#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

Photos are below

Photos: 107, Displayed: 21

Comment Follow (6) Message

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

Blog Options

Top Photos Blog Map

Print Version

[blog=347461]

[blogger=10357]

A stroll through the city of Taizhou, Photo #2

A crowd always captures my attention. Here, a crowd of new and expecting mothers are offered Baby Formula with the promise, that it is free of the Melamine, that scandalized and damaged the Chinese dairy industry these past weeks.

A stroll through the city of Taizhou, Photo #3

Later in the day I noticed the wedding boat making its way along one of the small canals.

A stroll through the city of Taizhou, Photo #4

It is a colorful sight, as the barge passes me during my stroll through one of the local parks.

A stroll through the city of Taizhou, Photo #5

Not far from Taizhou Teachers College, local farmers dry their crop of rice along the concrete pedestrian walkways.

A stroll through the city of Taizhou, Photo #6

Ponds along the Phoenix Canal, surrounding the old city of Taizhou, are cleaned for the winter. The effort is very labor intensive, and the some of the weeds have been loaded on carts to be hauled to...., I am not sure where.

A stroll through the city of Taizhou, Photo #7

I did not want to volunteer my services this time.

A stroll through the city of Taizhou, Photo #8

Along the Phoenix Canal, the locals are skimming the bottom for small snails, that become delicacies for the dinner table.

Discovering the smallest Buddhist Temple of Taizhou, Photo #1

Not far from the banks of the Phoenix Canal, I have passed a small group of buildings dozens of times. Sadly, I have never taken a closer look, since I had taken the structures as part of a Public WC. I am embarrassed to admit that.

Discovering the smallest Buddhist Temple of Taizhou, Photo #2

The actual entrance to this small Buddhist temple is locked, and it is only by accident that I noticed a small side entrance. I took a look through the cracks in the door. The next few photo show my discovery.

Discovering the smallest Buddhist Temple of Taizhou, Photo #3

The small Buddhist temple compound is beeing cared for by two elder nuns, who did not wish to be photographed. The 4 small temple structures form a square, and contain some beautiful. shiny statary. The square boasts the traditional vessels for offerings.

Discovering the smallest Buddhist Temple of Taizhou, Photo #4

The temple statuary are beautiful, but stand rather lonely. The two nuns were rather surprised to see me as a visitor. I can only imagine an occasional faithful to this small shrine.

Discovering the smallest Buddhist Temple of Taizhou, Photo #5

The (female) Buddha with the thousand helping hands made a special impression. I hope to return to this small shrine again, to ensure more careful observation, research its origin and its age.

Aerobic Contestants at TTC, Photo #1

My Laptop houses the photos of the Aerobic competition, and sadly, I am unable to open it. I am told a new server may need to be installed when I again return to the USA. The next three photos are the only ones I can post of this event for now. One of the contestants from the Polytechnical College has also become my friend.

Aerobic Contestants at TTC, Photo #2

One of TTC's contestants in her colorful outfit shares a photo moment with her boyfriend, who himself is one of the great dancers at our college.

Aerobic Contestants at TTC, Photo #3

Two of our beautiful dance students are ready for the competition.

Group Photo of the Art Department Students, who entertained the incoming Freshmen.

The Art Department of TTC is very special, and they too make sure, that I am invited to every one of their events. The evening turned out to be another wonderful and entertaining night for me.

Art Department greets the incoming Freshmen, Photo #1

These two lovely art students greeted me at the entrance of the performance hall.

Art Department greets the incoming Freshmen, Photo #2

The two lovely ladies quickly became a crowd, all wanting to be part of this picture. Chinese people love to become the subject of a photo.

Art Department greets the incoming Freshmen, Photo #3

When I see one of China's traditional instruments standing ready to be played, I know it will be a special night.

Art Department greets the incoming Freshmen, Photo #4

It is easy to distinguish the art students from the English students. Their stylish "hair-does" become one the trademark of the male-art students. The English majors are encouraged to be more conservative with their hair styles. They are often reminded by our Dean, that they will soon become China's teachers, and need to set an example.

Art Department greets the incoming Freshmen, Photo #5

I have had the honor of meeting the family of my friend, Wang Li Dong, also an art student and a great Calligraphy student. His mother and father work hard to pay for the tuition of their son. The mother works a rickshaw during the day, and the father takes his turn during the night.

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.

Tot: 0.073s; Tpl: 0.014s; cc: 7; qc: 20; dbt: 0.0519s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1; ; mem: 1.1mb

Do not copy images or text from this page without requesting and receiving permission. All rights are reserved by the author and photographer.

Contact Hans J. Schneider (Hans) - a lack of a response does not mean that you have permission to use material from this page.

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

Copyright Notice: All Rights Reserved