erikam

Because I know you all miss my face...I finally charged my camera and took some pictures during a few outings with new friends! Also, just because it's so exciting...Today we got a new router so that all three of our computers could be connected to the internet at the same time. We had a really hard time figuring it out, even with the help of a teacher from one of the public schools. However, it was with his ability to read and translate Chinese-and my ever so refined computer skills-that it only took us four hours to figure it out! There is a God in China, even if there is no In 'n Out...... read more

I have lost track of the weeks but I have gotten better about the days. October has come and gone like a leaf in the wind. I have taken this time to really soak up China and now I finally feel at home. More or less. Traffic I find that I always choose a taxi with the most aggressive driver. Where that would have originally scared the bajeezus out of me, now I think, yeah, he knows how to drive! There have been a few close calls where I thought we would hit a motorcyclist or a person crossing the street. People here, though they have guts, are sometimes very oblivious when crossing. Horns go off right and left. That has always annoyed me, even back home, and it's more obnoxious here. Especially when I'm crossing ... read more

For the National Holiday, we get a whole week off. On day one, Helen and I had planned an excursion into Benxi to just explore it. We made it to lunch, a pedicure and a nap. The pedicure, however, was rather interesting. It was more like we walked into a foot clinic. They let your feet soak and then aid your toes; to check for ingrown nails and such. They cut your toe nails with a knife and then scrape the dead skin on the bottom of your foot with the same knife. It was an interesting experience to say the least. I wonder if that's how it works around here? We were going to get our toe nails painted after our nap, but I didn't make it out of bed til this morning...and the day ... read more

Finally! Some time for real adventure! Tonight Helen and I are taking the train to Beijing. Great Wall tomorrow and Tain'anmen Square the next. I can't frickin' wait! Of course, when I get back, I will post pictures. I heard the Chinese Art Gallery there is not the best, but I'm curious to see what it's like so I hope we can make a stop by there at some point. I need an art fill like you wouldn't believe. BUT! Best day of my time here so far...I found an art store! So I got some canvases and paint and brushes and a brand new palette. The best part, I'm sure you can guess, is that it is soooo cheap! I have been sketching in between classes to satisfy my itch so I'm ready. Two more ... read more

Despite the many advantages of being in China; the opportunity, the cheapness of everything and basically the overall experience of it, I have progressively gotten more and more homesick. Almost literally. I have managed to get a sore throat, body aches and a headache. I blame the mosquitoes who keep me up on a nightly basis. I also had my window open since it had been so hot, but like Reno, the temperature drops without notice. Or maybe with notice, but I don't keep up. I got medicine today, which turned out to be tea...and who knows how long it will take to kick in. I have to teach in half an hour. I love reading about home and having communication with everyone. But it definitely makes things a little harder. I think that even without ... read more

Week 2? Week 3? I can't seem to keep track. The days blur together and apart. We do not have a calendar even though every day we say, we need to get a calendar! I like this laissez faire schedule, where I don't need to worry about what day it is, or what month for that matter. I just worry about time. I am still on two different time zones, trying to keep in touch with family and friends. I do get all your emails and messages, even if I don't reply. I am reading and am always so happy to see new messages. :) So to catch you up on somethings...teaching always brings new delights. Today, I got a really awesome feel-good feeling in the middle of a lesson. I genuinely laugh in class, whether ... read more

So I just finished my second day of teaching at the first public school. All in all, it went very well. It is a little less structured when it comes to starting class on time, but I am learning to adapt to it. However, today I was watching the kids during their recess and found it somewhat entertaining. The boys like to play some game where they stand in a circle and clap their hands and then do some sort of hand gesture to each other until someone gets it wrong...or something. They also like to fight. Literally, fist punching in the face and in the gut, rolling around on the ground. And no one stops them. The little girls run around chasing each other. Either they're playing tag or they like to chase each other ... read more