I have been home for a week now and I have tried to consolidate in my mind what I have learned over the last six weeks. I wouldn't be a good teacher if I didn't wrap up the lesson with some self-reflection.
Although China is warming up to western ideas, it is still a communist country where religion/spirituality is not discussed openly. I really did feel a sense of "darkness" whereby people knew "something" was out there, but really couldn't put a finger on it, much less enter into a dialogue about it. Yes, Christianity is certainly not given the same equality in Canada as other ideologies or philosophies; but at least, I can share about Jesus, my friend and Saviour. I really missed not being able to go to church and be among fellow believers. Listening to sermons on the Internet is not the same as rubbing shoulders with other Christians.
I really missed my family--quirks and all! It is so easy to get irritated by the little things and just plain miss out on the big picture.
I have learned how easy it is to take things for granted. I appreciate clean drinking water from the tap. I had to use bottled water all the time, even when brushing my teeth or eating some fruit. I certainly appreciate cold water, with ice--everything I had was room temperature.
I took for granted the amount of resources that I had at my finger tips. Everything is so "easy" here: easy access, easy resources on the Internet (not everything as accessible by Internet due to restrictions made by the Chinese government); easy access to supplies, technology, etc.
Yes, I even took for granted things that I am used to like western toilets!! Although I was not tempted to kiss the throne, a hug for my porcelain fixture did cross my mind.
Another thing that I learned was perspective. For instance, my room, by our standards was very basic. It was adequate to my needs, but certainly not luxurious--from my perspective. However, from the University's perspective it was a 3 star hotel that they were offering to me. After all, the room, which is usually shared by 6 girls in the dormitory was all for me. It had air-conditioning that worked rather than just a fan. I started to look at things through their eyes which in turn, increased my ability for empathy.
Another lesson that I have learned was the ability to feel vulnerable--to be at someone else's mercy because they have what I don't--the ability to communicate. I really saw how frustrating that can be. This is such a prevalent feeling for my beginner students here in Canada. I have intelligent, well-educated people in my class who battle feelings of low self-esteem because there is the inability to communicate. Along with learning a new culture, trying to be observant, my students battle self doubt and questioning their decision to come to Canada in the first place. I can honestly understand what they feel; it is emotionally exhausting work.
I guess this is why I wanted to go to China in the first place. I needed to feel what my students were feeling in order to fully understand and then in turn, be better equipped to help them. You see, teaching for me is not just a job. I see my teaching as an opportunity to encourage my students during a difficult time and giving them the tools that they need in order to live out the dream of having a better life in Canada.
I think I came away from China a different person than when I left Canada. I hope that God continues to uses this experience to increase my awareness for others. I definitely have a better appreciation for missionaries as they have to deal with culture shock, both in the new country and when coming home again.
I want to thank you, dear readers, for following with interest. It has been my pleasure to regale you with tales; to tickle your funny bone; and maybe in part, to vicariously share my experiences with you. I hope that you too, have in some small way, been able to appreciate the small pleasures in life. I thank you for praying for me and keeping me in your thoughts. Honestly, that has been my sustaining power. It is through your prayers that I was able to learn the lessons above; to get along with a complete stranger; to cope with homesickness, strange food and the heat; able to stay healthy throughout the entire time; and to see the humour in strange events.
Thank you for sharing your time with me
Monday, August 23, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Leaving
My last evening was spent with the teachers as we celebrated our successes over a dinner. The teachers treated us to a wonderful buffet. I didn't ask about some of the food, but I honestly enjoyed most of it.
On the bus ride on the way home from the restaurant, I was engaged in a conversation with one of the teachers about the religion, or lack thereof, in China. She admitted that it was not a good thing that people don't believe because it was, in her opinion, necessary to believe in something outside of yourself. She asked me if I believe in anything. I was able to tell her that there are many choices and I chose to believe and follow Jesus Christ and follow the instructions of the Scriptures. She wasn't sure about the matter of "choice" because she felt that the higher power would come to her. I guess, in essence, she IS correct. God does come to us, but we still must choose to follow him. That was as far as our conversation could go. I only hope that this planted a seed of thought within her mind and that somneone else will come along and water those seeds.
Travelling home was a very long day! I was VERY glad to be home. I was *this* close to kissing Canadian soil! Paris and Byron greeted me at the airport with hugs, kisses and flowers!! My luggage also followed me home without a hitch. I've never been so excited to see a Tim Hortons!! Mmmm...my first iced cap in 6 weeks.
I'm still overcoming jetlag, but I am very glad to be home. I will have one more blog to write as I try to summarize to you the lessons that I have learned.
On the bus ride on the way home from the restaurant, I was engaged in a conversation with one of the teachers about the religion, or lack thereof, in China. She admitted that it was not a good thing that people don't believe because it was, in her opinion, necessary to believe in something outside of yourself. She asked me if I believe in anything. I was able to tell her that there are many choices and I chose to believe and follow Jesus Christ and follow the instructions of the Scriptures. She wasn't sure about the matter of "choice" because she felt that the higher power would come to her. I guess, in essence, she IS correct. God does come to us, but we still must choose to follow him. That was as far as our conversation could go. I only hope that this planted a seed of thought within her mind and that somneone else will come along and water those seeds.
Travelling home was a very long day! I was VERY glad to be home. I was *this* close to kissing Canadian soil! Paris and Byron greeted me at the airport with hugs, kisses and flowers!! My luggage also followed me home without a hitch. I've never been so excited to see a Tim Hortons!! Mmmm...my first iced cap in 6 weeks.
I'm still overcoming jetlag, but I am very glad to be home. I will have one more blog to write as I try to summarize to you the lessons that I have learned.
