Nov 30/11
Not a Good First Impression
Not a Good First Impression
Aw. The something funny did not seem to be there and I could have done with a laugh. Stuck at Taiyuan airport, no one to meet me, then my IC card (for phone calls) was either eaten by the phone or stolen while I was not looking. I think the latter.
There is snow here - found out that is why I was not met - person stuck in traffic because of the snow. Or so they say. The fact there was not any snow on the actual roads did make me wonder if they thought I was blind. First impressions - do not ask!
kldDec 2/11
To My Sister
You did say perhaps you should visit me while I am in China - I find that if I explain it is to let my family know I get things done faster. So if I say my sister is going to come perhaps I will receive an answer the same day I ask!
If you came to Beijing you could see the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and some other places. All in the freezing cold most likely.
Go to Shanghai, warm up a little - do some touring around - the Big Bus Tour is great. Along with going to places I know without looking at maps. A trip to nearby Hangzhou would be a must -
If you want to go to Xi'an to see the Warriors... No idea if there are fast trains to there yet. Basically a nine day tour without being stuck in an actual tour. We could pick and choose. The only other area to consider will be hotels, because we would need to stay somewhere. Not so sure you could handle some of the ones I have stayed in. So, think cost - how much do you want to spend, besides on your flight. I will have only been paid once by then, for Dec, which will be paid on Jan 5th.
I can't promise you will like everything, but I can promise you will say you were glad you had the opportunity.
kld
Dec 3/11Shopping and Decorating
Well. I not only survived the cold, I survived Walmart. It's called a super centre - not sure if that is because there are more stores in the same building, or if Walmart has several floors and I just started in the basement. Definitely felt like a cross between a bargain basement store and a step down from Carrefour (big European chain in Shanghai). Not really like the Walmarts in Canada other than the blue vests. Service was very fast though.
Managed to not buy a coffee maker - figured out the cost would have been around 60CAD - so will have to figure something else out. Perhaps a tea press, they can usually stand in for a French press, except I expect I will be chewing coffee grounds. Meanwhile, I will look longingly at my 1/2 lb of ground coffee from Stick in the Mud, smell it every once in a while, dream of a good cup of coffee and then drink the instant premixed stuff we used to get until we discovered Star Bucks in Beijing, then eventually all over the place in Shanghai. I do believe there is a McDonald's after all, I saw someone carrying a bag. Perhaps I will have to find out where just to get some coffee every once in a while. It's also where foreigners often congregate, well those from western countries do. There is a KFC on the same level as Walmart so all is not lost - they have coffee too I expect.
Back to why I was at Wal Mart in the first place. I figured I should venture out a bit further than the SMS (or is it SSM?) store up the block in the opposite direction. Biggest difference, more people at Walmart can speak some English whereas the only attempt by someone at SMS was a hearty, rather high pitched "Hello!", repeated a few times before I saw where it came from. A young man behind the glass where cong you bing and such are made was smiling at me from behind his mask - he seemed quite pleased with his attempt, especially when I turned around and flashed him a smile - yes, flashed, very rare from me to actually even be able to flash smiles - they often seem contrived. Except when with little children. Before I forget, one little girl - Mina, came up to me yesterday, late afternoon - normally I would have been gone, and gave me a kiss on my cheek. I think I have been accepted.
Back to shopping. I first strolled around the store just to see what is available - still cannot find any popcorn, I've been looking. Lots of sales pitches from the many staff on the floor - very typical in China. Also one or two unhappy looking staff trying to hide in corners. I saw this yesterday also, I think for two of them at least they might have been unwell. The one at Walmart was amongst the soaps, so not so bad; but the other was around packaged cookies or something like that, not so good.. Very difficult to call in sick here - someone else will likely replace you.
