This week I gave a lesson to a couple of classes of J'2s in which they had to try and use their imaginations to come up with some unusually disgustingly weird food or drinks.Often the learning here is quite structured and routine, so getting the kids to use their own imagination can be difficult. After this class I began to wonder if it was such a good idea...they loved it but it made me feel a little sick ..lol
Here are some that the kids came up with..but...this actual lesson I will mostly teach next week, so I will add to this list as they create :-) Some answers were a little disturbing so I will just put down some of the best disgusting ones... lol
Nasal junk chewing gum
Underarm odour Banana
W.C Water and Tea
Tartar Cake
Urine Juice
Hair Soup
Saliva Soup
Mouse Hamburger
W.C Hamburger
Deep Fried Maggots
Fried Fly Rice
Stool Dumplings
Butterfly Pie
Toilet Paper Dumplings
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Ever have a bad day?
OK...Whilst the net was down it happened that I had a bad day! I wanted to write...it kind of helps....so I saved it on file and thought I can add it when I get back on line. My frustrations are not ever really with China but more with myself. If I have a bad day like the following blog it is usually because my perceptions take on a negative view. All it took was a bit of understanding from a friend and my day brightened considerably :-) But I still want to post the blog because it may give some of you an insight on what living here can be like sometimes! Reading back on it now...it looks like nothing. Maybe sometimes you do just miss home, familiar people, places and food and it makes you a bit emotional. Read on .....
Ever have a bad day where things just escalate and get worse and worse. I know that we often attract it when we get in a bad mood and it works like a magnet and it seems to draw negative energy...but today is something special, intriguing and painful to watch. I had spent the morning in a “nobody understands me because I'm Australian” mood. I had been thinking about the fact that most people here in Yichang who have worked with or known foreigners have mostly known Americans and not Australians. I believe that we are very different in Australia. My point was recently backed by a well known American motivational speaker who said Australians often encounter problems because of the strict, regulated, controlled, ruled society we live in. When things don't go according to plan or we break some kind of golden rule...we literally have the ability to fall in a hole and feel like the world is coming to an end. Only Australia can manifest this lifestyle SO WELL !
Maybe you can't imagine the lifestyle here in China? But it is like the country runs on some kind of chaos theory. Things constantly change yearly, monthly, weekly, daily, hourly and also by the minute and second. This is why I think it is often the case that people invite you out while standing downstairs from your apartment...because you can't plan for the future here...not even from a morning to afternoon basis. Shops and buildings come and go on a regular basis and even the weather here in Yichang can jump from 16degrees to 37degrees and back again in two /three days. It was with a few days notice (BONUS) that I found out I had Wed,Thurs and Fri off from teaching this week due to mid term exams. Me being me, I left much stuff to do until Friday (today). Well just as I was going out to go downtown for grocery shopping and some other chores I was informed that J1 had now finished their exams and I had to teach P4 and P6 today...one before lunch and one just before 3.00...there...in the speed of a text went my days plans...frustrated already by my thoughts throughout the morning, this just added to my dissatisfaction. Anyway, now I had to come up with a lesson plan as I wasn't expecting to teach J1 until Monday...so I set to work organising what I would teach. I settled down and then as the class drew near got ready to go and teach....THEN a phone call...Now the two classes had been merged into one and I didn't have to teach until the 6th period in the afternoon. I could have gone shopping and did my chores after all!
The thing is this kind of thing happens here...ALL THE TIME...it's not just a rare occurrence....so for many foreigners it takes some getting used to.
I try to incorporate many Buddhist practices into my everyday life and living in the moment is one things I do try and practice. Living here is giving me plenty of reminders of the saying....”The only thing certain about your future...is that your future is uncertain”
The day just seemed to snowball into one dissatisfying moment to the next, each one I watched with curiosity (my new hobby) as I watched how I was managing to do a really good job of feeling sorry for myself.
