I made tea using 6 pounds of tea leaves

and ants. So the tea in china comes in 'cakes' a cylindrical dish shaped object made of tea. You can stack several together and wrap them up which makes a lovely gift for anyones Birthday, anniversary, or welcome present. I was given a 6 pound stack of tea cakes a couple of weeks ago, though it was only yesterday that i decided to open it up and perhaps make some. As soon as I opened it thousands upon thousands of tiny ants came scrambling out. Apperently they have decided to make it their home for the past couple weeks. Well I know myself, and I know I don't like to drink anything with bugs in it, nor do I know anyone that would, except maybe Camille (who on a dare last year ate a Mexican beatle and LIVED!) So I took the stack of and decided to make a bath tub full of tea. Apparently these ants did not take to the water very well and drown. But there is no way that i'm touching those tea cakes again, well only for revenge. So beware.








1) Students playing ping pong with.. a piece of wood.. (no racket) really low budget, I think i should get them some rackets for the school so they can borrow.
2) Me playing ping pong with a piece of wood.
3) Some of the teachers playing basketball.





4) On the way to one of the Dai villiages near my school.
5) Watching the Power Puff girls in Chinese on cable TV in China (oh how I miss those power puff girls.. who were they again? Bubbles, Buttercup and Blossom :)

Chinese movie theaters

are completely opposite to ones in North America, I saw a new release called "the Banquet" great movie, very artistic (like Hero, and Crouching Tiger Hidden dragon); not enough action, but the story made up for it. It did not disapoint in the traditional Chinese filmaking style where everyone, I mean every important character dies. Tragety, since it was in Chinese (with English subtitles) you will probably never see it so i'll spoil it for you. SPOILIER WARNING:

So the Emperor of China was assiassinated by his Brother, (big surprise here, kinda like "got to save the girl syndrome in Hollywood") who knew that would be an excellent plot element? Okay so, the prince, whose uncle has gained power wants revenge and spends the entire movie sulking and depressed like a 5 year old over how to get it. Now the Uncle marries the previous Empress, who happens to be the princes step mother... (but is 4 years younger, someone is a (male version of a cougar... could someone remind me?) But the Empress is in love with the Prince... and some other girl. So some really cool and artistic cinamatography as well as fighting occuring along the way, and we get to the end.

Setting: the banquet (hence the name of the movie)

The Empress poisons the Emporers cup of wine, but just as he is about to drink it the other girl who is in love with the prince show up at the banquet, and asks to preform a dance, the emporer is so moved that he gives her the cup of wine. (She dies) Then the prince who was disquised as one of the dancers reveils himself(he loved this girl), and is once again heart broken, first his father, and now her perish, just as he is about to exact revenge, the emporer realizes his emporess was going to kill him, and he comes to the though that no one loves him or wants him seeing as the prince is about to kill him, so he takes the rest of the cup of wine and drinks it. So he dies... (talk about wasting a really good opportunity for some class action kungfu fighting with swords! BOOOO!) Then the brother of the first girl that died comes dashing out and tries to kill the Empress, since she poisioned the wine which killed his sister, but the prince stops him by catching his blade and yes, surprise surprise, the blade is poisioned so who dies? the Prince. Its not over yet, so then the Empress in that moment takes her hidden knife and kills the brother. Phew. what a massarce, something out of Freddy cougar or Jason movie... and it would not be a chinese movie if the Empress didn't die, so the last sence has a dagger fly into her back by some unknow assassin... The end....

After that I cried the whole night.

Oh and another funny thing was they don't turn off their cell phones in the Theaters... so every couple of minutes you would here someones cell phone go off, some frank sinatra.. then bionce, but i'm use to it ha!

If there was anything I would want more of here, it would be scrable games, I only brought one, and even that was a last minute purchase at your local friendly neighbourhood spide.... Walmart. The Highschoolers love the game, and its kinda funny the other night we they were playing they have the option for asking for help, so which word did I come up with "HELP" they were enthralled at the pun. Then the same team who I 'helped' (get it? are you ROFL yet?) spelt the word "WON" on the last turn, and guess who won? YES they did! This doesn't come across well over a blog does it.

English corner happens today! Time to teach them some baseball and slang! whooo hooo!

Who can ask for anything more?

I took most of the day off today, teaching one class, and observing another in the morning. It's been a busy week, a little stressful but nothing out of the ordinary. So I decided to bike to the city (about a 20 minute ride) see if I could get a new watch.. (Yes no surprise here.. I lost it playing football) It was one of those watches embedded into a carribeaner which should make it almost impossible to lose but I didn't latch it to anything, just slipped it into my pocket so anyways, a watch, I also needed some new running shoes since playing football every day is really taxing on my old runners, so much so, that the base of the shoe has been slowing tearing off. And to see if I could get some Gameboy advanced games for my Nintendo DS(No success :( ). Not to mention stop at the supermarket to replenish my supply of Snickers chocolate bars and fresh fruits. So anyways I ran into several friends in the city(its a small enough city for that to happen often) and spent the afternoon conversing in English with them and I think I'm gonna meet them every sunday to do just that. Its kinda nice to have friends outside the school you work at.

