Saying goodbye to the teachers I had worked with and my colleaugues was sad. On the last day, my students and I went to the most beautiful tea house so far and celebrated. While we were there, the spot on the local news appeared on the t.v. (many of the rooms in the tea houses have big screen t.v,'s). My students were SO excited that I was wearing the green dress that I bought when shopping in Fuyang with Shirley and Carol, as well as my Shanghai jade. Christine gave a great interview and Mr. Jiang from the Education Bureau was all praise for the work we had done. Of course everyone screamed every time one of our classmates appeared on the screen. I'm so proud of how far the group came in three weeks. The first day, the deer in the headlights looks were intense and the fear palpable. By the end, students were more concerned with communicating their feelings than parroting correct answers. The lessons that they taught the class were a combination of the things they knew and the strategies that they had learned. Tough to leave. The decision to follow up the training by sending Jane, Ben, and six of the teachers to Canada is exciting. I look forward to the reunion and the continuation of our work together.
The departure from China continued to be just one more adventure in a long sequence of adventures. Two students accompanied us on the three hour trek to the Pu Dong airport in Shanghai. They brought with them their English language skills along with the need for a second vehicle. I was first down the stairs of the apartment and anxious to depart, so my student Julia and I loaded into the car that Song Bing regularly drives. The others got into the Education Bureau van. An hour into the drive, our car started to gut out and was clearly not going to get us to the airport. Song Bing put forth a valiant effort to get us to a station and try to remedy the problem to no avail. At one point, Julia and I were standing out in the heat at the service station beside a truck load of pigs that were stacked on top of one another and headed for imminent death. Things can always be worse! Then we went inside the rest stop where I started taking pictures to kill time. The guard came up and curtly informed Julia that there were no pictures allowed in the rest area. My first thought was that he knew the neon sign had a spelling error and embarassment was being avoided at all costs! That was scarier than the car breakdown and possibly missing the plane. The van ended up with a 1 1/2 hour detour to come and pick us up and we were all delighted in the decision to depart early "just in case".
I sat beside a Chinese man who immigrated to Edmonton with his family in 2000 on the plane. He cringed when he saw my Chinese school notebook given to me by one of my students. He told me that he hated school in China. Although he fulfilled his parents wishes by being a top student, he remembers the teachers were very serious and made fun of students if they got incorrect answers. I told him about one of the first classes with the Primary School teachers that I was working with in Fuyang and how we brainstormed ways to encourage students in their learning through praise, encouragement, and positive reinforcement for targeted behaviour. He was amazed with stories of Chinese teachers giving high 5's and thanked me very much for what I had done. As I reminded him, we wouldn't be there if we weren't invited and that it was people like him who wanted to bring changes to improve the Chinese Education system. This conversation, as well as my students thanking me for joyful classes and lavishing me with gifts of appreciation, have made me very proud of our efforts this summer. I think we did make a difference in both the teachers' lives, in the lessons they will deliver to their students this fall, and their work as instructional leaders in their schools. I'm so thankful to Steve for organizing this trip and ensuring that we were well taken care of. I'm also particularly thankful to Marion, Nancy, Jane (Hong bo), and Ben for their ideas, and thoughts, and support along the way.
It was sad arriving home with Brad and the kids already off to Ventura and my Mom not here to listen to my adventures with rapt attention and welcome me home. However there was red wine in the pantry, butter chicken & rice in the fridge compliments of Rowena , Peter & my trusty Oreo to welcome me home, and Starbucks beckoning with the promise of jazz, good coffee with pasturized milk, and newspapers to peruse!
Full page spread about China in the Globe & Mail today. The article was talking about the increased Chinese preoccupation with security during the Olympics that has resulted in increased surveillance of its own people, and the failure to move the country forward with positive change for its population. The article left me with the sense that the journalist needed to perhaps visit China and try to grasp the complexity of the change that is happening in the country right now in order to do justice to the Chinese reality. Although a simplistic statement of fact, regardless of truth, seems to be the way to sell newspapers. The sheer size of China's population is mind boggling. The pride that the Chinese people have in their home and their generosity of spirit is inspiring. Not too long ago, someone asked me how I could stand the rain in Vancouver. In her mind, it was unbearable. In my mind, one of the things that is part of my life but not the defining factor in my perception of my home. It may not be the perfect place in everyone's mind, but it couldn't feel more right being back here! Home, sweet home.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Driving in China
This morning I headed out for my usual Fuchun River walk. When I reached the bridge, I turned right and crossed the road and proceeded along the canal until I reached a road I was afraid to cross. Driving in China is like driving nowhere else in the world. We live with the illusion in B.C. that the Chinese are bad drivers. If they have come from China, they are most likely exceptionally good drivers use to unfathomable Chinese rules. You must be aware of cars coming from all directions, even head on towards you. Italian road rules as "suggestions" are extended to a point I wouldn't have believed possible. "Borrowing" the road if others are in your way is viewed as a necessity to get where you're going. Plus the Chinese driver must be ready to judge the actions and pace of bicycles, motorized carts, pedal carts, scooters, and death defying taxi drivers. I am too faint of heart to drive in China. More frightening even that getting off the freeway at the "wrong" exit in L.A. In China, I crawl into the vehicle and do my very best not to panic when there is no accessible seatbelt or the driver decides to make a U turn into the oncoming traffic.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Ancient Longmen Village
Longmen Village is an ancient town in the suburbs of Hangzhou by the Fuchin River. Sixty generations of Emperor Sun Quan of Dongwu have lived there through the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Three years ago the government invested a significant chunk of change into restoration to create a tourist site and generate capital for the town. The result has been some very interesting recreated historical sites spanning a thousand years, alongside 7,000 people living in quite primitive circumstances. The guide gave us the history of the artifacts and buildings. One of Marion's students gave us the more personal commentary. She grew up in the village and attended the school that was part of our tour. She is now living in the village with her husband and son, and teaching at the village school. The people are very poor but surprisingly are crowded into tiny rooms with television sets.