Everything changes ! And in China no truer words can be spoken :-)
Ever have a bad day where things just escalate and get worse and worse. I know that we often attract it when we get in a bad mood and it works like a magnet and it seems to draw negative energy...but today is something special, intriguing and painful to watch. I had spent the morning in a “nobody understands me because I'm Australian” mood. I had been thinking about the fact that most people here in Yichang who have worked with or known foreigners have mostly known Americans and not Australians. I believe that we are very different in Australia. My point was recently backed by a well known American motivational speaker who said Australians often encounter problems because of the strict, regulated, controlled, ruled society we live in. When things don't go according to plan or we break some kind of golden rule...we literally have the ability to fall in a hole and feel like the world is coming to an end. Only Australia can manifest this lifestyle SO WELL !
Maybe you can't imagine the lifestyle here in China? But it is like the country runs on some kind of chaos theory. Things constantly change yearly, monthly, weekly, daily, hourly and also by the minute and second. This is why I think it is often the case that people invite you out while standing downstairs from your apartment...because you can't plan for the future here...not even from a morning to afternoon basis. Shops and buildings come and go on a regular basis and even the weather here in Yichang can jump from 16degrees to 37degrees and back again in two /three days. It was with a few days notice (BONUS) that I found out I had Wed,Thurs and Fri off from teaching this week due to mid term exams. Me being me, I left much stuff to do until Friday (today). Well just as I was going out to go downtown for grocery shopping and some other chores I was informed that J1 had now finished their exams and I had to teach P4 and P6 today...one before lunch and one just before 3.00...there...in the speed of a text went my days plans...frustrated already by my thoughts throughout the morning, this just added to my dissatisfaction. Anyway, now I had to come up with a lesson plan as I wasn't expecting to teach J1 until Monday...so I set to work organising what I would teach. I settled down and then as the class drew near got ready to go and teach....THEN a phone call...Now the two classes had been merged into one and I didn't have to teach until the 6th period in the afternoon. I could have gone shopping and did my chores after all!
The thing is this kind of thing happens here...ALL THE TIME...it's not just a rare occurrence....so for many foreigners it takes some getting used to.
I try to incorporate many Buddhist practices into my everyday life and living in the moment is one things I do try and practice. Living here is giving me plenty of reminders of the saying....”The only thing certain about your future...is that your future is uncertain”
The day just seemed to snowball into one dissatisfying moment to the next, each one I watched with curiosity (my new hobby) as I watched how I was managing to do a really good job of feeling sorry for myself.
Everything changes ! And in China no truer words can be spoken :-)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Anyone for Tennis ?
Although I'm not great at playing tennis, I do enjoy playing it very much. Tennis is not a very popular sport here in China, but there are some great Tennis facilities only a few minutes drive from where I live. I think you have to know someone who knows someone etc...to actually get in and play there...so i think I'm quite lucky to get the chance to have a hit. I really thought I would be very sore the next day or two after, but suprisingly, pulled up ok. The actual Tennis courts we went to are fantastic. Many Australian clubs would dearly love such an amazing set of courts to play on...some courts under cover, some outside in full sun and also practice areas to hone your skills! Seeing as many Chinese people seem to have little idea about Tennis, it seems rather odd that these facilities are here...I have to wonder how much they actually get used???
Home cooked Treats !
The food here in Yichang is mostly very good and very tasty! There are so many restaurants here and I get to try them regularly. The other week I tried Korean food which was really nice and quite different to Chinese food. There is an Indian restaurant down town that also sells Japanese food and is run by Chinese people :-)many Western style restaurants (like I mentioned recently)and also good ole' Macca's, K.F.C and Pizza Hut. The Chinese restaurants always have plenty of tasty dishes to choose from and I have a couple of favourite places to eat at...but...like back in Australia....Nothing beats a "Home Cooked Meal". Within the last week or so I was lucky enough to have two opportunities to taste authentic Home style Chinese cooking. The first time was when I joined the other J3 English teachers at Mabel's new apartment. Mabel really is a very good cook and I have to say it seems kind of rare to see young women cooking at home much here in China. It is very different to Australia as many families still eat together at their parents houses or still live with their parents who usually do the cooking. Mabel really is an outstanding cook though and she cooked so much food for us to munch into. I have to show you a picture of the amazing Chinese style cooker...Fascinating...I've never seen anything like it before.
