I kind of made a little mistake in my last entry. I said that women, for one month after they deliver are encouraged to eat only fruits and veggies...it's not fruits and veggies, but eggs. They should eat as many eggs as they can for one month. NOt sure why, but that's that!
Classes are going well! Today, and yesterday actually, I had a request to sing "My Heart Will GO On" for the class...yeah, right! Like that will ever happen. I have told them both no, although for my English Corner last night, I gave them the first line and that was it, today I had the whole class sing "Row, Row, ROw your boat". THen I practiced my Chinese on them and they laughed hysterically! I'm not sure if I should be offended... At least I can entertain them! Today we practiced pronouncing and using some words I got from a website. I have gotten some great ideas from About.com! Many games, word lists, lesson plans and such! THere is a list of 1000 most common words in the english language that I am going over with the kids. They know most of the words, but some they don't and often they only know one way to use it. Next week we will play Scattergories! One game Bob has used often with his students is a word game where one student stands with his/her back to the board and another student writes a word on the board and the student then asks the class yes/no questions to guess the word. The kids love it! We've used it in English Corner, I haven't yet used it in class. I also played "What if" with the classes, they like that one. It gives them a chance to come up with ideas on their own and use their imagination. They each wrote a "what if..." question and a "then..." answer. One person read their question and the next person read the answer to their question. It can be pretty funny. ONe of my favorite combos was "what if I were the queen of the world?" the answer was "then all the girls would be dead". HA! I need to give them more time to just discuss and practice english, so I am working out ideas for that. But this is fun! ANd I have a very relaxed schedule outside of class! It's great! Love you all!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Dumplings and Post-pardem (cont)
So, I'm not sure if my last entry was posted, I had to shut down my computer because they needed to turn off the power for a little bit. Anywhoo, I can't remember what I said, I know it wasn't much.
I learned how to make dumplings this week, "jiao zi" in Chinese. They are so good!! AND boy do I have leftovers!! They are so yummy, but very time consuming!! I will post these pics on Photobucket so you can see the process. I also had a yummy dinner on Saturday night with some other students, they made a seafood dish for me! I love people cooking for me, but I want to learn how to make them on my own and it is their custom to allow the "guest" to relax while they cook, so I watched and wrote and then relaxed...and then ate! WHen you eat with Chinese people, be prepared to eat A LOT! You will usually sit down to at least 5 different dishes. Normally there is one soup and then one noodle dish, often served near the end of the meal. AND in Shandong Province you cannot forget the Qingdao beer!
I also, recently, had some interesting conversations with some students regarding some cultural traditions and beliefs. One conversation was kind of depressing to me. A girl asked me if I believed in true love. I said, of course. She does not think it's possible for a man and woman to truly love one another. She said that too many people are depressed and have psychological problems to truly understand love. I also think this stems from the idea and practice of marrying who your parents think fit best with the familys' status and place in society. The husband brings home the bacon, the wife serves the family and raises the child and you do what is best for your country. Everything done in order and in a logical manner. None of this mushy love crap. I said to some other students it seems like more of a business arrangement than a marriage and she said, it is. This practice, however, is not as common as it used to be, although, many families still do this. It used to be the bride and groom didn't even meet each other until the day of the wedding, at least now they will meet prior. Just interesting, another cultural difference. And in America it's way too romanticized, we all (when I say "we all" I mean mostly females and certainly myself) want movie love, which isn't exactly realistic either. I also learned of an interesting wedding tradition. On the wedding night, the family or close friends to into the bedroom of the couple and dangle an apple on a string. They hold the apple above the couple, who are in bed, and they try to eat the apple, of course the friend pulls the apple up so the couple will kiss. WHich is a big deal here, you see NO PDA whatsoever, although, on campus the couples are pretty affectionate. I have not seen one person kiss another, especially on the lips, that is not acceptable.
This is also interesting. Many people still believe and participate in this practice which blows my mind. After a woman has given birth, she is supposed to stay in bed for one month. She cannot wash herself, she cannot walk anywhere and mainly eats fresh fruits and vegetables. Interesting, huh? (How does that sound Shan?)
If someone dies, their sons or male members of the family will stay with the body for at least 2 nights to protect the spirit. THen after they have buried/cremated the body, the family brings food, fake money to burn, paper washing machines or other useful items for the afterlife to the gravesite for 5 weeks, on the 5th week they have a huge celebration with wine and a lot of food. THey burn the money and paper replicas so that their loved one will be cared for in the afterlife with things they may need. There is also a portion of the funeral where the men are dressed all in white and wear while slippers and a white girdle/wrap around their midsection and a white headwrap/hat. Females aren't allowed to the funeral if they are under the age of 18 or if they are unmarried.
I just love learning these things! I also just found out that we are invited to a Chinese reception next Friday night. A teacher is getting married and has invited all the foreign teachers, fun, huh!? I will let you know how that goes! ANd, of course, take pictures!
I love you all! Miss you tons! I am busier which is wonderful! I am off to Qingdao again this weekend and I am very excited to stay with an American family!! I hope all is well with everyone and you are happy and healthy!
Fascinating!
I learned how to make dumplings this week, "jiao zi" in Chinese. They are so good!! AND boy do I have leftovers!! They are so yummy, but very time consuming!! I will post these pics on Photobucket so you can see the process. I also had a yummy dinner on Saturday night with some other students, they made a seafood dish for me! I love people cooking for me, but I want to learn how to make them on my own and it is their custom to allow the "guest" to relax while they cook, so I watched and wrote and then relaxed...and then ate! WHen you eat with Chinese people, be prepared to eat A LOT! You will usually sit down to at least 5 different dishes. Normally there is one soup and then one noodle dish, often served near the end of the meal. AND in Shandong Province you cannot forget the Qingdao beer!