Marion's student, Wing, was also an integral part of "Project Shoe". When my first set of shoes broke on the cobblestones, we set out to quickly move through the labyrinth of the town with her four year old, to purchase a new pair from merchant row. We finally arrived back and I was pondering how they were not quite the style to which I have become accustomed, when that shoe snapped too. Probably the hottest time we've had so far.
We ended up on the hillside for dinner at an amazing and very traditional restaurant. Lots of vegetables, rice wine and spectators - obviously not a lot of foreigners frequenting their establishment! Our driver, Song bing has now figured out that the "Vancouver campe" is not a campe but a cheers and the Canadian women can be very assertive! I have figured out that his first question is actually a statement rather than a question. Now I know!
Song Bing wore shorts for the first time yesterday and we discovered that my skin is more Chinese looking than his. The Chinese are very smart about protecting their skin from the sun. The girls pop up their very beautiful and ornate umbrellas as soon as they go outside and Jane even makes sure that she stops for traffic lights in the shade of trees. They are mystified that I would put sunscreen with chemicals in it on my skin rather than just avoid the sun. They were even more mystified than my next destination is Ventura Beach where I will be lying in the sun for hours at a time if I have my way.
Marion's student, Wing, was also an integral part of "Project Shoe". When my first set of shoes broke on the cobblestones, we set out to quickly move through the labyrinth of the town with her four year old, to purchase a new pair from merchant row. We finally arrived back and I was pondering how they were not quite the style to which I have become accustomed, when that shoe snapped too. Probably the hottest time we've had so far.
We ended up on the hillside for dinner at an amazing and very traditional restaurant. Lots of vegetables, rice wine and spectators - obviously not a lot of foreigners frequenting their establishment! Our driver, Song bing has now figured out that the "Vancouver campe" is not a campe but a cheers and the Canadian women can be very assertive! I have figured out that his first question is actually a statement rather than a question. Now I know!
Song Bing wore shorts for the first time yesterday and we discovered that my skin is more Chinese looking than his. The Chinese are very smart about protecting their skin from the sun. The girls pop up their very beautiful and ornate umbrellas as soon as they go outside and Jane even makes sure that she stops for traffic lights in the shade of trees. They are mystified that I would put sunscreen with chemicals in it on my skin rather than just avoid the sun. They were even more mystified than my next destination is Ventura Beach where I will be lying in the sun for hours at a time if I have my way.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Chinese Hospitality
The Chinese redefine hospitality. I have never met a group of more gracious hosts. Leaders, guides, and students are so proud of China and want to make our stay as wonderful as possible. Yesterday, two of my students, Shirley and Carol, took me shopping complete with a bakery stop. They arranged my pick up by another student in Marion's class, who proceeded to take us for an amazing meal cooked by her mother in law. Too delicious for words. As expected, home cooking is decidedly different than restaurant food in China too. The added bonus was that we were presented with bowls of wine that were larger than our bowls for dinner. Great Wall red wine! Good stuff!
Our next pick up was another one of my students, Julia, whose boyfriend proceeded to drive us to his foot massage place. However this time we had someone to translate. No pain. Gentle massage only! Chinese medicine to improve the condition of my stomach (a cup is sprayed with alcohol, lit on fire, and suctioned on the bottom of my feet to suck out the impurity)! An unlimited supply of flower tea, and someone to translate the Chinese show on the big screen tv which is a fixture in all foot massage places. Decadence!
The only thing I find quite disconcerting is the absolute refusal to take money for anything. As if they haven't done enough. Students arrive daily with a steady supply of fruit, tea, cookies, and other goodies. We certainly feel loved and valued.
Our next pick up was another one of my students, Julia, whose boyfriend proceeded to drive us to his foot massage place. However this time we had someone to translate. No pain. Gentle massage only! Chinese medicine to improve the condition of my stomach (a cup is sprayed with alcohol, lit on fire, and suctioned on the bottom of my feet to suck out the impurity)! An unlimited supply of flower tea, and someone to translate the Chinese show on the big screen tv which is a fixture in all foot massage places. Decadence!
The only thing I find quite disconcerting is the absolute refusal to take money for anything. As if they haven't done enough. Students arrive daily with a steady supply of fruit, tea, cookies, and other goodies. We certainly feel loved and valued.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Teaching in China
The teachers attending this professional development summer session at the research Bureau are very much like teachers involved in professional development in B.C. They care about doing the best possible job they can for their students and they love them. They are very familiar with a very competitive style of education. I've been told that in high schools and universities the classrooms are very quiet and the students do not share their ideas. They are to worried that they will offend their teachers and fall out of favour with them. In the primary schools, top students have their work posted in the hallway and are presented with the fruit that grows on the trees in the yard as a reward. Students who struggle do not get into the best schools and by the end of grade 9 (Middle or Jr. Secondary School), their test scores indicate whether they will attend a vocational school or continue on with their studies in high school in the hope of one day attending university.
