Stories from Shanxi Province

1. Panda

I'm teaching a class of grade 3 students. They are super cute and have a LOT of energy. On the first day, I suggested English names for those who didn't have one. One kid "I don't want any of these names, I want to be called Panda". I now teach a kid named Panda. He's also the kid I have to send out of the class a few times a week for being disruptive, and the one who gets all the girls heated, which then turns into slapping and chasing. Never a dull moment!



Panda



Some of my students struggling not to lose at Twister!

We celebrated Christmas during English Corner with a gift exhange. One girl wrapped up a turtle! This is Chloe and Jarvis the turtle (she had me name him!).

My grade 3 class.

 2. Anti Cold Abilities.

While walking thru Yangqu park with a local friend Karen, she told us how Westerners must have these "anti-cold abilities" because we can wear thin clothes in the winter and not be cold. No, we just have indoor heating systems.

3. Hospital Experience- China

Much better than my hospital experience in Nepal. This one was much cleaner, professional, and convenient. With a minor surgery in between my morning and afternoon classes, 3$ worth of antibiotics, and a quick prayer from the doctor himself, I was good to go.

4. Pulling Teeth

A big difference between students here and students back home. In our school in Canada, if you're asked to talk and you don't understand... you don't just stand there and stare at your friends for 10 minutes. You say "I DONT UNDERSTAND". Here, they just stare. If you need time to think, that is fine because then I know you are trying and learning. But if you don't understand what I'm asking...SAY SOMETHING!

5. My Yogurt Friend

The first time I went to the Jiajia li supermarket to buy yogurt, this woman approached me and we chatted a bit in Chinese. The next time I go to buy yogurt, this woman appears again. She doesn't work at the supermarket but she always seems to appear when I'm in the yogurt section. It's like she hides out and waits for me. I've gone to buy yogurt about 5 times now and she's been there every single time. We have small talk (since I don't know much Chinese) and when I had the big bandage on my face, she told me to keep drinking water and offered more 'medical' advice. Today, I went to the supermarket with Wendy... we were not buying yogurt but I said "Hey Wendy, check this out. I will go stand by the yogurt, and this lady will appear." Sure enough, within 20 seconds - there she was with her big smile telling me that they ran out of the yogurt I normally buy but I should come back again this afternoon. It's good to have a woman looking out for me and my yogurt consumption.

7. Nai Cha in Yangqu

Nai cha - pearl (bubble) tea. We found a place in Yangqu but the only way you can get pearls in your milk tea is if you tell the woman the day before so she can prepare them. For 2.5 Yuan/cup, I've also made a friend with the Nai Cha lady.

8. Life in Yangqu County

Is great! It's awesome being in a small town, where the traffic is more chill and it's easier to get to know the locals. However, I must admit... I am looking forward to being in Beijing for a couple days next month - just to enjoy two days of not being noticed as much.

Here are some pictures of other friends from Yangqu! 

Top to Bottom: me, Sarah, Wendy

Wendy and I jumping off the old theatre - it was terrifying!