China 2006 08 31

Fairly uneventful day.

bob got up earlier than me and had 1/2 of his jog in. I slept in until 5:30. did my Yazoo 800s and was really pleased with my time. Met Joe ( Chinese take English names) and we had a bit of a conversation. Seems like a few more will be jogging. Hope to go outside the compound tomorrow.

Another staff meeting and then some plans for military camp here.

Went to Bryant's office and drilled some holes for him so that he could readjust his shelves. He is the guidance officer here and we seem to get along quite well.

The afternoon we had the 31 students for about 120 minutes. Am starting to get to know some of them but will forget most as I will be teaching the 11s. a couple though are memorable...Henry...quite intelligent..favourite subject ...English...least liked subject....Chinese. some terrific kids too. Just like in Canada. Learned to say I love Canada in pinyin....Also I love beer ..even though I don't ....Wo I Saskatchewan......too.

Went out for dinner with the teachers from the other school. They were staying with us while their school is being finished. Quite a good group of people. I am on the social committee so there will be a reciprocal night out in Beijing with the other group later on in the year.

Our tickets did not arrive for the softball game so we are looking into that. I was speaking to the English person on the other end. I think I could get a job as the English person for the tickets for the softball venue....keep you posted. By the way, we got t-shirts for the game but will have to wash them up and give them back. Oh welll, maybe we will get another chance to use them. All myCanada or Quebec umbrella hats will be used at the competition as well as the flags.

Tried to watch some tv...can't seem to get into it so I will read some more.

Talk to ya later.

whoknows12

whoknows12

China 2006 08 30

Well another day.

5:30 and got my 50 minutes in with my run. Sweat was running off my hands even...man you certainly sweat a lot. Wonder waht the marathon will bring.

Able to contact Air Canada...no cell phone..... so now I have to do some more work to get one. Rogers.com and away we go.

7:30 and we are working at our stations in the main building. The breakfast was at our dorm....for me Sugar Pops and Vitamin C and a banana.....

Another Staff meeting and another 400 trees were killed with all the paper work. There was a minor glitch as a couple of classes were let out early last day and there was a complaint that they were out too early. Our principal took some heat over it....seems like the Chinese want to criticize at the drop of a hat....almost like it is confrontational and not cooperative.

Had a English 11 meeting and not much is happpening until we know the students and where they will fit in the English mastery. Found out I will be teaching 4 English classes.....about 30 students per class....no timetable yet and may not get it until Monday when all the kids are here.

Afternoon and we had our group of grade 10 boys for some Quiz type questions and we get them to turn it in so that they can better be placed. Had a couple of fun activities with them. A couple of them are very good in English.

Went to Tongzhu for some shopping....particularly electronics. Got a set of headphones for less than $10 and then some computer speakers for $10. Got lost with Bob and then got found .

WEnt to a grocery store...another adventure. No names and sometimes no pictures on the food so that you have no idea what you are buying. Even stuff like milk...may not be it. What a lot to choose from....unbelieveable....bought water, milk, yogurt, cereal, bananas, tuna, luncheon meat, butter, margarine....and we went to the check out...another time...actually ok as we had a couple of Policemen in front of us.....two young women who could speak a little English....nice touch and they helped us out a little.....91 rmb or about $13.

Caught a taxi home and another negotiating for the ride. $25 rmb for a 20 minute exciting ride. No accidents but what a ride. We laughed a lot even with the cabbie..as he missed several pedestrians..one armed with a long 2X4......arrived safe and sound. Put the groceries away ...Bob had exited earlier and was at home sleeping.....checked the email and any comments on my blog...Now have finished for the evening....

Keeping you posted in Tuan li


We went to Big Pizza again and had a feast on some western food.

China day5

Up at 5:30 ..am the second one out. 50 minutes of running. Same group out for about 1/2 hour.

No ceremonies today but another staff meeting to discuss what we were doing today. Apparently some kids fall asleep in class and that is considered an absence...I asked if my solution of kissing them full on the lips would be culturally not allowed...yep...so there went my solution. Also appears they are very good at cheating so we talked about that a little. Also no carrying of electronic devices into the room...mp3, telephones etc. Apparrently they were text messages into the exam room for one of their sessions.

