Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Huludao, Sooke and snow.
Received the official word that my papers are in order and should be wending their way from Huludao to Sooke for me to get my Z Visa. Too bad I paid for a two entry L visa before.
Hoping the weather there will be milder than it is here right now. Whoever ordered snow needs a severe talking to. We are not pleased - that is everyone, not the royal we. Seems it is just as cold in Huludao as here right now; no idea if there is any snow. I expect a snowy scene in the forest is much nicer than a snowy city scape so will try to appreciate the clean, crisp, fresh snowfall and the clean environment.
Monday, 9 January 2012
Already January 9! (2012)
I cannot believe I have been back for two weeks - by the first week of February it will equal the 39 days I was in China. This is significant by the lack of excitement I encounter each day. Today was an important day, my mother's 76th birthday. We visited Royal Oak Woodlands where my father is buried; decided it is a positive move forward to be able to laugh and smile when there - we have before, the difference this time is that it was not contrived. Then we went to Romeo's for individual pizzas. Another plus, my mother was able to eat most of hers without feeling unwell. It is little advances towards complete normalcy that count. Life will never be the same as when my father was here, but with time things might become easier to manage.
We also looked through Dig This, not much there. It does give the inspiration to consider seeds though.
At home we put the flowers Rachel and I gave M in a glass pitcher, placed them on the glass table and shooed Zeke off several times before he gave up trying to eat the flowers. I prepared dinner, M set the table then....CRASH! tinkle, tinkle....turn off the burners, ask if the table had broken, grab the broom and dustpan. Zeke had not been near the place - he was eating his supper after so patiently waiting for his share of shrimp. No, this was M carefullty moving the flowers down for our dinner plates and pushing one of the glass candle sticks off the table. Fortunately she was not hurt. Made a terrific amount of slivers of glass on the glass table, a chair and the floor. I think she feels terrible about breaking it - I gave the set the first Christmas after D died. When I found it at my favourite consignment store I knew they were meant for her. Funny though, none of are really into material possessions. Perhaps that should be modified to be unless attached to an important, personal event. I know she really liked them. However, there are still two left and I will just try to find something as wonderful for another Christmas.
So, most likely in Canada until the end of February. Waiting for an invitation letter to work at a public primary school in Huludao. Just love the name!
We also looked through Dig This, not much there. It does give the inspiration to consider seeds though.
At home we put the flowers Rachel and I gave M in a glass pitcher, placed them on the glass table and shooed Zeke off several times before he gave up trying to eat the flowers. I prepared dinner, M set the table then....CRASH! tinkle, tinkle....turn off the burners, ask if the table had broken, grab the broom and dustpan. Zeke had not been near the place - he was eating his supper after so patiently waiting for his share of shrimp. No, this was M carefullty moving the flowers down for our dinner plates and pushing one of the glass candle sticks off the table. Fortunately she was not hurt. Made a terrific amount of slivers of glass on the glass table, a chair and the floor. I think she feels terrible about breaking it - I gave the set the first Christmas after D died. When I found it at my favourite consignment store I knew they were meant for her. Funny though, none of are really into material possessions. Perhaps that should be modified to be unless attached to an important, personal event. I know she really liked them. However, there are still two left and I will just try to find something as wonderful for another Christmas.
So, most likely in Canada until the end of February. Waiting for an invitation letter to work at a public primary school in Huludao. Just love the name!
Monday, 2 January 2012
Home for the Holidays
Such a cliche; however, I was indeed home for the holiday. Managed to surprise Elizabeth and Ben; then my mother; the Zoe - it was great! Now enjoying a quiet 2nd day of 2012 after rushing about getting a storage locker, loading up the car - I believe today is the fourth load; numerous discussions with Zoe about taking responsibility for her life; visiting Mozzy; having lunch with a friend; Christmas and New Year passing and various other activities. I need to go home to China!
Unfortunately, I will not be returning to the school in Taiyuan. I cannot compete with, nor do I feel any need to, a principal who is being unreasonable regarding class hours and whether or not I am allowed to leave the school during my free time. I was not aware there are still school administrations in China that actually think it is acceptable to expect teachers to remain at their posts for 9 - 10 hours, with a 30 minute lunch break. We had been discussing a 1 1/2 hour break while the children napped, then I was told the principal still expected me to remain in the school - to work with the other teachers on the curriculum or other areas. I did not flat out refuse; but I already work very hard and put in several unpaid hours outside class as it is - lesson plans based on the largely inappropriate curriculum takes a lot of work! Especially if I am to incorporate the expected lessons into a more age appropriate format.