Friday, August 13, 2010
My Last Days
I had my last “prison break” today. It actually did feel like I was breaking out because I found a shortcut and crawled through a hole in the fence. It cut down on my walk to the BRT. I just sat by a small outdoor restaurant with a smoothie and did some people watching. I know that I won’t be sorry to leave this heat, that’s for sure. I remembered an adage that my teacher once spoke from years ago when propriety for young ladies was paramount: “Horses sweat, men perspire and women glisten.” All I can say is that I have been glistening like a horse for the last six weeks!
Tomorrow, I have an hour flight from Xiamen to Hong Kong; a 4.5 hour layover; an 11.5 hour flight from Hong Kong to Vancouver; customs, a 2 hour wait; a 1.5 hour flight to Calgary; an hour car ride—then HOME! That sounds very sweet. I have missed my boys incredibly.
Thank you for taking this trip with me. I will probably write one or two more blogs as I try to summarize, wrap up and bring my experience to a close.
Tomorrow, I have an hour flight from Xiamen to Hong Kong; a 4.5 hour layover; an 11.5 hour flight from Hong Kong to Vancouver; customs, a 2 hour wait; a 1.5 hour flight to Calgary; an hour car ride—then HOME! That sounds very sweet. I have missed my boys incredibly.
Thank you for taking this trip with me. I will probably write one or two more blogs as I try to summarize, wrap up and bring my experience to a close.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Post-it Notes
Note to self: Don’t look too closely while driving by an area that has some trees—there could be a man taking a break (and I don’t mean coffee!)
Note to self: Don’t step in a puddle, it may not be water. Most babies do not wear diapers out in public.
Note to self: Don’t think you are necessarily safe in a vehicle. Nobody wears seat belts and there are no car seats available for children.
Note to self: Don’t think you are necessarily safe while riding a moped or bicycle. Nobody wears helmets and usually there are 2-3 riders at a time. I have seen moped drivers where the child is standing on the platform, the dad is driving the moped, another child behind the dad and in between the mother all while carrying a load at the back.
Note to self: It is not necessary to hang on to anything while standing during the bus ride during rush hour. The mere amount of bodies keeps you upright and securely in place. You don’t know what it means to have your personal space invaded (I’d prefer the word violated) until you ride the bus around dinner time. The words “pressed ham” come to mind as people are literally pressed up against you. Or another word picture for you: a 42 inch waist trying to squeeze into an 18 inch corset.
Note to self: The sidewalks are not just for pedestrians. Cars will park on the sidewalk if a spot on the street can’t be found. Likewise, mopeds will scoot on the sidewalks to avoid something or someone on the street. Pedestrians are at the bottom of the food chain; expendable, so watch out!
Note to self: Don’t step in a puddle, it may not be water. Most babies do not wear diapers out in public.
Note to self: Don’t think you are necessarily safe in a vehicle. Nobody wears seat belts and there are no car seats available for children.
Note to self: Don’t think you are necessarily safe while riding a moped or bicycle. Nobody wears helmets and usually there are 2-3 riders at a time. I have seen moped drivers where the child is standing on the platform, the dad is driving the moped, another child behind the dad and in between the mother all while carrying a load at the back.
Note to self: It is not necessary to hang on to anything while standing during the bus ride during rush hour. The mere amount of bodies keeps you upright and securely in place. You don’t know what it means to have your personal space invaded (I’d prefer the word violated) until you ride the bus around dinner time. The words “pressed ham” come to mind as people are literally pressed up against you. Or another word picture for you: a 42 inch waist trying to squeeze into an 18 inch corset.
Note to self: The sidewalks are not just for pedestrians. Cars will park on the sidewalk if a spot on the street can’t be found. Likewise, mopeds will scoot on the sidewalks to avoid something or someone on the street. Pedestrians are at the bottom of the food chain; expendable, so watch out!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Hong Kong 5
As you can see, the streets are more narrow than the streets that we are accustomed to in Canada. Often taxis, cars, buses, pedestri-ans, motorcyclists and bicyclists all share the same space. Again, honking seems to get people out of the way and although I have not been privy to having a front row seat to an accident, I seem to have episodes of anxiety as I have witnessed a few near misses! The shops are usually street level and then residences are above the shops. Hong Kong has many high end clothing stores which makes it renowned for its shopping. At first a T-shirt seems rather pricey at $120.00 until you realize that it is about seven Hong Kong Dollars to our one Canadian dollar.
Hong Kong 4
The promenade along the harbour hosts “The Avenue of Stars” fashioned similarly after Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Of course, many of the Chinese actors are unknown to us, except for Jackie Chan. He is a HUGE hero in many people’s eyes. Chow Yun Fat is another Chinese actor that we would recognize from the movie “The King and I” with Jodie Foster and the also from the movie “Crouching Tigers, Hidden Dragons.”
Hong Kong 3
When China was defeated by Britain in the First Opium War, Hong Kong ceded to British rule in 1842. The area of Hong Kong is made up of several islands and Britain wanted to ensure that Hong Kong could be defended by claiming all the areas surrounding Hong Kong was under British rule by executing a 99-year lease in 1898. This monument commemorates the signing over of Hong Kong from British rule to Chinese sovereignty on July 1, 1997. Hong Kong is a Special Ad-ministrative Region of the People's Republic of China, having a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defence affairs.
Hong Kong 2
Hong Kong Island contains many tall towers and free standing structures that come close to measurements of the CN Tower in Toronto. Every evening, there is light show called the Symphony of Lights where the buildings light up in time with music.
