We decided to go to Baiyun Mountain. Dad decided not to due to allergies. As we were walking to the city bus stop (outside our campus), we were told by another teacher that the shuttle would be available, since it was a school day (this Thursday and Friday are off, but not officially national holidays. Schools give an extra couple days off to make it a full week of holiday - including the weekend. HOWEVER, they make us make up for those two days off by asking us to teach on another weekend. So, apparently, we had to teach the Thursday schedule today and Friday's schedule some Sunday. We didn't know about it, since the notice announcing it was in Chinese). I say, forget the couple extra days off and give us back our weekend...
By the time we got to the Baiyun Mountain, it was around lunch time and everyone was pretty hungry, so we decided to grab a bite before exploring the delights of the mountain. We ate lunch at a fairly expensive restaurant - a big rip off!!! - and we didn't even get much of a view. Following lunch we went to a nearby garden, where we were charged to get in, despite the fee we had to pay at the entrance of the mountain. (Man, they really milk you for everything little thing here). The youngest two were free and H. had to pay half price. They don't measure "children" by age here, but by height. So, if you have a tall parent and are unusually tall for your age, you're out of luck. However, if you're a "little person" this country is the cheapest vacation you'll get anywhere. There were wading pools with tadpoles, ponds with coy and gold fish, fun paths around the garden, flowers, trees, and ponds. The girls played in a giant jungle gym, while I explored other parts of the garden to see what else they could enjoy. Then everyone (except mom) took our shoes off and waded in the pools provided. The water was glorious and was very refreshing in that humidity. We fed the fish, had ice cream, and walked around. We pretty much enjoyed the garden to ourselves, right until the last half hour or so when a group of roudy, unsupervised, middle schoolers found their way in.
We ate dinner and spent the evening playing games on the computer and watching TV. The kids really like watching Chinese opera. S. thinks that it IS a bit entertaining, especially the dance/fight scenes, but I don't like it at all.
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Friday, April 29, 2005
"Sa!"
The last couple days I has brought my class to the flat because there have been so few people (most of the kids have gone home early for the upcoming week long break). I taught a couple chapters, rather briefly, and then S. and the rest of the family joined in to teach them a game or two ("sa", which means "kill", and "King Elephant"). The students enjoyed their time immensely, and the kids, as always, were entertaining.
Uncle N's package finally arrived and H. has proper pajamas now...no more excuses about not being able to get her pajamas on *smile*
(very ready for this week long break ourselves)
Uncle N's package finally arrived and H. has proper pajamas now...no more excuses about not being able to get her pajamas on *smile*
(very ready for this week long break ourselves)
Thursday, April 28, 2005
The nieces take center stage
Weather: rainy and overcast. Rained most of the day. Cool.
More and more, it looks like our nieces are quite the draw. I took them to visit L.'s class today. The students asked them a few questions. All the classes have taken a liking to them.
We brought them along to the middle school we've teaching at. J. came along as well. Both classes went fairly well. We read some dialogue out of their text book, had Q & A with the nieces, played a "clump"-style game where they stood up whenever questions on possessing certain physical characteristics applied to them. We played another guessing game called "cahoots", where L. and the class would pick an item in the room w/o me knowing what it was and I would try to guess it. There's a trick to this, but I won't tell what it is in case we want to play it on you!
Mom was pretty sick and stayed in bed most of the day. Dad was up and around, feeling a bit better.
Three of L.'s former students all stopped by for a visit later this evening to chat and play Chinese checkers. And of course, they took to the nieces, who also enjoyed their company.
More and more, it looks like our nieces are quite the draw. I took them to visit L.'s class today. The students asked them a few questions. All the classes have taken a liking to them.
We brought them along to the middle school we've teaching at. J. came along as well. Both classes went fairly well. We read some dialogue out of their text book, had Q & A with the nieces, played a "clump"-style game where they stood up whenever questions on possessing certain physical characteristics applied to them. We played another guessing game called "cahoots", where L. and the class would pick an item in the room w/o me knowing what it was and I would try to guess it. There's a trick to this, but I won't tell what it is in case we want to play it on you!
Mom was pretty sick and stayed in bed most of the day. Dad was up and around, feeling a bit better.
Three of L.'s former students all stopped by for a visit later this evening to chat and play Chinese checkers. And of course, they took to the nieces, who also enjoyed their company.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
last minute indian food
We stayed home most of the day because of the rain. Mom and Dad were sick as well, due to exhaustion. Mom stayed in bed the whole day. I hope nothing serious is the matter with her.
L. had two classes in the morning and then one in the afternoon. I took the nieces to the afternoon class, while the rest rested. They answered some questions as well as asked a few of their own, tho' for the most part, they were shy. They opened up more when they talked with a smaller group of 5-6 that had gathered around them.
Since Mom was mandated to rest for the next couple days, I (L.) decided to cook dinner (which she hasn't done since mom took over *smile*). We went to Carrefour and Trust-mart to pick up some groceries for dinner. There was some traffic jam on the way back that kept us from going to XM via the usual (and shortest) route and the police waved us away from the intersection. The taxi driver cut across a parking lot to get around the mess.
The day before the girlfriend of a friend (J. from England who came to the Boston wedding) met the girls and thought they were adorable. She wanted to come up and spend some time with them, which she did after dinner...bearing gifts. She's quite fond of them.
L. had two classes in the morning and then one in the afternoon. I took the nieces to the afternoon class, while the rest rested. They answered some questions as well as asked a few of their own, tho' for the most part, they were shy. They opened up more when they talked with a smaller group of 5-6 that had gathered around them.
Since Mom was mandated to rest for the next couple days, I (L.) decided to cook dinner (which she hasn't done since mom took over *smile*). We went to Carrefour and Trust-mart to pick up some groceries for dinner. There was some traffic jam on the way back that kept us from going to XM via the usual (and shortest) route and the police waved us away from the intersection. The taxi driver cut across a parking lot to get around the mess.
The day before the girlfriend of a friend (J. from England who came to the Boston wedding) met the girls and thought they were adorable. She wanted to come up and spend some time with them, which she did after dinner...bearing gifts. She's quite fond of them.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
tourists
Today was a touristy day. We visited the Chen Ancestral Lineage Hall, a temple-like museum that contained various artworks. It was 10 kuai a person to enter, kind of steep, I thought, for the amount of exhibits they had. We then took the Subway to Shamian Island and grabbed some lunch before shopping around for some souvenirs and such. Got home fairly late, completely "knackered" - L's word.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Thunderstorms galore...
Today started out pleasant enough, we just bummed around the house until it was time to take the shuttle to GW. We were all invited for dinner, but had to go a bit early since S. had class this evening. S. left lunch a bit early for his piano class. They had a good lesson. M. has really improved. It was evident he'd been practicing. They played a duet together, which the mom really enjoyed.
The rest of us were going to join him at the house later, but soon after we started walking over it started to drizzle a little and then downright poured. We waited for about 15-20 minutes till the rain subsided to a drizzle again and ventured to the post office and to the veggie market for some fruit. But we were stuck there again by a downpour. This lasted a while, so all the girls decided to get our hair cut. We were going to do later that evening, but since we were right by the salon and stuck in the rain, we went for it. My hair was cut waaaaayyy shorter than I wanted...was nervous about what S. would say - he liked my long hair. The rain went on for about an hour and a half...and at the next break, we ventured out again, only to have to find a nearest shelter soon after. There we waited for another ten minutes and although it wasn't pelting down, we got pretty wet as we walked to another building. Stopped there for a bathroom break. The rain was very soft by now, so we decided to go for it. We were able to walk for about five minutes before it started again. Fortunately, we found an office that had a little sunshade which we huddled under. The folks inside had a fish tank and were gracious enough to allow the kids to watch the fish while we waited for the downpour to subside. I was just about to check the rain when I saw S. walking past with some umbrellas. Apparently, they were waiting for us to come and after the downpour, our hostess guessed correctly that we were stranded somewhere because of the rain and sent S. with some umbrellas in search of us. Of course, Murphy is always at work and it stopped raining once S. showed up with the umbrellas - figures, doesn't it?
Dinner was great (home made pizza - which is a real treat out here) and the kids got along really well. Our hosts have two boys a little older than the girls, but I think both sets of kids missed playing with folks their own age.
S. left early to prepare for class, the rest of us hung around a bit and chatted while the kids played their hearts out. We left with the intention of visiting S' class, however, the minute we walked downstairs from their apartment it started pouring again. We decided to wait and then venture on, but, the kids started falling asleep and Mom and Dad were probably feeling a bit of fatigue. So, we called a cab, which were hard to come by today since the demand was pretty high, and headed home...with a pitstop to let S. know that we wouldn't be coming to class. I was soaked running to and from the taxi to the classroom - I couldn't believe how much it'd been raining and it didn't look like it was slowing down anytime soon. You could see clumps of people gathered together under any kind of shelter they could find. When we got to our campus, the guard mercifully allowed the taxi to take us to our building, rather than making us get off at the gate and walk. Due to construction, a vent in the ground had been blocked, so the rain had formed a small pool at the bottom of our building, right where our taxi drove up...it was hilarious. All three girls, who had fallen asleep during the cab ride, woke up to giant drops of water pelting their faces. The rest of us got quite a shower just walking around the taxi into the building.
Another adventure to remember...
PS: By the time S' class was over the rain was done and he had quite a pleasant ride home...of course.
