OH Wow! Satuday was such an awesome Day!Oh but I want to preface all of my blog posts saying my english has gone out! I'm so used to listening and even speaking to everyone in broken english that It is kind of messing me up. So Saturday morning we met some of the students and MORE FRIENDS at 9 am out by our gate. They had asked to hang out with us and take us shopping. WE were super exited to get out and see the city and to hang out with them. There were 5 of them who we spent time with. We got into the taxi and drove to Shasher (this is only what it sounds like I don't know how to spell it). Shasher is the big downtown of the city and the shopping district. We went to this huge shopping center where we went and looked around. THey tried to get us to buy a pair of shoes, but the biggest size of shoe they have here is a 39 which equates to like a 7. The shoes were cute though. We got a mirror though for our room, but mainly we were there just to spend time with everyone. Oh, also madison got a shirt that was in English but we couldn't understand what it said even. After we left the shopping center we found a street vendor and got corn on the cob which is always delicious and took the bus to the city wall.
Ok about the busses, since I haven't talked about transportation yet. There is pretty much 3 ways to travel. One is by walking, which isn't practical when you are across town and don't know where you are. We actually walk several places within a mile or two but not much past that. Another way is to take a taxi. for the taxi we have a sheet of paper that has where we want to go in Chinese. This is convienient in a way but a little more money. It isn't alot comparitivley. The most we have payed has been 13 qui which is about 2$, but that is still over the price of a meal. A meal ranges for one person around 5 qui at the most really unless it is a nice resaurant. Another form of transportation is by bus. Bus is 1 qui, so it is less money than a taxi. Busses are very crowded though and you are usually standing for long distances going over pot holes, swerving (normal asian traffic stuff) and abrupt stops with little room to move or breathe. I have gotten fairly use to busses as they are so helpful. One of the bad things is you must have a Chinese person with you or you will have no clue what to do!!
Ok back to the story. So we went to the city wall where we played a few carnival type games along the river there and took photos. We also went to a street vendor where they got us a pretty Chinese knot thing that stands for saftey in Chinese. It was so sweet! I absolutely love it. Come to think of it though, most "souveniers" I will bring back are gifts or things we have been taught by our students to make as well. We went to lunch at a random place off the street. It wasn't too clean, chopsticks had mildew on them, but the food was excellent. We had of course tomato and Eggs (a Jingzhou staple), a beef dish, purple cabbage, and greenbeans(cooked diff.). It was a great lunch we had. Well we walked back to campus and left very sad froma great day spent together. We invited them to come to our apartment one day cause we are going to cook them mexican food (we brought tortillas for this reason). They are some awesome friends we met.
After we got done with that we got ready for the dinner and show with the other foreign teachers here for the same purpose we are. This was a good time to sit around with them and other chinese "members" and talk. I enjoyed the time together alot. the show was this magic 5 minutes sortof. I got it on tape. It is pretty cool as he changed opera masks and that was the magic. I can't wait to see the Beijing Opera.
Cool Story!!!! After dinner Madison and I decided to walk around the streets in Downtown Shasher by ourselves and see the street life and several little shops set up. We decided we would be ok cause we had the sheet with our campus written on it to give the Taxi driver. So we went and had great fun seein the city and occasionally we would be stopped and someone would practice their english with us. We enjoyed it alot. We went into a cd/pirated dvd store (you can't buy non-pirated dvds anywhere all of them are pirated). I got two cd's I am so exited about. One is chinese music with the traditional chinese music on it and the other one is "12 girls Band" based out of Shanghai and who are chinese musicians that play the traditional instruments. I am so Exited to hear them. We also looked at the many homeade selling things and found a really cute headband someone made. We enjoyed looking at this stuff so much! It just lined the streets in Downtown. Well towards the end when we were tired around 10pm we decided to go back. We found a taxi place and hailed a taxi. The firt taxi got someone else and so we saw a second one who stopped for us. I was inside the car and madison was getting in when we realized neither one of us had the paper to give the cab driver to tell them where to go. We don't speak Chinese well enough and the name of the campus is difficult to say and neither one of us remembered it anyway. As she was getting in though I heard him say "Where do you want to go". It didn't click that this was in english until a few seconds. None of the previous taxi drivers (there have been alot) have spoken any english whatesoever. It was a shock! So we replied back with the english name of the University and he said ok and started talking with us. Asking us where we are from and how long we have been in china, etc. We couldn't communicate which campus as there are 5 campuses in the city North, South, East, West, Central. So we started worrying a little but trusted that HE brought us to this taxi driver he has the power to see that we get to the right place as well. It was amazing and we got to the right campus even the right gate at the campus! It was aweprovoking. HE is so good and we are so thankful. What are the chances we get one of the only english speaking taxi drivers that night at that specific place? I doubt it was chance but HIM. We were stuck and didn't know what we would have done to get home. It was late and many people were shutting down the city including the lights. Praise be to him and we have such great goosebumps right now, even still. So that is my reletively very eventful amazing day. I'm off to get some noodles for breakfast/lunch.