Lots of packaged grocery choices, I didn't see everything, produce a bit better than SMS. I might just venture down the street to one of the small vendors to buy fruit each day or so. Nice to really support local if possible after all. Gives a sense of belonging - and they will certainly remember me, I seem to be the only foreigner on the block. I did see one man with three children on Thursday who appeared to be middle eastern - as did the children, but less so. No words were passed between us - nor could I determine what one of the children said or in which language. There is another kindergarten right in the same complex as where I work, different company, so I might introduce myself. No harm keeping windows and doors of opportunity open.
Right, decorating. I took a before picture of my rather drab, huge apartment and plan to get to work gussying it up a bit. Will take an after photo for the big reveal. Most of my expenses at WalMart went into that - along with much need cleaning supplies such as laundry soap.
My other challenge for today will be trying to not electrocute myself when putting on the wash, or be drowned, and figuring out which button is for what - perhaps I should have paid more attention to characters that say on and off! In the next couple of hours I hope to have clean clothes and a liveable space - all accomplished with the wave of a magic wand.
kld
Dec 4/11 Noisome thoughts
Listening to car horns on a Sunday afternoon I can't help but wonder if it is due to the dense smog or a traffic jam. Everyone honks even if it isn't necessary!
Several weddings these past 4 days - firecrackers, drums, more firecrackers - all night some of the time!
And then are the really expensive weddings, or perhaps a baby boy was born, when the really heavy artillery comes out. Not that I can see where it is coming from. Even without the smog the tall buildings make it impossible to see very far. However, to be fair there is a great view of the river - or there was. Even had ice floes in it. Too bad I haven't been able to see it for two days now.
Construction - all day, everyday, never seems to end. I am sure somewhere either above me or below someone is hammering away at the same space without getting anywhere. Surely they must have made a hole by now!
Elevators - now I know why living on the 5th or 6th floor is a good idea. Walking up 21 floors could wear out even the fittest person. Decided against it, went to buy some dinner - returned, and it was working.
Shopping - most people go shopping for food nearly every day; all very well if you know where to go, what is what and how much should be paid. Noodles are a big thing here, getting rather tired of them - especially in soup form. People here slurp their noodles, their soup, everything - I had forgotten that. Quite a talent when using chopsticks!
Of course there many smokers in Taiyuan, just adding to the pollution. In Shanghai young people are not smoking - especially those in university or white collar jobs from the sounds of it.
Coffee has definitely taken hold in China, less so in some regions - like Taiyuan. I wonder what the per capita is? There is someone my friend knows who has a company that deals in coffee, don't know if it is grown here, but the business is in China so all the roasting etc is here. They even deliver it right to your door - the beans that is. Wonder if they could get me a coffee maker. $60.00 was just too expensive.
On that note, need to decide if I should have another cup of the instant stuff or have tea instead. At least I like tea.
kld
Dec 4/11 Taiyuan Comments
While searching for something, anything, that had nice things to say about Taiyuan I stumbled across a gem regarding pollution and beds.
I have been here for 4 days and 8 hours - give or take five minutes. I was in China seven years ago. I loved China then. I loved my unexpected glorious ten days in Shanghai - I am in dire need of ten more right now. What can I say about Taiyuan without insulting the people who are stuck living here. Nothing. Except I want to.
It is worse than a cesspool - at least drowning would come quickly in a cesspool. Taiyuan on the other hand is beyond oppressive. It is depressing, dull, a pall hangs over everything, filthy, beyond gray, choking grayness - like a venomous snake swirling in the slowest, murkiest slow motion movie one can imagine. The grayness is palpable. That isn't fog - it is smog. Smog to the highest power. I was in Shanghai during SARS - we had a great time pestering those taking temps. We got to be tourists without all the pesky tourists. And I was still able to work.
