Wednesday, December 31, 2003
Happy New Year!
What a weird day. Oral exams went well, then I had a quiet afternoon alone, which was just what I needed. And then...
Around supper time, I got word from Evin that he'd been let go. He has 10 days to get his stuff together and get out. I'm saddened and confused by this news. I know nothing about his teaching, but he's a nice kid and I'll miss him. I don't really think he was given a fair shake. Seems very strange and unfair that he's been fired, while David the obnoxious chauvinist is still on staff. (Oh, the stories I could tell about David - but perhaps this is not the time or the place.) Sigh.
Reeling from that news (and the dizzy spells caused by extreme sinus pressure), Julian decided that another "discussion" was in order - 15 minutes before my class started, he brought up stuff I thought had been dealt with long ago (such as "Your students like you as a person, not as a teacher"). Sigh.
I feel as though I should be out having a drink or something - after all, 2004 in China is just 30 minutes away, but I'm still feeling nasty (though the aforementioned dizzy spells make me feel like I've been drinking!). I'm justifying my hermit-like approach by telling myself I've never been a big fan of New Year's Eve anyway, I'm too sick and I don't feel like being social, and, finally, it's not really Chinese New Year. Truth is, it doesn't feel like a holiday - much like Christmas didn't. (More on that soon, I promise!)
However you decide to celebrate, I hope you enjoy yourselves, and I wish you all the best in 2004!
zA
What a weird day. Oral exams went well, then I had a quiet afternoon alone, which was just what I needed. And then...
Around supper time, I got word from Evin that he'd been let go. He has 10 days to get his stuff together and get out. I'm saddened and confused by this news. I know nothing about his teaching, but he's a nice kid and I'll miss him. I don't really think he was given a fair shake. Seems very strange and unfair that he's been fired, while David the obnoxious chauvinist is still on staff. (Oh, the stories I could tell about David - but perhaps this is not the time or the place.) Sigh.
Reeling from that news (and the dizzy spells caused by extreme sinus pressure), Julian decided that another "discussion" was in order - 15 minutes before my class started, he brought up stuff I thought had been dealt with long ago (such as "Your students like you as a person, not as a teacher"). Sigh.
I feel as though I should be out having a drink or something - after all, 2004 in China is just 30 minutes away, but I'm still feeling nasty (though the aforementioned dizzy spells make me feel like I've been drinking!). I'm justifying my hermit-like approach by telling myself I've never been a big fan of New Year's Eve anyway, I'm too sick and I don't feel like being social, and, finally, it's not really Chinese New Year. Truth is, it doesn't feel like a holiday - much like Christmas didn't. (More on that soon, I promise!)
However you decide to celebrate, I hope you enjoy yourselves, and I wish you all the best in 2004!
Today was my last day at Polytechnic for the term, and it was more or less uneventful.
I know I've talked about the buses before, but have I ever told you about boarding the 12:30 bus back to Shantou? Yeesh.
For the past couple of weeks, I have been one of the first people waiting for the bus - and one of the last to board. Why? Because line-ups are for weaklings. The only way to get on the bus is to push and shove and elbow your way on. I'm constantly amazed by the lack of courtesy (and personal space!) I encounter in these few minutes of madness. I'm also amazed that the people shoving their way to the front of the line are adults.
On Monday, my oral exams finished early, which meant I finished lunch early, so I was the first person at the bus stop. As I was still feeling quite sick, and thus a little cranky, I was not in the mood to be pushed around. Against all of my polite Canadian sensibilities, I shoved my way on the bus and got one of the coveted front seats. (The front is the only place where I can sit for the half-hour ride without losing all feeling in my legs.) I was feeling a bit ashamed, but when a woman sat down beside me, was told by the man behind us that I was a foreigner, then turned and practically shouted "Aiyo!" in my face (it's a Chinese exclamation that can mean anything from surprise to disgust) I decided to forget about that! I was so shocked that she would be so brazen, though I suppose I really shouldn't have been, that I said, loudly, to her face, "Don't be afraid. I won't bite you." I don't think she understood me, but maybe someone around us did.
Today was the same deal, only I wasn't so early. I was trying to be polite, but again, decided against it when I was pushed out of the doorway by an eager young man who didn't seem to notice I was there. Fortunately, the Dean was on the bus and had saved me a seat; sadly, I lost all feeling in my legs by the time the ride was over...
zA
I know I've talked about the buses before, but have I ever told you about boarding the 12:30 bus back to Shantou? Yeesh.