GB us All,
Lindsay Smith
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Thrusday May 27th - Friday May 28th
Thrusday:
Classes were good today. They were the same ones we had on monday, different students though. Everything went really well. THis was a slow day with not much action though. That is ok though we got to meet new students and visit more with our roomates who cooked dinner that night for us.
Friday:
Friday was a good long day. We went to our first class which was really good. We learned more about he culture of China with differnt things. Talking with the students and answering questions was awesome. Both of the morning classes were like that and we got Jouzi (dumplings) for lunch, but we wern't supposed to tell, LOL. They were amazing and we all ate like 25 of them. The manager of the restauraunt came and helped us prepare the sauce, which made it all the better. We then went to take rest at one of the teacher's apartments. It was so nice of her to let us in her apartment to sleep a little before our two o'clock class. Next we went to another teacher's class where we got asked to add one more class to our schedule. THis class was really good and we learned about he World Expo which was in Shanghai right now. I wish I had known so I could have made a trip there. We saw video from the tents and such. IT was really good and it brought up really good questions. The questions were hard and it got into heavy political thingking. Also we were asked to teach a song "Three little birds" by Bob Marley and teach a dance. We taught a samba and a few hand motions. Many classes ask us to sing for them. Singing isn't my strong suit. After class around 5:30 we left for Shasher (outside of Jingzhou) to eat at a banquet with the teacher's who we had met all week. We also met the principal and main english teacher we will work with in the primary school next week. Everyone was there and watching the banquet atmosphere was very interesting. There truly is an order to how people sit. Around the table went the dean, Dr. Cavitt, Head of Foreign affairs, etc. toasting is a big thing! Everytime there is a toast you have to stand and accnowledge it. Toasts happen every 5 minutes also or as soon as you sit down. It was a great experience though and I enjoyed it. We did not have to Gung Bay though which is downing Rice Wine several times. We have been told it is a custom here and very rude if you do not. WE do not plan on doing it because of how intense rice wine is in it's alchol and you never stop until you are wasted I hear. We plan on just using excuses but it was awesome we didn't have to deal with that. I was very greatful that I didn't have to face that and be rude but I can't drink that stuff. After the banquet we left and said our goodbyes to some of the teachers we may not see. The teachers here are amazing and their students have great respect and love for them. Much like I have for my teacher's in the States. I was very blessed to have gotten the time too work at this school and in these classrooms talking to the many students. The students are texting us and emailing us and we hope to continue to hang out with eachother outside the classroom and have all ready gotten the oppurtunity this morning to hang out with a few.
So here is a rundown of the schedule we know so far for next week. Monday we are meeting at 8 am to go to the primary school and teach a few english classes there grades 3-6. We are super exited. Also monday night we are seeing a solo erhu performance. I can hardly wait, the anticipation is high for me. Also we will get to see the music building at south campus. Tuesday We will go to the primary schools in the afternoon to celebrate a major holiday here "children's day" with the kids. I am so very exited to play with some of the kids and such on this special holiday. Wednesday we have no plans yet, I hope we get some free time to hang out with some of the students we have met. Thursday at night are the only plans right now. First we are doing what they say is a "culture Experienc" with the college of engineering and technology, then we are doing a performance exchange. They want us to perform three different things and then they will. They wan tto find a French Horn so I can show them but luckly it isn't looking good since they need me to show them a picture of one. I guess playing is better than singing for me but I still am not too exited to get up and perform. We also might do a dance step. Also thursday night we are meeting with the english majors. Friday I think we may go dancing with the students at what they call a ball and then sunday we will go to a Senior Dance Recital.
All in All I look forward to another great week that doesn't seem quite as busy as it was this week.
Classes were good today. They were the same ones we had on monday, different students though. Everything went really well. THis was a slow day with not much action though. That is ok though we got to meet new students and visit more with our roomates who cooked dinner that night for us.
Friday:
Friday was a good long day. We went to our first class which was really good. We learned more about he culture of China with differnt things. Talking with the students and answering questions was awesome. Both of the morning classes were like that and we got Jouzi (dumplings) for lunch, but we wern't supposed to tell, LOL. They were amazing and we all ate like 25 of them. The manager of the restauraunt came and helped us prepare the sauce, which made it all the better. We then went to take rest at one of the teacher's apartments. It was so nice of her to let us in her apartment to sleep a little before our two o'clock class. Next we went to another teacher's class where we got asked to add one more class to our schedule. THis class was really good and we learned about he World Expo which was in Shanghai right now. I wish I had known so I could have made a trip there. We saw video from the tents and such. IT was really good and it brought up really good questions. The questions were hard and it got into heavy political thingking. Also we were asked to teach a song "Three little birds" by Bob Marley and teach a dance. We taught a samba and a few hand motions. Many classes ask us to sing for them. Singing isn't my strong suit. After class around 5:30 we left for Shasher (outside of Jingzhou) to eat at a banquet with the teacher's who we had met all week. We also met the principal and main english teacher we will work with in the primary school next week. Everyone was there and watching the banquet atmosphere was very interesting. There truly is an order to how people sit. Around the table went the dean, Dr. Cavitt, Head of Foreign affairs, etc. toasting is a big thing! Everytime there is a toast you have to stand and accnowledge it. Toasts happen every 5 minutes also or as soon as you sit down. It was a great experience though and I enjoyed it. We did not have to Gung Bay though which is downing Rice Wine several times. We have been told it is a custom here and very rude if you do not. WE do not plan on doing it because of how intense rice wine is in it's alchol and you never stop until you are wasted I hear. We plan on just using excuses but it was awesome we didn't have to deal with that. I was very greatful that I didn't have to face that and be rude but I can't drink that stuff. After the banquet we left and said our goodbyes to some of the teachers we may not see. The teachers here are amazing and their students have great respect and love for them. Much like I have for my teacher's in the States. I was very blessed to have gotten the time too work at this school and in these classrooms talking to the many students. The students are texting us and emailing us and we hope to continue to hang out with eachother outside the classroom and have all ready gotten the oppurtunity this morning to hang out with a few.