In Taiyuan I am also working - more hours, less air. I think someone should consider investing in some of those oxygen bars that were popular some years ago-I know I would be a patron. Some rose coloured glasses would be helpful too, except I am afraid I would trip over a building I couldn't already see without the added tint of rose. Hard bed-oh yes, that gave rise to a chuckle. Who cares, it's only me. Everyone just disappears once they are finished work, shopping or whatever. Not sure anyone actually plays-although I do know where there is a fitness centre; how to they do aerobics and breathe? Things must be pretty good now, at least I can find yogurt, pasta, tomato sauce and even some form of mayonnaise. Not for me. No real coffee yet, the only coffee makers are $60.00CAD. I really need a cup of Stick coffee that I brought all the way from Sooke, BC.
kld
Dec 7/11 There Are Bears in Them Thar' Hills
There are actually hills in Taiyuan - and bears! The bears were being discussed with teachers after I was exclaiming about seeing mountains. I quickly lowered that to a lesser degree of hills. Somehow we got onto bears - most likely because I had been saying we have bears where I live. In the backyard - they were suitably impressed and a bit incredulous.
To really provide an idea of just significant the change in the air was, I was absolutely flabbergasted to see the bridge I can see from my apartment lit up tonight! Not just simple lights, but pink, yellow and blue - the colours change. There is a stadium across the river; and the river might not have ice floes after all, although I am still inclined to think it did - there are clumps of long grasses.
I even saw blue sky and the sun during the day and the moon and the first star tonight. What a difference to the cityscape. There is a city out there after all. I was beginning to think I would fall off the edge of the sidewalk if I went any further than the end of my street or past Walmart - in the other direction. Too bad the wind had picked up though. Now all the smog is being blown in our faces.
I now know we definitely have a holiday from Jan 1 - 3; then14 - 29. Now to find out if the school will be closing early to put heating in the floors. I said it made more sense to have the holiday and closing occur at the same time - when it is really cold and everyone will be away anyway. Of course the thought of staying in Taiyuan does not appeal to me for a whole month!
We are working on a Christmas Show - so silly. So far all I know is that it will be 1 1/2 hours with five classes (only two are international). We might have to drag the poor children out to perform in public to promote the school. I am dead set on that, as are the parents according to the other foreign teacher. He said the parents were very unhappy with a similar event for Halloween. Who can blame them - they pay a lot of money to send their children here. We are pushing for a show at the school, even if it means inviting interested parents. Much easier to handle the whole thing - even if we do a show, have a dinner and even Santa Claus.
Never mind the original meaning of the holiday!
All this means I am wracking my brain to teach something extra easy for the children to do, and doing something that is a show stopper. So far I have to simplify one song - Winter related rather than Christmas. I do have simple costumes in mind - they go for grand events in China. I suggested that all the children do one or two songs at the end together - the principal liked the idea. Now to make it work!
I had so much to write and now it has all gone from my head - like the smog. I am ready for bed, only 6:36. I just wish my bed did not feel like I am sleeping on the ground - if this is how it feels to sleep on concrete I am doubly sorry for the homeless. I get so exhausted trying to turn over that I usually do not get a really sound sleep until 5, and my alarm goes off at 6:30.
Turning over is torture, all my muscles and bones complain bitterly. To make matters worse, after my first day on Thursday I started to slip on a patch of ice, wrenching my knee - the one I already have a problem with. It has been sore ever since, first thing in the morning after sleeping, then again after work. I must figure out an ice pack - making ice cubes takes days. Perhaps if I put my ice cube tray in the hallway of the school. I have a tiny ice cube tray. It took three days to make enough cubes to take to school today for an ice melting and painting activity. Fortunately that was a success. For the four children in class today.
That is another problem, not everyone comes to school so I never know how many I will have and certainly can't teach anything for a show despite what the principal says. Spending 30 minutes with them sitting on the carpet is also useless when there are only four. Oh well, all I can do is try.
Things are looking brighter though - at least for now, I really hope the smog stays away for a few days at least.
kld
Dec 10/11 Coffee and Museum
My latest adventures were Friday night and Saturday afternoon. I can only handle so much excitement at a time.
