chief Executive of Macao (he’s the president basically), the Head Financial Dude from Hong Kong, a representative from the Kuomintang (Taiwan), some dude from the provincial (I think) reform committee, and some dude from the provincial (I think) science and tech committee. Finally, the deputy chief of the National Central Communist Party was in attendance.
About six of us had seats up front, and we had a headset that had some ladies translating. I took copious notes. The whole event was called “The Second Forum on the Economic Zone on the Western Coast of the Taiwan Straight.” We only went to the morning opening ceremony, but it seemed like a lot of it was talk about setting up this economic zone which would ideally bridge a few gaps: mainly draw in more economic trade with Taiwan, as well as pull in more support from massive economic areas like Macao and Hong Kong.
What was most interesting for me was being able to see how things like this occur, how relations with Taiwan are, regional and national relationships, and I probably indirectly witnessed the use of “face,” that is, no one talked bad about anyone. The closest that things came were the several times “reunification” was mentioned. Interesting quote by the Taiwanese representative: “Economically, Taiwan wants to grow closer to the mainland. Politically, they want to move away.”
Anyway, it was very interesting, and a huge honor.
Xiamen University also gave the guys a free tie. The girls got some nice scarf.
Awesome.
Turns out, they understated the whole “big event” thing. By big event, they meant freakin huge.
Notable honored guests: the governor of the Fujian province, the governor of the Guizhou province, the president of Mozambique (yea, in Africa), the Chief Executive of Macao (he’s the president basically), the Head Financial Dude from Hong Kong, a representative from the Kuomintang (Taiwan), some dude from the provincial (I think) reform committee, and some dude from the provincial (I think) science and tech committee. Finally, the deputy chief of the National Central Communist Party was in attendance.
About six of us had seats up front, and we had a headset that had some ladies translating. I took copious notes. The whole event was called “The Second Forum on the Economic Zone on the Western Coast of the Taiwan Straight.” We only went to the morning opening ceremony, but it seemed like a lot of it was talk about setting up this economic zone which would ideally bridge a few gaps: mainly draw in more economic trade with Taiwan, as well as pull in more support from massive economic areas like Macao and Hong Kong.
What was most interesting for me was being able to see how things like this occur, how relations with Taiwan are, regional and national relationships, and I probably indirectly witnessed the use of “face,” that is, no one talked bad about anyone. The closest that things came were the several times “reunification” was mentioned. Interesting quote by the Taiwanese representative: “Economically, Taiwan wants to grow closer to the mainland. Politically, they want to move away.”
Anyway, it was very interesting, and a huge honor.
Xiamen University also gave the guys a free tie. The girls got some nice scarf.
Awesome.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
School
I’m still alive.
And I’m still in China.
There is a saying in China, “The mountains are tall and the emperor is far away.” This is true today. What Beijing says doesn’t seem to always matter. Visa has been relatively smooth, besides a full health exam (with xrays, sonograms, and EKGs) and tons of paperwork.
The verdict is still out, however. Ted, the student assistant here, went down today to get it, but it was closed for shouxi, the siesta like lunch time. So he waited, then went over when it opened again and they said, “Come back Thursday.” So he gave me my stuff back and said, “You’re going by yourself next time.”
So Thursday afternoon, I’ll go down to the PSB office and pick up my passport and new visa. Of course, this could change on a moment’s notice.
Other than that, things are well. Everyone arrived on Wednesday and classes started… you guessed it, Wednesday. Our first quiz on Chinese was on Wednesday. Characters, writing characters, Pinyin, and dictation.
Welcome to China.
I’m loving it. I’m learning a lot already. My biggest joy was when I went and had to get a light bulb for my lamp. I didn’t know the correct word, but I knew the word for lamp. So I found a place that sold lamps and motioned inside for the bulb. The shopkeeper knew exactly what I needed. I took it, looked at it, told her I thought this was good and asked the price. I gave her the bill, and after getting change I asked her how to say this (the bulb). Voila, I just learned a knew word. These things make me happy.
It is beautiful here, but bloody hot. I’ll eventually get some photos up.
Posts will likely be shorter now, but I’ll try to keep up some regularity. Studying for bloody Chinese quizzes takes a lot. I’m one of five (out of twenty) who decided to do the extra level of Chinese. I do feel like I’ve cheated, because I know most of the words we’re learning. My pronunciation is terrible, so luckily that is improving.
Whoooo.
Zaijian.
And I’m still in China.
There is a saying in China, “The mountains are tall and the emperor is far away.” This is true today. What Beijing says doesn’t seem to always matter. Visa has been relatively smooth, besides a full health exam (with xrays, sonograms, and EKGs) and tons of paperwork.
The verdict is still out, however. Ted, the student assistant here, went down today to get it, but it was closed for shouxi, the siesta like lunch time. So he waited, then went over when it opened again and they said, “Come back Thursday.” So he gave me my stuff back and said, “You’re going by yourself next time.”
So Thursday afternoon, I’ll go down to the PSB office and pick up my passport and new visa. Of course, this could change on a moment’s notice.
Other than that, things are well. Everyone arrived on Wednesday and classes started… you guessed it, Wednesday. Our first quiz on Chinese was on Wednesday. Characters, writing characters, Pinyin, and dictation.
Welcome to China.
I’m loving it. I’m learning a lot already. My biggest joy was when I went and had to get a light bulb for my lamp. I didn’t know the correct word, but I knew the word for lamp. So I found a place that sold lamps and motioned inside for the bulb. The shopkeeper knew exactly what I needed. I took it, looked at it, told her I thought this was good and asked the price. I gave her the bill, and after getting change I asked her how to say this (the bulb). Voila, I just learned a knew word. These things make me happy.
It is beautiful here, but bloody hot. I’ll eventually get some photos up.
Posts will likely be shorter now, but I’ll try to keep up some regularity. Studying for bloody Chinese quizzes takes a lot. I’m one of five (out of twenty) who decided to do the extra level of Chinese. I do feel like I’ve cheated, because I know most of the words we’re learning. My pronunciation is terrible, so luckily that is improving.
Whoooo.
Zaijian.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Things I Will Miss
I wanted to take the time to write about the thing I will miss most here in Shijiazhuang.
I will miss the team here. They’ve been positively fantastic. Honestly, I wish I could stay. Perhaps I’ll just have to come back.
I taught for a month, and I know I’ll miss that. I miss some of the friends I made during that time. I’ll miss the dynamic here. It’s a vacation time, so things are laid back. Varied.
No, the thing I’ll miss most is this little girl who lives in my building.
In Dong Wu Li where I live there are approximately 17 buildings, 6 floors high. There are three doors, each with two or three apartments on each floor. Each apartment usually has a large family inside. Most of them don’t have AC, so they spend time outside, where it is slightly cooler. The children play, the adults talk or run errands.
Outside my building there are around 5 or 6 kids who play. I can often hear them playing when I am cooking. Luckily my kitchen window looks down onto the street they play in. They know me by now, and they’re not too shy given that one of our team couples lived in that building for a while. One of them taught them how to say Hello and Bye-bye. I’ve taught them to give me a high-five, as well as continuing the pounding the fist that Dale taught them.
Most the time, they’ll be playing, see me and shout, “Hello!” and run up to me wanting a high five or something.
But this little girl, who is also close to Dale’s heart, could melt a heart of ice. I could be having the worst day of my entire life, and if I saw her, the day would become better. She has the best little voice, and uses it well, as each time she sees me she shouts, “HELLO!” With a cute little smile she runs up and wants several high-fives.
One time she ran all the way down the length of the building to see me. Another, I was just standing there outside the complex and heard a loud, “HELLO!” and she was next to me, out for a treat with grandma.
Yesterday, she ran up close to me and I squatted down. She stared at me, and I stared back. The Chinese are not used to facial hair, so pretty soon she was playing with my facial hair. Totally innocent. Totally cute.
Each time I arrive on my bike or by foot, and she doesn’t see me, her grandma will get her attention. She’s a shy little girl, in fact, grandma had to help me get these photos, but we have some good times.
I will miss that little voice, that “Hello!” each time I go out. That sweet little smile that warms the hardest of hearts.
So, little girl who’s name I never have learned, I will miss you.
(NOTE: The pictures are links to larger photo)
I will miss the team here. They’ve been positively fantastic. Honestly, I wish I could stay. Perhaps I’ll just have to come back.
I taught for a month, and I know I’ll miss that. I miss some of the friends I made during that time. I’ll miss the dynamic here. It’s a vacation time, so things are laid back. Varied.
No, the thing I’ll miss most is this little girl who lives in my building.
In Dong Wu Li where I live there are approximately 17 buildings, 6 floors high. There are three doors, each with two or three apartments on each floor. Each apartment usually has a large family inside. Most of them don’t have AC, so they spend time outside, where it is slightly cooler. The children play, the adults talk or run errands.
Outside my building there are around 5 or 6 kids who play. I can often hear them playing when I am cooking. Luckily my kitchen window looks down onto the street they play in. They know me by now, and they’re not too shy given that one of our team couples lived in that building for a while. One of them taught them how to say Hello and Bye-bye. I’ve taught them to give me a high-five, as well as continuing the pounding the fist that Dale taught them. Most the time, they’ll be playing, see me and shout, “Hello!” and run up to me wanting a high five or something.
But this little girl, who is also close to Dale’s heart, could melt a heart of ice. I could be having the worst day of my entire life, and if I saw her, the day would become better. She has the best little voice, and uses it well, as each time she sees me she shouts, “HELLO!” With a cute little smile she runs up and wants several high-fives.