The rest of us were going to join him at the house later, but soon after we started walking over it started to drizzle a little and then downright poured. We waited for about 15-20 minutes till the rain subsided to a drizzle again and ventured to the post office and to the veggie market for some fruit. But we were stuck there again by a downpour. This lasted a while, so all the girls decided to get our hair cut. We were going to do later that evening, but since we were right by the salon and stuck in the rain, we went for it. My hair was cut waaaaayyy shorter than I wanted...was nervous about what S. would say - he liked my long hair. The rain went on for about an hour and a half...and at the next break, we ventured out again, only to have to find a nearest shelter soon after. There we waited for another ten minutes and although it wasn't pelting down, we got pretty wet as we walked to another building. Stopped there for a bathroom break. The rain was very soft by now, so we decided to go for it. We were able to walk for about five minutes before it started again. Fortunately, we found an office that had a little sunshade which we huddled under. The folks inside had a fish tank and were gracious enough to allow the kids to watch the fish while we waited for the downpour to subside. I was just about to check the rain when I saw S. walking past with some umbrellas. Apparently, they were waiting for us to come and after the downpour, our hostess guessed correctly that we were stranded somewhere because of the rain and sent S. with some umbrellas in search of us. Of course, Murphy is always at work and it stopped raining once S. showed up with the umbrellas - figures, doesn't it?
Dinner was great (home made pizza - which is a real treat out here) and the kids got along really well. Our hosts have two boys a little older than the girls, but I think both sets of kids missed playing with folks their own age.
S. left early to prepare for class, the rest of us hung around a bit and chatted while the kids played their hearts out. We left with the intention of visiting S' class, however, the minute we walked downstairs from their apartment it started pouring again. We decided to wait and then venture on, but, the kids started falling asleep and Mom and Dad were probably feeling a bit of fatigue. So, we called a cab, which were hard to come by today since the demand was pretty high, and headed home...with a pitstop to let S. know that we wouldn't be coming to class. I was soaked running to and from the taxi to the classroom - I couldn't believe how much it'd been raining and it didn't look like it was slowing down anytime soon. You could see clumps of people gathered together under any kind of shelter they could find. When we got to our campus, the guard mercifully allowed the taxi to take us to our building, rather than making us get off at the gate and walk. Due to construction, a vent in the ground had been blocked, so the rain had formed a small pool at the bottom of our building, right where our taxi drove up...it was hilarious. All three girls, who had fallen asleep during the cab ride, woke up to giant drops of water pelting their faces. The rest of us got quite a shower just walking around the taxi into the building.
Another adventure to remember...
PS: By the time S' class was over the rain was done and he had quite a pleasant ride home...of course.
Sunday, April 24, 2005
follow that bus...
Dad and I went to the 3-self church while the rest went to GICF. We got there as the service began singing "This Is The Day" using an accompaniment half-live, half-sequenced. A beautiful "Hallelujah" song using pinyin and Chinese followed next, afterwards the praise songs "Above All Powers" and "As The Deer".
Two women (one translating) shared exhortations to the congregation. Then a young man in a plain white shirt gave a sermon on Isaiah 58. A bespectacled young man in a plaid yellow, untucked, short-sleeve dress shirt translates into English for him. The sermon is a continuation in the study on Isaiah. Some things mentioned ---
An invitation was made to those who wished to follow Christ, followed by applause from the congregation. Later, a woman gave a personal testimony in Cantonese.
After service, we went to the bookshop to buy a Bible for the fellow Dad met at the barber shop a few days ago, but it was closed. During lunch, Dad started talking about his life and the Bible. Those who were sitting with us were very interested in his knowledge. Dad ended up talking himself hoarse for 3 hours. His group grew to about 10, with everyone eating up his words. Other groups formed at separate tables and even one outside. Two became "siblings", led by Dad.
By the time we got home it was around 7:00 p.m., having been through one of the worst traffic jams I’d ever been in during our time in GZ. Turned out to be a severely jackknifed flatbed truck just before the XM bus station. Because we’d got home so late, I didn’t make it to Bible study tonight. While eating dinner, we talked about our day and found out that the girls had their own adventure today.
L's story: Fellowship was fine as was lunch. Mom and J. and the girls met the C's (another family we have fellowship with at our university), and we all had lunch together. On our way home, we stopped by a Starbucks and bought a GZ tumbler as a souvenir. We took the subway to a bus stop, which would take us to the main campus with the intention of catching a cab from there. Everything was okay up until we got off the bus. The youngest two girls had fallen asleep on the bus, and in the rush to get them off at our stop, Mom forgot the Starbucks bag. She realized this just as the bus pulled away and started running after it. I had no idea my mother-in-law was such a fast runner. She was really booking it. J. and I had the three girls, one of whom was still sleeping. We decided to catch a cab and wait for mom....who finally gave up the chase. However, we had the brilliant idea of following the bus and seeing if we could catch up with it at the next stop and retrieve the tumbler. Mom sat in the front to explain to the taxi driver our mission....it was very much a "follow that bus" scenario. However, by the time we had explained to the taxi driver what we wanted to do, we lost the bus. We followed a path that I thought might be where the bus went, but after five minutes, still couldn't find it. Acknowledging defeat, we turned the taxi around and headed home. However, just as we took a turn, we saw another bus of the same number (76) come up and decided to follow it, since it would take us the route of our bus. So, we asked the driver to turn around again and "follow that bus" - which we did for a while. (No way could we have figured out that route on our own). As we were driving, we noticed several 76's going back and kept looking for the bag in their back windows, but we were sure they weren't "our" bus, since we weren't that far behind. Eventually, the driver got close enough to the bus to read the name of the end station and asked if he could go ahead and catch up to "our" bus. Before the words "no problem" were fully out of our mouths, he stepped on the gas and we were off. I don't think I've even driven this fast in a Chinese car....the girls (still only two) and all of us got into the chase and started looking for any 76 ahead of us. In a few minutes, we caught up with ours....and mom asked the bus driver through the window if she could climb aboard and get her bag. He was gracious enough to agree....so she jumped out and looked and couldn't find it. Encouraged by the bus driver, she looked again, but to no avail....it was gone! Someone had felt they needed it more. A bit discouraged, but with another adventure under our belts, we headed home. I'm not sure how much the taxi ride cost, but it was definitely way more than if we had just taken a taxi from the fellowship straight home. But if we had done that, there wouldn't have been the adventure and we'd have nothing to tell you - so, aren't you glad we didn't.... :-)
Two women (one translating) shared exhortations to the congregation. Then a young man in a plain white shirt gave a sermon on Isaiah 58. A bespectacled young man in a plaid yellow, untucked, short-sleeve dress shirt translates into English for him. The sermon is a continuation in the study on Isaiah. Some things mentioned ---
- True fasting is a matter of your heart.
- Genesis 2:1-3 suggests the Sabbath as a "fast" from work.
- Work not for yourself, but for God.
- Deuteronomy 28:1-11: The blessings of God.
An invitation was made to those who wished to follow Christ, followed by applause from the congregation. Later, a woman gave a personal testimony in Cantonese.
After service, we went to the bookshop to buy a Bible for the fellow Dad met at the barber shop a few days ago, but it was closed. During lunch, Dad started talking about his life and the Bible. Those who were sitting with us were very interested in his knowledge. Dad ended up talking himself hoarse for 3 hours. His group grew to about 10, with everyone eating up his words. Other groups formed at separate tables and even one outside. Two became "siblings", led by Dad.
By the time we got home it was around 7:00 p.m., having been through one of the worst traffic jams I’d ever been in during our time in GZ. Turned out to be a severely jackknifed flatbed truck just before the XM bus station. Because we’d got home so late, I didn’t make it to Bible study tonight. While eating dinner, we talked about our day and found out that the girls had their own adventure today.
L's story: Fellowship was fine as was lunch. Mom and J. and the girls met the C's (another family we have fellowship with at our university), and we all had lunch together. On our way home, we stopped by a Starbucks and bought a GZ tumbler as a souvenir. We took the subway to a bus stop, which would take us to the main campus with the intention of catching a cab from there. Everything was okay up until we got off the bus. The youngest two girls had fallen asleep on the bus, and in the rush to get them off at our stop, Mom forgot the Starbucks bag. She realized this just as the bus pulled away and started running after it. I had no idea my mother-in-law was such a fast runner. She was really booking it. J. and I had the three girls, one of whom was still sleeping. We decided to catch a cab and wait for mom....who finally gave up the chase. However, we had the brilliant idea of following the bus and seeing if we could catch up with it at the next stop and retrieve the tumbler. Mom sat in the front to explain to the taxi driver our mission....it was very much a "follow that bus" scenario. However, by the time we had explained to the taxi driver what we wanted to do, we lost the bus. We followed a path that I thought might be where the bus went, but after five minutes, still couldn't find it. Acknowledging defeat, we turned the taxi around and headed home. However, just as we took a turn, we saw another bus of the same number (76) come up and decided to follow it, since it would take us the route of our bus. So, we asked the driver to turn around again and "follow that bus" - which we did for a while. (No way could we have figured out that route on our own). As we were driving, we noticed several 76's going back and kept looking for the bag in their back windows, but we were sure they weren't "our" bus, since we weren't that far behind. Eventually, the driver got close enough to the bus to read the name of the end station and asked if he could go ahead and catch up to "our" bus. Before the words "no problem" were fully out of our mouths, he stepped on the gas and we were off. I don't think I've even driven this fast in a Chinese car....the girls (still only two) and all of us got into the chase and started looking for any 76 ahead of us. In a few minutes, we caught up with ours....and mom asked the bus driver through the window if she could climb aboard and get her bag. He was gracious enough to agree....so she jumped out and looked and couldn't find it. Encouraged by the bus driver, she looked again, but to no avail....it was gone! Someone had felt they needed it more. A bit discouraged, but with another adventure under our belts, we headed home. I'm not sure how much the taxi ride cost, but it was definitely way more than if we had just taken a taxi from the fellowship straight home. But if we had done that, there wouldn't have been the adventure and we'd have nothing to tell you - so, aren't you glad we didn't.... :-)
Friday, April 22, 2005
in memory of...