I also, recently, had some interesting conversations with some students regarding some cultural traditions and beliefs. One conversation was kind of depressing to me. A girl asked me if I believed in true love. I said, of course. She does not think it's possible for a man and woman to truly love one another. She said that too many people are depressed and have psychological problems to truly understand love. I also think this stems from the idea and practice of marrying who your parents think fit best with the familys' status and place in society. The husband brings home the bacon, the wife serves the family and raises the child and you do what is best for your country. Everything done in order and in a logical manner. None of this mushy love crap. I said to some other students it seems like more of a business arrangement than a marriage and she said, it is. This practice, however, is not as common as it used to be, although, many families still do this. It used to be the bride and groom didn't even meet each other until the day of the wedding, at least now they will meet prior. Just interesting, another cultural difference. And in America it's way too romanticized, we all (when I say "we all" I mean mostly females and certainly myself) want movie love, which isn't exactly realistic either. I also learned of an interesting wedding tradition. On the wedding night, the family or close friends to into the bedroom of the couple and dangle an apple on a string. They hold the apple above the couple, who are in bed, and they try to eat the apple, of course the friend pulls the apple up so the couple will kiss. WHich is a big deal here, you see NO PDA whatsoever, although, on campus the couples are pretty affectionate. I have not seen one person kiss another, especially on the lips, that is not acceptable.
This is also interesting. Many people still believe and participate in this practice which blows my mind. After a woman has given birth, she is supposed to stay in bed for one month. She cannot wash herself, she cannot walk anywhere and mainly eats fresh fruits and vegetables. Interesting, huh? (How does that sound Shan?)
If someone dies, their sons or male members of the family will stay with the body for at least 2 nights to protect the spirit. THen after they have buried/cremated the body, the family brings food, fake money to burn, paper washing machines or other useful items for the afterlife to the gravesite for 5 weeks, on the 5th week they have a huge celebration with wine and a lot of food. THey burn the money and paper replicas so that their loved one will be cared for in the afterlife with things they may need. There is also a portion of the funeral where the men are dressed all in white and wear while slippers and a white girdle/wrap around their midsection and a white headwrap/hat. Females aren't allowed to the funeral if they are under the age of 18 or if they are unmarried.
I just love learning these things! I also just found out that we are invited to a Chinese reception next Friday night. A teacher is getting married and has invited all the foreign teachers, fun, huh!? I will let you know how that goes! ANd, of course, take pictures!
I love you all! Miss you tons! I am busier which is wonderful! I am off to Qingdao again this weekend and I am very excited to stay with an American family!! I hope all is well with everyone and you are happy and healthy!
Fascinating!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Tibet!
Okay!! I just got back from TIBET!!! It was so beautiful! I had no idea there were so many lakes, Tibet has some of the best scenery! I would also like to add one to my list of uses for the horn...I am coming around the corner, look out, because I am taking up both lanes!! Which, really, is a pretty good use of a horn, if you ask me, and if you are going up/down a very steep mountain on a very curvy road!
We arrived on Sunday and went to our hotel to have a rest and then Ms Yoon (my traveling buddy, she teaches Korean) and I walked around Lhasa. Lhasa is so clean, compared to Weifang! The skies in Tibet are so blue, I haven't seen sky like that since New Mexico! Which, by the way, I thought about everyday on the trip!! Tibet reminded me so much of being on the Reservation, the people, the jewelry, the homes...it was crazy!
Potala Palace is one of the most famous attractions in Lhasa. It is where several Dalai Lama's are entombed, rather extravegantly I might add. This place is extraordinary! It was built around the 14th century and then some of it was burned down and they rebuilt it. This is where the Dalai Lama lived, studied and worshipped until something went down with the church and China and the Dalai Lama moved to India. I put a picture of it up on Photobucket. There are many chapels within the palace with thousands of Buddhas, incense burning constantly in almost every room. So many gold and jewels you can't even count! The tomb of the 5th Dalai Lama (I believe) is the most extravagant. Hundreds of jewels and gold plated, one of the most unusual jewels on this tomb is an elephant (I believe) brain. Just to you are aware, this whole tour was in Chinese, so I only know this from a video I purchased in Lhasa and from research on the internet. If you plan on going to Lhasa, get an english speaking guide, unless you are fluent in Mandarin, then more power to you!! I did, however, learn so much chinese this week!!! I may actually be able to understand and speak to people by July!!
Later we went to Johkang Temple in the center of Lhasa. Many people out front praying, falling on the ground to touch their heads to the ground only to rise up and repeat the motions. Incredible to watch! No pictures within the temple, so you get views from the outside.
The next day we took a bus ride up to Lake Namtso, one the highest lakes in the world. Beautiful!! Here I sat on a Yak and he walked down into the lake!!! Rad! You can come and stay at a "hotel" here and enjoy your time with the locals!
I'm getting tired, this is getting very brief! On Friday morning we left for Beijing on the Tibet-Qinghai railway. What a wonderful way to see China!!! I would only recommend going one way on the train, either there or back and then flying the other way. China is so beautiful, it also has it's ugly spots kind of like the drive to UT from NV or the drive to Vegas from Reno. But wow!!! AMazing! Then on Sunday we arrived in Beijing at 730am and visited Qianmen square (Tienamen Square). We toured the government building, gorgeous! Then we headed back to Weifang with our heads spinning. You know that feeling after you get off a boat, you feel like you are rocking everywhere you walk, it's like that after being on a train for 3 days.
Tibet was well worth it! The land is beautiful and the people are still very steeped in their culture and religion!! The art, clothing and homes are decorated in vibrant colors. It was by far the highlight of my stay in China thus far, probably of the whole year! I'm sorry this is so short, but it's dinner time!! I love you all!! thanks for reading!
We arrived on Sunday and went to our hotel to have a rest and then Ms Yoon (my traveling buddy, she teaches Korean) and I walked around Lhasa. Lhasa is so clean, compared to Weifang! The skies in Tibet are so blue, I haven't seen sky like that since New Mexico! Which, by the way, I thought about everyday on the trip!! Tibet reminded me so much of being on the Reservation, the people, the jewelry, the homes...it was crazy!
