Celebrating Christmas in China was not that different actually. It was still a holiday (though the Chinese don't celebrate it) and I got to spend it with the ones I care about. Franck and Chris were the only ones that didn't go somwhere else. Sarah went to Singapore to see a friend, Albert had to go back to England and Davide went to Thailand. So, the three of us hung out with our friends and went to a French restaurant for Christmas Eve dinner. It was really nice and relaxing. We had great food and better wine. And of course, we all made Christmas toasts and such. I had almost forgotten that I was in China. The fact that I was in a foreign country that does not celebrate Christmas at all didn't strike me at all. All of us just hung out for the rest of the night, drinking some more wine. Christmas in China wasn't bad.
What struck me was a weird was the fact that everywhere in Shanghai has Christmas decorations. My school, other schools, shops, office buildings and et cetera. Like I said before, this is a country that doesn't celebrate Christmas. The obvious reason is that there is a strong Western influence in Shanghai. But I was kinda hoping that I wouldn't see as many Christmas decorations; to really feel like that I was in a foreign country. There are even Chinese people who don't know how to say "Hello" in English, but will say "Merry Christmas" to you. There are cookies in the shape of Christmas trees in bakeries. This was not foreign at all. It felt just like home.
Has Shanghai become home for me? Am I that comfortable here? Hmmm.............
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
a weird but awakening experience in a chinese hospital
I forgot to mention this, but I was hospitalized about three weeks ago. I started a really bad sore throat; worse than I ever had before. I just thought I got a really bad strep throat. So, I visited a doctor that was educated in England, and he examined me. As he was examining me, he got this extremely apprehensive look on his face. He said, "you are on your way to getting tuberculosis; at this stage, you have glandular fever." I literally freaked out. Basically it was, oh shit, the worse sickness I've had ever had. I had no idea how to react, it could actually get worse than how I felt at that point. Next thing I knew, I was being rushed to the hospital for "aggressive treatment" he called it. I was on a bed for an ultrasound to see how progressed my glandular fever was. When the nurse was doing the ultrasound, she kept getting this worried look on her face looking at the screen. Next thing, I was on a different bed getting hooked up to an IV and taking so many pills and receiving shots in my ass. Believe me, this was not comforting, especially for a first experience in a Chinese hospital.
That was when it hit me. I was actually in a hospital in China. It was the weirdest feeling ever, a little scary as well. Of course, I stayed at the hospital to rest for a while and it was just really odd. No one ever leaves you alone. A nurse sits there with you at all times. Plus, you only see the doctor for no more than five minutes at a time. Only nurses. The technology is definitely outdated. But at least I saw the needles go into me. It was definitely sterilized. I was a little worried about that. The worst part was the smells. I have no words to describe the smells. It was just terrible, like death almost. I have never smelled anything like it. My first experience in a Chinese hospital, but unfortuantly, not my last.
Today was my second experience. Franck's friend, Mathieu had gotten meningitis and we were all exposed. I just found out today that he was hospitalized for bacterial meningitis and it is very contagious. So, Franck and I ran to the hospital to get the immunizations for it and make sure it is out of our systems. Great, I thought I might get sick again and it will be even worse this time. But then, I remembered that I have already gotten a vaccination for bacterial meningitis. So, the doctor told me I was good. Franck, however was not as lucky as me. Don't worry, he is not sick, but he has to take pills for three days to make sure he doesn't get sick. I just really hope those pills can help. Christian and our friend Francesca has to take them as well. But being in the hospital was quite an experience as well. Though, I know more what the hospital is like; but it was still different. I was with all French-speaking people and Chinese doctors speaking French. A little strange considering my location right now. On top of that, all of the French people were freaking out thinking they had gotten meningitis. It was almost like a mob against the poor French-speaking Chinese doctor. "We are not leaving until we get the pills!" they said. Wow. I was the only non French-speaking person trying to make sense of everything while I see sick people going by on gurneys in the Intensive Care Unit. Of course, there were smells; but not as bad as the other hospital.
But at the same time, I was wondering about Mathieu. Will he survive? Meningitis is a pretty serious illness. It's really an awakening experience on how I come close to death often. Even when I walk in the streets of Shanghai, I have seen dead bodies on the sidewalk. Only twice though. Both times when I walked by the dead people, there was always someone next to the body praying. It's quite an experience, but in a bad way when you are very near to diseases and death. When you see Shanghai, you see more First World kind of places because of the strong Western influence in Shanghai; but you also see the Third World feel to it, the high risk of various diseases and seeing dead bodies in the street. Sure, I've learned all about the high mortality rates of countries in class when I was in college. But you don't really know anything until you've seen it for yourself. China is not the worst country to be in in terms of diseases and death. But you will never see anything like this in the US. Now I'm just realizing on a different level of what is it like to be in a non-First World country. Now I am also realizing that Africa is probably about 10 times worse. Firsthand experience with stuff like that, nothing you will ever learn in a college class.
That was when it hit me. I was actually in a hospital in China. It was the weirdest feeling ever, a little scary as well. Of course, I stayed at the hospital to rest for a while and it was just really odd. No one ever leaves you alone. A nurse sits there with you at all times. Plus, you only see the doctor for no more than five minutes at a time. Only nurses. The technology is definitely outdated. But at least I saw the needles go into me. It was definitely sterilized. I was a little worried about that. The worst part was the smells. I have no words to describe the smells. It was just terrible, like death almost. I have never smelled anything like it. My first experience in a Chinese hospital, but unfortuantly, not my last.
Today was my second experience. Franck's friend, Mathieu had gotten meningitis and we were all exposed. I just found out today that he was hospitalized for bacterial meningitis and it is very contagious. So, Franck and I ran to the hospital to get the immunizations for it and make sure it is out of our systems. Great, I thought I might get sick again and it will be even worse this time. But then, I remembered that I have already gotten a vaccination for bacterial meningitis. So, the doctor told me I was good. Franck, however was not as lucky as me. Don't worry, he is not sick, but he has to take pills for three days to make sure he doesn't get sick. I just really hope those pills can help. Christian and our friend Francesca has to take them as well. But being in the hospital was quite an experience as well. Though, I know more what the hospital is like; but it was still different. I was with all French-speaking people and Chinese doctors speaking French. A little strange considering my location right now. On top of that, all of the French people were freaking out thinking they had gotten meningitis. It was almost like a mob against the poor French-speaking Chinese doctor. "We are not leaving until we get the pills!" they said. Wow. I was the only non French-speaking person trying to make sense of everything while I see sick people going by on gurneys in the Intensive Care Unit. Of course, there were smells; but not as bad as the other hospital.
But at the same time, I was wondering about Mathieu. Will he survive? Meningitis is a pretty serious illness. It's really an awakening experience on how I come close to death often. Even when I walk in the streets of Shanghai, I have seen dead bodies on the sidewalk. Only twice though. Both times when I walked by the dead people, there was always someone next to the body praying. It's quite an experience, but in a bad way when you are very near to diseases and death. When you see Shanghai, you see more First World kind of places because of the strong Western influence in Shanghai; but you also see the Third World feel to it, the high risk of various diseases and seeing dead bodies in the street. Sure, I've learned all about the high mortality rates of countries in class when I was in college. But you don't really know anything until you've seen it for yourself. China is not the worst country to be in in terms of diseases and death. But you will never see anything like this in the US. Now I'm just realizing on a different level of what is it like to be in a non-First World country. Now I am also realizing that Africa is probably about 10 times worse. Firsthand experience with stuff like that, nothing you will ever learn in a college class.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
expats
There are many, many foreigners in Shanghai. I just didn't realize how many until I left Shanghai when I visited Nanjing. When I was in Nanjing, I had seen maybe about two other white people and I actually spoke more Chinese than English. It had just really hit me how many Westerners there are in Shanghai. Shanghai has always been known for the strong Western influence, but there still isn't that many. Shanghai is a city of 17 million people and only about 800,000 are foreigners. And they all tend to live in the same area. The area of Shanghai that I live in, Jing'an District, has a lot of expats. Expats (short for expatriates) is a name that Shanghainese people like to call foreigners. In Jing'an, I see about a good mix of whites and Chinese. Plus there are many, many Western cuisines around the area. Like I said in my last entry about Christmas; Shanghai is not starting to feel all that different from home anymore.
However, there are things from the US that I definitely miss. Bagels with cream cheese is probably number one on my list. In a foreign country, the first thing you miss is food and you will never stop missing it. Plus, I also miss being able to find books in English (kind of shocking
that it's hard to find books written in English in a city with a strong Western influence...). But there is one thing here that is very American. Fast food restaurants. I think there are actually more McDonald's here in Shanghai than there are in the state of Maryland. The number of KFC's is unbelieveable too. Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Subway, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Papa Johns...you name it, it's here in Shanghai. And their food is nasty. Even a McDonald's Big Mac from America is a delicacy compared to these shit burgers here. I was actually watching a YouTube video that a Hong Kong KFC serves food from the garbage. It had grossed me out so much that I will never eat KFC again, no matter what country I'm in. All of these writing has actually gotten me hungry. Time for some ramen noodles and sushi. Hmmmm, Japanese food. My favorite food in Shanghai!
However, there are things from the US that I definitely miss. Bagels with cream cheese is probably number one on my list. In a foreign country, the first thing you miss is food and you will never stop missing it. Plus, I also miss being able to find books in English (kind of shocking
that it's hard to find books written in English in a city with a strong Western influence...). But there is one thing here that is very American. Fast food restaurants. I think there are actually more McDonald's here in Shanghai than there are in the state of Maryland. The number of KFC's is unbelieveable too. Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Subway, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Papa Johns...you name it, it's here in Shanghai. And their food is nasty. Even a McDonald's Big Mac from America is a delicacy compared to these shit burgers here. I was actually watching a YouTube video that a Hong Kong KFC serves food from the garbage. It had grossed me out so much that I will never eat KFC again, no matter what country I'm in. All of these writing has actually gotten me hungry. Time for some ramen noodles and sushi. Hmmmm, Japanese food. My favorite food in Shanghai!
chinese kids are spoiled rotten
What class doesn't go by when a glue stick, scissors or paper airplane doesn't get thrown at me? Not a one. Ok, what about a class when kids don't try to climb on the whiteboard or the computer. Not a one. A class when a kid doesn't stand on his desk or scream his head off. Not a one.
