#106 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (Newport News, Virgina, the Sister City of Taizhou, visits the campus of TTC)


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Asia » China » Jiangsu » Taizhou » Taizhou University
November 22nd 2008
Published: November 22nd 2008
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For the past weeks I have been dealing with "writer's block", and hundreds of photos began to accummulate in my Blog, as I was trying to overcome my daily anxiety dealing with the 2008 Presidential election in America. I have now survived the strain and the stress of the daily English news about the direction and conclusion of the election on China's television CCTV-9, and the internet coverage ... Read Full Entry



Photos are below
Photos: 134, Displayed: 21


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CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #2CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #2
CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #2

The taping of the show is opened by the most famous of CCTV-11 hosts. This channel is mainly responsible for airing shows dealing with Beijing Opera or similar events.
CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #3CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #3
CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #3

To my surprise, the taping of the show begins with a modern song, featuring the dance performance by our own students from Taizhou Teachers College. They were a joy to watch, and showcased the multiple talents of our city's famous little college.
CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #4CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #4
CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #4

The announcer introduces the contestants to the appreciative audience. I was able to secure a front row seat, and later was invited to comment on my selection of a contest winner.
CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #5CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #5
CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #5

A close-up of the five contestants. The three in traditional Beijing costumes, which has made Mei Lanfang so famous, are actually men. Remember, that Mei Lanfang was also a man, who played the roles of women in the past.
CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #6CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #6
CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #6

The first contestant, a young man of 22, performs with grace, and initially wins the heart of the audience.
CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #7CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #7
CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #7

This photo shows the whole stage of the local TV studio. The small orchestra, with its traditional instruments can be seen to the right.
CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #8CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #8
CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #8

Competition is fierce, as another male performer offers his talents.
CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #9CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #9
CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #9

The announcer announces and congratulates the winner of the Mai Lanfang Beijing Opera Competition. "His" performance was superb, and "his" costume was spectacular.
CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #10CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #10
CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #10

The three judges of the competition are stars of Beijing Opera and are well known all over China.
CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #11CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #11
CCTV-11 Mei Lanfang Competition in Taizhou, Photo #11

One of the judges of the Mei Lanfang competition was very gracious, permitting me to pose with her.
"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #1"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #1
"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #1

On another night in recent weeks, I was invited to a performance of a drama, by Taizhou's local theater group. Though I would not understand what was spoken, it was easy to appreciate the acting and singing of Taizhou's local talent. This was a street scene as I neared the theater.
"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #2"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #2
"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #2

Inside the plush theater, named the Mai Lanfang Theater, the audiences readies for the night's performance.
"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #3"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #3
"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #3

I was permitted behind the scenes to the dressing rooms, where I was greeted with friendly smiles by some of the actors.
"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #4"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #4
"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #4

The smiles of the actors let me know, that I was welcome to witness their drama, set during the time of China's Revolution.
"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #5"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #5
"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #5

The soldier returns to the tears of his blind mother.
"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #6"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #6
"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #6

The drama is filled with dance and song.
"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #7"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #7
"Revolutionary" Chinese Drama, Photo #7

The drama concludes with the death of the beloved mother, and the gathering bonding of the family.
Visit to the editor of the "Taizhou Daily Newspaper", Photo #1Visit to the editor of the "Taizhou Daily Newspaper", Photo #1
Visit to the editor of the "Taizhou Daily Newspaper", Photo #1

The editor of the newspaper and his son, whom I have helped with some English lessons invited me to his office for a visit. This is Jerry, the son, a very smart and kind young man.
Visit to the editor of the "Taizhou Daily Newspaper", Photo #2Visit to the editor of the "Taizhou Daily Newspaper", Photo #2
Visit to the editor of the "Taizhou Daily Newspaper", Photo #2

This is the proud father, the editor of Taizhou's Daily Newspaper.
Visit to the editor of the "Taizhou Daily Newspaper", Photo #3Visit to the editor of the "Taizhou Daily Newspaper", Photo #3
Visit to the editor of the "Taizhou Daily Newspaper", Photo #3

I wanted to see, if an editors chair would fit me also. What do you think?
The next photos will introduce a week of the "Japanese Festival".The next photos will introduce a week of the "Japanese Festival".
The next photos will introduce a week of the "Japanese Festival".