So here is a rundown of the schedule we know so far for next week. Monday we are meeting at 8 am to go to the primary school and teach a few english classes there grades 3-6. We are super exited. Also monday night we are seeing a solo erhu performance. I can hardly wait, the anticipation is high for me. Also we will get to see the music building at south campus. Tuesday We will go to the primary schools in the afternoon to celebrate a major holiday here "children's day" with the kids. I am so very exited to play with some of the kids and such on this special holiday. Wednesday we have no plans yet, I hope we get some free time to hang out with some of the students we have met. Thursday at night are the only plans right now. First we are doing what they say is a "culture Experienc" with the college of engineering and technology, then we are doing a performance exchange. They want us to perform three different things and then they will. They wan tto find a French Horn so I can show them but luckly it isn't looking good since they need me to show them a picture of one. I guess playing is better than singing for me but I still am not too exited to get up and perform. We also might do a dance step. Also thursday night we are meeting with the english majors. Friday I think we may go dancing with the students at what they call a ball and then sunday we will go to a Senior Dance Recital.
All in All I look forward to another great week that doesn't seem quite as busy as it was this week.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday May 25th - Wednesday May 26th
Tuesday:
tuesday was a great day. I wasn't expecting much of a good day as I was exausted when I woke up. The night before was really rough going to sleep and there was so much noise to make it even harder. Tuesday Morning 7am came very vast. Our first class was an oral english class and it went farely well. The students were amazing and I felt so blessed to be in that class and take part of it. After the class we had time to hang out with the students of the class. this was amazing! They showed us Lover's lake much like the abilene one. This was a beautiful spot on West campus and it gave us a chance to talk with the student's and find out more about each one of them. I had about 4 girls who I talked with most. I really enjoyed getting to know them and learn more about the chinese school system and culture. They were such a blast to hang out with. After that we went to the canteen (lunch cafeteria at the school). I was not too impressed with it, but looking on the bright side it made me really appreciate the Bean! After lunch we had about an hour to go back and rest. This was excellent and I was super tired. The rest of the day it was only Madison and I in class and Dr. Cavitt worked on his presentation. The first class we went to was another oral english class. In this class we played a great game and My side of the class won! Yeah go us!! The next class was a reading english class. This was a much harder class to teach. We don't know how to do this! That night after english corner we went with some of the students to a KTV. A KTV is a karoke type place. They put your group in a room and you sing karoke. It was so much fun and I enjoyed it alot. We had a blast and stayed out until 2am pretty much. We got Jouza though (dumplings) that night.
Wednesday:
Wednesday was pretty cool. Tired was an understatement though 7am came even faster and harder. We went to an oral english class first where they split us up. I tought a different class by myself. This was really difficult the first period was over memories and reunions. It was very difficult to do and very few people really spoke english so that made teaching even more difficult. We did get to play a game though much like charades. They asked hard questions though the ones that could speak very well. They asked many political questions and such. The next class and last class of the day was an oral english class and we talked about the different types of education in America. This was a good day. we came back and took a long 3hr nap and then went to the women's study. Everything is going great. I am tired and am looking forward to sleeping thsi weekend :)
tuesday was a great day. I wasn't expecting much of a good day as I was exausted when I woke up. The night before was really rough going to sleep and there was so much noise to make it even harder. Tuesday Morning 7am came very vast. Our first class was an oral english class and it went farely well. The students were amazing and I felt so blessed to be in that class and take part of it. After the class we had time to hang out with the students of the class. this was amazing! They showed us Lover's lake much like the abilene one. This was a beautiful spot on West campus and it gave us a chance to talk with the student's and find out more about each one of them. I had about 4 girls who I talked with most. I really enjoyed getting to know them and learn more about the chinese school system and culture. They were such a blast to hang out with. After that we went to the canteen (lunch cafeteria at the school). I was not too impressed with it, but looking on the bright side it made me really appreciate the Bean! After lunch we had about an hour to go back and rest. This was excellent and I was super tired. The rest of the day it was only Madison and I in class and Dr. Cavitt worked on his presentation. The first class we went to was another oral english class. In this class we played a great game and My side of the class won! Yeah go us!! The next class was a reading english class. This was a much harder class to teach. We don't know how to do this! That night after english corner we went with some of the students to a KTV. A KTV is a karoke type place. They put your group in a room and you sing karoke. It was so much fun and I enjoyed it alot. We had a blast and stayed out until 2am pretty much. We got Jouza though (dumplings) that night.