Ok, I'm being a little facetious. Just a little. I love teaching. Really, I do. It's wonderful for me to see them producing the English language and at my expense! But managing 15 screaming seven-year-olds is easier said than done. Even when the class is a zoo, but some kids scream in English. They always do their work, but you have to enforce it. Also, if you keep the class fun with games and coloring activities, they are happy to be there. It isn't too bad all the time. Sometimes, I have to keep in mind that these kids are raised by their grandparents because their parents both have jobs. Plus, they are usually the only kid in the family due to China's one-child policy. It is an experience and I am more than happy to be doing this. I am actually thinking about staying for longer than a year, maybe even two years. I am really enjoying life in Shanghai. It's becoming home for me now. :-)
Ok, I'm being a little facetious. Just a little. I love teaching. Really, I do. It's wonderful for me to see them producing the English language and at my expense! But managing 15 screaming seven-year-olds is easier said than done. Even when the class is a zoo, but some kids scream in English. They always do their work, but you have to enforce it. Also, if you keep the class fun with games and coloring activities, they are happy to be there. It isn't too bad all the time. Sometimes, I have to keep in mind that these kids are raised by their grandparents because their parents both have jobs. Plus, they are usually the only kid in the family due to China's one-child policy. It is an experience and I am more than happy to be doing this. I am actually thinking about staying for longer than a year, maybe even two years. I am really enjoying life in Shanghai. It's becoming home for me now. :-)
Nanjing
For the first time in China, I visited a city other than Shanghai. Yesterday, I went to Nanjing, which is two hours northwest of Shanghai by train. It is still in the same province, Jiangsu. Nanjing is a really cool little city, what I mean by little--only five and half million people. Nanjing is next to Purple Mountain, which I spent the entire day on. It was beautiful and it was so nice to get back out to nature after being in Shanghai for almost two months. Purple Mountain has some famous sites, such as the Masoleoum for Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Dr. Sun Yat-sen was a well known revolutionary in the 1910s-1920s against the growing Communist power. His forces was eventually taken over by Chiang Kai-shek of the Nationalist party. It shows that Nanjing was a stronghold for Chinese nationalists. Also, Nanjing, especially Purple Mountain was also a site where the Japanese forces took over and killed around 600,000 people, around early 1900s. Many people were buried in Purple Mountain.
Besides learning about Nanjing's history, I took lots of pictures of the amazing fall foliage. I never wanted to leave that mountain. But I know this mountain is only small compared to those in Western China, which I plan to see next year. I will post pictures of Facebook! I would go back to Nanjing, but for nature, not for city. I thought the city was a little blah to be honest, but there is so much nature and history to make up for it. Just not great nightlife or much to do. Also, in Nanjing, I finally got a taste of "real China," as tons of people say that Shanghai is not real China. In Nanjing, I saw traditional Chinese stone townhouses all over and in the true Chinese architecture. There was a much bigger language barrier in Nanjing; I struggled to get around quite a bit. I actually spoke more Chinese than English.
Besides learning about Nanjing's history, I took lots of pictures of the amazing fall foliage. I never wanted to leave that mountain. But I know this mountain is only small compared to those in Western China, which I plan to see next year. I will post pictures of Facebook! I would go back to Nanjing, but for nature, not for city. I thought the city was a little blah to be honest, but there is so much nature and history to make up for it. Just not great nightlife or much to do. Also, in Nanjing, I finally got a taste of "real China," as tons of people say that Shanghai is not real China. In Nanjing, I saw traditional Chinese stone townhouses all over and in the true Chinese architecture. There was a much bigger language barrier in Nanjing; I struggled to get around quite a bit. I actually spoke more Chinese than English.
Monday, December 1, 2008
languages and making sense of it all
So, I was just having a conversation with my roommate Albert about languages of the world. As well as learning more about Chinese culture and trying to make sense of it all. Last night, I was in a cab trying to tell the driver in Chinese where I needed to go. No luck. I sent a text message to my friend to tell me where to go in Pinyin and in Mandarin and I showed it to the cab driver. The cab driver took me in the wrong direction. Then I tried to argue with him in Mandarin. Needless to say, it was not a successful argument. I eventually gave up and just called a friend who knew Chinese to tell the cab driver for me. For those who doesn't know what Pinyin is, it's a system of letters of the alphabet written out for those who can't understand characters. It can be really useful since it gives you a better idea of how to pronounce it. Though many of the letters are pronounced differently. Anyway, after trying to struggle on my Chinese with the cab driver, I became more determined to learn Chinese. I have been taking a Chinese class provided by my school every Wednesday morning.
Talking about the Chinese language is very interesting to me. I have been struggling trying to read Pinyin, but I hear it takes years of practice to learn the pronounciations. There are certain sounds in Mandarin that can be impossible for someone of a Western language to say. But that goes both ways. The Chinese also have difficulty with sounds of some letters or words in English. This is good for me to keep in mind when I teach to my students. I have gotten frustrated when some of my students don't say the words right, but Albert told me that it's not that they aren't trying, it's just that they probably can't make that sound. Also, I learned more about the Japanese language. It has more simple sounds and it's more difficult to learn than the Chinese language. Plus, it is harder for the Japanese to make the sounds in English.
There is also more about the Chinese culture that I'm trying to make sense of. The relationship between a husband and wife in Asia. I have this perception that men are very old fashioned and women are totally submissive to them. I may sound very judgmental, but the way China is progressing in terms of economic and military might; I would think that it's societal norms would progress that way as well. But the dominant husband-submissive wife relationship is the most prevalent in Japan. In China, while that type of relationship is still present, but women are gaining more equality in this generation. I notice a huge difference between the older generations and this generation. Men in China tend to objectify women more than elsewhere in Asia and more similarly to Westerners; but the Chinese women can "take" it better than other Asian women. Chinese women of this generation seem like other Western women in my view; and the older Chinese women act like that they are so much more inferior and subservient to men. I've learned about all of this in my classes at college, but you don't really learn anything until you experience it yourself.
I just find this a little appalling and how different parts of the world are compared to home. Culture shock is everywhere and nothing about the world can be learned in a classroom. I'm really happy that I came out here in China. After being here for more than 6 weeks, I have more of a desire than ever before to see and travel everywhere. I want to go all over China; and I also want to go to India, Thailand, Cambodia, Mongolia and Japan. After I finish teaching, I think I may travel around China and southeast Asia; and then take the Trans-Siberian Railway from Beijing through Mongolia to Moscow. I just have this feeling that I won't be satisfied with teaching English abroad; I need to travel around as much as I can with the money I have to see this part of the world.
Another thing I am trying to make sense of here in China. The drinking age. I have been noticing that I have never seen any kind of ID check anywhere when it comes to alcohol. Albert told me that there isn't a drinking age in China. Even a 10-year-old can buy beer, assuming that he is buying for his parents. I was kind of surprised when I heard that, but not really. The Chinese don't really get wasted here. It's more of a Western kind of thing. However, with the next few years coming and people in Shanghai are getting richer, the younger generation probably will have too much money from their parents and piss it all away on alcohol (and probably drugs soon enough). Drugs are getting more common than ever before in the past few years, due to people earning more money and the more curious younger generation. I wouldn't be surprised that in the next few years, there will be laws enforcing a drinking age. But as of right now, drinking is not a problem in China, hence the no drinking age.
Talking about the Chinese language is very interesting to me. I have been struggling trying to read Pinyin, but I hear it takes years of practice to learn the pronounciations. There are certain sounds in Mandarin that can be impossible for someone of a Western language to say. But that goes both ways. The Chinese also have difficulty with sounds of some letters or words in English. This is good for me to keep in mind when I teach to my students. I have gotten frustrated when some of my students don't say the words right, but Albert told me that it's not that they aren't trying, it's just that they probably can't make that sound. Also, I learned more about the Japanese language. It has more simple sounds and it's more difficult to learn than the Chinese language. Plus, it is harder for the Japanese to make the sounds in English.
There is also more about the Chinese culture that I'm trying to make sense of. The relationship between a husband and wife in Asia. I have this perception that men are very old fashioned and women are totally submissive to them. I may sound very judgmental, but the way China is progressing in terms of economic and military might; I would think that it's societal norms would progress that way as well. But the dominant husband-submissive wife relationship is the most prevalent in Japan. In China, while that type of relationship is still present, but women are gaining more equality in this generation. I notice a huge difference between the older generations and this generation. Men in China tend to objectify women more than elsewhere in Asia and more similarly to Westerners; but the Chinese women can "take" it better than other Asian women. Chinese women of this generation seem like other Western women in my view; and the older Chinese women act like that they are so much more inferior and subservient to men. I've learned about all of this in my classes at college, but you don't really learn anything until you experience it yourself.
I just find this a little appalling and how different parts of the world are compared to home. Culture shock is everywhere and nothing about the world can be learned in a classroom. I'm really happy that I came out here in China. After being here for more than 6 weeks, I have more of a desire than ever before to see and travel everywhere. I want to go all over China; and I also want to go to India, Thailand, Cambodia, Mongolia and Japan. After I finish teaching, I think I may travel around China and southeast Asia; and then take the Trans-Siberian Railway from Beijing through Mongolia to Moscow. I just have this feeling that I won't be satisfied with teaching English abroad; I need to travel around as much as I can with the money I have to see this part of the world.
Another thing I am trying to make sense of here in China. The drinking age. I have been noticing that I have never seen any kind of ID check anywhere when it comes to alcohol. Albert told me that there isn't a drinking age in China. Even a 10-year-old can buy beer, assuming that he is buying for his parents. I was kind of surprised when I heard that, but not really. The Chinese don't really get wasted here. It's more of a Western kind of thing. However, with the next few years coming and people in Shanghai are getting richer, the younger generation probably will have too much money from their parents and piss it all away on alcohol (and probably drugs soon enough). Drugs are getting more common than ever before in the past few years, due to people earning more money and the more curious younger generation. I wouldn't be surprised that in the next few years, there will be laws enforcing a drinking age. But as of right now, drinking is not a problem in China, hence the no drinking age.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
6 weeks
Ok, it has only been a few days since my last blog; so I must be getting back into it. I just realized that I have only been in Shanghai for 6 weeks now. It feels like I've been here 6 months. But I have been working at EF for only 3 weeks now; it actually just feels like 3 weeks. I have noticed more things about China that I have to vent again. Now, it's getting colder and China doesn't believe in a central heating system. Basically everywhere if you want heat, you need to have a space heater. Great, I'm looking forward to a cold winter. At least Shanghai doesn't get bitterly cold like it would be in Oxford, Ohio. Actually, Maryland gets colder than Shanghai as well. So now, I just pack on a lot of layers of clothes. I could turn on the space heater but its so fucking expensive. I keep trying to remind myself that I am not in Beijing or Harbin, which are the coldest cities in China.
Other things about China are still really outdated. Like plumbing. Most bathrooms in China do not have toilets, but squatting pans instead. Squatting pans are basically just a hole in the floor leading to a pipe. Also, you cannot flush toilet paper because the pipes in Shanghai aren't big enough to take in toilet paper. Instead, you toss it in the bin next to the sqatting pan. It always reeks like piss in bathrooms. It's so nasty. Why just get new pipes to hold the toilet paper? And maybe get actual toilets. It's just so much more sanitary. I know Shanghai can afford them; it's the richest city in China, even more so than Hong Kong.
God, I feel like that I keep bitching about China. I am more than happy to be here. Some things are so easy to complain about. But there is one thing I have finally gotten used to: the food. There are bones and fat in the meat and I have learned to ignore it and just spit the bones out. It is not good table manners, but I can't eat it, haha. The Chinese don't really have table manners here. It's not too bad sometimes, you can just not care what others think of your etiquiette when you eat. However, sometimes it can be annoying. Another thing that annoys me a lot about China is how everyone just pushes people out of the way and just spit in front of you. Shanghai hasn't changed much since the 1930s. I have decided to embrace it instead of getting frustrated when I'm pushed; now I push people out of the way. This sounds terrible, but I never get anywhere if people constantly push me out of the metro.