Then I biked back played some football with students, basketball with teachers, (skipped out on dinner) but I was invited to go to a cooking class where I learned how to make dough, and some steamed buns filled with pork and vegtables. I'm thinking that I'll take some cooking classes while i'm here... learn some chinese... cooking... and teach English, sounds like a really good deal. Then when I come back I could work in a chinese fast food restaurant! Got to dye my hair black though. they'll never hire me if they find out that I'm white.

The students here are wonderful, there are some students that misbehave and such, but usually never in the class. I've just got that charming persona, or its the 'wow a foriegner!' syndrome. They just can't get enough of me sometimes and it can be draining. But to put a smile on those students faces but just saying hello is more that anyone could ask for, even if that is the extent of their English. I'm starting to recodnize students faces and as such develop a stronger bond with them since I see them over and over again.

Pictures!

Here are some random pics for your viewing pleasure!







1)Man peeing on bricks
2)Freezbie in the process of being broken because the grade 7's don't know how to throw it properly. (So this is their freesbie, and when it breaks... they won't be able to play)
3)Some of the laundered money hanging up to dry.

















1) Cool dragon fly
2) Stacked Boxes
3) A bowl to collect rubber from a ... wait for it... did you ever think it would be called a rubber tree? Well many of the local farmers have become rich from this trade, and gamblers!






Me and my new Physics teacher friend! First day we met we clicked!

English Name Authority

Yes that's right, if you have a baby, boy or girl, or if you have a child without an English name I would recommend a 15 minute consultation with yours truely. Within the past week I have given over 60 students English names through a variety of methods. One class I just wrote names on a piece of construction paper and then randomly gave every student a name. Today I played football with several students and afterwards (Since I know I probably wouldn't remember their names) I named them.

What's your name? ... Dai Ge Si? ... Hmmm your English name is Douglas...
how about yours? Wai Nei? I think Wayne suits you perfectly fine.

I think I'll get a little more creative as time goes by and now i'll be able to give students names that Alice would never accept. Like Maximus, and Titonis. Oh and my favorite name of all time from the Book, Shagmar.. Opps (that's probably from austin powers) I mean Shamgar.


Today I was invited to dinner (It seems like I'm invited to dinner, or to a Dai village, or to something everyday) by my liason Scott. Oh great! A chance to talk with and get to know the English Teachers better! so I jumped on it. When we got their, there were teachers alright, but none of them were English teachers and I've seen them before. They have invited me to dinner twice before. Though I must say I do feel like a caged monkey when having dinner with them. Of course they can't speak English apart from hello, goodbye and thank you. My Chinese isn't up to par either and so I just sit their and enjoy the dinner while they chat away. My beef comes when they start talking about me (and I know cause they stare, point, and its just plain obvious.) which makes me feel uncomfortable, I still wonder why they even bother to invite me (unless its Scott inviting me) I know they probably want to be nice and all but it almost seems like there is some kind of string attached. Some time late I feel like their going to ask me to do something and expect it since they took me out to dinner. I read somewhere that this is a Chinese way of doing things, you scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours. But it isn't in any way developing any sort of relationship or friendship.

So I wondered why Scott hangs around these teachers rather then the English teachers. The only connection that I could make out happened last week when it was teachers day in China and some of the teachers got awards. Scott, and all the other teachers at the dinner tonight recieved awards, but I couldn't remember any of the other English teachers getting awarded. Its almost like they are part of the same clique. A group of cronies. That's the feeling I get from them, though honestly that's not a fair opinion, and maybe when I learn enough of the language i'll be proven wrong. But I totally can't figure out why Scott would hang with them, he's not their type. He's more open minded. I'll see if I can learn anything more about them.

Anyways, Time to teach the Thai international students how to play Dutch Blitz and Settlers of Catan! Wooooo Hooooo! Bam! Awesome!

And I think sometimes, we're bad...

Well the other day the Thai international students, Jin Yang (Chinese guy learning Thai and I were quietly sitting in the evening studying. Jin Yang then asks the Thai teacher to practice his Thai pronounciation... Fair enough. All of the sudden, Balloon and Victor (two international students from Thailand) burst out laughing and it isn't necessarily apparent what they are laughing about, until I hear Jin Yang pronouncing Thai, and the laughter getting sucessively louder. Sure when learning a language you might make mistakes, funny ones too. But this was something else, in fact Balloon had to take a break cause he couldn't concentrate on studying anymore. I'm glad they are still friends.