About 10 years ago, the government stopped taking the responsibility for everyone to find a job. There is huge pressure now to attend university and get a degree. Although about 38% leaving university are not able to find jobs in their preferred field. Of about 500 people wanting to become teachers, about 50 will be able to pass the exam. That explains the huge respect for people that are teaching.
The students attending our three courses are very excited about the ideas that we are presenting that rock their world. The thought about helping each child to figure out how they learn best and marking based on criteria is quite new for them. Actively engaging the learner has been a big focus for all of us. I am impressed by how many ideas have been integrated into their lesson planning. I'm also very please with how hard people are working to communicate the ideas they want to convey. One of my students wrote that she had learned the impotance of letting students practice speaking English, rather than immediately focusing attention on finishing their written tasks in the book. I'm feeling pretty good about that!
Some of my teachers teach is small village schools of 400-500 students and others teach in larger town schools. The Experimental School in Fuyang has 2800 students and 172 teachers. The Experimental School is beginning the teaching of English in Gr. 1 but most students start studying English in Gr. 3. Elementary classes have about 35 students per class. Other primary schools have closer to 40 and secondary schools are up around 60 students. This does pose it's challenges for activity based learning.
Teachers get to school at about 7am and often don't return home until 5:30 pm or later. They supervise morning exercises such as TaiChi, dancing.., nap, and also often teach Chinese, Math, computers, and Moral Education. In the larger schools, the teacher may teach English to several classes in several grades, three times a week. So the teacher could be responsible for marks for 300 or more students in Primary School.
About 10 years ago, the government stopped taking the responsibility for everyone to find a job. There is huge pressure now to attend university and get a degree. Although about 38% leaving university are not able to find jobs in their preferred field. Of about 500 people wanting to become teachers, about 50 will be able to pass the exam. That explains the huge respect for people that are teaching.
The students attending our three courses are very excited about the ideas that we are presenting that rock their world. The thought about helping each child to figure out how they learn best and marking based on criteria is quite new for them. Actively engaging the learner has been a big focus for all of us. I am impressed by how many ideas have been integrated into their lesson planning. I'm also very please with how hard people are working to communicate the ideas they want to convey. One of my students wrote that she had learned the impotance of letting students practice speaking English, rather than immediately focusing attention on finishing their written tasks in the book. I'm feeling pretty good about that!
Some of my teachers teach is small village schools of 400-500 students and others teach in larger town schools. The Experimental School in Fuyang has 2800 students and 172 teachers. The Experimental School is beginning the teaching of English in Gr. 1 but most students start studying English in Gr. 3. Elementary classes have about 35 students per class. Other primary schools have closer to 40 and secondary schools are up around 60 students. This does pose it's challenges for activity based learning.
Teachers get to school at about 7am and often don't return home until 5:30 pm or later. They supervise morning exercises such as TaiChi, dancing.., nap, and also often teach Chinese, Math, computers, and Moral Education. In the larger schools, the teacher may teach English to several classes in several grades, three times a week. So the teacher could be responsible for marks for 300 or more students in Primary School.
Qiandao Lake
Yesterday we were picked up at 8 am to set out for Qiandao Lake. It is very close to Principal Xu's assistant, Peng Fei's, hometown so he was very anxious to show off it's beauty. He also named the local beer - Cheerday, that even I have been drinking. Not only am I starting to drink beer in my ripe old age, but I can campe (chug it down) which is a HUGE part of ritual at Chinese dinners. To be polite or to be sober is the issue that we are faced with each day! Once I realized I was eating a duck head and had taken a large portion of something that was NOT lotus roots, it became a campe day!
Qiandao Lake was created in 1959 when the government wanted to create a massive hydroelectric plant to provide electricity to the population. Many villages were relocated and the land was flooded. It is called the Lake of 1000 islands because the many mountain tops are still visible. It is absolutely gorgeous. Many of the islands are for sale and being purchased to create 5 star accommodation or country homes. There are several beautiful hotels and several large pleasure boats in the water.
We walked over a large floating bridge to get to one of the islands. We took a ferry to an amazingly luxurious and practically empty hotel. Then the finale was a motor boat ride where Peng Fei tried to get the driver to go fast enough to create a little thrill and excitement.
We stopped for a very much desired coffee on the way home. After a few weeks of green tea, as Kathy (Steve's wife) clearly told me before leaving - the Nescafe instant brand tastes REALLY good. Who knew! You're right, Kathy. At our very smoky cafe, the big excitement was the arrival of Steve's coffee - complete with a raw egg floating on the top. It made the lattes made with evaported milk look darn good!
Qiandao Lake was created in 1959 when the government wanted to create a massive hydroelectric plant to provide electricity to the population. Many villages were relocated and the land was flooded. It is called the Lake of 1000 islands because the many mountain tops are still visible. It is absolutely gorgeous. Many of the islands are for sale and being purchased to create 5 star accommodation or country homes. There are several beautiful hotels and several large pleasure boats in the water.
We walked over a large floating bridge to get to one of the islands. We took a ferry to an amazingly luxurious and practically empty hotel. Then the finale was a motor boat ride where Peng Fei tried to get the driver to go fast enough to create a little thrill and excitement.
