Dehydration, crappy weather, and the worst (and most unusual) arthritis flare-up I’ve had in 2 years have joined forces to keep me down for the past week. Work and (attempting to) sleep have pretty much been the sum-total of my life. The arthritis is down to a dull ache, and I’m no longer breathing sandpaper, [...]
I have officially been in China for 6 months now. It doesn’t seem like it’s been that long, but… it has. There’s still residency and visa paperwork to do and lots of things to deal with, but I’m already half-way through my initial contract. It’s weird.
This year for Christmas, I would like… Silence. One day without piano lessons from the neighbors to the west, and drumming practice from the neighbors on the right; without door slamming or brooms being banged against the metal railing in the hallway. One day without the PA system from the school at the end of [...]
As I’ve said, I’m working to learn Chinese. Admittedly, I’m not working very hard… but I’m working. I understand the 4 (technically 5) tones–even if I’m not very good at them. That’s the most difficult part. In English, we use tone to modify a word–make it a statement, a question, an admonition, etc. In Chinese, [...]
It’s not cooking yet, but… Spicy chicken with steamed vegetables over rice[1]. And Bailey’s Irish Cream for desert. The three American teachers are getting together for friendly meal and a few drinks. It’s not Mom’s amazing stuffing, but… it’s a good meal with good people. I think that’s what counts. [1] Spicy Chicken (all measurements [...]
When I moved into the apartment I’m in, it hadn’t been cleaned. They said that they’d send someone over, but they never did. One of the bad things about this city is the dirt. Like any city with an industrial sector, there’s a degree of air pollution that’s much higher than what I’m used to [...]
Every week all the classes are based on a common theme. Last week, for example, was “medicine”. This week, it was “Halloween”. The Chinese know absolutely nothing about Halloween. But, to be fair, we know absolutely nothing about the Mid-Autumn Festival. For those of us who grew up in the west, it’s easy to forget [...]
One of the things that is strange about living in China is how amazingly helpful and generous everyone is–at least to American teachers. They insist on taking me places and buying me things. Sometimes it’s… uncomfortable for me. I keep feeling like I’m taking advantage of them. But when I try to pay, they argue [...]
