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Published: December 21st 2006
Happy Pink Christmas to one and all from China.
Representations of Christmas trees greet the consumer at the entrance of the stores.THE 2006 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS HAVE ARRIVED QUICKLY, AND I OFTEN PONDER THE 7 MONTHS OF GALLOPING ADVENTURES IN CHINA. THESE DAYS SEEM THE MORE DIFFICULT, AWAY FROM THE FAMILIARITY OF TRADITIONAL FESTIVITIES WITH OUR LOVED ONES. IT IS WITH GREAT AFFECTION THAT I EXPRESS THESE SENTIMENTS:
"TO MY SUPPORTIVE AND LOVING FAMILY, TO MY KIND AND GENTLE FRIENDS FROM SO MANY COUNTRIES, AND TO ALL MY WONDERFUL COLLEGUES AND STUDENTS, PAST AND PRESENT, ALL WHO HAVE BROUGHT SO MUCH JOY, HAPPINESS, AND EXCITEMENT INTO MY BLESSED LIFE: I MISS YOU EVERY DAY, AND SEND YOU GREETINGS FROM TAIZHOU, CHINA ON THIS HOLIDAY. NOT A DAY PASSES, WHEN I DON'T REMIND MYSELF, HOW EACH OF YOU HAS MADE MY LIFE'S JOURNEY A GIFT, FOR WHICH THE EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE IS LIMITED BY LANGUAGE AND WORDS. THE DISTANCE HAS ONLY INCREASED MY AFFECTION FOR YOU, AND THE HOPE THAT THE NEW YEAR WILL BRING MORE LOVE TO ONE AND ALL, AND PEACE TO OUR TROUBLED WORLD. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!"
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"Long-Johns" have not been part of my wardrope for decades, but the cold has forced me to invest in some extra-warm, long-underwear, to combat the chills of my first
Christmas has become a happy time...
... now even in Taizhou, China, at the new Golden Eagle Department Stores. winter at Taizhou Teachers College. I had forgotten what a cold Christmas is all about; here it is a daily reminder. Since the students and teachers at TTC are braving not only cold classrooms, but also unheated dorms, they are not about to see me as a "whimpy" American. My endurance level is adjusting!!!
Christmas-time is quickly being adopted in the new China, where this holiday is less recognized for its history, rather for the more "capitalist-merchant's" opportunity to sell. Many stores show off some Christmas decorations, and abstract concepts of Christmas trees are offered to the public at the entrance of larger and more exclusive department-stores and indoor malls; but as in the West, it is all about attracting the potential customers and the money in their pockets.
(For those of you, who buy the many holiday-decorations made in China, let me make note of the serious profits Walmart must be making in their American stores. Items that sell for many Dollars at home, can be purchased here at less than one-tenth the cost.)
With so many stores offering every type of seasonal, fashionable clothing, the years of the uniform-blue Mao-suits with blue caps and red
The English Department
To make the stay at our college as comfortable as possible, I am greeted each day with this happy expression of the holiday season, and I'm so grateful to the English Department for doing this. stars have been forgotten. Fashion designers from around the world offer their wares in the many new, modern malls of every city in China.
Cosmetics, jewelry, appliances, audio, and TV products etc. are displayed and bought by the ever greater number of affluent Chinese consumers. The large number of mobile-phone stores also make it clear, that a Chinese and his mobile phone have become inseparable, and it seems that millions are sold every day.
Making money and shopping have become China's past-time, as bikes are replaced by electric mopeds and electric scooters, and these are then replaced by an increasing amount of privately owned cars. Street-traffic, though on the verge of being more organized, continues to expand, and is about to explode, making driving for a Western visitor a nightmare or a daring exploit, and a definite NO!! NO !!!
The staff at our small college has gone out of their way to make my stay with them as one of their family. A cheerfully decorated Christmas tree in the English department greets me and every visitor, and the kindness of everyone in the department, especially its Dean, Ms. Fan, makes the passing of this holiday season
a joy and one among caring friends. All wish me to extend to you seasons-greetings and the invitation to visit here anytime.
My students at the college have shared with me their caring and affection in word, song, and deed, and they have showered me with wonderful gifts. Their expressions of love are bringing warmth and sometimes even tears. They have made this holiday away from home one to remember. Each of them send you their thoughts of friendship and all wish you a happy Christmas. 😊
I miss you and think of you always. Enjoy a wonderfully harmonious time this holiday season. See you soon,
Hans
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Allison Moreno-Drexler
non-member comment
Merry Christmas!!
It's been so long since I last saw you, but believe me, for us your students it's like you never left that German classroom. We miss you a lot and truly hope you're having a great time in China. Hope to see you soon, take care. 'Warm' greetings from 305. =] -Allison.