So, here's a list of what I have endured:
- No internet in my apartment - that's because my router is in a common area of the dorm and it's plug is loose. The other residents accidentally bump the power cord out of the outlet or just plain unplug it because its in their way. To be fair, they don't know they are disconnecting my internet because they are students at a different school and we don't have access to their area of the building. So there is no way to inform them my internet is down. But now I have finally educated the facilty manager of the problem. We'll see if he has any solution for the situation.
- It's gotten cold here and we aren't allowed to use our heaters untill it gets down to 2 degrees C. Oh lord! I have been instructed that the solution is to "wear more clothes." Say what!?! I guess this is an aspect of China's "developing world" reputation.
- I have decided to play games with my students in lieu of formal instruction and learning tactics. And whadya know - they are responding better, which I hope will facilitate more actual use of English in the class. Whatever works, right?
- Got a bad haircut today. I wanted a high and tight - like in the army. The barber doesn't speak English and my Chinese language text hasn't covered haircare vocabulary yet. Maybe I will just shave it from now on.
- Went to a chinese wedding last weekend. While it was different and very cool, I felt a little out of place. I was the only "waiguoren" (foreigner) and they other guests didn't feel comfortable talking to me. So I spent a lot of time just eating and watching. Kelly and Seven did their best to keep me included, but they can do only so much.
- I missed the train to Shanghai last friday because ... well, I don't know why, really. There were no cabs available - due to rush hour. Chinese rush hour is mind boggling, even for a New Yorker. "Where did all these people come from?"
- I have been working out alot. My body looks good. Yeah! But I also want to learn about chinese culture. Hopefully the guys I am meeting at the gym will become friends and they can show me around Jiaxing and share some chinese perspective about things.
- Did she really put her baby in the microwave? Oh lord! Another crazy American I have to explain to the Chinese.
- My chinese is getting better - which is a good thing. I actually had a complete conversation in chinese with the Chinese Muslim restaurant owner last week. He wants to move to NYC, which I told him would be a good idea. Just don't go anywhere else in America. Outside the NYC Metro area is not real hospitable to Muslims. He understood.
- Lonely. Real lonely. I miss Sam. Alot!
- I play badminton on thursdays (except tonite). It's fun. I am not half bad.
- Starting to hang out with the other foreign teachers in Jiaxing a little more. They are real cool and fun to be with.
There have been many other little moments that try my patience like 10 straight days of rain, but they're not worth mentioning. I will only be venting or complaining about my somewhat cushy life here. I just want a little more heat in my apartment and maybe a soft, cushy couch.
So I am grateful for what I got. It could be way worse. I am not digging a ditch in a swamp.
Happy holidays to you and yours!
Later alligator.
