#22 Retiring Teacher preparing to teach in China (College prefers older teachers with experience)

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Three more weeks, almost packed, and frequent "stomach-butterflies" encourage quiet thought and contemplation of what is about to be. The advantage of a first visit to Taizhou Teachers College in Jiangsu Province of China, in the summer of '05, make anticipations and expectations no longer unsettling, rather they have become important for their outcomes. When I first met my friend Arthur, the Foreign Affairs Director at Taizhou College through links on the Internet, I asked him if he understands, that at 62, I am considered a "Senior Citizen", not always a desirable commodity in the West. He responded in appreciation for my age, and in recognition for life's education and experiences, with success and failure, and insisted, that these are very good and important qualifications, and are respected and admired at his small college (some 8,000 students). Good enough for me! :-)
I encourage the believe, that just like a turtle, who over time develops a convenient shell to absorb the daily challenges of life, a similar armor develops on the back of a teacher, to cushion and navigate a life-time of ever-unique school days in the American Public School System. My panoply of experiences will provide an enthusiastic umbrella for my moments of life in China still to be encountered and enjoyed among a people, wanting to make their proud 5,000 year culture and aspirations understood and respected. Encounters, that might challenge a veteran- Western- teacher at a Chinese College, should only make that shell more durable and cushiony, providing comfort and strength. Challenges make a veteran- teacher more determined, and wanting to make a difference, confident in the "Senior-Days of Life."

In one of the last commentaries, I was able to share some of the encouraging thoughts of a colleague-to-be at the College. Her name is Sue, hails from Australia, and has been a fountain of support, wisdom, and information for my travel and teaching preparations. The photos below, are memories from my last visit to her friendly and fascinating country of Australia, and are tribute to the joy and adventures all visitors will encounter in their explorations of "Down-Under". Australia embraces a traveller, and welcomes the heart and the spirit, leaves one satisfied while wanting more.

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Photos

Ye Jianping's works of art
The photograper Ye captiones his photo, "The tranquil tea museum".
(Guilin area of China)

Ye Jianping's works of art #2
Ye Jianping's direct-quoted English caption on back of photo says:"It seems like Penglai jade and superb pool it's Guilin Yao Mountain fairyland". Not the best of English, but the photo needs no language.

Ye Jianping's works of art #3
Ye Jianping's caption reads: "happy cable car" :) (Guilin, South China)

Ye Jianping's works of art #4
Caption is quoted as: "The Yao Mountain in the rising sun"
My caption: "On the way to heaven"

Ye Jianping's works of art #5
English caption on back reads: "The red leaves in Autumn"

build to last
Termite- "Condominiums" in Queensland Australia

they come larger
Termites are well-sheltered from all elements.

the perfect guide to recommend
Andrew Garde, my guide for several days, introduced my to many of my unforgettable experiences in North Queensland, Australia.
Andrew Garde
1 Coogee Close
Kewarra Beach, Cairns
Qld Australia 4879
email: [e-mail]
www.boyzonthebeach.com.au
This is a very sincere recommendation.

Lunch is served
While I explored the waterfalls, Andrew, my guide, would find the perfect place, and set-up for delicious BBQ-lunch by the water.

Poetry in Water
West of Cairns, in Queensland, water rushes toward the "dead-end" of the out-back of Australia

it takes more than sand-paper
Monster-stones washed smooth by the power of rushing water during the rainy season of Queensland.

bird-sanctuary
Reef-sand-islands provide great moments for observation.

The sandbanks of the Great Barrier Reef
Sandbank-island off the coast of Cairns

Botanical Garden
One of the sights not to be missed while in Cairns is a visit to its lush botanical gardens.

The Gardens of Cairns
Walk for hours in the tranquil silence of Cairns Botanical Garden

there is green, and there is Green
Textures in the tropical gardens of Cairns

there is red, and there is Red
Wander among the colors of Cairns

Sausage Tree
without words
(ohne Worte)

Another of Sydney's landmarks
Visit AMP tower centrepoint and it's rotating restaurant and plan your explorations from above.

from tower restaurant
Looking toward Sydney Harbor Bridge from AMP Tower restaurant. Over an hour, the restaurant revolves 360 degrees, providing a changing vista.

Opera House
What was once a contraversial architectual offering has become Sydney's identity.

leaving the city of Sydney
Looking back to the Circular Quay, the heart of the city.

Sydney invites
All people enjoy the city's quality of life.

setting sun reflects
The warmth of the sun reflects from the skin of the Opera House.

Comments

[Margie]

Hey schneider Thought I'd drop by and read a few entries now that AP exams are through for me. I must say that I love your photography (as I'm sure I must have told you before now) and to hear how excited you are to go teach in china is really reassuring. I know we will miss you desperately next year but I guess it's time for you to move on to somewhere where you are happiest and your teaching will be most appreciated. Unfortunately thats not with us but I'm just glad you found it. I would just like you to know you have made a profound impact on everyone in our class. I have spoken to high school graduates who cannot remember most of their high school teachers names. But I feel I can safely say that you will not be the type of teacher that, at least my class, will forget. See you Monday! Margie PS- I think I did okay on the AP!