One time she ran all the way down the length of the building to see me. Another, I was just standing there outside the complex and heard a loud, “HELLO!” and she was next to me, out for a treat with grandma.Yesterday, she ran up close to me and I squatted down. She stared at me, and I stared back. The Chinese are not used to facial hair, so pretty soon she was playing with my facial hair. Totally innocent. Totally cute.
Each time I arrive on my bike or by foot, and she doesn’t see me, her grandma will get her attention. She’s a shy little girl, in fact, grandma had to help me get these photos, but we have some good times.
I will miss that little voice, that “Hello!” each time I go out. That sweet little smile that warms the hardest of hearts.
So, little girl who’s name I never have learned, I will miss you.
(NOTE: The pictures are links to larger photo)
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Proxy
So, I finally found a good, working proxy service online. For the first time in two months, I’ve seen my blogspot page. Not too bad.
They recently started blocking Wikipedia again, so this comes at a good time. I can once again satiate my desires for random, useless information. They seem to have things like rolling blockings. The Olympics are coming, which means tighter security. Additionally, I understand that the 5-year election is coming up.
Election? In China?
This is the People’s REPUBLIC of China. They have a Congress. Or something like that. Anyway, it’s not well organized, as I understand it, and advertising is nonexistent. BUT, they do have some semblance of elections for their representatives. I think it goes by county, then by province. Similar to ours, I think.
It’s also sort of similar to the old examination systems. Sort of. If you’re curious about that, all you folks can Wikipedia it.
And not use a proxy server.
I bought my ticket yesterday. Three or so hour flight down to Xiamen. It gets in at 11:45, which means it’s going to be a long night. I’ll have an extra day until my fellow students swing into town. In that day, I hope to get my passport off as soon as there is daylight.
Ok not that early, but you get the point.
I’m not really worried. The worst that happens is I end up back here (not bad if you ask me) with Mike Company or I end up at home working during the bleak winter.
Ok maybe that last one is bad. Winter in Xiamen (Average of 70-80 degrees F) or winter in AK (there is a sun?)
Anyway. That’s the story. When I leave on Monday, I don’t know when I’ll reestablish contact. It could be shortly. It could be a long time, as I might be leaving the country.
I should write at least once more before I leave.
They recently started blocking Wikipedia again, so this comes at a good time. I can once again satiate my desires for random, useless information. They seem to have things like rolling blockings. The Olympics are coming, which means tighter security. Additionally, I understand that the 5-year election is coming up.
Election? In China?
This is the People’s REPUBLIC of China. They have a Congress. Or something like that. Anyway, it’s not well organized, as I understand it, and advertising is nonexistent. BUT, they do have some semblance of elections for their representatives. I think it goes by county, then by province. Similar to ours, I think.
It’s also sort of similar to the old examination systems. Sort of. If you’re curious about that, all you folks can Wikipedia it.
And not use a proxy server.
I bought my ticket yesterday. Three or so hour flight down to Xiamen. It gets in at 11:45, which means it’s going to be a long night. I’ll have an extra day until my fellow students swing into town. In that day, I hope to get my passport off as soon as there is daylight.
Ok not that early, but you get the point.
I’m not really worried. The worst that happens is I end up back here (not bad if you ask me) with Mike Company or I end up at home working during the bleak winter.
Ok maybe that last one is bad. Winter in Xiamen (Average of 70-80 degrees F) or winter in AK (there is a sun?)
Anyway. That’s the story. When I leave on Monday, I don’t know when I’ll reestablish contact. It could be shortly. It could be a long time, as I might be leaving the country.
I should write at least once more before I leave.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Reasons
The question was posed asking what other things I did besides try to make mashed potatoes.
Well, I’ve been busy, so I haven’t been able to answer.
Ok, sort of busy. I have limited internet, and I really only have times in the morning to go over and use it. Usually I check and respond to emails (thank you for all of those, friends), make some phone calls, make sure the world is still in one piece, then get on with my day.
Things are slow and quiet, which is great. Perhaps some would be chaffing at this point. I’m in China, after all.
Friends, I’m here to learn about working in China. I am interning with a registered teaching company. I am learning about working in China. I am learning about LIVING in China.
I have been meeting with the leaders here, outlining some goals for our time. Many of these are more mentoring than anything, but much of what I’ve been learning has been by observation. We have bi-weekly meetings where I am able to see the order of business and life. Additionally, I am living here, in an apartment. I must go to the outside market and buy vegetables, fruits, and meat. I must navigate the insanity of the streets on my bicycle. I must learn the names for my favorite ice cream and popsicles. I must learn to cook with the things I have.
Now, mind you, this is all apart from my regular studies. I am reading a book for my upcoming schooling this fall. I am also reading a book assigned by my leader here. Within these, I am learning much.
This is a time for much reflection. All of you know of my struggles with visas. Of course, I’ve learned that this struggle is not isolated to just me—it’s the age old battle for any foreign worker in China. The tides change rapidly in China, and so must we. As one seasoned worker said to me, “In China, the only constant in change.”
This problem with the visa has, of course, been on my mind quite a bit. But, being as this is a time of reflection and learning, it has not been as hard on me as I had anticipated. My heart could palpitate, my breath become short. Perhaps I begin to lose sleep. These things are not the case.
No, the case here is trust. I am learning to trust. Today, as I conversed with one of the leaders, she related to me stories of their struggles. I was encouraged by these, and especially by her words, “What is the worst that could happen?”
Well the worst that could happen is I get denied visas on all counts. I have two options. One is I go home. I’d not head back to NU this semester. I’d go home and work. The other is I call my good friends here, they pull some strings, I get a work visa and teach some of their night classes.
Well, holy smokes. That isn’t bad, is it? In fact, I’d almost rather that than go to school! But, I must eventually graduate. The time for work will come later, unless that is the plan.
So, my days are filled with things from cleaning offices, helping move things, working on some audio things, reading, learning, trying to speak Chinese, and learning how to live life in a foreign country. Sometimes, I think we glamorize the life of living abroad. It’s foreign! Different!
Well, that’s all true.
It’s also hard because it is different. Additionally, there is the sentiment that asks, “What good is teaching English anyway?”
Well, friends, that is for another time. Let me say this: I want to do this. For the rest of my life. I do not need to flurry around and do busy things. I need to learn the daily things. The routine. The grind. By learning these things now, when I finally arrive for a much longer time, I can flurry and do busy things until I collapse, but I will have this:
I know how life is. I know how to buy meat in the market. I know how teaching is. I know the “politics” with the Foreign offices at the Universities. I know how important relationships are. How much a struggle visas are.
I am prepared.
And that is exactly why I am doing this.
Well, I’ve been busy, so I haven’t been able to answer.
Ok, sort of busy. I have limited internet, and I really only have times in the morning to go over and use it. Usually I check and respond to emails (thank you for all of those, friends), make some phone calls, make sure the world is still in one piece, then get on with my day.
Things are slow and quiet, which is great. Perhaps some would be chaffing at this point. I’m in China, after all.
Friends, I’m here to learn about working in China. I am interning with a registered teaching company. I am learning about working in China. I am learning about LIVING in China.
I have been meeting with the leaders here, outlining some goals for our time. Many of these are more mentoring than anything, but much of what I’ve been learning has been by observation. We have bi-weekly meetings where I am able to see the order of business and life. Additionally, I am living here, in an apartment. I must go to the outside market and buy vegetables, fruits, and meat. I must navigate the insanity of the streets on my bicycle. I must learn the names for my favorite ice cream and popsicles. I must learn to cook with the things I have.
Now, mind you, this is all apart from my regular studies. I am reading a book for my upcoming schooling this fall. I am also reading a book assigned by my leader here. Within these, I am learning much.
This is a time for much reflection. All of you know of my struggles with visas. Of course, I’ve learned that this struggle is not isolated to just me—it’s the age old battle for any foreign worker in China. The tides change rapidly in China, and so must we. As one seasoned worker said to me, “In China, the only constant in change.”
This problem with the visa has, of course, been on my mind quite a bit. But, being as this is a time of reflection and learning, it has not been as hard on me as I had anticipated. My heart could palpitate, my breath become short. Perhaps I begin to lose sleep. These things are not the case.
No, the case here is trust. I am learning to trust. Today, as I conversed with one of the leaders, she related to me stories of their struggles. I was encouraged by these, and especially by her words, “What is the worst that could happen?”
Well the worst that could happen is I get denied visas on all counts. I have two options. One is I go home. I’d not head back to NU this semester. I’d go home and work. The other is I call my good friends here, they pull some strings, I get a work visa and teach some of their night classes.
Well, holy smokes. That isn’t bad, is it? In fact, I’d almost rather that than go to school! But, I must eventually graduate. The time for work will come later, unless that is the plan.
So, my days are filled with things from cleaning offices, helping move things, working on some audio things, reading, learning, trying to speak Chinese, and learning how to live life in a foreign country. Sometimes, I think we glamorize the life of living abroad. It’s foreign! Different!
Well, that’s all true.
It’s also hard because it is different. Additionally, there is the sentiment that asks, “What good is teaching English anyway?”
Well, friends, that is for another time. Let me say this: I want to do this. For the rest of my life. I do not need to flurry around and do busy things. I need to learn the daily things. The routine. The grind. By learning these things now, when I finally arrive for a much longer time, I can flurry and do busy things until I collapse, but I will have this:
I know how life is. I know how to buy meat in the market. I know how teaching is. I know the “politics” with the Foreign offices at the Universities. I know how important relationships are. How much a struggle visas are.
