May 15 - The tradition continues when packing for China. Every trip my friend Hayley or I take involves her packing and me watching. Even though I am the one leaving this time she was still the one packing. I am happy to say she got 50lbs into one suitcase. It is finally hitting me that I will leave tomorrow. I will leave behind the everyday worries to gain new knowledge and open my eyes to a new culture.
Travel days- it took three days to reach are final destination, that’s including crossing the international dateline. Which on trips like this made it seem that much longer. The flights were good, but our bags decide to stay in Tokyo and tonight marks night two of no bags. This disaster may seem small, but to a tired traveler it can throw the start of the trip off. Though we are all pushing through I’m sure many are ready for them to arrive. We have start to use only chopsticks to eat. The good thing is I can only eat so much and I eat much slower. I see why many Chinese people are so tiny. Our first cultural experience came in the form of a trip to the supermarket just like Walmart, but so many more people. It was a mass of people moving in a very fast pace that seemed organized. I am ready to see what else China has to show and teach me.
May 19, 2013 – Today was a very relaxing day, and we were able to catch up on sleep. I am finding that eating with chopsticks is only difficult if you think about it too much. I don’t know if I’m using them right but I’m trying. Tomorrow we start language class. I must take a deep breath and realize that this program is new and not everyone is on the same page. I am a lot more relaxed mainly in part to my amazing parents, and for them both supporting me in this.
This is a picture of the view from where we are staying. The university is about three times the size of USI and has a lot of trees to produce shade. According to the people here it can get very hot and the shade is always nice to have.
This is a picture of the view from where we are staying. The university is about three times the size of USI and has a lot of trees to produce shade. According to the people here it can get very hot and the shade is always nice to have.
May 20, 2013 – today was the official start date of the program. We had an opening ceremony where the dean of international students welcomed us. We
read a letter from our provost and presented the university with a gift. Surprisingly we were given a meeting with the dean of their education college. He was very welcoming and I felt honored setting in the room representing the University of Southern Indiana. We had ideas between the universities and hopefully I had been part of the start of an amazing program. We walked around downtown Chongqing and crossed the street in ways that could get some people killed. I don’t think any of us will get accustomed to the stares from people walking by, but I guess we are a site. Why is it at home we place no mind to someone of a different race walking by? Is it simply because that is nothing new to us or are we just to focused on your own life to notice those around us. Pictures to come I promise!
read a letter from our provost and presented the university with a gift. Surprisingly we were given a meeting with the dean of their education college. He was very welcoming and I felt honored setting in the room representing the University of Southern Indiana. We had ideas between the universities and hopefully I had been part of the start of an amazing program. We walked around downtown Chongqing and crossed the street in ways that could get some people killed. I don’t think any of us will get accustomed to the stares from people walking by, but I guess we are a site. Why is it at home we place no mind to someone of a different race walking by? Is it simply because that is nothing new to us or are we just to focused on your own life to notice those around us. Pictures to come I promise!
May 21, 2013 – Today was the start of language class. Let’s just say I have found yet another language that I don’t understand and in three weeks I will be lucky to say one sentence. I am not proud of that fact, because after
all of my travels I have learned the true importance of having a second language. There are times when I feel down about my ability to communicate just because I can only do it in one language. Yes, I am still young and could still pick up a language. I hope to do that one day before I die, but for now I will be content with my one language. To all those young readers out there please take foreign language seriously when you are first exposed, it could change your life and make your future so much better. We also met our language partners that will show us the city and also help us with the Chinese language. Tomorrow will be our first school visit, and we will be going to a secondary school (what we call middle school). I wonder if Chinese middle school students are anything like the ones in America?
all of my travels I have learned the true importance of having a second language. There are times when I feel down about my ability to communicate just because I can only do it in one language. Yes, I am still young and could still pick up a language. I hope to do that one day before I die, but for now I will be content with my one language. To all those young readers out there please take foreign language seriously when you are first exposed, it could change your life and make your future so much better. We also met our language partners that will show us the city and also help us with the Chinese language. Tomorrow will be our first school visit, and we will be going to a secondary school (what we call middle school). I wonder if Chinese middle school students are anything like the ones in America?
First School Visit May 22, 2013
May 22,2013 – I have an official Chinese name Lu Jiexi. The surname or family name comes first which for me is Lu this has no real meaning it was just given to match my real last name. Jiexi means outstanding west. The rest of language class was a blur, but all I can say is I’m trying!
