Katie and the art of relaxing

This is a wall hanging someone left behind in the apartment.

Yes, it has been quite a long time since I last wrote but because there wasn’t much to report, I didn’t think it was essential that I post an entry this weekend. Friday’s classes went well, only three students attended the movie lunch, our Saturday tutoring session was enjoyable, I lesson planned, corrected a student’s essay, and have taken many naps since Thursday. See, nothing terribly earth-shattering has occurred. 


I’m making considerable progress on the baby blanket that I’m knitting for our friends. I designed the project myself and the pattern is extremely easy, so I don’t have to concentrate on it much while I’m knitting. If an item needs to be quickly made, I’ve found that it will get finished faster if the stitch pattern is simple. 


Today I’ve been planning some upcoming fiber projects. I’ve outlined patterns for a couple of garments: a robe and a pair of shorts. I’m not sure my ideas will work, but I’m excited to try them even though I might have to rip everything out. That’s the useful thing about knitting -- if you make a mistake, you can easily correct it by frogging (or undoing) all the work.


Last night we watched Practical Magic. It was a terrible movie, but I enjoyed it because I had fun knitting and talking with Jean-Jacques. Plus, it was fun to see island scenery again. I’m not sure what we’re going to watch this evening; I’m sure it will be entertaining, though.

Real English

How could I possibly have forgotten all the joys of filling out job applications? The long hours of staring at a computer screen; the mind-numbing strain of carefully reading through multiple drafts of resumés and district applications to correct all the teeny mistakes; and the near-hysterical laughter caused by sarcastic jokes that Jean-Jacques and I make with one another to keep from ripping out our hair in frustration because we miss a few typos and we have to remake the entire PDF to include the corrected version. The process is often long and can be a bit painful, but we have fun and feel satisfied when we turn in a completed packet. Sure, it probably sounds like I’m complaining, but I’m really not; I’m simply being realistic. The process isn’t always fun, but it’s completely worth it in the end when work is secured. I’m crossing my fingers that we won’t continue our current trend of going through a job search every year like we have done for the past five years. (Although, I have to admit that I do get a sick pleasure out of turning in a completed application. It just feels like I’ve accomplished something orderly and I enjoy it.)


It was an entertaining Thursday. Lately, I’ve been explaining (rather passionately) in class that English is a living language and that it exists outside of books. To fully demonstrate my point, I hold up a newspaper that the students fill out for grammar practice; the assignment written on the paper is a typical fill-in-the-blank exercise. I say, “This isn’t real English. I, along with millions of other people, use real English every day. I need it to communicate with people.” The students get so fired up about my words that they usually all start clapping for me. I’m often surprised by their reaction, but it’s heartening because it helps me feel that my job here is worthwhile. Sometimes I feel like an accessory whose purpose is to improve the school’s reputation, not help students improve their English skills. However, today I realized that I am making a difference. I’m showing a few hundred Chinese students that the world goes far beyond Anqing’s doorstep and that English is more than a subject they will be tested on in a couple of years. Many of the students here don’t see how the topics they learn about in school connect to the real world, but I’ve been trying to change that these past couple of days. Judging by the students’ reactions, I think they’re grateful for my words.

Seventy-two steps to our apartment...

that I climb about three to five times a day. 

Thankfully, today’s classes went a bit more smoothly than the two from yesterday. Before we started watching Stardust, I carefully explained to the students that they probably would feel lost during the film, but that it was OK and I would pause the movie to help them understand the plot. This seemed to put them at ease and they seemed to enjoy class a lot more. Also, I think it helped that I mentioned that English is a real world language that real people use. In many ways this message was something new to them.

Here’s my favorite quote from the day:

When I asked a student how she was doing, she responded, “Wonderful! There’s a fire in me.” And she bounced into the classroom.

Not an onscreen kiss!

A rainy Monday

Sadly, today felt exactly like a Monday often does: a bit challenging. As I’ve mentioned a few times before, I’m instituting a new system for my lesson structure -- we’ll spend half the session learning about a specific topic (music, Asian Americans, art, restaurants, etc.) and we’ll spend the remaining class time watching and discussing a movie. At first the students were thrilled by the new format, but they became a little frustrated when they discovered the movie we’re going to watch for the next few weeks is Stardust. 