I'm starting to get a lot more comfortable with teaching. However, my TB3A class is my hardest class to teach. They don't seem to like me as a teacher and I have the hardest time to get them motivated to learn English. Most of the time, these kids are there because their parents forced them to. However, I love the other classes I have, especially the High Flyers. They are all really young kids and they are extremely active. It keeps the class fun and I have a lot of fun teaching them English. It's amazing to me how they can produce English for how young they are. I don't mind the older kids sometimes because you can have more serious and slightly intellectual discussions with them. On Thursday, I had a life club with low High Flyers and I was helping another teacher, Claudia, to get the students to make Thanksgiving cards. It was so much fun because I get them to learn about Thanksgiving and they were so excited when they finished their cards. They kept coming up to me saying, "Teacher! Teacher! I finished my card!" It's so cute. In a way, it was a good way for me to celebrate Thanksgiving in China. But I also went out with my co-workers for a few drinks to celebrate the holiday, even the British ones, haha. Basically they just wanted an excuse to drink.
Other things about China are still really outdated. Like plumbing. Most bathrooms in China do not have toilets, but squatting pans instead. Squatting pans are basically just a hole in the floor leading to a pipe. Also, you cannot flush toilet paper because the pipes in Shanghai aren't big enough to take in toilet paper. Instead, you toss it in the bin next to the sqatting pan. It always reeks like piss in bathrooms. It's so nasty. Why just get new pipes to hold the toilet paper? And maybe get actual toilets. It's just so much more sanitary. I know Shanghai can afford them; it's the richest city in China, even more so than Hong Kong.
God, I feel like that I keep bitching about China. I am more than happy to be here. Some things are so easy to complain about. But there is one thing I have finally gotten used to: the food. There are bones and fat in the meat and I have learned to ignore it and just spit the bones out. It is not good table manners, but I can't eat it, haha. The Chinese don't really have table manners here. It's not too bad sometimes, you can just not care what others think of your etiquiette when you eat. However, sometimes it can be annoying. Another thing that annoys me a lot about China is how everyone just pushes people out of the way and just spit in front of you. Shanghai hasn't changed much since the 1930s. I have decided to embrace it instead of getting frustrated when I'm pushed; now I push people out of the way. This sounds terrible, but I never get anywhere if people constantly push me out of the metro.
I'm starting to get a lot more comfortable with teaching. However, my TB3A class is my hardest class to teach. They don't seem to like me as a teacher and I have the hardest time to get them motivated to learn English. Most of the time, these kids are there because their parents forced them to. However, I love the other classes I have, especially the High Flyers. They are all really young kids and they are extremely active. It keeps the class fun and I have a lot of fun teaching them English. It's amazing to me how they can produce English for how young they are. I don't mind the older kids sometimes because you can have more serious and slightly intellectual discussions with them. On Thursday, I had a life club with low High Flyers and I was helping another teacher, Claudia, to get the students to make Thanksgiving cards. It was so much fun because I get them to learn about Thanksgiving and they were so excited when they finished their cards. They kept coming up to me saying, "Teacher! Teacher! I finished my card!" It's so cute. In a way, it was a good way for me to celebrate Thanksgiving in China. But I also went out with my co-workers for a few drinks to celebrate the holiday, even the British ones, haha. Basically they just wanted an excuse to drink.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
ahh, comfort and new people
Ok, it has been over two weeks since my last post. This isn't good. It really shows I'm falling behind on my blogging. But the good news is that I have a set routine in my life and things are finally going along smoothly after an extremely rough start here in Shanghai. My roommates are awesome! I am building friendships with them and it is really pleasant to live with them. Come to think of it, I have the best luck with roommates. Even in college, I had great roommates. In DC, I had great roommates. I fianlly met Sarah, the other American that is living here. She moved in around 10 days after I moved in. She said that she had been living in Shanghai since July, but she moved out of her old apartment because her roommates would never talk to her. I found that a little odd because she is really cool. We got along right away and there were never any kind of awkwardness between us like when you can get from meeting someone for the first time.
Davide is still a character. Though, I love talking to him. His Italian accent is pretty amusing sometimes when he messes up some English words. Ha, I feel like I'm mocking him, but it's pretty easy. Sorry, Davide. Nonetheless, we have great conversations as well; he can talk for hours. Chris is a very lighthearted dude. He always makes jokes, though he also has some sarcasm. Chris is also very Swiss. What I mean by that, he is very banker. He is the one that organizes our apartment finances, like bills and things for the apartment. It's really nice to have someone like that so I don't have to worry about what I owe. Franck was quite shy at first, but he is being more extroverted around us now. I have talked to him, though his English is not that good. He really wants to learn more vocabulary. I have had political discussions with him about politics in USA, France and Italy. We learned a lot from each other. It's a bonus for having international roommates!
Albert is still great, still practicing his Chinese. I go out with him quite often on Monday nights to a place called Zapata's in the French Concession. Zapata's has one full hour of free beer for guys and free margarita's for girls on Monday nights. The free beer for guys is great, but the margaritas barely have a drop of alcohol in them. "Government regulations," they said, "no one can get too drunk, especially girls." Whatever. I tried getting beer once, but girls are not allowed. Albert tried to get it for me once, but the small Chinese bouncer (who is actually shorter than me) yelled at me in Mandarin and took the drink out of my hand. Ok, the dude takes his job a little too seriously. If I had a margarita, I would be drinking anyway, so what was the big deal if I had a beer? The next week, I wanted to make sure I had beer. The free beer is served in plastic cups; but if you buy it, it will be served in glass pints. All I did was buy some beer (fucking expensive--Heineken was 45 yuan and Tsingtao was 40 yuan; ok, I don't think that Chinese beer should be expensive as a Heineken, it's not that great) and Albert kept refilling the whole hour.
I love going out in the French Concession. Where Zapata's is, it's on Hengshan Road, the one street in the French Concession that is lined with bars and cool restaurants. If I had to compare Shanghai to DC, I would say that the area I live in, Jing'an District, is like DC's Dupont Circle area and the French Concession is like Georgetown. My work is really close to Hengshan Road. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
So far, I really like working at EF. The more I get to know the teachers, the more I feel comfortable there. At first, I was really introverted; mainly because I was really nervous about belonging there, especially after what happened with KaiEn. But they are a more fun bunch that KaiEn seemed like. I have gone out with them a few times already and have attended two parties with them. It was recently one of my coworkers' 30th birthday, Mike. Also, Lesley had a Thanksgiving party two days ago; it was really that night when I finally developed a friendship with them. I had gotten to know a lot of them. Though at Mike's birthday, I hung out with them but the Thanksgiving party was more relaxing and less of a threatening environment. Mike's party was at a Brazilian steakhouse followed by drinks at a really posh bar and then followed by karaoke. Karaoke? Ok, I can't sing at all, especially in front of people I was already nervous with. I just sung along (quietly, lol) with everyone else. Though they picked really good songs. Plus, I met other EF teachers at other schools. At this point, honestly, I was so worn out from meeting people. I have never had to meet and shake hands with so many people in only 5 weeks. It actually does wear you out. I remember that I kept saying that I love meeting new people, I would have never thought it could actually get tiring. Anyway, Lesley had her party at her apartment. There was chicken (turkey is not easy to get in China apparently) and stuffing. I mingled with the EF people, but only those at my school. I focus on the teachers from other schools next time.
Working at EF and teaching Chinese kids. It is a lot of fun. Managing and disciplining Chinese kids? Easier said than done. These kids are raised by their grandparents because their parents work all the time. Their grandparents give them everything they want. Let's not forget that China has a one child policy, so almost all kids are only childs. Sweet. Most classes at EF are two hours long (though there are some that are 80 minutes). Two hours with loud kids who don't always pay attention or do the work--not easy, but definitely not boring. Think about it, I will have good stories to share. For example, one class I observed, there was a girl, around 6 or 7 years old, got on all fours in the middle of the classroom with the textbook in her mouth. She just stayed there for several minutes while there were screaming 7 year olds around her, going on about their favorite TV shows, in English of course. I have learned that sometimes kids learn English better when they scream it out. But this can only apply for the High Flyers. At EF, we have levels of English according to ages: Small Stars would be 3-6 year olds with 5 levels total, High Flyers are 7-10 year olds with 11 levels total, Trailblazers are 11-15 year olds with 21 levels total, and Real English for older teenagers with 15 levels. I have only taught Trailblazers and one Real English class so far. I have gotten comfortable with the Trailblazers and its textbooks. I have my first High Flyer class this Friday.
Ok, that is it for now; and hopefully I will post again soon enough.
Davide is still a character. Though, I love talking to him. His Italian accent is pretty amusing sometimes when he messes up some English words. Ha, I feel like I'm mocking him, but it's pretty easy. Sorry, Davide. Nonetheless, we have great conversations as well; he can talk for hours. Chris is a very lighthearted dude. He always makes jokes, though he also has some sarcasm. Chris is also very Swiss. What I mean by that, he is very banker. He is the one that organizes our apartment finances, like bills and things for the apartment. It's really nice to have someone like that so I don't have to worry about what I owe. Franck was quite shy at first, but he is being more extroverted around us now. I have talked to him, though his English is not that good. He really wants to learn more vocabulary. I have had political discussions with him about politics in USA, France and Italy. We learned a lot from each other. It's a bonus for having international roommates!
Albert is still great, still practicing his Chinese. I go out with him quite often on Monday nights to a place called Zapata's in the French Concession. Zapata's has one full hour of free beer for guys and free margarita's for girls on Monday nights. The free beer for guys is great, but the margaritas barely have a drop of alcohol in them. "Government regulations," they said, "no one can get too drunk, especially girls." Whatever. I tried getting beer once, but girls are not allowed. Albert tried to get it for me once, but the small Chinese bouncer (who is actually shorter than me) yelled at me in Mandarin and took the drink out of my hand. Ok, the dude takes his job a little too seriously. If I had a margarita, I would be drinking anyway, so what was the big deal if I had a beer? The next week, I wanted to make sure I had beer. The free beer is served in plastic cups; but if you buy it, it will be served in glass pints. All I did was buy some beer (fucking expensive--Heineken was 45 yuan and Tsingtao was 40 yuan; ok, I don't think that Chinese beer should be expensive as a Heineken, it's not that great) and Albert kept refilling the whole hour.