Hong Kong 1
I am standing on the promenade of Victoria Harbour, which is a natural harbour in the south China Sea region. Across the harbour is Hong Kong Island, which is one of the busiest business sectors in the world. As you can see, there are many familiar name brands that we would recognize in stores in Canada. An average of 220,000 ships (cargo and passenger) enter the harbour’s ports every year. The Star Ferry system will shuttle a recorded number of 26 million people per year back and forth from Kowloon Peninsula to Hong Kong Island.
When
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Sharing my ideas in China
Lest you think that I have been living the life of a princess with all my adventures, I want to assure you that I also have been working very hard at collaborating with the teachers here at the university. The teachers all teach English to their college age students as it is mandatory within the school system.
The problem that we are finding in North America is that when a student from China comes to a Canadian school system, there is an abundance of knowledge of English grammar, but not how to use the language. The international student has difficulty fitting in, speaking and generally being able to communicate, despite their extensive knowledge of English grammar. The teachers (in fact, even the government) are seeing this disparity and are not sure what to do about it. This is where I come in. I am demonstrating new methodologies that will train the teacher of the university to promote the students’ abilities to use the language as competently as they can dissect complex grammar sentences.
Our methodologies are based on communicative activities rather than oral drills, translation methods and written exercises. We encourage the use of the language rather than just the knowledge. We encourage pair work and group work; students getting involved with their learning as opposed to the teacher just telling them what to do; and getting the students to freely produce their skills in either the spoken or written form.
Of course, with any new methodology there is the tension between “what we have done before” and this new way of thinking. It is hard for the teachers to decide how to embrace what could be a better way of teaching and incorporate it within the ways of the tried and true methods. Some are quite willing to leave the old and bring on the new; others are more reticent. Discussions have been plentiful.
One component of what I have been doing is allowing the teachers to prepare a teaching segment for their peers. They have done really well in demonstrating these new methods and I see the light in their eyes when they know they have done a good job. It gives me great satisfaction knowing the teachers have each encountered their own moments of success and have felt proud of their achievements.
Of course, along with new methodologies, they are also experiencing English as it is spoken by a native English speaker. We have had great fun in explaining common idioms and phrases that make English speaking more natural sounding. For example, one young gal was fanning herself and saying “I’m hot.” I told her about the other definition of hot, meaning sexy or attractive. Of course, I exaggerated the intonation to get my point across. A few days later, she was sitting in class with a fan and exclaimed that she was hot. She quickly winked and said “you choose which one!” I just love it when the “light bulb” goes on!
This is the first time something like this course which trains teachers has been offered in China before. I really am on the ground floor of a new wave of thought for China’s educational system. China truly is a developing nation whereby changes are happening rapidly; probably faster than people can anticipate. So, for the last six weeks I have been a pioneer; blazing new trails of instructive l thought and hoping that people will settle down in this new territory of educational methodology.
The problem that we are finding in North America is that when a student from China comes to a Canadian school system, there is an abundance of knowledge of English grammar, but not how to use the language. The international student has difficulty fitting in, speaking and generally being able to communicate, despite their extensive knowledge of English grammar. The teachers (in fact, even the government) are seeing this disparity and are not sure what to do about it. This is where I come in. I am demonstrating new methodologies that will train the teacher of the university to promote the students’ abilities to use the language as competently as they can dissect complex grammar sentences.
Our methodologies are based on communicative activities rather than oral drills, translation methods and written exercises. We encourage the use of the language rather than just the knowledge. We encourage pair work and group work; students getting involved with their learning as opposed to the teacher just telling them what to do; and getting the students to freely produce their skills in either the spoken or written form.
Of course, with any new methodology there is the tension between “what we have done before” and this new way of thinking. It is hard for the teachers to decide how to embrace what could be a better way of teaching and incorporate it within the ways of the tried and true methods. Some are quite willing to leave the old and bring on the new; others are more reticent. Discussions have been plentiful.
One component of what I have been doing is allowing the teachers to prepare a teaching segment for their peers. They have done really well in demonstrating these new methods and I see the light in their eyes when they know they have done a good job. It gives me great satisfaction knowing the teachers have each encountered their own moments of success and have felt proud of their achievements.
Of course, along with new methodologies, they are also experiencing English as it is spoken by a native English speaker. We have had great fun in explaining common idioms and phrases that make English speaking more natural sounding. For example, one young gal was fanning herself and saying “I’m hot.” I told her about the other definition of hot, meaning sexy or attractive. Of course, I exaggerated the intonation to get my point across. A few days later, she was sitting in class with a fan and exclaimed that she was hot. She quickly winked and said “you choose which one!” I just love it when the “light bulb” goes on!
This is the first time something like this course which trains teachers has been offered in China before. I really am on the ground floor of a new wave of thought for China’s educational system. China truly is a developing nation whereby changes are happening rapidly; probably faster than people can anticipate. So, for the last six weeks I have been a pioneer; blazing new trails of instructive l thought and hoping that people will settle down in this new territory of educational methodology.
Monday, August 2, 2010
A day in Hong Kong
In order to honour my visa requirements, I had to leave China and then re-enter again. Hong Kong was under British rule for over 100 years when the country promised to give it back to China when the “contract” was up. The ending of the contract was on July 1, 1997. It was at that time that Hong Kong was declared a Special Administrative Region of China. (I think that it is similar in nature to Quebec wanting to be part of Canada but recognized as a distinct nation of people.) Hong Kong has its own form of government, its own currency and its own customs as I had to enter customs before I entered the country. However, its rules seem to be much more relaxed as my passport was stamped that as a visitor I could stay up to 90 days in the country.
Many remnants of British rule still remain in Hong Kong. People drive on the left hand side of the street. Words like “lift” “trash bin” and “flat” remain on signage, etc. However, it is also much more westernized, more developed than China. More people speak English; products like McDonald’s, Pizza Hut and Starbucks are easily located and accessible; and name brands (including high-end brands) abound.