A GROUP PHOTO OF SOME OF THE WEEK'S PARTICIPANTS. (From Left to Right: Zhang Hong Juan; Li Ping, V.Director of F.L.; Dean Fan; "The Panda Bear", Mr. M. Takahashi; Mr.+Mrs. Kitano; Arthur Lee, Yang Lin, V.Director of F.L.; Ren Yang) The team of 3 visiting Japanese Teachers and the Foreign Language Dept. under the leadership of Dean Fan organized a special week of activities dealing with Japanese culture. The festivities included an introduction to a Japanese Tea Ceremony, Music, Song, and Dance. These type of activities will go a long way to ease the antagonism that still exists between the two countries.



22nd November 2008

:)
I was definitely a cryer on election night and so happy that I wasn't disappointed yet again. We miss you!
22nd November 2008

Vielen Dank, Herr Schneider
Thank you for posting your insights. While I don't agree with you about the outcome of the election, it is moving to see the hunger for the opportunity to choose one's government your vote had on your students. I cannot think of a more humane act. God bless, mein Lehrer.
23rd November 2008

hurray for the USA
I am very proud to be an American now. The excitement in Atlanta, GA when Obama was elected was phenomonal. No deviseiveness (sp?). Black and white celebrating together. We have come together with hope. I like the optimism.
23rd November 2008

John Nanchang China
Hans, I’m intrigued by many of your photographs, as you seem always to be taking an active part in the ‘running’ and ‘administration’ of your college where you work simply as an English teacher. I assume that the meetings you show in your photographs were conducted in English, though for that to happen the level of English amongst the Chinese staff must be good. I write this; because nothing like this happens at the university I work for. I am simply given a classroom, a textbook and some students and told to get on with it. In fact, I have suggested many times that it would be a very good idea for the foreign teachers here to have a regular meeting – let alone attending any other meetings that might be helpful -, but my words always fall upon deaf ears. Sometimes, because foreign teachers work between two campuses and the accommodation is spread out, we really don’t know any of the other foreign teachers here until well into the term……………………………………………………………………………………………….......” This important week-long event has done much to ease some of the negative feelings of our students, as they still remember the days of the Japanese occupation.” Hans, how old are your students? You make an interesting comment, as I too have visited the Museum in Nanjing, which has documented the massacre, but the students I went with (they were employed as teachers) were certainly more interested in shopping than what the Japanese got up to in the 1930s. At least this provided me with the opportunity to walk around the museum while taking my time and thoroughly enjoying reading the English descriptions…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. I know nothing of American politics I admit, but I did read the comments of an African President once, who commented that his citizens should be allowed to vote in the American election, because their country was bombarded with news about the forthcoming election. This viewpoint I sympathize with. Students often ask me how I celebrate Thanksgiving, though I am British. Sadly, not a single students asks what I do on the 5th, November, though they find to time to bemoan American hegemony.
24th November 2008

Hi from the US of A!
Hi Hans Another great blog and am pleased that the new Japanese teachers are involving themselves in college ctivities. I wish I could be with you to celebrate but I am now in San Diego my last port of call before returning to Oz! I have a challenge for you- learn another song!!
24th November 2008

I cried too! I was one of the lucky several hundreds in Grant Park the night of the elections! It was incredible! Miss you terribly...You should visit Chicago, Hans :] Deine, Sandra
28th November 2008

Schneider wie geht es dir?
Hallo, Hier ist Hans und Cyril und wir schreiben zusammen von Chicago. Heute war thanksgiving und wir haben ein grosses abendessen genossen mit meine schwester Corinne. ----switching to english---- hehe We were talking about the past and had wondered what and where you had disappeared to. It's great to see your blog and that you seem to be very happy in the Far East. It would be great to here from you and catch up a little on all the years past since Gables in 2003. Greetings from Obama country, Hans and Cyril
1st December 2008

Hi! ,I came in
I hve resd your blog .and I know that your life is very busy . hahao()_))o... You should keep fit with exercise daily . A NEW LUCK WEEK!
23rd December 2008

hello
yes,you a great man

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