I love going out in the French Concession. Where Zapata's is, it's on Hengshan Road, the one street in the French Concession that is lined with bars and cool restaurants. If I had to compare Shanghai to DC, I would say that the area I live in, Jing'an District, is like DC's Dupont Circle area and the French Concession is like Georgetown. My work is really close to Hengshan Road. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
So far, I really like working at EF. The more I get to know the teachers, the more I feel comfortable there. At first, I was really introverted; mainly because I was really nervous about belonging there, especially after what happened with KaiEn. But they are a more fun bunch that KaiEn seemed like. I have gone out with them a few times already and have attended two parties with them. It was recently one of my coworkers' 30th birthday, Mike. Also, Lesley had a Thanksgiving party two days ago; it was really that night when I finally developed a friendship with them. I had gotten to know a lot of them. Though at Mike's birthday, I hung out with them but the Thanksgiving party was more relaxing and less of a threatening environment. Mike's party was at a Brazilian steakhouse followed by drinks at a really posh bar and then followed by karaoke. Karaoke? Ok, I can't sing at all, especially in front of people I was already nervous with. I just sung along (quietly, lol) with everyone else. Though they picked really good songs. Plus, I met other EF teachers at other schools. At this point, honestly, I was so worn out from meeting people. I have never had to meet and shake hands with so many people in only 5 weeks. It actually does wear you out. I remember that I kept saying that I love meeting new people, I would have never thought it could actually get tiring. Anyway, Lesley had her party at her apartment. There was chicken (turkey is not easy to get in China apparently) and stuffing. I mingled with the EF people, but only those at my school. I focus on the teachers from other schools next time.
Working at EF and teaching Chinese kids. It is a lot of fun. Managing and disciplining Chinese kids? Easier said than done. These kids are raised by their grandparents because their parents work all the time. Their grandparents give them everything they want. Let's not forget that China has a one child policy, so almost all kids are only childs. Sweet. Most classes at EF are two hours long (though there are some that are 80 minutes). Two hours with loud kids who don't always pay attention or do the work--not easy, but definitely not boring. Think about it, I will have good stories to share. For example, one class I observed, there was a girl, around 6 or 7 years old, got on all fours in the middle of the classroom with the textbook in her mouth. She just stayed there for several minutes while there were screaming 7 year olds around her, going on about their favorite TV shows, in English of course. I have learned that sometimes kids learn English better when they scream it out. But this can only apply for the High Flyers. At EF, we have levels of English according to ages: Small Stars would be 3-6 year olds with 5 levels total, High Flyers are 7-10 year olds with 11 levels total, Trailblazers are 11-15 year olds with 21 levels total, and Real English for older teenagers with 15 levels. I have only taught Trailblazers and one Real English class so far. I have gotten comfortable with the Trailblazers and its textbooks. I have my first High Flyer class this Friday.
Ok, that is it for now; and hopefully I will post again soon enough.
Monday, November 10, 2008
new apartment, new job
It has been a little over a week since my last posting. I hope I'm not already starting to fall behind on it. Anyway, I found an apartment! I began my apartment search about a week ago and found many interesting places. I sent off emails letting the landlords and people living in the apartment know that I'm interested. About half rejected me, either because they only wanted to live with a Chinese national or they had already filled the spot. Even one response said that they did not want to live with an American. That was really unfair I thought; but then again, I wouldn't want to live with a person who puts down Americans. "Americans are too pushy and too political," she said. That's not true for every American, but I didn't bother trying to change her mind. But the other half were allowed me to come check out their apartments.
I had looked at four apartments before I found the one I loved! And I got realllllly lucky with the rent price. The apartment I have is in one of the nicest districts of Shanghai and one of the more modern ones. This apartment I have is not typical for Shanghai and the rest of China. It's actually considered a luxury Western-style apartment and fully furnished. It has hardwood floors, leather furniture and big screen tv in the living room; a traditional Chinese dinner table and china cabinet in dining room and 6 bedrooms. Of course, that means I'm sharing with 5 other people. But this apartment is so big, I don't feel crowded at all. I'm living with an Italian guy, Swiss guy, British guy, French guy and another American girl. They all are pretty cool...well, so far at least.
The funny thing is about these roommates, I already knew the British guy, Albert. Albert was staying in the same hostel as I was and we had talked a few times. We knew that we were looking for apartments; one day last week we asked each other what apartments we had found. We discussed what our apartments were like and we realized that our apartments were a little too similar. Then we realized that we actually got the same apartments and will be roommates. It was just the weirdest, most random coincidence ever. I really like Albert a lot, we get along great and we became good friends quickly when we realized we're roommates.
I moved in the apartment last Friday, and all of the guys were already moved in as well. However, Sarah, the other American and the French guy haven't moved in yet. It's now Monday, and they still are not here. Weird. Davide is the Italian one and he seems to be a character. I really like him a lot so far; he wouldn't be boring to live with. He's very Italian, very fancy and very posh. Chris, the Swiss guy, seems very laidback and wants to have a good time. However, he brought 3 German girls and one British guy to stay over with us for the weekend. To be honest, that kind of annoyed me a little bit. I had just moved in and was barely starting to break in the apartment, and he brings all of these people to stay for the weekend. They were a lot of fun; I'm not that pissed off, but i was just annoyed at first. Also, I felt really awkward around them. They all knew each other and I was the odd one out trying to be a part of the group. Sometimes I find Europeans not as friendly as Americans, but they are so much more open-minded than Americans. Plus, it was a little difficult for me to understand their accents when they spoke.
Last weekend was my first real night out in Shanghai. On Friday night, we went over to the French Concession, a nice, pretty, Western-style neighborhood in Shanghai. The French Concession is a well known area for expatriates to live in. My district, Jing'an District, has quite a few expats as well. Shanghai has so many foreign nationals, called expats; so there are many bars that are notorious for expats gathering. There's an American bar near my apartment! Anyway, we went to this bar that was underground and was set up like a dungeon. It was cool and a different setting. They had pretty good music, considering that I wasn't sure what to expect in a Shanghai bar or club. Saturday night, we, Davide, Chris, Albert, the German girls, and the other British guy and myself, all ate at this really nice Japanese restaurant and had lots of food. It was one of the best Japanese food I've ever eaten. It was a little pricey, but so worth it. Considering that this is China, you have to pay a little more to get food quality the same as back home. Afterwards, Albert knew some Chinese girls, one of which I already knew from the hostel, and we met up for Chinese karaoke. Chris and the German girls were not that excited about it; I think they were just being a little stuck up. I was more open to it and wanted to immerse myself in Chinese culture. It wasn't that bad, I watched Chinese pop videos. Some were a little out there from what I'm used to. But of course, we all sang some American and British songs.
That's my weekend. And today was my first day at English First. It wasn't that exciting; I just watched a bunch of powerpoint slides about the company and the school and opened up a bank account. That way I can get paid; that's very important. At least I met the other new teachers, who are all American. At KaiEn, the teachers were more of a British or Austrialian nationalities, but here at EF, they tend to be more Americans and Canadians. I am open to meeting people of other nationalities, but at EF, I feel a lot more comfortable with others than at KaiEn.
I don't mean to judge other nationalities, but sometimes the Europeans can tick me off (as well as other nationalities). I just don't get why they are so quick to insult Americans and our country. "Omg, George Bush is so stupid!" "Americans are so loud and obnoxious!" "Americans don't care about anything except politics." Also, they accuse us of being more closed-minded than other nationalities; however, not all say that. First off, I'm really pissed at Bush for making Americans look bad. Second, other nationalities are judging us based on what they hear in the media; and they also say that they can't believe the stuff the media comes out with because they offer skewed versions of stories. Really? If they really believed that, then they wouldn't judge Americans based on media. Hmmmm... Also, I realized when insulted, Americans usually just shrug it off or say, "Yes, I'm American, hahahaha." If Americans retaliate with something about their nationality or their country, they would hate us forever. It's just not fair to me that they can say shit about us and we really wouldn't care, but when Americans do it, we would be seen as crude and closed-minded. I'm just venting, but when it actually does happen, I just shrug and laugh it off.
The Chinese don't really do it that much, but I've come across some that have. I definitely CANNOT retaliate. Chinese culture is very, very different. There are things that just can't be said, as I wrote in a previous entry, no Chinese politics/government, history, religion, Tibet and anything that bashes on their culture. You can actually be arrested for saying such things. A teacher trainer at EF told us today that sometimes that if a Chinese person hears stuff like that, they might call the police. I don't really know if it's that serious, but I wouldn't do it just to see what happens.
Ok, I've written enough for today.
I had looked at four apartments before I found the one I loved! And I got realllllly lucky with the rent price. The apartment I have is in one of the nicest districts of Shanghai and one of the more modern ones. This apartment I have is not typical for Shanghai and the rest of China. It's actually considered a luxury Western-style apartment and fully furnished. It has hardwood floors, leather furniture and big screen tv in the living room; a traditional Chinese dinner table and china cabinet in dining room and 6 bedrooms. Of course, that means I'm sharing with 5 other people. But this apartment is so big, I don't feel crowded at all. I'm living with an Italian guy, Swiss guy, British guy, French guy and another American girl. They all are pretty cool...well, so far at least.
The funny thing is about these roommates, I already knew the British guy, Albert. Albert was staying in the same hostel as I was and we had talked a few times. We knew that we were looking for apartments; one day last week we asked each other what apartments we had found. We discussed what our apartments were like and we realized that our apartments were a little too similar. Then we realized that we actually got the same apartments and will be roommates. It was just the weirdest, most random coincidence ever. I really like Albert a lot, we get along great and we became good friends quickly when we realized we're roommates.
I moved in the apartment last Friday, and all of the guys were already moved in as well. However, Sarah, the other American and the French guy haven't moved in yet. It's now Monday, and they still are not here. Weird. Davide is the Italian one and he seems to be a character. I really like him a lot so far; he wouldn't be boring to live with. He's very Italian, very fancy and very posh. Chris, the Swiss guy, seems very laidback and wants to have a good time. However, he brought 3 German girls and one British guy to stay over with us for the weekend. To be honest, that kind of annoyed me a little bit. I had just moved in and was barely starting to break in the apartment, and he brings all of these people to stay for the weekend. They were a lot of fun; I'm not that pissed off, but i was just annoyed at first. Also, I felt really awkward around them. They all knew each other and I was the odd one out trying to be a part of the group. Sometimes I find Europeans not as friendly as Americans, but they are so much more open-minded than Americans. Plus, it was a little difficult for me to understand their accents when they spoke.
Last weekend was my first real night out in Shanghai. On Friday night, we went over to the French Concession, a nice, pretty, Western-style neighborhood in Shanghai. The French Concession is a well known area for expatriates to live in. My district, Jing'an District, has quite a few expats as well. Shanghai has so many foreign nationals, called expats; so there are many bars that are notorious for expats gathering. There's an American bar near my apartment! Anyway, we went to this bar that was underground and was set up like a dungeon. It was cool and a different setting. They had pretty good music, considering that I wasn't sure what to expect in a Shanghai bar or club. Saturday night, we, Davide, Chris, Albert, the German girls, and the other British guy and myself, all ate at this really nice Japanese restaurant and had lots of food. It was one of the best Japanese food I've ever eaten. It was a little pricey, but so worth it. Considering that this is China, you have to pay a little more to get food quality the same as back home. Afterwards, Albert knew some Chinese girls, one of which I already knew from the hostel, and we met up for Chinese karaoke. Chris and the German girls were not that excited about it; I think they were just being a little stuck up. I was more open to it and wanted to immerse myself in Chinese culture. It wasn't that bad, I watched Chinese pop videos. Some were a little out there from what I'm used to. But of course, we all sang some American and British songs.