Wednesday:
Wednesday was pretty cool. Tired was an understatement though 7am came even faster and harder. We went to an oral english class first where they split us up. I tought a different class by myself. This was really difficult the first period was over memories and reunions. It was very difficult to do and very few people really spoke english so that made teaching even more difficult. We did get to play a game though much like charades. They asked hard questions though the ones that could speak very well. They asked many political questions and such. The next class and last class of the day was an oral english class and we talked about the different types of education in America. This was a good day. we came back and took a long 3hr nap and then went to the women's study. Everything is going great. I am tired and am looking forward to sleeping thsi weekend :)
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Monday May 24th
Monday:
Monday was the first day of Class! We haven't been teaching in the actual class room until monday. We started out with an 8 am class. Before the class started we got a new teaching plan. The lesson they wanted us to share was over american parties and holidays. We went to class and presented this to the students. It was fun to talk about and with the questions about Easter and Christmas we were able to explain even more. Over all the first class was a great start to the day. The next class was also an oral english class. In this class, full of buissiness majors, we were asked to talk about getting a job and the process behind it. This included resume writing, interview process and clothing ettiquette. This was one of my more favorite classes to teach as I felt like through co-op I actually new something about this. It was a good class though as well. We went to dinner that the teacher's brought us too and ate and then went to another class of oral english where we didn't have an actual thing to go by. We may have also talked a little about celebrations as well. Sorry the classes are running together as there have been so many. The teacher of the last class took us to see a foreign teacher who has been in China for 7 years almost now or more. THis was really good to talk to him and her as it gave us a chance to ask a few questions and see how they raised children on the field. We also learned more about the secretive nature of things here. They really don't believe it should be too secret and I like that though it is different than what I have heard. I heard about the real persecution that is still going on. I enjoyed this alot. We had sweet and sour chicken though that night and that was good. Well I love you I am off to class and I will post tuesday sometime else today.
GB,
Lindsay Smith
Monday was the first day of Class! We haven't been teaching in the actual class room until monday. We started out with an 8 am class. Before the class started we got a new teaching plan. The lesson they wanted us to share was over american parties and holidays. We went to class and presented this to the students. It was fun to talk about and with the questions about Easter and Christmas we were able to explain even more. Over all the first class was a great start to the day. The next class was also an oral english class. In this class, full of buissiness majors, we were asked to talk about getting a job and the process behind it. This included resume writing, interview process and clothing ettiquette. This was one of my more favorite classes to teach as I felt like through co-op I actually new something about this. It was a good class though as well. We went to dinner that the teacher's brought us too and ate and then went to another class of oral english where we didn't have an actual thing to go by. We may have also talked a little about celebrations as well. Sorry the classes are running together as there have been so many. The teacher of the last class took us to see a foreign teacher who has been in China for 7 years almost now or more. THis was really good to talk to him and her as it gave us a chance to ask a few questions and see how they raised children on the field. We also learned more about the secretive nature of things here. They really don't believe it should be too secret and I like that though it is different than what I have heard. I heard about the real persecution that is still going on. I enjoyed this alot. We had sweet and sour chicken though that night and that was good. Well I love you I am off to class and I will post tuesday sometime else today.
