After biking the city wall yesterday we had new awareness of the layout of old city that we have been studying. We visited the Bell Tower and learned how important it was that the emperor controlled clock time as well as the calendar. Bells rang at the morning to open the city and drums sounded warning closing of the city walls.
I am excited about all I have learned about religion and goods that traveled on what was later called the Silk road. Xi'an was the starting point and I have lots of pictures to sort through illustrating the spread of ideas as well as goods. Today we visited a Chinese mosque. It was a real mixture of cultures. We then shopped in the Muslim market and had a traditional Chinese Muslim dinner. I was disappointed that we didn't have anything with eggplant as I have found I really like it. The dinner was really good and it was fun to again try some new foods.
After dinner our whole group went to karaoke. It is so much fun and something that our leader really enjoys. Chinese karaoke is even better than Japanese and unlike anything we have in the US. Tomorrow is Kevin's last day so it was a great send-off for him.
It was fun to shop and I found some perfect writing supplies to use in the classroom. I am quite good at bargaining in the market and enjoy the back-and-forth of working a good deal. I hope Tim likes my Chinese tomb sleeve dancer as much as I do : )
We have a side trip that will be overnight on Saturday so we have to pack up our goods and take a small pack with us. It is supposed to prepare us for packing to go home. I'm hoping to make it without any over charge so have to plan what goes where carefully.
I'm loving China, but missing my peeps - see you all soon.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Tuesday, July 28th
Over the weekend our group traveled to two tombs and got to walk the spirit roads and see firsthand the places where Tang emperors were laid to rest. It is interesting to learn how fengshui and geomantic techniques played strongly into laying out ancient cities as well as burial sites. We are finding these stories of emperors and their consorts play out like modern day soap operas but with much more violence. Saturday night we were guests at a Tang-style dinner show. The food was very good and very cute. All dumplings looked like what they were stuffed with - pigs, ducks, fish, walnuts, etc. It made me think of Mike's watermelon carving talents.
Monday night we were treated to a banquet. The president of China Institute was in Xi'an and so we got to meet with her during the day and enjoy dinner with her at night. It was a fun time as many of us wore our Chinese silk outfits.
Today we went to Huaqing Hotsprings. It was a beautiful retreat for the emperor. This is the place where he was hanging out with his consort when he heard of An Lushan Rebellion which was a terrible blow for the Chinese Tong Dynasty. It is also where we saw bullet holes from the late 1930s - do you know what that's about?
Tonight was a quick dinner and then homework for language class. I made a poster introducing my family:
Ta shi wo zhangfu, Tim.
Ta shi wo nu er, Megan.
Ta shi wo wai sun, Thomas.
Ta shi du sheng zi, Ian.
Ta shi wo nu er, Caitlin.
No, I didn't forget Mike and Kelly - we haven't learned the words for you yet. I was able to look up Ta shi wo yi ge chongwu, Gatsby/Walden.
Tomorrow it's tai chi, language, lecture, lunch, and then the markets and biking the city wall!
Monday night we were treated to a banquet. The president of China Institute was in Xi'an and so we got to meet with her during the day and enjoy dinner with her at night. It was a fun time as many of us wore our Chinese silk outfits.
Today we went to Huaqing Hotsprings. It was a beautiful retreat for the emperor. This is the place where he was hanging out with his consort when he heard of An Lushan Rebellion which was a terrible blow for the Chinese Tong Dynasty. It is also where we saw bullet holes from the late 1930s - do you know what that's about?
Tonight was a quick dinner and then homework for language class. I made a poster introducing my family:
Ta shi wo zhangfu, Tim.
Ta shi wo nu er, Megan.
Ta shi wo wai sun, Thomas.
Ta shi du sheng zi, Ian.
Ta shi wo nu er, Caitlin.
No, I didn't forget Mike and Kelly - we haven't learned the words for you yet. I was able to look up Ta shi wo yi ge chongwu, Gatsby/Walden.
Tomorrow it's tai chi, language, lecture, lunch, and then the markets and biking the city wall!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Saturday AM
zhao shang hao!
