Last Friday student came with their parents to visit the classroom and new teachers. That morning it was raining and I had to catch the bus. Now rain in North Dakota is nothing like the rain here in Beijing. The heavy rain flooded the streets on the route to the bus stop. I was in good spirits and not going to let the rain dampen my good mood, but that was before I can to the giant puddle. It was 30 feet wide, 3 times as long, and 4 inches deep. Now picture me in dress clothes walking through a heavy downpour, not a pretty sight. There was no way around so I bucked up and went through it. A long story short, I was soaked by the time I made it to school. As i walked into school drenched and my shoes completely soaked, Mrs. Brock (head teacher) and Mrs. Armstrong are standing in the front entry greeting me with a smile. They were pleased to see me arrive so early in this terrible weather. Also they made comment that I will not have a problem being on time the rest of the term if I can make it to school early in a Beijing rain. I got some advice from them to pack my teaching clothes in my bag and change once I get to school. Needless to say I had learned valuable knowledge that morning and it wasn't even 7:30 am.
By mid afternoon I was dried out and had met all of two student who made the trek to school in the bad weather. Meeting the students and their families made me very excited for the year to start. The students (they are referred to as pupils in the British education system) seemed excited to begin class again after their holiday break. They both had been traveling, one to Italy and the other to Scotland. Many of the students that attend BSB: Sanlitun have parents who work in the consulate. Money and supplies are not an issue at this school. Between Nord Anglia and the supportive parents they have plenty of funding. This year my Year 5 class is going to take a trip to Xi'an (Shee an) and see the Terra-catta Warriors . To get there they are taking a plane. The school is very privileged to have the opportunity and I believe the trip will excite the students to learn. Unfortunately I will be gone second term and back in the States.
After having a productive week of school and getting my classroom ready, I spent Saturday afternoon at the Summer Palace. The Palace was nothing I expected and I was pleasantly surprised that it was nothing what I had envisioned an UNESCO site to be. Its origin came to be when the capital of the Jin Dynasty moved to Beijing. In the scorching hot summers emperors would escape the city and stay in the gardens of the Summer Palace. Many emperors added their own gardens and some even created their own lakes. It is now an expansive collections of gardens and lakes. Now days it costs 30 RMB to enter the grounds and an additional 30 to tour the temples and buildings. It is a very popular place for locals to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon. There are paths to hike and boats to rent and spend an afternoon on the water. While hiking Longevity Hill I came across a group of elderly locals playing recreational games on a porch. The Chinese like their parks, especially the retired. On one side there was a couple playing a racquet sport of some sort. Then there was a gentleman practicing his Chinese characters on the floor boards of the porch using water and a sponge attached to a pole. On the other side there were two ladies dancing to Chinese folk music. I have to say they had more grace than I do on the dance floor. Then along the railings of the porch there were 3 groups of men playing card games and discussion what old Chinese men discuss. As I said earlier I was surprised to see the what the Summer Palace is all about. I would describe it as the Central Park of Beijing. Families come and enjoy a breezy afternoon by the lake and partake in recreational games. One thing that bothered me was to see the souvenir shops and restaurants inside the UNESCO site. I think it would have a more authentic feel if they kept that on the outside of the park.
Monday school starts!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
In the Classroom
The past week has been full of meetings to clear up questions and talk about the Nord Anglia: The British School of Beijing formalities. Finally this week we are in our classroom setting up. I have created my first bulletin board, which is a must at BSB. They strive on presenting the students work throughout the semester and there are 5 bulletin boards for that in my classroom. I also created a mural out of tag board which is of a silhouetted tree. On the first day of class, students will each color a pelican to be perched on the tree. (Our classroom mascot is the pelican) The classroom is shaping up and I am learning the ropes of Year 5 along with my cooperating teacher, Miss Dawn Burnette, who is teaching this level for the first time. She is Scottish and has a different way to say many terms. A jotter, a notebook, a lolly is a sucker, and color is spelled with a ou. The BSB works on a reward system and has many certificates of achievement for the students to work toward throughout the term. The most important individual reward is a House Point. One is awarded for good academic work. There are tiers to work up to from Bronze, silver, gold, to platinum. The important class reward system is the marble rewards, which are given to well behaved students. Good behavior is only rewarded and marbles cannot be taken away for bad behavior. There are many other reward systems used by the school like Pen License (for outstanding penmanship) and Star Citizen (awarded to students who show common courtesy to others), and Table Manners (those who eat properly). British schools are known for their strict and regimented style and the head teacher, Mrs. Janet Brock, says the school is to follow through with that expectation. That is why the parents are paying the good money for their children to attend this school she says.
