Hello again. The month of November got started quiet but it has quickly shown itself to be an interesting month. Days 1-5 were filled with the normal stuff, work teaching English, or having
Piano or Chinese lessons. Day 6 is when this month started to get busy...
6 November, 2014
I was asked to be a judge in a choral competition with my piano teacher Wang YiChen 王怡辰 or Athena. Afterward we had a little snack. The competition was very good as the choirs consisted of first year students, some of whom are in my oral English classes. While the singing was in Chinese I could judge things like paying attention to the director, singing in tune, enthusiasm and stage presence. Several of my Chinese colleagues were there that night too.
7 November, 2014
I went to the gym with Joni/Lui Jun 刘俊. At his fitness club I swam for the first time in three years or san nian 三年. We had a snack, showered and swam and then had dinner before he showed me China’s national sport…PINGPONG!
8 November, 2014
Joni came by and showed me how to cook a Chinese meal. We had a good time cooking in my kitchen and then eating what we had prepared.
9 November, 2014
I knew there were more foreigners in Zhengzhou, but I had no idea the number was up to 3000! A selected group of us Between 50 – 100; joined our Chinese hosts on a tour of Xinmi city near Zhengzhou. Those of you who have read my posts before know that with my friend Nena I visited there last year but this time I saw completely different things. We strolled up Qing Ping Hill and went to SANCS Sino-American Nonprofit Cooperative Services home for children.
10 November, 2014
I was asked with Jennifer another foreign teacher, to judge an English Song Contest. One of the contestants is a young lady who is in both of our classes. Emily did well and sang with the most stage presence of any of the students that night.
11 November, 2014
The DENTIST! Nate and I have been putting this off for 3 years but we had to go. His allergy to chocolate was making him feel like he was having dental problems and I do have a cavity. I will have to go back and get it filled. QI YAN was our guide on the 11th and also for me on the 18th as well. I’m glad she can help us.
12 November, 2014
Musical English Corner. Every other Wednesday I help Jennifer with the Musical English Corner for EIE. We sing simple songs in English and teach vocabulary words. I get to play my guitar.
14 November, 2014
Out with Joni for a fish dinner.
15 November, 2014
NATE’S BIRTHDAY!!!!
Today we went to lunch with Cathy and Catherine. Two Chinese teachers who teach English to students. Chinese teachers teach grammar and writing while foreigners like me teach oral English. Lunch was good and Cathy brought her daughter, Lucy.
16 and 17 just teaching days.
And that brings us to today. I am going back to the dentist this afternoon. Let me run and brush my teeth!