We stopped for a very much desired coffee on the way home. After a few weeks of green tea, as Kathy (Steve's wife) clearly told me before leaving - the Nescafe instant brand tastes REALLY good. Who knew! You're right, Kathy. At our very smoky cafe, the big excitement was the arrival of Steve's coffee - complete with a raw egg floating on the top. It made the lattes made with evaported milk look darn good!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Hong Zho
Today we set off at 8 am to go to the capital of the province of Zhe Jiang. Hong Zho has about 6 million people and of course, amazing shopping. To our eventual appreciation, our first stop was West Lake due to the insistence of the driver. It is an amazing Park much like Stanley Park. Great photo op, bike rentals, strolling, and general beauty of nature component. I have only seen one cricket but they make their existence known wherever we go. The lotus plants are actually fenced in to keep them from over running the lake. You can also take boat rides to several of the islands in the lake and drink tea. After photos with with colleagues and complete strangers, we headed off to The Old Town Shopping area. The Coke sponsored Beijing Olympics logo made it quite clear we were in a tourist haven. When we eventually reassembled, we headed down the main shopping street. After much persuasion, we convinced Jane to set a meeting shop so we could all do our own shopping. We ended up spending most of our time in the department store that was actually a collection of vendors who rent store fronts and are willing to bargain. So much to buy, so much money to save. I bought another suitcase and then proceeded to fill it up. The culmination of our perfect day was a grande Americano in Starbucks - my first in two weeks! By the time we got back to Fuyang, it felt like arriving on home turf. Great meal. Blog update. Time for bed.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Climbing Dong Wu Mountain
Last night we all went different directions. Marion's students took her for a foot massage. Nancy went dancing with our ballroom dancing friend, I went to climb Dong Wu Mountain and Steve stayed behind to pay the dinner bill (Such a good guy!) I've wanted to hike up the mountain since we arrived. There is an traditional Chinese Building that is all lit up where you can buy refreshments at the top. It is very much like The Grouse Grind, except much shorter (only 650 stairs up) and much hotter. My student, Julia, usually does it three or four times a week. I told her that she would like my husband very much so she is anxious to come to Canada and do the Grind with Brad. Her boyfriend, who is a structural engineer with a foot massage shop as a hobby, drove. Her sister also came with us. Having two sisters it didn't even occur to me that it was odd until we started discussing the one child policy. Apparently back in the day, farming families were allowed to have more children to help work the farm. Nowadays, you can have more than one child if you are both only children in a family. Apparently the government has recognized the burden of one couple taking care of four aging parents.
The panoramic view at the top was amazing and I will post pictures when I get home. Brad got me all set up with the program on the computer and I promptly left the cords at home! It was a great photo op. Christine (from Marion's class) also joined us with her small daughter. The age range trekking up the mountain was infant to elderly.
We took another route down. Apparently there are four routes in all. No bugs because the bats are out in Dong Wu Park in full force every night around seven. There were so many swooping when we arrived that I stopped to put my ponytail into a bun. Yikes! Too many horror shows for me! It doesn't cause anyone else to pause. There are people playing badminton, rollarblading, skateboarding, visiting..,
At the bottom of the mountain after our hike, we were joined by more friends wanting to speak English and take pictures. I'm a rock star over here! The fame! The glory! The vendors fight for you to sit at their tables. There are people playing pool, smoking, and having a good old time. One very cute little 18 month old was so cute and called me auntie for the evening.
Well we're off to Hong Zho to go shopping for the day. The weather is warning of a typhoon. I'm hoping not!
The panoramic view at the top was amazing and I will post pictures when I get home. Brad got me all set up with the program on the computer and I promptly left the cords at home! It was a great photo op. Christine (from Marion's class) also joined us with her small daughter. The age range trekking up the mountain was infant to elderly.
We took another route down. Apparently there are four routes in all. No bugs because the bats are out in Dong Wu Park in full force every night around seven. There were so many swooping when we arrived that I stopped to put my ponytail into a bun. Yikes! Too many horror shows for me! It doesn't cause anyone else to pause. There are people playing badminton, rollarblading, skateboarding, visiting..,
At the bottom of the mountain after our hike, we were joined by more friends wanting to speak English and take pictures. I'm a rock star over here! The fame! The glory! The vendors fight for you to sit at their tables. There are people playing pool, smoking, and having a good old time. One very cute little 18 month old was so cute and called me auntie for the evening.
Well we're off to Hong Zho to go shopping for the day. The weather is warning of a typhoon. I'm hoping not!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Chinese Facial and the Dong Wu Teahouse
Nothing is straightforward. The Chinese facial actually is a back massage, neck and head massage, and facial. It was quite a bit more expensive that the foot massage (about $28.00 Cdn) and it lasted 2 - 2 1/2 hours. Complete decadence. No pain. No pressure points. Just gentle, repetitive massage, working out the knots. Definitely a repeat visit to be scheduled there.
Today we were invited to visit a primary school (6-13 year olds - you need to factor in that the age includes pregnancy so birth is the 1st birthday). Five of my teachers and several teachers from the other class came to meet with us at the school, answer our questions, and translate for the principal. Apparently of about 500 students graduating and wanting to become teachers, about 50 are able to pass the examination. One reason why teachers are so respected in China. After eating copiously quantities of fruit presented to us on the table - particularly lychees, we all proceeded to the teahouse in Dong Wu Park, a very beautiful and manicured park much like Queen Elizabeth Park.