GB,
Lindsay Smith
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Saturday May 22nd - Sunday May 23rd
So I wrote saturday too early. I thought nothing else could happen and I was wrong. Shortly after I posted that I got a call to see if we wanted to see the dragon boat race training. We did! Ok so we have been hearing drumming, steady rhythm, out side when we are in our rooms. We went to see the dragon boat and that is what it is from. There is a lead drummer who sits at the front of the boat and hits the drum in rhythm while boys paddle to it. It is really cool and when all of them are going it is even amazinger (yeah I know I am supposed to be teaching english but I love that word). We went along the river to see that and then we walked to the wall around the city of Jingzhou. THe wall was neat it reminded me about alot of what I read. We didn't have time to walk the wall though just went and saw it including the river. We walked back and then tried to see 2012. First of all, everything is bootlegged here. You can try buying something not bootlegged and it is anyway you just payed more for it, LOL. So this 2012 movie didn't work and was badly scratched so we couldn't finish. Dr. Cavitt is doing a lecture on it, that is why we are watching it. Sunday we slept in and went to lunch. We tried to find a Jouza place or dumpling place in english and failed at directions so the only other place around was KFC. We ate at KFC and it was an actual KFC though this time. it was good, expensive than what you can eat and not as good as anything else we have had. Ice cream and ice in the cups was good though, :) We got back and it was time for a meeting and that was good. I realized I can't really post pictures up like I wanted to, in order to be safe. We met afterwords with the other american teachers and had blt sadwiches and soup and a new flavor of potato chips. We came back here and finished 2012, which is stupid. Really hollywood the water rose 4000 or something feet and yet it covered the himalayas? Really, people? not the smartest thing ever. It kind of ruins it after taking geology and sitting with a geology proffessor. Oh well I'm off to bed preparing for an early morning. Waking up early is hard to do, Can I still use the jet lag excuse? Just kidding Good Night
Friday, May 21, 2010
Saturday May 22nd
Hey again it is Saturday the 22nd of May. Last night we ate at a hot pot. This place is Awesome may I say. What it is, is a pot of water with two sides and different levels of spices. The red side is unbelievable spicy with amazing flavor and the other which was whiteish is not as spicy. You order meat cut thin that is raw and other raw vegetables to go along with it. You then using your chopsticks cook it in the boiling water. The meat soaks up all the flavor and so do the vegetables. It was amazing. My mouth was burning by the end because of those little red peppers everywhere but the flavor was what kept me strong. After dinner we went to another study over mark. That is something I wish I could share more about with you but I can't yet and I look forward to the day I can. I have unbelievable goosebumps even thinking about it. It was much like wed. nights at 6 what we used to do just everyone in their own language. Questions were asked and we talked about those for a great deal. I love these things! I am so blessed to be here and lucky. I thank Him daily for this opportunity. I start teaching next week and I know it will be good as well. Today is the weekend which for some still means school. Alot of students still have class on Saturday and Sunday. We went to lunch with some girls from Korea though and had sweet and sour chicken, fried sweet potatos, beensprouts, and tomato & egg dish. I realize I talk about food alot, LOL. It is amazingly delicious though and so differnt than I could even imagine. The vegetable are to die for, they are so fresh and amazing.
I haven't mentioned this I don't think yet but I want to talk about fireworks. Fireworks are very common here. They go off all throughout the day 6 am to 11 when most students have curfew. I asked a few questions and found out they are a form of celebration. They go off for everything happy pretty much. Weddings, births, engagements, buying a new house, graduating,etc. It is really neat and I can't wait to wake you up at 6 to do the same. J/K
In the chinese class we learned new words and I got some of the pronunciation I was looking for. The letters look similar but sound different. It is a beautiful language but it is deff. hard to learn. On the hw of writing the characters 10 times each I only got 2 wrong out of all of them. I was proud of myself, in a way. Also I think I may know a little more about the music I was talking about. I don't know if it is all like that and I am using one circumstance to talk about all and that isn't fair. But in the singing type with song books I've noticed that the numbers correspond to the notes. I don't know how to tell the key of a song yet, though some say at the top. They are numbered 1-8 and all have a line under them. I've noticed though that when the pitch is below the previous note there is a dot below the line. I see some second lines and I haven't figured that out yet. I hope to post pictures of some of these things eventually. It is very interesting and I hope to ask more questions and learn even more. I'm out, but I hope all is well with each of you. take Care
GB,
Lindsay Smith
I haven't mentioned this I don't think yet but I want to talk about fireworks. Fireworks are very common here. They go off all throughout the day 6 am to 11 when most students have curfew. I asked a few questions and found out they are a form of celebration. They go off for everything happy pretty much. Weddings, births, engagements, buying a new house, graduating,etc. It is really neat and I can't wait to wake you up at 6 to do the same. J/K
In the chinese class we learned new words and I got some of the pronunciation I was looking for. The letters look similar but sound different. It is a beautiful language but it is deff. hard to learn. On the hw of writing the characters 10 times each I only got 2 wrong out of all of them. I was proud of myself, in a way. Also I think I may know a little more about the music I was talking about. I don't know if it is all like that and I am using one circumstance to talk about all and that isn't fair. But in the singing type with song books I've noticed that the numbers correspond to the notes. I don't know how to tell the key of a song yet, though some say at the top. They are numbered 1-8 and all have a line under them. I've noticed though that when the pitch is below the previous note there is a dot below the line. I see some second lines and I haven't figured that out yet. I hope to post pictures of some of these things eventually. It is very interesting and I hope to ask more questions and learn even more. I'm out, but I hope all is well with each of you. take Care
GB,
Lindsay Smith
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Thursday May 20th - Friday May 21st
Thursday:
Thursday was also a good day. We slept in again until 12ish and then hung out with our apartment mates. Hanging out was fun. We were going to go to the chinese class again but it got cancelled. Dr. Cavitt gave his first lecture on Thursday. We didn't get to go to it but his students called and we all went out to supper. There were many people at supper with us and we had some good food. We also got a little crazy :) We started singing differnt songs like in karioke. It was a blast and we got to have some good conversations with more of the chinese students. i hope to play ping pong with them eventually.
