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Published: October 29th 2008
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China, like all countries I suppose, hates to see money cross the border to be spent in other countries. In order to prevent this from happening, the Chinese government has come up with several creative roadblocks. A foreigner cannot exchange RMB back into his native country's currency while still in China. In order to get a tourist visa extension, the foreigner must have US$100 in a Chinese bank account for each day he plans to stay in China. (This meant our program director had to gather US$3000 for each of us so that we could extend our visas.) Finally, the government makes it almost impossible for an individual Chinese citizen to invest in a non-Chinese company.
Just an example, one of my students is employed by an Australian consulting firm. All employees have been given the chance to buy shares/invest in the company. My student, unfortunately, is not able to because he's Chinese and his government does not "want" Chinese citizens to invest in private, non-Chinese companies. After explaining this to me, I said, "So it's illegal for you to invest in your own company." We went around and around in circles discussing this. Finally he just said, "It's not
illegal, we just can't do it." Hmm.
I've finally done a little sight seeing. During our National Holiday break, I went to the Lama Temple and the art district, 798. For not being a huge fan of modern/contemporary art, I did really enjoy exploring this small area of northeast Beijing. The entire district consists of old factory buildings that have been converted into art galleries, shops, and restaurants. The photography studios were very impressive. Some alleyways, away from the main gallery streets, are actually pretty creepy. Old, decaying factory materials and ivy covered walls. It makes a good setting for all the bizarre art. No doubt it's my lack of understanding that leads me see these works of art as weird. But come on, what's the significance of a huge, red, plastic robot??
If you're from Bartlesville or are a Westminster alumn, you might enjoy this story.
Before OU/tx weekend I exchanged numbers with two different bar owners who, hopefully, would be able to get the game on satellite. About an hour before game time I got a call from one that they were able to get it and I made it just in time for kick-off, midnight
Lama Temple
A very crowded temple. I'm sure it's normally a very relaxing and spiritual place...just not during the holidays. my time. I was originally sitting with two Texas fans, and then two OU fans, a mother and son from Oklahoma, came over and joined our table. The mother and I began talking, exchanging info like where we're from, why we root for the Sooners, etc. When she tells me her husband's from Bartlesville I start name-dropping the people I know from there, Jenifer Houston and Timmye Thomas, and she says her husband knows them, and that leads us to discuss OU alumns around my parents' age and so on and so on. It only took an hour to realize that not only did I know her family pretty well, but I grew up with her niece, Jennifer Lawrence. I suppose a couple of cocktails and lousy satellite feed can slow down one's thought process. It'd be an even better story if OU had won. Oh, well.
Bill and Sharon (family friends from OK) were nice enough to let me join them on a tour to the Great Wall and to the Olympic Park. Both were crowded but still very impressive. Very cool to see in person. We also had a great meal, Yunnan-style food, at Dali Courtyard, near
Lama Temple
Apparently the number of animals/creatures signifies the importance of each building. Hou Hai. I definitely recomend this to anyone visiting Beijing.
I thought of Jack Schoenbrun the other day when I ate my first hot dog on-a-stick from a street vendor. Then I thought of his big sister Elizabeth when I decided one was enough😊 I'm sorry I couldn't make the big weekend in Tyler, I heard it was a lot of fun. I hope I can see everyone in New Orleans!
ESL Teachers:
If anyone reading this has any questions about ESL teaching in Beijing, please feel free to contact me. I found it very helpful when other bloggers gave information about their program and/or school, so here's mine: I'm a participant in a three month certification program through TEFL International. Right now I'm just working for one language school which keeps me busy, but it's very easy to find tutoring jobs on the side for extra money. Most people will pay 100-150RMB per hour. I've been applying for teaching jobs in China and other parts of the world. I've found that if you have a Bachelor's degree and a TESOL, TEFL, etc. certificate you can certainly get a job teaching abroad. Some schools, however, do require a
Great Wall
Olympic slogan "One World, One Dream" in the back ground. This slogan is still found all over the city. few years experience. If you don't have experience, well, just come here.
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