For the past couple of weeks, I have been one of the first people waiting for the bus - and one of the last to board. Why? Because line-ups are for weaklings. The only way to get on the bus is to push and shove and elbow your way on. I'm constantly amazed by the lack of courtesy (and personal space!) I encounter in these few minutes of madness. I'm also amazed that the people shoving their way to the front of the line are adults.
On Monday, my oral exams finished early, which meant I finished lunch early, so I was the first person at the bus stop. As I was still feeling quite sick, and thus a little cranky, I was not in the mood to be pushed around. Against all of my polite Canadian sensibilities, I shoved my way on the bus and got one of the coveted front seats. (The front is the only place where I can sit for the half-hour ride without losing all feeling in my legs.) I was feeling a bit ashamed, but when a woman sat down beside me, was told by the man behind us that I was a foreigner, then turned and practically shouted "Aiyo!" in my face (it's a Chinese exclamation that can mean anything from surprise to disgust) I decided to forget about that! I was so shocked that she would be so brazen, though I suppose I really shouldn't have been, that I said, loudly, to her face, "Don't be afraid. I won't bite you." I don't think she understood me, but maybe someone around us did.
Today was the same deal, only I wasn't so early. I was trying to be polite, but again, decided against it when I was pushed out of the doorway by an eager young man who didn't seem to notice I was there. Fortunately, the Dean was on the bus and had saved me a seat; sadly, I lost all feeling in my legs by the time the ride was over...
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
I'm sick - it's nasty. What's nastier is, sweet as the intentions may be, people keep trying to force Chinese medicine down my throat! (It's disgusting - teas, sprays, liquids...If I knew what it was meant to do, I might be more inclined to try it. The other solution is to "wear more clothes and take care of yourself.")
Thankfully, at Polytechnic this week all I'm doing is conducting the second half of oral exams, so I don't have to do much, or even talk much. Business English Class 1 gave me a lovely Christmas card and a gift - a very cool drawing, anime style, of a basketball player, drawn by none other than Lucky.
I think I've figured out Lucky's main issue, based on his oral exam - he's homesick. He comes from a close family, but now he's 10 hours away from them. His whole "speech" was about his weekend, and how he spent it with the family of a friend, and how wonderful it made him feel to be in "the warmth of family." Poor kid. They have some holiday time now, so he'll get to go home for a few weeks. (I haven't heard of any more "episodes," though one other boy did tell me in his oral exam that he felt unloved at one point, but is feeling better now.)
*****
Still no luck with the email. Grrr...
*****
Photos on Ofoto are finally rearranged and captioned; I'm still working on the Yahoo albums. I'm adding a few more Halloween photos to both.
*****
Christmas post is coming soon - maybe before the New Year, even!
zA
Thankfully, at Polytechnic this week all I'm doing is conducting the second half of oral exams, so I don't have to do much, or even talk much. Business English Class 1 gave me a lovely Christmas card and a gift - a very cool drawing, anime style, of a basketball player, drawn by none other than Lucky.
I think I've figured out Lucky's main issue, based on his oral exam - he's homesick. He comes from a close family, but now he's 10 hours away from them. His whole "speech" was about his weekend, and how he spent it with the family of a friend, and how wonderful it made him feel to be in "the warmth of family." Poor kid. They have some holiday time now, so he'll get to go home for a few weeks. (I haven't heard of any more "episodes," though one other boy did tell me in his oral exam that he felt unloved at one point, but is feeling better now.)
*****
Still no luck with the email. Grrr...
*****
Photos on Ofoto are finally rearranged and captioned; I'm still working on the Yahoo albums. I'm adding a few more Halloween photos to both.
*****
Christmas post is coming soon - maybe before the New Year, even!
Sunday, December 28, 2003
I'm uploading new photos tonight. In addition to having email issues, I also seem to be having difficulty with my digital camera software. Sigh. It's slow, but I have found a solution. Now, if only canada.com would respond to my emails and get that fixed...
For those who are wondering: I am nowhere near the site of the natural gas explosion, though my heart goes out to the victims, their families, and the residents of Chongqing. Also, while I am in the province with the new (suspected) case of SARS, I am not a resident of the city in question.
I'm working on my Christmas post - it was a weird, roller-coaster holiday, so I need to take my time to make sure I get it all in there.