So, looking for a new job, might have had a bite. Would even be willing to go to another city wth GKS if they pay my airfare from Vancouver back to Shanghai and then to whichever city. However, best to just cut all ties - once fraying occurs the ties that bind are never as strong as when new.
Unfortunately, I will not be returning to the school in Taiyuan. I cannot compete with, nor do I feel any need to, a principal who is being unreasonable regarding class hours and whether or not I am allowed to leave the school during my free time. I was not aware there are still school administrations in China that actually think it is acceptable to expect teachers to remain at their posts for 9 - 10 hours, with a 30 minute lunch break. We had been discussing a 1 1/2 hour break while the children napped, then I was told the principal still expected me to remain in the school - to work with the other teachers on the curriculum or other areas. I did not flat out refuse; but I already work very hard and put in several unpaid hours outside class as it is - lesson plans based on the largely inappropriate curriculum takes a lot of work! Especially if I am to incorporate the expected lessons into a more age appropriate format.
So, looking for a new job, might have had a bite. Would even be willing to go to another city wth GKS if they pay my airfare from Vancouver back to Shanghai and then to whichever city. However, best to just cut all ties - once fraying occurs the ties that bind are never as strong as when new.
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Jinci Park - the Painted Ladies
Seen the same day as my visit to Jinci Hotel - cold writing hand, but no camera.
Not being an architect or carpenter it took a while to figure out why there are metal posts and frames holding things up. If the structures were built as far back as 1100AD of course the wooden posts will have rotted! The cast iron statues before the Offering Hall are not as old as the temples - but they are ingenious in how they were made to stand. Tree limbs hold the pieces together. Not sure about the one from 1913 - it must have replaced one; there are four, I believe to protect the four directions.
Drum and bell - opposite each other at an unattainable entrance. I can just imagine how quickly these would disintegrate or tarnish and lose engravings otherwise. They are still in the elements though - covered in coal dust. I wonder if they are cleaned for the New Year offerings held here.
Tiny dog sentries - just like many pet dogs found in China. These are even smaller. Rather vicious looking. Maybe made out of marble or granite; really do not appear to be granite, but then I do not know my stones. Beautifully carved. People need to stop and see.
Twisted, gnarled, striated trees. How old are they? Some appear to be a type of pine; the others perhaps shade trees. Definitely not the plane trees brought by the French. Oh for my camera! First these marvelous trees. Now, stunning, fearsome dragons wrapped around posts, daring anyone brave enough to enter. Just read that these are the only ones in existence now - 1100 years old! There are iron rings on the rafters above - must have been for lanterns. They cannot dare use real lanterns now - everything is as dry as a tinderbox - FWOOM! How can these ancient, important beauties be saved? I am awed at the sartistic ability of the early dynasties.
I had read that the carvings in the main temple are all female, but there are two in the foreground which must be male because of their hairstyles. These poor women have been neglected, are faded, forgotten, frozen, shrouded in shoulder drooping black coal dust until they too become dust. Outside...talk about a tree falling on your house! A common enough occurrence in Sooke that I could not help but notice. Fortunately these trees have fairly heavy duty supports, making them just barely skim above the ancient roofs. They look like dragons attempting to shift shape - entangled limbs, necks and bodies trapped between dragon and tree state for eternity. During a strong wind it would be amazing to encounter. Perhaps. These trees must be of some importance - two guided groups have stopped to be extolled about something to do with the trees and the main temples under their gigantic branches. (Two trees; two temples). A third tree, not a pine, has lost most of its limbs sand trunk. Perhaps the dragon trees are cypress. I was right - the trees I just mentioned are called Longevity Cypress.
My first cave! Chaoyang Cave - Face the Sun; boy, am I out of shape. Where the sun first shines every rising. These are pretty fancy caves. It would help if I were not afraid of heights. There are more caves higher up; however they appear to at another gate - so most likely more money. I do not have time to see everything even in this section of the park in one shortened daylight afternoon.
**I wrote a slightly different piece on Trip Advisor about Jinci Park. It has captured what I neglected to say here. I nearly forgot to say that the peacefulness and stillness, from the cold, nearly brought me to tears. Partially due to the cleaner air, partially the quiet, but also the spirit of the place. Not a religious spirit, more along of what had been including theatres, so a joyousness.
Not being an architect or carpenter it took a while to figure out why there are metal posts and frames holding things up. If the structures were built as far back as 1100AD of course the wooden posts will have rotted! The cast iron statues before the Offering Hall are not as old as the temples - but they are ingenious in how they were made to stand. Tree limbs hold the pieces together. Not sure about the one from 1913 - it must have replaced one; there are four, I believe to protect the four directions.
