Row, Row, Row your boat

---

What a rewarding experience! I taught my afternoon class how to sing Row, Row, Row your boat in a round. They were great! How funny . . . I had been asked to lecture to this class at the last minute. I think that the scheduled afternoon discussion had to be scrapped for some reason so they pawned me off on poor David to take with him to his accounting class. He said, "Don't worry, just talk about your school." But, of course, after I found out who my audience was -- prospective accountants -- I talked with them about something I thought they might find interesting. . . how to market accounting services (about which I have a little knowledge). When I thought they had all of that they could handle, I turned the class over to David, who then suggested/insisted that I teach them an American song. Why this particular song came to mind, I'm not sure, but it was so much fun. We had a ball. The students picked up the song pretty quickly . . . about 3 times singing it all together . . . and then I broke them into two groups for the round. It was really good! The classrooms have very high ceilings and nothing to absorb sound so the sound of their voices really resonated and I gave them very hearty applause at the end.

Once class was over, I asked David what the plans were for dinner. He said we would eat together in the canteen. At that point I politely enquired if I could please buy something in the little on-campus store and take it home to eat so I could rest. I know he was very pleased about that as he has had to be my baby-sitter and continue to do his administrative work. I bought some noodles and have been happily sitting in front of the computer, with a duvet over me (not much heat here) ever since.

Tomorrow is my last day of lectures and then Thursday I'll have a chance to get off-campus and go into Qingdao for some sightseeing. I'm really looking forward to that and hope that the weather warms up a bit. Qingdao is right on the sea. If it doesn't warm up, I'll just buy a good, Chinese-priced jacket in Qingdao and that will be that!

I have more pictures of students, but I think I've posted enough for now. Probably no more really interesting pictures until Thursday in Qindao. It will be an early night tonight so I can be bright and shiney for my 8.30 class tomorrow.

---

Comments

[Tammie]

Your Boat
Excellent thinking on your feet idea about Row Row Row your boat. They may not remember your lecture or your Power Point, but I am sure your students will remember the song. You will come back a different woman, not better or worse, just different. We can already see it here in your writing. Everyone should have to experience China Alone! Don't you think?

[Corinna]

Sounds like you are having quite an adventure. Can't wait to see you!