Friday:
It is still currently friday but I will still talk about it, LOL. We woke up this morning earlier than normal and got a call that we will be meeting with the head of the department. We went to that meeting and found out our schedule, YEAH! So far we don't have any major lectures to give and that is good in a way. Our schedule is full though! Starting monday every day we will meet at 7:10am to take the bus to another campus for 8am class we will be teaching. Our days are pretty much full with english classes we will teach or assist in until around 10pm. The next few weeks will be long. We came here to teach english I know, but part of the reason we were sent is to socialize with the students. This will be made more difficult with the new schedule we have. That is something to lift up for us to be shown what next. The classes will be good and the lessons I feel will be great to teach. All the "meetings" we were going to are no longer fittable in our schedule though. It will work out though and it will be good. Well I have class so I am out. May everything go well with you.
GB,
Lindsay Smith
Thursday was also a good day. We slept in again until 12ish and then hung out with our apartment mates. Hanging out was fun. We were going to go to the chinese class again but it got cancelled. Dr. Cavitt gave his first lecture on Thursday. We didn't get to go to it but his students called and we all went out to supper. There were many people at supper with us and we had some good food. We also got a little crazy :) We started singing differnt songs like in karioke. It was a blast and we got to have some good conversations with more of the chinese students. i hope to play ping pong with them eventually.
Friday:
It is still currently friday but I will still talk about it, LOL. We woke up this morning earlier than normal and got a call that we will be meeting with the head of the department. We went to that meeting and found out our schedule, YEAH! So far we don't have any major lectures to give and that is good in a way. Our schedule is full though! Starting monday every day we will meet at 7:10am to take the bus to another campus for 8am class we will be teaching. Our days are pretty much full with english classes we will teach or assist in until around 10pm. The next few weeks will be long. We came here to teach english I know, but part of the reason we were sent is to socialize with the students. This will be made more difficult with the new schedule we have. That is something to lift up for us to be shown what next. The classes will be good and the lessons I feel will be great to teach. All the "meetings" we were going to are no longer fittable in our schedule though. It will work out though and it will be good. Well I have class so I am out. May everything go well with you.
GB,
Lindsay Smith
Tuesday May 17th - Wednesday May 19th
Sorry the internet has been down and blogspot not working this past week. I will post the weeks events though as I remember them and through by written journal.
Monday:
Mondsay was a pretty down day. We didn't have anything really to do all day so it was alot of catching up on sleep and doing badly with jet lag. We did during the afternoon of that day though meet more of our roomates. We got to know them much more than the other days. We taught them how to play UNO and had much fun playing. We also got on a discussion about beliefs and found their beleifs fall along the same line and they were looking for a place to excersize those beliefs. This was a good conversation and made us feel more like there was a reason we were here. That night they went to dinner with all of us. We tried a new place outside of campus and struggled to order. Many people were called for help but not much could be done. We got food though and it was all delicious, but I don't need to say that. That was all pretty much for Monday but it was a good day!
Tuesday:
Tuesday we still hadn't gotten our schedule of what we were supposed to be doing so we went more with the flow. We got to sleep in a little and that was nice. By a little I mean 12 o'clock. We met many more people and decided to go to a chinese class that was for begginers obviously. I learned many new things and even learned how to write some of the characters. Most of it went over my head and I learned how difficult learning a new language truly is. Spanish isn't quite as hard. It is a very tonal language and I think I'm sounding the same but it is different. We met many more people and had really good conversations with them. Part of what we are supposed to be doing here is socializing and so far that has been really easy. Tuesday was alot of that. Also tuesday we had a banquet with the other american teachers in one of the hotels. This was nice and we got to meet the other teachers who are there as well.
Wednesday:
Wednesday was also very good but much the same pattern as the other mornings. We slept in quite a bit. That night was deffinetly the highlight of everything though. I will have to tell you more about it when I get back, because a lot of the content. We went to a meeting though of women at one of the teacher's houses. We were studying the kings. An intervention happened and I wish I could tell you about it but I can't here. Abortion is a big issue here though we are learning. It is so mundane and normal and even encouraged for any problem. That night we also did english corner. They told us for English corner that we would be asked questions like, "what is your name" etc. We or at least I were asked hard questions. I was asked alot of political questions like "what do you think of Pres. Obama and the healthcare bill" and other questions about the chinese interaction in the U.S. economy and even about the "nuclear" explosion in the south (the oil spill I found out is what was meant). I was also asked when asked about my major (both) why I believe what I believe. Also do I agree with those who spread their beliefs. Many more questions like these were asked. They were the questions we are allowed to answer if asked so that is good, but they are hard to answer. I will post the other days when I get back, LOL I'm going to eat lunch with everyone.
GB,
Lindsay Smith
Monday:
Mondsay was a pretty down day. We didn't have anything really to do all day so it was alot of catching up on sleep and doing badly with jet lag. We did during the afternoon of that day though meet more of our roomates. We got to know them much more than the other days. We taught them how to play UNO and had much fun playing. We also got on a discussion about beliefs and found their beleifs fall along the same line and they were looking for a place to excersize those beliefs. This was a good conversation and made us feel more like there was a reason we were here. That night they went to dinner with all of us. We tried a new place outside of campus and struggled to order. Many people were called for help but not much could be done. We got food though and it was all delicious, but I don't need to say that. That was all pretty much for Monday but it was a good day!