Some interesting tests and now the big one...We had to have some kids choose their English names. Many of them had some already. This is to get them ready for universities or high school exhanges.....a couple of interesting ones. One guy( we have all boys...31) took Tommy and his buddy took Hilfiger. Not sure if he will be able to keep it. Apparently they have had some real winners in previous years. Another chose Easter...we convinced him to change. After the break he came baack and said ok...William...... Sky......Rex...Cody.....Mark...Artest.....T. Jackson.......They have until the end of the week and then they are supposed to keep them. Seems like some can change the name several times.

Played hangman and stuck them on a name ....Yao Ming...a famous basketball player. ...Had a draw for 3 Canadian lapel pins. Kids are somewhat the same all over the world.

Did some correcting and THEN...success...I contacted the Canadian embassy and got to talk to someone about Womes softball tickets. Said they would get to me about where to order.

1/2 hour later we had the number and I asked who wanted to go. 8 are now going. Saturday aat 3 pm after Bobs party at a field about 1 hour (we think) away. 8 people to get into the field and the tickets are delivered here . Cost 115 rmb....translated about $14. The tickets were 10 rmb each....$1.50 expensive ones were 30 rmb but they were sold out. But I had to give the phone up to our Chinese helpers because I couldn't make heads or tails out of it.

We are planning what to wear and to yell and whether we will be mugged since we will be playing China. Oh well, an experience.

Air Canada is beginning to piss me off. Any luck..nope.

From some comments, this is already a better group than last year and people are already having more fun......duhhhh, that's part of the experience ain't it.

We ate out again...Fish that was really hot c/w the head in the pot which came boiling by the way. One of the best meals yet.

Bob picked up some detergent and towels and rolls and we are ready for breakfast tomorrow.

I left some work to correct here so this has caught me up with the blog and I hope to keep better track of this and soon I will put on some pictures. Need some batteries for the camera and some adapters and I am off and running.

Go Riders ....as I head to the front room and correct and listen to some music that Jennifer burned for me. I think they will be well used. We will be buying speakers for my computer and use it as our stereo as the one at the school probably should stay there and not be brought back and forth.

Good night from BCCSC

China day 4

Well a real workday.

Decided to run in the morning so got up at 5:30 and go for a run....Nooooo don't fall over and laugh. I actually got up and did it. Ran for50 minutes. There were a couple of others including Bob and Mark. Shower and shave and meeting at 7:30. Moved to 8 . Had a must meeeting at 8:30 with the dignitaries and aarmy personnel as this is military camp and we were to be there to see a little of the ceremonies. The speeches by various people...but we did have the Canadian anthem. Then some demonstrations of marching by the army people.

Got to our first staff meeting. And a long introduction to the expectations by the Principal of the Concord college. Then another by the Vice Principal and then our own principal.

We had to do a bit of an English test to decide where to place students that are here now........only 10s. Quite subjective and a little unfair as they did not get to finish it..many of them because there were other things for them to do militarily...One of my students actually fell asleep while we were writng the test. All are in the army fatigues and it is hot and they don't seem to worry. I was sweating in just a shirt and pants...and hadn't been out since 7 marching.
Their system...no comment. Did the correcting and got ready for the next day.

Still no word from Air Canada about my cell phone..and I can't seem to get through to them. We sure take a lot of things for granted too. Frustrating. But I do have a couple of phone numbers now to try.

Swimming pool isn't being used....we don't know why.

The weekend is planned for Bob's birthday. A hotel with about 10 bars in very close proximity. Wow that works for me. We think six are going...3 rooms booked.

Will take the school bus in for the trip in. After that either a bus or a taxi.

Super coke is a 750 ml bottle.

We had the western supper with the owner of the place. I think he is very wealthy but he doesn't flaunt it. Seems genuinely interested.

Talked to Andy Treung about playing ball or hockey against the diplomats or at least be on their team. Looks promising.

Stayed up late last night trying to catch up on my blogs so that I can get current. Well if I finish tonight and get this sent off I will be able do to it on a daily basis ....hopefully.

Have to do wash and get some clothes as I will run out of stuff that isn't sweated up. Looks like we will be going to see the Terra Cotta ?? warriors one weekend.

Bob's girlfriend will be coming over for a month, I think. In February.