The teahouse is very different than the English style high tea. There is an amazing range of tea choices but also a huge variety of food that you can choose to share with others at the table or eat by yourself. Apparently mostly women like to frequent the teahouse and will sometimes stay and chat for up to five hours. Any of the Chinese delicacies you've heard of were on the table and undoubtedly many others. Even the chicken feet with nails look tame compared to the duck heads. The unborn chicks in the eggs are a special treat. The lotus roots are very good and so are the spicy bamboo shoots. I've also had more varieties of rice than I knew existed. There is a sweet dessert rice that is black and served with a nut on top that was wonderful.
After 2 1/2 hours in the teahouse, we walked home along the river. A very different place in the evening. Way hotter, and a different crowd. No Tai Chi groups for me to join. More young men, couples and families strolling along and lively street entertainment . We took a detour to get Marion new shoes when hers broke. Not an issue. Shoes stores are plentiful and everything is open late. Dancing ladies seems to be the continuity factor. They LOVE to dance in Fuyang. Our friend, Jane, frequently goes line dancing for her evening workout.
Today we were invited to visit a primary school (6-13 year olds - you need to factor in that the age includes pregnancy so birth is the 1st birthday). Five of my teachers and several teachers from the other class came to meet with us at the school, answer our questions, and translate for the principal. Apparently of about 500 students graduating and wanting to become teachers, about 50 are able to pass the examination. One reason why teachers are so respected in China. After eating copiously quantities of fruit presented to us on the table - particularly lychees, we all proceeded to the teahouse in Dong Wu Park, a very beautiful and manicured park much like Queen Elizabeth Park.
The teahouse is very different than the English style high tea. There is an amazing range of tea choices but also a huge variety of food that you can choose to share with others at the table or eat by yourself. Apparently mostly women like to frequent the teahouse and will sometimes stay and chat for up to five hours. Any of the Chinese delicacies you've heard of were on the table and undoubtedly many others. Even the chicken feet with nails look tame compared to the duck heads. The unborn chicks in the eggs are a special treat. The lotus roots are very good and so are the spicy bamboo shoots. I've also had more varieties of rice than I knew existed. There is a sweet dessert rice that is black and served with a nut on top that was wonderful.
After 2 1/2 hours in the teahouse, we walked home along the river. A very different place in the evening. Way hotter, and a different crowd. No Tai Chi groups for me to join. More young men, couples and families strolling along and lively street entertainment . We took a detour to get Marion new shoes when hers broke. Not an issue. Shoes stores are plentiful and everything is open late. Dancing ladies seems to be the continuity factor. They LOVE to dance in Fuyang. Our friend, Jane, frequently goes line dancing for her evening workout.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
The Fuchun River
One of my favorite parts of the day is getting up early and going for a walk. At 5:15 am there are already many people out walking, a few jogging, doing Tai Chi, playing badminton or volleyball, dancing or using the fitness circuit. By 5:45, it is positively crowded. The basketball jocks are out and the other morning when I did track laps, there were 49 other people on the track with me. This morning I tried lifting my leg onto the cement banister by the river and the little old ladies were laughing because there legs were so much higher. Amazing flexibility! The fishermen are also arriving back with the first catch of the day and other people are swimming. There are also a least one or two criers (for lack of a better word) that call out from the cliffs in a big melodious voice.
Today I walked to the Post Office after school to get stamps. Fortunately I ran into a student and she helped me because most people do not speak English in Fuyang. I walked home by the river and I was surprised to find it practically deserted except for the swimmers. Many little stores by the river sell drinks and little rings for the children to play in the water with. Most of the children of the educated no longer swim in the water due to the high level of pollution. However a heck of a lot of people were swimming. Well must go to bed so I can get up for my early morning venture. Bought runners today so I'm better equipped. I paid top dollar for the ANTA runners with the backwards Nike swoosh.
Today I walked to the Post Office after school to get stamps. Fortunately I ran into a student and she helped me because most people do not speak English in Fuyang. I walked home by the river and I was surprised to find it practically deserted except for the swimmers. Many little stores by the river sell drinks and little rings for the children to play in the water with. Most of the children of the educated no longer swim in the water due to the high level of pollution. However a heck of a lot of people were swimming. Well must go to bed so I can get up for my early morning venture. Bought runners today so I'm better equipped. I paid top dollar for the ANTA runners with the backwards Nike swoosh.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Chinese Foot Massage
Well, I went for my second foot massage yesterday. We were greeted as regulars. We were led up to our room for three and then served our green tea and cantaloupe. The Chinese Foot massage starts with your feet and goes up your thighs and then you flip and they go all the way up your body with hands, elbows and forearms. Depending on the person giving the massage, it goes from firm pressure to excruciating pain. They scope out the area that makes you flinch and then keep at that spot. They wash your feet and work away for 1 1/2 hours for the sum of $10.00 Cdn. Many of our days have been planned with functions and events, but massage has been a scheduling priority. Today after dinner, Jane has booked us for a facial. Apparently it too is 1 1/2 hours and has a large massage component. I'll keep you updated.
We also went to the traditional Paper Making Factory yesterday. It is still operational and quite amazing to consider paper made from bamboo rather than coniferous trees. People work for 7-8 hours, six days a week. The whole process is still stinky but you don't have the chemicals burped into the environment like in B.C.
Interesting food for last nights dinner - duck head stew. Jane's new line, "The Chinese eat everything with feathers, except for the feather duster." My favorite - malto beans (also called edame beans at The Cactus Club, I believe).