Yesterday we visited a Buddhist Temple and saw a place that depicted Buddhist hell. It was a pretty scarey place and there are 18 levels of horror - Dante had nothing on the Buddhists!
People have been getting massages so of course I had to give it a try. I had a blind massage in my room. It may sound like a scene from Buddhist hell but it was very nice and just what I needed before our busy day today. First, you keep you clothes on (thought I needed to say that first). The man is blind, so his son brought him and helped him get situated. Gotta love China - one hour massage $11.00 - having the experience, priceless.
Today is going to be very busy and hot. Jan wrote about floating in the lake. I actually thought about that one day and filled the bathtub full of "refreshing" water and sat in it!
Yesterday we visited a Buddhist Temple and saw a place that depicted Buddhist hell. It was a pretty scarey place and there are 18 levels of horror - Dante had nothing on the Buddhists!
People have been getting massages so of course I had to give it a try. I had a blind massage in my room. It may sound like a scene from Buddhist hell but it was very nice and just what I needed before our busy day today. First, you keep you clothes on (thought I needed to say that first). The man is blind, so his son brought him and helped him get situated. Gotta love China - one hour massage $11.00 - having the experience, priceless.
Today is going to be very busy and hot. Jan wrote about floating in the lake. I actually thought about that one day and filled the bathtub full of "refreshing" water and sat in it!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thursday
I got a migraine this a.m., so took the day off and slept. I so needed it. After classes Angela and I took a taxi to the Big Goose Pagoda and got to climb to the top. The grounds are so beautiful and restful - we even saw some Buddhist monks having a meeting. I got a picture of one of the monks on his phone as I thought something about that was humorous - I guess it's not like a monk can't have a life. We also saw five roosters in a tree and I made a story about how that means good like it China. We had dinner at a place where we were the only non-Chinese and ordered food that we liked.
I have learned so much about Buddhism and how it changed as it traveled from India to China along the Silk Road. We have learned to look at art for clues to what was happening in cultures and we even have seen the inkings of very early stone steeles that were like the newspaper reporting what the rules of the village were. It was fun to use what we have learned as Angela and I looked at all that was at the Pagoda.
Early night. Friday and Saturday are super busy and it is hot outside.
I have learned so much about Buddhism and how it changed as it traveled from India to China along the Silk Road. We have learned to look at art for clues to what was happening in cultures and we even have seen the inkings of very early stone steeles that were like the newspaper reporting what the rules of the village were. It was fun to use what we have learned as Angela and I looked at all that was at the Pagoda.
Early night. Friday and Saturday are super busy and it is hot outside.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tuesday, July 21
The time is starting to fly. I think this is in part from all we have scheduled into a day. This weekend it was Pam from Mississippi's birthday so we all did what she wanted which was to go dancing and do karaoke - good times, good times.
Sunday was a shopping day and an adventure in the inner walls as the heat was over 100. We found what we thought was the Temple of Heaven in Xian and it certainly felt like it, but it was a Starbucks that had clean ice and we enjoyed air conditioning and frappacinos.
Monday topped my list as the best thing so far. We visited the underground museum which is the tomb of Han Yang Ling and his wife - the mother of Wudi. It was amazing! Google Han Yang Ling Tomb and you will maybe get to see what it so amazing.
Tonight was a big adventure. I wanted to get a tailor-made silk dress so Angela and I decided to venture at night to the Muslim market to a shop that we know will do this. As we were walking to the bus stop we realized we forgot to bring a map. While we are learning some Chinese it is easiest to have a map when taking a taxi. We hailed a cab and somehow came up with enough Chinese and sign language to have him get us to the Bell Tower. As we made our way through the bustle of the night market it started to pour! It was insane but we made it and my green silk dress will be remembered for the rest of the craziness that ensued when the taxi driver couldn't get us back to where we needed to go because of roadblocks set up all around the area where we are staying. He finally stopped and we had to walk in the flooding streets.
Tomorrow is a tai chi morning so it's peace out for now!