A few of the girls came up to me after class asking if I could switch the movie to Twilight (this is the fourth or fifth time I've been asked to change an activity). I simply said, “No.” 
They responded with, “Why?” 
To which I replied, “Because this is the movie we’re going to watch.”
They said, “There time for Twilight.”
I calmly informed them, “This is the movie we’re going to watch. There won’t be time for Twilight.”


When some students started grumbling about how they couldn’t comprehend the movie (with subtitles in English and me stopping the film every few minutes to explain the plot), I firmly stated, “You’ve been learning English for ten years. That’s a long time. You should be able to understand this movie. It’s kind of sad you don’t.” With this comment, many of the teens bowed their heads and became silent.


Yes, perhaps this was slightly impolite on my part. However, the students can be quite rude at times and sometimes the only way to clearly explain a point is to be blunt. Extremely blunt. They have horribly stressful lives without much fun, but they are also rather spoiled. If an answer isn’t handed to them on a silver platter, they get angry. That was what happened today and I think it was a valuable experience for them to feel a little lost. At one point I said, “Learning is a bit uncomfortable. If you’re comfortable, it means that you aren’t learning anything and growing.” 


On a slightly different topic, but still pertaining to the discussion of Stardust, during a kissing scene in the movie, most of the students looked away from the screen. It’s sort of strange to me that fifteen and sixteen year olds aren’t mature enough to watch a kissing scene in a teen movie. They must spend too much time studying or something.

A wedding, China-style

What a day and what experiences we’ve had! We were fortunate enough to be invited to a Chinese wedding. I will provide more details in a bit, but it was a fascinating look into Chinese culture and further proved to me how different our cultures can be at times. The West has definitely influenced the East and we saw numerous examples of it today. (In China, white is the color for death; in the past, brides used to wear red, not white, but that's not often the case nowadays. The bride today wore a western-style bridal gown.)


Our adventure started, like it often does, with a cab ride. Fortunately, we were able to catch a taxi and we showed the directions that our friend had texted us to the driver. When we arrived, we were a bit confused because our friends weren’t there yet and there were two wedding parties hosting events at the same establishment. One group had two people dressed up in Mickey Mouse costumes. After almost walking into the wrong wedding, a Chinese woman ran up to us and directed us to the correct one. We politely informed her that we were waiting for our friends, and found an out-of-the-way spot to stand until they arrived.


With our friends in tow, we greeted the bride and groom (who were standing outside of the restaurant). I had a red envelope filled with a hundred kuai that I gave to the bride (maybe I should have given it to the groom, but I didn’t know what was proper) with both hands (that’s the polite way to hand items to people in China). It was our unofficial ticket into the event. We took an elevator to the ninth floor. When we arrived, we signed a red guest book, walked down a beautifully covered (if a bit flimsy under our Western-sized bodies) yellow walkway to our seats. It took a while before the event started, so we talked with our friends for a bit. 


There was an official announcer who started off the ceremony by telling some jokes to get the crowd warmed-up. He even gave us a special greeting. (I’m telling you, the Chinese win the “best host ever” prize.) We didn’t know what he was saying and we were sitting down when he introduced us. By the time we figured out what was happening, the moment for us to stand up had passed.


After a few minutes, some loud music started (every ceremony in China has the amplification up to eleven and the treble pumped up at full volume). The groom started down the yellow walkway singing a karaoke song to his bride. The woman, who was was standing inside a pink tent, responded to her beloved in song. When the man arrived at the tent they did something meaningful that we couldn’t see (our view was blocked by a number of people observing the “ceremony”). Then the couple began walking back down the “aisle” (remember, this event is held in a large room in a restaurant) to a spot-lit stage where the professional host said some words about the couple. 


