Back to Basics

I spent the past weekend in Hezhou, a town about two hours east of Yangshuo, teaching students in primary school.  I had a wonderful experience working with these little ones.  They were very well behaved and very excited to meet a foreign person as they have only ever seen other Chinese people. I felt like a rockstar because the students ran alongside the car as we drove up.  When I got out of the car, they would gasp and say, "Cool!" and "Wow!". They followed me everywhere I went but were all too shy to talk to me one-on-one. When I entered the room, the entire class would burst into applause.  The teachers at the school videotaped me and took a million pictures of the children and me.  I have to admit, I liked the rockstar treatment!:)  But more than being "famous", I loved being with the kids.   I taught the students about colors, animals and how to pronounce the letters"th".  Then we would play games together or sing a song - my fave!  It was an absolute blast.  I was given an offer to come back once a month so I hope to see these sweet faces again soon.

Cycling the Yulong

Sunday, February 19th, 2012

Staying at the Giggling Tree Hostel is like a little piece of heaven.  I love having the comforts of home and meeting great new people, like the family in the photo.  Jeff (taking the picture), Maria and Steve are from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  I met them at breakfast and they generously offered to bring me along on their cycling/rafting trip on the Yulong River.  The ride was bumpy but fun.  Maria and I shared stories as we rode through small villages saying “Ni hao” to the people we passed.  We were accosted by a pack of old women selling the flower crowns we are all wearing.  Everyone but Jeff bought one, and the lady chased after him as far as she could run. The bamboo raft ride was very peaceful and provided views that make you say “ahhhh”.    

Climbing Hills

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

There are many hills in Yanghsuo, actually they are called karst peaks, and some are more like mountains than hills.  I climbed two of the many this week.  They have stairs to help those of us who are lacking in the surefooted area, but that did not stop me from falling 3 times on the way down. Despite the burning muscles, the shortness of breath and the bruised knees, the climb was absolutely worth it.  The view from the top is unreal. My adventure in China can be related to climbing these peaks.  There are real challenges everyday, sometimes even painful ones, but the payoff is tenfold. Also, as I climb these hills, I have begun to realize how each of the challenges is making me a better, stronger person. There are many more hills to come... both kinds, and I am ready to keep climbing.       

XiJie School

Monday, February 27th, 2012

I teach English in Yangshuo, China for XiJie Foreign Language School.  My students range in age from 16-25 and range in behavior from compliant to impish.  The students are training for careers in sales, merchandising, and receptionist positions.  I love my school and the challenges/rewards I have each day.  I hope that I can make a difference in the lives of my students, even if it is a small one.  I have 18 classes per week as well as English Corner on Wednesday night. I have Chinese lessons three days a week and am quickly learning the fundamentals of the language.  The director and the other teachers have been very kind to me, and I am happy to be teaching here...even if there are a few little devils.