Today was Mr. W's funeral, I told L. that I'd help teach her Friday classes so that she could attend. Mom went with L. to help translate - I felt it was important that she go.
Classes went well. After we did the "inventions," we used the remaining time to have a Q&A session with the students. This was most interesting. Many had good questions, but a few asked us if we were Christians and went to church, to which we said yes. The spirited discussion then turned towards science and the existence of God with a few of the students. They spoke pretty good English and had keen interest in these matters. They felt that people created God in their minds, that the mind can make the fake become real. We suggested that the mind can also make the real become fake, and that scientists can have as much of an anti-God bias cloud their research as those who have a God bias cloud theirs. We talked about intelligent design and "design inference" that point to the evidence for God or some kind of cosmic intelligence or deity. (L. and Mom returned toward the end of the second class)
We talked about the funeral while we had our lunch. Mom had never been to a secular, much less "Party" funeral. About 200-300 people went and packed themselves standing up in a small room in a rather lavish funeral home. A few people gave some words of tribute. Most everyone bowed before the closed, with the glass top, casket, but Mom and L. didn't.
One of L's former students came up to talk with her privately. She was at the funeral, so it was thought that she might want to talk about it. We spent some time talking and thinking about her before she came up. It turned out that she was burdened by a relationship she had with a former XM English teacher, a colleague of L.'s from last year. He'd taken advantage of her, apparently, leading her to believe that he was interested in maintaining a relationship. L. counseled against it, since he was known to have a "relationship" with several other coeds and possibly was one of the reasons he was not asked back to teach this year. In any case, L. was able to spend some time encouraging her and praying with her. Hopefully, this will open up opportunites for more discussion in the future.
Classes went well. After we did the "inventions," we used the remaining time to have a Q&A session with the students. This was most interesting. Many had good questions, but a few asked us if we were Christians and went to church, to which we said yes. The spirited discussion then turned towards science and the existence of God with a few of the students. They spoke pretty good English and had keen interest in these matters. They felt that people created God in their minds, that the mind can make the fake become real. We suggested that the mind can also make the real become fake, and that scientists can have as much of an anti-God bias cloud their research as those who have a God bias cloud theirs. We talked about intelligent design and "design inference" that point to the evidence for God or some kind of cosmic intelligence or deity. (L. and Mom returned toward the end of the second class)
We talked about the funeral while we had our lunch. Mom had never been to a secular, much less "Party" funeral. About 200-300 people went and packed themselves standing up in a small room in a rather lavish funeral home. A few people gave some words of tribute. Most everyone bowed before the closed, with the glass top, casket, but Mom and L. didn't.
One of L's former students came up to talk with her privately. She was at the funeral, so it was thought that she might want to talk about it. We spent some time talking and thinking about her before she came up. It turned out that she was burdened by a relationship she had with a former XM English teacher, a colleague of L.'s from last year. He'd taken advantage of her, apparently, leading her to believe that he was interested in maintaining a relationship. L. counseled against it, since he was known to have a "relationship" with several other coeds and possibly was one of the reasons he was not asked back to teach this year. In any case, L. was able to spend some time encouraging her and praying with her. Hopefully, this will open up opportunites for more discussion in the future.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
make sure you have the right batteries
S. and I woke up at 5 am to find a taxi to the airport for J. and D. We had to walk to the big intersection (about 20 minutes) and bargained with one driver for 90 bucks, although, he still got way more than he should have. The streets were deserted for the most part and it was still quite dark. We were able to get the driver to drive directly to our doorstep, where we were hoping to meet J. and D. But when S. ran up to get them, he learned that they had already left. He ran back down and started looking for them. I didn't know what to do with the taxi, so I hopped in and asked him to drive in the direction S. Except, when we turned the corner, we couldn't seen him anywhere, so I just directed the taxi to the main gate, where we found J. and D., but no sign of S. anywhere. We (Dad was waiting with them) put them in the taxi and sent them off, and then walked back, only to meet S. still running around looking for J. and D. He sure got his exercise that morning. If only the walkie-talkies we had worked, we would've avoided missing each other.
Later that day, we noticed that an apartment two floors below us had its door opened. Many people were coming in and out and occasionally we'd hear someone wailing. A woman burned incense at a small desk in the living room. Some were burning paper "money" using a pot in the fire extinguisher container. It appeared that someone in that room may have died, but we didn't know who.
For lunch, Mom and S. went to E. old café (the one we were hoping to help out with). It's now a restaurant with about 6-7 men and women working together. Gone were the couches and short tables; in their place, eating tables, chairs, and new decorations. It was kind of sad to see the place changed so fast and S. knew I would feel likewise.
We went to the middle school for the first lesson. We tried the "name game", but it was apparent rather quickly that pronunciation was not their forte. We had them write their names on their cards, typed them on the screen, and had them recite them. We also gave them simple questions (e.g. how old are you, what's your favorite xyz, etc.) for them to write answers to in order to know where their English listening proficiency was. They seemed quite well-behaved, almost shy, although I still think that their "middle-school-ness" will surface pretty soon. Maybe because their teachers were there watching them? Also, the teachers don't teach speaking and listening, as they don't do it that well themselves. That may be where S. and I can contribute the most.
On the way back to the flat, we met another teacher, who upon asking, told me that last year's dean of the college had passed away yesterday of a heart attack. He was 63 and lived two floors below us. He was truly loved by not only staff, but students as well. I was very shocked by the news. There will be a funeral service tomorrow.
Later that day, we noticed that an apartment two floors below us had its door opened. Many people were coming in and out and occasionally we'd hear someone wailing. A woman burned incense at a small desk in the living room. Some were burning paper "money" using a pot in the fire extinguisher container. It appeared that someone in that room may have died, but we didn't know who.
For lunch, Mom and S. went to E. old café (the one we were hoping to help out with). It's now a restaurant with about 6-7 men and women working together. Gone were the couches and short tables; in their place, eating tables, chairs, and new decorations. It was kind of sad to see the place changed so fast and S. knew I would feel likewise.
We went to the middle school for the first lesson. We tried the "name game", but it was apparent rather quickly that pronunciation was not their forte. We had them write their names on their cards, typed them on the screen, and had them recite them. We also gave them simple questions (e.g. how old are you, what's your favorite xyz, etc.) for them to write answers to in order to know where their English listening proficiency was. They seemed quite well-behaved, almost shy, although I still think that their "middle-school-ness" will surface pretty soon. Maybe because their teachers were there watching them? Also, the teachers don't teach speaking and listening, as they don't do it that well themselves. That may be where S. and I can contribute the most.
On the way back to the flat, we met another teacher, who upon asking, told me that last year's dean of the college had passed away yesterday of a heart attack. He was 63 and lived two floors below us. He was truly loved by not only staff, but students as well. I was very shocked by the news. There will be a funeral service tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
famous 5-kuai haircut
The whole family went to L's classes today. L. had them break into groups and "build" inventions made of random household items. Later, they presented them a la a sales pitch for their invention. We had a question/answer period in the time remaining. They were particularly interested in where we were from and our impressions of China. We did this for the first two classes. Even tho' these classes were L.'s most challenging ones, they received us well.
We had dinner at the main campus of the university, after which my bro-in-law and I decided to get a "famous" Chinese 5-kuai (60 US cents) haircut. It was a different one than I had been to. A woman cut my hair and a young man cut my bro-in-law's. While we were getting our hair cut, Dad stayed outside and talked with one of the employees. We learned later that Dad prayed with him and that this man asked for a Bible.
We had dinner at the main campus of the university, after which my bro-in-law and I decided to get a "famous" Chinese 5-kuai (60 US cents) haircut. It was a different one than I had been to. A woman cut my hair and a young man cut my bro-in-law's. While we were getting our hair cut, Dad stayed outside and talked with one of the employees. We learned later that Dad prayed with him and that this man asked for a Bible.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Back in Guangzhou
We left Fuzhou today. The Fuzhou "International" Airport wasn't very busy. It seemed we'd breeze through. However, we encountered a delay with the airlines, because we had adult tickets for the kids, but they NEEDED children's tickets. They wouldn't take the adult tickets, even tho' they'd get more money for them. We would get a refund for the adult tickets, but we had to get them from the agency we bought them from. The plane held up for us for a few minutes. Silly rules that we'd never heard of from any other airlines. Sheesh.