At one point, the host grabbed a bouquet and stood in front of the couple (like in western weddings) and had them repeat some silly vows (I promise to always wash your feet, always cook you dinner, etc.). Following this hilarious exchange, a young woman brought the rings and the couple placed them on one another’s fingers during a song and narration. They did some extremely deep bows at the audience, they emptied a bottle of wine into a special glass holder that looked a bit like a fancy silver hamster run, the couple downed a glass of wine while their right arms were entwined, they hugged (no kisses at this wedding!), and a number of people toasted. During most of the event, people in the audience were busy eating and talking in the dark. (Let me tell you that it’s dangerous to eat at a Chinese banquet if you can’t see what you’re ingesting. Jean-Jacques accidentally grabbed and munched down part of a turtle's head.)


In the middle of the wedding ceremony, a boy’s shirt caught on fire because his sleeve had come into contact with an open flame on the table. (Eating can be a dangerous business here.) Fortunately he was unhurt, but quite a bit of angry shouting transpired between the parents and waitstaff (the boy’s family was deriding the waitress). 


New items added tonight to the Exotic Eats List? Pig’s ear and sea cucumber. The former was surprisingly tasty, but I thoroughly disliked the latter because of my personal issues with food that has a squishy texture.


When we finished the meal, and toasting, we left the wedding. During the dinner (eventually the lights were turned on again), we were given party favors. We didn’t open them until we arrived home (it’s considered rude to open a gift in front of the giver) and discovered that the little boxes contained various types of little candies. 


I did feel bad for the bride and groom because they didn’t have the opportunity to eat much; instead, they went from table to table toasting their guests. (Again, I note the incredible hospitality that is part of the Chinese culture.) Not only did the couple have to stand outside in the rainy cold weather greeting guests for about a half and hour or forty-five minutes, but they also were so busy  talking with everyone that they didn’t have time for food. 


Sadly, the couple will be at work tomorrow and they won’t be taking a honeymoon.

Putie is back!

I’m so happy that my computer is alive again; with it gone, I felt naked. It's absence helped me realize how much I use, depend upon, and love my laptop. 


Yesterday was rather lengthy because we taught in the morning and, in the afternoon, took a trip  to Hefei to retrieve my rejuvenated MacBook. With directions that our Chinese friend had texted us, we caught a taxi to the bus, bought express tickets to Hefei, rode a bus for two and a half hours to the provincial capitol, took a taxi from the bus station in Hefei to the Apple-authorized repair shop, picked up the computer, flagged down another taxi back to the bus station, purchased express return tickets to Anqing, arrived in town two and a half hours later, flagged down another taxi, and picked up dinner before heading to our apartment. The bus rides were some of the worst we’ve ever experienced; I had a terrible headache and I almost threw up a few times. Also, the bus driver  kept pressing and releasing the gas pedal so we kept lurching back and forth in our seats. On the trip home, Jean-Jacques and I tried to make the best of an uncomfortable situation by making fun of the karaoke music videos that were playing on the TV screens. (I honestly don’t understand any of the music videos here. I must be from a different culture or something.) To add to all the discomfort, we hadn't eaten lunch, so I munched on peanuts and dates on the return ride.


We were extremely pleased with our successful trip, but it reminded us of why we don’t travel much in China. It’s too stressful when you don’t speak the language. We appreciate the kindness of the Chinese, but hate to impose too much on people. Also, it can be uncomfortable if you don’t know what’s happening around you or the directions you’re given.


Today was good, if a bit busy. We slept late in order to recover from our Hefei adventure. Jean-Jacques made a run to the grocery store while I cleaned the bathroom and bought some yarn to make a baby blanket for our friends who are expecting a baby. This afternoon we received a call from Celine (a woman from Bainbridge who is teaching in Ma'anshan and knows someone in our program who is also working there) letting us know that she had safely arrived in Anqing. We spent most of the day with her, walking around Anqing’s back streets, drinking tea at a coffee shop while chatting about teaching in China, and strolling on the banks of the Yangtze River. (We even saw a man swimming in the river; when we was finished exercising, and in the process of changing into dry clothes, I accidentally saw his bare behind.) We met up with some friends for dinner and had a great time at the Korea BBQ place. 

I’m heading to bed soon since we've got another big day ahead of us tomorrow. We're going to attend a wedding celebration, so I'm excited.


P.S. The sound of rain on the plastic roof has been comfortably serenading me as I write this post. I've said it many times before, but I adore the soothing sound of rain. I've missed hearing it this winter.