Potala Palace is one of the most famous attractions in Lhasa. It is where several Dalai Lama's are entombed, rather extravegantly I might add. This place is extraordinary! It was built around the 14th century and then some of it was burned down and they rebuilt it. This is where the Dalai Lama lived, studied and worshipped until something went down with the church and China and the Dalai Lama moved to India. I put a picture of it up on Photobucket. There are many chapels within the palace with thousands of Buddhas, incense burning constantly in almost every room. So many gold and jewels you can't even count! The tomb of the 5th Dalai Lama (I believe) is the most extravagant. Hundreds of jewels and gold plated, one of the most unusual jewels on this tomb is an elephant (I believe) brain. Just to you are aware, this whole tour was in Chinese, so I only know this from a video I purchased in Lhasa and from research on the internet. If you plan on going to Lhasa, get an english speaking guide, unless you are fluent in Mandarin, then more power to you!! I did, however, learn so much chinese this week!!! I may actually be able to understand and speak to people by July!!
Later we went to Johkang Temple in the center of Lhasa. Many people out front praying, falling on the ground to touch their heads to the ground only to rise up and repeat the motions. Incredible to watch! No pictures within the temple, so you get views from the outside.
The next day we took a bus ride up to Lake Namtso, one the highest lakes in the world. Beautiful!! Here I sat on a Yak and he walked down into the lake!!! Rad! You can come and stay at a "hotel" here and enjoy your time with the locals!
I'm getting tired, this is getting very brief! On Friday morning we left for Beijing on the Tibet-Qinghai railway. What a wonderful way to see China!!! I would only recommend going one way on the train, either there or back and then flying the other way. China is so beautiful, it also has it's ugly spots kind of like the drive to UT from NV or the drive to Vegas from Reno. But wow!!! AMazing! Then on Sunday we arrived in Beijing at 730am and visited Qianmen square (Tienamen Square). We toured the government building, gorgeous! Then we headed back to Weifang with our heads spinning. You know that feeling after you get off a boat, you feel like you are rocking everywhere you walk, it's like that after being on a train for 3 days.
Tibet was well worth it! The land is beautiful and the people are still very steeped in their culture and religion!! The art, clothing and homes are decorated in vibrant colors. It was by far the highlight of my stay in China thus far, probably of the whole year! I'm sorry this is so short, but it's dinner time!! I love you all!! thanks for reading!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Funny students!
Okay, this is the last blog before my big trip to Tibet!!! Hooray! I am teaching 6 classes now!! Yahoo! I am so glad to be busy!
In one of my classes yesterday, it was our first sessions together, we played a little game so I could get to know them better and their names. There are 2 boys in the class. One of them is named Admiral, he is funny! Tall, skinny and speaks very well! I was standing near him, listening to a girl introduce her neighbor and he looks up as she paused and he said "Kyla, you are very beautiful!" I think myself and his desk-mate were the only ones who heard. It made me laugh! I, of course, said thank you. It was just random! Then later, as they were leaving one girl, Lily, came up to me and said "I will miss you" and he came over and said "I will miss you very, very much!" They are so cute! AND funny! They think I am so funny, I like that. I wish you could hear the way this kid speaks, it makes it so much better coming from him!
I have begun talking to myself when I am in my room. I feel like my mother...again. I think more and more students will want to come over and practice english, I hope so, because man! I am out of books and I can't afford to walk around all the time, I buy things. LIfe is good though, I really enjoy teaching! ANd I am learning more words!!
We had dinner with the University Pres the other night. It was the Moon Festival. A very big deal here. They used to offer mooncakes and watermelon to the full moon, I believe in gratitude for giving light. It's more a time now for families to gather together. Moon cakes are not very good. They are very pretty. I will take a picture and show you. Love you all! I will tell you about my trip to TIbet...that may take a while, maybe just highlights and pictures, of course! Happy Golden Week!
In one of my classes yesterday, it was our first sessions together, we played a little game so I could get to know them better and their names. There are 2 boys in the class. One of them is named Admiral, he is funny! Tall, skinny and speaks very well! I was standing near him, listening to a girl introduce her neighbor and he looks up as she paused and he said "Kyla, you are very beautiful!" I think myself and his desk-mate were the only ones who heard. It made me laugh! I, of course, said thank you. It was just random! Then later, as they were leaving one girl, Lily, came up to me and said "I will miss you" and he came over and said "I will miss you very, very much!" They are so cute! AND funny! They think I am so funny, I like that. I wish you could hear the way this kid speaks, it makes it so much better coming from him!
I have begun talking to myself when I am in my room. I feel like my mother...again. I think more and more students will want to come over and practice english, I hope so, because man! I am out of books and I can't afford to walk around all the time, I buy things. LIfe is good though, I really enjoy teaching! ANd I am learning more words!!
We had dinner with the University Pres the other night. It was the Moon Festival. A very big deal here. They used to offer mooncakes and watermelon to the full moon, I believe in gratitude for giving light. It's more a time now for families to gather together. Moon cakes are not very good. They are very pretty. I will take a picture and show you. Love you all! I will tell you about my trip to TIbet...that may take a while, maybe just highlights and pictures, of course! Happy Golden Week!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Adjustment and cultural faeux paux
I have no clue how to spell "fo paw". You what I mean! I'm not learning french here, that's for sure!
Just thought I'd share a fun little experience I had last night! We had dinner with the Dean of our College last night. All the foreign teachers and some of the other teachers we work the closest with. It was so much fun! We ate at the school "canteen". The food was wonderful! Sun and Wendy know all my favorites so far and they ordered them all, I rolled home at the end of night as I always do when we eat in a group like that. I'm amazed at how much food these people can eat and they are so small!! I'm getting somewhat used to it, however, I can take one for the team! Just undo those pants and loosen that belt...
Anyway, it's customary here to toast 6 times. 3 times by the host (who sits at the "head" of the round table, which is usually the seat in the back of the room upon entering, the guest of honor sits on his right and the 2nd guest of honor sits on his left, the 2nd host sits directly across from the first host) and 3 times by the 2nd host. After they are done then it's a free-for-all and everyone toasts everyone else at the table the rest of the meal! WHen you toast someone, especially the host, your glass must be lower than their's, it's a sign of respect. Well, when I toasted the host I stood up and accidentally had my glass higher than his and everyone gasped. A little embarrassing! I knew that, I just didn't think about it! How many times have I toasted someone in my life, pretty sure that was the first! So many firsts and I've only been here a month!