After school today, Alex and I went to the subway station to pick up our Oyster Cards which are used to ride the buses. Before today we have relied on the taxis to bring as to and fro which cost us 14 RMB ($2.20 USD) one direction. Now taking the bus we only spend $0.40 USD each time. Talk about cheap! We have ridden every form of transportation: taxi, bus, subway, but not the bicycle or rickshaw yet. Before I leave I will have tried them all. I have to say the bus is pleasant compared to the #58 bus I rode in Thessaloniki to school.
By this Friday I will have planned the first week of my student teaching and be ready to meet the students on Friday.
After school today, Alex and I went to the subway station to pick up our Oyster Cards which are used to ride the buses. Before today we have relied on the taxis to bring as to and fro which cost us 14 RMB ($2.20 USD) one direction. Now taking the bus we only spend $0.40 USD each time. Talk about cheap! We have ridden every form of transportation: taxi, bus, subway, but not the bicycle or rickshaw yet. Before I leave I will have tried them all. I have to say the bus is pleasant compared to the #58 bus I rode in Thessaloniki to school.
By this Friday I will have planned the first week of my student teaching and be ready to meet the students on Friday.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
The Best of Times and...the Not So Good Times
-Written August 18, 2011-
Living abroad is the most exciting and challenging times of my life. From language barriers to navigating the bi city of Beijing, I have had such an experience. I've done so much walking, I'm going to have legs of steal when I get back to the states. With all the walking, it makes me hungry. Last night I had Hot Pot for the first time. The dish comes in a boiling bowl that is filled with rib and spine of some mystery animal. After the broth boils the dinner eats the meat off the bone...if you are 'lucky' you will get some spinal cord. The side dishes include vegies and noodles. Alex and I ordered a white vegetable that had holes like Swiss cheese, angle hair noodles, and a leafy green of some sort. With a lack of knowledge I observed locals and aked the waitress in gestures how to eat the dish traditionally. The meal was a unique experience! Andrew Zimmern and Anthony Bourdaine would be proud. As far as school goes, learning the British system of education is a brain full. I have thoroughly enjoyed comparing the two education systems. More on that another time. Being abroad though, is physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing. There have been a couple occasions where Alex and i have been pushed to the brink. After walking many miles or trying to hail a taxi and being denied can be frustrating. It really puts into perspective my place in the city. I am the foreigner who doesn't know the language. It's a disadvantage for me to not know and that pushes me to learn more of the language; so I don't end up walking home instead of riding in an air conditioned taxi. Food is great, people are friendly, life is good. All that I can ask for is an internet connection in the apartment. Teaching as the BSB (British School of Beijing) will be contrasting to Valley Middle School. Teaching at both schools give a teacher a unique experience to the classroom teacher. Mrs. Janet (Head Teacher) is very kind at the same time she expects great teaching. I am ready to meet the expectation. My cooperating teacher, Miss Dawn Burnette, arrives this weekend. I can't wait to start curriculum planning with her. Today we have been getting to know the other teachers of the school. It is fun to talk education with a different perspective. Tonight we are going to dinner with them.
