Dennis went for a walk and brought back 4 liters of water for drinking. He was upset at himself because he paid $20.00 and it should have been $2.00. The next day he was filling the small water bottles and had a large drink; well it wasn’t water; he says it tasted like 50% battery acid and 50% drain cleaner. The rest was dumped down the drain. At least we didn’t spend $20.00 on just water.
Another time he went for a walk and also planned to buy a gallon of water. Buying water wasn’t a problem but unwinding his path was. After passing a clothing store named Red Dragonfly; you would guess it’s not like 7-11 on every corner. So stop to think (typically I do not have to think anymore.) Oh yea; I crossed the street to buy the water. That looks like I saw that store before so cross the road, circle the block – hmm no city park still. I don’t want to say I am lost but I don’t know where the park, hotel, or water store is. Let’s see no phone, no map, no name of the apartment. After seeing Red Dragonfly store the 4th time; I considered admitting that I am lost instead; hmm I hadn’t crossed the river before so I better not now. Hey maybe that is the water store; this time I went into the store; yes this is the one. To end this part; I did get back about an hour later and came in through the front door while I left through the back door.
We enjoyed our time with Lidia, saw some of the city and helped her with her paperwork. We were able to encourage her because her sister had passed away the week before. She wasn’t able to go home for the funeral.
On July 10th, we headed to Japan. We spent 2 days in Tokyo; then traveled to Hiroshima and spent 3 days there. It was amazing to see what we the US did to this city. People today are still seeing the effects of the A-Bomb. After this we traveled to Mishima; we were very close to Mt. Fuji. We took a bus to the 5th station and climbed a part of the mountain. Then we traveled to Koyto; an ancient city with lots of temples and history. We then traveled to Tokyo and spent the night waiting for our flight the next day back to China. We arrived in Beijing on July 22 (our 42nd anniversary) and spent the night and took the train back to Handan. Japan and Taiwan are very clean cities and the people were very helpful. There are lots of people but they don’t mob, crowd, push, or force.
We are back in Cixian ; the city where we live. We are learning where the stores are and other things that we need such as the bank, post office, and the school where we will teach.
When we want to go to a bigger town for more shipping options; we take a bus, train, subway, and another bus. It is an all day affair so we only do it every 6 weeks or so.
We have had several chances to experience life here and through a bit of evaluation; we have concluded.
The first moment that a driver notices a situation that deserves attention; their first reaction is to toot the horn, thus the many horns. This drivers’ second reaction is to toot the horn, thus the many, many horns. The third reaction is to get eye contact and toot the horn an extended time, thus quicker eye contact and of course blow the horn because the toots didn’t cause a change. Now the drivers’ fourth reaction is to decelerate, and to blast the horn to show its discontentment that he had to decelerate. The fifth reaction is to look for an emergency plan just in case the next horn blast doesn’t cause favorable actions. The sixth reaction is to maneuver left, right, or stop, causing a situation for a nearby unexpecting driver.
This was written in my mind as biking through town.
Remember we are in China and pedestrians NEVER have the right of way.
The driver with the loudest horn wins.
No school for 2 days. Well today is September 5; this weekend is a holiday here in China; it is Mid Autumn Day or Mooncake Festival. We are on our way to Beijing via the bullet (fast) train, going approximately 200 KPH or 180 MPH. We will spend 3 nights there. We are going to the Beijing Opera. We will also do some shopping for some American products. There is a big warehouse store similar to Sam’s Club but it is called Metro. Dennis also needs new shoes; so we are shoe shopping for size 11 or 12; almost impossible to find but we will see.
Well it’s a week later and we are home from Beijing. We had a wonderful time. We did find shoes for Dennis; it’s a good thing his feet aren’t any bigger; we bought the biggest size they had.
The opera was very interesting; the costumes and makeup was amazing. After 1 ½ hours; we were ready to be done; the music is very high pitched. We came home with 2 suitcases; 3 bags; and an overfilled backpack. We found macaroni & cheese; salsa; corn chips; tortillas for tacos; and cheese (not as good as Simon’s) but good for Chinese standards. In order to get home; we took a taxi; a train; 2 buses; and another taxi.
We visited an antique shop and Dennis bought 2 clocks (in need of repair) that we will be bringing home with us.
Oh by the way; its official we will be home in February. Probably February 1.
We are getting to it; our original contract ended December 10 but with our new school placement; they wanted us to stay until the end of the school year. This would bring us to the end of July. The company was being very generous giving many extras as an attempt to persuade us. Our response; wow you are giving a lot; but NO. But if you maintain your generosity; we will stay until the end of 1st semester mid February. They said no as they needed the full length contract to achieve a profit. Our reply was OK; we will depart mid December. No, no, no, no, no; (most times their seems to be an echo when someone says no it is 4 or 5 times.) The school will not accept us for such a short term. Our reply was OK but that is your problem not ours. After the sting of the moment; they retracted one section of the previous offer and we agreed to the end of 1st semester.