I was staying at what was called the “Golden Mile” which is the busiest business district in Hong Kong. Shopping, shopping and more shopping—I didn’t have enough time!! I could have had a custom made suit made for me in 8 hours for only $179. There was mall by the harbour that hosted 700 stores (West Ed mall has 800 stores!) There was a night street market where the locals would bring out their trinkets to sell. I imagine that what is not sold there would soon be sent to Canada to land in the dollar stores. Hong Kong never sleeps: store hours are till late at night. To me, there were just as many people on the street doing their business at 10 in the morning as there was at 11:00 at night.
The landscape of people was also different: there were white people! Many visitors came from all over the world, especially Australia and New Zealand. I enjoyed my 36 hour visit of reprieve. It was nice to eat with a fork again.
Back to chopsticks and teaching. I can honestly say that I will be home next weekend
Many remnants of British rule still remain in Hong Kong. People drive on the left hand side of the street. Words like “lift” “trash bin” and “flat” remain on signage, etc. However, it is also much more westernized, more developed than China. More people speak English; products like McDonald’s, Pizza Hut and Starbucks are easily located and accessible; and name brands (including high-end brands) abound.
I was staying at what was called the “Golden Mile” which is the busiest business district in Hong Kong. Shopping, shopping and more shopping—I didn’t have enough time!! I could have had a custom made suit made for me in 8 hours for only $179. There was mall by the harbour that hosted 700 stores (West Ed mall has 800 stores!) There was a night street market where the locals would bring out their trinkets to sell. I imagine that what is not sold there would soon be sent to Canada to land in the dollar stores. Hong Kong never sleeps: store hours are till late at night. To me, there were just as many people on the street doing their business at 10 in the morning as there was at 11:00 at night.
The landscape of people was also different: there were white people! Many visitors came from all over the world, especially Australia and New Zealand. I enjoyed my 36 hour visit of reprieve. It was nice to eat with a fork again.
Back to chopsticks and teaching. I can honestly say that I will be home next weekend
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
The Pied Piper
Every few days I go to the market to supplement my rather diet of cafeteria food. I’m trying to eat more fruit and add some nuts to this lacklustre fair. I certainly will be glad to return home and eat crunchy vegetables. Do you know that they even boil their lettuce? It’s limp and slightly warm—yuck! I know that I should be thankful that I have something to eat, but I just can’t get past the fact that my lettuce is boiled.
I was at the market the other day and I noticed a young girl of about nine years old following me. I turned, said hello; she giggled, waved and ran off. A little while after that two girls were following me. This time I asked them how they were. They even answered in English, giggled and ran off. Soon, there was one more added to my entourage, all very curious as to my purchases. They followed me around, giggling and speaking to me in Chinese.
The “teacher” in me couldn’t resist, so I had them repeat the names of the produce that I was purchasing and the numbers we saw, etc. I would ask them “what is this?” and they would respond, altogether, in English. We were by the frozen food section and I had them repeat I like ice cream, yum yum. We marched around the bulk food section, repeating I like noodles, yum yum. I like cookies, yum yum.
All in day’s work!
I was at the market the other day and I noticed a young girl of about nine years old following me. I turned, said hello; she giggled, waved and ran off. A little while after that two girls were following me. This time I asked them how they were. They even answered in English, giggled and ran off. Soon, there was one more added to my entourage, all very curious as to my purchases. They followed me around, giggling and speaking to me in Chinese.
The “teacher” in me couldn’t resist, so I had them repeat the names of the produce that I was purchasing and the numbers we saw, etc. I would ask them “what is this?” and they would respond, altogether, in English. We were by the frozen food section and I had them repeat I like ice cream, yum yum. We marched around the bulk food section, repeating I like noodles, yum yum. I like cookies, yum yum.
All in day’s work!
Monday, July 26, 2010
This is the city of Xiamen (formerly known as Amoy) as we left the Ferry Terminal to go to Gulangyu. This Island is located on the Taiwan Strait. Keep going 100 km the island and you will get to Taiwan; a few more thousand kilometres and you would hit Vancouver.
This island is about 2 km long and 1 km wide with a population of 20,000 people.
Small homes (flats) line the narrow streets. You will notice that often the sink is outside. People will wash dishes, themselves and their clothes at this sink.
Of course, the streets are packed with tourists and residents. The locals say that Gulangyu is a “peaceful, relaxing” environment. I beg to differ! The crowds are similar to Best Buy on Boxing Day!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The island boasts that there are over 200 pianos on it and that most people take piano lessons. Here is an advertisement telling of the piano festival coming soon. To the right is a piano that had to be brought from the ferry to the concert hall on a cart. They still had to get the piano up a hill, so at this point the leader was gathering some recruits with brute strength to get the piano up the hill.
The island is carless and there are very few bicycles as well. People get around on foot or by handcarts. There are quite a few hills due to the rugged terrain and everything that is brought in by the ferry must be taken by handcarts to their final destination.
A day with the Paparazzi
Yesterday we went to Gulangyu Island. (Incidentally, by using my deductive skills in word formation, I have figured out that when a location name ends in “yu” it means island; when it ends with “du” it means street; when it ends with “hu” it means lake—not bad, eh? Just a few more weeks and I’ll be fluent). But I digress.
We had a 15 minute walk to the bus stop; a 45 minute bus ride; a 15 minute walk to the ferry and then a 10 minute ferry ride to the island—nothing seems easy to get to, that`s for sure. The island is only 2 square kilometres and there are still 20,000 inhabitants on the island, which I`m sure that number swells as tourists plan their day trips to the island.