We landed in Guangzhou 75 minutes later. A few taxi drivers tried to bargain a fare to take us home, but L. would hear none of it and we ended up taking the Airport Express (bus), to the nearest stop which was still a bit away from us. J., R., and I piled all the luggage into a taxi while the rest took the local bus. Unfortunately, our taxi driver missed a turn towards XM. We got hopelessly lost. The driver annoyingly started guessing where I wanted him to take us, taking us to different schools. I did not hide my disgust with him, which I'm sure made him nervous. We finally happened upon XM by chance. I paid him rmb 30, even though the meter read "47", which he sheepishly took (it was probably more than what we should've paid, but my irritation had subsided and he did wait for us with the luggage to be loaded).
When we all got home, L. found out that the family could stay at the empty flat next to us, so we decided to do that. It was much easier to have everyone at the same location, although there was a good bit of cleaning to do next door.
In the evening, we took them to our favorite Brazilian restaurant....it was loads of fun with a live band and a couple dancing latina style. It's nice to be home, for us, finally unpack, do some laundry etc., but what a week this has been...
We landed in Guangzhou 75 minutes later. A few taxi drivers tried to bargain a fare to take us home, but L. would hear none of it and we ended up taking the Airport Express (bus), to the nearest stop which was still a bit away from us. J., R., and I piled all the luggage into a taxi while the rest took the local bus. Unfortunately, our taxi driver missed a turn towards XM. We got hopelessly lost. The driver annoyingly started guessing where I wanted him to take us, taking us to different schools. I did not hide my disgust with him, which I'm sure made him nervous. We finally happened upon XM by chance. I paid him rmb 30, even though the meter read "47", which he sheepishly took (it was probably more than what we should've paid, but my irritation had subsided and he did wait for us with the luggage to be loaded).
When we all got home, L. found out that the family could stay at the empty flat next to us, so we decided to do that. It was much easier to have everyone at the same location, although there was a good bit of cleaning to do next door.
In the evening, we took them to our favorite Brazilian restaurant....it was loads of fun with a live band and a couple dancing latina style. It's nice to be home, for us, finally unpack, do some laundry etc., but what a week this has been...
Monday, April 18, 2005
Agape Center
After breakfast, we boarded a van, provided by the Fuzhou Agape Medical Center, and were taken on a tour of the city. We visited a couple of churches at the start of our trip and were well-received by everyone we came in contact with. We also stopped by a park with a large statue of a bull, to take some pics and relax. Next door was a Sam's Club. There is a big Walmart Supercenter here in Fuzhou, which got L. very excited.
One memorable visit was to a 3-self church on the banks of the river. A big red cross on top of it could be seen for miles. Another red cross on another church sat not too far away. The old pastor of the church had lived through the Cultural Revolution and had been imprisoned during that time. When asked if they are allowed to preach on the Resurrection, he replied emphatically, "Of course! Anything in the Bible is allowed to be preached." That answered some questions held by some of us about this issue. It was an honor to meet a man who'd endured so much for his faith. The same was true for the other elderly Christians who were with us.
We stopped off at the Agape Medical Center. They'd moved since my previous visit in 2001. We met the friendly medical staff, all retired nurses, mostly women, all volunteer. We toured the facility, which was located by a busier highway than before.
We visited another church that was started by a group of peasant, illiterate women. The woman who catalyzed the building of the church said about 10 years ago, her son was cured of an illness after she'd abandoned hope of him being well, but decided to take him to a church to be prayed for. She felt strongly after that God wanted her to have a church built in this area of Fuzhou that didn't have a church nearby. They invited us in to look around and to have lunch. The lunch was generous and sumptuous. Again, it was neat to meet these people whose faith journeys were certainly different from our own.
However, with all the running around in that heat, the kids were getting tired and some were wondering when we'd be heading home. But, we plowed on to visit the orphanage. It was well-worth it for everyone, it turns out. It's actually a foster home for 62 boys and girls ages 8-20 whose parents are incarcerated. The kids would be returned back to their family once their parents were released. A woman named P. (whom I met in the 2001 trip) showed us around. They added a few more buildings since our last visit. A couple of boys, both mentally challenged, came to greet and hug us. Our stay was rather short, but not before we took many pictures with the children. One 7- or 8-year-old little girl looked a lot like our niece, P. with the cute smile. The kids warmed up quickly and took a liking to the nieces. Most of them waved as the van pulled away taking us home.
After dinner, Goo-goo, Goo-fu, and our cousins came by our hotel room. We spent time relating our memories of Gong-gong, who passed away a year ago today. Everyone in the family shared. Mom translated. Dad and Mom encouraged all of us to consider Christ in light of Gong-gong's faith.
After they left, we surprised mom with a cake and celebrated her b'day...although the added sugar that late at night definitely showed on the kids. It's off to Guangzhou tomorrow...
(PS: Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad (L's))
One memorable visit was to a 3-self church on the banks of the river. A big red cross on top of it could be seen for miles. Another red cross on another church sat not too far away. The old pastor of the church had lived through the Cultural Revolution and had been imprisoned during that time. When asked if they are allowed to preach on the Resurrection, he replied emphatically, "Of course! Anything in the Bible is allowed to be preached." That answered some questions held by some of us about this issue. It was an honor to meet a man who'd endured so much for his faith. The same was true for the other elderly Christians who were with us.
We stopped off at the Agape Medical Center. They'd moved since my previous visit in 2001. We met the friendly medical staff, all retired nurses, mostly women, all volunteer. We toured the facility, which was located by a busier highway than before.
We visited another church that was started by a group of peasant, illiterate women. The woman who catalyzed the building of the church said about 10 years ago, her son was cured of an illness after she'd abandoned hope of him being well, but decided to take him to a church to be prayed for. She felt strongly after that God wanted her to have a church built in this area of Fuzhou that didn't have a church nearby. They invited us in to look around and to have lunch. The lunch was generous and sumptuous. Again, it was neat to meet these people whose faith journeys were certainly different from our own.
However, with all the running around in that heat, the kids were getting tired and some were wondering when we'd be heading home. But, we plowed on to visit the orphanage. It was well-worth it for everyone, it turns out. It's actually a foster home for 62 boys and girls ages 8-20 whose parents are incarcerated. The kids would be returned back to their family once their parents were released. A woman named P. (whom I met in the 2001 trip) showed us around. They added a few more buildings since our last visit. A couple of boys, both mentally challenged, came to greet and hug us. Our stay was rather short, but not before we took many pictures with the children. One 7- or 8-year-old little girl looked a lot like our niece, P. with the cute smile. The kids warmed up quickly and took a liking to the nieces. Most of them waved as the van pulled away taking us home.
After dinner, Goo-goo, Goo-fu, and our cousins came by our hotel room. We spent time relating our memories of Gong-gong, who passed away a year ago today. Everyone in the family shared. Mom translated. Dad and Mom encouraged all of us to consider Christ in light of Gong-gong's faith.
After they left, we surprised mom with a cake and celebrated her b'day...although the added sugar that late at night definitely showed on the kids. It's off to Guangzhou tomorrow...
(PS: Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad (L's))
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Dad was a teen?
We all went to a three-self church, which was completely in Chinese. They even have their own website! The last time I came to this church was in October 2001, when it was in a temporary location. It's apparently moved back to their newly-renovated location, which still appears to be an old structure with many extra renovated rooms and buildings. The main sanctuary was located towards the back. Other larger rooms, including the one housed in the old structure, accommodated overflow watching via closed circuit.
The service went much like what I remember back in CBC in Portland, with the singing of the "Gloria Patri" and reading responsively from the Bible. They quoted the Apostles' Creed. Group prayer was led by a woman. Every sentence was passionately prayed and followed by a resounding "amen!" by the congregation in unison. One of the women moderators sprinkled a bit of English in her talks. Philippians 1:1-11 was read aloud, after which a Chinese speaker from the U.S. gave the sermon, with Fuzhou-nese translation. The sermon meandered a bit, but some points were worth noting...
After singing the hymn "Heavenly Sunshine", the service closed in prayer. Communion was then conducted after the general service. People who didn't want to or couldn't participate (if they hadn't been baptized) were invited to leave. Although a lot of people left, the church still appeared full. As it was last year, this church was packed to the max, perhaps numbering around 2000, maybe more. And this was only one of three Sunday services.
Communion consisted of wafers and a spoonful of wine taken from a communal cup. Each person took a small metal spoon from a tray that was passed through the worshippers, along with the wine cup. The cup and spoon was not that big, but you got enough to get the taste of the wine. It was an intriguing, simple, and enjoyable way to partake. While the elements were passed around, congregational hymn singing and Scripture reading took place.
After lunch, we stopped by Dad's old stomping grounds as a teen. All that's left was just the river he used to hang out at. Everywhere around it are stores and pavement that weren't there when he was growing up. Concrete-ville, it was. We did walk by some old trees and an archway that were still left amidst all the build-up.
We visited the old Christian Lane Church, the church Dad first attended as a youth, but found it was being prepared for demolition. Whether the church body was to be relocated or just discontinued, we didn't know. We didn't go inside. The sign was still there. Another part of Dad's history being replaced by economic progress.
We also stopped by Dad's old school grounds nearby. Students were all outside preparing for that day's big exams (on Sunday, of all days). The school guard allowed us in to take pictures and look around. Nothing of the school when Dad was there was left -- it was all new building. Still, it was good to be there and reminisce with him.
We ate dinner at Goo-goo and Goo-fu's home that evening. They don't live far from the hotel - within walking distance. Goo-goo prepared lots of food along with some of Dad's dumplings - we were stuffed. On our way back, we noticed as a large crowd was watching a makeshift outdoor theatre - out of a big white sheet.