Dead Computer and a look into a Chinese student's mind

Yesterday my computer decided that it was too tired to fight the Chinese pollution anymore and quickly died. Thankfully, with the help of a friend, we've located a service center in Hefei that will fix the computer using the AppleCare we purchased with the MacBook nearly three years ago. The principal of my school is making a trip to Hefei and will drop my machine off; I'm not sure how we'll get it back once it's fixed, but we'll figure out that solution when the time comes.


Now on to the second half of my title. The other day a student asked me to correct a fiction piece that she had written. I think it provides a fascinating look into the mind of a Chinese student, which is why I'm sharing it with you. I won't provide too much commentary, but reading the story shocked me and helped me realize how different my thinking patterns are from those of my students. I'm amazed that they behave as well as they do in class. 


Also, it illustrates the level of English that Jean-Jacques and I are encountering in our classes. Remember, these students have been studying English for ten years, and this essay was written by a girl who speaks fairly well. In many ways, this essay shows the shortcomings of the Chinese education system. Her grammar is often technically correct, but the bigger picture of ideas (the creative element of the work) is difficult for us to follow. I've seen this mistake in many essays I've been asked to correct. If you only focus on memorizing information and studying for multiple choice tests, you fail to strengthen logical and real world thinking skills. Let this be a warning to the American education system.

Trojan Horse

“It only remains a little food and water. Maybe we can strut for another time though I know how hard it will be.” Miles said in a anxious voice. Everbody who is in the dark hole starts to be in a subdued voice. It makes Miles feel fuzzy about the dream which he made just now.


The dark hole consists of ten small area, which is sealed off without the sunshine. How terrible the day is! The human is in such a tight corner from the years to another because of the mucky tumours on the ground.


“But mom, what is the earth’s surface like?” But the sound disappears rapidly. The woman looks at Miles –– their captain –– with a scard expression. She is covering her child’s mouth. Here and there is the bulky breath, no other sound.


The curse appears by the words from others suddenly.


They went though a so-called disater, which made them be forsaked by relatives. Plus, they lost hope until the underground hole was discovered. 


“Where is Trojan horse now?” Miles asked. No one but breath answered.


When the tumours appeared, they were not taken seriously. Some people thought they were only some rubbish which would be cleaned rapidly. With the time by, the human started to become scared. There wasn’t any plants or animals around them. And the soil became black –– like the ink. They were aware of the importance to clean them. But it was too late.


The disaster which was recognized as a severe winter came. The human were frightened by watching those terrible plays, for which they hide themselves under the bed. After a long time, a piece of news went around the world –- the Noah’s Ark was built with some rare metal which was found in a forsaked church. There was a predition from the ancient prophet on the wall –– the old will be destroyed by the new one.


But the ark was the only one. no more the self-lish came out while some people were crying that the civilization of the humans will disappear.


The stations was on the promontory. There won’t be any prisdent or officer, but some refugees. The graceful deed was disregarded. so was the people who had attached importance to the identity. some old men were pushed out of the ark with the words “I love you, but…”, so were some children. The parents remained to look after the children. But some children lost their parents.


The memorizing was always bitter because of forsaking, only some scared emotion remained. The time ended.


After all, the god didn’t ignore his children. He lead the people to the hole which can protect them but no freedom. Some years later, a trojan horse appeared. Nobody knew where it came from.


The trojan horse is just like the ark but can only include one person. The person in it called himself “Archipelago” and helped others transmit the information. And nobody knew his real identity.


“We are just like some fools to wait for a stranger! Can you tell me what his purpose is? He is the people not of the same clan!” a man shouted suddenly. A abnormal expression appeared on everyone’s face.


“And what did you mean?” Miles asked, shaked his body. “Your works didn’t make a sense.” with a peacefur voice. The man sneered and put up his hand. “We should get the rare metal from the horse, but not stay here to do nothing every day.”


For a moment nothing happened. Then came a voice all shouting in a hubbub.


The day was over without Archipelago. Thanks to that he didn’t come on that day.


The abrupt thing divided the crowds. Some of them were for the man, but some were not. After all, there was only one trojan horse in the world. They didn’t know how to deal with it. Phus, it became more and more sharp as if the war would happen.