The locals are prepared for the tourists as they set up their tables of wares to sell. Between the tables, tourists and umbrellas, there was not a whole lot of room to manoeuvre. There was one restaurant that had about 12 large pails, almost like the kiddie pools that you have for your children on a hot day. In each pool there was some type of marine life—sting rays, eels, crabs, fish and other identifiable species. People would get a net and pick their creature. The net with the unsuspecting being was then weighed and whisked away to the kitchen. The customer was given a piece of paper, presumably with the weight and type of creature, and let inside the restaurant while waiting for their dinner to be cooked.
I was also the subject of many photo-ops yesterday. I was sitting on the curb, merrily eating my Popsicle when I noticed a group of guys talking to each other and looking at me. Then the two brave ones came and sat down beside me while the third friend took their picture with me. They were excited to put their arm around me and have their picture taken with this blonde bombshell...I mean...Canadian. A little later I was taking some pictures and two girls stopped me and had their photo taken with me as well; each taking turns to have their picture taken with the Canadian. So, I flashed them my pearly whites and waved with each person who wanted their moment with the Canadian. I never knew that I could one day be so famous...I should have had paper with me so they could have my autograph...maybe next time.
As I write this, another Sunday has passed. I am so used to spending time with my friends in the fellowship of like-minded people. I miss that terribly. I know that some people have liked the blog and have been keeping up with my adventures. However, I am not privy to some of the everyday happenings of your life, so please, drop me an email just to give me some news about you. I can’t receive any social networking websites, but my email still works. An email with a little bit of news does wonders to help make the distance seem much shorter. I am half way through my time away—only 20 more days and I will be home!
We had a 15 minute walk to the bus stop; a 45 minute bus ride; a 15 minute walk to the ferry and then a 10 minute ferry ride to the island—nothing seems easy to get to, that`s for sure. The island is only 2 square kilometres and there are still 20,000 inhabitants on the island, which I`m sure that number swells as tourists plan their day trips to the island.
The locals are prepared for the tourists as they set up their tables of wares to sell. Between the tables, tourists and umbrellas, there was not a whole lot of room to manoeuvre. There was one restaurant that had about 12 large pails, almost like the kiddie pools that you have for your children on a hot day. In each pool there was some type of marine life—sting rays, eels, crabs, fish and other identifiable species. People would get a net and pick their creature. The net with the unsuspecting being was then weighed and whisked away to the kitchen. The customer was given a piece of paper, presumably with the weight and type of creature, and let inside the restaurant while waiting for their dinner to be cooked.
I was also the subject of many photo-ops yesterday. I was sitting on the curb, merrily eating my Popsicle when I noticed a group of guys talking to each other and looking at me. Then the two brave ones came and sat down beside me while the third friend took their picture with me. They were excited to put their arm around me and have their picture taken with this blonde bombshell...I mean...Canadian. A little later I was taking some pictures and two girls stopped me and had their photo taken with me as well; each taking turns to have their picture taken with the Canadian. So, I flashed them my pearly whites and waved with each person who wanted their moment with the Canadian. I never knew that I could one day be so famous...I should have had paper with me so they could have my autograph...maybe next time.
As I write this, another Sunday has passed. I am so used to spending time with my friends in the fellowship of like-minded people. I miss that terribly. I know that some people have liked the blog and have been keeping up with my adventures. However, I am not privy to some of the everyday happenings of your life, so please, drop me an email just to give me some news about you. I can’t receive any social networking websites, but my email still works. An email with a little bit of news does wonders to help make the distance seem much shorter. I am half way through my time away—only 20 more days and I will be home!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Trip to McDonald’s
Which trip to McDonald’s would not be complete without a trip to Walmart as well. I guess it is similar to ours in Canada, although their food section contains a lot more noodles; fresh fish, crabs and some other unidentifiable marine life. This Walmart was attached to a mall where I was able to take a peek at the different stores. There were no familiar brand name stores, other than Nike. The clothes sizes are so tiny. I’m sure the sales clerks took one look at me, widened their eyes and were thinking “seriously, you really think we have your size in here?” I have a snowflake’s chance in Hades to find something to fit me! However, I did manage to find these adorable flat shoes. I’m a size 38 and it only cost me 89 Yuan or about 13 bucks!
A few other observations:
· There are “No Spitting” signs instead of “No Smoking” signs
· There is an art to walking down a crowded street with your umbrella without impaling anyone with the points
· You cannot be a polite Canadian when getting on the bus, or you’ll be at the gate until next week.
· Credit card purchases are not the norm; everyone pays cash
· Electronics do not seem cheaper here
Yep, Byron….I ate at McDonald’s.
It’s Friday night and we celebrated with the completion of Week Two of teaching by eating western at a fast food joint! The fries weren’t bad at all. A couple of children just stared at me; some brave ones came up to me, touched me and waved hello. I guess it is a rarity to have white people eat in “their” restaurant. A smile still goes a long way.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The Botanical Garden
We are getting more daring in our adventurous outings. This time we took the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit, which is bus that goes to less stops than the city bus), then we took the city bus to the Yuan Bo Yuen, which literally translates “the garden that has many gardens in the big garden.” So, you get the idea that is huge. The gardens were divided up into sections representing different landscapers or designers from many parts of China.
The landscaping, the material, and its designs all have symbolic overtones. The signs, which were in English, had phrases like “the wood represents...” or “the stones placed in this design represents...” At times, their descriptions were almost romantic or poetic.
I took pictures of many flowers...don’t ask me what they were; they just were pretty. Hopefully, I gained some brownie points with my father whose gardens are parallel to the professionals who charge admission. (I’m sure he wonders if I’m from his DNA since I can’t even get silk plants to look alive in my house!)
On a different subject...
