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Published: December 28th 2009
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school of hell
me..totally not knowing what is going on and how I'm about to get hoed. Hello All:
It has been a while since my last entry. I have been meaning to post an update but always fail to do so. Anywho..
I have 2 weeks left before the end of the semester and I literally cannot wait. Since I started a few weeks later than all the teachers I am now left being the only teacher still teaching. The halls in my appartment in the morning are quiet as everyone has the luxury of sleeping in, while I fume my bitter self to class this morning. Even the school is serene because it appears I am literally the only teacher still teaching and my students are the only ones awake and around. This morning I was a bit annoyed but ended up feeling bad because my students still have incredible enthusiam. They walk a lot further to get to class and live in subpar conditions but seemingly harbor no negative feelings, so I'm readjusting my attitude.
The past few weeks have been fairly hectic. There have been a lot of events to attend due to the holiday season. Numerous birthday parties and constant invitations to Christmas parties have left me pretty beat. Christmas in
kids from school of hell
They are pretty cute I guess.. China is just like any other day but still the Chinese use the holiday to party. I was bombarded with 'Merry X'mases' everywhere and had to repeatedly inform my students that I do not celebrate Christmas. Then, I had to explain the religious significance of Christmas and that I'm not a Christian so I don't celebrate it. This was followed by even more confusion as they believe that since I'm American, I absolutely must celebrate Christmas. It is actually quite humorous to note what different holidays mean to different people. Chinese are not Christian (well I'd say a good 98% are not) but still they adorn their surroundings with Christmas trees, santa hats and various Christmas decor, totally unknowing of its religious connotation. So that has been funny to witness.
I'm also coming back home in 3 weeks! I feel like I've been gone for long time even though I haven't. All of my friends here in China insist that they will never see me again, as they assume that once I go home I won't want to come back. On the contrary though. Other than missing family and friends, there is not much opportunity for me back in
the states. My attitude is completly different here, and I see limitless opportunities to enhance my life experiences. I'm realizing that finiancial wealth (which is the primary focus in America because of how society is structured is the only thing to live for ) means nothing to me here backgrounded with the chance to actually live, learn and appreciate life.
My friend, Shelly and I have also booked a trip to Thailand which I am estatic about. I'm thinking sandy beaches and warm weather. Will definitely be a much needed relief from the stifling cold in the states and the chilly winds in Nanchang. I'm also trying to fit in at least one more trip somewhere else before I depart for the states. Preferably somewhere south because looking at the dusting of snow today, I'm not sure if I can stand to be on this isolated campus for the next 3 weeks, while its so cold and nasty outside.
Other than that, I've been busy hoing my students into playing badminton with me (I absolutely adore that game!), finding ways to stay warm, reading, and trying to improve my Chinese. The food here has been making me sick
more kids from school of hell
They used me for these pics which are probably posted somewhere in the school as evidence that indeed the mystical foriegner once taught at this school of hell!!! again so I am having to resort to actually spend real money on food or cook at home. I notice when I eat the food at the canteen, I develop a lot of phelgm. That explains why Chinese people are hacking and spitting all the time. The ingredients they use are fairly healthy and contain far more nutrients than most western food, however its a bit counterproductive because everything is swimming in oil! I'm quite impressed at how they manage to stay so slim while eating this stuff everyday but I suppose there a few factors to support that evidence.
Also, I am still learning my way around this society. A few weeks back I was offered a job to teach first and second graders for a few hours a week. The lady took me out for lunch and I assumed she wanted to interview me or something. She proceeds to ask me questions about where I'm from and how I'm finding China etc. After the lunch she says ' Oh are you ready?' and I'm like...'ready for what?' and she wanted me to teach right then and there! So I'm completley unprepared but figure it can't be that hard all I have to do is go and talk to some kids. I get to the school and these children are acting like drugged chickens. The minute I get to school I'm mobbed by all these kids at recess (there were literally like 100 of them touching me and screaming out 'herrro!!..how are you...etc. and I'm thinking to myself..oh lord what have I gotten myself into. The classrooms were off the chains with kids running all over the place screaming and all so I play a few games with them of which most participated. I wanted to walk out immediately but kept my cool and told myself I'd do it at least for a few weeks.
However, unbeknowest to me, they only wanted me to make an appearance at the school for 2 days so that parents could see that there is a foriegn teacher at the school, which is suppose to make their school appear better than most. And the 2 days I was there they made me stand at the gate for like 20 minutes as a display piece! The whole thing is kinda funny but I feel violated at the same time, as I realize that I was totally fooled! But now next time there is an opportunity such as this, I will ask the right questions and ask for more than just peanuts! Most foriegn teachers here have experienced much of the same thing and now I'm starting to see why so many people are leary about alternative opportunities.
In any regards, you live and you learn. Right?
I hope this finds all in good spirits and health and hope all of you will ring in the new year as splendidly as I'm intenting to do so!
Zaijian
Latifa
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sue
non-member comment
Happy New Year
Hey Latifa, Thanks for the great update. We had a great vacation in Victoria, spending Christmas with Bobby and family. I have till the 4th of January off which is very nice. Back in Vancouver now, just hanging out. Have a wonderful New Year's celebration, Latifa, and I wish you many exciting new adventures in this coming year. love sue