I hope everyone had a delightful holiday, and have a great 2004!
zA
For those who are wondering: I am nowhere near the site of the natural gas explosion, though my heart goes out to the victims, their families, and the residents of Chongqing. Also, while I am in the province with the new (suspected) case of SARS, I am not a resident of the city in question.
I'm working on my Christmas post - it was a weird, roller-coaster holiday, so I need to take my time to make sure I get it all in there.
I hope everyone had a delightful holiday, and have a great 2004!
Wednesday, December 24, 2003
Merry Christmas Eve!
I want to wish you all the best this holiday season - have a happy, safe, relaxing holiday, and a fantastic 2004!
Alas, I have to prepare more collages for my Chaozhou oral exams... I'll write more after Christmas!
zA
I want to wish you all the best this holiday season - have a happy, safe, relaxing holiday, and a fantastic 2004!
Alas, I have to prepare more collages for my Chaozhou oral exams... I'll write more after Christmas!
Monday, December 22, 2003
Today marked the first day of oral examinations - Merry Christmas, students!
Things went rather smoothly, though some of them were so nervous I thought they were going to burst into tears or throw up. Some of the shier ones couldn't even look me in the eye. A lot of them had prepared a topic before hand (only one student was brave enough to choose a topic from the envelope - she said it was because she was "a lazy girl!"), and if I had to ask a question or ask for clarification, they were lost.
This was similar to the speech contest (or "English Speaking Competition") Denice, Evin, and I judged at the Shantou Foreign Languages Academy last week. Ten students, all young women, gave a speech, and us foreigners were required to listen, then ask a question about the content of the speech. This was meant to test their knowledge of the subject, their listening skills, and their fluency. Most of the students didn't understand the questions we were asking. For example, the first speaker recited a short essay by Helen Keller; when Evin asked her if she would rather be blind or deaf, she told us about Helen Keller's childhood. Other students who did understand the question often re-recited sentences from their speech. Also, although there were 10 contestants, there were only six speeches - two of the speeches were recited by more than one student.
I'm often told that in Chinese education, memorization is key, not independent thinking. These experiences have proven that to a large degree. Most of the students who spoke to me about education this morning told me about this educational style, told me that they thought it should change, then went on to recite their prepared answers. It worked for them, though.
*****
Quick note: On the bus back from Chaozhou on Saturday, we were nearly in an accident because a woman in a business suit was herding a flock of geese across the road, and wound up in front of the (speeding) bus. Once my heart slowed down, I laughed until my sides ached.
*****
In irritated news, still no response from canada.com; if this doesn't get fixed soon, I'll switch to another free email service. I'll let you know.
zA
Things went rather smoothly, though some of them were so nervous I thought they were going to burst into tears or throw up. Some of the shier ones couldn't even look me in the eye. A lot of them had prepared a topic before hand (only one student was brave enough to choose a topic from the envelope - she said it was because she was "a lazy girl!"), and if I had to ask a question or ask for clarification, they were lost.
This was similar to the speech contest (or "English Speaking Competition") Denice, Evin, and I judged at the Shantou Foreign Languages Academy last week. Ten students, all young women, gave a speech, and us foreigners were required to listen, then ask a question about the content of the speech. This was meant to test their knowledge of the subject, their listening skills, and their fluency. Most of the students didn't understand the questions we were asking. For example, the first speaker recited a short essay by Helen Keller; when Evin asked her if she would rather be blind or deaf, she told us about Helen Keller's childhood. Other students who did understand the question often re-recited sentences from their speech. Also, although there were 10 contestants, there were only six speeches - two of the speeches were recited by more than one student.
I'm often told that in Chinese education, memorization is key, not independent thinking. These experiences have proven that to a large degree. Most of the students who spoke to me about education this morning told me about this educational style, told me that they thought it should change, then went on to recite their prepared answers. It worked for them, though.
*****
Quick note: On the bus back from Chaozhou on Saturday, we were nearly in an accident because a woman in a business suit was herding a flock of geese across the road, and wound up in front of the (speeding) bus. Once my heart slowed down, I laughed until my sides ached.
*****
In irritated news, still no response from canada.com; if this doesn't get fixed soon, I'll switch to another free email service. I'll let you know.
Saturday, December 20, 2003
Brief note today:
That's it for today. I have to eat and then sit in on a two-hour class tonight - whee!
zA
- Uneventful time in Chaozhou - good news is, weekend classes are over! (Unless we have to make up the class that was cancelled last week, but even so that won't be for another few weeks!)