Note to self: If the broth is tasty, don’t stir. Every meal is served with a broth. The broth often has other food items in it to make the flavour more full-bodied. I’m never sure if you are supposed to eat it or not. The other day I stirred my broth; there was a chicken foot and what looked like an eyeball in there! The moral of the story is—taste, don’t stir!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Hitting the Wall
Today has been a tough day. It was my long day of teaching in this heat. The students are adjusting to the teaching methods that I am demonstrating, but panicking over the assignments that they have to prepare. As for myself, although I am certified, I have never taught this particular course before. I have to stay one step ahead of my group of teachers and still remain confident. Because I’m not a “wait-till-the-last-moment” kind of person, I find myself preparing at the last minute which cause me a bit of anxiety.
Another thing that is causing me a bit of anxiety is our airline tickets. Because my visa is only for 30 days, I must leave the country and come back. Someone said that they would take care of this by purchasing our airline tickets to Hong Kong. So far, we have not seen the results of this offer. I have found that the Chinese are very indirect people. They will say one thing but then expect someone else to carry it out. I really don’t want this crucial item to be missed as it is being passed off to other people. We hope to go to Hong Kong over the last weekend in July.
I also find myself beginning to dread cafeteria food. The heat is still troublesome as well. So, if my circumstances come to mind, please think of me in the following situations:
• That I might persevere teaching in this heat
• That I can pace myself accordingly so that I give the appropriate amount of energy towards my classes
• That I may acquire the knowledge of the lessons and be able to explain it concisely and practically
• That I continue to have patience in dealing with a variety of levels of English competencies exhibited by the students
• That I can endure the food
I am very thankful that my colleague and I (mere strangers two weeks ago) are getting along both on a professional and a social level. I am also thankful that even though my diet has changed and my system is not acting as it usually does, I have not been sick. I’m very thankful my computer works and I am able to get Skype. Talking with family members has really thwarted feelings of deep homesickness.
Well, my dear readers, I am off to bed...it’s been a long day.
Another thing that is causing me a bit of anxiety is our airline tickets. Because my visa is only for 30 days, I must leave the country and come back. Someone said that they would take care of this by purchasing our airline tickets to Hong Kong. So far, we have not seen the results of this offer. I have found that the Chinese are very indirect people. They will say one thing but then expect someone else to carry it out. I really don’t want this crucial item to be missed as it is being passed off to other people. We hope to go to Hong Kong over the last weekend in July.
I also find myself beginning to dread cafeteria food. The heat is still troublesome as well. So, if my circumstances come to mind, please think of me in the following situations:
• That I might persevere teaching in this heat
• That I can pace myself accordingly so that I give the appropriate amount of energy towards my classes
• That I may acquire the knowledge of the lessons and be able to explain it concisely and practically
• That I continue to have patience in dealing with a variety of levels of English competencies exhibited by the students
• That I can endure the food
I am very thankful that my colleague and I (mere strangers two weeks ago) are getting along both on a professional and a social level. I am also thankful that even though my diet has changed and my system is not acting as it usually does, I have not been sick. I’m very thankful my computer works and I am able to get Skype. Talking with family members has really thwarted feelings of deep homesickness.
Well, my dear readers, I am off to bed...it’s been a long day.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Prison Break
We had another prison break today. Sometimes, the four cement walls of my “cell”, I mean...room, become rather small. The university is outside the city centre and therefore walking to something, other than the grounds itself, becomes a necessity for my sanity’s sake. So, once again armed with the BRT stops, I replicated a hand drawn map and set out where we wanted to go.
We get the sense that the people are not that adventurous, or at least not independently so. Nancy had found on the internet a coffee street in Xiamen, which were restaurants where western food was served and a greater possibility of English speaking staff. We had asked around about directions to the street and if it were possible to get there with the BRT. We were met with responses that “no, it was impossible, you would need to take a taxi.” “It’s too far.” “It really can’t be done.” Then there was the whole dilemma of Chinese niceties whereby someone would suggest that they would take us; but we sense that is more of a polite thing to say rather than an actual gesture that they are willing to fulfill. We were sure—by our map—it could be done without a taxi and on our own.
With umbrella in hand, a map in our pocket and a spring in our step we headed out to the bus stop. This is about a 15 minute walk from the university. We rode the bus for another 45 minutes, seeing all the tall buildings both new and old; businesses both corporate and singularly owned; and a sea of people come and go off the bus. We reached the bus terminal and started to walk in the direction that we mapped out. For the most part we were walking along the Yundanghu which is a lake (not sure whether or not it is a man-made or God-designed lake). Many people were fishing or taking a nap along the path. It was quite a beautiful spot. Once we walked around a portion of the lake, we saw the street we wanted.
A 15 minute walk to the bus; a 45 minute bus ride; and a 35 minute walk by a lake and finally we were at a quaint little cafe. All this by ourselves! We sat under the umbrella at this outdoor cafe and watched the world go by. With a breeze, it was actually pleasant to sit and watch the variety of people that frequented this while sipping a chocolate latte with whip cream. I did not find the walk very difficult and yet, I get the feeling that the people here do not walk very far to places. It seems like a half hour walk is unheard of, but in any case, I’m glad that we did it.
We walked a little farther to an Italian restaurant. I ordered a chicken burger with fries (Don’t laugh, Paris. I’m always encouraging him to try new things when we are at a restaurant and he often defaults to the familiar comfort food of a good burger). It was nice to have real bread that seems fully baked. I also got an ice cold can of Sprite along with a glass filled with ice cubes! It truly was cold!! For a place that is so hot, the people really don’t seem to relish cold drinks. In fact, it is a sad fact to relate that I am getting used to room temperature water. Again, to sit on comfortable chairs (all I have in my room is a wooden desk chair), enjoy the breeze and food that I can recognize and name were just what the doctor ordered.