Living abroad is the most exciting and challenging times of my life. From language barriers to navigating the bi city of Beijing, I have had such an experience. I've done so much walking, I'm going to have legs of steal when I get back to the states. With all the walking, it makes me hungry. Last night I had Hot Pot for the first time. The dish comes in a boiling bowl that is filled with rib and spine of some mystery animal. After the broth boils the dinner eats the meat off the bone...if you are 'lucky' you will get some spinal cord. The side dishes include vegies and noodles. Alex and I ordered a white vegetable that had holes like Swiss cheese, angle hair noodles, and a leafy green of some sort. With a lack of knowledge I observed locals and aked the waitress in gestures how to eat the dish traditionally. The meal was a unique experience! Andrew Zimmern and Anthony Bourdaine would be proud. As far as school goes, learning the British system of education is a brain full. I have thoroughly enjoyed comparing the two education systems. More on that another time. Being abroad though, is physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing. There have been a couple occasions where Alex and i have been pushed to the brink. After walking many miles or trying to hail a taxi and being denied can be frustrating. It really puts into perspective my place in the city. I am the foreigner who doesn't know the language. It's a disadvantage for me to not know and that pushes me to learn more of the language; so I don't end up walking home instead of riding in an air conditioned taxi. Food is great, people are friendly, life is good. All that I can ask for is an internet connection in the apartment. Teaching as the BSB (British School of Beijing) will be contrasting to Valley Middle School. Teaching at both schools give a teacher a unique experience to the classroom teacher. Mrs. Janet (Head Teacher) is very kind at the same time she expects great teaching. I am ready to meet the expectation. My cooperating teacher, Miss Dawn Burnette, arrives this weekend. I can't wait to start curriculum planning with her. Today we have been getting to know the other teachers of the school. It is fun to talk education with a different perspective. Tonight we are going to dinner with them.
Seeing the Sights
-Written August 15, 2011-
Uftah! I did some sight seeing today. Starting at Tianamen Square and ending at the Olympic Park, Alex and I spent 10 hours walking around the center of Beijing. Along the way we took plenty of pictures, had a few laughs, pondered life/history's mysteries, and all doing so while only spending $23 USD. Starting in the Communist hay-day era at Tianamen Square reminded me of Romania and its wide streets and block style architecture. Through the arch adorn with the head of Mao we entered the Forbidden City. it coast $10 USD and was worth every penny. The grand size of the complex makes the human feel very small. No doubt the emperor was respected or maybe feared is a better word. It was a rainy afternoon and I forgot my umbrella so I bought one from a peddler for $1.66 USD. It was pink and a fashion statement! On the north side of the Forbidden City is Jingshan Park where you can find Coal Hill, by far my favorite place of the day. The view from the top and the beautiful park surrounding it made it pleasurable and peaceful even when we were in the center of Beijing. After all that walking we had lunch at a local eatery. We had dumplings and fried rice. Delicious and cheep! We devoured the rice and enjoyed the dumplings for only $7 USD. From there we decided to visit the Olympic Park. Taking the long way around, we were able to finally board the subway to the park. By this time we are worn down but not out! We had it in us to make it to the Park. The sub system is very English speaker friendly. We had no troubles navigating. On the subway it was always wall-to-wall people, body odor and all. Many people used their phones as a game system to pass the time. The Olympic park was grand and awe inspiring. This grand complex showcases the potential of China and what its future has in store. On the flip side it had to destroy parts of its identity, the hutong, to make way for this progress. it will be an interesting balancing act of keeping heritage and progression if china wants to thrive. Before heading to the apartment we stopped at a local eatery where we had Alex's favorite dish, tofu. I ordered chicken. Delicious. I need to learn more Chinese to converse with locals and vendors. It will get us far.
AND next time we need to bring a map when we go sight seeing.