I am prepared.
And that is exactly why I am doing this.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Housewives
This post goes out to all those housewives, past, present, and future.
I am living in a fully furnished and mostly-supplied apartment. It’s all tile, like the majority of homes here. No one has lived in this apartment yet—it was there for future people (myself, and a guy coming in a few months for much longer). So, I’ve set about to cleaning and organizing what I have.
Now things are all tile. I am still in the process (after catching this death plague) of sweeping and mopping the entire place. Meanwhile, my feet are brown with dust, even though I normally wear house slippers.
In the kitchen, I have a three foot counter space and a totally rigged table top for more counter space that is DEFINITELY not OSHA approved. I have several shelves. No dishwasher (that would be me). I do have a two burner natural gas stove that rocks my world.
Now that is picture has been painted, allow your mind to think of the amount of work this can be. I always have something to clean. Dishes are by hand.
Laundry, of course, is more or less the same, just minus the dryer. There are rooms for drying that have these really neat hanging systems. So laundry takes longer.
So my time has been spent cleaning, laundry, sorting, cooking, then cleaning—rinse, wash, repeat. This isn’t ALL my time, but sometimes I get on a roll.
At one point, I was juggling a load of laundry, dinner, and cleaning (as my dad says: clean as you go). It was then that I realized that this is all a lot of work! No wonder being a housewife is a full time job. Of course, I cannot imagine having a few kids running around, making messes, etc.
I’ve enjoyed the work. It’s been fun. Gives me time to think. However, I have earned a huge respect for housewives (or housePEOPLE. Let me be PC).
Cooking has been fun too. I got some meat at the market and one of the girls loaned me a George Forman, which REALLY makes life easy. I don’t have a rice maker, so I’m continuing to experiment with better ways to do it the old fashion way. I still think I need to increase the water ratio… Currently it’s coming out a bit hard, but fine for eating.
So rice, chicken, and a tomato or cucumber for dinner. Man it’s good.
On Sunday, we had a big team gathering at lunch. So we all chose a dish to bring. I wanted to contribute, and someone suggested mashed potatoes. So I used my three, borrowed three more, took a pot that someone left in my place when we were moving things, and proceed to make mashed potatoes. I only wish I had sour cream or plain (not sweetened. All plain is sweetened here) yogurt. Milk sufficed, but they could’ve been creamier.
I dedicated that pot of mashed potatoes to my wonderful parents, who for so many years forced—err graciously allowed me to help with holiday dinners. Without them, I would’ve been cooking blind (albeit with some intelligence. It’s not hard to make, seriously).
Which is a fancy way of saying they made me make the potatoes for Christmas last year.
I am living in a fully furnished and mostly-supplied apartment. It’s all tile, like the majority of homes here. No one has lived in this apartment yet—it was there for future people (myself, and a guy coming in a few months for much longer). So, I’ve set about to cleaning and organizing what I have.
Now things are all tile. I am still in the process (after catching this death plague) of sweeping and mopping the entire place. Meanwhile, my feet are brown with dust, even though I normally wear house slippers.
In the kitchen, I have a three foot counter space and a totally rigged table top for more counter space that is DEFINITELY not OSHA approved. I have several shelves. No dishwasher (that would be me). I do have a two burner natural gas stove that rocks my world.
Now that is picture has been painted, allow your mind to think of the amount of work this can be. I always have something to clean. Dishes are by hand.
Laundry, of course, is more or less the same, just minus the dryer. There are rooms for drying that have these really neat hanging systems. So laundry takes longer.
So my time has been spent cleaning, laundry, sorting, cooking, then cleaning—rinse, wash, repeat. This isn’t ALL my time, but sometimes I get on a roll.
At one point, I was juggling a load of laundry, dinner, and cleaning (as my dad says: clean as you go). It was then that I realized that this is all a lot of work! No wonder being a housewife is a full time job. Of course, I cannot imagine having a few kids running around, making messes, etc.
I’ve enjoyed the work. It’s been fun. Gives me time to think. However, I have earned a huge respect for housewives (or housePEOPLE. Let me be PC).
Cooking has been fun too. I got some meat at the market and one of the girls loaned me a George Forman, which REALLY makes life easy. I don’t have a rice maker, so I’m continuing to experiment with better ways to do it the old fashion way. I still think I need to increase the water ratio… Currently it’s coming out a bit hard, but fine for eating.
So rice, chicken, and a tomato or cucumber for dinner. Man it’s good.
On Sunday, we had a big team gathering at lunch. So we all chose a dish to bring. I wanted to contribute, and someone suggested mashed potatoes. So I used my three, borrowed three more, took a pot that someone left in my place when we were moving things, and proceed to make mashed potatoes. I only wish I had sour cream or plain (not sweetened. All plain is sweetened here) yogurt. Milk sufficed, but they could’ve been creamier.
I dedicated that pot of mashed potatoes to my wonderful parents, who for so many years forced—err graciously allowed me to help with holiday dinners. Without them, I would’ve been cooking blind (albeit with some intelligence. It’s not hard to make, seriously).
Which is a fancy way of saying they made me make the potatoes for Christmas last year.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
The next chapter
I think I’m getting sick.
At least I hope so. I sure hope it isn’t allergies. I think it more plausible to be the first.
Anyway, this is my second full day in my apartment.
Good news is, I have had power for those two days.
Two bedroom, one bath is too big for me. This apartment has never been lived in, so I am in the process of cleaning, fixing, and making sure things work. Tomorrow we’re going to get my gas working so I can cook. So, I’ve been doing laundry. I think I actually enjoy doing laundry because it is mindless. Like doing the dishes. Or cleaning. Or most the other things I’ve been doing when I’m home. Here, there are no dryers.
Now, I want all of you WITH a dryer to be thankful for them. Next time you do laundry, please, remember me.
Then go drink a glass of milk.
Honestly, those are two things I miss. Milk and dryers.
And now you’re wondering if I’ve lost it. Admit it.
But seriously. Dryers are fast, they shrink your clothes, AND they get rid of lint. On hot days, I know things will dry fast. 100% cotton shirts? Oh look how they get bigger! I just pulled my black pants (which I think I’m going to have the lady a few building down hem) out of the wash to see them covered with lint.
I swear, pretty soon my socks will be to my knees.
But I did get fabric softener today (which I’ve never used in my LIFE. I guess cause my folks never did) and I hear it makes a difference. Otherwise, things can be stiff.
But I enjoy it. It’s different.
The neighborhood is large. There are 17 buildings or something. At night, under street lights, groups gather. I’ve seen cards, mahjong tiles, and just talking. The children all rollerblade or run around wildly. Any time they see us they all say, “Hello! Hello!” and gather around. Today, they helped me lock up my bike. The other day, they helped me with my groceries. Dale has taught they different hand shakes. So I give them a hand shake or a high five and talk with them in English as they talk with me in Chinese.
Favorite moment? Today, while locking my bike up, I said in Chinese, “I am American.” They all laughed and giggled and said, “American!” in Chinese (meiguoren). Then I stopped suddenly, caught their attention, and said, “You are Chinese!” And they giggled again and ran off.
I know you’re laughing. But I’m pretty sure that’s the most complicated thing I can say. I think I can say what name is. And, “I want ____” (insert random food words or drinks that I know). I think the girls are working on a Chinese name for me.
It’s pretty easy when the verbs for “to be” are the same. We have am, are, is, was, were, will be. They have one word (shi and I forget the tone. Say things fast and no one cares).
I’m thinking about teaching them a word or a song maybe. They repeat everything you say. I also want to go watch a game of mahjong sometime.
EDIT: I am sick. A cold, nasal congestion. I'm a bit relieved. Everyone is taking good care of me.
At least I hope so. I sure hope it isn’t allergies. I think it more plausible to be the first.
Anyway, this is my second full day in my apartment.
Good news is, I have had power for those two days.
Two bedroom, one bath is too big for me. This apartment has never been lived in, so I am in the process of cleaning, fixing, and making sure things work. Tomorrow we’re going to get my gas working so I can cook. So, I’ve been doing laundry. I think I actually enjoy doing laundry because it is mindless. Like doing the dishes. Or cleaning. Or most the other things I’ve been doing when I’m home. Here, there are no dryers.
Now, I want all of you WITH a dryer to be thankful for them. Next time you do laundry, please, remember me.
Then go drink a glass of milk.
Honestly, those are two things I miss. Milk and dryers.
And now you’re wondering if I’ve lost it. Admit it.
But seriously. Dryers are fast, they shrink your clothes, AND they get rid of lint. On hot days, I know things will dry fast. 100% cotton shirts? Oh look how they get bigger! I just pulled my black pants (which I think I’m going to have the lady a few building down hem) out of the wash to see them covered with lint.
I swear, pretty soon my socks will be to my knees.
But I did get fabric softener today (which I’ve never used in my LIFE. I guess cause my folks never did) and I hear it makes a difference. Otherwise, things can be stiff.
But I enjoy it. It’s different.
The neighborhood is large. There are 17 buildings or something. At night, under street lights, groups gather. I’ve seen cards, mahjong tiles, and just talking. The children all rollerblade or run around wildly. Any time they see us they all say, “Hello! Hello!” and gather around. Today, they helped me lock up my bike. The other day, they helped me with my groceries. Dale has taught they different hand shakes. So I give them a hand shake or a high five and talk with them in English as they talk with me in Chinese.
