Hey everybody. Sorry it has taken me so long to post up. I think I've found a reliable way to do it now, but that could change quickly. Here are the highlights so far:
Classes- I'm teaching chem 11, bio 11, pre calc 12, and PE 10-12. Total number of courses I've taught before = 0. So as you can imagine, I'm keeping busy. My most difficult class is the pre calc. I'm not having issues with the content, rather the lack of textbook and practice problems. It is a bit of a struggle, but I'm making due. The PE is ok, although I struggle with the grade 10's. Their English is still being worked on, so I get a lot of blank stares. Chem is really easy, I'm teaching it to the grade 12 students, so it's going well. Bio is coming along too, although it is new to me too. All in all, classes are going well. Very happy with the lack of discipline problems, it actually allows me time to TEACH!! Go figure...
Chinese culture- I have experienced much of this so far. Fall festival was fantastic, with music and dancing. Too bad we got stuck in a torrential downpour... Some pics up on facebook. The crazy taxis have taken some getting used to, but I am cool with it now. I can go out, and get a taxi home. I know the bus route to get downtown, so that's good. I have experienced real Chinese food. I usually eat in the school cafeteria, which offers a buffet style lunch menu for teachers, so I have tried many things there, some I like and some I don't. I have been for hot pot, both in a local place (dark room, upstairs, kinda shady) and an upscale place, both being fantastic. Last night we went for dumplings at another upscale place, very tasty. After that we went to a tea house, got the full tea experience. Saw the long spout, behind the head action, and the calming, relaxing experience, complete with live music. I have been to the local disco, which is not really a disco at all, more like a variety show with music, dancing, jokes, all sorts of stuff. I liked it, although it would probably be better if I could understand what they were saying. I have been on tv (at fall festival), been photographed ( at a local mall's 10th anniversary), and typically draw attention to myself wherever I go. Not many people as big as I am here, with white skin...Oh, add donkey and duck blood to the new foods I've tried. Donkey is pretty good, can do without the duck blood.
My skype is up and running now, so if anyone wants to chat, we can set something up. I will probably get a cheap cell phone here next week, but I'm sure long distance will be a killer, so skype will be the best. I have set up my Chinese Bank account with Bank of China, so that is a good thing, gotta pay those bills. First payday next Friday, then a national holiday, 5 day weekend!!! Whoot!!! I'll be posting some more pics on FB soon, of my school and such, so keep your eyes open. I hope all is well on your side of the world. Don't be afraid to drop me an e-mail, keep in touch. mrfergusson@gmail.com
Take care friends,
Dan, live in China
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