That's my weekend. And today was my first day at English First. It wasn't that exciting; I just watched a bunch of powerpoint slides about the company and the school and opened up a bank account. That way I can get paid; that's very important. At least I met the other new teachers, who are all American. At KaiEn, the teachers were more of a British or Austrialian nationalities, but here at EF, they tend to be more Americans and Canadians. I am open to meeting people of other nationalities, but at EF, I feel a lot more comfortable with others than at KaiEn.
I don't mean to judge other nationalities, but sometimes the Europeans can tick me off (as well as other nationalities). I just don't get why they are so quick to insult Americans and our country. "Omg, George Bush is so stupid!" "Americans are so loud and obnoxious!" "Americans don't care about anything except politics." Also, they accuse us of being more closed-minded than other nationalities; however, not all say that. First off, I'm really pissed at Bush for making Americans look bad. Second, other nationalities are judging us based on what they hear in the media; and they also say that they can't believe the stuff the media comes out with because they offer skewed versions of stories. Really? If they really believed that, then they wouldn't judge Americans based on media. Hmmmm... Also, I realized when insulted, Americans usually just shrug it off or say, "Yes, I'm American, hahahaha." If Americans retaliate with something about their nationality or their country, they would hate us forever. It's just not fair to me that they can say shit about us and we really wouldn't care, but when Americans do it, we would be seen as crude and closed-minded. I'm just venting, but when it actually does happen, I just shrug and laugh it off.
The Chinese don't really do it that much, but I've come across some that have. I definitely CANNOT retaliate. Chinese culture is very, very different. There are things that just can't be said, as I wrote in a previous entry, no Chinese politics/government, history, religion, Tibet and anything that bashes on their culture. You can actually be arrested for saying such things. A teacher trainer at EF told us today that sometimes that if a Chinese person hears stuff like that, they might call the police. I don't really know if it's that serious, but I wouldn't do it just to see what happens.
Ok, I've written enough for today.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Hostel Life
I got offered a job to teach at English First! Finally, I was going crazy out of my mind that I wouldn't have a job and will have to go back home and face everyone. EF is actually paying me more than what KaiEn was going to pay me and they are more helpful in the apartment search process. I am not positive when I start working, but hopefully it will be sometime this week; I'm starting to get bored and running out of things to do in Shanghai that does not cost money. I know at EF, I will go through a 12-week induction program, so unlike KaiEn, they are motivated to keep me at the school. Now, I feel like the next hard process transitioning into Shanghai is the apartment search. I don't really know if it will be easy or it will be hard. I think I might live with another teacher, but not one that also teaches at EF. I prefer to have a different group of friends outside of EF, so that not every aspect of my life is somehow work-related. I am already starting to get really sick of being in the hostel.
I have never had a bad experience in a hostel; and there is nothing wrong with this one. But, I just want to have my own room, my own bed, my own space. I just want to be able to unpack my stuff and access it easily. Living out of a suitcase sucks. I'm also sick of making friends with people that are gone in a few days. I've made my first real friends here; a 25-year old couple from Finland. We shared the same room and they were quiet but still quite friendly. They were always interested in what I was doing and I loved hearing about their travels. However, this is their first time out of Europe and they are on a 7-month tour of the world, literally. They started out in Finland and took the Trans-Siberian Railway into Beijing and are making their way down through China, Southeast Asia, Australia, South America and then to South Africa. I'm actually kind of jealous of them. I would love to do something like that. Maybe I will. At least, I think I might do the Trans-Siberian Railway when I complete my contract here in Shanghai. But that will be a year from now. Anyway, back to the Finnish couple. I really miss them a lot actually. They were here four nights and they left two days ago. We hung out every night and really got to know each other. They were pretty fluent in English, so it wasn't difficult to talk to them at all. I shouldn't be that worried about friends, I'll make some soon enough when I start working.
After they left, I felt kinda shitty all day and wondering how I could really miss them that much; I've only known them four days. But then later that evening was when I got the job offer at English First. Also, new people came into the room...another girl from Finland and a Dutch girl. Apparently they had become friends in Beijing and now decided to travel together. To be honest, when I first hung out with them, I thought they were airheads who were obsessed with getting drunk. That night, I couldn't carry a real conversation with them. Plus, there was always this vibe of awkwardness between us. Other than that, they were nice. I drank with them and also hung out with some British people staying in another room. I thought they were cooler. Last night, I hung out with the Finnish, Dutch and the four British people and we played a really fun drinking game. Things got a little out of hand, but it was the first real fun night I've had. I had a lot of fun with the Finnish couple from a few days before, but they weren't big drinkers-not that I wanted to be like those airheads who like to get drunk. After last night, I started to like the Finnish and Dutch girls a little bit more; I had to give them some credit because they were always inviting me along with them, despite the obvious awkwardness between us. They're leaving tomorrow and honestly, I don't think I will miss them. Ok, that sounded a little cruel, but whatever. They probably won't miss me either. But I like to think the Finnish couple might miss me just a little bit; we got along really well and there wasn't awkwardness between us.
Also, I met some older Irish guys here in the hostel. One night, we actually closed down the hostel bar. Now I think they've left. It would be cool if there were still here. We talked a lot about Ireland and said how much we missed it. They have invited me to hang out with them last night and I didn't. I hung out with the Finnish, Dutch and British people. I felt really bad for some reason. It's not a big deal, but I wanted to have another chat and a round of drinks with them. Oh well, they were kind of my friends here too. And now, they've gone back to Ireland I'm sure.
I shouldn't stake too much on the people I may meet here. It's a hostel; people come and go. I think I'm getting lonely for some friends. I can't develop a relationship with people who I will only know for several days. I didn't really have friends in Texas either. My last group of friends was in DC. Plus, I also really miss my friends from Miami and Ellicott City. I've lived in Texas for two months before I came to Shanghai and didn't really meet anyone at all. I'm really am getting lonely and moving to a Communist country and getting a slow start here isn't helping. I'm actually to the point where I'm desperate to start work so I can meet people. Despite the emotions I'm having now, I am really happy to be here in China. I'm teaching English to non-native speakers in a communist country on the other side of the world. I can make my impression somewhere else in the world. But it would be as exciting if I didn't have friends to share this experience with.
I have never had a bad experience in a hostel; and there is nothing wrong with this one. But, I just want to have my own room, my own bed, my own space. I just want to be able to unpack my stuff and access it easily. Living out of a suitcase sucks. I'm also sick of making friends with people that are gone in a few days. I've made my first real friends here; a 25-year old couple from Finland. We shared the same room and they were quiet but still quite friendly. They were always interested in what I was doing and I loved hearing about their travels. However, this is their first time out of Europe and they are on a 7-month tour of the world, literally. They started out in Finland and took the Trans-Siberian Railway into Beijing and are making their way down through China, Southeast Asia, Australia, South America and then to South Africa. I'm actually kind of jealous of them. I would love to do something like that. Maybe I will. At least, I think I might do the Trans-Siberian Railway when I complete my contract here in Shanghai. But that will be a year from now. Anyway, back to the Finnish couple. I really miss them a lot actually. They were here four nights and they left two days ago. We hung out every night and really got to know each other. They were pretty fluent in English, so it wasn't difficult to talk to them at all. I shouldn't be that worried about friends, I'll make some soon enough when I start working.
After they left, I felt kinda shitty all day and wondering how I could really miss them that much; I've only known them four days. But then later that evening was when I got the job offer at English First. Also, new people came into the room...another girl from Finland and a Dutch girl. Apparently they had become friends in Beijing and now decided to travel together. To be honest, when I first hung out with them, I thought they were airheads who were obsessed with getting drunk. That night, I couldn't carry a real conversation with them. Plus, there was always this vibe of awkwardness between us. Other than that, they were nice. I drank with them and also hung out with some British people staying in another room. I thought they were cooler. Last night, I hung out with the Finnish, Dutch and the four British people and we played a really fun drinking game. Things got a little out of hand, but it was the first real fun night I've had. I had a lot of fun with the Finnish couple from a few days before, but they weren't big drinkers-not that I wanted to be like those airheads who like to get drunk. After last night, I started to like the Finnish and Dutch girls a little bit more; I had to give them some credit because they were always inviting me along with them, despite the obvious awkwardness between us. They're leaving tomorrow and honestly, I don't think I will miss them. Ok, that sounded a little cruel, but whatever. They probably won't miss me either. But I like to think the Finnish couple might miss me just a little bit; we got along really well and there wasn't awkwardness between us.
Also, I met some older Irish guys here in the hostel. One night, we actually closed down the hostel bar. Now I think they've left. It would be cool if there were still here. We talked a lot about Ireland and said how much we missed it. They have invited me to hang out with them last night and I didn't. I hung out with the Finnish, Dutch and British people. I felt really bad for some reason. It's not a big deal, but I wanted to have another chat and a round of drinks with them. Oh well, they were kind of my friends here too. And now, they've gone back to Ireland I'm sure.
I shouldn't stake too much on the people I may meet here. It's a hostel; people come and go. I think I'm getting lonely for some friends. I can't develop a relationship with people who I will only know for several days. I didn't really have friends in Texas either. My last group of friends was in DC. Plus, I also really miss my friends from Miami and Ellicott City. I've lived in Texas for two months before I came to Shanghai and didn't really meet anyone at all. I'm really am getting lonely and moving to a Communist country and getting a slow start here isn't helping. I'm actually to the point where I'm desperate to start work so I can meet people. Despite the emotions I'm having now, I am really happy to be here in China. I'm teaching English to non-native speakers in a communist country on the other side of the world. I can make my impression somewhere else in the world. But it would be as exciting if I didn't have friends to share this experience with.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wacky Wacky Shanghai
Shanghai truly is a unique city. Someone told me that Shanghai is not "real" China. Even though, I have never been outside of Shanghai; I would actually agree with that. China is a Communist country, but Shanghai and the people of Shanghai are money making machines, extremely capitalistic. Shanghai is not exactly like an international Western city; it's not as clean and it's full of Chinese people working in foreign companies. Shanghai still lacks some traditional amenities that you would find in a Western city, something simple like toilet paper. However, Shanghai stands out with its futuristic looking skyscrapers. Of course, New York City has skyscrapers, but in terms of magnitude, New York does not even hold a candle to Shanghai.
But one neighborhood of Shanghai can give you an idea what old Shanghai/China is all about. The neighborhood is called Old City and it has some great historic landmarks. The Yu Gardens, which I did not go in because it cost 40 yuan. Ok, 40 yuan is about $6 USD; you may think I'm cheap but whatever. I'm not getting paid just yet. The Yu Gardens is Shanghai's only traditional Chinese garden. But right next to Yu Gardens was a little, but full of frenzy, shopping area all in Chinese architecture. Again, since I am not getting paid yet, I didn't really do any shopping. But the shops sold Chinese gifts, such as silk clothing and fabric, tea cups and pots, fans, chopsticks, and etc. I thought this was a really pretty area and it was great to see some Chinese architecture (finally) rather than seeing block and greyish skyscrapers. Right in the middle of the shopping center was a lake with a zig-zag path to the tea house, where Chinese tea is served in its traditional form. I had a woodberry and chrysanthemum tea. It tasted quite good, but it was not that big of a deal. I sat at a table next to a window and watch all of the consumers go by in the shopping area.