Favorite moment? Today, while locking my bike up, I said in Chinese, “I am American.” They all laughed and giggled and said, “American!” in Chinese (meiguoren). Then I stopped suddenly, caught their attention, and said, “You are Chinese!” And they giggled again and ran off.
I know you’re laughing. But I’m pretty sure that’s the most complicated thing I can say. I think I can say what name is. And, “I want ____” (insert random food words or drinks that I know). I think the girls are working on a Chinese name for me.
It’s pretty easy when the verbs for “to be” are the same. We have am, are, is, was, were, will be. They have one word (shi and I forget the tone. Say things fast and no one cares).
I’m thinking about teaching them a word or a song maybe. They repeat everything you say. I also want to go watch a game of mahjong sometime.
EDIT: I am sick. A cold, nasal congestion. I'm a bit relieved. Everyone is taking good care of me.
Recap
(Written 8.5.07)
Classes are done. Exams have been given. We’ve been in Beijing for a while, which is why I’ve been quiet.
There is a saying in China:
You are not a real man until you’ve climbed the Great Wall.
Well, I’m a real man now. Unfortunately, it was incredibly foggy so we couldn’t see that far. I’m holding out for when I come back in the winter. Nonetheless, it was incredible. The place we were at was STEEP and it was definitely a workout.
I also went to acrobatic show which made everything I’ve ever done with my life seem worthless. I’m pretty certain someone sits around and goes, “Ok, what is NOT humanly possibly… Oh! Let’s do it!” I have a few photos of that, but yea, it was crazy. I’m glad it was an hour. I don’t think my nerves couldn’t handled much more.
Went to Tiananmen. Saw the Monument to the People’s Heroes, all the buildings around it (People’s Congress, National Museum of the People, more monument, Mao’s Mausoleum, some cool gates and towers), and the ever famous entrance to the Forbidden City with Mao’s photo.
And, naturally, we went to the Forbidden City. A lot of the main parts were being renovated for the Olympics, but again I’m holding out for the winter.
At all areas there were tons of people and poor visibility. I’m hoping in a few months things will be better. Regardless, it was breath taking. My favorite? Probably Tiananmen. The history there is enormous. Why not the Great Wall? I couldn’t see a lot of it, although it was incredible. Plus, the section we were on was only built during the Ming dynasty (~500 years ago). There are some sections that are near 2,000 years old. Ok, I know I’m picky. It was all good, but Tiananmen seemed so fresh. Seeing the monument, the Congress building (where the magic happens), and seeing Mao’s photo over the Forbidden City… this is TODAY. I love yesterday, but today is… today. Real. The expanse of the Forbidden City is incredible. 32 emperors from the Ming (started 1,300 AD) to the Qing (ended 1911) resided there. It took us almost two hours to get through and we didn’t stop long. We missed an entire side of things AND some of the areas were closed for renovations. Huge.
Anyway. Time has flown by. Goodbyes are truly sad. I return to Shijiazhuang tomorrow (at least when I write this. When I POST this will be a different matter…)
Classes are done. Exams have been given. We’ve been in Beijing for a while, which is why I’ve been quiet.
There is a saying in China:
You are not a real man until you’ve climbed the Great Wall.
Well, I’m a real man now. Unfortunately, it was incredibly foggy so we couldn’t see that far. I’m holding out for when I come back in the winter. Nonetheless, it was incredible. The place we were at was STEEP and it was definitely a workout.
I also went to acrobatic show which made everything I’ve ever done with my life seem worthless. I’m pretty certain someone sits around and goes, “Ok, what is NOT humanly possibly… Oh! Let’s do it!” I have a few photos of that, but yea, it was crazy. I’m glad it was an hour. I don’t think my nerves couldn’t handled much more.
Went to Tiananmen. Saw the Monument to the People’s Heroes, all the buildings around it (People’s Congress, National Museum of the People, more monument, Mao’s Mausoleum, some cool gates and towers), and the ever famous entrance to the Forbidden City with Mao’s photo.
And, naturally, we went to the Forbidden City. A lot of the main parts were being renovated for the Olympics, but again I’m holding out for the winter.
At all areas there were tons of people and poor visibility. I’m hoping in a few months things will be better. Regardless, it was breath taking. My favorite? Probably Tiananmen. The history there is enormous. Why not the Great Wall? I couldn’t see a lot of it, although it was incredible. Plus, the section we were on was only built during the Ming dynasty (~500 years ago). There are some sections that are near 2,000 years old. Ok, I know I’m picky. It was all good, but Tiananmen seemed so fresh. Seeing the monument, the Congress building (where the magic happens), and seeing Mao’s photo over the Forbidden City… this is TODAY. I love yesterday, but today is… today. Real. The expanse of the Forbidden City is incredible. 32 emperors from the Ming (started 1,300 AD) to the Qing (ended 1911) resided there. It took us almost two hours to get through and we didn’t stop long. We missed an entire side of things AND some of the areas were closed for renovations. Huge.
Anyway. Time has flown by. Goodbyes are truly sad. I return to Shijiazhuang tomorrow (at least when I write this. When I POST this will be a different matter…)
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Observations: Generations
Before I begin my new post, I want to add to my last post on teachers. I had a chance to once again discuss this matter with some of the teachers, and one of them was confident that things will change in the next few years. The reason? “There are much less children.” The one child and planned parenthood policies are still in effect, although not STRINGENTLY enforced. Many have two children.
Alright, more observations, this time on the gap across generations. It has been said that the generation in university right now is known as the “young emperors.” They are often only children (one-child) and are catered to by their families. Remember, these folks often move in with the husband’s family. So many times they have parents, grandparents, and sometimes great-grandparents to dote on them.
We have one class that is full of students, ranging from Junior Middle School to university. They are aggressive and sometimes controlling. This is much the opposite from the other classes which have adults. The gap does not stop there.
Japan.
A bit of a history lesson. The Japanese and the Chinese don’t get along. Maybe it stems from the fact that during World War II, the Japanese occupied China. The rape of Nanking, anyone? It was brutal. Even since I’ve been here, I’ve seen the prejudice against the Japanese. Mike often uses the Japanese as examples in lectures in order to push this idea. The older generations do not like the Japanese, especially in the north, Manchuria, where the Japanese occupied the longest.
The younger generation does not care. Last fall, I read an article in National Geographic about the northern provinces of China. The unemployment up there is very high, maybe 15%. However, the Japanese are moving businesses into the area. Many of the younger generations are working for them, but their parents are very angry, for they still hold animosity towards the Japanese.
Today in class, I asked the question, “If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why.” I had a girl answer, “Japan, because it is very beautiful and it is growing and I enjoy it very much.” I was surprised. Soon after, another girl said, “I, too, would like to go to Japan. My major is Japanese language, and someday I hope to be a business woman in Japan.” I was taken aback entirely. This is unheard of, but the younger generation has no reason to dislike the Japanese.
I almost wonder what their families think.
Regardless, the gap is large. The generations made a huge jump. In the 80’s, China began to open up to the world. It wasn’t until the last few generations that technology has entered into China. So the generations took a huge leap forward in things they used.
Perhaps at some point I’ll ask some of the older generations what they think of the younger generations.
Alright, more observations, this time on the gap across generations. It has been said that the generation in university right now is known as the “young emperors.” They are often only children (one-child) and are catered to by their families. Remember, these folks often move in with the husband’s family. So many times they have parents, grandparents, and sometimes great-grandparents to dote on them.
We have one class that is full of students, ranging from Junior Middle School to university. They are aggressive and sometimes controlling. This is much the opposite from the other classes which have adults. The gap does not stop there.
Japan.
A bit of a history lesson. The Japanese and the Chinese don’t get along. Maybe it stems from the fact that during World War II, the Japanese occupied China. The rape of Nanking, anyone? It was brutal. Even since I’ve been here, I’ve seen the prejudice against the Japanese. Mike often uses the Japanese as examples in lectures in order to push this idea. The older generations do not like the Japanese, especially in the north, Manchuria, where the Japanese occupied the longest.
The younger generation does not care. Last fall, I read an article in National Geographic about the northern provinces of China. The unemployment up there is very high, maybe 15%. However, the Japanese are moving businesses into the area. Many of the younger generations are working for them, but their parents are very angry, for they still hold animosity towards the Japanese.
Today in class, I asked the question, “If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why.” I had a girl answer, “Japan, because it is very beautiful and it is growing and I enjoy it very much.” I was surprised. Soon after, another girl said, “I, too, would like to go to Japan. My major is Japanese language, and someday I hope to be a business woman in Japan.” I was taken aback entirely. This is unheard of, but the younger generation has no reason to dislike the Japanese.
I almost wonder what their families think.
Regardless, the gap is large. The generations made a huge jump. In the 80’s, China began to open up to the world. It wasn’t until the last few generations that technology has entered into China. So the generations took a huge leap forward in things they used.
Perhaps at some point I’ll ask some of the older generations what they think of the younger generations.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Observations: Teachers in China
I will now discontinue the trend of event and storytelling and now I shall do an observation or topical post.
As some of you may know, many of the participants here are teachers. Middle school teachers to be specific. Now, in China, you only “have” to go to school up to middle school (8th or 9th grade). I say “have” because it’s not compulsory.
Ok, so there are approximately 1.4 billion people in China. There are not enough schools. I have heard of class sizes as low as 40 – 50 and as high as 150-170. Per classroom. In middle school. Because there are many students, it is hard to teach. Many of the students are… well middle schoolers. Unruly and difficult.