Because this is a private school; exact dates are hard to pin point but definitely before their Spring Festival of mid February; to make things simple; we say early February. Well that is a long way to say; we will be home in approximately 4 months.
Enough about the future except to say we are looking forward to some of the “good life” such as steak or even identifiable meat. There are food stores here in our city but they don’t have several things that we would like and I am sure you take them for granted. So for about half of what we want is 2 cities away. A ¾ hour bus ride at 6 RMB each ($1.00); another bus ride across town; only 1 RMB; a fast train at 100 RMB about 1 and ½ hours; then a subway ride 20 minutes at 8 RMB; bus 2 RMB up to an hour.
OK so now what is on our list; peanut butter, cheddar cheese, hamburger, mac and cheese, canned soup, dark chocolate, cashews, peanuts, ground coffee, canned vegetables, tortilla chips, salsa, spaghetti sauce, mayo, lettuce, and salad dressing.
We try to buy several months supply as the trip takes most of the day and transportation is about $75.00 or about 500 RMB.
Our first grocery day, we didn’t know what bus to use and also advised to use a taxi. A taxi is not allowed near the train station so that adds ¼ mile walk and 30 to 100 RMB. Some things would be cheaper if I looked more Asian; I never considered that being TDH (tall, dark, and handsome) would be a disadvantage.
Please excuse the 2 week delay in writing. I know you are interested but some days I don’t have the energy or ambition to write more. Another excuse is if something of interest or humor; Sue puts it on Facebook and later when I write about it there is less pizzazz (this is a word that I will not teach as it will loose a bit of its oomph.)
We had a great time last Saturday; we Skyped with our 2nd exchange student Anne from Denmark. She is doing great. She still has the same laugh that we forgot how pleasant it is to hear. Also she is just as beautiful as 1995; boy haw time runs. They are expecting their 2nd child in a few months. We did watch Alfred play with his toys; although he wasn’t interested in us. It is odd what things spark another as all last week; I was craving pop tarts (Anne’s favorite snack.)
Other things that interest me; so I write about them and maybe they will interest or entertain you. My foreign coin collection forced me into an antique shop recently. They didn’t have any coins but I did buy 2 antique clocks. Neither work as one stops after a few seconds and the other takes only a few seconds for an hour. And now I really miss my Grandfather clock, or as some Europeans call it “standing wall clock”. Thank you Felix and family; we love our clock.
I bike to school about 1 ½ miles most of it is just fine if you don’t obey the rules and drive as a local. I don’t mean a person that is from this area instead I suggest crazy. One section, I found it easier to get off and walk as the congestion and general chaos is difficult to maneuver through.
I have previous written about the use of horns, I have a new theory. I suggest that there is a type of magic. I haven’t mastered it yet as my bike doesn’t even have a bell. My theory is; all vehicles are invisible. It may sound odd but possible it’s true. As a car is moving down the road and the sidewalk or the bike lane; the driver will see an obstacle (me) and want me to move but assume I can’t see it. However, because the driver believes his car is invisible so I can’t see it; thus the need for the magic horn, and now the car is visible so I can clear out of its way. Reality is proving my theory. Of course; a bus or truck will need more power in its magic horn that is why they come equipped with the much louder air horn, also the motorcycle or e-bike needs less so their hum is sufficient.
To further my evaluation, obviously I am invisible and I don’t have any magic so they just keep coming as they don’t see me. I have found a temporary solution until I get a horn / bell for my bike. I have discovered that kicking or pounding on the car’s also helps. The driver assumes to be invisible so becomes aware of me; however it is proven to not be effective on buses and I haven’t tried it on semis.
It rained here for 4 days because of the typhoon that hit southern China. I was so happy that it stopped raining. We bought a small toaster oven (Dennis calls it an easy bake oven). We can now make toast (the little pleasures). Yesterday I made chocolate chip cookies (not as good as Karen’s) but still good.
It is amazing how hungry you get for things that we can’t get there. The first month back we will by busy eating all the foods that we have missed.
We had 3 days off for October 1 to 3 for National Day (a holiday to remember those who fought in the wars here.) We went back to Beijing and visited a different part of the Great Wall and also The Summer Palace. We had fun but it’s nice to be back in our smaller city. Beijing is just too busy, with too many people. We are planning on returning February 1, 2015. Our last day of teaching is January 31, 2015.
