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.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)