It has taken some adjusting to life here in Weifang. It's so different! But knowing that this is where God wants me right now has helped tremendously! I've felt so much strength and comfort from Him, it's incredible! It can get very lonely! But, the people here are so kind and helpful!
Bob and I went to check out the new apartments and they are nice! Much bigger and there are actual rooms; bathroom, kitchen area, living area, bedroom!! Lovely! Next weekend! But I probably won't move in until after the first week in October because I will be in Tibet!! I know! It's okay to be a little jealous! I love you all!
Just thought I'd share a fun little experience I had last night! We had dinner with the Dean of our College last night. All the foreign teachers and some of the other teachers we work the closest with. It was so much fun! We ate at the school "canteen". The food was wonderful! Sun and Wendy know all my favorites so far and they ordered them all, I rolled home at the end of night as I always do when we eat in a group like that. I'm amazed at how much food these people can eat and they are so small!! I'm getting somewhat used to it, however, I can take one for the team! Just undo those pants and loosen that belt...
Anyway, it's customary here to toast 6 times. 3 times by the host (who sits at the "head" of the round table, which is usually the seat in the back of the room upon entering, the guest of honor sits on his right and the 2nd guest of honor sits on his left, the 2nd host sits directly across from the first host) and 3 times by the 2nd host. After they are done then it's a free-for-all and everyone toasts everyone else at the table the rest of the meal! WHen you toast someone, especially the host, your glass must be lower than their's, it's a sign of respect. Well, when I toasted the host I stood up and accidentally had my glass higher than his and everyone gasped. A little embarrassing! I knew that, I just didn't think about it! How many times have I toasted someone in my life, pretty sure that was the first! So many firsts and I've only been here a month!
It has taken some adjusting to life here in Weifang. It's so different! But knowing that this is where God wants me right now has helped tremendously! I've felt so much strength and comfort from Him, it's incredible! It can get very lonely! But, the people here are so kind and helpful!
Bob and I went to check out the new apartments and they are nice! Much bigger and there are actual rooms; bathroom, kitchen area, living area, bedroom!! Lovely! Next weekend! But I probably won't move in until after the first week in October because I will be in Tibet!! I know! It's okay to be a little jealous! I love you all!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Honking in China
This weekend was great! Incredibly busy, but great! On Saturday I went to Jinan with one of the other teachers to make plans for our trip to Tibet in 2 weeks. Jinan is the capital of Shandong Province. It was gorgeous! We visited 2 parks and they were amazing! Enjoy the pictures on photobucket!
I also went to Qingdao on Sunday. What a beautiful city! It's a seaside city and just wonderful! On the way to my destination in the taxi, I was discussing with myself the reasons for all the honking in China. I have compiled a short list for your enjoyment:
When drivers honk it means one, or more, of many things:
1. I'm passing you, so stay out of my way.
2. You are a pedestrian and I am a bus/car/scooter/bike get the hell out of my way or I will run you over!
3. You are driving too slowly, move!
4. I'm chaning lanes, get out of my way.
5. I'm letting you know of my presence.
So, there you go. Enjoy.
I'm still adjusting to the different level of expectations when it comes to sanitation/personal hygiene. The bathroom at the bus station in Jinan was interesting, I decided to wait until I could enjoy my own personal squatter without an audience of 20. Let's just say open room crammed with women, 6 or so at a time squatting over cracks in a cement slab. Lovely! I used the one at the travel service office. :) No audience. Perhaps too much information, but since when was that unusual for me!? Sunday was fabulous! I met some wonderful teachers in Qingdao and other wonderful families! Everyone is so extremely kind! I have several invitations to stay with families in Qingdao! Love it! I also think I will be adding more classes to my schedule, which will be so fabulous!! I love you all! ENjoy!
I also went to Qingdao on Sunday. What a beautiful city! It's a seaside city and just wonderful! On the way to my destination in the taxi, I was discussing with myself the reasons for all the honking in China. I have compiled a short list for your enjoyment:
When drivers honk it means one, or more, of many things:
1. I'm passing you, so stay out of my way.
2. You are a pedestrian and I am a bus/car/scooter/bike get the hell out of my way or I will run you over!
3. You are driving too slowly, move!
4. I'm chaning lanes, get out of my way.
5. I'm letting you know of my presence.
So, there you go. Enjoy.
I'm still adjusting to the different level of expectations when it comes to sanitation/personal hygiene. The bathroom at the bus station in Jinan was interesting, I decided to wait until I could enjoy my own personal squatter without an audience of 20. Let's just say open room crammed with women, 6 or so at a time squatting over cracks in a cement slab. Lovely! I used the one at the travel service office. :) No audience. Perhaps too much information, but since when was that unusual for me!? Sunday was fabulous! I met some wonderful teachers in Qingdao and other wonderful families! Everyone is so extremely kind! I have several invitations to stay with families in Qingdao! Love it! I also think I will be adding more classes to my schedule, which will be so fabulous!! I love you all! ENjoy!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Fun with Karaoke
So this is funny. For the word Karaoke, they have two chinese characters and then the letters "OK" for kara OK, isn't that funny!? I thought so!
Well, the moment I hoped would never come actually came. I hope you've all enjoyed it. I have to say I actually kind of proud of myself for doing something SO out of the ordinary for me, and I even did it on stage, in front of hundreds of people and for cameras!!! I am pretty sure they only really liked it because they love Titanic and I'm American, because I had these two things going for me I won their hearts!! AND I even won a prize and a certificate. I won new bedding, isn't that great! What a good idea, something useful! Now I can wash one set and use the other, it's perfect!
Monday was a huge day! I taught my first class and then did the performance. My class went well, I think, for a first time english teacher. Several students speak very good english. Many need me to slow down and enunciate, I will work on that. I am learning the bus schedule/system which is making life much easier since I am needing to rely on people less and less. Now, if I could just master Chinese...
