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 [...]
I’ve been slacking off. I admit it. So… here’s a bit of what’s been going on: This past week was a week long holiday. “National Day” (October 1st) is China’s version of the 4th of July. They go a bit farther than we do, however. First of all, the country shuts down for a week [...]
My apologies for the long silence. I’ve been without internet for about a week. And the internet I do have right now is like using a telegraph. For the past month, I’ve had 8Mb service that would only work for about 2 hours a day–with constant disconnects. They came and “fixed” that on Friday. Now, [...]
The micro-skirt has invaded China! Better news: It’s not being worn by 300-lb women!
So… I’m in the 2nd day of 3 days off in a row. The weather has cooled down a bit, so I decided to go out for walk and see what the neighborhood to the north is like. Then I decided to extend the walk a abit… and I got all kinds of lost. [...]
