Much has happened since the last time I posted. Well... a lot and then not much, since I didn't have school Thursday and Friday. BUT, before that a lot happened. I taught more classes earlier this week, each a little different. Within the 4 grade levels I teach, some classes go very well, others are more of a struggle. I have only taught each class once, so I'm still getting used to things. Wednesday was our last day of classes for the week.
After classes I made many of the teachers happy by finally playing basketball. My first basketball experience here in China was interesting. I learned that they play "make it take it." They don't pick as much. I found the game of 4 on 4 much harder than expected do to the language barrier. I think I played fairly well for not playing since I was up at MLC sometime, probably intramurals. Afterwards I "talked" basketball with one of the other players for a while. We drew up some things on paper to try and explain things and understand each other better.
Following the game of basketball there was a faculty party for all the teachers. They split up all the teachers by their department, English, Math, PE, etc. The festivities started with one of the teachers singing a song. Then they played many games against each other. The games began with Charades. One of the English teachers sat next to me and translated what they were supposed to guess and what they were actually guessing (since many of the guesses were very wrong). Next followed a race of how many marbles in water you could transfer to another container in 3 minutes (a very difficult task). After this game, my division, The English division was in first place! Next was my turn. I was to put on head phones and hum the melody of Chinese songs, and they were supposed to guess what song it was. I found this very difficult, since I had never heard the songs before, and the rhythms and melodies were very different than what I was used to. I only did a few songs, and then some one else took over. The games continued with a game where I think they had to say a new song title with a word used in the last song title, I was a little confused. There were a couple of other games including musical chairs, which was quite enjoyable to watch. I think my favorite part of the party was the Tai Chi performance by several of the older male teachers. It was very peaceful and calming. All their actions were together.
A large banquet followed the party. I had been to a few "banquets" before, some in China, and some in the United States but nothing quite like this. Think of any formal banquet you have attended in the United States, with maybe a head table and quiet atmosphere, and just completely throw that picture out the window. Our banquet took up the upstairs of a restaurant. There were about a dozen large round tables all nicely decorated. It was not a banquet of fomral dress for some were still wearing the clothes they played basketball in. I was sitting with a few teachers that were helping me since they were bilingual. Then many of the younger teachers came (who I had played basketball with) and kind of took over the table. I think they wanted to drink with me. The Chinese have a custom of toasting each other, or cheers "gombai" (I know I didn't spell that right), but usually this involves drinking your entire glass. The Chinese men like to drink, and like to do many cheers. The English teacher next to me was quick to say I was ok in doing what I wanted. She said it is very different here in China, in other countries they toast each other and have a sip, in China, the whole glass. The girls seem to act much differently than the guys do though. The night continued with games at the banquet... wait, the food. There was also food at this banquet. Some new dishes I hadn't tried... like Pig's Stomach, and Pig's Ass, and well... Fried Dog, none of which I could get courage or really wanted to try. But there were many other not so odd dishes, including sea food and some other great dishes. I learned a Chinese version of Dice. It took me a long time to understand at first, but I finally got the hang of it. I did fairly well, I would go in streaks of winning and losing. I would compare the strategy to poker due to the fact that lying is beneficial most of the time.
Our festivities ended with KTV. About 15 teachers and I went to Karaoke. Karaoke is very different than in the states. In America the whole bar is there listening to you. In China, each group gets its own room. If you've seen the movie "Lost in Translation" you might know what the rooms look like, or what it's kind of like. There were couches and a table in one corner where some of the teachers continued playing Dice. And of course there was blaring Karaoke music. I kind of sat and observed for a while until one of the teachers picked a song for me, saying it was in English. Well it was... that is the first two words were. The rest was in Chinese. But it was a somewhat familiar song, "Unchained Melody" and one of the English teachers translated and sang with me. I sat for a while again listening and watched the Chinese do what they loved. I sang a few more songs that one of the teachers picked, she doesn't teach English, but her English is very good. We sang "Hey Jude" and "Hotel California" (My boss at the golf course would love the fact that I'm singing the Eagles in China). The songs are some what difficult to sing becuase all the songs seem to be up a few keys. There was some more Dice playing and some good fun.
The last two days have been nice and relaxing with no school. James G had his banquet last night, and the girls have their banquet tonight. I have to teach on Sunday, which would make my trip to Hangzhou with the others very short. So I think I'm going to stay in Wenling. No sense in spending most of my travel money for a one night stay, 5 hours away. I also have to finish lesson plans. I'm trying to decide what my approach is going to be, especially with the wide range of English the students know.
Things are going well. It's great to hear from friends and family through email and through messenger. If you can Skype (www.skype.com )something really cool, free internet phone, and it works very well. If I'm spoiling it for some people I'm sorry, but it's real exciting! I learned today that I'm going to be an uncle again. Congratulations to my brother and his wife, Joel and Karli who are expecting. Only wish I could be there in May when he or she arrives. Talk to you all soon.
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