Yesterday night I went on a little field trip with a man from America and some other teachers and students. He, his name is Abe and he's from Miami, just built a hotel in a nearby town and is trying to find some employees from our college. We went on a tour of the hotel and then had dinner, it was very nice. His nice assistant sat by me at the table and put food on my plate the whole meal so I didn't have to embarrass myself with the chopsticks. I'm doing much better with them, but I am not a pro...yet! I WILL master the chopsticks!
I love you all and I have posted a few more pics on photobucket, I will email you all!
Well, the moment I hoped would never come actually came. I hope you've all enjoyed it. I have to say I actually kind of proud of myself for doing something SO out of the ordinary for me, and I even did it on stage, in front of hundreds of people and for cameras!!! I am pretty sure they only really liked it because they love Titanic and I'm American, because I had these two things going for me I won their hearts!! AND I even won a prize and a certificate. I won new bedding, isn't that great! What a good idea, something useful! Now I can wash one set and use the other, it's perfect!
Monday was a huge day! I taught my first class and then did the performance. My class went well, I think, for a first time english teacher. Several students speak very good english. Many need me to slow down and enunciate, I will work on that. I am learning the bus schedule/system which is making life much easier since I am needing to rely on people less and less. Now, if I could just master Chinese...
Yesterday night I went on a little field trip with a man from America and some other teachers and students. He, his name is Abe and he's from Miami, just built a hotel in a nearby town and is trying to find some employees from our college. We went on a tour of the hotel and then had dinner, it was very nice. His nice assistant sat by me at the table and put food on my plate the whole meal so I didn't have to embarrass myself with the chopsticks. I'm doing much better with them, but I am not a pro...yet! I WILL master the chopsticks!
I love you all and I have posted a few more pics on photobucket, I will email you all!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Shopping!
I just wanted to write and announce that I went shopping yesterday...by myself! I am so proud. I will admit that the bus didn't go to exactly where I thought it would, but I knew the area so it was fine!! Yeah, buddy! That's the only new exciting news I have right now. I still don't know my schedule, but I turned in some Teaching plans and since they will most likely be all the same level, they should work for all classes with only minor adjustments. Well, this one will be short, I must get back to practicing for my upcoming performance! Ah, the pressures of stardom....
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
"My Heart Will Go On"
Yes! I did Karaoke yesterday! It was horrible! The words didn't match the music, I can't sing, I haven't heard the song in ages and I was reading the words. Sun got a 30 sec clip of it, unfortunately. I will try and post it on Photobucket...or not, I haven't decided if I should make this available to people who actually know me. Luckily the audience was small. Come to find out, they judge you and if you make the top 10 or 13 you have to perform again next week...ugh! I told Sun this was a one time thing and if I am in the top 10 it's got to be just because I'm American which is ridiculous! There were some very impressive singers yesterday, I was amazed! People really take this seriously!
Not much new to report. I stayed with a colleague and her family the other night, they were so kind! Beautiful home! It was like a three-story Condo. Marble flooring and beautiful wood furniture in the living room. We had yummy dumplings!! I love those things. They are similar to those Potstickers you can get at Costco. For breakfast we had noodles and some egg, tomato, lettuce type sauce. It was delightful as well. The dumplings are a traditional meal to celebrate the holiday on Tuesday. It was the God of Wealth's birthday and he was returning to heaven to report about how everyone is working. ALL day they set off firecrackers and burn paper money so that they may gain more wealth and prosperity. The firecrackers were going off nonstop until about midnight.
Today I am getting my plumbing fixed in my apartment. There is some blockage somewhere, possibly the main pipe. They will fix it this afternoon, but until then both of my toilets are Out of Order. Fortunately, I work at a university and there are several buildings around with toilets in them. It looks like it may be another few weeks until we move into our apartments. I'm fine where I'm at, but poor Bob is at a hotel and he's going crazy!
Still no schedule! Hopefully by Saturday! It looks like I won't be able to go to church again on Sunday (pray for me :), the trains are packed with college students returning. It's too bad you can't take the sacrament by proxy...
Lots of love!
Kyla
Not much new to report. I stayed with a colleague and her family the other night, they were so kind! Beautiful home! It was like a three-story Condo. Marble flooring and beautiful wood furniture in the living room. We had yummy dumplings!! I love those things. They are similar to those Potstickers you can get at Costco. For breakfast we had noodles and some egg, tomato, lettuce type sauce. It was delightful as well. The dumplings are a traditional meal to celebrate the holiday on Tuesday. It was the God of Wealth's birthday and he was returning to heaven to report about how everyone is working. ALL day they set off firecrackers and burn paper money so that they may gain more wealth and prosperity. The firecrackers were going off nonstop until about midnight.
Today I am getting my plumbing fixed in my apartment. There is some blockage somewhere, possibly the main pipe. They will fix it this afternoon, but until then both of my toilets are Out of Order. Fortunately, I work at a university and there are several buildings around with toilets in them. It looks like it may be another few weeks until we move into our apartments. I'm fine where I'm at, but poor Bob is at a hotel and he's going crazy!
Still no schedule! Hopefully by Saturday! It looks like I won't be able to go to church again on Sunday (pray for me :), the trains are packed with college students returning. It's too bad you can't take the sacrament by proxy...
Lots of love!
Kyla
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Sunday fun!
I hear many people are posting on my blog, that makes me so happy! Keep it up! I can't actually read them, but my Dad is going to copy them to me! Thanks for reading the novels!
Yesterday was the best day! I went with two accounting students, Mark and Lucy, to two wonderful museums here in Weifang. The first is one of the few old style architecture buildings left in the area, it was built in 1885 by a very rich man!. It's huge! To find out more details you can look at the pictures on photobucket. As I was walking through these incredible courtyards and archways I just kept thinking, I am actually here, I'm not looking at someone elses pictures! AMAZING! After that we went to the Kite Museum. Weifang is famous for it's kites! Every year in April they have the Kite Festival and people from all over the world gather to fly their kites, it's apparently quite the spectacle! I am very excited to go! The kites in this museum were so beautiful! Very ornate and detailed, it must take hours upon hours for the makers to complete them. One kite that won an award was a pair of shoes for children. They are tiger faces and they are/were worn by the working class people's children to denote power and because they found them "handsome". After that we walked around Kite Square, which is a beautiful park with lots going on in the evenings. We had lunch at KFC, Lucy's favorite. Then we rented a paddle boat and played in the river, I should note that we did not swim, because this water is disgusting.
