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Published: October 21st 2012
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English corner provides some lovely moments.
Spoke with a couple of Chinese men, brilliant English; 1 had done post grad studies in Adelaide and had also lived in Sweden for 3 years, another was working with a Chinese/Australian steel company and watched English movies to improve his English and a sweet little 8 year old Amy, who spoke English like a native, her Dad had taught her totally.
It’s really great to talk about similarities and differences in taxes and government and schooling and get a real Chinese perspective on life. And articulated so well.
There were about 6 Westerners there today, some Chinese people go from group to group and just listen; others find a topic of conversation or conversation style more to their liking and prefer some people over others.
Rose from the Blue Mountains gets lots of children around her.
Today I sat against the canal wall so felt less crowded in. I’m getting the politics and economics people and I know so little about it! Need to study up before I go.
Taking the number 3 bus home after another Walmart shopping trip (a new wine glass,
broke 1 yesterday) I decided to stay on it and see where it finished or if it does the loop around.
So north and then East we went and everyone got off when the bells did an arpeggio (doh, mi soh doh) and goodbye was said in Chinese.
There seemed to be nothing where we stopped and I did not really feel that safe, it was a very run down looking area.
So off I went and I reasoned I could get a #3 back if I crossed the road, and yes the bus turned around and came back and on I went again.
There are 3 types of buses that I have seen, normal numbers, no air con; K buses which are supposedly air con and BRT.
The BRT bus is a great system that has a dedicated middle of the road lane, these buses are the ones with an accordion middle section, cost twice as much but are less crowded.
My bus cost 1Y for a trip, so off I went in the other direction and ended up at the main train and bus station. Full of people coming and
going and fast food outlets. The bus stopped again, same music and I got off the back door and got on the front one again and another 1 Y.
So total Y3 for a lovely look around in complete safety and with a seat all the way.
Went to the greengrocer store at the back gate of the uni for a week’s worth of veges and also a piece of pork.
6 Eggs, carrot, 3 potatoes, 2 sweet potatoes, handful of beans, banana capsicum, eggplant, 2 bananas, onion, 250gms pork total Y17 which is just over AUS$3-.
Apples are expensive, got 3 at the front gate of the uni for Y6-.
Would rather do some night cooking and only eat at the canteen for lunch when I’m out at the new campus. Food is not that appetising when it’s cooked for 8000 or 2000, unless you get the hotpot or dishes they cook up for you.
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Paul Staples
non-member comment
Food is so important!
What an adventure you are having Rosemary! I enjoy hearing about your culinary details, and your adventurousness! Jinan seems very large, and so intimidating for anyone who knows no Chinese!!! Bugger! You are missing the eisteddfod- vocal started today, and I chaired the first session this morning. Keep up the great work over there-saves us having to venture beyond the tourist superhighway! Thanks for the great posts!