The real fun came in the afternoon when we observed in a high school and middle school classroom. We were invited in to a boarding school that has around 5,000 students and 300 teachers. We walked into the classroom to set in the back and this did not disturbed the students which was the first sign this was going to be different then back home. The students where focused and working the whole time. Not once did the teacher have to tell them to be silent or set down. It was a picture perfect home and all I could imagine was how I would hope to have enough classroom management skills to establish that in my classroom. We also watched a middle school lesson where once again the students were focused even when playing a game. The respect shown by the students was breath taking. The real question is how can we place a feeling of respect for teachers in our students eyes.
The real fun came in the afternoon when we observed in a high school and middle school classroom. We were invited in to a boarding school that has around 5,000 students and 300 teachers. We walked into the classroom to set in the back and this did not disturbed the students which was the first sign this was going to be different then back home. The students where focused and working the whole time. Not once did the teacher have to tell them to be silent or set down. It was a picture perfect home and all I could imagine was how I would hope to have enough classroom management skills to establish that in my classroom. We also watched a middle school lesson where once again the students were focused even when playing a game. The respect shown by the students was breath taking. The real question is how can we place a feeling of respect for teachers in our students eyes.
May 23, 2013 – Once again I am being kept busy, because its 10:15 at night and I know this is the first time I have sat down just to relax.
With that in mind you would think that I would have more to say. So todays post will be short. I had language class this morning, and even though it is day
three I am still at the same level as day one. Language will continue to be hard for me, but I will just smile through it (and try not to cry of embarrassment). We visited an elementary school and again I thought we were in heaven based on the well behaved students. This evening we met with students from the Food and Nutrition program. I will continue to be so amazed by the pure kindness of the people we have met. They had not planned to take us out, but they did it anyway with smiles. I am sorry but no pictures today I will try to post more tomorrow if I have time before we leave. I will post about my weekend trip on Monday!
With that in mind you would think that I would have more to say. So todays post will be short. I had language class this morning, and even though it is day
three I am still at the same level as day one. Language will continue to be hard for me, but I will just smile through it (and try not to cry of embarrassment). We visited an elementary school and again I thought we were in heaven based on the well behaved students. This evening we met with students from the Food and Nutrition program. I will continue to be so amazed by the pure kindness of the people we have met. They had not planned to take us out, but they did it anyway with smiles. I am sorry but no pictures today I will try to post more tomorrow if I have time before we leave. I will post about my weekend trip on Monday!
May 24—26, 2013 This weekend I taught once again in a foreign country. Even though it was only for two days I never imagined when I started my path to become a teacher that I would be given the opportunity to teach abroad. Like the first time in Finland I only taught English. Saturday I spent the day with year 7 students which are around the same age as our middle school students. They were very sh
and did not ask me a lot of questions which surprised me. I asked them questions and they answered with little enthusiasm. The teacher had left lessons for me from a book and then left me with the students. I started the day trying to get through one lesson a period, because at home that is what a teacher would ask of a sub for the day. During our lunch break we were told that we just needed to make it exciting for the students maybe not do all the lessons. So I played a guessing game with the students and hang-man in English. When I tried to teach them a dance they were not having it, just like middle school students at home. I made it through the day with a smile on my face and a great appreciation for the opportunity.
Sunday we were told that we would spend the day with 4 year olds. I was happy to teach the younger students, but was very scared they would not understand me. The teacher did stay with me which made it that much easier. I taught the students new fruit words, and sang a lot of songs. The students followed with smiles on, and giggled at everything I said. I will always remember these little moments, because together they will add up to make me a better person and a better teacher. I am grateful for everything moment from this weekend.
and did not ask me a lot of questions which surprised me. I asked them questions and they answered with little enthusiasm. The teacher had left lessons for me from a book and then left me with the students. I started the day trying to get through one lesson a period, because at home that is what a teacher would ask of a sub for the day. During our lunch break we were told that we just needed to make it exciting for the students maybe not do all the lessons. So I played a guessing game with the students and hang-man in English. When I tried to teach them a dance they were not having it, just like middle school students at home. I made it through the day with a smile on my face and a great appreciation for the opportunity.
Sunday we were told that we would spend the day with 4 year olds. I was happy to teach the younger students, but was very scared they would not understand me. The teacher did stay with me which made it that much easier. I taught the students new fruit words, and sang a lot of songs. The students followed with smiles on, and giggled at everything I said. I will always remember these little moments, because together they will add up to make me a better person and a better teacher. I am grateful for everything moment from this weekend.
May 27, 2013 – You have those moments in life when you get that “I’ve made it feeling,” well today I had one of those moments. Our morning lecture was cancelled which made me a little upset, because I was looking forward to hearing about traditional. So we took some time to relax,and then headed out for lunch. We had our wonderful Chinese professor with us so lunch was easy, but a group of us decided we wanted to step out on our own. We survived with no problems! We all used are strengths and navigated around the language barrier. Some tested their Chinese’s language skills while I was happy to just navigate the streets. We explored on our own and we are ready for the next adventure.