The service went much like what I remember back in CBC in Portland, with the singing of the "Gloria Patri" and reading responsively from the Bible. They quoted the Apostles' Creed. Group prayer was led by a woman. Every sentence was passionately prayed and followed by a resounding "amen!" by the congregation in unison. One of the women moderators sprinkled a bit of English in her talks. Philippians 1:1-11 was read aloud, after which a Chinese speaker from the U.S. gave the sermon, with Fuzhou-nese translation. The sermon meandered a bit, but some points were worth noting...
- The church is not just 1, 2, or 3 people. It’s ALL people in the body of Christ.
- He calls some church-goers "mosquito" or "housefly" Christians....annoying the church with their "buzzing", but contributing nothing, yet not going away.
- The church should not be like a ship where one or two are rowing and the passengers are standing around on board wondering why the ship is moving so slow.
After singing the hymn "Heavenly Sunshine", the service closed in prayer. Communion was then conducted after the general service. People who didn't want to or couldn't participate (if they hadn't been baptized) were invited to leave. Although a lot of people left, the church still appeared full. As it was last year, this church was packed to the max, perhaps numbering around 2000, maybe more. And this was only one of three Sunday services.
Communion consisted of wafers and a spoonful of wine taken from a communal cup. Each person took a small metal spoon from a tray that was passed through the worshippers, along with the wine cup. The cup and spoon was not that big, but you got enough to get the taste of the wine. It was an intriguing, simple, and enjoyable way to partake. While the elements were passed around, congregational hymn singing and Scripture reading took place.
After lunch, we stopped by Dad's old stomping grounds as a teen. All that's left was just the river he used to hang out at. Everywhere around it are stores and pavement that weren't there when he was growing up. Concrete-ville, it was. We did walk by some old trees and an archway that were still left amidst all the build-up.
We visited the old Christian Lane Church, the church Dad first attended as a youth, but found it was being prepared for demolition. Whether the church body was to be relocated or just discontinued, we didn't know. We didn't go inside. The sign was still there. Another part of Dad's history being replaced by economic progress.
We also stopped by Dad's old school grounds nearby. Students were all outside preparing for that day's big exams (on Sunday, of all days). The school guard allowed us in to take pictures and look around. Nothing of the school when Dad was there was left -- it was all new building. Still, it was good to be there and reminisce with him.
We ate dinner at Goo-goo and Goo-fu's home that evening. They don't live far from the hotel - within walking distance. Goo-goo prepared lots of food along with some of Dad's dumplings - we were stuffed. On our way back, we noticed as a large crowd was watching a makeshift outdoor theatre - out of a big white sheet.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Fuzhou
We woke around 5:30 am to head to the airport. Our first airplane flight together as a family! When we arrived at Fuzhou, I was familiar with many of the sights from our trip in October 2001 --- we checked into the same hotel as we did then, the Fu You. After lunch, we drove to the cemetery where Gong-gong (Grandpa -- Dad's dad) is buried. On the way, we passed by the village where Dad was raised, except now it’s a collection of modern high-rise apartments.
My cousin dropped off A. J. L. Dad, my uncle and myself at the trailhead to the cemetery. The path wove its way through fields, farmland, trees, cracked brick walls, small shops, and unfinished apartments. Graves and monuments were scattered randomly along the way. Apparently, this trail is also a popular hiking spot, for we passed several students and hikers on their way back down. We walked for about 15-20 minutes before resting at a large, smooth rock formation. After waiting for several minutes, Goo-foo, Dad, and I resumed walking, while L. J. and A. waited for the rest of our troupe - to help with the kids, not knowing yet how far we had to go. After finding Gong-gong's grave, Dad and I walked further up to look for the graves of my great-great-grandparents, my great-grand-parents, and my great-grand uncle and aunt. We found it about another 100 meters up from Gong-gong's grave, under a tree where two red plastic bags were hanging. Dad had put them there last year to help find the grave easier. The scattered graves in the cemetery are situated on a steep mountainside, amidst lots of brush and trees. There are no clearly marked trails. They come in all shapes, sizes, and conditions. We took some pictures before heading back down. Certain parts were slippery, steep, and cluttered with weeds, but we managed to make it down okay. Everyone else managed to make it up as soon as we got back to Gong-gong's grave. Two other close friends of Gong came up as well. We took many pictures together. Decorations from last year's funeral, as well as a celebration of the dead that was held last month still littered the gravesite. We cleared some of the area of the leaves that had fallen on the site. Nearly every gravesite was coved with faded, tattered fake money pinned down by rocks. After about an hour, we headed back down, and drove to some apartments nearby. We went up a couple stories in one building to Dad's apartment that replaced what was torn down. A shrine to Gong-gong, grandma, and great-grandma occupied one room, adorned with their photos and a makeshift altar to put incense and goods on. The other rooms were sparely furnished. Outside the apartment was a courtyard where Gong-gong's memorial service and funeral in Fuzhou took place. We went back to the hotel. It started to rain that night. It's a good thing we went to the cemetery when we did....it would've been miserable and downright impossible to make it through there in wet conditions.
My cousin dropped off A. J. L. Dad, my uncle and myself at the trailhead to the cemetery. The path wove its way through fields, farmland, trees, cracked brick walls, small shops, and unfinished apartments. Graves and monuments were scattered randomly along the way. Apparently, this trail is also a popular hiking spot, for we passed several students and hikers on their way back down. We walked for about 15-20 minutes before resting at a large, smooth rock formation. After waiting for several minutes, Goo-foo, Dad, and I resumed walking, while L. J. and A. waited for the rest of our troupe - to help with the kids, not knowing yet how far we had to go. After finding Gong-gong's grave, Dad and I walked further up to look for the graves of my great-great-grandparents, my great-grand-parents, and my great-grand uncle and aunt. We found it about another 100 meters up from Gong-gong's grave, under a tree where two red plastic bags were hanging. Dad had put them there last year to help find the grave easier. The scattered graves in the cemetery are situated on a steep mountainside, amidst lots of brush and trees. There are no clearly marked trails. They come in all shapes, sizes, and conditions. We took some pictures before heading back down. Certain parts were slippery, steep, and cluttered with weeds, but we managed to make it down okay. Everyone else managed to make it up as soon as we got back to Gong-gong's grave. Two other close friends of Gong came up as well. We took many pictures together. Decorations from last year's funeral, as well as a celebration of the dead that was held last month still littered the gravesite. We cleared some of the area of the leaves that had fallen on the site. Nearly every gravesite was coved with faded, tattered fake money pinned down by rocks. After about an hour, we headed back down, and drove to some apartments nearby. We went up a couple stories in one building to Dad's apartment that replaced what was torn down. A shrine to Gong-gong, grandma, and great-grandma occupied one room, adorned with their photos and a makeshift altar to put incense and goods on. The other rooms were sparely furnished. Outside the apartment was a courtyard where Gong-gong's memorial service and funeral in Fuzhou took place. We went back to the hotel. It started to rain that night. It's a good thing we went to the cemetery when we did....it would've been miserable and downright impossible to make it through there in wet conditions.
Friday, April 15, 2005
Tian Ma
We took a bus to Temple City, a major shopping area in Shanghai. There wasn't much L. and I were interested in looking for (since we could get it in GZ), so we bought some Starbucks and stayed at the food court. We went home for a short rest before heading out to Uncle G's country club. The club is quite a swanky, high-class facility, rivaling anything you'd find in the States, even better than most, probably (not that we've been to many). But it's amazing to have a relative who is privy to all this. Some of us went swimming, others played tennis, or went on walks, L. and I, with a few others went to the driving range and hit some golf balls. It was a bit breezy and cold, so we headed back to the clubhouse pretty soon. I dressed to go swimming later, but everyone was gone, so I soaked myself in the hot tub for a few minutes. After activities, we joined Uncle G. for dinner, where we were entertained with stories about his sons and his life in general.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Shanghai
We got up at 6:00 am and got ready to go to the airport. Only until we were downstairs waiting for the shuttle, we thought to check for the tickets....and didn't have them. But since we had agreed to meet our ride at the main campus, we took the shuttle anyway, and asked if we could drive back to our flat to get our tickets. Not too long after beginning our search, we found them, and raced to the airport. The expressway ended at the airport, about 20 km from us, but our ride made good time, getting us there in about 10 minutes.
We raced through the checkout (had to go to "M" counter to pick up the tickets, then go to the "D" counter to check our bags in). L. stood at the "D" counter line, while I went to the "M" counter to get our tickets, which was a good way to do it, even tho' we didn't plan it that way. We were at the security checkpoint in less than 10 minutes....by 8:14 am. They wouldn't have checked us in if we came in after 8:15 am. Whew!
The new Guangzhou airport was completed just last August. It is a huge airport, with the highest and widest ceilings I'd ever seen. It is one of the more spectacular airports I've been in, rivaling Denver and HK. The plane we rode was cramped and they still used the old, 2-prong headphones. The seats reclined more than the usual seats. Things seemed a little old, even tho' it was a 777.
Mom came to pick us up at the airport. (Shanghai's airport is kind of small, almost like Hyderabad’s airport. However, it’s domestic-only....I'm sure their international airport is a lot more impressive.) It was a very short taxi ride to Uncle G's apartment. We met the whole family (Dad, A. J. J. and D. and the kids, Uncle N. and Auntie E. and Uncle L. and Auntie C.) We then went upstairs to the penthouse (13th floor) to enjoy a light lunch, watch TV (hey, HBO, Cinemax, and CNN! Satellite TV?), take a snooze, and catch up with each other. It was lovely seeing the family again.