- Had a couple of (minor) tearful breakdowns this week - once with Julian, once with Denice. They were caused mostly by frustration - frustrated that I just when I think I have things figured out, I do something wrong (usually minor, but made into a huge deal - like being told that doing cross-stitch while waiting for a class to begin is a sign of anger and hostility that will cause me and my bosses to "lose face"), frustrated that no one will give me a straight answer about what I'm doing right or wrong, frustrated with myself for not knowing how to deal with all of this...
- Still no closer to a decision regarding my departure date, but I appreciate having this blog to vent!
- Happy Holidays! While Christmas is not a big deal here, there are still signs of its commercialism all over the city. I got a whack of Christmas cards from students this week - they're actually very cool.
That's it for today. I have to eat and then sit in on a two-hour class tonight - whee!
Saturday, December 13, 2003
Still having trouble with the "jeninchina" email account. I've sent off another email - I'm hoping they'll fix it this week.
*******
I'm enjoying an unexpected, much-appreciated Saturday off! Our weekend classes in Chaozhou were cancelled this week. We'll still have to make up for the lost class (likely sometime next month), but for now I'm just living in the moment! (This means I'm not touching a single school-related book and spending my day watching movies. Whee!)
At this moment, I'm feeling mildly blue, but less of a basket case than I was on Monday night. As I've ranted about before, things with the school are a little weird at the moment, and I'm finding myself less and less happy here. I can't be sure if it's the time of year (even though it doesn't really feel like Christmas here, deep down I know that it is, and that makes me miss home), if I'm making mountains out of mole hills, or if I really need to rethink this whole experience.
The lectures continue - while I know they're meant to be helpful, they aren't. There is no guidance - I'm told what's not working, but given no advice on how to make it work. (Mind you, what advice I do get is often contradictory. For example: "Don't talk to much! Let the students talk," versus "Be more talkative!")
I was told on Wednesday that while students like me as a person, they don't necessarily like me as a teacher. (Ouch.) Be that as it may, I'd love to fix it - then we'd all be happy! I was also told that my unexpected compliment from Johnny was actually in response to doubts he'd had about me teaching at Polytechnic - he was afraid I was going to do a bad job, and thereby mess up the contract. He was surprised to hear that things were going well there. (Again - ouch.)
All this personal stuff aside, I'm witnessing things at the school that I find unethical and sneaky. Teachers being hired and fired and re-hired; classes being started and cancelled and assigned and re-assigned without discussing it with or explaining it to the teachers involved; double-standards regarding how different teachers are being treated are blatant and causing ill-will... It's not something I really want to get into, because it would just bore you and it only makes me angry, sad, and confused. The bottom line is that this is not what I signed up for.
The last straw, as it were, was a conversation I had with Denice on Monday night (or early Tuesday morning) involving my plane ticket.
A little background: When I was hired, I was told my contract would start on July 1, but was asked to come early. It made sense - that would give me some time to get over the jet lag, settle in, find my way around, etc. However, my plane ticket has to be used within the year - which means I have to leave by June 21, 2004. Since I honoured their request by coming early, and essentially worked for free for a week, I didn't even think that this would be an issue. Apparently I was wrong.
Denice told me that leaving early could seriously screw up the contracts the school has lined up for 2004, since they're not allowed to change teachers part way through a contract. (The more I think about that, the more bogus it seems - I was supposed to take over a class for Denice at Polytechnic before I was asked to teach the Business English class, and Evin and David have been swapping classes back and forth since Evin got here.) Anyway, because of this, and because, no matter how much Johnny might like me as a person, "business is business," I might be forced to pay the 8,000 RMB breach of contract fine for leaving China on June 21.
Legally, I don't think I have a leg to stand on; morally, this is a baby outrage. So, since Monday, I've been thinking that if they're going to make me pay the fine, I might as well cut my losses and go now. I'd love to find a way to fix this, or, if I can't, at least find a way to avoid paying the 8,000 (roughly $1,600 Canadian). I'm feeling quite lost - on one hand, I'm not happy and don't know if being in China is worth this grief; on the other, I don't want to be a quitter or feel like I'm running away. Maybe with time I'll feel better about things, or at least find a way to live with them. Princess Paradox reigns supreme! Sigh.