Soon, it was time to take our 1 ½ hour trek back home again. Another pat on the back for an adventure well done.
We get the sense that the people are not that adventurous, or at least not independently so. Nancy had found on the internet a coffee street in Xiamen, which were restaurants where western food was served and a greater possibility of English speaking staff. We had asked around about directions to the street and if it were possible to get there with the BRT. We were met with responses that “no, it was impossible, you would need to take a taxi.” “It’s too far.” “It really can’t be done.” Then there was the whole dilemma of Chinese niceties whereby someone would suggest that they would take us; but we sense that is more of a polite thing to say rather than an actual gesture that they are willing to fulfill. We were sure—by our map—it could be done without a taxi and on our own.
With umbrella in hand, a map in our pocket and a spring in our step we headed out to the bus stop. This is about a 15 minute walk from the university. We rode the bus for another 45 minutes, seeing all the tall buildings both new and old; businesses both corporate and singularly owned; and a sea of people come and go off the bus. We reached the bus terminal and started to walk in the direction that we mapped out. For the most part we were walking along the Yundanghu which is a lake (not sure whether or not it is a man-made or God-designed lake). Many people were fishing or taking a nap along the path. It was quite a beautiful spot. Once we walked around a portion of the lake, we saw the street we wanted.
A 15 minute walk to the bus; a 45 minute bus ride; and a 35 minute walk by a lake and finally we were at a quaint little cafe. All this by ourselves! We sat under the umbrella at this outdoor cafe and watched the world go by. With a breeze, it was actually pleasant to sit and watch the variety of people that frequented this while sipping a chocolate latte with whip cream. I did not find the walk very difficult and yet, I get the feeling that the people here do not walk very far to places. It seems like a half hour walk is unheard of, but in any case, I’m glad that we did it.
We walked a little farther to an Italian restaurant. I ordered a chicken burger with fries (Don’t laugh, Paris. I’m always encouraging him to try new things when we are at a restaurant and he often defaults to the familiar comfort food of a good burger). It was nice to have real bread that seems fully baked. I also got an ice cold can of Sprite along with a glass filled with ice cubes! It truly was cold!! For a place that is so hot, the people really don’t seem to relish cold drinks. In fact, it is a sad fact to relate that I am getting used to room temperature water. Again, to sit on comfortable chairs (all I have in my room is a wooden desk chair), enjoy the breeze and food that I can recognize and name were just what the doctor ordered.
Soon, it was time to take our 1 ½ hour trek back home again. Another pat on the back for an adventure well done.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Canada Day
The sign said “An English talk about Canada will be given by the two Canadian teachers from Waterloo Uni. about her natural beauty, people panticularly young people, family life and life on the campus at 7:00 p,.m.” After realizing that it was not my natural beauty that they wanted me to address, we were faced with the age old question “what do we say?” Fortunately, Nancy’s (my colleague) son was able to pull some pictures for us and send them to us in a PowerPoint presentation.
About 150 students were in attendance and we showed pictures of all the provinces, territories and their capitals and highlighted the landmarks for which they are famous. We showed pictures of our towns, where we worked and of course our families. I am not sure if I was pleased or disturbed that several girls went crazy over the pictures of my two sons. We showed them how Canadians spend their leisure time especially with snow sports. Xiamen has weather like Florida, so the concept of snow is very strange to them. I think the talk went well and I hope that we were able to educate them and maybe even inspire them to expand their horizons, if not their travel plans in the future.
About 150 students were in attendance and we showed pictures of all the provinces, territories and their capitals and highlighted the landmarks for which they are famous. We showed pictures of our towns, where we worked and of course our families. I am not sure if I was pleased or disturbed that several girls went crazy over the pictures of my two sons. We showed them how Canadians spend their leisure time especially with snow sports. Xiamen has weather like Florida, so the concept of snow is very strange to them. I think the talk went well and I hope that we were able to educate them and maybe even inspire them to expand their horizons, if not their travel plans in the future.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Odd Side by Sides
I am very intrigued by the odd juxtapositions of things around here (hey, I’m an English teacher, I’m allowed to use unique words that merely mean something is beside something else). For instance, some of the buildings on campus here are very new and very modern looking; however right beside it is a crumbled old building with window panes missing and bits of brick falling out. Garbage is strewn around the mound of rocks and stones. People are still living in what I call squalor conditions which reminds me of pictures that you see of a low housing community.
I took the bus yesterday to one of the supermarkets and I could see a variety of modes of transportation. A person will be on a moped weaving in and out of traffic with a surgical mask on, so as not to contract any airborne diseases and yet not wear a helmet while driving on a congested street where certain dismemberment or death seems almost imminent.
I sat with a beautiful young Chinese woman who looks like she’s 18 and yet she’s 30 years old. Her clothes were elegant, tasteful and very attractive; her shoes were fit for a princess. She is dainty and has the most enviable porcelain skin. Yet, she scoops her rice like a hungry wolf and talks with her mouth full!
Their education system is built on the acquisition of knowledge and it is seen as prestigious to have educational accomplishments yet the use of that knowledge is non-existent. It is all knowledge with no use; theory without practicality.
And I still, for the life of me, cannot understand how a modern building can still have public squat toilets—that’s one I’ll never figure out!
I took the bus yesterday to one of the supermarkets and I could see a variety of modes of transportation. A person will be on a moped weaving in and out of traffic with a surgical mask on, so as not to contract any airborne diseases and yet not wear a helmet while driving on a congested street where certain dismemberment or death seems almost imminent.
I sat with a beautiful young Chinese woman who looks like she’s 18 and yet she’s 30 years old. Her clothes were elegant, tasteful and very attractive; her shoes were fit for a princess. She is dainty and has the most enviable porcelain skin. Yet, she scoops her rice like a hungry wolf and talks with her mouth full!