Sunday was a shopping day and an adventure in the inner walls as the heat was over 100. We found what we thought was the Temple of Heaven in Xian and it certainly felt like it, but it was a Starbucks that had clean ice and we enjoyed air conditioning and frappacinos.
Monday topped my list as the best thing so far. We visited the underground museum which is the tomb of Han Yang Ling and his wife - the mother of Wudi. It was amazing! Google Han Yang Ling Tomb and you will maybe get to see what it so amazing.
Tonight was a big adventure. I wanted to get a tailor-made silk dress so Angela and I decided to venture at night to the Muslim market to a shop that we know will do this. As we were walking to the bus stop we realized we forgot to bring a map. While we are learning some Chinese it is easiest to have a map when taking a taxi. We hailed a cab and somehow came up with enough Chinese and sign language to have him get us to the Bell Tower. As we made our way through the bustle of the night market it started to pour! It was insane but we made it and my green silk dress will be remembered for the rest of the craziness that ensued when the taxi driver couldn't get us back to where we needed to go because of roadblocks set up all around the area where we are staying. He finally stopped and we had to walk in the flooding streets.
Tomorrow is a tai chi morning so it's peace out for now!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Friday 9 PM
Today seemed to be a week long! The day started with tai chi at 6:45. Our Master is wonderful and only speaks Chinese so we were introduced to Orion who is from Berkley CA and came to China to teach English and now is serving as an interpreter.
We then had quickie breakfast and were off to our Chinese lesson. After that, a lecture on the end of the Chin Dynasty and beginning Han. Then it was lunch and it was John and my turn for lunch with Kevin and Agnes the directors.
I then hurried up to my room to fill my bag, run across the street for kele (cola) and board the bus for terra cotta warriors. On the trip our subgroup (the history group) discussed what we will want to present next week when we have to present a plan for history lessons.
Finally, the Terra Cotta Warriors! Since applying for this program, I have dreamed of being face-to-face with Chin Shihuangdi's army and today it happened. While the three pits have thousands of clay soldiers and fantastic chariots, it is a very small part of what is the entire plan he had for his afterlife. The man was insane about preparing for the afterlife by having this wonderful city with a pearl lit sky and mercury river. While that has not been uncovered, we did get to see the mound (pyramid shape) which marks the place of his burial tomb.
Upon our return, four of us opted for pizza at our hotel and look forward to showers and early bedtime as tomorrow we board the bus at 8 AM for our trip to the Baojoi Museum. It is sure to be another fantastic exploration of Chinese history, but right now I'm pooped!
Peace out.
We then had quickie breakfast and were off to our Chinese lesson. After that, a lecture on the end of the Chin Dynasty and beginning Han. Then it was lunch and it was John and my turn for lunch with Kevin and Agnes the directors.
I then hurried up to my room to fill my bag, run across the street for kele (cola) and board the bus for terra cotta warriors. On the trip our subgroup (the history group) discussed what we will want to present next week when we have to present a plan for history lessons.
Finally, the Terra Cotta Warriors! Since applying for this program, I have dreamed of being face-to-face with Chin Shihuangdi's army and today it happened. While the three pits have thousands of clay soldiers and fantastic chariots, it is a very small part of what is the entire plan he had for his afterlife. The man was insane about preparing for the afterlife by having this wonderful city with a pearl lit sky and mercury river. While that has not been uncovered, we did get to see the mound (pyramid shape) which marks the place of his burial tomb.
Upon our return, four of us opted for pizza at our hotel and look forward to showers and early bedtime as tomorrow we board the bus at 8 AM for our trip to the Baojoi Museum. It is sure to be another fantastic exploration of Chinese history, but right now I'm pooped!
Peace out.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thursday, July 16th
Today Kath (from FL) invited me to lunch with her student from Mongolia. The girl was so sweet and called ahead to have our Mongolian food ready for us. The food wasn’t ready, but it was well worth the wait as it was delicious. We’re not talking Hu Hot Mongolian and it was fun to try yet another new food.