After lunch, we took the bus to Mom, Aunt C. and Uncle N's old home where they were born and spent a bit of their childhood. It was pretty much the same on the outside as it was when Mom and her sibs were born. Their cousin and her husband currently live there. It's on the second level, shared with other rooms of the same size occupied by other family members. Each room served as its own bedroom/living room. The bathroom and kitchen were in other rooms by the hallway. We took several pictures and had tea. Much of the one room they were occupying had been renovated. The narrow stairways outside the room seemed older, perhaps original. It was a special time to share a piece of our family history with our family, never before seen by me or the sibs.
Mom, Dad, Uncle and Auntie L. and C. and Uncle and Auntie N. and E. stayed at the penthouse apartment. The rest of us stayed at a nice, multi-bedroom house about 1 km away. Both places had servants to fix meals, make up the rooms, and clean up. Shanghai's first impressions were quite posh ones.
We raced through the checkout (had to go to "M" counter to pick up the tickets, then go to the "D" counter to check our bags in). L. stood at the "D" counter line, while I went to the "M" counter to get our tickets, which was a good way to do it, even tho' we didn't plan it that way. We were at the security checkpoint in less than 10 minutes....by 8:14 am. They wouldn't have checked us in if we came in after 8:15 am. Whew!
The new Guangzhou airport was completed just last August. It is a huge airport, with the highest and widest ceilings I'd ever seen. It is one of the more spectacular airports I've been in, rivaling Denver and HK. The plane we rode was cramped and they still used the old, 2-prong headphones. The seats reclined more than the usual seats. Things seemed a little old, even tho' it was a 777.
Mom came to pick us up at the airport. (Shanghai's airport is kind of small, almost like Hyderabad’s airport. However, it’s domestic-only....I'm sure their international airport is a lot more impressive.) It was a very short taxi ride to Uncle G's apartment. We met the whole family (Dad, A. J. J. and D. and the kids, Uncle N. and Auntie E. and Uncle L. and Auntie C.) We then went upstairs to the penthouse (13th floor) to enjoy a light lunch, watch TV (hey, HBO, Cinemax, and CNN! Satellite TV?), take a snooze, and catch up with each other. It was lovely seeing the family again.
After lunch, we took the bus to Mom, Aunt C. and Uncle N's old home where they were born and spent a bit of their childhood. It was pretty much the same on the outside as it was when Mom and her sibs were born. Their cousin and her husband currently live there. It's on the second level, shared with other rooms of the same size occupied by other family members. Each room served as its own bedroom/living room. The bathroom and kitchen were in other rooms by the hallway. We took several pictures and had tea. Much of the one room they were occupying had been renovated. The narrow stairways outside the room seemed older, perhaps original. It was a special time to share a piece of our family history with our family, never before seen by me or the sibs.
Mom, Dad, Uncle and Auntie L. and C. and Uncle and Auntie N. and E. stayed at the penthouse apartment. The rest of us stayed at a nice, multi-bedroom house about 1 km away. Both places had servants to fix meals, make up the rooms, and clean up. Shanghai's first impressions were quite posh ones.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
drama...
My two piano students had good lessons today. The older was fine, tho' it seemed he needed to practice more. Later, I learned from their mom that he practices harder than his younger bro. He needs more structure and may have been a bit traumatized by a previous teacher who didn't have patience with him, making him gun-shy and uncertain about himself. She said both of them really look forward to the piano time, which was good to hear.
We did more of our laundry and left some in the dryer before heading back to XM. We picked up some fruit and crackers before heading home. L. went to class (make up classes for the ones she'll miss during our trip to Shanghai), while I went home to drop off and rearrange laundry and pick up my computer adaptor. I stopped by to pick up some onion pancakes (chung you bing) and talked with the waitresses there. I asked one of them if they'd ever thought about going to college. She said she thinks about it all the time. She so wants to go, but right now, her life at home isn't going so well. She almost started to cry when talking about it.
On my way back, "G" the Japanese teacher on our campus was the bus as well. She was at the international office in a meeting with other Japanese teachers. There's been an increase in ill-feelings towards Japanese lately, because of the refusal of the Japanese gov't to admit in their curriculum and society to atrocities against China during the WW2 years (e.g. Nanjing massacre). China holds a vote to allow Japan into the UN security council and this is a roadblock towards approving them, it seems. So it's been getting attention in the news. GW is asking Japanese teachers to be wary of the current conditions that might make it difficult for them to live here. So far, "G" says there hasn't been any backlash on our campus or the main campus. I asked her about her hometown, and their sentiments towards us, Americans. She feels there isn't any bad feelings at all among the Japanese towards Americans. Her grandparents survived the atomic bombing because they were in another city at the time, but their home was damaged.
ATV (Hong Kong) advertised a Pope John Paul II special at 10:05 pm tonight. However, some nature special on crocodiles aired instead. Outside of Catholics, there seems to be few admirers of the pope here.
We did more of our laundry and left some in the dryer before heading back to XM. We picked up some fruit and crackers before heading home. L. went to class (make up classes for the ones she'll miss during our trip to Shanghai), while I went home to drop off and rearrange laundry and pick up my computer adaptor. I stopped by to pick up some onion pancakes (chung you bing) and talked with the waitresses there. I asked one of them if they'd ever thought about going to college. She said she thinks about it all the time. She so wants to go, but right now, her life at home isn't going so well. She almost started to cry when talking about it.
On my way back, "G" the Japanese teacher on our campus was the bus as well. She was at the international office in a meeting with other Japanese teachers. There's been an increase in ill-feelings towards Japanese lately, because of the refusal of the Japanese gov't to admit in their curriculum and society to atrocities against China during the WW2 years (e.g. Nanjing massacre). China holds a vote to allow Japan into the UN security council and this is a roadblock towards approving them, it seems. So it's been getting attention in the news. GW is asking Japanese teachers to be wary of the current conditions that might make it difficult for them to live here. So far, "G" says there hasn't been any backlash on our campus or the main campus. I asked her about her hometown, and their sentiments towards us, Americans. She feels there isn't any bad feelings at all among the Japanese towards Americans. Her grandparents survived the atomic bombing because they were in another city at the time, but their home was damaged.
ATV (Hong Kong) advertised a Pope John Paul II special at 10:05 pm tonight. However, some nature special on crocodiles aired instead. Outside of Catholics, there seems to be few admirers of the pope here.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Learning English by CD
Class today went quite well. About 25 students were present. It was really warm and the fans were acting erratically. Got some positive feedback from some students. Playing the CD has been a really good thing. I figured out on my own how to get the classroom computer to work, which made it possible to play the CD over the classroom speakers (better than using my puny laptop speakers). I think the class got into it as well and appreciated having the learning tool. I'm feeling more relaxed today about the class.
I called Mr. "O" to tell him we'll accept the teaching position at his middle school.
I called Mr. "O" to tell him we'll accept the teaching position at his middle school.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
just shopping...
On our way back from church, we stopped by a store for some groceries, but it was closing for some reason. Riot police (most of them very young-looking) were stationed on the 1st and 2nd floors. The displays were being covered with canvas. Police chattered on walkie-talkies. I asked different folks, but no one knew or admitted to anything going on. It wouldn't be re-opening that day. We had no idea what was going on, but it was fascinating and unnerving all at the same time.
Life can be rather exciting here...just an ordinary shopping trip can be fraught with mystery.
Life can be rather exciting here...just an ordinary shopping trip can be fraught with mystery.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Aiaiaiaiyo
And in this flat, they found some mold, ai-ai-ai-ai-yo
With some mold, mold here, and some mold, mold there
Here a mold, there a mold, everywhere MOLD, MOLD
Young C. household found some mold, AI-AI-AI-AI-YO!!!
To our dismay, we discovered mold covering most of our clothes cabinets (and clothes), probably from the previous days rains and humidity. We did loads of laundry as well as scrubbed the cabinets with vinegar-laced water. L. boiled some diluted vinegar and steamed areas that might gather mold. I went to one of the stores below to get some more white vinegar to wash our clothes. We spent the rest of the day scrubbing, disinfecting, and washing. We need more vinegar....this is going to take more than a day.
Friday, April 08, 2005
Taking on middle-schoolers?
I was asked to teach English to high school students on this campus, which I graciously declined. One of our friends mentioned this to me earlier. She'd taught a couple classes last year and didn't like it. The kids were pretty misbehaved and uninterested in learning. That was strike 1. Another strike was that whoever taught, needed to grade and test the students, which I didn't want to do. Ms. C. and her assistant G. tried hard to persuade me (in some ways, being a bit uncouth about it), but I just told them I wouldn't do it because of those strikes. They were trying to convince me to take the job rather than interview me to see if I was qualified, which wasn't a good sign to begin with. No doubt they were desperate, but I wasn't, so I ended up politely declining their offer.
We were taken on a tour of a middle school that has asked us to teach once a week, for ten weeks. The school is quite large, about 1200 students and 90 teachers. It had an Olympic-size swimming pool that was empty (to be filled in 10 days). Mr. O showed us a room that we’d be teaching in (seats 200), with multimedia. A lot of this foreign teacher stuff seems to hinge on prestige. More foreign teachers = more prestige = more $$$$ from people willing to pay for it (and apparently, there are plenty) = more revenue for the school. We talked about pay a bit, then went to dinner at a nearby restaurant. To clinch the deal?