Lucy and I came back and had a rest and then went back to the park to see the water fountain show, which didn't actually happen. We will try again later. But, on our way to the bus stop from the university, the best thing happened! This old Chinese lady, maybe in her 70's, was riding on her bike with a cart. She was, of course, staring and so I smiled at her as she passed. SHe then stopped and looked back and smiled and started speaking in a very excited manner and grabbed my hand and kept telling me how beautiful I was and how much she loved me eyes and how tall I was and was I from America and how old was I. She was the cutest thing ever!! It was so great! We stood there for probably 5 minutes. She had a good solid, strong handshake. I wish I would have taken a picture with her so you could see her. I hope maybe I will see her on the road again. It was great! Then when we were at the park we met the nices man with the cutest, fattest baby! As an aside, all the little kids here wear crotchless pants (not the kind you are familiar with, Khyl and keep your mind out of the gutter, Dad) so that when they have to go potty they just go. No diapers, maybe cloth, but that's all. I think it also has to do with squatters. These are toilets here. They are holes in the ground that you squat over to go. I used my first one yesterday! It was even automatic, so when you stand up it flushes. Ha! It's a good quad workout! Luckily, though, in our apartments, we have real toilets! Thank you!
A little miracle happened this week as well. I was walking to my apartment from my office craving a candybar and a sandwich. On Saturday night several wealthy men in the city came to the university to meet with some friends and meet me and one of them is a professor here and he has a brother in California. He left our little pow-wow for a minute and came back with a Snickers bar. His brother sent him a box full of stuff from America! God loves me! And love you all!
Yesterday was the best day! I went with two accounting students, Mark and Lucy, to two wonderful museums here in Weifang. The first is one of the few old style architecture buildings left in the area, it was built in 1885 by a very rich man!. It's huge! To find out more details you can look at the pictures on photobucket. As I was walking through these incredible courtyards and archways I just kept thinking, I am actually here, I'm not looking at someone elses pictures! AMAZING! After that we went to the Kite Museum. Weifang is famous for it's kites! Every year in April they have the Kite Festival and people from all over the world gather to fly their kites, it's apparently quite the spectacle! I am very excited to go! The kites in this museum were so beautiful! Very ornate and detailed, it must take hours upon hours for the makers to complete them. One kite that won an award was a pair of shoes for children. They are tiger faces and they are/were worn by the working class people's children to denote power and because they found them "handsome". After that we walked around Kite Square, which is a beautiful park with lots going on in the evenings. We had lunch at KFC, Lucy's favorite. Then we rented a paddle boat and played in the river, I should note that we did not swim, because this water is disgusting.
Lucy and I came back and had a rest and then went back to the park to see the water fountain show, which didn't actually happen. We will try again later. But, on our way to the bus stop from the university, the best thing happened! This old Chinese lady, maybe in her 70's, was riding on her bike with a cart. She was, of course, staring and so I smiled at her as she passed. SHe then stopped and looked back and smiled and started speaking in a very excited manner and grabbed my hand and kept telling me how beautiful I was and how much she loved me eyes and how tall I was and was I from America and how old was I. She was the cutest thing ever!! It was so great! We stood there for probably 5 minutes. She had a good solid, strong handshake. I wish I would have taken a picture with her so you could see her. I hope maybe I will see her on the road again. It was great! Then when we were at the park we met the nices man with the cutest, fattest baby! As an aside, all the little kids here wear crotchless pants (not the kind you are familiar with, Khyl and keep your mind out of the gutter, Dad) so that when they have to go potty they just go. No diapers, maybe cloth, but that's all. I think it also has to do with squatters. These are toilets here. They are holes in the ground that you squat over to go. I used my first one yesterday! It was even automatic, so when you stand up it flushes. Ha! It's a good quad workout! Luckily, though, in our apartments, we have real toilets! Thank you!
A little miracle happened this week as well. I was walking to my apartment from my office craving a candybar and a sandwich. On Saturday night several wealthy men in the city came to the university to meet with some friends and meet me and one of them is a professor here and he has a brother in California. He left our little pow-wow for a minute and came back with a Snickers bar. His brother sent him a box full of stuff from America! God loves me! And love you all!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Accounting students
So last night I get a call from Lucy. Lucy is a student of accounting and had an english class with Miranda last year. She and Miranda were very good friends and have kept in touch. Lucy would like to continue to improve her english and I am her link. I went to meet her and talk with her last night. I wish you could all be flies on the wall and watch as we talk and a few other people gather to listen. On Wednesday night I went with her to the computer lab to look at pictures of her and Miranda and ended up talking with one of the accounting teachers as well. He wanted to take a picture with me and so he asked her to bring me over last night, but he wasn't able to be there. Instead we talked with a few other of her friends and teachers. We went to one teachers office to hang out and a very entertaining photoshoot ensued, of which I was the main attraction. They all wanted pictures with the American, standing up and shaking hands, sitting in the teachers cushy leather chairs, arms around waists, it was pretty funny. None of them, except Lucy, had an english name and asked me to give each of them one. One of Lucy's friends, who came with her to pick me up at my apartment, I decided to name Brian. He is the class president and very kind and quiet. Not really anything like my Brian in Brazil, but I liked him instantly and wanted someone to have that name. One of the teachers I called Kyle, because he is tall and goofy and reminded me of Khyl Halbert (I love you Khyl!). It's so much fun naming people! I love this! It's easier for me to remember as well! Another of Lucy's friend, who is probably the best english speaker of the group, I have decided to call Mark, after Mark Lamborn, because he smiles very often, like Mark. Tonight I told them we will play a game so they can practice their english. One of the teachers told me he really wants to talk to me, but can't remember much of the english he learned because he hasn't used it. This has gotten me even more excited to start teaching! Love you all!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
First time for everything!
