The last 7 days have been incredibly busy. I've added new classes to my schedule, so I now teach 6 days a week. I'm not thrilled about it, but it's just a few extra hours, and contractually I have to accept them, so when my bosses offer, it's in my best interest to say yes. But I like my new classes, so all is well. The Chinese National Holiday begins on Thursday, so starting then I'll have a week off. Not sure what I'll do with my time- it's too hectic to travel, because it's one of two times a year Chinese people can return to their families. I may take a day trip, but I'll probably just experience National Day in Suzhou. It's the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China and the 15th anniversary of the SIP, where I live, so it should be a lot of fun. The decorations are already amazing, and I'll make sure to take lots of photos.
A Sunflower teacher left, so beginning after the holiday I'll have my own permanent weekend classes, which I like. Rather than subbing, I can get used to my kids. I started some of them this last weekend, and they're great- lots of young kids, which I enjoy.
Classes at Sunflower were cancelled today, as an extension of the holiday. Unfortunately, it wasn't a day off for me. In the morning I had "new teacher training" with a specialist from Shanghai. Unfortunately, because I'm the only foreign teacher who has been here less than a year, I was the only one who had to take it. Well, me and 15 Chinese TAs. Don't get me wrong- I like the TAs a lot. They're super nice, speak English well, and couldn't be more helpful. And the trainer was good- she began the class by speaking in English, which makes sense, because it was a training class for an English school. But I suppose it got a bit tiring to try to explain in English, because she quickly switched over to Chinese, and I sat through the entire 2 hour class that way. At one point she stopped and asked me if I spoke Chinese, and when I said no, she asked the guy next to me to translate. But she spoke too quickly for him to do so. Occasionally I guess I looked confused enough, because she would switch back to English, but it was only temporary. I had to leave early to teach, but I learned a few more games, so not too bad.
So yeah, no holiday for me today. Or the kids, for that matter. At home, when there is a national holiday, you just miss school. Not in China. You make it up on the weekends. So today, the kids at the nursery (3&3, or San Zhi San) had to go for a normal school day. On a Sunday. One of the other teachers left for vacation already, so I took her classes there this afternoon. Not bad, except that I get to go teach the exact same lesson there tomorrow to my own classes, so that's no fun.
Oh, I've heard some more good English names. In one of my classes last weekend I had a boy named Poseidon. As in Greek god of the sea. I also had a boy named Emily this afternoon. I found out why this happens- sometimes its the TA. I did a demo last week with a great TA named Robbie, who I like working with because he's smart and is good at controlling the class. One of the potential students didn't have a name, and rather than deferring to me, made one up himself. Wansen. I think he meant Watson, but the kid was already fond of it before I could correct it. So that's how it happens.
What else? My laziness has hit an apex, so I hired a maid, or an 'ayi', as it's known in Chinese. I found her through my landlord, and have to pay a whopping $1.50/hour for her. She came for the first time today, and my place looks amazing. So good, in fact, that I'll post pictures of it!
And that brings us on to the internet. So rather than grow frustrated with my inability to connect through this blog or Facebook, I caved and actually purchased a program to get around the firewall. So far, it works great, and I am officially the only person I know in China who can access blocked sites. So worth it! Haven't tested uploading pictures yet, but will do shortly.
So that's about it for me. It's only 7pm, but I'm beat. The other night I bought the entire 7 seasons of West Wing, the first season of True Blood, the third season of Skins and 2 movies for about $16, so I have a lot to watch as I settle in for the night. A few random things to leave you on:
- Matching t-shirts are all the rage here. Couples dress alike. Sometimes the exact same thing, but sometimes they are these t-shirts designed for couples- the man's is slightly different than the woman's, but they go together. They also make them for families, with ones for your kid. It's cute/disturbing.
- I am seriously thinking of investing in some fur-lined Crocs. If you want to launch your intervention, now is the time, because it will happen. Sooner than you think.
- I went to the most "Western" food store in Suzhou, and spent more than the average Chinese family spends on food in a month on the follow items: A jar of salsa, a bag of tortilla chips, two portions of boneless chicken, two microwavable containers of rice, a can of peas, two jars of olives, a box of Alphabits cereal, a jar of jelly and two cans of Cherry Coke. All worth it, I promise you.
- I'm getting really good at the electric bike.
- I'm not getting any better at Chinese.
- My two biggest expenditures out here, besides rent, are food and purses. Basically the same as home.
OK, that's about it for me. I teach tomorrow and Wednesday, then I'm on a nice little vacation. Tomorrow I am going to investigate joining a gym, since having the bike has eliminated all the walking I was doing before.
Pictures below.
http://picasaweb.google.com/rgold300/China4?feat=directlinkLove always,
RDG
This blog is dedicated to my oldest friend Sarah, who I have been friends with since nursery school. She was hit by a car while running earlier this week and is still in critical condition. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts. - I wish you a speedy and strong recovery Sarah! http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/Atlanta_Nurse_Uses_iPod_to_ID_Patient_092509
Your Chinese for the day:
Wo qi yue lai Zhong guo de= I came to China in July (from memory- go Chinese lessons!)
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