We have a great deal of pull with this stint, if we take it, seems decent enough...
We were taken on a tour of a middle school that has asked us to teach once a week, for ten weeks. The school is quite large, about 1200 students and 90 teachers. It had an Olympic-size swimming pool that was empty (to be filled in 10 days). Mr. O showed us a room that we’d be teaching in (seats 200), with multimedia. A lot of this foreign teacher stuff seems to hinge on prestige. More foreign teachers = more prestige = more $$$$ from people willing to pay for it (and apparently, there are plenty) = more revenue for the school. We talked about pay a bit, then went to dinner at a nearby restaurant. To clinch the deal?
We have a great deal of pull with this stint, if we take it, seems decent enough...
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
BIG WEDNESDAY
Better sit down for this one...
I attended L's classes today. Each class is having a fashion show this week. I went 20 minutes after the first class started, only to find L. dismissing them. She said none of them were prepared for their presentation and was noticeably disappointed by this. The students, however, didn't leave. While L. left to get some textbooks, the students talked to me, saying they had indeed prepared, but were too scared to present. L. came back and I explained the situation to them. They ended up doing the fashion show afterwards. But were done over an hour before the end of class, so L. dismissed them early.
The second class responded the same way. They seem easily intimidated. Part of the face-based culture in play, I'm guessing. They're probably not used to L's teaching style, which can be demanding. Speaking out personal analysis in class seems to be a new thing to them. But I suspect that classes L's taught in the past may not have had this kind of problem. After much threatening to dismiss class, eventually the groups started to loosen up and do their presentations, although they didn't do the actual fashion show. L. just interviewed them. They had an uneven number of commentators and models. Apparently, only a third of the class showed up. Again, this class was dismissed early.
From L.: I got called in by the assistant to the dean of her department, about the early dismissal of my classes. Apparently, they took issue with it. Later on, we were actually visited by the "assistant", for a face-to-face, to discuss the matter. I felt that there was nothing else I could do if students didn't or refused to do their homework. And if they did do it but refused to speak up, that was not the teacher's problem either. It was their responsibility to do homework and inform the teacher that they actually did it. It was a rather animated conversation, with the other "teacher" asking me to stay in class whether students did their homework or not and me asking whether I was hired to teach or babysit. (My entire class today was based on oral presentations which weren't ready due to the non-preparation or absence of most students. So, instead of wasting time just sitting in the class room, I made her point by dismissing the class.) I was growing weary and frustrated with the rigidity of the university rules and expectations and the "disregard for actual education" (her words). Well, I don't think anyone "won," but I do know that some of my vigor for teaching left today. Not only disappointed with my students, but also with the administration that catered to this irresponsibility.
Soon, after the "teacher" left, we got a belated birthday call from my brother. We talked about Dad & Mom and their work in India, especially about helping them out with it. It seemed at the end of their conversation that there wouldn't be a way for us to do so for at least a couple of years, until after our stint in China and securing a green card for me, which would take up about another year as well..
Next, the International Office (the folks who hired us) called, asking me to submit in writing my intent to teach next semester. It was then that we learned my contract was not for a year, but only until the end of this semester. In other words, I'm not obligated contractually to teach next semester, as we'd thought.
Back to S.: All that transpired today gave L. thoughts about making this semester her last in China. Disappointment with the students and school administration, frustration with the rigid expectations, the talk with her brother about her parents work, and realizing that we weren't bound contractually for a whole year spurred ideas about this. We talked about possibly going back to India during the summer and staying through the year to help our her parents and perhaps improving it administratively, as well as spend the holidays there. We spent some time lifting these things up. L. was leaning strongly towards leaving China after this semester.
We went to "E's" café at 7 pm for the English corner. About 10-12 people showed up, mainly from L's classes. One girl who talked a lot has only been studying English for a year. She seemed to know quite a bit in spite of her limited exposure to it. She talked of her interest in books and philosophy over going to dances, unlike most kids her age. The others, all girls, talked about school, relationships, Charles/Camilla, politics, and games.
As we left around 10 pm, "E" dropped a bombshell --- he sold his café two days ago and is finalizing its transfer tomorrow. That means there won't be anymore English corner at his place, since it won't be his anymore. All our plans to have a weekly English corner and helping boost "E's" business, as well as possibly start up a mini-try there, vanished. Was this yet another confirmation for us to leave China? It was hard not to see it that way. Much has happened in just the past 12 hours to cause us to consider such drastic changes to our original plans. It was exciting as well as worrisome about the logistics of it all.
Please keep this decision in your thoughts...it's a bit one and we're not sure if this is what we are being led to do.
I attended L's classes today. Each class is having a fashion show this week. I went 20 minutes after the first class started, only to find L. dismissing them. She said none of them were prepared for their presentation and was noticeably disappointed by this. The students, however, didn't leave. While L. left to get some textbooks, the students talked to me, saying they had indeed prepared, but were too scared to present. L. came back and I explained the situation to them. They ended up doing the fashion show afterwards. But were done over an hour before the end of class, so L. dismissed them early.
The second class responded the same way. They seem easily intimidated. Part of the face-based culture in play, I'm guessing. They're probably not used to L's teaching style, which can be demanding. Speaking out personal analysis in class seems to be a new thing to them. But I suspect that classes L's taught in the past may not have had this kind of problem. After much threatening to dismiss class, eventually the groups started to loosen up and do their presentations, although they didn't do the actual fashion show. L. just interviewed them. They had an uneven number of commentators and models. Apparently, only a third of the class showed up. Again, this class was dismissed early.
From L.: I got called in by the assistant to the dean of her department, about the early dismissal of my classes. Apparently, they took issue with it. Later on, we were actually visited by the "assistant", for a face-to-face, to discuss the matter. I felt that there was nothing else I could do if students didn't or refused to do their homework. And if they did do it but refused to speak up, that was not the teacher's problem either. It was their responsibility to do homework and inform the teacher that they actually did it. It was a rather animated conversation, with the other "teacher" asking me to stay in class whether students did their homework or not and me asking whether I was hired to teach or babysit. (My entire class today was based on oral presentations which weren't ready due to the non-preparation or absence of most students. So, instead of wasting time just sitting in the class room, I made her point by dismissing the class.) I was growing weary and frustrated with the rigidity of the university rules and expectations and the "disregard for actual education" (her words). Well, I don't think anyone "won," but I do know that some of my vigor for teaching left today. Not only disappointed with my students, but also with the administration that catered to this irresponsibility.
Soon, after the "teacher" left, we got a belated birthday call from my brother. We talked about Dad & Mom and their work in India, especially about helping them out with it. It seemed at the end of their conversation that there wouldn't be a way for us to do so for at least a couple of years, until after our stint in China and securing a green card for me, which would take up about another year as well..
Next, the International Office (the folks who hired us) called, asking me to submit in writing my intent to teach next semester. It was then that we learned my contract was not for a year, but only until the end of this semester. In other words, I'm not obligated contractually to teach next semester, as we'd thought.
Back to S.: All that transpired today gave L. thoughts about making this semester her last in China. Disappointment with the students and school administration, frustration with the rigid expectations, the talk with her brother about her parents work, and realizing that we weren't bound contractually for a whole year spurred ideas about this. We talked about possibly going back to India during the summer and staying through the year to help our her parents and perhaps improving it administratively, as well as spend the holidays there. We spent some time lifting these things up. L. was leaning strongly towards leaving China after this semester.
We went to "E's" café at 7 pm for the English corner. About 10-12 people showed up, mainly from L's classes. One girl who talked a lot has only been studying English for a year. She seemed to know quite a bit in spite of her limited exposure to it. She talked of her interest in books and philosophy over going to dances, unlike most kids her age. The others, all girls, talked about school, relationships, Charles/Camilla, politics, and games.
As we left around 10 pm, "E" dropped a bombshell --- he sold his café two days ago and is finalizing its transfer tomorrow. That means there won't be anymore English corner at his place, since it won't be his anymore. All our plans to have a weekly English corner and helping boost "E's" business, as well as possibly start up a mini-try there, vanished. Was this yet another confirmation for us to leave China? It was hard not to see it that way. Much has happened in just the past 12 hours to cause us to consider such drastic changes to our original plans. It was exciting as well as worrisome about the logistics of it all.
Please keep this decision in your thoughts...it's a bit one and we're not sure if this is what we are being led to do.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
first official dinner
The morning was spent giving piano lessons to the two kids at GW. Later, we went home to do some laundry and work on homework while watching MTVchina (or something like it) and their "tributes" to black actors like Will Smith, Halle Berry, and Denzel Washington. A Chinese guy in a do-rag and a Boston Celtics baggy shirt hosted the program (wow, talk about your wannabes). A "tribute" to Jennifer Lopez and her accomplishments followed.
We invited all the foreign teachers on our campus, which amounted to 5 including us, to dinner. We were preparing finishing touches when the three of them came by at 6:30 pm. The food turned out great and we had plenty. We watched TV (a biography of John Paul II and a documentary on the "dark side of Mt. Everest"), looked through our DVDs, and chit-chatted. It was an enjoyable evening with hopes of being repeated.
