China... Oh China
Just to whet your appetite...
Story will follow of how I came to teach a sculptor to play the National Anthem on his trumpet.
Only 3 weeks of teaching left.
Hopefully planning an all night dancing session for this weekend.
But now sleep.
Stormy Skies and Stolen Stares
There are some things in life that get you down, for example having your mobile phone stolen, teaching sulky kids and never having as much money as you would like.
But we need to thank someone for skies that are so beautiful you bump into things as you stare at them, the smell of warm rain on the trees, the feeling you get when an old lady gives you a welcoming smile and books that transport you to another world so you miss your subway stop.
The Olympics...
According to rumour, for the Olympic Committee's recent visit all the factories in Beijing were closed down. I wondered why the skies were so clear...
What a great way to create a good impression... much better than ACTUALLY changing things for the better.
Somebody is watching one of my classes tomorrow, but who? I don't know who and I don't know why. Hopefully they won't speak any English, and hopefully the kids will respond (a big hope there).
My Weekend *she whispered*
There maybe a day left for you people but mine is nearly over. On Thursday I came down with a nasty cold which has been torturing me in one way or another even since. Friday night, I had to stay in and rest. Saturday morning I covered J's shift at the language school, as she was preparing for her concert. Then I got my hair cut for a measly 1.50GBP- should I be ashamed?
In the evening I went to said concert of J's. She is in a choir that performed Bach's St Matthews Passion. It was pretty good, though a little long. The bits with the full choir and the orchestra were spine tingling but I wasn't keen on the solo opera-style singing.
Today I was working again, my shift at the language school this time. But due to dreaded cold had lost my voice by the end of the day so I had to cancel my other lessons. It's a blessing in disguise really as I have to plan lessons for tomorrow and I am knackering myself out with all I'm doing at the moment. On my way there, someone stopped me in the street and asked to have their picture taken with me. No, I am not some Beijing celebrity, I am just a foreigner with blonde hair.
Little kids here wear shoes with squeakers in, so when they walk they make a funny noise..... cute, or what?
Stolen Material...
To get me back in the mood of blogging again I thought I would try this. I've seen it on many blogs so I can't credit anyone...
Ask me any 3 questions and I will seek to answer them honestly and to the best of my ability. You are also welcome to ask questions about China... anything you've always wondered... or would like to know about food, culture, people etc.
Fire away....
The Children of the One Child Policy
At the age of 13 do not know how to wash clothes, send a parcel or even make their beds. What is going to happen to the country in 10 years time when these adults are totally dependent on their parents because they cannot find a job because they have no practical skills.
Spoilt. And it doesn't help my job as a teacher I tell you.
For example, I asked them which prizes would they want to win and why: a new computer, a new bike for every kid in the school and some other stuff. One kid said that he didn't want to win anything cos his dad buys him everything he wants.
Grrr...
A little taster...
Just thought I would give you a little something to keep you going before I get my photo blog up and running..... a little slice of heaven.
