As the three month mark slips by, I slip into my third cold. I started feeling it last night after I came home from classes. Didn't feel good at all when I woke up today, and have had a sinus headache all day. I'm hoping this turns out like the other 2, and lasts only a couple days. The worst part is feeling terrible in the morning. I'm sure I'll live though.
May has been more exciting than the previous months. I've been to Summer Palace, went onto Beijing to meet some teachers for quiz night and beer at an Irish pub, stayed in a hostel all night, and visited a hair salon operated by a group from Paris where I paid way too much to get my hair cut and highlighted. The only thing french that's not expensive is french fries, it seems.
The teaching is coming along; I enjoy getting to know my students and especially love watching them change from shy little things with no confidence or ability to concentrate, to children who are actively participating in and enjoying my activities, making friends, and learning what's expected of them in the classroom. I receive hugs and kisses all the time; they fight to be the student who gets to hold my hand when we do the "Hello" and "Good-bye" songs, bring me snacks, and follow me to my office on our break. Not a bad gig at all. Granted, I do have a couple of terrors, and it seems like every class has an alpha male, but they're just competing for my attention.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
3 months down .. almost
I haven't blogged much lately, because there really isn't that much new happening. In one week I'll hit the three month mark, and I must say I am much more comfortable here than I was before. I'm still creeped out by the hygiene issue here (many people don't wash their hands after using the toilet), but oddly, I haven't gotten sick. The noise from the renovations in my building has died down, so it's much more peaceful.
I'm eating a LOT less meat than what's typical for me. I've been eating eggs, and tofu. Occasionally I'll eat pork, which tends to be pretty lean, but even then, not in large amounts. Chinese dishes that do have meat have it in much smaller portions than what I am used to seeing. Works for me. The 8 pounds I'd put on over the fall and winter (due to lots of drinking and NO exercising) have melted away. Also, like in Europe, processed foods are rare. It's easier to eat healthy here.
The teaching is coming along. I have a couple of naughty students; both boys. One flat out does not like me (he receives NO discipline from his mother - I saw that for myself); probably because at home he is King, and in my class he's not. The other just seems to want my attention. It's all good. The classes are fun for them; they're learning, and the parents are happy, so I guess that's all that matters.
It's beginning to look a lot like summer. We've had temps in the 30s this week, so the sandals and summer dresses are out. I still have not done any tourist things, and I really should, since I'll be busy soon and won't have the time. I keep saying I'm going to Summer Palace, but on my days off I just love to hang in my flat. I'll get there eventually.
Nothing else new to report. Peace and love to all. The latest photos are here.
I'm eating a LOT less meat than what's typical for me. I've been eating eggs, and tofu. Occasionally I'll eat pork, which tends to be pretty lean, but even then, not in large amounts. Chinese dishes that do have meat have it in much smaller portions than what I am used to seeing. Works for me. The 8 pounds I'd put on over the fall and winter (due to lots of drinking and NO exercising) have melted away. Also, like in Europe, processed foods are rare. It's easier to eat healthy here.
The teaching is coming along. I have a couple of naughty students; both boys. One flat out does not like me (he receives NO discipline from his mother - I saw that for myself); probably because at home he is King, and in my class he's not. The other just seems to want my attention. It's all good. The classes are fun for them; they're learning, and the parents are happy, so I guess that's all that matters.
It's beginning to look a lot like summer. We've had temps in the 30s this week, so the sandals and summer dresses are out. I still have not done any tourist things, and I really should, since I'll be busy soon and won't have the time. I keep saying I'm going to Summer Palace, but on my days off I just love to hang in my flat. I'll get there eventually.
Nothing else new to report. Peace and love to all. The latest photos are here.
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