I woke up early this morning to go the morning market with a colleague and found that is was raining! I do love the rain! Wendy, another teacher in the college, said she didn't think many people would be out selling because of the weather. We decided to go for a little walk anyway and found many people there, not as many as usual, but several. We had walked down the street and were heading back towards the college when I felt something near my right pocket and turned around to find a man had a long pair of tweezers and had stuck them in my pocket to retrieve my money. I've never had that happen before! No wonder fanny packs are in here in China (I know Chelsey, can you believe it!?), not so much as a fashion, but a necessity. We stopped and look at him for a minute and he looked at us and then he ran away when we started toward him! There was a whole group of people standing around us, everyone was very nice and sorry about what had happened. He didn't get very much, only about 40 yuan, which is less than $6. Wendy and were fine, though, no one was hurt, so that's okay! Now I know! Don't go to the morning market without a fanny pack!! Wendy was shocked, she'd heard about that happening, but had never had it happen in front of her. I minute later we were buying some apples and some women came by asking about what happened, they said they saw the guy earlier watching us and that we must be careful with our money!
Last night I was able to talk with one of Miranda's students, Lucy. She and Miranda were very good friends (Miranda is the teacher who was here last year). I went with her to the computer lab and we looked at pictures and I spoke with one of the law professors here. It was so funny! In this computer lab were about 6 boys and it smelled like teenage boys, I thought of Brian's room... They all sat very close so they could listen to us talk, I felt like I was on stage. One boy was very quick to bring me a cup of water. They were very polite and fun to talk with. The students love the opportunity to pracice english because it just doesn't happen very often here. Very few foreigners in Weifang! Life is still good and I am getting better adjusted everyday! On SUnday I will venture to church, we'll see how it goes! Much love!
Kyla
Last night I was able to talk with one of Miranda's students, Lucy. She and Miranda were very good friends (Miranda is the teacher who was here last year). I went with her to the computer lab and we looked at pictures and I spoke with one of the law professors here. It was so funny! In this computer lab were about 6 boys and it smelled like teenage boys, I thought of Brian's room... They all sat very close so they could listen to us talk, I felt like I was on stage. One boy was very quick to bring me a cup of water. They were very polite and fun to talk with. The students love the opportunity to pracice english because it just doesn't happen very often here. Very few foreigners in Weifang! Life is still good and I am getting better adjusted everyday! On SUnday I will venture to church, we'll see how it goes! Much love!
Kyla
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Washing and Morning market
This morning I took a lovely stroll across a bridge and then down the street for morning market. EVERYONE is out early in the morning! Some are exercising, others just standing outside, but most are out for the Morning market. It's kind of flea market meets Farmer's Market. As I was walking amongst all the people I had a flashback of the Flea Market in Gallup, New Mexico. Even listening to the language at times is reminiscent of Navajo. I then wonder about the Asian people and their relationship to the Native American people and I think how amazing it is to almost see the scattering of Abraham's seed. My testimony is strengthened when I think about missionaries among the Native American people and in the Asian countries, the prophesy of Nephi in the Book of Mormon is coming to pass!!!!
Morning market is great! They sell all kinds of fruits, veggies, meats (hanging from giant hook), seafood (shrimp with the head), shoes, many breakfast foods- which are mostly different types of breads, some fried some baked, you can buy tobacco, tofu and many other food items. I ate a long doughnut type thing that cost about 5 cents. Not my favorite, perhaps tomorrow I will try something else. They have this market every morning!
Today is very gray and overcast. While I was out walking this morning, it started to rain a little bit. It is much cooler today, which is a nice break from the intense heat paired with insane humidity causing constant sweat to drip from every part of your body, especially your face, neck and back. Yummy picture, eh? Anybody want a hug?
Last night I did laundry. It was so cool! I have this little plastic washing machine in my bathroom attached to my living room. On one side you wash the clothes. You do this by attaching a plastic hose from the faucet to the machine and then fill up the tub. Once the tub has enough water you put in your clothes and soap, then turn it on for 3-12 minutes, most things only take 5 minutes or so. Then to rinse you drain the tub and fill it again and wash it again and then drain it, you do this about 3 times to get all the soap out. Then you put the clothes in the container on the right side of the machine and spin them for about 3-5 mins to get all the water out, then hang to dry! It is time consuming, but actually kind of fun. The first time was fun anyway, I am sure that will change.
Well, I am going to do some work now! Much love!
Morning market is great! They sell all kinds of fruits, veggies, meats (hanging from giant hook), seafood (shrimp with the head), shoes, many breakfast foods- which are mostly different types of breads, some fried some baked, you can buy tobacco, tofu and many other food items. I ate a long doughnut type thing that cost about 5 cents. Not my favorite, perhaps tomorrow I will try something else. They have this market every morning!
Today is very gray and overcast. While I was out walking this morning, it started to rain a little bit. It is much cooler today, which is a nice break from the intense heat paired with insane humidity causing constant sweat to drip from every part of your body, especially your face, neck and back. Yummy picture, eh? Anybody want a hug?
Last night I did laundry. It was so cool! I have this little plastic washing machine in my bathroom attached to my living room. On one side you wash the clothes. You do this by attaching a plastic hose from the faucet to the machine and then fill up the tub. Once the tub has enough water you put in your clothes and soap, then turn it on for 3-12 minutes, most things only take 5 minutes or so. Then to rinse you drain the tub and fill it again and wash it again and then drain it, you do this about 3 times to get all the soap out. Then you put the clothes in the container on the right side of the machine and spin them for about 3-5 mins to get all the water out, then hang to dry! It is time consuming, but actually kind of fun. The first time was fun anyway, I am sure that will change.
Well, I am going to do some work now! Much love!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Ni hao!