We finished our study of the Qin Dynasty and tomorrow we get to visit the terra cotta warriors which is another of the huge things to visit while in China. The soldiers are such a small part of the compound and it is so interesting to hear about the archeology take on the mausoleum. Agnes, the archeologist working for the China Institute said she doubts that the tomb will be excavated within her lifetime. I am excited to get to the place tomorrow.
Tomorrow I also have my first tai chi lesson. There are eight of us doing the lessons three times a week with a Chinese master. Our lessons are a 7:00 AM so we will start our day like so many Chinese.
Tonight we viewed the movie “Hero.” While I had seen the movie before and loved the cinematography, tonight I could appreciate the story even more as I have learned about the history of the period and what all the representations mean. Afterwards Kevin lead a discussion and it was so great to hear his interpretations as a scholar of Chinese culture.
It is ten o’clock. Tomorrow is a big day – I had a great Thursday and I hope yours will go well : )
We finished our study of the Qin Dynasty and tomorrow we get to visit the terra cotta warriors which is another of the huge things to visit while in China. The soldiers are such a small part of the compound and it is so interesting to hear about the archeology take on the mausoleum. Agnes, the archeologist working for the China Institute said she doubts that the tomb will be excavated within her lifetime. I am excited to get to the place tomorrow.
Tomorrow I also have my first tai chi lesson. There are eight of us doing the lessons three times a week with a Chinese master. Our lessons are a 7:00 AM so we will start our day like so many Chinese.
Tonight we viewed the movie “Hero.” While I had seen the movie before and loved the cinematography, tonight I could appreciate the story even more as I have learned about the history of the period and what all the representations mean. Afterwards Kevin lead a discussion and it was so great to hear his interpretations as a scholar of Chinese culture.
It is ten o’clock. Tomorrow is a big day – I had a great Thursday and I hope yours will go well : )
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Just call me Li
Tuesday:
Today we worked on learning tones in Chinese - you know the four ways to say ma. Remember that Megan?
I also got my Chinese name. My surname is Zhu and my personal name is Li. Our teacher said that means beautiful kind heart, so I guess I'm good with that.
Our lecture moved from pottery to the Bronze Age and tomorrow we go to the Shaanxi Museum to see some of the objects we have been studying. It should be very interesting. Professor Juliano talked about putting her hand inside a pot that is thousands of years old and feeling the handprint of the person that made it - quite a connection for a historian!
We had lunch, which is getting better as we all get better at knowing at least somewhat what to order. We then had our first workshop session where we talk about how we plan to use in our classrooms what we are gaining. I am surrounded by such talented teachers that will be such wonderful resources.
We then headed with my Chinese friend, Fay to the bookstore. It was a bit of a hike and another adventure. I did end up with a English/Chinese translation book so my mission was complete. On the way home, we were happy to find a great place to get these warm buns that are stuffed with a variety of fillings (eggplant, tofu, sour cabbage, and meat). We got some to take back and had a small feast.
It's only 8:45, but I'm beat so got to go to sleep as the sun wakes me up at 6 AM. Soon we will get to have tai chi lessons in the morning. We requested it, and Kevin is looking for a master to lead us. It is a total carpe diem experience - I was one of the seven to sign up as I figure when else would I get the opportunity to do tai chi with a Chinese Master?
Good night and good morning to you!
Today we worked on learning tones in Chinese - you know the four ways to say ma. Remember that Megan?
I also got my Chinese name. My surname is Zhu and my personal name is Li. Our teacher said that means beautiful kind heart, so I guess I'm good with that.
Our lecture moved from pottery to the Bronze Age and tomorrow we go to the Shaanxi Museum to see some of the objects we have been studying. It should be very interesting. Professor Juliano talked about putting her hand inside a pot that is thousands of years old and feeling the handprint of the person that made it - quite a connection for a historian!
We had lunch, which is getting better as we all get better at knowing at least somewhat what to order. We then had our first workshop session where we talk about how we plan to use in our classrooms what we are gaining. I am surrounded by such talented teachers that will be such wonderful resources.
