A Day in the Life

I sometimes have a difficult time trying to think of what to write and post for all of you to read. A part of me knows that I could write anything I wanted to, and that even the really mundane things would at least be something to let you know that I am indeed still alive. Well, I am alive; there is no doubt about that. Daily life in China has strangely become “normal,” and believe it or not, I sometimes forget that I am so far away from Minnesota and the life I used to lead. Perhaps this is just another stage on the Peace Corps experience, settling in, getting accustomed to the culture, and the whole transition phase wearing off. I don’t really care to put a label on it, I guess.

Having said all that, my days in China still include their fair share of surprises, excitements, and difficulties. I am writing to you from my apartment, wearing a scarf and winter jacket as there is no indoor heating. The air temperature doesn’t get nearly as cold as MN of course, but the temp. has dropped to around 50 degrees during the day and the low 40s at night. I have a portable heater, but I have to be careful about energy consumption. When you live in a neighborhood that has around 2 million people [yes, I am talking about my “neighborhood” district, not even the entire city] you have to be especially conscious of what you consume, which means I usually only use the heater around dusk, when it gets really cold in my apartment. Teaching class wearing my jacket is somewhat of a new experience as well. Although I do recall a time last winter when the pipes or something in my classroom in Big Lake froze, and I did actually wear my scarf, gloves, and several layers of clothes to keep warm. When I recall memories such as that, I can’t help but thinking it was in preparation for what I would face in China.

The semester is almost over, and I have to say I am looking forward to the break. I look forward to next semester as well, mainly because I can put all the things I learned this semester to good use. I have had a lot of fun with my students and slowing learning more about the Chinese culture. My language skills feel like they are still seriously lacking. I study with a private tutor, but I find that I too afraid to make a mistake, so I hesitate to use the spoken language. (It is a bit ironic because I spend a great deal of time with my Oral English students trying to convince them their mistakes don’t matter and they just need to TRY…) I have been trying to learn the characters, and I do find some fulfillment when I go out into the city and can read part of the signs/billboards/advertisements.

By the way, I will be posting some new pictures on Picasa. If anyone would like to view them, email me so I can send you a link/invitation! The picture I posted with this entry is of me and Margaret, another foreign teacher. We were at a buffet/reception sponsored by some student volunteers.

I know I always say this, but I will try to write again soon. I hope everyone is doing well! I miss you all!