Well, it's that time of year when our group of teachers meets for the annual conference in Thailand. I came a little early with some other teachers to spend some time on the beach. We went from freezing cold to tropical, T-shirt and jeans weather. It was a pleasant shock to the system. Our conference starts in 3 days. I am looking forward to it, but a little nervous
because of all the people and all the expectations I sometimes put on the unknown.
In some ways, we should be able to bond very easily because we share the same occupation
and heart with the other people at the conference. In another way , there is an expectation that we should be kindred spirits with people even if we only know people on a nominal basis.
But, I am going to use this conference to spend time reading, lifting it up, and reconnecting
with the friends I made from our teaching training this summer.
Thailand so far has been a warm, breath of fresh air. There is a lot of fresh,
tropical fruit here including some that I
have never seen before. We have also enjoyed the perks of Western food chains
(Subway and Diary Queen in my case.) We also have television here, so we have been catching
up on the news and learning about
the most dangerous animals on the discovery channel. In addition,
I have gotten to do some leisure reading.
We have gotten to fly the most delightful airline company ever...Thai Air.
Even during the shortest flights, they serve a small meal.
And, they pass out purple blankets before take-off. It's pretty comfortable!! One of my traveling friends said,
"Thai air never disappoints," and I couldn't agree more.
My friend and I were going to go on an elephant trek, but these plans have been post-poned (and we just saw the program about how deadly elephants can be...yikes!)
In three days, we will start our conference. We will have speakers, singing, small
group time, and just time to get focused for the upcoming semester.
I hope to post pictures when I get home to China. Until then, . . . stay warm.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
Dry-Cleaning Day
I had my first experience at the dry-cleaners this past week. Up until this past week, I had one winter coat here in China and it is one I brought from the States. Well, needless to say, it had gotten a little dirty. . or rather, filthy. But I had been warned by my mother not to watch the coat on my own because I do not have a dryer and my coat is down. So, if I were to watch the coat, all the feathers would fall to the bottom of the coat--not a good look.
Finally this past week-end, I invested in a Chinese winter coat and could take my red coat to the dry cleaners. The ladies at the place looked at my coat with utter disgust. They told my friend (and translator who was speaking the local dialect) that it would be 16 kuai to have it cleaned. "Okay" I agreed. Then, they kept looking at the coat and sounding more and more upset. Then my friend told me they said it would cost 18 kuai to have the coat cleaned because it was sooo dirty. Well, I didn't like where this was going, but really I didn't know what else to do. I felt like I was a little child being scolded for not showering or eating mud or something. I kept nodding and looking meekish. In my head I was saying, "Yes, I know my coat is dirty; that's why I am bringing it here...to get it cleaned." I agreed to pay the new price which was higher than the original (and by the way, that is not how bargaining is supposed to work in China.) And as we left, my friend told me that the ladies said told her they had never seen such a dirty coat before. Ouch!! But it's okay because in a few days, I will have a clean red coat!!
Finally this past week-end, I invested in a Chinese winter coat and could take my red coat to the dry cleaners. The ladies at the place looked at my coat with utter disgust. They told my friend (and translator who was speaking the local dialect) that it would be 16 kuai to have it cleaned. "Okay" I agreed. Then, they kept looking at the coat and sounding more and more upset. Then my friend told me they said it would cost 18 kuai to have the coat cleaned because it was sooo dirty. Well, I didn't like where this was going, but really I didn't know what else to do. I felt like I was a little child being scolded for not showering or eating mud or something. I kept nodding and looking meekish. In my head I was saying, "Yes, I know my coat is dirty; that's why I am bringing it here...to get it cleaned." I agreed to pay the new price which was higher than the original (and by the way, that is not how bargaining is supposed to work in China.) And as we left, my friend told me that the ladies said told her they had never seen such a dirty coat before. Ouch!! But it's okay because in a few days, I will have a clean red coat!!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Changes in China
This week, we had a change in our neighborhood. Our gate-keeper and his family (wife and grandson) moved out of their little home right beside the gate to our apartment. We all felt pretty sad about this, because the man and his wife were so friendly. We called him Mr. HaoHao, because he always said “hao” to us (which means good.) However, we just learned today, that the new gate-keeper is another lady who lived very near to us. This lady and her husband are also kind, and the lady is always trying to invite us in to have lunch with her. She points to her stomach, motions with her hand to come in, and says what I think is, “Let me cook for you.” Now that she lives so close to us, I will definitely accept her offer. I wish so bad that I could communicate freely with these people.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)