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Well I have taught my final class here at Qifu, although in typical Chinese fashion I did not know it was my final class!! I was told I finished teaching on 15 January so obviously assumed I would be teaching all this week.....off I go to my 0730 class on Monday morning and take the class - thought the students seemed a little pre-occupied but put it down to exam nerves. At the end of the class a few students came up to me and said didn't I realise that there were no classes this week as they are studying for their exams next week!!! Boy did I feel silly but the students said it wasn't my fault as the message was given in Chinese and they know how little I understand. I asked why someone didn't tell me at the beginning of class and they all said "oh no we liked the extra English practice"!!!....what could I say!
I have to admit to feeling a little sad as I have had the most wonderful time with my students. The kindness and friendship extended to me has been unbelievable and the help given to me with daily living tasks has turned what could have been a disaster into an exciting adventure. They are still amazed that I can go shopping by myself and get "local" prices without being able to speak Chinese!! I'm just glad I'm not treated like a tourist by the people in the city! It is such a joy to see the improvement they have made - even those who at the start of the semester would only say "I don't know" - are now answering questions!! Maybe me learning to say I dont know in Chinese (wo bu jer dow) and saying it back to them stirred them into action!! Crazy students...they love it when I speak a little Chinese.
Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending one of the teacher's wedding. I have only known her a short time but she kept saying how honoured she was that I would attend her wedding!! I kept saying that no the honour was all mine at being invited!! Clearly yesterday was an auspicious day for weddings in China....there were THREE in the hotel where we were and we saw another 2 weddings at nearby hotels!! Heavens knows how many were held all day! Anyway we were treated to a lavish feast, plenty to drink and then got told to take some home with us - the "doggie" bag is very much taken for granted here - which is a blessing given the amount of food that is bought out to the tables. Coral (her English name) looked beautiful and her new husband loved it when I said "ooo la la you look stunning". I think they may be his only English words but , hey, it will certainly draw brownie points if he uses them appropriately!!
I have sent 2 boxes of belongings to my new city (which have arrived safely!) and there are is a box of things on the slow boat from China to Australia so I'm thinking its probably time for me to start packing the rest of my things in the next few days. I've got about another week here and then I head off around China for the winter holiday break. Remember I'm back in Aus from 8-23 February for those who would like to catch up with me!!
Bye for now. xx
I have to admit to feeling a little sad as I have had the most wonderful time with my students. The kindness and friendship extended to me has been unbelievable and the help given to me with daily living tasks has turned what could have been a disaster into an exciting adventure. They are still amazed that I can go shopping by myself and get "local" prices without being able to speak Chinese!! I'm just glad I'm not treated like a tourist by the people in the city! It is such a joy to see the improvement they have made - even those who at the start of the semester would only say "I don't know" - are now answering questions!! Maybe me learning to say I dont know in Chinese (wo bu jer dow) and saying it back to them stirred them into action!! Crazy students...they love it when I speak a little Chinese.
Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending one of the teacher's wedding. I have only known her a short time but she kept saying how honoured she was that I would attend her wedding!! I kept saying that no the honour was all mine at being invited!! Clearly yesterday was an auspicious day for weddings in China....there were THREE in the hotel where we were and we saw another 2 weddings at nearby hotels!! Heavens knows how many were held all day! Anyway we were treated to a lavish feast, plenty to drink and then got told to take some home with us - the "doggie" bag is very much taken for granted here - which is a blessing given the amount of food that is bought out to the tables. Coral (her English name) looked beautiful and her new husband loved it when I said "ooo la la you look stunning". I think they may be his only English words but , hey, it will certainly draw brownie points if he uses them appropriately!!
I have sent 2 boxes of belongings to my new city (which have arrived safely!) and there are is a box of things on the slow boat from China to Australia so I'm thinking its probably time for me to start packing the rest of my things in the next few days. I've got about another week here and then I head off around China for the winter holiday break. Remember I'm back in Aus from 8-23 February for those who would like to catch up with me!!
Bye for now. xx
- comments
Di Can't believe that's six months, it went in the blink of an eye. Looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks. Enjoy seeing the sights.
Mary Hi groove I look forward to catching up! And to also hearing about the new adventure!
Ray H Well done Kate. No doubt you saw a lot of red at the wedding?