Hello all! I would like to share a little experience I had today with the medical professionals in China. All those who are visiting or leaving CHina have to come to the Health Inspection office and receive a "physical examination". (I use that term loosely) It consists of blood being drawn by a man behind a window with no gloves on and who has just put out his cigarette. He was very good at finding my vein, however. After this, we went upstairs where they performed an ulstrasound on our lungs, this was done behind a red and black sheet and the patient wearing plastic booties, again no gloves. Next was an EKG, done with old school suction cups placed, obviously, all over the chest area, done with other men in the room behind a red and black linen sheet (extremely see through and it doesn't close all the way, if you can catch my drift, not that I'm modest or anything...). Next is a chest x-ray done with all the clothes on, including underwire bras (sorry if you are blushing now, but you see my point, ha!). This was also performed by the ultrasound man who has just put out his cigarette in the room where the blood is drawn. On the form there is also something about an eye and hearing examination which they marked as ok on both Bob and I. Bob is the other foreign english teacher. I really like Bob! He's 80 and has been in China for 10 years teaching english, always at the university level. This is how I spent my Wednesday morning.
Just to clear a few things up, I am in a city called Weifang, in the Shandong Province. Shandong Province is directly across from So. Korea on the Yellow Sea. I am 15 hours ahead of Reno time, so for most of you it is Tuesday night. Just so you know Wednesday is a good day.
The culture is very different here, but the people extremely kind and considerate! The driving/roads/traffic/biking/walking/horsedrawn cart riding is hazardous to your health, I don't watch anymore. I love the food! I may gain another 30 lbs while I'm here, which I don't need. But man am I going to love getting there! All the food is fried and greasy and SALTY! AND so good. Last night I had seafood pie at a Korean restaraunt, mostly made up of squid and maybe octopus and some shrimp, mostly squid. I also had kelp and some other mysterieous greens, but they were all tasty! I haven't bought one meal yet! Everytime we go out, the other people I am with pay! It's very kind, but I'm sure it's breaking their bank! Wendy, another english teacher (her real name is Zhou Jing), keeps saying next time, next time you will pay. SHe's so sweet! I haven't felt much of a culture shock, the first day I thought what am I doing!? But quickly got over it once I slept 12 hours. I love how different everything is! It will make me stretch and I really like that!
All of the freshmen arrive Monday and Yesterday. They will now do two weeks of military training before starting classes. Today they received their uniforms, looking out the window at the dorms, I see many green camaflouge t-shirts hanging out to dry.
I also found out today that I will have to give a lecture to several hundred of the student body twice during the semester. Hmmm... I asked Sun (pronounced "soon") what teacher have done in the past, he said they talked about music, the culture, anything really. SO, if you have any ideas, please share! I will also ask the students what they'd like to hear more about and see what the response will be. Bob is going first, xiexie (thank you, pronounced "shye shye"), Bob!
I guess that's all for now! More later! I love and miss you all so much! Thanks for your friendship, prayers and support! It all means so much to me!!!
Just to clear a few things up, I am in a city called Weifang, in the Shandong Province. Shandong Province is directly across from So. Korea on the Yellow Sea. I am 15 hours ahead of Reno time, so for most of you it is Tuesday night. Just so you know Wednesday is a good day.
The culture is very different here, but the people extremely kind and considerate! The driving/roads/traffic/biking/walking/horsedrawn cart riding is hazardous to your health, I don't watch anymore. I love the food! I may gain another 30 lbs while I'm here, which I don't need. But man am I going to love getting there! All the food is fried and greasy and SALTY! AND so good. Last night I had seafood pie at a Korean restaraunt, mostly made up of squid and maybe octopus and some shrimp, mostly squid. I also had kelp and some other mysterieous greens, but they were all tasty! I haven't bought one meal yet! Everytime we go out, the other people I am with pay! It's very kind, but I'm sure it's breaking their bank! Wendy, another english teacher (her real name is Zhou Jing), keeps saying next time, next time you will pay. SHe's so sweet! I haven't felt much of a culture shock, the first day I thought what am I doing!? But quickly got over it once I slept 12 hours. I love how different everything is! It will make me stretch and I really like that!
All of the freshmen arrive Monday and Yesterday. They will now do two weeks of military training before starting classes. Today they received their uniforms, looking out the window at the dorms, I see many green camaflouge t-shirts hanging out to dry.
I also found out today that I will have to give a lecture to several hundred of the student body twice during the semester. Hmmm... I asked Sun (pronounced "soon") what teacher have done in the past, he said they talked about music, the culture, anything really. SO, if you have any ideas, please share! I will also ask the students what they'd like to hear more about and see what the response will be. Bob is going first, xiexie (thank you, pronounced "shye shye"), Bob!
I guess that's all for now! More later! I love and miss you all so much! Thanks for your friendship, prayers and support! It all means so much to me!!!
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Week one!
Hello everyone! I hope this shows up for you in english! My end is coming up in Chinese! Who knows whats going on! I have arrived! Things are very different here! The driving is incredibly scary, they basically do whatever they want. If they are behind someone who is too slow, they will go on the wrong side of the road to avoid them. People ride their bikes and walk mostly. I went to the store yesterday with my supervisor, Wendy. She also teaches english, very sweet girl! The grocery store was 5 stories high, one floor was food, the other books, toiletries and school supplies, another was electronics, another clothes, another shoes. It was insane! I took a bus ride there and a taxi back, the bus was 1 yuan which is just a few cents american. The taxi was 6.60 yuan. 100 Yuan is about $12, just to give you an idea. I can't believe how cheap everything is! I bought TP, towels, bug spray, a note book, a Chinese-English dictionary and a few other things for less than 100 yuan. Yesterday was so hot and very humid, sweating like a pig!!! I use kleenex for my face, neck and chest now, not just my nose I'm wiping any more! The people are so friendly and very service oriented! The service in the stores and on the airplane was like nothing I have ever seen before! They also stare at me quite a bit, but I am pretty sure I am the only American for miles, except for Bob, the other foreign american teacher, but he's Japanese American. I am loving it! I can't wait for school to start and the students to get here, the freshman came in today, they were decorating when I left my apartment this morning. I will post the pictures so you can see the campus, it's a great campus! I love you all!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Off to China!
Here I go! I hope I survive the 13 hour flight! Maybe I will practice using chopsticks....
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