The teachers do not have a choice in curriculum or really HOW they teach. They also do not have much money to experiment with what little they can.
Furthermore, I have asked many of them if they like being teachers.
No one really does. It is difficult. I asked them why and they said, “Too much work. Not enough pay.” They work hard and hardly get paid. In fact, I heard at one point that sometime they have to pay for some things. So it is difficult to support a family. No one really wants to be a teacher because the class sizes are so huge, the students do not want to learn, and the pay is not good.
So the teachers do not want to teach and the students do not want to learn.
High school (senior middle school) is much different. That is a choice and so the class sizes drop dramatically. If a student does not do well in school up to middle school, they will not go on. Many of them need to get jobs to help support their families.
Finally, in China, changing jobs is very difficult. You graduate from teaching school and you are a teacher.
For life.
It is extremely difficult to change. In fact, I have had questions asking if it is easy in America to change jobs. This is a novel thing for them. Some of them hope that learning English MAY have the possibility of another job, but hope is grim.
University students are essentially the elite. You do not go to university if you are not a good student. Or at least wealthy. These students are only a small portion of the population. One interesting fact from university: you and your roommates are roommates for your entire time. Also in any grade, a class monitor is chosen and that person is the class monitor for the entire time in that grade school (middle/high/university)
Lastly, in China, you maintain contact with your classmates for life. Even if they are just middle school, or perhaps high school, or even university. You are in contact with them until you die. You know their job, how many children, their names, etc.
As some of you may know, many of the participants here are teachers. Middle school teachers to be specific. Now, in China, you only “have” to go to school up to middle school (8th or 9th grade). I say “have” because it’s not compulsory.
Ok, so there are approximately 1.4 billion people in China. There are not enough schools. I have heard of class sizes as low as 40 – 50 and as high as 150-170. Per classroom. In middle school. Because there are many students, it is hard to teach. Many of the students are… well middle schoolers. Unruly and difficult.
The teachers do not have a choice in curriculum or really HOW they teach. They also do not have much money to experiment with what little they can.
Furthermore, I have asked many of them if they like being teachers.
No one really does. It is difficult. I asked them why and they said, “Too much work. Not enough pay.” They work hard and hardly get paid. In fact, I heard at one point that sometime they have to pay for some things. So it is difficult to support a family. No one really wants to be a teacher because the class sizes are so huge, the students do not want to learn, and the pay is not good.
So the teachers do not want to teach and the students do not want to learn.
High school (senior middle school) is much different. That is a choice and so the class sizes drop dramatically. If a student does not do well in school up to middle school, they will not go on. Many of them need to get jobs to help support their families.
Finally, in China, changing jobs is very difficult. You graduate from teaching school and you are a teacher.
For life.
It is extremely difficult to change. In fact, I have had questions asking if it is easy in America to change jobs. This is a novel thing for them. Some of them hope that learning English MAY have the possibility of another job, but hope is grim.
University students are essentially the elite. You do not go to university if you are not a good student. Or at least wealthy. These students are only a small portion of the population. One interesting fact from university: you and your roommates are roommates for your entire time. Also in any grade, a class monitor is chosen and that person is the class monitor for the entire time in that grade school (middle/high/university)
Lastly, in China, you maintain contact with your classmates for life. Even if they are just middle school, or perhaps high school, or even university. You are in contact with them until you die. You know their job, how many children, their names, etc.
Apartment
Alright. I hope the shock of my eating, and enjoying, dog is over. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, read my last post.
I know what you’re thinking. “Wow, Tyler, you haven’t written in a week and now you post a whole bunch.” Well, I’ll be honest.
I didn’t realize it had been a week. Actually, I don’t know how I didn’t see that. I try to be regular, but things were busy and fast.
So back to the weekend. I have one more good story.
I was ready for some downtime when Cindy, one of my leaders, called me and asked if I wanted to go to where my apartment is (for after the program) and stay there on Saturday. Sundays we always spend down at their apartment for a team meeting, so it would be pretty convenient . So, I seized the day.
Carpe diem. Heck yea.
Course, no one had ever lived there. It is fully furnished (I have photos somewhere), but very dusty and dirty. So, I threw some things in a bag and we made the trip. I took inventory and started cleaning. First to sweep. Then to mop.
Oh, did I mention that all floors are tile? Easier to clean or something.
Honestly, give me a vacuum over a mop any day.
So I swept. And mopped. Both rooms, kitchen, and living area. I cleaned the bathroom, wiped off the furniture and shelves, etc. In between all of this, I went to the store with some others and then went out to eat with some of the girls to a Western restaurant. This was an oasis of sorts because it served Starbucks coffee and Hagan-Dazes ice cream. It had some great food, and a live violin player. A great time, to be sure.
So, now we’re back at the apartment after a good meal. Daisy and Ericka came up to show me how to use the washer and fix a few odds and ends. I did some laundry (NOT by hand, but still hang dry) and got ready for bed. I curled up in bed, and dozed off…
…only to awake around 2:30 AM in a sweat. The room was hot. Sweltering. Uncomfortable. Oh, that’s strange, the AC went off. I get the remote and hit the button.
Nothing.
I hit the touch lamp next to me.
Nothing.
Crap. I wander to the window and see lights on in other buildings.
This can only mean one thing.
You see, the week before, I learned that to get electricity, you have a card. You put money on the card and swipe it at your apartment’s meter. When the money runs out…
Well, the power runs out.
Now, it makes sense that there was not a lot of money on the card because no one lived there! I was stuck in a hot apartment.
Try sleeping in a sauna around 80 – 90 degrees and 80 – 100% humidity. Eventually, I did fall back to sleep, and around 8, I could not lay there in my own sweat any longer. So I got up. Thankfully, there was enough hot water in the water heater for a warmish shower to wash the sweat off.
At the time, it was interesting… now it is definitely funny. And, of course, the team kept asking me, with a laugh, “So did you sleep well last night?”
Oh boy, did I ever…
I know what you’re thinking. “Wow, Tyler, you haven’t written in a week and now you post a whole bunch.” Well, I’ll be honest.
I didn’t realize it had been a week. Actually, I don’t know how I didn’t see that. I try to be regular, but things were busy and fast.
So back to the weekend. I have one more good story.
I was ready for some downtime when Cindy, one of my leaders, called me and asked if I wanted to go to where my apartment is (for after the program) and stay there on Saturday. Sundays we always spend down at their apartment for a team meeting, so it would be pretty convenient . So, I seized the day.
Carpe diem. Heck yea.
Course, no one had ever lived there. It is fully furnished (I have photos somewhere), but very dusty and dirty. So, I threw some things in a bag and we made the trip. I took inventory and started cleaning. First to sweep. Then to mop.
Oh, did I mention that all floors are tile? Easier to clean or something.
Honestly, give me a vacuum over a mop any day.
So I swept. And mopped. Both rooms, kitchen, and living area. I cleaned the bathroom, wiped off the furniture and shelves, etc. In between all of this, I went to the store with some others and then went out to eat with some of the girls to a Western restaurant. This was an oasis of sorts because it served Starbucks coffee and Hagan-Dazes ice cream. It had some great food, and a live violin player. A great time, to be sure.
So, now we’re back at the apartment after a good meal. Daisy and Ericka came up to show me how to use the washer and fix a few odds and ends. I did some laundry (NOT by hand, but still hang dry) and got ready for bed. I curled up in bed, and dozed off…
…only to awake around 2:30 AM in a sweat. The room was hot. Sweltering. Uncomfortable. Oh, that’s strange, the AC went off. I get the remote and hit the button.
Nothing.
I hit the touch lamp next to me.
Nothing.
Crap. I wander to the window and see lights on in other buildings.
This can only mean one thing.
You see, the week before, I learned that to get electricity, you have a card. You put money on the card and swipe it at your apartment’s meter. When the money runs out…
Well, the power runs out.
Now, it makes sense that there was not a lot of money on the card because no one lived there! I was stuck in a hot apartment.
Try sleeping in a sauna around 80 – 90 degrees and 80 – 100% humidity. Eventually, I did fall back to sleep, and around 8, I could not lay there in my own sweat any longer. So I got up. Thankfully, there was enough hot water in the water heater for a warmish shower to wash the sweat off.
At the time, it was interesting… now it is definitely funny. And, of course, the team kept asking me, with a laugh, “So did you sleep well last night?”
Oh boy, did I ever…
Plants and other things
I realize it has been a while since I wrote last. Things have been busy.
We went to the Shijiazhuang Botanical Garden on Saturday morning with all of the participants. The place is enormous. Of course, when we first got there, everyone wanted photos. I was so sick of smiling when everything was done. Despite this, it was a great time. There was an amusement park, and I went on a small rollercoaster. It was pretty sweet. You go upside twice, some quick falls. It was about half teachers and half younger students (Pink class). The girl I sat next to was so scared. It was her first time! I was laughing and told her she’d never forget it.
She probably won’t. I was afraid she was NOT enjoying it she was screaming so much, but when I asked her at the end if she enjoyed it, she did!
That was fun, and you can find the photos on facebook.
After the garden, we had a large party for Mike’s, one of our leaders, birthday. This was a good time for all and great food.
There is an important thing here. Maybe some of you skim these, maybe some of you just look for fancy photos which I never include because I hate formatting. However, I want one and all to read this very carefully:
At this party…
I ATE DOG!
It went something like this:
With my chopsticks, I reached for some cold meat. I had no idea what it was, but I just don’t ask. I eat. As I reached for it, my friend next to me said, “That is dog!”
“Dog?”