Uftah! I did some sight seeing today. Starting at Tianamen Square and ending at the Olympic Park, Alex and I spent 10 hours walking around the center of Beijing. Along the way we took plenty of pictures, had a few laughs, pondered life/history's mysteries, and all doing so while only spending $23 USD. Starting in the Communist hay-day era at Tianamen Square reminded me of Romania and its wide streets and block style architecture. Through the arch adorn with the head of Mao we entered the Forbidden City. it coast $10 USD and was worth every penny. The grand size of the complex makes the human feel very small. No doubt the emperor was respected or maybe feared is a better word. It was a rainy afternoon and I forgot my umbrella so I bought one from a peddler for $1.66 USD. It was pink and a fashion statement! On the north side of the Forbidden City is Jingshan Park where you can find Coal Hill, by far my favorite place of the day. The view from the top and the beautiful park surrounding it made it pleasurable and peaceful even when we were in the center of Beijing. After all that walking we had lunch at a local eatery. We had dumplings and fried rice. Delicious and cheep! We devoured the rice and enjoyed the dumplings for only $7 USD. From there we decided to visit the Olympic Park. Taking the long way around, we were able to finally board the subway to the park. By this time we are worn down but not out! We had it in us to make it to the Park. The sub system is very English speaker friendly. We had no troubles navigating. On the subway it was always wall-to-wall people, body odor and all. Many people used their phones as a game system to pass the time. The Olympic park was grand and awe inspiring. This grand complex showcases the potential of China and what its future has in store. On the flip side it had to destroy parts of its identity, the hutong, to make way for this progress. it will be an interesting balancing act of keeping heritage and progression if china wants to thrive. Before heading to the apartment we stopped at a local eatery where we had Alex's favorite dish, tofu. I ordered chicken. Delicious. I need to learn more Chinese to converse with locals and vendors. It will get us far.
AND next time we need to bring a map when we go sight seeing.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
First Impressions
-Written August 13, 2011-
Last night Alex and I flew into Beijing. The flight was amazing! I ended up taking a 5 hour nap in First Class ($120 USD upgrade) when I only had a ticket for Economy class. Oops! Good thing I became good friends with the flight attendant. She was very kind and let me sleep there. She also gave us good places to find shopping deals AND before we landed she gave us a bottle of Veuve DU Vernay wine from first class to celebrate our new life in Beijing!
After two days of travel I am exhausted and my sleep schedule is off. I am up right now at 4am sitting on the bench window watching the (sun rise) day start. The road in front of the apartment is busy starting at 5am. There is an interesting mix of modern world and old world. Cars speed by honking their horns as the bicyclists pedals down the side of the street. it's dangerous business every day on the street. Then there are the walkers. People out exercising their pets and those out for a morning run. Today will be a long day.
-10pm-
Today has been a long day being up since 4am. I'm trying to get on the Beijing time so I am up right now staying awake by writing. Soon I will be in bed! Today we exchanged our money and went shopping for supplies all afternoon. Waling around the neighborhood was eye opening as I became acquainted. Children walk around with no pants and men walk around with a mid-drift of sorts. This stems from the Chinese belief that there is a hot dragon inside of the belly of everyone and lifting your shirt lets out the heat released by the dragon. The cleanliness of the city is interesting. Everyone dresses well and fashionable, in clean clothes. The opposite is said of the streets. They are littered with garbage. Children are allowed to go to the bathroom in the street. I saw a child even pee in the isle of a grocery store. Conversing with locals is daunting when I don't the language. Tomorrow I am going to study some Chinese phrases before going shopping so I don't feel helpless. Dinner was a treat. All the dishes were delicious except the fish. Tofu is prepared very well here and is delicious. Chopstick skills are progressing. My hands will be strong in no time.
Last night Alex and I flew into Beijing. The flight was amazing! I ended up taking a 5 hour nap in First Class ($120 USD upgrade) when I only had a ticket for Economy class. Oops! Good thing I became good friends with the flight attendant. She was very kind and let me sleep there. She also gave us good places to find shopping deals AND before we landed she gave us a bottle of Veuve DU Vernay wine from first class to celebrate our new life in Beijing!