Enough of this. I don't know what else to say. This is turning into another pity party, so I'll sign off for now. Of course, words of wisdom are welcome - I'm all ears!
zA
*******
I'm enjoying an unexpected, much-appreciated Saturday off! Our weekend classes in Chaozhou were cancelled this week. We'll still have to make up for the lost class (likely sometime next month), but for now I'm just living in the moment! (This means I'm not touching a single school-related book and spending my day watching movies. Whee!)
At this moment, I'm feeling mildly blue, but less of a basket case than I was on Monday night. As I've ranted about before, things with the school are a little weird at the moment, and I'm finding myself less and less happy here. I can't be sure if it's the time of year (even though it doesn't really feel like Christmas here, deep down I know that it is, and that makes me miss home), if I'm making mountains out of mole hills, or if I really need to rethink this whole experience.
The lectures continue - while I know they're meant to be helpful, they aren't. There is no guidance - I'm told what's not working, but given no advice on how to make it work. (Mind you, what advice I do get is often contradictory. For example: "Don't talk to much! Let the students talk," versus "Be more talkative!")
I was told on Wednesday that while students like me as a person, they don't necessarily like me as a teacher. (Ouch.) Be that as it may, I'd love to fix it - then we'd all be happy! I was also told that my unexpected compliment from Johnny was actually in response to doubts he'd had about me teaching at Polytechnic - he was afraid I was going to do a bad job, and thereby mess up the contract. He was surprised to hear that things were going well there. (Again - ouch.)
All this personal stuff aside, I'm witnessing things at the school that I find unethical and sneaky. Teachers being hired and fired and re-hired; classes being started and cancelled and assigned and re-assigned without discussing it with or explaining it to the teachers involved; double-standards regarding how different teachers are being treated are blatant and causing ill-will... It's not something I really want to get into, because it would just bore you and it only makes me angry, sad, and confused. The bottom line is that this is not what I signed up for.
The last straw, as it were, was a conversation I had with Denice on Monday night (or early Tuesday morning) involving my plane ticket.
A little background: When I was hired, I was told my contract would start on July 1, but was asked to come early. It made sense - that would give me some time to get over the jet lag, settle in, find my way around, etc. However, my plane ticket has to be used within the year - which means I have to leave by June 21, 2004. Since I honoured their request by coming early, and essentially worked for free for a week, I didn't even think that this would be an issue. Apparently I was wrong.
Denice told me that leaving early could seriously screw up the contracts the school has lined up for 2004, since they're not allowed to change teachers part way through a contract. (The more I think about that, the more bogus it seems - I was supposed to take over a class for Denice at Polytechnic before I was asked to teach the Business English class, and Evin and David have been swapping classes back and forth since Evin got here.) Anyway, because of this, and because, no matter how much Johnny might like me as a person, "business is business," I might be forced to pay the 8,000 RMB breach of contract fine for leaving China on June 21.
Legally, I don't think I have a leg to stand on; morally, this is a baby outrage. So, since Monday, I've been thinking that if they're going to make me pay the fine, I might as well cut my losses and go now. I'd love to find a way to fix this, or, if I can't, at least find a way to avoid paying the 8,000 (roughly $1,600 Canadian). I'm feeling quite lost - on one hand, I'm not happy and don't know if being in China is worth this grief; on the other, I don't want to be a quitter or feel like I'm running away. Maybe with time I'll feel better about things, or at least find a way to live with them. Princess Paradox reigns supreme! Sigh.
Enough of this. I don't know what else to say. This is turning into another pity party, so I'll sign off for now. Of course, words of wisdom are welcome - I'm all ears!
Thursday, December 11, 2003
I'm having trouble with my "jeninchina" email account. I can receive email without incident (at least, I'm pretty sure I can!), but I can't reply or write messages. I'm looking into it - with any luck, it should be fixed by the time I get back from Chaozhou.
zA
Monday, December 08, 2003
Monday Polytechnic Briefs:
zA
- Monday mornings are nasty.
- My Conversation class is my least favourite part of the week. Generally speaking, they're a rude bunch, and many of them are quite arrogant - those who aren't arrogant are disinterested. (Of course, this is not true of all of them! There are a few students in there that actually seem to want to be there.)