We also went to the traditional Paper Making Factory yesterday. It is still operational and quite amazing to consider paper made from bamboo rather than coniferous trees. People work for 7-8 hours, six days a week. The whole process is still stinky but you don't have the chemicals burped into the environment like in B.C.
Interesting food for last nights dinner - duck head stew. Jane's new line, "The Chinese eat everything with feathers, except for the feather duster." My favorite - malto beans (also called edame beans at The Cactus Club, I believe).
Monday, July 14, 2008
Zhejiang XiXi Hotel Restaurant
Last night was SO amazing. We went to Hangshou and toured the Zhejiang University and then we were guests of He Guanxin, the Deputy Mayor of the Hangshou Municipal People's Government. We ate at the XiXi Restaurant which is a private facility on West Lake. The rock out front has Mao's signature with many other high ranking officials of the Communist Party. Another amazing meal with all kinds of Chinese delicacies, such as The Monk Jumps Over the Wall soup - so delicious even a monk would eat it even though he not suppose to eat meat or seafood. Our guide, Hong bo (Jane), says that the saying in China is "The Chinese eat everything with legs except the table and the chair." Quite true. We ate in the village on the way home from our weekend adventure to Shanghai. I noticed that all of the dogs were very young and quickly became a vegetarian. Many people in the cities don't eat dog, but it is considered a hot food (it will warm you up) in winter and many of the villagers will raise them for meat and eat them.
Shanghai was a cross between Las Vegas, Disneyland, and the A & N Boutique shoe sale. Everywhere there is a throng of people, lights and excitement. We didn't have much time to shop but I was surprised to discover it was such a fashion mecca. I power shopped like never before and became quite adept at the art of bargaining. I managed to get a cashmere coat, pearls, jade, tea, and silk. The buildings are amazing. China is still part of the race to have the tallest buildings. The view from the Pearl Tower was gorgeous and the air was clear because we'd just been caught in a monsoon! All these tall buildings are on reclaimed land and surrounded by water. Yet, the building races on. Scaffolding is everywhere you go. Well must go prepare for class.
My students are wonderful. Very sweet and very motivated to learn English. My group teaches English to mostly 11, 12 and 13 year olds. The classes have about 40 students and it is currently mostly lecture style format. I'm hoping they will take at least some of what we are doing back into their classrooms.
Shanghai was a cross between Las Vegas, Disneyland, and the A & N Boutique shoe sale. Everywhere there is a throng of people, lights and excitement. We didn't have much time to shop but I was surprised to discover it was such a fashion mecca. I power shopped like never before and became quite adept at the art of bargaining. I managed to get a cashmere coat, pearls, jade, tea, and silk. The buildings are amazing. China is still part of the race to have the tallest buildings. The view from the Pearl Tower was gorgeous and the air was clear because we'd just been caught in a monsoon! All these tall buildings are on reclaimed land and surrounded by water. Yet, the building races on. Scaffolding is everywhere you go. Well must go prepare for class.
My students are wonderful. Very sweet and very motivated to learn English. My group teaches English to mostly 11, 12 and 13 year olds. The classes have about 40 students and it is currently mostly lecture style format. I'm hoping they will take at least some of what we are doing back into their classrooms.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Life in Fuyang
Well, I am very excited because the internet connection has just been established in our apartment. The computer guy and I used a translation program and lots of pointing in order to communicate. The cleaning ladies who were hired to clean our apartment every two days, just stood there and watched. Technology at it's best.
Then we went downstairs to discover that the other teachers had locked the door from the outside when they went shopping. It was quite an event getting it open from the inside and I'm still not sure how the computer guy did it. No turning the lock like we would in Canada.
Our hosts are amazing and define hospitality in a new way. Ben and Jane (Hong bu) are slaves to our every whim. Ben is responsible for the middle school teachers who teach grade 7,8 and 9. He helps Marion with this group. Jane is responsible for the Primary school students who are taking English. Most of the students start English at 8 years old. She is assigned to assist Nancy and I. She also is responsible for taking us shopping, to dinner, and taking care of of all of the details like cleaning the apartment... She has hardly seen her family while we've been here. However her son is 16 years old and taking more courses during the summer to help him excel. Strong desire for that in China.
The night before last, she took us for dinner and then dropped us off to get a foot massage. Neon lights, and a whole team of people were waiting at the door. They showed us to a room with three lounges. Then they bought us cantaloupe and green tea. Then the three girls arrived and started with a big rain barrel of water for our feet. One and a half hours of working from our feet, all the way up our body. Who knew elbows, forearms, pressure points, and such could be so totally relaxing. All for $10.00 Canadian. Then the lights went out and my somewhat active imagination went into full throttle. Fortunately Jane had made arrangements and one of the girls helped us to go downstairs and flag down a cab.
Last night we had a banquet in the VIP room of the hotel that our colleague, Steve Rogers, is staying in. Principal Xu of Fuyang High School, the Education Minister, the Director of the Research Institute where we are teaching, and several other dignitaries attended to welcome the Canadian contingent. I've been surprised how open they have been about identifying the need to ask for the help needed to create a teaching population who is better equipped to teach English. There is a huge focus on developing a population that is able to communicate proficiently in the English speaking world.
As soon as I have figured out how, I will post pictures of the food we ate last night. The presentation was amazing. A bowl of goldfish in the middle of the table and gorgeous floral arrangements also decorated the table. As usual, the leaders ordered many of the local delicacies for us to try. They also served some Western dishes and everyone tried their hands at using a knife and fork for those dishes. Because we were not able to choose our own dishes, I tried sea cucumber and duck tongue. They were not my favorite dishes, but it certainly makes for a good story!