Tuesday:
Tuesday we still hadn't gotten our schedule of what we were supposed to be doing so we went more with the flow. We got to sleep in a little and that was nice. By a little I mean 12 o'clock. We met many more people and decided to go to a chinese class that was for begginers obviously. I learned many new things and even learned how to write some of the characters. Most of it went over my head and I learned how difficult learning a new language truly is. Spanish isn't quite as hard. It is a very tonal language and I think I'm sounding the same but it is different. We met many more people and had really good conversations with them. Part of what we are supposed to be doing here is socializing and so far that has been really easy. Tuesday was alot of that. Also tuesday we had a banquet with the other american teachers in one of the hotels. This was nice and we got to meet the other teachers who are there as well.
Wednesday:
Wednesday was also very good but much the same pattern as the other mornings. We slept in quite a bit. That night was deffinetly the highlight of everything though. I will have to tell you more about it when I get back, because a lot of the content. We went to a meeting though of women at one of the teacher's houses. We were studying the kings. An intervention happened and I wish I could tell you about it but I can't here. Abortion is a big issue here though we are learning. It is so mundane and normal and even encouraged for any problem. That night we also did english corner. They told us for English corner that we would be asked questions like, "what is your name" etc. We or at least I were asked hard questions. I was asked alot of political questions like "what do you think of Pres. Obama and the healthcare bill" and other questions about the chinese interaction in the U.S. economy and even about the "nuclear" explosion in the south (the oil spill I found out is what was meant). I was also asked when asked about my major (both) why I believe what I believe. Also do I agree with those who spread their beliefs. Many more questions like these were asked. They were the questions we are allowed to answer if asked so that is good, but they are hard to answer. I will post the other days when I get back, LOL I'm going to eat lunch with everyone.
GB,
Lindsay Smith
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Sunday May 16th
Wow yesterday was different and more like I thought it would be. We woke up around 12 (though it was a tough sleeping night) and got up and out of the apartment at 1 to find something to eat. We got to try eating on our own that afternoon. We walked down the road towards the west side of campus and looked for a place. We came apon a sit down type of restaurant and decided it smelt and looked good. The menu was of course in all Chinese so we didn't really know what anything was. A lady walked past and helped us communicate that we didn't want fish. They brought us out three random dishes. One was a kung pao chicken (we believe) that had vegetables, peanuts and chicken and tofu. Another was a vegetable and chicken one and the last was a spicy vegetable and beef one. All were served over rice. We ate family style trying them all out, which were all delicious. We payed and left and went back to have a get together with eachother at the apartment and take supper. This time was valuable as we talked about expectations. Due to the hectic last month we didn't come in with many expectations which was good because we were living it to the fullest it seemed. We didn't really know what to expect with the teaching so we are still waiting to find out more information. After words we went to another teacher's house who has been here 5 years and met with their group. We sang a few songs in Chinese and English which was amazing. I love music and it is written so differently here. I wasn't expecting that (numbers and lines and dots?) and so I want to look more into that system. I will take pictures of it next time, LOL. We then went to other teacher's house and had supper and played a game called settlers. It was interesting. It was a long day but in the end it was one of the best and rewarding. Our eyes were further opened to why we are here and what we will be doing (well sort of). I'm out to go get my schedule this morning but I love you all.
GB,
Lindsay Smith
GB,
Lindsay Smith
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Friday May 14 - Saturday May 15
Today is Sunday morning at 6:08 am. This will be my third day here in China. It is about an 13 hour differance than back in the states. It has been really good so far and I anticipate the next few weeks. So far we have been adjusting to jet lag and such and really haven't started teaching because of the weekend. When we arrived here friday we were met at the airport by the international relations representative from the university. We then drove to the university. Driving is good and I enjoy this part when I am traveling because if gives you a chance to see the country side of a country. We arrived at the university and decided to unpack and then go out to lunch. We are living in an apartment type place that we share with two great girls from Zambia. We had lunch at "kfc" which isn't really like our kfc at all. We all just pointed to something on the menu and had an adventure, but it was good. One thing I've learned I've like from doing that is dumplings. They are made excellent. The rest of the day was spent trying not fall asleep in order to overcome jet lag.
Saturday morning we went shopping for the things we forgot or needed like food to cook (attempt to cook well) in the apartment. We actually went shopping at walmart first but then we went to Rt mart which I enjoyed so much. Looking at the FRESH fruit and fish (frogs/eels/turtles included). there were things I've never seen before that I look forward to trying. Speaking of food, it is amazing by the way. After shopping we ate again and went back to the university and got the internet working so we could work on lessons. During which we got a call about attending a concert that night so we all took a nap. The concert was good. It was a piano recital for kids between the ages 4-9ish. The kids played amazing and I really enjoyed the concert experience as well. Some of the songs were recognizable like a jazzy rendition of Mary had a little lamb, darling clemtine, and American soldior. They sat two at a piano and did some crazy duet work with 10 piano. Their rhythm was impecable. One possible explanation for this was the way they moved together to the rhythm. This was really impressive with 20 kids playing all together. The concert atmosphere was differnet. It seemed to me, remember I can always be wrong these are just my observances, that it was relaxed and not rude to talk during a performance. I greatly enjoyed seeing a musical side as well as everything else.