After two days of travel I am exhausted and my sleep schedule is off. I am up right now at 4am sitting on the bench window watching the (sun rise) day start. The road in front of the apartment is busy starting at 5am. There is an interesting mix of modern world and old world. Cars speed by honking their horns as the bicyclists pedals down the side of the street. it's dangerous business every day on the street. Then there are the walkers. People out exercising their pets and those out for a morning run. Today will be a long day.
-10pm-
Today has been a long day being up since 4am. I'm trying to get on the Beijing time so I am up right now staying awake by writing. Soon I will be in bed! Today we exchanged our money and went shopping for supplies all afternoon. Waling around the neighborhood was eye opening as I became acquainted. Children walk around with no pants and men walk around with a mid-drift of sorts. This stems from the Chinese belief that there is a hot dragon inside of the belly of everyone and lifting your shirt lets out the heat released by the dragon. The cleanliness of the city is interesting. Everyone dresses well and fashionable, in clean clothes. The opposite is said of the streets. They are littered with garbage. Children are allowed to go to the bathroom in the street. I saw a child even pee in the isle of a grocery store. Conversing with locals is daunting when I don't the language. Tomorrow I am going to study some Chinese phrases before going shopping so I don't feel helpless. Dinner was a treat. All the dishes were delicious except the fish. Tofu is prepared very well here and is delicious. Chopstick skills are progressing. My hands will be strong in no time.
Up and Running in Beijing
Finally I have internet in my apartment and am able to access my blog via the Chinese internet. The past week has been filled with experiences. I have journaled all of them while I have not had access to the internet and blogspot. Now I will catch everyone up on my adventures so far!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Departure
Tomorrow is the day I have been waiting for for a long time! The past two days I have been packing and repacking my suit cases. Tomorrow morning I will board my Delta flight in Fargo, in Minneapolis I will meet my good friend from UND, Alex, then we will be off to Seattle to catch our last leg of the trip to Beijing.
Some exciting news since my last post, I have been added online to the British School of Beijing Staff website
<http://www.britishschool.org.cn/index.php/staff/staff-sanlitun/ks2.html>. Check it out to read my bio.
Thank you to my entire family, Grandpa Ed, Aunt Cindy, Grandpa George, and most of all my parents for making this trip possible! I am very fortunate to have a family so supportive of me and my dream to teach abroad. I'm very excited to see Mom and Aunt Cindy visit me in September! We will have a good time!
I just heard some good news today from my best friend friend growing up, Mike Harmon, that he will be playing in the Beijing Jazz Festival this September! How ironic that he will be there. I am very excited to go listen to him and his band!
Well that is all for now! Next time I write, it will be from Beijing!
Some exciting news since my last post, I have been added online to the British School of Beijing Staff website
<http://www.britishschool.org.cn/index.php/staff/staff-sanlitun/ks2.html>. Check it out to read my bio.
Thank you to my entire family, Grandpa Ed, Aunt Cindy, Grandpa George, and most of all my parents for making this trip possible! I am very fortunate to have a family so supportive of me and my dream to teach abroad. I'm very excited to see Mom and Aunt Cindy visit me in September! We will have a good time!
I just heard some good news today from my best friend friend growing up, Mike Harmon, that he will be playing in the Beijing Jazz Festival this September! How ironic that he will be there. I am very excited to go listen to him and his band!
Well that is all for now! Next time I write, it will be from Beijing!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Good Bye Grand Forks
I spent the weekend moving back to Fargo. It is a bitter sweet time. Thank you to Barb and Dave Wishart for housing me these past 3 years! I can not say thank you enough and can never repay all that you have done for me. It is also a sad time knowing that I may never be back living in the town being that I graduate in December. As for the moving, it took me 5 car loads to move my things that have accumulated over the past 5 years I have been in Grand Forks. The next order of business is to pack for China! I leave in 4 days, 21 hours! The day is drawing near and I am excited for the great experience that is ahead of me.
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