Rain, Rain, Rain

October 9, 2007

Monday was not only an interesting day, but an exhausting day. We realized we were “on” non-stop from 8AM to 3:30PM. During the hour ride to the school, the English teacher escort wanted to talk and make conversation. Then we were with kids for 3 hours followed by a lunch for an hour. During that time we interacted with more teachers. Then the 1.5 hour “English corner” and the hour ride home included more interaction. Fortunately our schedule has been changed to that only 2 times a week and the other three days we return to the hotel by 1PM.

We all have different styles of teaching so the students are getting a variety. Rich uses his alphabet to get them to speak word they know. I have taken them of “Bear Hunts” to get them to speak through repetition. In any case, they are intrigued with our family. We have brought photos of our family and our house. I am especially a subject of curiosity since I look like them but act and speak like an American. We brought photos of us from Steph’s wedding so we all look like a beautiful movie family. Amy and Steph get the ooo’s from the boys and Charles and James get the giggles from the girls. They are all amazed when I show the photo of my mom and dad and tell that dad is 90 years old and mom is 86. The Chinese elderly, although old, look ancient and are not so well dressed.

Global Volunteers is very good in organizing this group of 30 odd people. The meals are arranged totally. We do not have to think and go through a 40 page menu. There is a variety of foods for all palates and it is served on time (even if we are not there yet.) Because GV has arranged it all, we can be confident that it is safe to eat. GV is also arranging tours for the weekends, and dinners at various restaurants. We are looking forward to that. The coordinator Hui Di is exceptionally capable and friendly.

Our short excursion for today was a trip to Vanguard which is a department store. On the third floor there is a grocery market that has all the baked goods, spices, meats, and vegetables. Most of the group have never seen some of the things so our guide took us. I was able to help explain some of them as the guide, though she knew what it was, did not have the English vocabulary to explain. It was like being in Hawaii Chinatown.

It’s raining and has been for the last 4 days. We had hope there would be some rain to wash out the smog, but this is overkill. Most of us came prepared for weather in the 70-80’s. So far the temperature has not reached 60. We are all wearing our coats all the time.

The hotel has been very accommodating. The IT guy has been here twice to help me get my computer hooked up property; the room is cleaned everyday; we get plenty of drinking water and more than enough good food. The hot water comes from mineral springs so the hotel does not have to heat it so much but it is not drinkable. There is a large sign in the bathroom warning you not to drink the hot water. We have an automatic water pot in the room to boil water for tea. We also have bottled water with no extra charge.