This was L's first official dinner as a "wife" so she was a bit nervous how the food would turn out and she made loads of it...but it turned out really well and we had leftovers, yum!
We invited all the foreign teachers on our campus, which amounted to 5 including us, to dinner. We were preparing finishing touches when the three of them came by at 6:30 pm. The food turned out great and we had plenty. We watched TV (a biography of John Paul II and a documentary on the "dark side of Mt. Everest"), looked through our DVDs, and chit-chatted. It was an enjoyable evening with hopes of being repeated.
This was L's first official dinner as a "wife" so she was a bit nervous how the food would turn out and she made loads of it...but it turned out really well and we had leftovers, yum!
Monday, April 04, 2005
bum...or victim?
On our way to the main campus for lunch, we saw a man laying on the sidewalk surrounded by garbage and a bicycle leaning against the curb. It looked like he'd been hit and was knocked unconscious. A teacher we knew on the shuttle, walked with us to the man. He was still breathing, but we weren't sure if he was hurt. We couldn't wake him up. Others around him figured he was sleeping. We walked back to inform a policeman, who went to check it out. On our way back, we saw that the man and his mess was no longer there. Whether he was taken away in an ambulance or a police car or left on his own, we don't know.
L. got a strange phone call from someone saying the police wanted to see her passport and visa. The school still has our passports, so we couldn't show them. They said they would come Thursday to check it out. We have no idea what this is all about.
About 20 students were at my class tonight. We went through lessons 6-8 (only the top part of 8). I played the CD I made of the ESL Gold mp3 and wma files for the class, which they liked a lot. One of the students got blank CDs and sold them to her classmates for 2 kuai a piece. 19 of them altogether, which I'll make copies and bring back next week. They wanted to pay me for the trouble of copying, but I told them it wasn't necessary. We then played Bingo for the last half hour, using words we had during the week. L. got some candy prizes to give away. The game was well received, even tho' a few of them (the older students) couldn't spell the words.
A man named Mr. Li asked me if I would be interested in teaching middle-school students oral English at 150 kuai/hour. A friend of his, Mr. O, is the one of the headmasters of this school. I'll have to think about it....
L. got a strange phone call from someone saying the police wanted to see her passport and visa. The school still has our passports, so we couldn't show them. They said they would come Thursday to check it out. We have no idea what this is all about.
About 20 students were at my class tonight. We went through lessons 6-8 (only the top part of 8). I played the CD I made of the ESL Gold mp3 and wma files for the class, which they liked a lot. One of the students got blank CDs and sold them to her classmates for 2 kuai a piece. 19 of them altogether, which I'll make copies and bring back next week. They wanted to pay me for the trouble of copying, but I told them it wasn't necessary. We then played Bingo for the last half hour, using words we had during the week. L. got some candy prizes to give away. The game was well received, even tho' a few of them (the older students) couldn't spell the words.
A man named Mr. Li asked me if I would be interested in teaching middle-school students oral English at 150 kuai/hour. A friend of his, Mr. O, is the one of the headmasters of this school. I'll have to think about it....
Sunday, April 03, 2005
5 children...all born overseas
On the way to catch the bus for church, we encountered several of my students from last year. It was so good to see them again (and I even remembered most of their names). It was one of those warm fuzzy moments, when someone who you’ve had minimal interaction with (considering your entire lifetime) welcomes the opportunity for further interaction. It was a blessing to see the excitement on their faces as they ran across a lawn for just a few words with me. Makes you feel like you’ve made some impact. Last year was so worth it!!! I almost pondered staying back and catching up with them, but they hadn’t seen each other in a while, and I wanted to give them time with each other, without a teacher hanging around asking for translation every two minutes. But the warmth I felt from them solidified the bond we shared.
We got to the 3-self church about 45 minutes after it started, just in time to catch some of the sermon and the singing at the end. We got there in the middle of the sermon and sat on chairs in the aisle. It was pretty full today. The sermon was about Isaiah 54 and Revelations, talking about the new Jerusalem.
After the service, we walked to a nearby hotel for lunch. Due to a lack of space, we were invited to share a table with an American couple living in Germany. She is a federal engineer and he is a stay-at-home dad. They just adopted an 18-month Chinese baby girl, to add to their brood of 4, ranging from ages 6-12. All were born in different countries (Guam, England, Australia - and now China). They've done a lot of traveling with the children and have enjoyed doing so, despite most people feeling like they can't do so until the kids grow up. S. and M. said their kids were pretty well-rounded and really enjoy living in other countries with the added advantage of having a global perspective much earlier than most children. We were amazed and impressed, thinking that maybe we'd enjoy a similar type of lifestyle.....maybe.
News that Pope John Paul II died last night. News on his death dominated HK news, but some of it was censored from the mainland. JP2, being from Poland and credited with bringing down the "party", was not favored by the higher-ups here.
We got to the 3-self church about 45 minutes after it started, just in time to catch some of the sermon and the singing at the end. We got there in the middle of the sermon and sat on chairs in the aisle. It was pretty full today. The sermon was about Isaiah 54 and Revelations, talking about the new Jerusalem.
After the service, we walked to a nearby hotel for lunch. Due to a lack of space, we were invited to share a table with an American couple living in Germany. She is a federal engineer and he is a stay-at-home dad. They just adopted an 18-month Chinese baby girl, to add to their brood of 4, ranging from ages 6-12. All were born in different countries (Guam, England, Australia - and now China). They've done a lot of traveling with the children and have enjoyed doing so, despite most people feeling like they can't do so until the kids grow up. S. and M. said their kids were pretty well-rounded and really enjoy living in other countries with the added advantage of having a global perspective much earlier than most children. We were amazed and impressed, thinking that maybe we'd enjoy a similar type of lifestyle.....maybe.
News that Pope John Paul II died last night. News on his death dominated HK news, but some of it was censored from the mainland. JP2, being from Poland and credited with bringing down the "party", was not favored by the higher-ups here.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Call 713-623-DUNK for Rockets tickets!
The Rockets played the Hornets on TV. Hornets came back to win, 76-73. The broadcast said to be sure to call 713-623-DUNK to get my tickets for the next Rockets game! Actually, Chinese NBA TV is actually satellite-broadcasted FSN....the Chinese commentators merely speak over the American commentators and add in their own observations; no direct translations. So they can't control what's broadcasted and have no way to anticipate what replays, camera angles, spots, etc. will occur. They just go with the flow of what FSN provides.
Friday, April 01, 2005
April Fool's
I gave tests today in class and had to convince the students that this wasn't a joke. Right at the end of my last class, just after i dismissed the students, S. walked in the door with a cake. The students were stunned (so was I), until he explained who he was and that it was my b'day. He brought a candle and lit it and then led the students in the b'day song. It was so sweet - what a man!!!
A couple hours later, we headed downtown to try and find an Indian restaurant. A magazine had listed about five in the city, so we were bound to find at least one. The first one we found had three men watching television and none of them even stood up when we walked in. We walked right back out...
The second one near the center of town, but we had to walk down one winding alley after another, finding it later in a basement type setting. The place was very plush and nice...and very expensive. So, once again, we were outside trying to find whatever restaurant having canned the idea of eating Indian. I checked out the magazine and found that there was another restaurant around there, so we decided since we were in the area, we might as well check it out. It had the ambience of a cafe/fast food restaurant type place. But the prices were reasonable enough and the food looked pretty good. However, our appetite for Indian was gone.
So, two and a half hours after we left home, we found ourselves back at our favorite Brazilian restaurant. The food, as usual, was great and the band, lively. It had been pouring on and off all day and whenever it wasn't, there was always a misty drizzle...welcoming April, i guess. After dinner, we just took a taxi home...i didn't feel like wrestling with wet people on public transportation. Prince of Egypt was the blockbuster of the evening...it was fun singing along.
Several people called with their greetings - it was very nice talking to mom and dad and mom. I also heard from some former students who had remembered...that was very affirming! This is both of our first b'days being married. I don't know about S., but for me, it was wonderful (and a bit weird).
Thank you, honey!
You're welcome, sweetie....I did have a great time. Happy day to you!
A couple hours later, we headed downtown to try and find an Indian restaurant. A magazine had listed about five in the city, so we were bound to find at least one. The first one we found had three men watching television and none of them even stood up when we walked in. We walked right back out...
The second one near the center of town, but we had to walk down one winding alley after another, finding it later in a basement type setting. The place was very plush and nice...and very expensive. So, once again, we were outside trying to find whatever restaurant having canned the idea of eating Indian. I checked out the magazine and found that there was another restaurant around there, so we decided since we were in the area, we might as well check it out. It had the ambience of a cafe/fast food restaurant type place. But the prices were reasonable enough and the food looked pretty good. However, our appetite for Indian was gone.
So, two and a half hours after we left home, we found ourselves back at our favorite Brazilian restaurant. The food, as usual, was great and the band, lively. It had been pouring on and off all day and whenever it wasn't, there was always a misty drizzle...welcoming April, i guess. After dinner, we just took a taxi home...i didn't feel like wrestling with wet people on public transportation. Prince of Egypt was the blockbuster of the evening...it was fun singing along.
Several people called with their greetings - it was very nice talking to mom and dad and mom. I also heard from some former students who had remembered...that was very affirming! This is both of our first b'days being married. I don't know about S., but for me, it was wonderful (and a bit weird).
Thank you, honey!
You're welcome, sweetie....I did have a great time. Happy day to you!
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