We are so sorry that this blog is way overdue.
We will try for an early December posting.
Dennis and Sue
Friday, October 31, 2014
Monday, July 28, 2014
June
So now that we have our Z working visa; we thought this school would be pleased; also we have only received great reviews from students, national teachers, and the headmaster (principal.) We never expected any problems. Well problem number 1; there are 6 – 20 floor apartments being built across the street; this will cause an interruption of electricity and water over the summer so we have to move. Problem number 2; the CEO / manager of the school said she wants younger teachers. I guess that stability and experience are not her priority; so we have to move. There is an immediate opening in Zhengzhou but that city has nasty air quality. The placement agency found a spot in Cixian a smaller city than we are in now. After a Skype interview; we had primary acceptance so off we go. We will finish the school year here and then move and then vacation.
As planning is being examined; we assume Taiwan is our first stop; then maybe South Korea; Japan; and the Philippians on the tail of the circle. We thought about Thailand but maybe not. Anyway lots of maybes have bothered us in May and now in June. But if you consider that I can’t remember most of the past; why would I want to remember the future?
I have two other interesting stories; the first about a national teacher Raymond. During lunch Sue and I usually arrive before most other teachers; we pretend to look forward to our lunch of white rice, green things; sometimes vegetables, tofu, and a thumbnail side piece of unidentifiable meat. About half way through lunch, our assistant Dandan and her roommate Nicole (another teacher that we have had to our apartment for ice cream) joined us. Moments later came Raymond. Before he started eating; he asked “Do you believe in God?” I wasn't ready for that question. Yes, why do you ask? Are you interested to know how or why? Yes but first I want to know; do you have a Holy Bible? I answered yes; and he asked do you know what is in it? Some; yes. I see you have another question. Yes is one of the 12 disciples a woman? I am watching a movie about this. We had follow up conversation at our apartment that evening. I think he is about 25 and when I showed him my Bible; he said this is the first one he has seen.
****This prompts the question; when was your Holy Bible used other than as we did during my school years; used it to press dried flowers. He opened it to Genesis glanced at a few pages and asked where does it say about the Trinity? Approximately an hour later when I knew he would have to leave; I asked what proof would you need in order to believe what I explained? I knew he wouldn’t believe the Bible or the God / Man form of Jesus. I answered my question saying first you must trust God by faith; second for physical proof examine me; it is a bit of a self challenge when you direct someone to see God through yourself. But it should work that way…if they don’t look too close. This certainly does add to the interesting journey that I have had especially if you go back 60 years plus.
Next is Nicole and Dandan; we talked with each to offer them to understand more and get questions answered. Nicole said no thanks although I was explaining as she said no. Dandan is curious but doesn't want to look too deep. We left her with the simple explanation that religion is man trying to reach up to God while Christianity is God reaching to man. The sad news is that we will soon be leaving these 3 friends; the good news is we have had an opportunity to talk with Min one of our interviewers. So we have another open door.
This part of writing and life in general was interrupted Wednesday evening. We were informed we had to move immediately; some problems with our paperwork. We packed Thursday and left Friday WOW!!! If our penmanship is a little rough; we are writing this during our 7 hour bus ride. Our goodbyes were very quick. We will stay in Zhengzhou for a few days doing paperwork and waiting for our things to catch up to us. A very surprising event; here in Zhengzhou. We saw our shadow both Saturday and Sunday.
Have you ever had the thrill of a bus ride for 7 hours with the driver tooting his horn every 5 minutes; maybe more? I am not certain at times what he is tooting at; maybe a leaf blowing across the road; or maybe the trees themselves. City driving is even worse; I counted 37 times in a 5 minute span, that about every 8 seconds. You might expect the horn to wear out with overuse; actually the button wears out first. Some of our city buses have a replacement button.
Well it’s Sunday June 15 and we are on a bus headed to Zhengzhou; we have an interview with our new school. The interview will be teachers and staff watching us teach. They were very impressed and said we were well qualified. Who would have thought that a girl from a small town Brimley and a Kimberly graduate with a GPA of 0.4 would be teachers? (This isn't a typo for the grade point average.) The city’s name is Handan and it will involve a 30 minute bus ride when we need to go to the big city. There we can connect with a fast (bullet) train to connect with most of the country. Fast train is not an exaggeration; it travels approximately 300 KM an hour; that 180 MPH.
Reminding you that we are on this 7 hour bus ride; we do strange things to occupy ourselves. For example calculating this speed, I know that Kilometers are divided by 100 to make meters; meters divided by 100 to make centimeters and so on. Why hasn't someone invented an easier way to tell time? The problem exists with a non consistent year, so we add a day every so often, and then divided by 12 you still come up with inconsistent. A month is anywhere from 28 to 31 days. The next divide by a very inconvient number like 24; take that and divide by 60 and divide by 60 and you have a second. I think that we could do better.