I laundered some money the other day, about 3 kuai (40 cents canadian), I'm still trying to get use to the fact that I have to do all the washing by hand. Who knows this might be the begining to my new secret life underground. First, laundering money and who knows whats next? Gambling with the students? hmmm if they don't hvae the money they can still gamble with their food coupons! Keep those idea's coming!

Had a crazy nuts dream last night, I thought I finished the year and was flying home. I was thinking during the dream that my year has gone rather quickly only to my terror waking up that I still have 11 months left! Actually I already miss this place, funny I say that cause I'm here, how could I miss it? But I know i'll be leaving and that's just depressing. Here I'm eatting right, exercising every day, interacting with babies, kids, students, teachers... Teaching. Who can ask for more?

Sawaticrap

Means hello in Thai! That's right! The next time you hear 'swaticrap', I'd suggest that you 'swaticrap' them back. Bam, instant friends. Yes I know I'm suppose to be learning Manderin, but with my Thai friends (who are also learning Mandering) it can be very difficult as they want to learn English. And of course Thai does sound like its an easier language to learn then Manderin. So I got to give my Thai friends English names today, Rebecca, Victor, Sandra, and Balloon. Okay Balloon was not my idea, he was the only one with an english name already and he kinda likes it. I think it should be apparent why he is called Balloon, but the interesting thing is, they don't care for physical apperances as much as we do in NA, so they have a joy of a time making fun of everyone, and vice versa (all in good fun).

I had a opportunity to talk about the Mormans today with Sandra, as she found that word in an Chinese English phrase book that I gave to her to look at. She said that she had a friend who was involved with the Mormans, and they had all sorts of rules that they had to follow, eg, no drinking, no dancing, no 'coke a cola!' In a place where Cokecola translates to Tasty Happy, how could you prohibit that? Well anyways It gave me a great opportunity to share what the difference was between the Mormans and its originating source.

The English department head of the middle school (Linda) introduced me to her husband (Jack) a couple of days ago, and unbenownst to me Jack is apparently a cooking teacher at the highschool so last night I was offered to take some freshly baked bread from the cooking class. Jack also said I could attend his classes so that I can learn to cook some chinese food (eg. Steamed pork buns, dumplings, etc) sounds great to me! Hmm I'm gonna really like this arrangement.

Oh and try to remind me to discipline myself when I buy chocolate, I discovered the other day that there were Snickers bars to be had a 3 yuan (40 cents) I got 2 of them along with a 'Dove' chocolate bar. Too bad they didn't last past the second day.

So on page 105

of my Chinese At a Glance Tourist Language Handbook, I came across a very puzzling entry... Its under the Entertainment and Diversions Chapter. The phrase in chinese is Ni gen wo yiqi hui fandian, hao ma? Which translates to "Would you like to go back to my Hotel?... Who are they talking about? Why would I invite anyone to go back to my Hotel room. Strange book, well for the sake of practising Chinese I'll try it on a couple people.

Today was teachers day in China, where the best teachers get awarded and the rest get to watch and applaud. That's what happened during the morning assembly. Teachers who are the best, and I mean the best, also get a bonus of something like 100 kuai. Yes my friends that means they can buy that Electric fan they always wanted or dine in their favorite restaurant.... TWICE! Too bad I wasn't here last year, I would have one the award. None the less they gave me 100 kuai as something like a signing bonus, I'm eating well tonight boyz! My liason Scott got an award, (I think I should introduce him about now) He's been taking me places here, as well as making sure I've got water, food, and a place to sleep. He's like my guardian angel, without the wings and such.

Met with the foreigners today, the ones in the city that are here for the same reason as I am. Many of them work either in an orphanage for disable children who are usually left behind in the hospital by uncaring mothers. Others are here to educate people about aids and such, as many of us know, there is still a "I can get Aids by sitting on a dirty toilet seat".. wait, there are no toilet seats here, only squaty potties, I stand corrected. None the less it seems like there is much education and teaching in health education to share with these people.

Typical English Conversation with students

Me: Hello!

Them: giggle giggle, giggle, tee-hee tee-hee tee-hee, giggle giggle giggle

Me: How are you?

Them: giggle giggle, giggle, tee-hee tee-hee tee-hee, giggle giggle giggle





Typical English conversation started by students:



Them: Hello

Me: Hello

Them: giggle giggle, giggle, tee-hee tee-hee tee-hee, giggle giggle giggle, How are you?

Me: Good and you?