“Yes, dog!”
“Cool!” And so I ate. The conversation then turned to if we eat dog in America.
It tasted very good. It had a mild flavor (tastes like chicken? It was salty) and was very tender.
So, I will let you digest (HAHAAHAAH) that, and I will proceed to write about the rest of the weekend in the next posting.
We went to the Shijiazhuang Botanical Garden on Saturday morning with all of the participants. The place is enormous. Of course, when we first got there, everyone wanted photos. I was so sick of smiling when everything was done. Despite this, it was a great time. There was an amusement park, and I went on a small rollercoaster. It was pretty sweet. You go upside twice, some quick falls. It was about half teachers and half younger students (Pink class). The girl I sat next to was so scared. It was her first time! I was laughing and told her she’d never forget it.
She probably won’t. I was afraid she was NOT enjoying it she was screaming so much, but when I asked her at the end if she enjoyed it, she did!
That was fun, and you can find the photos on facebook.
After the garden, we had a large party for Mike’s, one of our leaders, birthday. This was a good time for all and great food.
There is an important thing here. Maybe some of you skim these, maybe some of you just look for fancy photos which I never include because I hate formatting. However, I want one and all to read this very carefully:
At this party…
I ATE DOG!
It went something like this:
With my chopsticks, I reached for some cold meat. I had no idea what it was, but I just don’t ask. I eat. As I reached for it, my friend next to me said, “That is dog!”
“Dog?”
“Yes, dog!”
“Cool!” And so I ate. The conversation then turned to if we eat dog in America.
It tasted very good. It had a mild flavor (tastes like chicken? It was salty) and was very tender.
So, I will let you digest (HAHAAHAAH) that, and I will proceed to write about the rest of the weekend in the next posting.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Things
This weekend we went to visit the Zhaozhou (Jaow-joe) bridge build around 600 AD. It’s the oldest bridge in the world of its type and it’s the oldest bridge in China. Pictures: http://nwcollege.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2003466&l=4f6aa&id=167100581. To illustrate the importance of this bridge to the Chinese: In the history book I am reading, there is a picture of it; many of the participants in one of my classes could name the man who made it; every Chinese I’ve talked to know exactly what the bridge is. It pretty much rocked. More information is included within some of the photos, so don’t skip too many!
That evening we took two of our Chinese friends, both students at this university, to Pizza Hut. They’d never had pizza. They really liked it! Of course, so did we. The first thing I thought when I took my first bite was, “God Bless America.” There are two Pizza Huts, a few McDonalds, and even more KFC. KFC is huge over here. The Pizza Hut was fancy: you sat down and ordered, the food was great, and they served fancy things like escargot. One of the McDonalds we went to actually sat us down and took our orders.
I love this country.
This week is more teaching. I think tomorrow a few of us have the morning off and are going to run into town to shop. Who knows what we’ll find. Yesterday, I was delayed and missed the rest of the team when they left. We were in another part of town. I really wanted to go to the store, so I hoped a taxi (the main mode of transportation) and went by myself. I wasn’t worried, because at this point it’s old hat. Nonetheless, it was fun. Observations: I’m better with remembering places than I thought. Thankfully. The taxi driver dropped me off somewhere I was only vaguely familiar with, but I found my landmarks. The school is about 20km north of the main areas of the city.
I have a bruise on my arm from playing volleyball. It was a blast, but obviously I have bad form. Highlight: Right when I started trash talking, I totally missed a shot. Teach me!
This will be short. Things have been relatively quiet, at least as far as what can be said. I’ll write again soon. Things are never quiet for long.
That evening we took two of our Chinese friends, both students at this university, to Pizza Hut. They’d never had pizza. They really liked it! Of course, so did we. The first thing I thought when I took my first bite was, “God Bless America.” There are two Pizza Huts, a few McDonalds, and even more KFC. KFC is huge over here. The Pizza Hut was fancy: you sat down and ordered, the food was great, and they served fancy things like escargot. One of the McDonalds we went to actually sat us down and took our orders.
I love this country.
This week is more teaching. I think tomorrow a few of us have the morning off and are going to run into town to shop. Who knows what we’ll find. Yesterday, I was delayed and missed the rest of the team when they left. We were in another part of town. I really wanted to go to the store, so I hoped a taxi (the main mode of transportation) and went by myself. I wasn’t worried, because at this point it’s old hat. Nonetheless, it was fun. Observations: I’m better with remembering places than I thought. Thankfully. The taxi driver dropped me off somewhere I was only vaguely familiar with, but I found my landmarks. The school is about 20km north of the main areas of the city.
I have a bruise on my arm from playing volleyball. It was a blast, but obviously I have bad form. Highlight: Right when I started trash talking, I totally missed a shot. Teach me!
This will be short. Things have been relatively quiet, at least as far as what can be said. I’ll write again soon. Things are never quiet for long.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Videos and Pollution
Oh snap.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-07/15/content_348397.htm
Skim down to the fourth paragraph. Skip over some of the names which are near unpronounceable (after studying Pinyin, they are still difficult for me), and you will see down the list a city:
Shijiazhuang in Hebei Province
Word. I'm living in a city that ranks 7 out of 10 in poor air quality. Strangely, I haven't noticed it too much. Our school is just on the edge of the city, so perhaps that is part of it. The times I've been down town haven't been bad though.
In other news, one of my fellow teachers took some videos on my camera of me teaching. I put them together and uploaded them.
http://www.llarian.net/~xhentild/China/Teaching2.wmv
The first video, I am teaching a proverb. You'll notice at the end I blow on the chalk. The tray that the chalks rests in has about a quarter inch of chalk dust…
In the second video, we are playing a game: The Adverb game. I had each participant write an action on a piece of paper, then write an adverb on another piece. Then a team volunteered to come up, randomly pick one action and one adverb, and act it out without using words. Then the other teams had to guess (I had prizes). I think this one was reading quietly.
Enjoy.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-07/15/content_348397.htm
Skim down to the fourth paragraph. Skip over some of the names which are near unpronounceable (after studying Pinyin, they are still difficult for me), and you will see down the list a city:
Shijiazhuang in Hebei Province
Word. I'm living in a city that ranks 7 out of 10 in poor air quality. Strangely, I haven't noticed it too much. Our school is just on the edge of the city, so perhaps that is part of it. The times I've been down town haven't been bad though.
In other news, one of my fellow teachers took some videos on my camera of me teaching. I put them together and uploaded them.
http://www.llarian.net/~xhentild/China/Teaching2.wmv
The first video, I am teaching a proverb. You'll notice at the end I blow on the chalk. The tray that the chalks rests in has about a quarter inch of chalk dust…
In the second video, we are playing a game: The Adverb game. I had each participant write an action on a piece of paper, then write an adverb on another piece. Then a team volunteered to come up, randomly pick one action and one adverb, and act it out without using words. Then the other teams had to guess (I had prizes). I think this one was reading quietly.
Enjoy.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
MOST uncomfortable and most fun
I know what you're thinking. Two posts in less than 24 hours.
Well it has been an eventful day.
In this wonderful post, we will explore the events of today: the most uncomfortable (moreso than the previous) and the most fun (or BEST).
The most uncomfortable: I spent the afternoon teaching by myself. I found myself really getting into it. I always like to tell stories to illustrate things, and they eat that kind of stuff up. In one of the sections of the poem, "If", by Rudyard Kipling, it says:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
To illustrate the very last line, I told the story of when our house burnt down back in '91 (i think). I found myself getting into it, and actually getting emotional about it. It drove the point home well (to summarize: we lost everything, but I don't remember my parents "breathing a word about our loss").
Back on track. Most uncomfortable moment is very similar, in fact they are related, to this morning (my last post). This one was on a larger scale. I was talking with one of my friends, we'll call him Jack. Jack is a very happy man and always making jokes. Overall a great guy. At one point, he said in a loud voice, "Tyler, we all agree. You are most handsome." I believe he said "of the teachers" but in my own already uncomfortable mind, I like the first version better. There was some giggling from the rest of the class (oh, there are only three guys in the class. Of 30). But Jack was not done. He proceeded to turn around and say to the class, "Right?" And in unison everyone says, "Right!" This was too much for my already beleaguered mind, and I proceeded to attempt to deflect the compliment the Chinese way (Ohhhh no no no, you are too kind to me). This didn't work. Many of them voiced their agreement individually. Eventually, and somewhat quickly, the conversation lulled and changed.
I couldn't tell you why this makes me uncomfortable. I think it is in the FORM of attention I am getting. One way or another, it definitely makes me laugh.
The most fun: My roommate had a brilliant idea: invite all of the male participants to dinner. We have 220 students.
And maybe 30 guys.
So, he had one of the team here help get reservations at a restaurant. We wanted to make sure that WE paid and that they were our guests (we invited, so according to protocol, we pay. However, we wanted to make sure). So we told all of the guys: 5:30, front gate. When we showed up 10 minutes early to the gate, everyone was waiting for us. All of the guys. At first I only saw maybe 10, inside the gate. When we walked out there were almost 20 waiting.
And when I saw this huge mass of Chinese men, ranging from late 20's to early 40's, my heart swelled. They were all so excited to eat with us.
So we arrived. They gave myself and one of my compatriots the seat of honor at one of the three tables. They were so kind: they filled our glasses whenever they were empty (don't refuse. They'll lose face most likely). They toasted to us (make sure to read my entry about banquet etiquette. Although this wasn't a banquet, we did much toasting). In fact, I think we toasted to beer (they drank beer), soda (we countered with soda), young men, old men, fathers, sons, to students, to teachers, to each other, to English, to glasses, to no glasses, to friends, and on and on. I'll tell you one thing: the Chinese know how to have a good time. There was laughter and friendship. We expressed to them many times that it was our express honor to eat with them.