Last week, I asked them all for suggestions on the format of the class; only a few of them ever speak (many speak, but in Chinese, while the rest do homework for their other classes), and I wanted to give them an opportunity to take advantage of the fact that they have a foreigner in their class with whom to practice their "oral English." They all said things like "We need to practice. We want to open our mouth." Today, I told them that I would do my best to incorporate their ideas into the class, but that they had to promise to participate in the class. "Do we have a deal? Will you open your mouths?" I asked. They responded with silence. Sigh. The tone for the rest of the class had been set. - Business class today was great, as usual. I really enjoy being with those students. It's a whole other world with them - they listen, they participate, they're eager to speak, and we're developing a pretty good relationship.
- Things with Lucky seem to be much better - no speeches today, and he was chatty and active and in good spirits. It was good to see.
- The bus ride back to Shantou was crowded and harrowing, as usual, but I was expecting that. However, a thought I've been pondering for a few weeks has been confirmed: there is no such thing as an "indoor voice" in China.
Saturday, December 06, 2003
Uneventful three days in Chaozhou. The kids were all hepped up on goofballs, but we managed.
Minor vindication to report: Last night Johnny told me that "the Business students at Polytechnic are very happy, and your new 1A class loves you. Good job." (He didn't say, however, that they wanted their photos taken with me... I know! I know! Let it go already, Jen!) It was nice to hear - and Denice didn't even put him up to it, so there must be some truth to what he said. It's nice to have those good feelings I was having about those classes validated, I have to admit.
That's really about all I have to say right now! I have more photos to upload, but I'm having some trouble exporting them from my camera... I'll let you know when they're up. 'Til next time!
zA
Minor vindication to report: Last night Johnny told me that "the Business students at Polytechnic are very happy, and your new 1A class loves you. Good job." (He didn't say, however, that they wanted their photos taken with me... I know! I know! Let it go already, Jen!) It was nice to hear - and Denice didn't even put him up to it, so there must be some truth to what he said. It's nice to have those good feelings I was having about those classes validated, I have to admit.
That's really about all I have to say right now! I have more photos to upload, but I'm having some trouble exporting them from my camera... I'll let you know when they're up. 'Til next time!
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Today I want to write about the buses in China.
I have to take six bus trips a week: four to and from Polytechnic, two to and from Chaozhou. The buses aren't as nasty as I had feared they would be, but I certainly don't feel terribly comfortable or safe on these weekly journeys.
First of all, the traffic is nuts. (I may have mentioned this before.) Lanes and traffic lights are merely suggestions - if you have to go somewhere, be that by car, motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot, you just go. People will move for you.
Need to turn left, but the light is red? No problem! Do it anyway! Everyone else will just wiggle their way around you (especially if they're on bikes or motorcycles), or stop to let you pass.
Need to drive on the sidewalk, but there are pedestrians in your way? Just honk! They'll move!
Person in front of you going too slow, and leaning on your horn for five minutes doesn't get them to speed up? Pass them! It doesn't matter if there's oncoming traffic in the other lane - just flash your lights and, of course, continue honking your horn until you've passed the offending vehicle; the other cars will slow down.
Need to cross the street, but traffic is heavy with vehicles of all kinds and all kinds of people? Just cross - step out in front of that car or that bus! It'll stop - you might get honked at, but that's a small price to pay for getting where you want to go 3 minutes sooner.
You think I'm exaggerating. I'm not. I've said more than once that if my brother-in-law the OPP officer were here, he'd have a stroke.
Anyway, I'm ranting a bit, because today on the ride to and from Polytechnic I was in fear for my life. (At one point this morning I felt like I was in a movie car-chase scene: the driver was speeding and passing and weaving in and out of traffic, and I swear we took a couple of turns on two wheels.) Although it's not unusual for me to fear for my life at least once per trip, I felt it was time to share the list of tips for bus travel that Denice and I came up with on one of our weekly trips to Chaozhou:
1. Wear a very supportive bra - even if you're a man! The ride gets really bumpy. 'Nuff said.
2. Bring a sleep-mask or other blindfold-type device; if you can't do that, then bring some extra underwear. You will likely soil yourself repeatedly on even a short journey, as you fear for your life and the lives of others - it's best not to see all those near-misses.
3. Bring ear plugs. Even if you like listening to Chinese pop music or talk radio at exceptional volume (if you're lucky, other passengers will sing along, at exceptional volume!), the incessant, high-pitched honking will sully the radio-listening experience.
4. Bring nose plugs. The wide array of odors you will smell ranges from body odor to burning garbage.
4. Eat at least two hours before getting on the bus. It doesn't matter where you sit - front, back, middle - you will be bounced about the bus like a basketball, and if you're digesting, you won't be doing it for long.