After our self-exploring, we where given a tour of a traditional Chinese medicine hospital. The doctors welcomed us and explained the process of acupuncture and what is called “cupping practice “both are traditional cures to pain and sickness. It was wonderful seeing another side of Chinese culture that many students are not exposed to. We ended the day with a little street food and of course shopping. If the way today went the rest of the week should be one big adventure.
After our self-exploring, we where given a tour of a traditional Chinese medicine hospital. The doctors welcomed us and explained the process of acupuncture and what is called “cupping practice “both are traditional cures to pain and sickness. It was wonderful seeing another side of Chinese culture that many students are not exposed to. We ended the day with a little street food and of course shopping. If the way today went the rest of the week should be one big adventure.
May 28, 2013 – tai chi, the act of me making a fool of myself while laughing. This will be the deification of the sport while I’m in China.Today we had our first class and the movements just do t look right on someone as clumsy as me. I might have burned more calories laughing though. After class we where fitted for hand made silk dresses. This will be my one major purchase for myself, because it was just so pretty. Plus when converted back to American dollars its only $72 for a hand made dress!!!!! I ended my day with a unique
experience. I am probably the only person who can go home saying that I had two teaching interviews over Skype while setting in China. I am going to bed on a happy high dreaming of going home with a job. Fingers crossed!!!
experience. I am probably the only person who can go home saying that I had two teaching interviews over Skype while setting in China. I am going to bed on a happy high dreaming of going home with a job. Fingers crossed!!!
May 30, 2013- sorry for not posting yesterday, but I will not blame it on my computer problems. Instead I will simply take the time to write something a little more thoughtful today. Come tomorrow we will officially have two more weeks in China. So let me paint a picture of what I have seen so far. When you walk down the street in Chongqing the noise of honking horns are always in the background. It’s not what you would think of from an angry American honk, but simply a way of driving for the people here. Each food shop or street stand has its unique smell. Whether it’s a good or bad smell is up to the person walking by. Too many of these people here shop as a way of life.
Even though we seem to get the most stares I am able to look closely at those around me. The respect and active life of an elder Chinese man or women is seen. They are walking with grandchildren or dancing in the streets. This last one may seem odd to Americans, but here it’s a way of life. Young people seem to always be together whether it’s with friends or in couples no one is alone. Through all my other travels I have never noticed a big dog population. In China it seems that almost everywhere you look there is a dog. These dogs walk around without a leash, and I hope to get the chance to ask someone how they train their dog to do
that!
Next week will be busy with it being our last week in Chongqing my biggest wish is that we all take it in and stay focused with the reasons we are here still in front of us. I hope to leave this place with the culture of the people in my heart and the gift to share it with others when I get home.
And for all those who care I am going home with a teaching job! The path that god sets out for us only becomes clear after you open your heart to his plan. Gods plan for me has lead me to a catholic school in Brownsburg, Indiana where my love for math and culture will hopefully come together.
Even though we seem to get the most stares I am able to look closely at those around me. The respect and active life of an elder Chinese man or women is seen. They are walking with grandchildren or dancing in the streets. This last one may seem odd to Americans, but here it’s a way of life. Young people seem to always be together whether it’s with friends or in couples no one is alone. Through all my other travels I have never noticed a big dog population. In China it seems that almost everywhere you look there is a dog. These dogs walk around without a leash, and I hope to get the chance to ask someone how they train their dog to do
that!
Next week will be busy with it being our last week in Chongqing my biggest wish is that we all take it in and stay focused with the reasons we are here still in front of us. I hope to leave this place with the culture of the people in my heart and the gift to share it with others when I get home.
And for all those who care I am going home with a teaching job! The path that god sets out for us only becomes clear after you open your heart to his plan. Gods plan for me has lead me to a catholic school in Brownsburg, Indiana where my love for math and culture will hopefully come together.
