#96 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (My city in China: THIS IS TAIZHOU, the City of the Pheonix, Part 1)

Asia » China » Jiangsu » Taizhou » Taizhou University
March 11th 2008

Published: March 9th 2008

It is difficult to imagine, unless one has been a personal witness, how much Taizhou has changed its image and sky-line in only 2 years. That is the time since my first visit to this "mid-size" Chinese-city of 5 million inhabitants. Now it is my place of satisfying employment as a college teacher, and here I will continue to enjoy my second, comfortable home for some years to come. My time in... Read Full Entry

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Hans J. Schneider

Hans

After 38 years as a Foreign Language Teacher and Foreign Language Dept. Chair at Coral Gables Sr. H.S., and A.J. Professor of German at the University of Miami, I have left Florida in June of 2006, where my home is in Miami Beach, Florida, USA. I have just signed another year's teaching-contract (my 8th year now) with Taizhou University in the city of Taizhou, located about 3hrs north of Shanghai, in Jiangsu Province, CHINA. I thought it would be informative for others and rewarding for me personally, to log the progress of my efforts from beginning to end, as a Travel and Photo Jo... full info

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Funeral Procession, Photo #5

Oblivious to the passing street-traffic, the mourners surround the burning pile, continue to fuel the fire with paper money, as the band plays strange sounding melodies. (I often hear them passing on open trucks below my window, supporting a funeral procession.) A man stirs the open flames, as the ceremony comes to an end.

Funeral Procession, Photo #6

As the funeral ceremony comes to an end, the berieved return to their homes, not so far from the street-corner. They discard their white head-covering, the band exchanges cigarettes, and the fire is cared for until only ashes remain. The ashes are then disposed of by the next street-cleaner.

A Cultural Note on Taizhou, Photo #1

Walking the streets of Taizhou has taught me, to always bring along my camera. There are always un-expected surprises around every next corner. This one brought me to the opening of a new business, and merited closer inspection.

A Cultural Note on Taizhou, Photo #2

Red banners with gold inscriptions announce the opening to passers-by. Red is the color for luck and wealth, and suppliers to the new business have sent their wishes in forms of flower-baskets.

A Cultural Note on Taizhou, Photo #3

This business-opening was especially noisy, as a troop of women, no doubt hired by the owner for this occasion, dressed in red and gold, pound their drums in rhythm.

A Cultural Note on Taizhou, Photo #4

The troup's enthusiasm increased once they saw me taking photos of their performance, certainly to the delight of the owner of this new store. I have seen a number of openings, this one was certainly the most spirited and most enjoyable.

A Cultural Note on Taizhou, Photo #5

At another location near my college, the scene is not as loud, but the symbolism is the same. Flower-baskets from vendors, who will supply this new little restaurant, grace the entrance, as the new owner peaks her face through the flowers, waiting for its lunch-time custormers. No drum-girls here.

This pet knows his place.

A small dog finds his way on this, more modern form of transpartation. These motorized tri-cycles have become a common scene on the streets of Taizhou.

Perhaps Taizhou will become a place to visit on your journey to China.

From a bridge on Gulou Road, one of Taizhou's major roads, with the Wenchang Pavilion in the background, I want to say "good bye" from one of Jiangsu's major cities, Taizhou, the City of Phoenix. It has been my home for the past 18 months and an experience of a life-time.

9th March 2008

Sandra Almeida
non-member comment

Hi
Hey Schneider! Thank you so much for posting this entry... seeing posts like these always makes me realize how much there is to explore and that I have so much left to see while I'm here. Also, one of my favorite college roommates is an amazing violin player so I am definitely going to show her those pictures. Love always and sending you positive vibes, Sandra :)

9th March 2008

Chambers
non-member comment

Great
That's an amazing new Taizhou. It seems that you explored it quite well. You are such an expert at photography, Hans. Cheers!

9th March 2008

Coky Michel
non-member comment

Hans, what a tour of Taizhou!
Hans, this has been one of your most beautiful and enlightening entries! I can see that you'll be there for a long time, and I can certainly understand why. I'm so happy that you are going through this experience! Paul and I think about you often, and we both enjoy your photos and your observations. Danke, mein Freund! Coky

11th March 2008

Sue Storr
non-member comment

Another wonderful blog, Hans!
Wow, Hans! A really spectacular effort with this blog. I'm suitably impressed- and I live here! I need to get my act together with my own blog. You're putting me to shame! Such wonderful memories I too will take with me when I depart, regretfully, in June. Such a privilege to have shared them with you , Stef and the myriad of friends I have made here, both local and foreign!

17th March 2008

Sandra Cordova
non-member comment

Amazing, as always :D

18th March 2008

Jakey
non-member comment

Golden collection
Hello, Hans. I have visited your blog. It look like a beautiful story. “Trust yourself.I can be just the one I wanna be ” You give me a new explanation.I will put it in my heart and give a plan to myself. Good luck my good friend Hans.

21st July 2008

frankie du berry
frankieduberry

Thanks
Thank you for sending all these photos of the reality of China... better than the stuff from journalists!

25th October 2008

june
non-member comment

Dear Hans, I wonder if you´ve ever tried a ride on a man-powered riksha in China? In Taizhou, that´s one of the major transport means, particularly for people who want to save money or can´t afford a taxi. Showing some photos of those vehicles and their drivers (pedallers) may be interesting? (sorry, riksha photos might have been shown in this blog, as I'm unable to open photos beyond this page due to failure of my computer). And what about people who are still using those old public wells for washing-up? And those narrow old lanes (Gasse) hiding behind the brick houses, which are to be demolished soon?

25th October 2008

june
non-member comment

correct a word I´ve wrongly spellt: riksha------rickshaw

10th March 2010

Peter
non-member comment

Taizhou Teachers College
Hans-just stumbled upon your blog and photos of Taizhou. Looks like a nice place from the description and photos. Are you still teaching there? I am a native English speaker from the U.S. teaching in Thailand and looking at other options. Would like to teach in China but not sure where to go. If you are still at the university, do they need any English teachers? I have experience at university level here in Thailand. Peter

3rd August 2020

Christianity in Taizhou has a long history, dating to missionaries arriving after the floods of the 1930

Notserp Yerdnal
non-member comment

Don't Be Fooled!
The doors are always locked. Even on Sunday.

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#96 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (My city in China: THIS IS TAIZHOU, the City of the Pheonix, Part 1)

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