5. Get a good night's sleep the night before your trip, if possible. The combination of bumps, terror, noise, smells, and nausea will prevent you from getting any rest while you are on the bus.
I rant and rave, but I really only spend about 4.5 hours a week on a bus. But, again, I'm not exaggerating. Honest. If nothing else, the trips make for good stories! I've got some dandies I'm working on - I'll post them soon!
zA
I have to take six bus trips a week: four to and from Polytechnic, two to and from Chaozhou. The buses aren't as nasty as I had feared they would be, but I certainly don't feel terribly comfortable or safe on these weekly journeys.
First of all, the traffic is nuts. (I may have mentioned this before.) Lanes and traffic lights are merely suggestions - if you have to go somewhere, be that by car, motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot, you just go. People will move for you.
Need to turn left, but the light is red? No problem! Do it anyway! Everyone else will just wiggle their way around you (especially if they're on bikes or motorcycles), or stop to let you pass.
Need to drive on the sidewalk, but there are pedestrians in your way? Just honk! They'll move!
Person in front of you going too slow, and leaning on your horn for five minutes doesn't get them to speed up? Pass them! It doesn't matter if there's oncoming traffic in the other lane - just flash your lights and, of course, continue honking your horn until you've passed the offending vehicle; the other cars will slow down.
Need to cross the street, but traffic is heavy with vehicles of all kinds and all kinds of people? Just cross - step out in front of that car or that bus! It'll stop - you might get honked at, but that's a small price to pay for getting where you want to go 3 minutes sooner.
You think I'm exaggerating. I'm not. I've said more than once that if my brother-in-law the OPP officer were here, he'd have a stroke.
Anyway, I'm ranting a bit, because today on the ride to and from Polytechnic I was in fear for my life. (At one point this morning I felt like I was in a movie car-chase scene: the driver was speeding and passing and weaving in and out of traffic, and I swear we took a couple of turns on two wheels.) Although it's not unusual for me to fear for my life at least once per trip, I felt it was time to share the list of tips for bus travel that Denice and I came up with on one of our weekly trips to Chaozhou:
1. Wear a very supportive bra - even if you're a man! The ride gets really bumpy. 'Nuff said.
2. Bring a sleep-mask or other blindfold-type device; if you can't do that, then bring some extra underwear. You will likely soil yourself repeatedly on even a short journey, as you fear for your life and the lives of others - it's best not to see all those near-misses.
3. Bring ear plugs. Even if you like listening to Chinese pop music or talk radio at exceptional volume (if you're lucky, other passengers will sing along, at exceptional volume!), the incessant, high-pitched honking will sully the radio-listening experience.
4. Bring nose plugs. The wide array of odors you will smell ranges from body odor to burning garbage.
4. Eat at least two hours before getting on the bus. It doesn't matter where you sit - front, back, middle - you will be bounced about the bus like a basketball, and if you're digesting, you won't be doing it for long.
5. Get a good night's sleep the night before your trip, if possible. The combination of bumps, terror, noise, smells, and nausea will prevent you from getting any rest while you are on the bus.
I rant and rave, but I really only spend about 4.5 hours a week on a bus. But, again, I'm not exaggerating. Honest. If nothing else, the trips make for good stories! I've got some dandies I'm working on - I'll post them soon!
Monday, December 01, 2003
Monday mornings are the same in China as they are in Canada - they're nasty.
Today I wore a coat for the first time since I got off the plane just over five months ago - Evin and I were actually quite cold while waiting for our 7:30 ride this morning. Today was also the first day I agreed with my students when they all exclaimed: "Oh, Jennifer! It's so cold today!"
The Conversation Class was a bit of a bust, at least at first - they all have great ideas about what they want to talk about, but no one will talk. Kinda makes it difficult to have a "Conversation" Class. Things picked up after the break, though - I blamed a lot of the silence on Monday morning!
My Business class went really well - they're a great group of kids. After the break, we were talking about making requests (formally and informally). Students were giving me all sorts of ways you could ask someone for something, and Lucky raised his hand. (Lucky is a great guy - last week he was one of the most enthusiastic participants in the class. Today he was very subdued, and barely even raised his head, let alone his hand.) I thought he was offering a request, but he had one of his own: "Can I please stand up and say something to my friends?" He was near tears, so I told him he could speak Chinese if he wanted to; he refused, and proceeded to struggle through a speech about how sorry he was for leaving the dorm last night. (I'm going to quote him as best I can.)