Friday, first we had to stay late to meet with the principal whose main focus was that she, "...is worried about your performances." So much for having the support of the school. We also found out that she told the Chinese teachers to plan something, most likely in November, and they must rehearse every Wednesday after school. My response - an aside to Jim - was that they will be showing us up. Then I had to explain what that meant. He is from Russia. We ended up staying until well after 5:30, most likely much to the delight of the principals and the owners - they are demanding we be at school from 8 - 5:30. I fired off a letter, carefully crafted as all missiles should be, to Shanghai providing my views on this. I did see the response Jim received regarding a letter he sent; however, we are not making it known we have been discussing this situation. We are a united front in the back of those who are giving us a headache.
All this does lead up to coffee. I have a TA who speaks English, fairly decently, the problem is that she hasn't a clue where things are here - despite being raised in Taiyuan! So Jim offered to take me to Fashion Walk, we both wanted to see where our classes will b performing. Afterwards we walked back to where he caught his bus and I decided to go for coffee at UBC.
Usually two floors, serving food, coffee, tea and fancy juices - never very busy. Menu in Chinese and English. Of course this is where things started to become confusing. I just wanted a cup of coffee, with milk. Forget trying to say cream - I am sure the concept is beyond some of those who work there. In Taiyuan when people say they only speak a little English they mean it - hello, coffee, bye-bye - are often all I can get out of anyone. The fact I use passable Chinese for very simple requests makes everyone assume I must be fluent. Perhaps all foreigners here are.
First they ascertained I did want to be on the second floor. Then I chose where I would sit. Next, order yi bei kafei; wo yao niu nai. One coffee; I want milk. Except this simple request resulted in about 5 minutes of mass confusion. Did I want cold coffee with milk? No, I want hot coffee, and milk. Did I want hot coffee and hot milk? No, just a little milk. Ah, did I want one cup of coffee and one cup of milk? By this time I had resorted to trying to over-explain things, in Chinese, when it dawned on me to be more explicit with actions rather than words. Remember, all this was in Chinese - except for the few words of English from me when I was at a loss to explain all I wanted was a little cream to put in my coffee to stir and drink. Then it dawned on me - I asked for a little cup of milk, but this time showed the size I meant. Presto, the girl ran over to the counter where she has all her spoons, tissue (they do not use napkins here) and whatnot, pulled out a creamer and presented it to me with a flourish. Feeling triumphant I was just about to say thank you when she asked if I wanted sugar in my coffee! An emphatic no. When the coffee finally arrived, after my food, from the first floor, it was delivered on a tray, the cup sitting beside the saucer, the server seemed to be waiting for something - perhaps he was unsure to whom this one little cup of should go to? After all, everyone else had their coffees - I assume they were having coffee. I beckoned him over, do they not know it is dangerous to get between a foreigner and her coffee? He did not budge, just looked a little scared and helpless, maybe he did know - ah, the upstairs girl had to put the cup on the saucer and present the spoon to said saucer before taking the whole and making a presentation of my coffee to me. With another creamer. Despite the ice cold cream hitting the very hot coffee and coming close to curdling, I used both creamers, it was a decent cup of coffee - or I was just so desperate by then I did not know better. I am discovering that coffee in the evening is good for the soul - at least in Taiyuan it is. I will not blame it on waking up every hour - I hadn't had decent coffee until several days after the rock hard bed.
Thank goodness my food was easier to order. Not only was there English, there were pictures. Well, there were for the coffee too - but I did not have my glasses.
Taiyuan Museum
The museum was today's adventure. Next time I go out I must remember to wear my leggings under my pants - it was fine in a taxi and the museum, but outside was like getting into a bathtub of ice cubes, or having a cold shower - the latter being common here when poor wiring means the hot water tank is not on. (My Friday was like that all day - starting with the cold shower).