We then headed with my Chinese friend, Fay to the bookstore. It was a bit of a hike and another adventure. I did end up with a English/Chinese translation book so my mission was complete. On the way home, we were happy to find a great place to get these warm buns that are stuffed with a variety of fillings (eggplant, tofu, sour cabbage, and meat). We got some to take back and had a small feast.
It's only 8:45, but I'm beat so got to go to sleep as the sun wakes me up at 6 AM. Soon we will get to have tai chi lessons in the morning. We requested it, and Kevin is looking for a master to lead us. It is a total carpe diem experience - I was one of the seven to sign up as I figure when else would I get the opportunity to do tai chi with a Chinese Master?
Good night and good morning to you!
Teaching an old dog new language
Monday: Today (Monday) I had my first Chinese language lesson. I have so much to learn! After a lecture about the development along the Yellow River I went to a neolithic village that dates from 4000 BC - it was incredible. So much of what I teach about ancient development and now I have photos to go along with it all.
Sharon had e-mailed asking if the Chinese food is like US Chinese food and that probably depends on where in the US you get your Chinese food. I have eaten so many things that I have never had before when eating Chinese. The variety of mushrooms has surprised me. Tofu has been disguised in many different foods and I've had delicious vegetables that I yet don't know for sure what they were. My hopes of having this time be for weight loss may not work.
Going to the bathroom has sometimes been squat - always bring your own tissues. Teeth brushing requires using only bottled water and napkins at dinner are a special request and are very thin. Luckily my room has a western toilet, restaurants are air conditioned (as is my room) and beer is only twenty cents a bottle.
Time is almost 12 hours difference, so while you are getting up or at work, I'm thinking about heading to bed. Tomorrow I get my Chinese name.
Sharon had e-mailed asking if the Chinese food is like US Chinese food and that probably depends on where in the US you get your Chinese food. I have eaten so many things that I have never had before when eating Chinese. The variety of mushrooms has surprised me. Tofu has been disguised in many different foods and I've had delicious vegetables that I yet don't know for sure what they were. My hopes of having this time be for weight loss may not work.
Going to the bathroom has sometimes been squat - always bring your own tissues. Teeth brushing requires using only bottled water and napkins at dinner are a special request and are very thin. Luckily my room has a western toilet, restaurants are air conditioned (as is my room) and beer is only twenty cents a bottle.
Time is almost 12 hours difference, so while you are getting up or at work, I'm thinking about heading to bed. Tomorrow I get my Chinese name.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Sunday July 12
Sunday:
Today was awesome! We had the whole day to do whatever we wanted and so a few of us decided to head to the inner city and explore within the city walls. I was picturing Xi’an to be a bit more rural but it is a city of over six million and the traffic is almost as wild as Mumbai – traffic rules are more of a suggestion, and it is pedestrian beware!
View from the back seat of the cab.
A welcoming gate in the inner city of Xi’an.
Today was awesome! We had the whole day to do whatever we wanted and so a few of us decided to head to the inner city and explore within the city walls. I was picturing Xi’an to be a bit more rural but it is a city of over six million and the traffic is almost as wild as Mumbai – traffic rules are more of a suggestion, and it is pedestrian beware!
View from the back seat of the cab.
A welcoming gate in the inner city of Xi’an.
Kat from Portland, Rene from Brooklyn, and Craig from Bay City posing at the art studio where I got a good deal of a piece of work.
All along the streets artists are showing their works and selling goods. It is interesting how the small markets and sellers are mixed in with the glitz of a bustling city.
All along the streets artists are showing their works and selling goods. It is interesting how the small markets and sellers are mixed in with the glitz of a bustling city.
Text for earlier Post - Sat 7-11-09
Saturday, July 11, 2009
After visiting Beijing, hiking the Great Wall, visiting The Forbidden City and catching a flight to Xi’an, I was pooped! Yesterday we had orientation at the Shaanxi Normal University which is one of the five distinguished universities in China. We were greeted and welcomed by the dean of the university and met Chinese university students that served as our guides for the day. After the tour of the university, we hit the streets with our guides and took care of getting ourselves situated to the city of Xi’an. The university is a beautiful setting and I am excited about being here for an extended time.