Drum and bell - opposite each other at an unattainable entrance. I can just imagine how quickly these would disintegrate or tarnish and lose engravings otherwise. They are still in the elements though - covered in coal dust. I wonder if they are cleaned for the New Year offerings held here.
Tiny dog sentries - just like many pet dogs found in China. These are even smaller. Rather vicious looking. Maybe made out of marble or granite; really do not appear to be granite, but then I do not know my stones. Beautifully carved. People need to stop and see.
Twisted, gnarled, striated trees. How old are they? Some appear to be a type of pine; the others perhaps shade trees. Definitely not the plane trees brought by the French. Oh for my camera! First these marvelous trees. Now, stunning, fearsome dragons wrapped around posts, daring anyone brave enough to enter. Just read that these are the only ones in existence now - 1100 years old! There are iron rings on the rafters above - must have been for lanterns. They cannot dare use real lanterns now - everything is as dry as a tinderbox - FWOOM! How can these ancient, important beauties be saved? I am awed at the sartistic ability of the early dynasties.
I had read that the carvings in the main temple are all female, but there are two in the foreground which must be male because of their hairstyles. These poor women have been neglected, are faded, forgotten, frozen, shrouded in shoulder drooping black coal dust until they too become dust. Outside...talk about a tree falling on your house! A common enough occurrence in Sooke that I could not help but notice. Fortunately these trees have fairly heavy duty supports, making them just barely skim above the ancient roofs. They look like dragons attempting to shift shape - entangled limbs, necks and bodies trapped between dragon and tree state for eternity. During a strong wind it would be amazing to encounter. Perhaps. These trees must be of some importance - two guided groups have stopped to be extolled about something to do with the trees and the main temples under their gigantic branches. (Two trees; two temples). A third tree, not a pine, has lost most of its limbs sand trunk. Perhaps the dragon trees are cypress. I was right - the trees I just mentioned are called Longevity Cypress.
My first cave! Chaoyang Cave - Face the Sun; boy, am I out of shape. Where the sun first shines every rising. These are pretty fancy caves. It would help if I were not afraid of heights. There are more caves higher up; however they appear to at another gate - so most likely more money. I do not have time to see everything even in this section of the park in one shortened daylight afternoon.
**I wrote a slightly different piece on Trip Advisor about Jinci Park. It has captured what I neglected to say here. I nearly forgot to say that the peacefulness and stillness, from the cold, nearly brought me to tears. Partially due to the cleaner air, partially the quiet, but also the spirit of the place. Not a religious spirit, more along of what had been including theatres, so a joyousness.
Packing, Again. Shanghai to Taiyuan
November 30, 2011
I definitely hate the process of preparing to travel. This time I had to wait an extra day. Taiyuan was snowed in. Where on Earth am I going? So, two taxis - no small cost. I did manage to exchange most of my CAD for RMB; then I had to go elsewhere for an ATM that would take my bank card. 1000RMB = approximately $170.00, there must be fees. At least I now have enough money to get by on for a while. I will bew interested to know how far 2000RMB, plus the little I have left over, I think 600RMB, will last.
At least with the delay I had my manicure and foot massage; also did my hair - all very nice.
No idea what to expect in my apartment - most likely just the basics - two bedrooms; bed, wardrobe, kitchen with gas top, microwave, shower, western toilet, washing machine.
Up early this AM - at least I am still all packed. Quick splash of water, ate a banana and tried to finish the book I borrowed from my friend. Great Adventure, by Florence Mayberry. If she could travel all over North America and South America Teaching, then surely I can do the same with teaching. The capital T is significant - she was teaching a Cause; I will be teaching as a teacher - time will tell if I will ever become a Teacher.
Disgusting coffee on the flight - they put sugar in it! At least we are on our way. First snow cancels the flight and then I was worried the fog (smog?) would cause another delay. As my mind wanders - about all I can do on board a plane - well, no recollection of where it wandered to and I did not write it down.
Chinese air flight lunch. It smells alright; haven't actually seen it yet. Noodles and fruit I think; possibly dried meat. Typical Chinese airline meal. Will try to eat.
First impression of Taiyuan - nobody to meet me! Used my IC card - unable to get through to Shanghai. Then my IC card vanished. NOT HAPPY! The card was 50RBM.
December 1, 2011
They neglected to inform me when classes begin. Arrived at 9:00AM.
I need to work out a daily routine that I think will best serve the children, as well as how to incorporate the ridiculous curriculum GKS has chosen to use. It is just a money making scheme that preys on wealthy parents wanting to provide the best fore their child.