"Last night, I leave you. I feel that no one want me, like me, or even love me." This was followed by a long, awkward silence while he stared at his desk and struggled for words.
Eventually a girl asked him why he felt that. He couldn't respond. Mark stood up, angry, and asked how he could think such a thing, especially since they'd all been out looking for him. (He said this a few times, but was told to calm down by his classmates.)
"I am very sorry. I don't know how I can even face you."
He was silent again, when Even (pronounced Evan, a girl) told him that it was over, it was okay, and that he shouldn't feel badly. "Everyone here cares for you. There's no need to talk about this anymore."
"I am sorry. I know now that you are all my friends. Forever, forever, forever..."
He sat down. The boy beside Lucky started to applaud, and was quickly joined by the rest of the class. And that was that.
Throughout this whole exchange, I stood silently at the front of the class. I didn't know what to do - I could sense that this was something that was very important to the entire class, not just Lucky. I didn't think I should say or do anything... When it was over, after an uncomfortable few seconds, I brought the class back around to the subject of the lesson. The bell rang, Wu took a photo of me with everyone, and we went off for lunch. Lucky was with us, still quiet, but looking happier than before.
It was surreal. I don't know the details, but that's none of my business. I guess that Lucky felt the need to apologize publicly and admit that he had "lost face." He was forgiven, and things were back to normal in a matter of minutes. I'm not sure if this scene was brought on by a cultural or personal issue - I'm going to have to talk to someone about that, see if I can figure it out, and know what to do if something like this happens again.
Time for the nap I've been planning since I got up this morning. I have night class at 8:20, then another round of bowling! Woo!
zA
Today I wore a coat for the first time since I got off the plane just over five months ago - Evin and I were actually quite cold while waiting for our 7:30 ride this morning. Today was also the first day I agreed with my students when they all exclaimed: "Oh, Jennifer! It's so cold today!"
The Conversation Class was a bit of a bust, at least at first - they all have great ideas about what they want to talk about, but no one will talk. Kinda makes it difficult to have a "Conversation" Class. Things picked up after the break, though - I blamed a lot of the silence on Monday morning!
My Business class went really well - they're a great group of kids. After the break, we were talking about making requests (formally and informally). Students were giving me all sorts of ways you could ask someone for something, and Lucky raised his hand. (Lucky is a great guy - last week he was one of the most enthusiastic participants in the class. Today he was very subdued, and barely even raised his head, let alone his hand.) I thought he was offering a request, but he had one of his own: "Can I please stand up and say something to my friends?" He was near tears, so I told him he could speak Chinese if he wanted to; he refused, and proceeded to struggle through a speech about how sorry he was for leaving the dorm last night. (I'm going to quote him as best I can.)
"Last night, I leave you. I feel that no one want me, like me, or even love me." This was followed by a long, awkward silence while he stared at his desk and struggled for words.
Eventually a girl asked him why he felt that. He couldn't respond. Mark stood up, angry, and asked how he could think such a thing, especially since they'd all been out looking for him. (He said this a few times, but was told to calm down by his classmates.)
"I am very sorry. I don't know how I can even face you."
He was silent again, when Even (pronounced Evan, a girl) told him that it was over, it was okay, and that he shouldn't feel badly. "Everyone here cares for you. There's no need to talk about this anymore."
"I am sorry. I know now that you are all my friends. Forever, forever, forever..."
He sat down. The boy beside Lucky started to applaud, and was quickly joined by the rest of the class. And that was that.
Throughout this whole exchange, I stood silently at the front of the class. I didn't know what to do - I could sense that this was something that was very important to the entire class, not just Lucky. I didn't think I should say or do anything... When it was over, after an uncomfortable few seconds, I brought the class back around to the subject of the lesson. The bell rang, Wu took a photo of me with everyone, and we went off for lunch. Lucky was with us, still quiet, but looking happier than before.
It was surreal. I don't know the details, but that's none of my business. I guess that Lucky felt the need to apologize publicly and admit that he had "lost face." He was forgiven, and things were back to normal in a matter of minutes. I'm not sure if this scene was brought on by a cultural or personal issue - I'm going to have to talk to someone about that, see if I can figure it out, and know what to do if something like this happens again.
Time for the nap I've been planning since I got up this morning. I have night class at 8:20, then another round of bowling! Woo!