Their education system is built on the acquisition of knowledge and it is seen as prestigious to have educational accomplishments yet the use of that knowledge is non-existent. It is all knowledge with no use; theory without practicality.
And I still, for the life of me, cannot understand how a modern building can still have public squat toilets—that’s one I’ll never figure out!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
School and Studies
I may never complain about the snow and cold again! Yesterday, I was teaching all day in a room that seems to have more of a cool air exchanger rather than an air conditioner. The temperature, according to the website, was 35 C with a humidex of 43. Not to be indelicate, but I was sweating buckets! The sun seems pretty intense as well as this city is located close to the equator. I have begun to be like the local girls here and use an umbrella anytime I am outside. Instead of protection from the rain, I am using it as protection from the sun. I am drinking lots of water, but my ankles no longer exist. I must say that the weather is a huge hurdle to which I must become accustomed.
It certainly has been an interesting experience as I share ideas of how we teach in North America and the system that is established here. In our systems we are much more student centered; whereas the system here is more teacher controlled. The teacher controls the learning environment which is strictly mandated by the establishment. The teachers are under a great deal of stress because they teach to the test. There is not a lot of room for questions on the part of the students; the teachers impart their wisdom and the students must accept it. I am presenting new ideas to them; some of whom embrace with enthusiasm while others are more skeptical.
I went to another market today close to the university. I took the bus system again and just pointed to where I wanted to go and the attendant gave me the right token. I still get stares from people as I am on the bus. Some people will openly stare; others will be less overt about it. I’m not sure if they’re thinking “what on earth is she doing here?” or if they’re thinking “aww, the poor girl.” In any case, a smile works in many languages. I was able to buy some fresh fruit and I found some crackers with wheat bran in them—finally some fibre! (who knew that I would be excited about eating more fibre!) I bought some nuts, raisins and a few cookies all for 64 Yuan. It always looks so expensive when I get to the till; but that’s only $10.00.
So far, I have been 10 days without cheese, cereal, milk, salads, and Tim Hortons iced caps and English Toffee! So, I say the next time you are at Tim Hortons, you must raise a cup in honour of my ability to be deprived!
It certainly has been an interesting experience as I share ideas of how we teach in North America and the system that is established here. In our systems we are much more student centered; whereas the system here is more teacher controlled. The teacher controls the learning environment which is strictly mandated by the establishment. The teachers are under a great deal of stress because they teach to the test. There is not a lot of room for questions on the part of the students; the teachers impart their wisdom and the students must accept it. I am presenting new ideas to them; some of whom embrace with enthusiasm while others are more skeptical.
I went to another market today close to the university. I took the bus system again and just pointed to where I wanted to go and the attendant gave me the right token. I still get stares from people as I am on the bus. Some people will openly stare; others will be less overt about it. I’m not sure if they’re thinking “what on earth is she doing here?” or if they’re thinking “aww, the poor girl.” In any case, a smile works in many languages. I was able to buy some fresh fruit and I found some crackers with wheat bran in them—finally some fibre! (who knew that I would be excited about eating more fibre!) I bought some nuts, raisins and a few cookies all for 64 Yuan. It always looks so expensive when I get to the till; but that’s only $10.00.
So far, I have been 10 days without cheese, cereal, milk, salads, and Tim Hortons iced caps and English Toffee! So, I say the next time you are at Tim Hortons, you must raise a cup in honour of my ability to be deprived!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
A Different Day
Today is Sunday (at least for me, anyway...the rest of you are still snoozing away). So far, it has been slightly different than the usual way of spending my Sundays. I missed going to our second home and spending time with friends, singing, and listening to words spoken from The Word. I was able to find a radio station on the internet that had some of those elements that I was searching for. Not exactly the way I prefer it, but if anything, I’m learning to be more adaptable (I’m just questioning how far I can really stretch and I just hope that I don’t snap?) It makes a person realize how important elements of their personal life truly are and how it is so easy to take things for granted. Continue to think of me as I learn to be adaptable, stretchable and teachable. (Paris may be getting back a whole new woman!)
I am also participating in the common ritual of hanging my clothes out to dry. At least it is not dirty laundry that I am airing out! Despite the humidity, the clothes dry fairly rapidly. There are no pictures on the washing machine, so I have no idea if the buttons that I am pushing is going to create the desired result. At this point, as long as they are clean and the clothes haven’t shrunk, then I’m doing well. In this case, reading the signs is of no help at all—it’s all in Chinese.
I had my first “dance” with social negotiations today; I’m just not certain who is doing the leading. I am sharing with a group of teachers about some of the methods that we incorporate within the classroom in North America. I often will use pair work in class or group activities; rarely are my learners sitting in the desk the whole time while I talk. There was a question from this group of teachers whether the experienced teachers would be placed with the new teachers. In my opinion, this is necessary for a mixture of talent, experience and knowledge among a variety of people. It promotes a higher degree of discussion. There seems to be some resistance to this format. I am asking myself is this a matter of saving face for the older teachers? They may fear embarrassment or failure in front of the new teachers who are probably younger. Or, is this a matter of control, where the older teachers seem to want (or possibly need) control of the learning situation? After all, it can be frightening having a foreigner come and share new ideas with them. How much do I exert my control over the situation?
Saving face is a big factor when dealing with this culture. I want to honour and respect that; however, the premise of me coming to share ideas with them is also that they may learn new things to apply to their profession. At what point do I “lead” in this dance and at what point do I let them “lead”? Well, the song is going, so I will let you know how the song ends. As well, on a lighter note, my clothes came out just fine and are drying quite nicely on the balcony.
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