After I left the Yu Gardens area, I walked through Old City, through the really, really OLD parts of town. These streets were very narrow lined with shikumen houses. This area was a notorious gang area that used to be filled with opium smoke before the Communist government cleaned it up in the 1950s. Shikumen was a term to call the traditional Chinese city housing. Shikumen literally means "stone gate" (I looked it up on wikipedia). Something like this can be called townhouses in the English language. Since, Shanghai is an up and coming city in the world of capitalism, I heard these shikumen houses will eventually be demolished. It was quite an afternoon walking through these old shikumen neighborhoods. I honestly felt like I went back into the past, like a century ago. Some shikumen houses were being held together by bamboo sticks. Some markets that I walked by looked like it did not have ANY technology to help run the place. It was just fish, fruit, meat, and vegetables in racks made of bamboo and the store owner monitoring the market. The streets are covered with mud and no cars drove through here. Honestly, without insulting the Chinese, I seriously felt like I was really in a Third World country. Too bad that my camera isn't working at the moment so I could take pictures. No worries, I will be here for a year.
After walking through the neighborhood, I came across part of the Old City Wall, in which Shanghai used to be encircled in up until the mid 1800s. There's not much I can say about that, it's just a really old wall. But I remind myself, it's history! But close to the wall, I noticed that there was a temple. I thought, ok why not? Let's check it out. It was a Taoist temple. China in these days is considered an atheist country, but three different kinds of religion is well presented in Chinese history: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. I know the least about the Taoists. The temple was set up in its Chinese temple architecture. Inside was more brown, red and white. There were a lot of gold statues of Taoist figures. I walked into the center of the temple and there were people lighting up candles and huge cans of ash (what kind of ash, I am not certain) and praying. Around the temple were rooms, all with gold or colorful embossed statues, each with a purpose. You were supposed to pray in all of these rooms facing the statues, as I noticed one man doing. However, I noticed that one of the rooms were full of 3x5 plaques of people that had died and their funeral was held in the temple.
I felt kinda bad about being in the temple since I know nothing about Taoism, or any other Eastern religions for that matter. I kinda felt like I was intruding; this was a place of worship for some of the Chinese; and I was just looking around, not doing any kind of worship. But no one kicked me out. I was just curious about anything that has to do with China. This was a day that I learned more about Shanghai's history and at least a little bit more about religions in China. Well, I definitely will be making a trip back to Old City, either for historical insight or to bring friends who may come visit me. But I know I will be back when my camera works.
Now, remember the girls taking me to the "tea ceremony?" I was discussing this situation with the lady at the front desk of the hostel and she told me that I should report this to the police. She said there is a good chance I may get my money back. Apparently this happens to a lot of tourists, who, like me, felt incredibly stupid afterwards. Today, I went to the police station and found the ONE police officer that spoke English. I explained to him what had happened to me. He took down some information, but he told me if I can find the girls, so-called Helen and Shirley, which is not likely, I can get my money back. He said that this happens hundreds of times each year and only about 3-5 actually get caught. Plus, where the tea ceremony is held, moves its location all the time to reduce the risk of getting caught. I knew that there was no way I can find these girls, let alone trying to bring them to police station to be arrested. He also told me the consequences if they do get caught, they can go to jail for up to 8 years. I thought that it was a severe punishment for a scam of overpriced tea ceremonies. I guess it was more for not having some kind of permit to run these places and the idea of tricking poor tourists for a lot of money. I also told him where it was; and he said he will check it out. Would he really check it out, I wonder? But at least I tried.
But one neighborhood of Shanghai can give you an idea what old Shanghai/China is all about. The neighborhood is called Old City and it has some great historic landmarks. The Yu Gardens, which I did not go in because it cost 40 yuan. Ok, 40 yuan is about $6 USD; you may think I'm cheap but whatever. I'm not getting paid just yet. The Yu Gardens is Shanghai's only traditional Chinese garden. But right next to Yu Gardens was a little, but full of frenzy, shopping area all in Chinese architecture. Again, since I am not getting paid yet, I didn't really do any shopping. But the shops sold Chinese gifts, such as silk clothing and fabric, tea cups and pots, fans, chopsticks, and etc. I thought this was a really pretty area and it was great to see some Chinese architecture (finally) rather than seeing block and greyish skyscrapers. Right in the middle of the shopping center was a lake with a zig-zag path to the tea house, where Chinese tea is served in its traditional form. I had a woodberry and chrysanthemum tea. It tasted quite good, but it was not that big of a deal. I sat at a table next to a window and watch all of the consumers go by in the shopping area.
After I left the Yu Gardens area, I walked through Old City, through the really, really OLD parts of town. These streets were very narrow lined with shikumen houses. This area was a notorious gang area that used to be filled with opium smoke before the Communist government cleaned it up in the 1950s. Shikumen was a term to call the traditional Chinese city housing. Shikumen literally means "stone gate" (I looked it up on wikipedia). Something like this can be called townhouses in the English language. Since, Shanghai is an up and coming city in the world of capitalism, I heard these shikumen houses will eventually be demolished. It was quite an afternoon walking through these old shikumen neighborhoods. I honestly felt like I went back into the past, like a century ago. Some shikumen houses were being held together by bamboo sticks. Some markets that I walked by looked like it did not have ANY technology to help run the place. It was just fish, fruit, meat, and vegetables in racks made of bamboo and the store owner monitoring the market. The streets are covered with mud and no cars drove through here. Honestly, without insulting the Chinese, I seriously felt like I was really in a Third World country. Too bad that my camera isn't working at the moment so I could take pictures. No worries, I will be here for a year.
After walking through the neighborhood, I came across part of the Old City Wall, in which Shanghai used to be encircled in up until the mid 1800s. There's not much I can say about that, it's just a really old wall. But I remind myself, it's history! But close to the wall, I noticed that there was a temple. I thought, ok why not? Let's check it out. It was a Taoist temple. China in these days is considered an atheist country, but three different kinds of religion is well presented in Chinese history: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. I know the least about the Taoists. The temple was set up in its Chinese temple architecture. Inside was more brown, red and white. There were a lot of gold statues of Taoist figures. I walked into the center of the temple and there were people lighting up candles and huge cans of ash (what kind of ash, I am not certain) and praying. Around the temple were rooms, all with gold or colorful embossed statues, each with a purpose. You were supposed to pray in all of these rooms facing the statues, as I noticed one man doing. However, I noticed that one of the rooms were full of 3x5 plaques of people that had died and their funeral was held in the temple.
I felt kinda bad about being in the temple since I know nothing about Taoism, or any other Eastern religions for that matter. I kinda felt like I was intruding; this was a place of worship for some of the Chinese; and I was just looking around, not doing any kind of worship. But no one kicked me out. I was just curious about anything that has to do with China. This was a day that I learned more about Shanghai's history and at least a little bit more about religions in China. Well, I definitely will be making a trip back to Old City, either for historical insight or to bring friends who may come visit me. But I know I will be back when my camera works.
Now, remember the girls taking me to the "tea ceremony?" I was discussing this situation with the lady at the front desk of the hostel and she told me that I should report this to the police. She said there is a good chance I may get my money back. Apparently this happens to a lot of tourists, who, like me, felt incredibly stupid afterwards. Today, I went to the police station and found the ONE police officer that spoke English. I explained to him what had happened to me. He took down some information, but he told me if I can find the girls, so-called Helen and Shirley, which is not likely, I can get my money back. He said that this happens hundreds of times each year and only about 3-5 actually get caught. Plus, where the tea ceremony is held, moves its location all the time to reduce the risk of getting caught. I knew that there was no way I can find these girls, let alone trying to bring them to police station to be arrested. He also told me the consequences if they do get caught, they can go to jail for up to 8 years. I thought that it was a severe punishment for a scam of overpriced tea ceremonies. I guess it was more for not having some kind of permit to run these places and the idea of tricking poor tourists for a lot of money. I also told him where it was; and he said he will check it out. Would he really check it out, I wonder? But at least I tried.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
job interviews
I already had two interviews at other schools this week. The one I went to yesterday, Web International, was a little bit like KaiEn, but slightly more relaxed and computer based. I was not too excited when the director told me about it and I still don't think it's the best fit for me. If it's the only place that will hire me, I will take it. Also, I don't think the interview went exactly as I would have liked. It wasn't terrible, but I still felt a little too inexperienced for this place. The one I interviewed today, English First was the best fit for me. I thought that interview went fantastic! And she seemed to really like me in the interview. We talked for quite a while and got along great! She told me about the positions available; which I will be teaching kids, ages from 6-18. Also, she said that EF hires inexperienced and younger teachers a lot and they will fully work me with me to get me comfortable and part of the school. Initially I will work through a 12-week induction program as part of the contract and then fully teach after that. They said that they will also see me through in getting my work/residence visa, getting an apartment, health insurance and setting up a bank account. Plus, they are paying me more than KaiEn was!
So, I'm definitely looking forward to working at this school! In my opinion, I think teaching kids are better for my experience level because they would be more eager than adults who have come to class after a long day at work; and kids are more receptive to language than adults. Also, I would have more fun with kids and I can take them out on field trips and applying English outside of the classroom! EF is better for those who rather just teach English for a year, while KaiEn was more career teachers. EF also provides great networking around the world, with centers in the United States! And it looks great on a resume! Even after my year in China, I could easily transfer to another teaching center somewhere else in the world; this school has centers on every continent. Maybe, I can go to Africa! I've always wanted to go to Africa for teaching English or some kind of volunteer work. Ok, now I'm just getting ahead of myself. Let's make sure I have this job for real. In two days, I am going back to the school and meeting with the Director of Studies who will give me full details about the job and the induction. I'm so excited!
Now onto other things. I have moved out of the hotel that KaiEn has provided for me into a hostel in the downtown area. This hostel is better for me than the hotel because the hotel had no restaurant or bar; therefore, no way to socialize. I was bored out of my mind in that hotel. But this hostel is full of Europeans and some Chinese and there is a restaurant/bar and a lounge. I've talked to a few people and I am definitely not bored here. Plus, it's right downtown and it saves me money that I can walk everywhere rather than having to pay for transportation.
This being my 9th day in Shanghai, I am learning something new about China everyday. Remember the girls that I had become friends with and took me to a traditional Chinese tea ceremony? I was reading in my Shanghai travel planner and it turns out that the tea ceremonies are a scam to get more money out of travellers. Now I feel stupid. Friends they were. Right. Oh well, at least I know now. When I first realized that, I felt really dumbfounded but at the same time I kind of found it amusing. Now I can warn people about "friends" wanting to take you to a tea ceremony. From now on, I do not count on making friends from people who just approach me on the street. Maybe, really I should have known better, but who would question young, single Chinese girls? I'm not making friends unless I'm in a decent situation, such as at work or meeting people in the apartments. People that I can easily get to know without spending all kinds of money.