I left after 11:00, figuring it was before lunch, but after everyone has gone shopping. Lots of taxis, all going in the opposite direction, with passengers. I could only assume it was the opposite direction - I did not have a clue where the museum was. I copied the address from a site, in Chinese, along with a picture and saved it on my laptop. Thus armed, with a fully charged battery, I headed off. When I had gone all the way to the end of the street, legs now entombed in icicles, I finally saw a taxi coming down the street - one is always trying to walk straight, avoid traffic and turn to look behind for a taxi to come out of the oncoming traffic. I hopped in, he asked where to - and I couldn't see the page on the computer to show him because the sun was glaring in the window. Well, I didn't care if I was going the wrong way, it was an adventure - I finally got to it, he muttered something about having to go around, so I smiled sweetly - most likely frightened him, and we were on our merry way. He of course tried to make small talk - something about why did I want to go to the museum? I was able to say I taught little children every day so today I wanted to see something in Taiyuan. He sort of understood. People in China need to get out more to see what their country has to offer.
Unfortunately the museum was just a museum - great architecture, but the artifacts were very much like other museums I have seen in China. Except the Buddhas - that was interesting. So many of these statues, regardless the size, are missing their right hand (I did not check the ones with several hands that carefully). Some are missing their head - some head and hands. But most are missing the right hand. Then I thought about it, that is the hand that is held up from the extended arm - only from the elbow - making it more liable to be damaged over centuries of people touching it, making offerings or whatever. Being left handed is safer! I managed to stay warm, it was quiet most of the time, only one tour came through while I was there, so I just changed the direction I was going in to avoid them; I noticed one man did the same thing.
There were also models of different wooden structures, mainly for worship and theatrics (not in the same room) that I quite liked. Some of the former still exist, but the majority I believe have either been destroyed over time or were rebuilt. I would love to have one made for children to use.
Then it was back outside to find another taxi and head home. It took a bit to find one at that end too, even with the helpful advice of my first driver who told me it would be difficult to find a taxi on the road where he let me off. Where I did go was nearly devoid of cars that were moving, three taxis stopped to drop people off, but they were too far off for me to get their attention. I finally saw one that stopped and disgorged some people, so I flagged it down. I then heard a child say to its parent something about not having that one - absolutely not in sight when I flagged it, so I did not feel guilty about leaving them out in the cold. They would have a much easier time of it getting one than I. I had the school address written down on my museum paper, so that was easy, but he kept it! All in all not a bad day - the museum was free, my total expense 42RMB - taxis. ($7.00) I had the foresight to bring a snack with me too.
kld
There are actually hills in Taiyuan - and bears! The bears were being discussed with teachers after I was exclaiming about seeing mountains. I quickly lowered that to a lesser degree of hills. Somehow we got onto bears - most likely because I had been saying we have bears where I live. In the backyard - they were suitably impressed and a bit incredulous.
To really provide an idea of just significant the change in the air was, I was absolutely flabbergasted to see the bridge I can see from my apartment lit up tonight! Not just simple lights, but pink, yellow and blue - the colours change. There is a stadium across the river; and the river might not have ice floes after all, although I am still inclined to think it did - there are clumps of long grasses.
I even saw blue sky and the sun during the day and the moon and the first star tonight. What a difference to the cityscape. There is a city out there after all. I was beginning to think I would fall off the edge of the sidewalk if I went any further than the end of my street or past Walmart - in the other direction. Too bad the wind had picked up though. Now all the smog is being blown in our faces.
I now know we definitely have a holiday from Jan 1 - 3; then14 - 29. Now to find out if the school will be closing early to put heating in the floors. I said it made more sense to have the holiday and closing occur at the same time - when it is really cold and everyone will be away anyway. Of course the thought of staying in Taiyuan does not appeal to me for a whole month!
We are working on a Christmas Show - so silly. So far all I know is that it will be 1 1/2 hours with five classes (only two are international). We might have to drag the poor children out to perform in public to promote the school. I am dead set on that, as are the parents according to the other foreign teacher. He said the parents were very unhappy with a similar event for Halloween. Who can blame them - they pay a lot of money to send their children here. We are pushing for a show at the school, even if it means inviting interested parents. Much easier to handle the whole thing - even if we do a show, have a dinner and even Santa Claus.
Never mind the original meaning of the holiday!