If any of you decide to come and visit you can actually stay here for a cost of 100 rmb which is about $14. So the cost of getting over here and some spending money would be the cost. Realize that I would be working during the week unless there is a holiday. Athink about it.

Bedtime and I actually tried to read again but fell off to sleep.

China day 3

7:30 board the bus for a 3hour trip hrough Beijing to the wall.

Interesting note...there are some people who are employed to just sweep the road...leaves, dust , whatever....others are hauling brick in the rickshaw type vehicles...There are some huge semis...some huge projects...just setting up scaffolding would take us days....these guys maybe not...seems like either tearing down old buildings or building new ones....there are some stunning new housing projects.....but some awful rundown areas...work almost seems to go on dayround.....safety not much of an issue here....

Let me tell you the ride was as interesting and awe inspiring as the wall.

There seem to be no rules of driving. I sat on the elevated seats at the back and watched in awe as we drove sometimes 4 cars across on a two lane highway....passing on the left or right whichever afforded the best success. Honking horns at people on bikes, pedicabs, 3 wheel trucks, pedestrians, people turning right in front of you....or left or stopping. The only thing that seems the same is the traffic lights. What an experience. Lots of open area when we get out of the city but there certainly are lots of people in the villages and cities. It is like you see it on tv but welll..more lifelike even with all the excitement of the ride...some people were going to sleep.....must have been the jet lag!

The great wall was just that. Is definitely a tourist attraction. Lots of people there and it takes a lot of energy to climb it. Some take the cable car to the 8th tower and others will only walk part of it. Dummy....what were you thinking about wearing jeans to walk there....oh well. Mark Chapman and I went right to the 12th tower from the bottom. Some severely steep sections ..pedlars trying to sell you stuff will walk with you all the way to the top. Bob actually had one fanning him for part of the way!!!! Sweated like a human all the way up. Mark had a small part of his t shirt that was not water stained from the trek. We took some awesome photos and I will try to post them as soon as possible. Interesting thing...Bob took his golf club and at halfway point took pictures of us all teeing the ball up and hitting off the wall. He was thelonly one who actually did it and took out a brick in the process. But he was able to drive a ball into Inner Mongolia. .....there was a line up of about 40 people that were wanting a picture....thought seriously of setting up a fracnhise for that and baseball or hockey or badminton or tennis...employ people to find the balls etc. 12th tower was as far as you could go. Apparently 5 or was it 25 people had died going up to the 14th. but I would have liked to try it...there were guards to prevent it. Coming down was good too. Entrepreneurs selling souvenirs about climbing....we all bought one. .... I happened to pick up part of the wall and will bring it back. Went on the Zip line back......sliding down a wire..was a little exciting. Said my will will have to be changed......if my runners make it through the Beijing marathon too, then I think they go up in smoke with me.

Bought two hats to add to my collection....did a little bartering for them...got the sellers to sign them...they were going to charge for that too....not..

The drive back....Bob said there are 12000 deaths in Baeijing area each year in traffic accidents...we saw one of them...not a death but the aftermath of the accident...interesting truck passing strategy....a car passed on the right side...the bus passed on the left and we sort of met on the front after passing...like I said "What rules"....just laughed.

Got back here at 6:30. Went for a 40 minute run...was supposed to be 70 but I figured that the walk was worth something. Went to the a restaurant again for a $3.00 full meal with 3 others. Food is cheap especially if you eat the local stuff. Haven't really tried to do anything out of the ordinary...but will sooner or later.

Bed again late.

Next day...Sunday....Bob and Mark went to scout out a hotel for Bob's birthday next Friday in Beijing. I stayed back....finished unpacking...cleaned up the house...went to the local market to buy some stuff that we needed......tea towels, bathroom tissue, milk, eggs, some fruit.....all is available about two blocks away. Sask flag on the wall and riders hat at the doorway..damn fine sight....first encounter with a cockroach...big bugger...I won.....made a Jello lemon pudding...Bob was impressed...

Had supper with 5 others that night....different foods....same low,, low prices....little girl pulled Kirsten and I to the dance studio at the end of the block so we went there and then the rest of the group also went there. Kind of a neat concept...there were several couples.... women....man and woman....all doing some traditional dance...we tried the old time waltz and the jive....sure showed them.

Mark and Bob had a good day in Beijing.....they even found a Big Turk bar at the Friendship Centre......what nice guys hey.