So far I have a day of introduction - make that the whole class. Then there is a 'mini-book' I consider far too advanced for such young, non-English speakers. Haven't quite figured out how to incorporate it - bubble words seem the best idea so far. Then I will read half of The Giving Tree. They certainly are not ready for anything difficult - which it might be. For the life of me I cannot recall what the 3rd circle (lesson) is supposed to be. Hoping I can introduce colours or counting; for a 'math' concept, with actions. Perhaps 5 Little Monkeys - or maybe 5 Christmas Cookies.
**I did 5 Little Monkeys seeing as I have the monkeys and a crocodile I usually carry around in my purse - except one monkey was eaten before so I only have four now.
I definitely hate the process of preparing to travel. This time I had to wait an extra day. Taiyuan was snowed in. Where on Earth am I going? So, two taxis - no small cost. I did manage to exchange most of my CAD for RMB; then I had to go elsewhere for an ATM that would take my bank card. 1000RMB = approximately $170.00, there must be fees. At least I now have enough money to get by on for a while. I will bew interested to know how far 2000RMB, plus the little I have left over, I think 600RMB, will last.
At least with the delay I had my manicure and foot massage; also did my hair - all very nice.
No idea what to expect in my apartment - most likely just the basics - two bedrooms; bed, wardrobe, kitchen with gas top, microwave, shower, western toilet, washing machine.
Up early this AM - at least I am still all packed. Quick splash of water, ate a banana and tried to finish the book I borrowed from my friend. Great Adventure, by Florence Mayberry. If she could travel all over North America and South America Teaching, then surely I can do the same with teaching. The capital T is significant - she was teaching a Cause; I will be teaching as a teacher - time will tell if I will ever become a Teacher.
Disgusting coffee on the flight - they put sugar in it! At least we are on our way. First snow cancels the flight and then I was worried the fog (smog?) would cause another delay. As my mind wanders - about all I can do on board a plane - well, no recollection of where it wandered to and I did not write it down.
Chinese air flight lunch. It smells alright; haven't actually seen it yet. Noodles and fruit I think; possibly dried meat. Typical Chinese airline meal. Will try to eat.
First impression of Taiyuan - nobody to meet me! Used my IC card - unable to get through to Shanghai. Then my IC card vanished. NOT HAPPY! The card was 50RBM.
December 1, 2011
They neglected to inform me when classes begin. Arrived at 9:00AM.
I need to work out a daily routine that I think will best serve the children, as well as how to incorporate the ridiculous curriculum GKS has chosen to use. It is just a money making scheme that preys on wealthy parents wanting to provide the best fore their child.
So far I have a day of introduction - make that the whole class. Then there is a 'mini-book' I consider far too advanced for such young, non-English speakers. Haven't quite figured out how to incorporate it - bubble words seem the best idea so far. Then I will read half of The Giving Tree. They certainly are not ready for anything difficult - which it might be. For the life of me I cannot recall what the 3rd circle (lesson) is supposed to be. Hoping I can introduce colours or counting; for a 'math' concept, with actions. Perhaps 5 Little Monkeys - or maybe 5 Christmas Cookies.
**I did 5 Little Monkeys seeing as I have the monkeys and a crocodile I usually carry around in my purse - except one monkey was eaten before so I only have four now.
Ode to Western Tastes
This was early December, after discovering Walmart and KFC in the same place. Well, across the small courtyard from each other. I thought McD had an affiliation with Walmart. Who cares?
No Starbucks! Too major an investment - even with 4 million people perhaps?
Oh my, french fries! And coffee - KFC rocks!! I had not realized I would miss fries. Rarely eat them at home.
kld
No Starbucks! Too major an investment - even with 4 million people perhaps?
Oh my, french fries! And coffee - KFC rocks!! I had not realized I would miss fries. Rarely eat them at home.
kld
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
Dec 17/11
Dec 17/11 KFC vs McD
First I need to say I do not usually go to either KFC or McDonald's at home. I think I overdid things over the last 24 hours and now my body is complaining.that a chicken burger from each place is too much!
It had not been my intention to have either, but circumstances, and lack of other choices, made the decision. I think the McD, that was today, was worse, it gave me heartburn. Walking home was not pleasant. So now I am at home, chatting online and drinking green tea. Tea is always a good remedy for an upset stomach.
Back to chinese meals.
kld
First I need to say I do not usually go to either KFC or McDonald's at home. I think I overdid things over the last 24 hours and now my body is complaining.that a chicken burger from each place is too much!
It had not been my intention to have either, but circumstances, and lack of other choices, made the decision. I think the McD, that was today, was worse, it gave me heartburn. Walking home was not pleasant. So now I am at home, chatting online and drinking green tea. Tea is always a good remedy for an upset stomach.
Back to chinese meals.
kld
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