Also, the Chinese do not believe in having toilet paper in bathrooms. How do they wipe themselves? I don't want to think, it's too gross. But seriously, don't they get that it's not sanitary. Now, I carry a roll of toilet paper in my purse. Seriously. I actually had to search for it in convenience stores and supermarkets. Also, in the stores, I don't really see deodrants or shaving materials. I've noticed that a lot of the Chinese smell. I'm in a hostel now and my first night, I shared a room with a older Chinese man who REEKED. God, it was hard to breathe in that room. But the shaving, I'm a little confused about. A lot of the Chinese men are clean shaven and the women do not have hair on their legs. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places.
I have found some English bookstores, since I can't watch TV on the Chinese Communist-censored internet, I might read novels. Of course, being in a Communist country, certain books are banned. Oh, freedom. I do miss freedom. But at the same time, I'm looking forward to this experience of being in a Communist country as it will make me more well-rounded and have a better outlook on life.
So, I'm definitely looking forward to working at this school! In my opinion, I think teaching kids are better for my experience level because they would be more eager than adults who have come to class after a long day at work; and kids are more receptive to language than adults. Also, I would have more fun with kids and I can take them out on field trips and applying English outside of the classroom! EF is better for those who rather just teach English for a year, while KaiEn was more career teachers. EF also provides great networking around the world, with centers in the United States! And it looks great on a resume! Even after my year in China, I could easily transfer to another teaching center somewhere else in the world; this school has centers on every continent. Maybe, I can go to Africa! I've always wanted to go to Africa for teaching English or some kind of volunteer work. Ok, now I'm just getting ahead of myself. Let's make sure I have this job for real. In two days, I am going back to the school and meeting with the Director of Studies who will give me full details about the job and the induction. I'm so excited!
Now onto other things. I have moved out of the hotel that KaiEn has provided for me into a hostel in the downtown area. This hostel is better for me than the hotel because the hotel had no restaurant or bar; therefore, no way to socialize. I was bored out of my mind in that hotel. But this hostel is full of Europeans and some Chinese and there is a restaurant/bar and a lounge. I've talked to a few people and I am definitely not bored here. Plus, it's right downtown and it saves me money that I can walk everywhere rather than having to pay for transportation.
This being my 9th day in Shanghai, I am learning something new about China everyday. Remember the girls that I had become friends with and took me to a traditional Chinese tea ceremony? I was reading in my Shanghai travel planner and it turns out that the tea ceremonies are a scam to get more money out of travellers. Now I feel stupid. Friends they were. Right. Oh well, at least I know now. When I first realized that, I felt really dumbfounded but at the same time I kind of found it amusing. Now I can warn people about "friends" wanting to take you to a tea ceremony. From now on, I do not count on making friends from people who just approach me on the street. Maybe, really I should have known better, but who would question young, single Chinese girls? I'm not making friends unless I'm in a decent situation, such as at work or meeting people in the apartments. People that I can easily get to know without spending all kinds of money.
Also, the Chinese do not believe in having toilet paper in bathrooms. How do they wipe themselves? I don't want to think, it's too gross. But seriously, don't they get that it's not sanitary. Now, I carry a roll of toilet paper in my purse. Seriously. I actually had to search for it in convenience stores and supermarkets. Also, in the stores, I don't really see deodrants or shaving materials. I've noticed that a lot of the Chinese smell. I'm in a hostel now and my first night, I shared a room with a older Chinese man who REEKED. God, it was hard to breathe in that room. But the shaving, I'm a little confused about. A lot of the Chinese men are clean shaven and the women do not have hair on their legs. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places.
I have found some English bookstores, since I can't watch TV on the Chinese Communist-censored internet, I might read novels. Of course, being in a Communist country, certain books are banned. Oh, freedom. I do miss freedom. But at the same time, I'm looking forward to this experience of being in a Communist country as it will make me more well-rounded and have a better outlook on life.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
I made some friends today!
I have friends in Shanghai now! Well, technically they do not live in Shanghai, but they live in the next city about 30 minutes outside of Shanghai; and they say they come often. They are two Chinese girls from Suzhou (the next city) who are in their last year in college. I was in People's Square and they approached me and started chatting with me. The reason they approached me was so that they could work on improving their English; as it turns out, we got along really well and decided that we would be friends and hang out again when they come back to Shanghai for a weekend. They wanted me to be exposed to Chinese culture, so they took me to a tea house near Nanjing Lu and experience the whole Chinese tea time. It was very neat and interesting. I tried seven different kinds of tea--China has over a thousand kinds of tea!
Well, this whole experience was very relaxing as well as eye opening to the Chinese culture. The Chinese take huge pride in their tea and for them, tea has many different properties that contributes to healing and improving the body. The waitress took us to a private room where we sat on an authentic wooden table. She prepared the seven teas right in front of us one at a time. She spoke to us on how each tea was good for the body in several ways. Of course the girls had to translate what she said for me. Also, I had to drink the tea a certain way and hold the cup a certain way to symbolize beauty and wellness. I could only hold the cup with three fingers: thumb, index and middle fingers. I could only drink the tea in three sips. It was all very organized and very spiritual as we toasted to Confucious (well, I think it was Confucious). One of the tea cups had a black dragon on it and when the hot tea would pour into it, it would change color. I thought it was really neat and I eventually bought it! The teas that were served were green tea, jasmin tea, ginger tea, black tea, fruit tea, hibiscus flower tea, yellow flower tea, and one other kind that I can't remember. I really liked the black tea, so I bought one can for me to take home.
The girls, Helen and Shirley (English names of course), and I exchanged our emails and I hope to hear from them soon! Or maybe I will go visit them in Suzhou! Well, they said they are definitely coming back to Shanghai.
Well, this whole experience was very relaxing as well as eye opening to the Chinese culture. The Chinese take huge pride in their tea and for them, tea has many different properties that contributes to healing and improving the body. The waitress took us to a private room where we sat on an authentic wooden table. She prepared the seven teas right in front of us one at a time. She spoke to us on how each tea was good for the body in several ways. Of course the girls had to translate what she said for me. Also, I had to drink the tea a certain way and hold the cup a certain way to symbolize beauty and wellness. I could only hold the cup with three fingers: thumb, index and middle fingers. I could only drink the tea in three sips. It was all very organized and very spiritual as we toasted to Confucious (well, I think it was Confucious). One of the tea cups had a black dragon on it and when the hot tea would pour into it, it would change color. I thought it was really neat and I eventually bought it! The teas that were served were green tea, jasmin tea, ginger tea, black tea, fruit tea, hibiscus flower tea, yellow flower tea, and one other kind that I can't remember. I really liked the black tea, so I bought one can for me to take home.
The girls, Helen and Shirley (English names of course), and I exchanged our emails and I hope to hear from them soon! Or maybe I will go visit them in Suzhou! Well, they said they are definitely coming back to Shanghai.
Friday, October 24, 2008
First week was harder than I expected
Well, this was quite a first week. I am back in the same coffee/bakery shop where I had written my last journal post. I don't really know how to recap on my first week here. It was a week of culture shock, excitement and disappointment. Well, the really bad news is that I was actually too inexperienced to the teaching at the school, so they sent me off. To be honest, I really am too inexperienced. I only had just graduated from college and did two months of substitute and volunteer teaching in Texas...to Hispanics. Hispanics are totally different from East Asian students. Hispanics are easier for me to teach because I have some knowledge of Spanish and if they didn't understand me, I could just tell them in Spanish. Also, Hispanics are not as demanding as East Asian students in terms of their feedback on their performance. East Asian students already had learned 10 years of written English grammar, but they have no speaking skills. Really, this school, KaiEn English Training Center, was an extremely reputable school and one of the best English private schools in Shanghai. They paid a lot of money for classes and expect A LOT from the teachers. KaiEn said I was too inexperienced and too young. I would actually be younger than the students themselves; since that they are mostly professionals looking for jobs in foreign English-speaking companies.
I was extremely disappointed when they told me they couldn't hire me. I really wanted to do this so badly. It just wasn't meant for me to teach at this school. I had met some other teachers and they are all seasoned teachers who have at least 3 years of teaching experience to East Asian students are just starting out at KaiEn. This makes me wonder why did they hire me in the first place? They knew of my lack of experience. This is just a little puzzling to me. However, one good thing did come out of this. They told me specifically what I need to work on in terms of my teaching skills; and they have given me names of other schools in Shanghai which are perfect for inexperienced teachers. I need to work on my feedback on the students pronunciation and speaking grammar skills...I can't only teach it to them; I also have to point out their mistakes (in the best way possible, of course) and explain it to them what they did wrong.
As in contacting other schools, I already have two interviews lined up next week! These schools are better for me because the students come to the school and learn English from the computer and they meet with me afterwards for review and tutoring. This is a much more relaxed atmosphere for me. And this way, I would have much smaller classes, no more than four. I just don't have the capacity right now to teach 15+ students. Honestly, I would prefer to teach at these schools since I wouldn't have to commit so much. The teachers at KaiEn are ESL teachers for a living and devote their whole lives to it. As for me, I am not on the same page as them. I'm really just in it for a short-term thing before I head back to the US for post-graduate work. Don't get me wrong, I really do want to teach English, but I'm not planning to do it for the rest of my life.
Now that I got the bad part of the week out of the way, I can focus on the good things. As I already said, I have two interviews at other schools next week, which I'm super excited for! Now, onto the Chinese culture. It is a serious culture shock here, but I find it rather exciting than more shocked in a bad way. First thing you have to realize in China, their idea of rudeness and "street etiquette" is NOT same as it is in the Western countries. These people will push, shove, and bump their elbows to get the better seat on the bus or subway. They will stand extremely close to you. Westerners have an idea of personal space and do not like it when random stange people stand really close to us. The Chinese simply do not have that idea of personal space. The pushing, shoving and bumping doesn't really bother me as you would think; but I am definitely someone who likes personal space. That part is hard for me to get used to. Maybe after a few weeks, I will be used to it.
Right now, there are American men sitting at a table text to me and they are speaking English. I cannot help but listen to them talk. It's those rare times that I hear English outside of the schools. It's like music to my ears. I never realized how much I would actually miss talking to restaurant workers, cab drivers, or even just random people on the street in my native tongue. But newsflash for me, I do miss being in an English-speaking society. Ha, maybe I'm starting to sound homesick. I am getting more and more used to it everyday hearing Chinese all the time. I even picked up on some Chinese and reading some signs in Chinese. Maybe my "survival Mandarin" is coming along quickly.
Also, I have went to the most "toursity" street in Shanghai, Nanjing Lu. There are people that will go up to any Westerner and constantly try to sell them something. All four times that I've went so far (one of the branches of KaiEn is located there), I've been approached by these people at least 5 times. "No, I do not want your fake bags and watches, thank you." Now, I have just ignored them and just kept on walking. However, one of the strangest things was that I have gone on that street enough times, one of the guys selling the fake stuff recognized me yesterday. But he didn't try to sell me anything this time. All he said was "Ni hao! Ni hao! I be your friend! You beautiful!" FYI, "Ni hao" is "how are you" in Mandarin. It was nice to hear that he thought I was beautiful; but at the same time, I couldn't help but think that he was saying that to get me to buy stuff.