My student guide, Shang Hui, and me by the rock which says something about knowledge giving power – she suggested the peace signs for a “nice, good touch.”
Just one of the many garden/shaded areas to study on campus
After visiting Beijing, hiking the Great Wall, visiting The Forbidden City and catching a flight to Xi’an, I was pooped! Yesterday we had orientation at the Shaanxi Normal University which is one of the five distinguished universities in China. We were greeted and welcomed by the dean of the university and met Chinese university students that served as our guides for the day. After the tour of the university, we hit the streets with our guides and took care of getting ourselves situated to the city of Xi’an. The university is a beautiful setting and I am excited about being here for an extended time.
My student guide, Shang Hui, and me by the rock which says something about knowledge giving power – she suggested the peace signs for a “nice, good touch.”
Just one of the many garden/shaded areas to study on campus
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Beijing Welcome
Wednesday
We made it to Beijing and everyone made it outside of the airport. One of our travelers was sick several times on the plane and our fear was that she would have a temperature and we would all be quarantined for seven days. We were all a bit nervous when the team of “temperature takers” passed through our rows zapping each of us in the head to check our temps.
We made it to Beijing and everyone made it outside of the airport. One of our travelers was sick several times on the plane and our fear was that she would have a temperature and we would all be quarantined for seven days. We were all a bit nervous when the team of “temperature takers” passed through our rows zapping each of us in the head to check our temps.
Again as we passed through security our temperatures were read, but, we are happy to be with each other on a bus instead of a plane. After registering at the hotel it felt great to walk after so much sitting. Tienanmen Square and the Wangfujing area of Beijing which looks much like Times Square.
Thursday AM.
I woke up at 3:30 to make a 4 AM walk to Tiananmen Square for the raising of the flag. The place was crowded with people holding children holding cameras. Many nationals come out for this while in Beijing. The Chinese people enjoy listening to Americans speak English and we are keeping score on who gets asked to have their picture taken most often.
Thursday AM.
I woke up at 3:30 to make a 4 AM walk to Tiananmen Square for the raising of the flag. The place was crowded with people holding children holding cameras. Many nationals come out for this while in Beijing. The Chinese people enjoy listening to Americans speak English and we are keeping score on who gets asked to have their picture taken most often.
After the flag ceremony we walked down Wangfujing Street. It looked quite different than it did the night before. I even caught a look at Yao Ming looking out over the city. Somehow I had missed him the night before.
At 8:30 we leave for The Great Wall! I pretty pumped for that.
Monday, July 6, 2009
The Big Three
While not the best picture, these are the best people to teach about China. Their resumes and experience put me in awe and I am excited for all I will be able to learn from these three.Pictured are Kevin Lawrence, Associate Director of Teach China and leader of our NEH program; Professor Annette Juliano, Rutgers University; Dr. Hsin-Mei Agnes Hsu, Director of Education, China Institute.
Tonight some of us are venturing out in Newark for tacos. Tomorrow we leave for Beijing - the lengths one must go for some good Chinese food!
Let the adventure begin!
Today started with an orientation. Everyone introduced themselves telling a bit about where they are from and why they wanted to learn about China.
Lots of questions were answered and I am amazed to be in the company of such a well-traveled group of people. While most people are teaching some social studies there are artists, a media specialist, elementary as well middle and high school. We are a diverse group sharing a sense of adventure and a passion for learning!
All packed!
Can you even believe that all my clothes for five weeks is this flat pack - gotta love those space bags for international traveling. I had everything in my one bag and weighed in at 46 pounds.
I decided to try my luck and flew standby. I got into my hotel in Newark at 7:30 instead of midnight so even enjoyed dinner with Ellen from Frederick, Maryland. She is my roommate two nights in Newark and two nights in Beijing.
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