All this means I am wracking my brain to teach something extra easy for the children to do, and doing something that is a show stopper. So far I have to simplify one song - Winter related rather than Christmas. I do have simple costumes in mind - they go for grand events in China. I suggested that all the children do one or two songs at the end together - the principal liked the idea. Now to make it work!
I had so much to write and now it has all gone from my head - like the smog. I am ready for bed, only 6:36. I just wish my bed did not feel like I am sleeping on the ground - if this is how it feels to sleep on concrete I am doubly sorry for the homeless. I get so exhausted trying to turn over that I usually do not get a really sound sleep until 5, and my alarm goes off at 6:30.
Turning over is torture, all my muscles and bones complain bitterly. To make matters worse, after my first day on Thursday I started to slip on a patch of ice, wrenching my knee - the one I already have a problem with. It has been sore ever since, first thing in the morning after sleeping, then again after work. I must figure out an ice pack - making ice cubes takes days. Perhaps if I put my ice cube tray in the hallway of the school. I have a tiny ice cube tray. It took three days to make enough cubes to take to school today for an ice melting and painting activity. Fortunately that was a success. For the four children in class today.
That is another problem, not everyone comes to school so I never know how many I will have and certainly can't teach anything for a show despite what the principal says. Spending 30 minutes with them sitting on the carpet is also useless when there are only four. Oh well, all I can do is try.
Things are looking brighter though - at least for now, I really hope the smog stays away for a few days at least.
kld
Dec 10/11 Coffee and Museum
My latest adventures were Friday night and Saturday afternoon. I can only handle so much excitement at a time.
Friday, first we had to stay late to meet with the principal whose main focus was that she, "...is worried about your performances." So much for having the support of the school. We also found out that she told the Chinese teachers to plan something, most likely in November, and they must rehearse every Wednesday after school. My response - an aside to Jim - was that they will be showing us up. Then I had to explain what that meant. He is from Russia. We ended up staying until well after 5:30, most likely much to the delight of the principals and the owners - they are demanding we be at school from 8 - 5:30. I fired off a letter, carefully crafted as all missiles should be, to Shanghai providing my views on this. I did see the response Jim received regarding a letter he sent; however, we are not making it known we have been discussing this situation. We are a united front in the back of those who are giving us a headache.
All this does lead up to coffee. I have a TA who speaks English, fairly decently, the problem is that she hasn't a clue where things are here - despite being raised in Taiyuan! So Jim offered to take me to Fashion Walk, we both wanted to see where our classes will b performing. Afterwards we walked back to where he caught his bus and I decided to go for coffee at UBC.
Usually two floors, serving food, coffee, tea and fancy juices - never very busy. Menu in Chinese and English. Of course this is where things started to become confusing. I just wanted a cup of coffee, with milk. Forget trying to say cream - I am sure the concept is beyond some of those who work there. In Taiyuan when people say they only speak a little English they mean it - hello, coffee, bye-bye - are often all I can get out of anyone. The fact I use passable Chinese for very simple requests makes everyone assume I must be fluent. Perhaps all foreigners here are.