The next meal was very special for me ...not only was it my most favourite food in Yichang but I got to experience a real family atmosphere of home. Netties Mum and Dad often cook extra food for Nettie to bring over to my place for my lunch. I love her Mums cooking and I have mentioned before how good her Dad is at making "Jaozi". I was treated to beautiful food and I loved the atmosphere at their home...They are similar ages to my parents and it felt good to be there, very comfortable. Unfortunately I didn't get photos here but next time !
People are always asking me what is my favourite food here in China....I will not be rushed into such important decisions (LOL)but I have to say that these two home cooked meals have registered TWO dishes on my list... Sweet and Sour Pork, Netties Mum cooks this to perfection AND Steamed Pork...which Mabel cooks beautifully!
NOW the good news is that there is also a restaurant that serves homestyle cooking and both of these dishes are on the menu AND it's near "Walking Street"!So if I get the cravings I can head there :-)It's not as good as the real deal but still very tasty.
I should also add "Jaozi" to my list ...but...I have not yet found any "Jaozi"
that tastes anywhere near as good as the what Netties Dad makes... I will keep searching !
The next meal was very special for me ...not only was it my most favourite food in Yichang but I got to experience a real family atmosphere of home. Netties Mum and Dad often cook extra food for Nettie to bring over to my place for my lunch. I love her Mums cooking and I have mentioned before how good her Dad is at making "Jaozi". I was treated to beautiful food and I loved the atmosphere at their home...They are similar ages to my parents and it felt good to be there, very comfortable. Unfortunately I didn't get photos here but next time !
People are always asking me what is my favourite food here in China....I will not be rushed into such important decisions (LOL)but I have to say that these two home cooked meals have registered TWO dishes on my list... Sweet and Sour Pork, Netties Mum cooks this to perfection AND Steamed Pork...which Mabel cooks beautifully!
NOW the good news is that there is also a restaurant that serves homestyle cooking and both of these dishes are on the menu AND it's near "Walking Street"!So if I get the cravings I can head there :-)It's not as good as the real deal but still very tasty.
I should also add "Jaozi" to my list ...but...I have not yet found any "Jaozi"
that tastes anywhere near as good as the what Netties Dad makes... I will keep searching !
Catch up yet again !
It's always difficult when the internet connection has been down because I get behind on blogging and it is very difficult to catch up and still capture the emotions you felt on the day...I don't think I should put everything together in one blog. I will try to recall the last week or so and see how it goes!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Added Extra's...Yes folks...and thats not all !
Well it seems that here in China you often get more than you bargained for...let me give you some examples
*Food - Everything that you eat here seems to be followed by the phrase "It is Chinese medicine or we Chinese people think it is very, very good for you, it balances your yin and yang"
*Foot Wash - the term used is foot wash but it actually means foot massage and you often find out that the foot massage includes arms, legs, neck, and back massage as they pummel and twist your body...oh yes and all this is also provided with the "Chinese medicine" this time put into the hot water that your feet soak in. You may also get the acu pressure treatment on the pressure points of your feet...all this when all you had in your head was getting your feet washed :-)
* Hairdresser - I went in for my haircut worried about what I would come out looking like those worries soon changed though... I was informed on the way into the hairdressers that I would have to lay down to have my hair washed and as I lay on the bed while my head was washed, massaged on the pressure points, hit on the pressure points, my hair was pulled, ears and neck massaged...I have to say I don't find this one relaxing in any way ! Then you sit in the chair and wait and watch to see how the hairstyle may turn out :-)Actually I think the cuts are good and the hairdressers here is considerably cheaper than in Australia.
* A morning out rarely is a morning out...it usually turns into lunch out and dinner out and just when you think that you're actually going home now.....it's quite possible to then end up at a night club,a movie or karaoke...then home ???NO !!! then foot massage...:-)
I feel like the Chinese really do everything to the extreme...They work...very, very hard...no doubt about it....and as we say in Australia....they also "Party Hard"
There are many other examples which I have probably already mentioned in the blogs like....
quiet walks ending in invitations from strangers to sit and talk while they give you fruit and vegetables to take home...