Well, this concludes my first week in Shanghai.
I was extremely disappointed when they told me they couldn't hire me. I really wanted to do this so badly. It just wasn't meant for me to teach at this school. I had met some other teachers and they are all seasoned teachers who have at least 3 years of teaching experience to East Asian students are just starting out at KaiEn. This makes me wonder why did they hire me in the first place? They knew of my lack of experience. This is just a little puzzling to me. However, one good thing did come out of this. They told me specifically what I need to work on in terms of my teaching skills; and they have given me names of other schools in Shanghai which are perfect for inexperienced teachers. I need to work on my feedback on the students pronunciation and speaking grammar skills...I can't only teach it to them; I also have to point out their mistakes (in the best way possible, of course) and explain it to them what they did wrong.
As in contacting other schools, I already have two interviews lined up next week! These schools are better for me because the students come to the school and learn English from the computer and they meet with me afterwards for review and tutoring. This is a much more relaxed atmosphere for me. And this way, I would have much smaller classes, no more than four. I just don't have the capacity right now to teach 15+ students. Honestly, I would prefer to teach at these schools since I wouldn't have to commit so much. The teachers at KaiEn are ESL teachers for a living and devote their whole lives to it. As for me, I am not on the same page as them. I'm really just in it for a short-term thing before I head back to the US for post-graduate work. Don't get me wrong, I really do want to teach English, but I'm not planning to do it for the rest of my life.
Now that I got the bad part of the week out of the way, I can focus on the good things. As I already said, I have two interviews at other schools next week, which I'm super excited for! Now, onto the Chinese culture. It is a serious culture shock here, but I find it rather exciting than more shocked in a bad way. First thing you have to realize in China, their idea of rudeness and "street etiquette" is NOT same as it is in the Western countries. These people will push, shove, and bump their elbows to get the better seat on the bus or subway. They will stand extremely close to you. Westerners have an idea of personal space and do not like it when random stange people stand really close to us. The Chinese simply do not have that idea of personal space. The pushing, shoving and bumping doesn't really bother me as you would think; but I am definitely someone who likes personal space. That part is hard for me to get used to. Maybe after a few weeks, I will be used to it.
Right now, there are American men sitting at a table text to me and they are speaking English. I cannot help but listen to them talk. It's those rare times that I hear English outside of the schools. It's like music to my ears. I never realized how much I would actually miss talking to restaurant workers, cab drivers, or even just random people on the street in my native tongue. But newsflash for me, I do miss being in an English-speaking society. Ha, maybe I'm starting to sound homesick. I am getting more and more used to it everyday hearing Chinese all the time. I even picked up on some Chinese and reading some signs in Chinese. Maybe my "survival Mandarin" is coming along quickly.
Also, I have went to the most "toursity" street in Shanghai, Nanjing Lu. There are people that will go up to any Westerner and constantly try to sell them something. All four times that I've went so far (one of the branches of KaiEn is located there), I've been approached by these people at least 5 times. "No, I do not want your fake bags and watches, thank you." Now, I have just ignored them and just kept on walking. However, one of the strangest things was that I have gone on that street enough times, one of the guys selling the fake stuff recognized me yesterday. But he didn't try to sell me anything this time. All he said was "Ni hao! Ni hao! I be your friend! You beautiful!" FYI, "Ni hao" is "how are you" in Mandarin. It was nice to hear that he thought I was beautiful; but at the same time, I couldn't help but think that he was saying that to get me to buy stuff.
Well, this concludes my first week in Shanghai.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
First Day in Shanghai
I'M IN SHANGHAI!!! This city is massive, makes cities like New York and Chicago seem like small towns (yes, I'm actually serious). And the number of high-rises is unbelieveable. Last night, my recruiter picked me up to take me to my hotel, we took the Maglev, which is supposedly one of the fastest subway system in China. It can reach up to 350 km/hr. Wow, that is fast. My recruiter, Joseph, actually kind of reminds of me Tiger Woods. He told me he had lived in Shanghai for the past three years and he is originally from Colorado.
Anyway, we took the Maglev to get to outskirts of Pudong (the lower neighborhood of Shanghai) and took a taxi into the city. We drove across a bridge over the river; the bridge was so high up and it was alongside the apartment high-rises, it actually felt like I was in some science-fiction movie set in a city. The way it looked, it looked so futuristic. I cannot imagine what Tokyo must look like. When I got to Pudong neighborhood, I saw lights like it was a street in Las Vegas, but Joseph told me that was nothing compared to the Shangai downtown area. Well, Today, I will check out the downtown area after going to the office for some paperwork.
I think I will really enjoy it here in Shanghai. The people seem friendlier than I had expected. Of course, there is a language barrier. I tried ordering a calling card from a convenience store this morning and that did not work out. The guy couldn't understand what I was trying to ask, and I couldn't understand him either. Obviously this means I should learn at least some "survival" Mandarin; to the point when I can order in restaurants, talk in grocery/convenience stores and to taxi drivers. Well, I have been learning some already; so far, I've only been saying "thank you" when I bought my food from the store.
Right now, I'm in a cafe watching life on this seemingly busy street go by and maybe learn a thing or two about Chinese city lifestyle. I've noticed people act very busy, always walking like they are rushing to get to someplace. But me, I'm just strolling on the street. Plus, everyone stares at me, as if they have never seen a Westerner before. Of course, they have seen Westerners before, but I think they like to stare just because there isn't too many of them in Asia. Also, there is about just as much bikes and mopeds as there are cars. And, they do not seem to notice pedestrians. I was walking to get to the cafe, and it was a green pedestrian light to cross the street; and bikes and cars were still turning and not stopping for pedestrians. I almost gotten run over. I was standing in the middle of the street all confused on whether I should run off the street or just keep walking like the other people. They do not seem to be concerned at all about the bus driving moderatly fast coming right at us. One other strange thing I noticed, a guy on bike had two dead animal carcasses. I guess it's normal here, but it definitely wasn't normal for me.
Later on, I will check out downtown and People's Square, since the office is really close to that area. Whoo, big lights here I come!
Anyway, we took the Maglev to get to outskirts of Pudong (the lower neighborhood of Shanghai) and took a taxi into the city. We drove across a bridge over the river; the bridge was so high up and it was alongside the apartment high-rises, it actually felt like I was in some science-fiction movie set in a city. The way it looked, it looked so futuristic. I cannot imagine what Tokyo must look like. When I got to Pudong neighborhood, I saw lights like it was a street in Las Vegas, but Joseph told me that was nothing compared to the Shangai downtown area. Well, Today, I will check out the downtown area after going to the office for some paperwork.
I think I will really enjoy it here in Shanghai. The people seem friendlier than I had expected. Of course, there is a language barrier. I tried ordering a calling card from a convenience store this morning and that did not work out. The guy couldn't understand what I was trying to ask, and I couldn't understand him either. Obviously this means I should learn at least some "survival" Mandarin; to the point when I can order in restaurants, talk in grocery/convenience stores and to taxi drivers. Well, I have been learning some already; so far, I've only been saying "thank you" when I bought my food from the store.
Right now, I'm in a cafe watching life on this seemingly busy street go by and maybe learn a thing or two about Chinese city lifestyle. I've noticed people act very busy, always walking like they are rushing to get to someplace. But me, I'm just strolling on the street. Plus, everyone stares at me, as if they have never seen a Westerner before. Of course, they have seen Westerners before, but I think they like to stare just because there isn't too many of them in Asia. Also, there is about just as much bikes and mopeds as there are cars. And, they do not seem to notice pedestrians. I was walking to get to the cafe, and it was a green pedestrian light to cross the street; and bikes and cars were still turning and not stopping for pedestrians. I almost gotten run over. I was standing in the middle of the street all confused on whether I should run off the street or just keep walking like the other people. They do not seem to be concerned at all about the bus driving moderatly fast coming right at us. One other strange thing I noticed, a guy on bike had two dead animal carcasses. I guess it's normal here, but it definitely wasn't normal for me.
Later on, I will check out downtown and People's Square, since the office is really close to that area. Whoo, big lights here I come!
Monday, October 13, 2008
first entry-5 days before leaving for Shanghai
Well, this isn't the first time I tried this blog/journal online thingy. I tried it once and only lasted 3 entries. Hmmmm, I used to keep handwritten journals for as long as I can remember, but I stopped in college. I kinda wished I didn't. Oh well, college is over and I am off to China. But I promised myself I will at least keep some kind of a diary or journal of my experiences in China.
Yep, In five days, I am boarding a plane (more like 3 planes) to Shanghai, China, where I will spend at least a year teaching English. I have a contract with KaiEn English Language Center in the city, a place where I will be teaching young business professionals conversational English. Also, I will be introducing new vocabulary to them so they can discuss business, as well as history, politics, religion, philosophy and etc. Basically, my students will have some knowledge of English; they are just not fluent.
On a more personal note, I have no clue what will happen to me once I arrive at the Pudong International Airport in Shanghai. All I know is that the recruiter from the school will pick me up and take me to the hotel that they had provided for me. I have to look for an apartment, set up a bank account, convert from a tourist visa to a work visa, get a physical (required in the contract) and buy a local cell phone (no way I can afford a international cell phone). At the same time, I'm kinda worried it will be hard to make friends, everyone here in San Antonio keeps saying that no one will speak English. Well, if everyone spoke English over there, I wouldn't be going over there in the first place. Maybe, I'm stressing myself too much over the friend thing. The teachers at the school are probably really cool people and will be open-minded.
Not sure when is the next time I'll write: on the plane or after I arrived in Shanghai. As for now, I have LOTS of packing to do!
Yep, In five days, I am boarding a plane (more like 3 planes) to Shanghai, China, where I will spend at least a year teaching English. I have a contract with KaiEn English Language Center in the city, a place where I will be teaching young business professionals conversational English. Also, I will be introducing new vocabulary to them so they can discuss business, as well as history, politics, religion, philosophy and etc. Basically, my students will have some knowledge of English; they are just not fluent.
On a more personal note, I have no clue what will happen to me once I arrive at the Pudong International Airport in Shanghai. All I know is that the recruiter from the school will pick me up and take me to the hotel that they had provided for me. I have to look for an apartment, set up a bank account, convert from a tourist visa to a work visa, get a physical (required in the contract) and buy a local cell phone (no way I can afford a international cell phone). At the same time, I'm kinda worried it will be hard to make friends, everyone here in San Antonio keeps saying that no one will speak English. Well, if everyone spoke English over there, I wouldn't be going over there in the first place. Maybe, I'm stressing myself too much over the friend thing. The teachers at the school are probably really cool people and will be open-minded.
Not sure when is the next time I'll write: on the plane or after I arrived in Shanghai. As for now, I have LOTS of packing to do!
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