During the concert we met up with other teachers here and went out to a little restraunt around the corner. It was delicious we had lamb, dumplings, fried rice, greens (amazing), and tof (tofu that was delicious). All the food is family style where you just order and eat as a family. Everyone just grabs with their chopsticks out of the middle.
We aren't sure yet what exactly we will be doing here yet monday we will get our class teaching schedule and such. They have asked alot about my music degree and would like me to do a small lecture about something. I'm not sure what to do as I am not far along. Some possible Ideas right now that we will discuss monday are talking about the french horn and other western instruments (from the surface it doesn't seem they know about them, but that may be different among the students of music, I'm holding off to see). Another idea is talking about american music (bluegrass, country, etc.). They want to learn about the American culture from what I gather through the conversations with the director. I'm still waiting till monday to gather more information. They showed us the performig arts center. It is right around the corner from campus. I knew the WPAC at ACU was amazing but this building is truly amazing in architecture and size. We've only seen the outside but it is gorgeous and huge. As I said what we were called here to do or what He wants from us isn't quite clear yet but that is in our thoughts and I ask it be in your thoughts to so we can be shown what He wants us to do. I feel when we meet with the other teachers who have been here for a year they can help make it clear. monday we also get what we will actually be doing at the university as far as classes.
I hope to keep everyone updated as the weeks progress. This has been amazing and I am already learning alot about being flexible and their are many more lessons to be taught and expanded on as well as chinese learning. It is a little overwhelming seeing chinese characters and not even being able to guess what it says like with other foreign languages. Well I'm going to try going back to sleep but I love all of you and thank you for the support you give me back home.
GB,
Lindsay Smith
Saturday morning we went shopping for the things we forgot or needed like food to cook (attempt to cook well) in the apartment. We actually went shopping at walmart first but then we went to Rt mart which I enjoyed so much. Looking at the FRESH fruit and fish (frogs/eels/turtles included). there were things I've never seen before that I look forward to trying. Speaking of food, it is amazing by the way. After shopping we ate again and went back to the university and got the internet working so we could work on lessons. During which we got a call about attending a concert that night so we all took a nap. The concert was good. It was a piano recital for kids between the ages 4-9ish. The kids played amazing and I really enjoyed the concert experience as well. Some of the songs were recognizable like a jazzy rendition of Mary had a little lamb, darling clemtine, and American soldior. They sat two at a piano and did some crazy duet work with 10 piano. Their rhythm was impecable. One possible explanation for this was the way they moved together to the rhythm. This was really impressive with 20 kids playing all together. The concert atmosphere was differnet. It seemed to me, remember I can always be wrong these are just my observances, that it was relaxed and not rude to talk during a performance. I greatly enjoyed seeing a musical side as well as everything else.
During the concert we met up with other teachers here and went out to a little restraunt around the corner. It was delicious we had lamb, dumplings, fried rice, greens (amazing), and tof (tofu that was delicious). All the food is family style where you just order and eat as a family. Everyone just grabs with their chopsticks out of the middle.
We aren't sure yet what exactly we will be doing here yet monday we will get our class teaching schedule and such. They have asked alot about my music degree and would like me to do a small lecture about something. I'm not sure what to do as I am not far along. Some possible Ideas right now that we will discuss monday are talking about the french horn and other western instruments (from the surface it doesn't seem they know about them, but that may be different among the students of music, I'm holding off to see). Another idea is talking about american music (bluegrass, country, etc.). They want to learn about the American culture from what I gather through the conversations with the director. I'm still waiting till monday to gather more information. They showed us the performig arts center. It is right around the corner from campus. I knew the WPAC at ACU was amazing but this building is truly amazing in architecture and size. We've only seen the outside but it is gorgeous and huge. As I said what we were called here to do or what He wants from us isn't quite clear yet but that is in our thoughts and I ask it be in your thoughts to so we can be shown what He wants us to do. I feel when we meet with the other teachers who have been here for a year they can help make it clear. monday we also get what we will actually be doing at the university as far as classes.
I hope to keep everyone updated as the weeks progress. This has been amazing and I am already learning alot about being flexible and their are many more lessons to be taught and expanded on as well as chinese learning. It is a little overwhelming seeing chinese characters and not even being able to guess what it says like with other foreign languages. Well I'm going to try going back to sleep but I love all of you and thank you for the support you give me back home.
GB,
Lindsay Smith
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Preperation a week before
There is a week before I leave and the anticipation is amazing. I am really exited to go and teach at the university. There is still much to be done as I am planning my lessons and creating the powerpoints to go with them. Packing is only in list form currently and I am about to leave the university and spend a few days with my family before I head out. Thank you all for what you have done to bless this trip.
GB & KIP,
Lindsay Smith
GB & KIP,
Lindsay Smith
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