For the first time in my life, I have become a beer drinker. It is cold, and wet, and ligher than any other beer that I've tried. I have been amazed by the quality of the red wine. I guess it's because we don't have a section for Chinese wine in the liquor store. Of course the wine we had last night was expensive, but we also had a not bad bottle of $3.00 wine the other night!
The shopping in China is amazing, as you would expect. Yesterday the girl selling me my purse, squealed and jumped up and down when I got it. Even thought I suspect I was not getting the best deal, I was still paying a fraction of what I'd spend at home. The only thing that creates a fair amount of dismay in my life is the fact that I play the role of the gentle giant here. I took off my shoe yesterday to show the girl the size. Five sales girls quickly surrounded me and gasped at how big my foot was and started shaking their heads - no mammoth sizes on sale there! Then there was the XXXL shirt that was just a little too small. I did feel good that the XL pajamas that I was presented with last night, did fit. Nothing like sleeping in silk!
I have 29 students who teach 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 year olds. We are the first language English speaking people who they have ever talked to. The range of language skills is quite large. The most proficient speakers teach the older students. I love my group. They are very receptive to learning the language and they work hard. They are a much easier crowd than the PDP crew at SFU.
The Fuchun River is quite a hub of activity. Every night, huge masses of people stroll along the boardwalk (which is actually made of stone - Pebblewalk???) Dancing for exercise is very popular. People of all ages do complex line dances. Our Jane, our guide, is a master. She is very graceful and knows an incredible amount of dances. People also go into the swimming pool and tea house, which is actually a big smorgasbord of food. Nothing like an English tea house.
At the beginning of the week, I planned a fieldtrip to the Fuchun River so we could develop vocabulary for my poetry unit. Interestingly enough, teachers are not allowed to take students outside of the classroom during school hours. Never even occurred to me. As we were walking, I turned to look at my group and a car nearly hit me. Wild and crazy time driving in Fuyang. Traffic rules are suggestions and generally ignored. People fluidly move from lane to lane, and traffic lights are often ignored. People drive into oncoming traffic and pedestrians take their lives into their hands when crossing the street. Three wheeled bikes with large carts, scooters, bikes with multiple passangers weave in and out of traffic with as much tenacity as the cars. However the teachers loved the experience and have written some great poems. AND we all arrived back!
The air conditioning does not reach this office, so my window is wide open. We are well off the beaten track because we are staying on the campus of the Fuyang High School. However you can hear the blare of horns, a girl doing singing exercises, birds chirping, and someone banging their pops and pans as they do their dishes in the outside troughs. What an experience.
Well I must go and get ready for the tea house. Another culinary adventure!
Then we went downstairs to discover that the other teachers had locked the door from the outside when they went shopping. It was quite an event getting it open from the inside and I'm still not sure how the computer guy did it. No turning the lock like we would in Canada.
Our hosts are amazing and define hospitality in a new way. Ben and Jane (Hong bu) are slaves to our every whim. Ben is responsible for the middle school teachers who teach grade 7,8 and 9. He helps Marion with this group. Jane is responsible for the Primary school students who are taking English. Most of the students start English at 8 years old. She is assigned to assist Nancy and I. She also is responsible for taking us shopping, to dinner, and taking care of of all of the details like cleaning the apartment... She has hardly seen her family while we've been here. However her son is 16 years old and taking more courses during the summer to help him excel. Strong desire for that in China.
The night before last, she took us for dinner and then dropped us off to get a foot massage. Neon lights, and a whole team of people were waiting at the door. They showed us to a room with three lounges. Then they bought us cantaloupe and green tea. Then the three girls arrived and started with a big rain barrel of water for our feet. One and a half hours of working from our feet, all the way up our body. Who knew elbows, forearms, pressure points, and such could be so totally relaxing. All for $10.00 Canadian. Then the lights went out and my somewhat active imagination went into full throttle. Fortunately Jane had made arrangements and one of the girls helped us to go downstairs and flag down a cab.
Last night we had a banquet in the VIP room of the hotel that our colleague, Steve Rogers, is staying in. Principal Xu of Fuyang High School, the Education Minister, the Director of the Research Institute where we are teaching, and several other dignitaries attended to welcome the Canadian contingent. I've been surprised how open they have been about identifying the need to ask for the help needed to create a teaching population who is better equipped to teach English. There is a huge focus on developing a population that is able to communicate proficiently in the English speaking world.
As soon as I have figured out how, I will post pictures of the food we ate last night. The presentation was amazing. A bowl of goldfish in the middle of the table and gorgeous floral arrangements also decorated the table. As usual, the leaders ordered many of the local delicacies for us to try. They also served some Western dishes and everyone tried their hands at using a knife and fork for those dishes. Because we were not able to choose our own dishes, I tried sea cucumber and duck tongue. They were not my favorite dishes, but it certainly makes for a good story!
For the first time in my life, I have become a beer drinker. It is cold, and wet, and ligher than any other beer that I've tried. I have been amazed by the quality of the red wine. I guess it's because we don't have a section for Chinese wine in the liquor store. Of course the wine we had last night was expensive, but we also had a not bad bottle of $3.00 wine the other night!