May 31, 2013 – A typical Friday night in Chongqing is what we experienced tonight, with a little American twist. We met up with our language partners and they took us out on the town. We started with a ride on the “turtle” bus. Once to the gate they decided we would try our first like hotpot meal. We went to set down and they quickly told us we had to set in American, Chinese order. This. Ended up being a blessing, because soon everyone was talking. They ordered for us since everything was in Chinese characters and we
had no pictures to point too. The food came and smelled so good, but I quickly found that it was nice and spicy. Everyone took pictures and talked like friends. They walked us around a few shops, but the best part about the night was the walk back. I learned that in china that girls must be 20 and boys must be 22 to marry. They have started to follow western wedding customs and chose to wear a white wedding dress.Though many will change into traditional clothes during the party after.Chinese boys are seem to act the same has American boys from what I heard, but they can be more responsible. The girls seem to understand the law for having only one child and will follow the rule, but still wish to have more. Many also express great joy when talking about their boyfriends and hope to marry right out of college. It was wonderful just having a normal conversation about life with a new group of friends from another country. A typical girls night is still the same no matter the country you’re in.
had no pictures to point too. The food came and smelled so good, but I quickly found that it was nice and spicy. Everyone took pictures and talked like friends. They walked us around a few shops, but the best part about the night was the walk back. I learned that in china that girls must be 20 and boys must be 22 to marry. They have started to follow western wedding customs and chose to wear a white wedding dress.Though many will change into traditional clothes during the party after.Chinese boys are seem to act the same has American boys from what I heard, but they can be more responsible. The girls seem to understand the law for having only one child and will follow the rule, but still wish to have more. Many also express great joy when talking about their boyfriends and hope to marry right out of college. It was wonderful just having a normal conversation about life with a new group of friends from another country. A typical girls night is still the same no matter the country you’re in.
JUNE 1 Dazu Rock Carving
June 1 – 2, 2013 – This was our first “feel like a tourist” weekend. It was long, but I saw so much that I couldn’t even begin to describe it all. Saturday we spent the day at Dazu Rock Carvings. These carvings have been around for hundreds of years and are true wonders. Each set of carvings depict a story of Buda. They each where handmade by a monk and some are more then life like. They have been very well kept and color can still be seen on them. The pictures do not do them justice. My eyes have been blessed to see so much and I know I will not forget what I saw. My bargaining skills I learn in Africa came into play once again. I finally started to buy gifts for everyone back home and I can’t wait to give them away.
Sunday we started the day in old town. The town or more of a street was made up of old time buildings and filled with souvenir shops. Let’s just say with 8 people looking to shop it took us a little over two hours to get down two streets! I had so much fun just looking at everything, but don’t worry I bought a few things too. We then moved on to a museum called the Three Gorge Museum. It was a beautiful building and each room had their own theme. Most of the information was written out in Chinese, but we were able to look and learn with our eyes. We left the museum to visit the center downtown of Chongqing that was a smaller scale of New York City time square. I was quickly filled with a since of wow and I didn’t feel like I was in China anymore. All of the pictures I took will never show the feelings I had every time I saw something breath taking this weekend, but hopefully they will hold the memory in them.
Sunday we started the day in old town. The town or more of a street was made up of old time buildings and filled with souvenir shops. Let’s just say with 8 people looking to shop it took us a little over two hours to get down two streets! I had so much fun just looking at everything, but don’t worry I bought a few things too. We then moved on to a museum called the Three Gorge Museum. It was a beautiful building and each room had their own theme. Most of the information was written out in Chinese, but we were able to look and learn with our eyes. We left the museum to visit the center downtown of Chongqing that was a smaller scale of New York City time square. I was quickly filled with a since of wow and I didn’t feel like I was in China anymore. All of the pictures I took will never show the feelings I had every time I saw something breath taking this weekend, but hopefully they will hold the memory in them.
June 4, 2013 – These pass two days have been a world wind. We have sat through language class, lectures, and been out on our own more. With all that’s been happening I’m afraid I’m missing something, because when I set to write at night nothing comes to mind. Though yesterday we sat in a lecture about Chinese history which took a small turn to Chinese politics compared to American politics. Needless to say we don’t learn the whole history through our American social studies classes. Then this evening we represented USI by presenting about our school to an English class here. The students enjoyed talking with use after and we were posed with many of the same questions. Many students really want to know how many exams we take, because they believe that they take too many. We have found that its not that much different from us. They always ask what are hobbies are and many still take their ideas of American
college students from movies. But the most popular question always seems to be them asking if we have boyfriends. When I tell them no they can’t understand why
not. I think they like asking this question, because they then get to talk about their boyfriends. These last few days in Chongqing will fly by I just hope I don’t blink and miss everything.
college students from movies. But the most popular question always seems to be them asking if we have boyfriends. When I tell them no they can’t understand why
not. I think they like asking this question, because they then get to talk about their boyfriends. These last few days in Chongqing will fly by I just hope I don’t blink and miss everything.