First they ascertained I did want to be on the second floor. Then I chose where I would sit. Next, order yi bei kafei; wo yao niu nai. One coffee; I want milk. Except this simple request resulted in about 5 minutes of mass confusion. Did I want cold coffee with milk? No, I want hot coffee, and milk. Did I want hot coffee and hot milk? No, just a little milk. Ah, did I want one cup of coffee and one cup of milk? By this time I had resorted to trying to over-explain things, in Chinese, when it dawned on me to be more explicit with actions rather than words. Remember, all this was in Chinese - except for the few words of English from me when I was at a loss to explain all I wanted was a little cream to put in my coffee to stir and drink. Then it dawned on me - I asked for a little cup of milk, but this time showed the size I meant. Presto, the girl ran over to the counter where she has all her spoons, tissue (they do not use napkins here) and whatnot, pulled out a creamer and presented it to me with a flourish. Feeling triumphant I was just about to say thank you when she asked if I wanted sugar in my coffee! An emphatic no. When the coffee finally arrived, after my food, from the first floor, it was delivered on a tray, the cup sitting beside the saucer, the server seemed to be waiting for something - perhaps he was unsure to whom this one little cup of should go to? After all, everyone else had their coffees - I assume they were having coffee. I beckoned him over, do they not know it is dangerous to get between a foreigner and her coffee? He did not budge, just looked a little scared and helpless, maybe he did know - ah, the upstairs girl had to put the cup on the saucer and present the spoon to said saucer before taking the whole and making a presentation of my coffee to me. With another creamer. Despite the ice cold cream hitting the very hot coffee and coming close to curdling, I used both creamers, it was a decent cup of coffee - or I was just so desperate by then I did not know better. I am discovering that coffee in the evening is good for the soul - at least in Taiyuan it is. I will not blame it on waking up every hour - I hadn't had decent coffee until several days after the rock hard bed.
Thank goodness my food was easier to order. Not only was there English, there were pictures. Well, there were for the coffee too - but I did not have my glasses.
Taiyuan Museum
The museum was today's adventure. Next time I go out I must remember to wear my leggings under my pants - it was fine in a taxi and the museum, but outside was like getting into a bathtub of ice cubes, or having a cold shower - the latter being common here when poor wiring means the hot water tank is not on. (My Friday was like that all day - starting with the cold shower).
I left after 11:00, figuring it was before lunch, but after everyone has gone shopping. Lots of taxis, all going in the opposite direction, with passengers. I could only assume it was the opposite direction - I did not have a clue where the museum was. I copied the address from a site, in Chinese, along with a picture and saved it on my laptop. Thus armed, with a fully charged battery, I headed off. When I had gone all the way to the end of the street, legs now entombed in icicles, I finally saw a taxi coming down the street - one is always trying to walk straight, avoid traffic and turn to look behind for a taxi to come out of the oncoming traffic. I hopped in, he asked where to - and I couldn't see the page on the computer to show him because the sun was glaring in the window. Well, I didn't care if I was going the wrong way, it was an adventure - I finally got to it, he muttered something about having to go around, so I smiled sweetly - most likely frightened him, and we were on our merry way. He of course tried to make small talk - something about why did I want to go to the museum? I was able to say I taught little children every day so today I wanted to see something in Taiyuan. He sort of understood. People in China need to get out more to see what their country has to offer.
Unfortunately the museum was just a museum - great architecture, but the artifacts were very much like other museums I have seen in China. Except the Buddhas - that was interesting. So many of these statues, regardless the size, are missing their right hand (I did not check the ones with several hands that carefully). Some are missing their head - some head and hands. But most are missing the right hand. Then I thought about it, that is the hand that is held up from the extended arm - only from the elbow - making it more liable to be damaged over centuries of people touching it, making offerings or whatever. Being left handed is safer! I managed to stay warm, it was quiet most of the time, only one tour came through while I was there, so I just changed the direction I was going in to avoid them; I noticed one man did the same thing.
There were also models of different wooden structures, mainly for worship and theatrics (not in the same room) that I quite liked. Some of the former still exist, but the majority I believe have either been destroyed over time or were rebuilt. I would love to have one made for children to use.
Then it was back outside to find another taxi and head home. It took a bit to find one at that end too, even with the helpful advice of my first driver who told me it would be difficult to find a taxi on the road where he let me off. Where I did go was nearly devoid of cars that were moving, three taxis stopped to drop people off, but they were too far off for me to get their attention. I finally saw one that stopped and disgorged some people, so I flagged it down. I then heard a child say to its parent something about not having that one - absolutely not in sight when I flagged it, so I did not feel guilty about leaving them out in the cold. They would have a much easier time of it getting one than I. I had the school address written down on my museum paper, so that was easy, but he kept it! All in all not a bad day - the museum was free, my total expense 42RMB - taxis. ($7.00) I had the foresight to bring a snack with me too.
kld
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