Blogs from Jinhua, Zhejiang, China, Asia - page 4

A three day Sports Meeting for 3600 students might seem like a logistical nightmare, but day one of three, complete with opening ceremony ran seemlessly. Students and homeroom teachers have obviously been preparing for some time, but only this last week have I noticed an abundance of flower posies in one class, a pile of matching novelty tops in another, music blaring from the Ground Track Field and groups of kids wandering round with stopwatches and costumes. The riot of colour was the result of all 78 classes having their own banner and fancy dress theme. The PLA made an impressive appearance with six lion dogs, a red and a gold dragon, plus drums and cymbals marching team. After an Olympic scale march in, followed by whole school health hustle, the students were enjoying relaxing, chatting, ... read more

Full Moon Festival is to China, what Thanksgiving is to America, and Christmas is to Australia. Mr Lou kindly included me in his familys' Full Moon Celebration. Ping pong table laden with food, on the 6th floor patio, overlooking the river and downtown Jinhua, we watched the moon rising. Mr Lou's mother sent two daughters and oldest son-in-law back to the kitchen to prepare more dishes, because they had not prepared enough food for their vegetarian guest. Shu Yan (14yo nephew) recited "Raise your hand to the moon, bow your head and remember home" for my benefit, while Mr Lou's sisters quizzed me on how sad I was feeling away from family and friends on such an important occasion. After watching hundreds of Kongming Lanterns float across the city skyline, we then watched "The Voice of ... read more

Seating arrangements in cars and at dining tables are extremely important. Like the pieces on a chess board, where people sit has great importance. I have been a pawn moved from seat to seat this last week, as my boss Don, his No. 2 William, and his business associate Mr Lou have been in town. Dining out together seems to be the glue that holds business relationships together, and I have been out to dinner 3 nights this last week with Don and or Mr Lou as the king on the chessboard. So much to learn. When the Principal toasts one with "Ganbei", it means that you drain your glass and tip it towards them to show it is empty! When offered the seat of honour, in place of your patron, wait patiently until the furore ... read more

Apartment 102 of 36 apartments, and part of a gated community with 26 blocks in the old section, a new section of about the same size and another section under construction. The grounds are beautiful, with lakes, pathway, a zigzag bridge and lots of seating areas.... read more

Huge! 15,000 students, an area that takes an hour to walk from one side to the other, 4 canteens, a shopping street, its' own hospital and a library the size of a department store. Tin proudly gave me a guided tour of his old university - Zheijang Normal, and I was impressed. My favorite sites - the field of sunflowers, complete with wedding photography event; the foreign language schools Jars of Dreams and compulsory 2 weeks military training activities, (audible from my apartment). Pride of place, on entering the School of foreign languages, is a beautiful row of pattery jars. Every first year student writes their aspirations on a card, which is kept safely on display for the 4 years of their studies. On graduation, the school holds a ceremony, where the students get their dream ... read more