Or the time I bought a coat and they wouldn't let me leave the shop without taking a Quilt as a free gift..(I kept giving it back thinking they wanted me to buy it... lol)
How about when I'm sitting quietly in my apartment and my phone rings..."Hello, we're down stairs waiting for you, are you coming?"...."Where?"...."To dinner" :-)
*Food - Everything that you eat here seems to be followed by the phrase "It is Chinese medicine or we Chinese people think it is very, very good for you, it balances your yin and yang"
*Foot Wash - the term used is foot wash but it actually means foot massage and you often find out that the foot massage includes arms, legs, neck, and back massage as they pummel and twist your body...oh yes and all this is also provided with the "Chinese medicine" this time put into the hot water that your feet soak in. You may also get the acu pressure treatment on the pressure points of your feet...all this when all you had in your head was getting your feet washed :-)
* Hairdresser - I went in for my haircut worried about what I would come out looking like those worries soon changed though... I was informed on the way into the hairdressers that I would have to lay down to have my hair washed and as I lay on the bed while my head was washed, massaged on the pressure points, hit on the pressure points, my hair was pulled, ears and neck massaged...I have to say I don't find this one relaxing in any way ! Then you sit in the chair and wait and watch to see how the hairstyle may turn out :-)Actually I think the cuts are good and the hairdressers here is considerably cheaper than in Australia.
* A morning out rarely is a morning out...it usually turns into lunch out and dinner out and just when you think that you're actually going home now.....it's quite possible to then end up at a night club,a movie or karaoke...then home ???NO !!! then foot massage...:-)
I feel like the Chinese really do everything to the extreme...They work...very, very hard...no doubt about it....and as we say in Australia....they also "Party Hard"
There are many other examples which I have probably already mentioned in the blogs like....
quiet walks ending in invitations from strangers to sit and talk while they give you fruit and vegetables to take home...
Or the time I bought a coat and they wouldn't let me leave the shop without taking a Quilt as a free gift..(I kept giving it back thinking they wanted me to buy it... lol)
How about when I'm sitting quietly in my apartment and my phone rings..."Hello, we're down stairs waiting for you, are you coming?"...."Where?"...."To dinner" :-)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Happy Birthday Blog!
It was very re-miss of me to forget to blog that two days ago it was my Dad's birthday. I did speak to you Dad with text messages, emails and a couple of Skype calls on your actual birthday....but I didn't blog it... Sorry...
Hey and you did get two Chinese renditions of "Happy Birthday" via Skype...a bad one by me...but a perfect one by Nettie...
So this is your belated "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" blog. Your parcel of specially chosen birthday goodies is jet setting it's way over.....but I think that you may have to share some of your gifts a little by letting Mum play with them also :-)
I love and miss you very, very much !
Hey and you did get two Chinese renditions of "Happy Birthday" via Skype...a bad one by me...but a perfect one by Nettie...
So this is your belated "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" blog. Your parcel of specially chosen birthday goodies is jet setting it's way over.....but I think that you may have to share some of your gifts a little by letting Mum play with them also :-)
I love and miss you very, very much !
A Historical Meal
On Sunday I gave the the girls their weekly drum lesson...because they are so young they don't really have a lesson as such and it seems that it is the mums, Nettie and Jess who are learning how to play drums :-) They then teach the girls throughout the week the new exercise. We could probably start some kind of girls drumming ensemble :-)If we had some drums that is ! We just use bits of furniture and practice pads...
ANYWAY after the lesson we usually all go out for a meal...It seems that there are so many restaurants here in Yichang as we frequently visit different places. This week there was much history associated with the building that we went to eat in. It was an old Post Office from way back and the building itself is indeed very beautiful! It is a Tea Rooms and Restaurant and is full of old photos and memorabilia. We had a tasty meal and such an interesting place to look around in.
Two Pigs !
The Three Amigos or... is it those three monkeys (see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil):-)
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