Christmas Yichang 2010

So what is a Christmas in Yichang, China like? For me this year it has gone a bit like this... Some classes were changed around and some were cancelled during this week (nothing unusual there).  Tuesday afternoon the kids from Junior Two had a singing contest. I joined some other junior two teachers to help judge. I actually really enjoyed seeing the kids sing and have fun, made me have a lot of fun too. Wednesday afternoon I did some much needed grocery shopping (was down to noodles) but had too much to carry home on the bus to do any Christmas gift shopping. Thursday night the kids at school held their Christmas parties and as I teach so many classes I had many class parties to try and attend, I did manage to get round to quite a few. I took Moli along with me and the kids in every class I went to quickly took her out of my hands and thoroughly enjoyed fussing and cuddling her. Owning a dog as a pet is only really a relatively new thing here in China and few kids have dogs as pets, but many would love to.

Friday morning I had first period but then managed to go to the city for really last minute Chrissie shopping, had a Macca's for lunch, caught the bus home just in time for going back to school for the 5th period class...then...straight after class I headed down to our schools media room for the 2nd Yichang Foreign Teachers Party, this year hosted by our school.

 13 Foreign teachers are based here in Yichang this year, I know a few of them, but not many. We participated in games and watched our kids sing and dance. After the event we headed out to dinner. I think last years party scared a few away this year...really very different when they want us to perform and participate in games, give speeches etc...Only 6 of the 13 of us showed up which I feel a little sad about. I don't like these things much myself, but it is genuinely done in good spirit and heart by the Yichang Education Bureau and some people cancelled right at the last minute leaving the department with their very beautiful gifts (that had been hand picked by students) and other stuff. I know our school also put a lot of effort into the whole thing and I really appreciate that they did try and make us feel a little wanted at Christmas time. After dinner Nettie drove me back to my apartment and we picked up Moli and my stuff and headed to her apartment which brings us to ...Christmas Day.
Actually Christmas eve spent by me organising lessons and Christmas day...lessons...but in between I tried to explain how things are done at Christmas and we opened presents, played games etc. Going to friends of ours for Chinese Christmas Dinner tonight, HOTPOT :-)....and I wonder why I always feel tired?