#107 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (Fall Semester-2008, Activities continue at TTC)

Asia
December 18th 2008

Published: December 18th 2008

There is no more doubt, that winter has arrived in Taizhou. Students are huddling and holding each other for warmth, as they rush to their early morning classes. The students now sport their down-winter-jackets in all the most fashionable colors, but their smiles are more temporary as they pass me on their way to "where-ever". These colder months begin the time, when I miss the warm Florida w... Read Full Entry

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Hans J. Schneider

Hans

After 38 years as a Foreign Language Teacher and Foreign Language Dept. Chair at Coral Gables Sr. H.S., and A.J. Professor of German at the University of Miami, I have left Florida in June of 2006, where my home is in Miami Beach, Florida, USA. I have just signed another year's teaching-contract (my 8th year now) with Taizhou University in the city of Taizhou, located about 3hrs north of Shanghai, in Jiangsu Province, CHINA. I thought it would be informative for others and rewarding for me personally, to log the progress of my efforts from beginning to end, as a Travel and Photo Jo... full info

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Closing Ceremony of Japanese Festival at TTC, Photo #10

My "Erhue" teacher in white, a most talented young student, leads the Erhue ensemble.

Closing Ceremony of Japanese Festival at TTC, Photo #11

Some of our English teachers are observing the rehearsal for the Japanese festival closing ceremony.

Closing Ceremony of Japanese Festival at TTC, Photo #12

Another of my students helps in the rehearsal preparing for the evening's event.

Closing Ceremony of Japanese Festival at TTC, Photo #13

After a week of rehearsals for the final ceremony of the Japanese festival, Mr. Xu, TTC President, applauds the performers, and expresses his appreciation for the student's hard work.

Closing Ceremony of Japanese Festival at TTC, Photo #14

THE EVENING HAS ARRIVED: On the evening of the performance, Mr. Xu proudly enters the hall, followed by the mayor of Taizhou.

Closing Ceremony of Japanese Festival at TTC, Photo #15

Members of the administration take their seats and are ready to enjoy the students' performance.

Closing Ceremony of Japanese Festival at TTC, Photo #17

The students begin to offer their talent to the appreciative audience and a packed house.

Closing Ceremony of Japanese Festival at TTC, Photo #18

Awards are presented to the outstanding Japanese language students of TTC.

Closing Ceremony of Japanese Festival at TTC, Photo #19

Some great stand-up Chinese comedy. Since my Chinese is still very very limited, I also decided to laugh when I heard the roar of the audience.

Closing Ceremony of Japanese Festival at TTC, Photo #20

Greetings to our college by the Japanese Consul.

Closing Ceremony of Japanese Festival at TTC, Photo #21

Group photo of the night's talented participants, posing with the honored dignitaries.

In my favorite coffee house, "Socrates"

An early morning photo in my favorite coffe-house in the center of Taizhou called, Socrates. Before my strolls through the city, I stop here to fortify myself with a selection of their great coffee. Here is also the only place in Taizhou, where I can purchase my stash of fresh coffee-beans.

Taoist Temple in Taizhou, Photo #1

A regular visit takes me through the entrance of the local Taoist Temple, for many living here a well kept secret. I always find myself quite alone here, since few in Taizhou seem to be aware of its existence or location.

Taoist Temple in Taizhou, Photo #2

It is a rather humble temple, though the side pavillions hide some of the most colorful and unusual statuary and figures related to Taoism I have seen anywhere.

Taoist Temple in Taizhou, Photo #3

A Taoist monk and two visitors burn some token money, to help a deceased maintain a more comfortable after-life.

Taoist Temple in Taizhou, Photo #4

There are dozens of these statues in one of the side pavilions of this wonderful temple compound. They are colorful and each is a unique representation of the deciples.

Taoist Temple in Taizhou, Photo #5

The main temple pavilion is large and well maintained and contains an impressive statue of the Taoist Deity.

Taoist Temple in Taizhou, Photo #6

The Taoist monk to the right, dressed in black and white, accepts visitors requests to probe into their future for a donation to the temple.

Taoist Temple in Taizhou, Photo #7

To the left of one of the temple compound the traditional drum is visible, representing the male, and to the right the bell, representing the female.

Taoist Temple in Taizhou, Photo #8

I have visited scores of Temples around China, and all follow a familiar lay-out pattern. From photos, many temples are difficult to distinguish from the other. Their beauty are most appreciated during a personal visit, when the details of each make them unique.

A stroll through the city of Taizhou, Photo #1

No matter where my walks through the city take me, I encounter friends, who will stop to offer their greetings. Here, one of TTC's administrators poses with his handsome little "emperor".

18th December 2008

Katherine
non-member comment

scenes from school
I always enjoy seeing the faces of your students - so hopeful and hard-working. I sent an email recently- hope you received it(regarding a Christmas gift I want to make for you). I know you are so busy but these scenes of Taizhou are always so enjoyable! A Taoist temple in the heart of Taizhou - who knew?

18th December 2008

Zoe
non-member comment

Happy Every Single Day!
Happy Every Single Day!

18th December 2008

Sandra Cordoba
non-member comment

Lieber Hans, Ich vermisse dich! Deine, Sandra

18th December 2008

Pennie Pinson Buckelew
non-member comment

Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! So glad you are enjoying your life in China - the pictures are wonderful. Pennie

19th December 2008

Bobo
non-member comment

Hello! Hans!
I haven't seen our photos in U blog! Why? But It's very nice!

20th December 2008

Sue
non-member comment

You've done it again!
Hi Hans, yet another wonderful blog that brings so many cherished memories of my time at TTC flooding back! As usual you have pipped me at the post. I've been working on my next blog but it still needs a lot of work. You have now motivated me to finish it this weekend before Xmas! P.S. Sorry to hear about your laptop, that's such a frustrating thing to happen at any time, but especially at this time of year. Hugs to all at TTC. Xmas emails coming soon too! Suexxx

20th December 2008

Good sue
non-member comment

holiday doldrums
I always enjoy your blogs. They remind me of my own year in China. I do think about returning. I do remember the doldrums around Christmas when I most missed my family and close friends. I had to think of ways to give more to raise my spirits. I gave people copies of the photos I had taken of them--people I saw in the streets all the time. I hope you have happy holidays. Susan

1st January 2009

Lily
non-member comment

the first time to see your blog
This is my first time to see your blog, from which I know more about Taizhou. Although in several months I will gratuatoin and leave this place, I think I will miss this place.Hans, happy new year!

9th January 2009

June
non-member comment

Yeh, the air of Taizhou was pretty chocky, particularly during those biomass residue-burning seasons, when the stars were completely obscured in the night-sky. Very pleased that the sky is blue during winter time. Hope the government will do something about it, for the sake of all its people.

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#107 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (Fall Semester-2008, Activities continue at TTC)

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