And it was. This easily is one of the greatest experiences yet. And I am sure that it will rank in the top for the entire trip.
There were many pictures taken, but none with my camera. So, we will all have to wait for a while until the team returns to the states.
Sorry this one is so long. Someone comment on these things, for once!
Well it has been an eventful day.
In this wonderful post, we will explore the events of today: the most uncomfortable (moreso than the previous) and the most fun (or BEST).
The most uncomfortable: I spent the afternoon teaching by myself. I found myself really getting into it. I always like to tell stories to illustrate things, and they eat that kind of stuff up. In one of the sections of the poem, "If", by Rudyard Kipling, it says:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
To illustrate the very last line, I told the story of when our house burnt down back in '91 (i think). I found myself getting into it, and actually getting emotional about it. It drove the point home well (to summarize: we lost everything, but I don't remember my parents "breathing a word about our loss").
Back on track. Most uncomfortable moment is very similar, in fact they are related, to this morning (my last post). This one was on a larger scale. I was talking with one of my friends, we'll call him Jack. Jack is a very happy man and always making jokes. Overall a great guy. At one point, he said in a loud voice, "Tyler, we all agree. You are most handsome." I believe he said "of the teachers" but in my own already uncomfortable mind, I like the first version better. There was some giggling from the rest of the class (oh, there are only three guys in the class. Of 30). But Jack was not done. He proceeded to turn around and say to the class, "Right?" And in unison everyone says, "Right!" This was too much for my already beleaguered mind, and I proceeded to attempt to deflect the compliment the Chinese way (Ohhhh no no no, you are too kind to me). This didn't work. Many of them voiced their agreement individually. Eventually, and somewhat quickly, the conversation lulled and changed.
I couldn't tell you why this makes me uncomfortable. I think it is in the FORM of attention I am getting. One way or another, it definitely makes me laugh.
The most fun: My roommate had a brilliant idea: invite all of the male participants to dinner. We have 220 students.
And maybe 30 guys.
So, he had one of the team here help get reservations at a restaurant. We wanted to make sure that WE paid and that they were our guests (we invited, so according to protocol, we pay. However, we wanted to make sure). So we told all of the guys: 5:30, front gate. When we showed up 10 minutes early to the gate, everyone was waiting for us. All of the guys. At first I only saw maybe 10, inside the gate. When we walked out there were almost 20 waiting.
And when I saw this huge mass of Chinese men, ranging from late 20's to early 40's, my heart swelled. They were all so excited to eat with us.
So we arrived. They gave myself and one of my compatriots the seat of honor at one of the three tables. They were so kind: they filled our glasses whenever they were empty (don't refuse. They'll lose face most likely). They toasted to us (make sure to read my entry about banquet etiquette. Although this wasn't a banquet, we did much toasting). In fact, I think we toasted to beer (they drank beer), soda (we countered with soda), young men, old men, fathers, sons, to students, to teachers, to each other, to English, to glasses, to no glasses, to friends, and on and on. I'll tell you one thing: the Chinese know how to have a good time. There was laughter and friendship. We expressed to them many times that it was our express honor to eat with them.
And it was. This easily is one of the greatest experiences yet. And I am sure that it will rank in the top for the entire trip.
There were many pictures taken, but none with my camera. So, we will all have to wait for a while until the team returns to the states.
Sorry this one is so long. Someone comment on these things, for once!
Uncomfortable
Today was the first day that I taught a class alone. There is just one catch:
I’d never had this class before. Instead of older English teachers, they were a new class of students. Some middle school , but mainly university. Now their English was very good, but I had a bad feeling when walked into the room…
And the girls started giggling and whispering.
Did I mention that 90% of the room was girls?
In my almost 22 years on this earth, I fear a few things. One is girls when they giggle and whisper.
Did I say fear? I meant I get really uncomfortable.
So I taught the class. It wasn’t my best one, but that’s how we learn. On the schedule was a dumb song, “Scarborough Fair.” Man, I can hardly SAY Scarborough, let alone teach it. I listened to it, looked at it, and realized I did not want to teach that.
So I didn’t.
But that left me with some extra time. So I have a “filler” activity up my sleeve: I ask them questions. It gets them talking in English. The one I have used so far is: “Where in China would you like to visit and why?” I tell you what, I’ve learned a lot about different places in China from this. This activity went very well because these folks were not afraid to talk. We then went into English Corner where there is one foreign teacher to maybe 6 – 8 participants. This is their time to ask questions. It’s very fun and I’ve been asked some really great questions. Today things started out with, “Do you have many wolves where you are from in Alaska?”
I’ll be honest, I was a bit taken aback.
So far the class has been good, right? Nothing too bad. English Corner went very well.
But then the class ended. I was asked several times for my email, which I gave out. However, at this point, something inside me was unsettled. Perhaps it was the severe paranoia that my brother has instilled in me about electronic things. Something didn’t set well with giving my email out, so I decided to make a separate email to give people. So I now have a third email account on gmail.
After this, I had a few more photos (I think I’m past 10 now). Two gals asked for a photo, and I really didn’t want to do it IN the class, so we went into the hall and took the photo. Afterwards, the conversation went something like this:
Girl 1: “I think you are very handsome.”
Me: “Uh, thank you. You are too kind to me.” (The Chinese are very modest, so I was trying to act Chinese throughout this. It fit)
Girl 2: “Me too!”
Me: “Oh, uh, no no, you are too kind.” (I may have been looking for the exit at this point)
Girl 1 looks me dead in the eye: “I am telling the truth.”
Me: “Oh, thank you, you are too kind to me. I must go. Have a good day!” (In the middle of this, I was walking away slowly)
At this point I headed for the door VERY quickly. I think I was blushing. And stammering. And VERY uncomfortable. Luckily, on the way out, I ran into another of my team.
What have I learned from this? The Chinese are VERY indirect about somethings…
And very direct about others.
I’d never had this class before. Instead of older English teachers, they were a new class of students. Some middle school , but mainly university. Now their English was very good, but I had a bad feeling when walked into the room…
And the girls started giggling and whispering.
Did I mention that 90% of the room was girls?
In my almost 22 years on this earth, I fear a few things. One is girls when they giggle and whisper.
Did I say fear? I meant I get really uncomfortable.
So I taught the class. It wasn’t my best one, but that’s how we learn. On the schedule was a dumb song, “Scarborough Fair.” Man, I can hardly SAY Scarborough, let alone teach it. I listened to it, looked at it, and realized I did not want to teach that.
So I didn’t.
But that left me with some extra time. So I have a “filler” activity up my sleeve: I ask them questions. It gets them talking in English. The one I have used so far is: “Where in China would you like to visit and why?” I tell you what, I’ve learned a lot about different places in China from this. This activity went very well because these folks were not afraid to talk. We then went into English Corner where there is one foreign teacher to maybe 6 – 8 participants. This is their time to ask questions. It’s very fun and I’ve been asked some really great questions. Today things started out with, “Do you have many wolves where you are from in Alaska?”
I’ll be honest, I was a bit taken aback.
So far the class has been good, right? Nothing too bad. English Corner went very well.
But then the class ended. I was asked several times for my email, which I gave out. However, at this point, something inside me was unsettled. Perhaps it was the severe paranoia that my brother has instilled in me about electronic things. Something didn’t set well with giving my email out, so I decided to make a separate email to give people. So I now have a third email account on gmail.
After this, I had a few more photos (I think I’m past 10 now). Two gals asked for a photo, and I really didn’t want to do it IN the class, so we went into the hall and took the photo. Afterwards, the conversation went something like this:
Girl 1: “I think you are very handsome.”
Me: “Uh, thank you. You are too kind to me.” (The Chinese are very modest, so I was trying to act Chinese throughout this. It fit)
Girl 2: “Me too!”
Me: “Oh, uh, no no, you are too kind.” (I may have been looking for the exit at this point)
Girl 1 looks me dead in the eye: “I am telling the truth.”
Me: “Oh, thank you, you are too kind to me. I must go. Have a good day!” (In the middle of this, I was walking away slowly)
At this point I headed for the door VERY quickly. I think I was blushing. And stammering. And VERY uncomfortable. Luckily, on the way out, I ran into another of my team.
What have I learned from this? The Chinese are VERY indirect about somethings…
And very direct about others.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Nothing too eventful has happened recently. Just more teaching. I need to take some more photos. Perhaps I will have someone take photos during class today or sometime. I’ll throw a picture in here of my roommate and I are a huge water fight with some kids on Saturday. The game?
Get the foreigners wet.
Other things: I don’t seem to be able to eat much here. I don’t know if it is the heat, but I eat a small amount and I am full. It’s strange, but I’m satisfied with meals, so it’s not bad.
I’m still getting eaten alive in my sleep. Some look like mosquitoes or spiders, others look like bed bugs. Oh well.
I’ll take the rest of this to clarify some of my list:
Times I’ve been swindled: I took a “tourist” taxi from the airport to the hotel. I was tired and wanted to get there, so I took the first thing I got. Yea, it was stupid over and over again and cost me about 10 times as much. First and last time.
For those who don’t know, a “squatty potty” is the most common “toilet” over here. They have western toilets, but in most public areas, there is just a hole in the ground. And you have to squat. It’s really interesting. I’m still perfecting my technique.