The shopping in China is amazing, as you would expect. Yesterday the girl selling me my purse, squealed and jumped up and down when I got it. Even thought I suspect I was not getting the best deal, I was still paying a fraction of what I'd spend at home. The only thing that creates a fair amount of dismay in my life is the fact that I play the role of the gentle giant here. I took off my shoe yesterday to show the girl the size. Five sales girls quickly surrounded me and gasped at how big my foot was and started shaking their heads - no mammoth sizes on sale there! Then there was the XXXL shirt that was just a little too small. I did feel good that the XL pajamas that I was presented with last night, did fit. Nothing like sleeping in silk!
I have 29 students who teach 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 year olds. We are the first language English speaking people who they have ever talked to. The range of language skills is quite large. The most proficient speakers teach the older students. I love my group. They are very receptive to learning the language and they work hard. They are a much easier crowd than the PDP crew at SFU.
The Fuchun River is quite a hub of activity. Every night, huge masses of people stroll along the boardwalk (which is actually made of stone - Pebblewalk???) Dancing for exercise is very popular. People of all ages do complex line dances. Our Jane, our guide, is a master. She is very graceful and knows an incredible amount of dances. People also go into the swimming pool and tea house, which is actually a big smorgasbord of food. Nothing like an English tea house.
At the beginning of the week, I planned a fieldtrip to the Fuchun River so we could develop vocabulary for my poetry unit. Interestingly enough, teachers are not allowed to take students outside of the classroom during school hours. Never even occurred to me. As we were walking, I turned to look at my group and a car nearly hit me. Wild and crazy time driving in Fuyang. Traffic rules are suggestions and generally ignored. People fluidly move from lane to lane, and traffic lights are often ignored. People drive into oncoming traffic and pedestrians take their lives into their hands when crossing the street. Three wheeled bikes with large carts, scooters, bikes with multiple passangers weave in and out of traffic with as much tenacity as the cars. However the teachers loved the experience and have written some great poems. AND we all arrived back!
The air conditioning does not reach this office, so my window is wide open. We are well off the beaten track because we are staying on the campus of the Fuyang High School. However you can hear the blare of horns, a girl doing singing exercises, birds chirping, and someone banging their pops and pans as they do their dishes in the outside troughs. What an experience.
Well I must go and get ready for the tea house. Another culinary adventure!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
The Departure to China
Well I departed for Fuyang with three colleagues from Coquitlam on Thursday, July 3rd. Much to my own amazement, I loved the 11 and a half hour flight. I sat there and watched 5, yes 5 movies! The Other Bolyn Sister was the best but 27 Dresses made me think of Larkyn and LA Confidential made me think of Brad & Tyler- lots of gratuitous violence. They'd approve.
Our hosts met us at the airport and whisked us off to a restaurant that was far too nice for our jet lagged and very crumpled selves. Eating in China is quite an adventure. I'm certainly glad that I have some chopstick skills. Fortunately we are on the 6th floor in Principal Xu's old apartment because it feels that we spend most of our time having meals.
The apartment is on the campus of Fuyang High School, which is the most desirable school to attend, and is open to those who score the very highest on the entrance exam. The campus is very lovely and situated by a beautiful river. The first night that we arrived, I volunteered to climb the spiral staircase up to the third bedroom. To my surprise, there was a whole additional floor with another bathroom, the kitchen, an office, the sitting room, a balcony, and my nicely air conditioned room. The next morning, I discovered the additional bonus- my very lovely view of the river and the campus. Yes, for those of you that know that about me - a room with a view matters!
So far I have not done a lot of exploring. We have been busy dealing with computer issues (internet connection), planning and getting to know one another. Nancy's background is in Gifted Education, and Marian's is in ESL. Very talented teachers with lots of background knowledge. The planning process feels quite a bit like the initial stages of program planning at SFU.
Well, I must get back to it.
Our hosts met us at the airport and whisked us off to a restaurant that was far too nice for our jet lagged and very crumpled selves. Eating in China is quite an adventure. I'm certainly glad that I have some chopstick skills. Fortunately we are on the 6th floor in Principal Xu's old apartment because it feels that we spend most of our time having meals.
The apartment is on the campus of Fuyang High School, which is the most desirable school to attend, and is open to those who score the very highest on the entrance exam. The campus is very lovely and situated by a beautiful river. The first night that we arrived, I volunteered to climb the spiral staircase up to the third bedroom. To my surprise, there was a whole additional floor with another bathroom, the kitchen, an office, the sitting room, a balcony, and my nicely air conditioned room. The next morning, I discovered the additional bonus- my very lovely view of the river and the campus. Yes, for those of you that know that about me - a room with a view matters!
So far I have not done a lot of exploring. We have been busy dealing with computer issues (internet connection), planning and getting to know one another. Nancy's background is in Gifted Education, and Marian's is in ESL. Very talented teachers with lots of background knowledge. The planning process feels quite a bit like the initial stages of program planning at SFU.
Well, I must get back to it.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Hi All. Well thanks to Meredyth, I have been catapulted into the world of the blog. I must admit my big fear is that I would disappear into this new universe but it seemed better than anyone creeping on my wall via Facebook.
I leave for Shanghai on Thursday to teach Elementary school teachers in Fuyang. I'm very excited about this adventure and I am going to try my hand at the Travel LOG - inspired by Marlene. We'll see how that goes.
I leave for Shanghai on Thursday to teach Elementary school teachers in Fuyang. I'm very excited about this adventure and I am going to try my hand at the Travel LOG - inspired by Marlene. We'll see how that goes.
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