Was able to get onto the computer of Stephen for a couple of hours and clear up some email and check some sites. Saw that the Riders were kicking ass again. Guess me leaving was just what the dr ordered. gets dark early and have been able to actually see the sun ...it is still hot...

Bed at about 11

China day 2

Forgot to tell you that my computer doesn't work here as I left a part at home and had to wait for us to get our own at the school. They let you take them back to the dorms..but today was the first day for us with them.

No pictures yet but I will get them on here.

Bob Barss ( the halifax guy who golfs) and I are roommates. Goooooood. He seems to have a little knowledge of the place......a little knowledge can be dangerous.

7:30 we left for Beijing to do our physical exam at the international hospital. Blood pressure 120/80...is that good Jay???? Physical exam was ok. ECG...normal and X-ray was ok I guess. All this from 9-11. Another 45 minutes to get to Pauls plaace for a western breakfast for about $8. This guy has the market cornered and I think is a millionaire with a house in Florida. Bob says he is selling out after the Olympics...any takers. He cooks a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings and can hardly satisfy the demand. Lots of Canucks here.

Took a walkabout ....always talking to the veterans...who were here last year or those who have been on these before. Went to a place called the silk market. ...4 floors of bargains....knockoff Rolex watches for less that $20, sets of Callaway golf clubs for less that $150..didn't buy anything that day but will return after October paycheque to buy anything that I think I can impress people with...haha. No sugar pops or Jello so my hunch was right. Also no "girly" drink...so my Smirnoff is being looked on with favour.

Took a bus ride home of about 30 km. 4 rmb for one part and 1 rmb for another. So in total less than 1 dollar. Interesting ride though...lots of looks...but taht's normal.

Bob and I went out to eat at the local restaurant...rice...sizzling beef...sweet and sour chicken..and a beer each. We couldn't finish it all...32 rmb...less than $3.00 each including the beer. This is one interesting place.

Did my late night jog again and got to bed about 12.

2nd mini crisis...my cell phone I think is on the seat of the airplane and have not had time or phone here to contact them...need a calling card and anyway they don't work on the weekend. Sent an email ...if that will help. Phone number is 86-10-8959-6245....I do have an internet connection and phone in my room. Lots of storage space.

Beds are hard...but getting used to them....showers and sit down toilet...whew...3 tv channels in English...HBO and ESPN and one other. Haven't watched much tv.

Setling in...but The Wall awaits tomorrow.

China day 1

Well here at last safe and sound

As I left Sask for the year, I really took in the prairie landscape knowing that it will be a while before I see it again. Actually shed a tear...sissy.

vancouver was a 2 hour layover that was extended. Met a man from Melfort of all places...my birthplace. and he was going to China too. Agriculture related.

Funny feeling leaving Canada.........1 year ...wow.

Money exchange meant I had to go through inspection again but found out later I did not have to.

My seatmate was John who was going to teach university in Beijing.. While walking aound the airplane met a young man....everyone seems younger now....who was going back for a visit. He was from Alberta and was going to return after the visit to stay for good.

First view of Beijing was a haze..one of the worst polluted city in the world...according to John.....he really helped me as I went through customs ..fairly quickly..at the customs area, there were twice as many people being processed as there were in Chaplin.....and they just kept coming in off more planes.

First mini crisis...no one was there to meet me. Soo stand under the KFC sign and look desparate and lost...like that was a challenge...was approached by 3 taxi drivers but was told to wait so I did. Finally had a Chinese student show up and we were off. Nee How was all I could say...he could say hello.

Talk about a rough road ...we took sort of the back road and it was eye opening. Rough, potholes, concrete mounds, dirt roads...there appears to be few rules of the road here....the horn is the most used part and the signal lights probably the least. More on this on day 3.

Met Bryant at the school. Got my keys dropped off my bags, headed into Tongzhou for my first Chinese meal...pizza..go figure. Came back later that night after being up since 6:30 ...about 18 hours and ran my 40 minutes around their track ....humidity is the thing I really noticed. My shorts and undershorts were soaked about 1/2 way down...Went to bed at about 10:30 and got up at 3:30.

Have been reading a book from Meghan and Romain called Beauty Tips from Moose Jaw and will end with a quote...People don't travel to find themselves, but travel to lose themselves.

Interesting??