Them: giggle giggle, giggle, tee-hee tee-hee tee-hee, giggle giggle giggle



Spitting Sunflower seeds

I have discovered the secret to the fine art of spitting sun flower seeds, where as most of us (in the west) can get sunflower seeds without the impenitrable casing, that is only a luxury to the few and wealthy in China. The rest of us must master the tongue twisting sunflower seed extracting trade, and well I have about given up. Until the other day I learned of a way to save face yet decieve the untold masses. First you nonchalantly grab a handful of seeds, and toss one into your mouth. Start to pretend to chew, wait for several seconds to pass and then slightly grimace first (to show to your friends you have successfully retrieved the prized seed) and then smile to show your satisfaction. The final step is to spit the seed out, on to the ground, where no one would be suspect of your actions. (Who would scour the ground looking at sunflower seeds to make sure they were eaten?) Very important for it to land on the ground and not on the table where others can casually see that the encasing has not be penetrated.

Please let me know if this tip is useful!

Finally, I would like to tell you all that have sucessfully started to integrate the habits of the local peoples here. First an formost is the delightful practice of spitting all the bones, particles and other food stuff on the table or the floor (Out of sight out of mind). So next time I come to enjoy an evening with you my Canadian friends don't be alarmed to see me or food sputtered all over your floor or table, table manners have never come this easy to me before, I am really starting to like this place!

Over and out

I've only got 2 casualties

While washing my clothes today. Yes, I get down on my hand and knees take my wash basin and scrub like a madman. Laundry machines are a thing of the past my friends as I have discovered the wonder and enjoyment of washing clothes by hands. Not only does it work on my Chinese squat (which is the most preferable way to relax in China hands down) it also has the secondary effects of leaving my hands clean every time. Oh so the casualties, a very small pocket book of English and Chinese Phrases, and my 64 MB pen drive. Both of them looked like they survived the horrific experience as I discovered to my shigrin the well soaked objects.

On a positive note I got to eat at a Dai village today, yep! That means pigs blood and raw meat, and homemade alcohol... percent unknown... But they also had sticky rice, and bamboo shoots (which are awesome) and some part of an animal that I could not recodnize.. probably the intestine, but it had no taste so I gobbled it all up.

The Dai people themselves so friendly but shy, every time I see the Dai students they say hi to me, and if I reply hi back, they turn and run away. I certainly hope its not because of the mohawk that I have now a days. (Don't tell Alice). I'm still relaxing here, observing 2 classes a day, but tommorrow seems promising, English Corner, and a meeting with the Middle school teachers! Heads are going to roll! (just kidding)

Signing off... your favorite Asian
Peace

5 Days in Yunnan

360 to go, but I\'m not counting or keeping track? Why would I since I\'ve been having a great and wonderful time. So what am I really doing here? I really didn\'t know till I got here last wednesday. Apparently I managed to convince the administration not to have me teach English to students, but rather come to train the teachers. Of course that doesn\'t mean that I have no student interaction or that I won\'t teach any student classes. So what exactly do I have to do here? Well they didn\'t give me any mandate (yet), and all I have been told was to put together a plan, something that gives them a sense that I\'ll be improving the level of English spoken by the teachers. A lot of freedom eh? And responsibility.. hmm I\'ve never been in charge of anything so big before, worring any of you yet? Well I do have a plan, so to give you the long and short of it, these are just some of my ideas:


1) Observe teachers teach in the classroom and provide feedback

2) Set up weekly English teacher training sessions ( one for middle school, one for the highschool)

3) Help improve the English corner event (which happens twice a month, once for middle school students and once for highschool students.)

4) Setup bi-monthy English conversation classes for ANY teacher who wants to improve their english)

5) Start an English Club for students who are very interested in learning English (and may want to become English teachers) Once a week. If this is successful they can help out with the English Corner.

6) Get involved in school life, with the students, teachers, visiting their homes, going out to dinner, opportunities to meet people.

7) Set up a English Computer TEacher Training Course (once a week or once every 2 weeks)

8) Teach Classes for teachers that I have observed (to be a model for them)

Sounds ambitious? Do you think i\'m taking on too much? Its pretty exciting,

In other news my room is great.. sorta, its like a hotel room with a bathroom, but you can\'t flush the toliet... so you can only do number 1 there the squaty poties are outside. I also have to make sure that I don\'t use too much water from the sink since the pipe has worn out and it leaks all over my floor. The one thing that I\'m starting to despise though are ants. Yes, ants... they have established a stronghold underneath the bathtub, and I am lost to think of some sort of tactic to rid them. Unfortunately after 10 minutes of going to a super market and drawing a picture of an ant and a trap (eg ant trap get it?) came up with no help. So I just take a wet rag and scrub, that\'s the fastest way to kill the most ants in one felt swoop. But they keep coming back, and actually I think I\'ve been becoming more neurotic because of it... looking for ants in my room ready with my ant exterminator rag to sneak up behind them and then.... smack! Its also made me become a little bit of a neat freak, scary huh? Well I\'m glad they aren\'t biting ants but one of these days i\'ll think of something to wipe them off the map.

Blasted ants... for those ant sympathizers out there you best be wearing black and moruning for the next few months.