As for the clothes: I have about 5 shirts I use for teaching, but I’ve only worn four. I rotate through them and I’ve only done laundry once. I either do it by hand or wait until one of the permanent team goes home and beg them to do it. My roommate did use the laundry service here in our building and it didn’t take too long. I may use that. Anyway, the point of it all is: laundry takes a while (no dryers), so we all wear the same clothes in a rotating fashion.
And no, Brian Baker, I have never said YES to wanting a Chinese girlfriend. That’d be trouble waiting to happen.
The photo one and the thinking fast one also have increased in number.
Monday, July 16, 2007
A new week
Today, I taught my first class as the lead teacher. Then, looking at the schedule, I saw that any time I am teaching, I am the lead. At one point, one of the permanent team mentioned that they knew I could do it. This was definitely encouraging for me because I knew I could do it too, but I was still nervous. Furthermore, my first class was me and another of the new team. I had no permanent team member with me a safety net. It was all us.
And we did it. I even had a participant say I was a good teacher, which encouraged me.
Considering she was a teacher herself.
The new schedule allows for some time off. I have Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning off. I figure this is prime time to catch up on my journal that I have to keep, write up a post about the weekend (with what details I can) and maybe include a photo, and perhaps draft my email list email. I always have some reading to do, and a few other things that are always of high importance.
Also, I think I might clean our room. It’s pretty much a disaster.
So, the minor inconveniences: I separated part of my fingernail late Sunday. I hit my finger, it started to hurt. I looked down, and even in the dark I could see blood under and around a small portion of my fingernail (my thumb at that). Additionally, the last few nights have left me with an increasing number of bug bites. I have them everywhere from my arms to the palms of my hands.
The good things: One of the permanent team washed my clothes on Sunday. Course I had to dry them in my little patio/drying room (I asked if they even HAD dryers in this country. I guess they do, but they use a lot of power and no one wants that), but they were dry by morning. So now I have clean laundry that is just a bit stiff, but man does it smell good. Also, I think I am finally getting better from whatever bug was making its home in my stomach. Perhaps the charcoal pills I took helped.
Today in class as I stood up there and explained something to everyone, I got an overwhelming feeling.
An overwhelming feelings of satisfaction.
And we did it. I even had a participant say I was a good teacher, which encouraged me.
Considering she was a teacher herself.
The new schedule allows for some time off. I have Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning off. I figure this is prime time to catch up on my journal that I have to keep, write up a post about the weekend (with what details I can) and maybe include a photo, and perhaps draft my email list email. I always have some reading to do, and a few other things that are always of high importance.
Also, I think I might clean our room. It’s pretty much a disaster.
So, the minor inconveniences: I separated part of my fingernail late Sunday. I hit my finger, it started to hurt. I looked down, and even in the dark I could see blood under and around a small portion of my fingernail (my thumb at that). Additionally, the last few nights have left me with an increasing number of bug bites. I have them everywhere from my arms to the palms of my hands.
The good things: One of the permanent team washed my clothes on Sunday. Course I had to dry them in my little patio/drying room (I asked if they even HAD dryers in this country. I guess they do, but they use a lot of power and no one wants that), but they were dry by morning. So now I have clean laundry that is just a bit stiff, but man does it smell good. Also, I think I am finally getting better from whatever bug was making its home in my stomach. Perhaps the charcoal pills I took helped.
Today in class as I stood up there and explained something to everyone, I got an overwhelming feeling.
An overwhelming feelings of satisfaction.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Random Facts
Alright, here are some random things from my trip so far:
How many times:
Note, these are all just from a week of being here. Maybe I’ll try to update and add to this list every so often….
EDIT: I thought of a few more things and had to update my "handsome" one. And I reformated to bullet points.
How many times:
- I’ve been called handsome (to my face): 3
- I’ve been called wise by my own teammate in front of the entire class (much to my chagrin): 1
- I’ve been asked awkward questions in front of the class: 3
- I’ve been swindled: 1
- I’ve been asked if I want a Chinese girlfriend: 2
- I’ve had to think very fast in regard to questions asked: 5
- I’ve made a fool of myself: 1
- I’ve had a participant buy me lunch: 1 (today was my first time! It’s an honor for them)
- I've had my picture taken before/after class: 4
- I've thought that the sound of cicadas reminds me of a horror film: 6
- I've worn the same outfit without washing: Almost every day
- the Chinese wear the same outfit without washing: Same
- I've used a "squatty potty": 2
- I’ve eaten donkey: 1
- I’ve wished for American food: I lost count (honestly, everyone thinks that the food is sooo great—when they’re in the States. You try eating it for three meals a day).
- I’ve had a participant or a university student here help me: I lost count
- I’ve caught myself using “Special English” with my fellow Americans: 3
- I've been told by the students that they love us and are having a great time: Everyday
- I've thought that this is the greatest thing I've ever done: Everyday
- my mom has told me she missed me: infinity
- How much my lunch today cost: >$1 (and there was more food than I could eat)
- Scariest thing I’ve done so far: hand my passport, visa, and photo to a Chinese guy (to get my visa extended). Course, I know it’ll be taken care of well.
- How many children in stores have grabbed their mom or grandma and said in Chinese, “Foreigner!”: 6
- How many bugs I drown in my cold coffee this morning: 2
Note, these are all just from a week of being here. Maybe I’ll try to update and add to this list every so often….
EDIT: I thought of a few more things and had to update my "handsome" one. And I reformated to bullet points.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Classroom Observations I
I’ve had two days in the classroom at this point. By the time most of you read this, I will either be sleeping, or back in the classroom for day three. If you haven’t caught on already, I observe. A lot. In fact, I didn’t realize how much I did until the last week or so. I love culture, hence my major, so this is prime time for me.
Here’s a big one: We are required to be in the classroom by no later than 15 minutes before class starts. We are encouraged to be there 30 minutes before. This is so we can mingle with our class. I arrived 30 minute before class one day and half of the class was already there. In fact, every time I thought I was early, I had roughly half or more of the class who had beat me to it.
They take notes on everything.
They remember even more.
Nothing slips past these folks. We read short stories and then ask questions afterwards. They always have the answers. They are quick, sharp, even with a second language handicap. Their vocabulary amazes me sometimes. Today, one of the other teachers asked if anyone knew what "carbonated water" was. Someone said, "Carbon dioxide in water to make it bubbly." That blew me away. I did a test today and during a game I wrote ALASKA on the board. They were supposed to ask me questions to see how that word connected to me. When I introduced myself to all 175 participants, I mentioned I was from the great state of Alaska.
They all remembered.
In fact, they wrote ALL of our names down during that introduction and ALL of the information we presented on the board.
These folks are humbling me. They are diligent, quick, and excited. I love to ask questions when I’m teaching something because they love to respond (and I hate just talking). They love to test words. If I say a hard word like anticipation, there would be a murmur in the room as they all repeated it quietly. They answer in unison very often.
Oh, and by the way, these are 98% adults. Middle school teachers. One guy I talked to has two English classes of 80 students. In the 7th grade. He’s been teaching for 6 years.
And yet, they are excited. I always ask people how class was or how the evening movie was (once a week we have an evening movie and have a lecture), and they always beam and say how great it was. They love this stuff.
Even though I am so much younger than many of them, they respect their teachers very much in this culture. I ALWAYS have participants trying to help me order food (and I appreciate them for that). They always buy me things (even when I refuse. It’s polite). I’m sure before too long, we will be buying meals for each other, as is proper in this culture. There is no “going Dutch.” If you invite, you pay.
I’ve been with these great people for only 2 days, and already I’ve learned so much from them.
Here’s a big one: We are required to be in the classroom by no later than 15 minutes before class starts. We are encouraged to be there 30 minutes before. This is so we can mingle with our class. I arrived 30 minute before class one day and half of the class was already there. In fact, every time I thought I was early, I had roughly half or more of the class who had beat me to it.
They take notes on everything.
They remember even more.
Nothing slips past these folks. We read short stories and then ask questions afterwards. They always have the answers. They are quick, sharp, even with a second language handicap. Their vocabulary amazes me sometimes. Today, one of the other teachers asked if anyone knew what "carbonated water" was. Someone said, "Carbon dioxide in water to make it bubbly." That blew me away. I did a test today and during a game I wrote ALASKA on the board. They were supposed to ask me questions to see how that word connected to me. When I introduced myself to all 175 participants, I mentioned I was from the great state of Alaska.
They all remembered.
In fact, they wrote ALL of our names down during that introduction and ALL of the information we presented on the board.
These folks are humbling me. They are diligent, quick, and excited. I love to ask questions when I’m teaching something because they love to respond (and I hate just talking). They love to test words. If I say a hard word like anticipation, there would be a murmur in the room as they all repeated it quietly. They answer in unison very often.
Oh, and by the way, these are 98% adults. Middle school teachers. One guy I talked to has two English classes of 80 students. In the 7th grade. He’s been teaching for 6 years.
And yet, they are excited. I always ask people how class was or how the evening movie was (once a week we have an evening movie and have a lecture), and they always beam and say how great it was. They love this stuff.
Even though I am so much younger than many of them, they respect their teachers very much in this culture. I ALWAYS have participants trying to help me order food (and I appreciate them for that). They always buy me things (even when I refuse. It’s polite). I’m sure before too long, we will be buying meals for each other, as is proper in this culture. There is no “going Dutch.” If you invite, you pay.
I’ve been with these great people for only 2 days, and already I’ve learned so much from them.
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