June 5, 2013 – Today we sat down to lunch with an American teacher who was been teaching English at the university for a year. It was great to hear his passion through everything he said. He really did believe that full immerge into the language is the best way to learn and understand. He did say that it look him a few months to really get into studying the language. I hope by meeting with his he was a le to inspire some of the other students to continue to study the Chinese language. We spent the afternoon making dumplings. It was so much fun working together and hopefully this is something I can take home to share with my family. Mrs. Rietman, Shannon, and I ended our day using Skype to talk to an education class back at USI. I enjoyed getting the chance to talk to the students before we even got back home. I feel by talking to them while we were still here made it that much more real. I hope in our short talk we opened their eyes to a small part of the Chinese culture.
A question was posed to us today while at lunch, what could china learn from the west, and what could we learn from china? In the sense that we have only been here for three weeks I don’t feel comfortable pointing out what to tell china to learn from us, because I don’t feel like I have experienced the whole china. Though in my mind I feel that china could teach the west how to welcome others into our lives. Whether it be opening our homes to host a lunch for a complete stranger or just simply helping those around us. I also feel that we can take a look at Chinese pride in their country, and learn how to show our pride for the United States of America.
A question was posed to us today while at lunch, what could china learn from the west, and what could we learn from china? In the sense that we have only been here for three weeks I don’t feel comfortable pointing out what to tell china to learn from us, because I don’t feel like I have experienced the whole china. Though in my mind I feel that china could teach the west how to welcome others into our lives. Whether it be opening our homes to host a lunch for a complete stranger or just simply helping those around us. I also feel that we can take a look at Chinese pride in their country, and learn how to show our pride for the United States of America.
June 8, 2013 – This was our last Saturday in Chongqing and our last Saturday of the whole trip. Waking up this morning that is what I reminded myself before getting up to climb a mountain. The first thing I noticed driving
to the university three weeks ago was this temple at the top of the mountain and finally I can say that I have been there. Thankfully my amazing roommate Shannon talked me into getting up at 8:00 this morning. From there we met our tour guide and got on the cable car to go up the mountain. The view from the cable car was breath taking and I could see the whole city. On the way up the guide pointed out some carvings in the side of the mountain. These carvings in stone where old graves of those who lived on the mountain. History could be seen in such random places sometimes. We started are walk up the mountain with a stop at a Bubba worship area. This area was very busy, because many parents had come to pray for good luck for their children who were taking the college entrance exam today. Some parents were kneeling in front of Bubba while others bought red ribbons of luck to tie on trees. We could not take pictures of the Bubba, because it brings bad luck to those who do. At the end of our trip we don’t need that!
From there we started the long walk up. But after 5 minutes I wasn’t feeling tired, but instead a sense of calm came over me. We have been running on such a full schedule over the weeks that it was nice just to think that we could take our time and enjoy the view. I decided that when the conversation died down to simply pray. It was nice to talk to god for a while and brought my focus back to an incredible place. I could feel god’s presence with me when I got to the top and felt like I wasn’t on top of a mountain, but on top of the world. The view was so much more than words or pictures could describe. It is hard to believe that the trip is coming to an end, but when I think back on all I have done and seen I know that China as changed a small part of me.
to the university three weeks ago was this temple at the top of the mountain and finally I can say that I have been there. Thankfully my amazing roommate Shannon talked me into getting up at 8:00 this morning. From there we met our tour guide and got on the cable car to go up the mountain. The view from the cable car was breath taking and I could see the whole city. On the way up the guide pointed out some carvings in the side of the mountain. These carvings in stone where old graves of those who lived on the mountain. History could be seen in such random places sometimes. We started are walk up the mountain with a stop at a Bubba worship area. This area was very busy, because many parents had come to pray for good luck for their children who were taking the college entrance exam today. Some parents were kneeling in front of Bubba while others bought red ribbons of luck to tie on trees. We could not take pictures of the Bubba, because it brings bad luck to those who do. At the end of our trip we don’t need that!
From there we started the long walk up. But after 5 minutes I wasn’t feeling tired, but instead a sense of calm came over me. We have been running on such a full schedule over the weeks that it was nice just to think that we could take our time and enjoy the view. I decided that when the conversation died down to simply pray. It was nice to talk to god for a while and brought my focus back to an incredible place. I could feel god’s presence with me when I got to the top and felt like I wasn’t on top of a mountain, but on top of the world. The view was so much more than words or pictures could describe. It is hard to believe that the trip is coming to an end, but when I think back on all I have done and seen I know that China as changed a small part of me.
June 11, 2013 - I am sorry that my post have not been amazing these last few days, but that's what happens at the end of a trip. It is Tuesday morning at 5am, and we are going to Beijing today. We don't know what our internet will be like, but keep checking to see if I update. If you really want to hear stories I'll be home Friday at 3:00pm, and I'll need something to do to keep me awake all afternoon. See you soon Evansville!