I told you a bus ride was boring and when the mind wanders there’s no telling. We are in a wandering situation right now; physically rather than mentally. Mostly settled in to our new apartment and mostly done with some vacation although we still plan to travel to a preserve to see the Pandas in the wild. We’ve found 2 reasonable sized grocery stores apparently there are 2 more; I found the post office but they said it’s not a post office although they had package, stamps and other things. We are adjusting to our new city although for several days they decided they don’t want to hire Sue and how is that going to work. Some very slow negotiations and even slower resolve; we may have to move back to Gushi. At this very moment, we think not.
We will try to do another section about our vacation but for now I guess we will end this and get it posted.
Dennis and Sue
As planning is being examined; we assume Taiwan is our first stop; then maybe South Korea; Japan; and the Philippians on the tail of the circle. We thought about Thailand but maybe not. Anyway lots of maybes have bothered us in May and now in June. But if you consider that I can’t remember most of the past; why would I want to remember the future?
I have two other interesting stories; the first about a national teacher Raymond. During lunch Sue and I usually arrive before most other teachers; we pretend to look forward to our lunch of white rice, green things; sometimes vegetables, tofu, and a thumbnail side piece of unidentifiable meat. About half way through lunch, our assistant Dandan and her roommate Nicole (another teacher that we have had to our apartment for ice cream) joined us. Moments later came Raymond. Before he started eating; he asked “Do you believe in God?” I wasn't ready for that question. Yes, why do you ask? Are you interested to know how or why? Yes but first I want to know; do you have a Holy Bible? I answered yes; and he asked do you know what is in it? Some; yes. I see you have another question. Yes is one of the 12 disciples a woman? I am watching a movie about this. We had follow up conversation at our apartment that evening. I think he is about 25 and when I showed him my Bible; he said this is the first one he has seen.
****This prompts the question; when was your Holy Bible used other than as we did during my school years; used it to press dried flowers. He opened it to Genesis glanced at a few pages and asked where does it say about the Trinity? Approximately an hour later when I knew he would have to leave; I asked what proof would you need in order to believe what I explained? I knew he wouldn’t believe the Bible or the God / Man form of Jesus. I answered my question saying first you must trust God by faith; second for physical proof examine me; it is a bit of a self challenge when you direct someone to see God through yourself. But it should work that way…if they don’t look too close. This certainly does add to the interesting journey that I have had especially if you go back 60 years plus.
Next is Nicole and Dandan; we talked with each to offer them to understand more and get questions answered. Nicole said no thanks although I was explaining as she said no. Dandan is curious but doesn't want to look too deep. We left her with the simple explanation that religion is man trying to reach up to God while Christianity is God reaching to man. The sad news is that we will soon be leaving these 3 friends; the good news is we have had an opportunity to talk with Min one of our interviewers. So we have another open door.
This part of writing and life in general was interrupted Wednesday evening. We were informed we had to move immediately; some problems with our paperwork. We packed Thursday and left Friday WOW!!! If our penmanship is a little rough; we are writing this during our 7 hour bus ride. Our goodbyes were very quick. We will stay in Zhengzhou for a few days doing paperwork and waiting for our things to catch up to us. A very surprising event; here in Zhengzhou. We saw our shadow both Saturday and Sunday.
Have you ever had the thrill of a bus ride for 7 hours with the driver tooting his horn every 5 minutes; maybe more? I am not certain at times what he is tooting at; maybe a leaf blowing across the road; or maybe the trees themselves. City driving is even worse; I counted 37 times in a 5 minute span, that about every 8 seconds. You might expect the horn to wear out with overuse; actually the button wears out first. Some of our city buses have a replacement button.
Well it’s Sunday June 15 and we are on a bus headed to Zhengzhou; we have an interview with our new school. The interview will be teachers and staff watching us teach. They were very impressed and said we were well qualified. Who would have thought that a girl from a small town Brimley and a Kimberly graduate with a GPA of 0.4 would be teachers? (This isn't a typo for the grade point average.) The city’s name is Handan and it will involve a 30 minute bus ride when we need to go to the big city. There we can connect with a fast (bullet) train to connect with most of the country. Fast train is not an exaggeration; it travels approximately 300 KM an hour; that 180 MPH.
Reminding you that we are on this 7 hour bus ride; we do strange things to occupy ourselves. For example calculating this speed, I know that Kilometers are divided by 100 to make meters; meters divided by 100 to make centimeters and so on. Why hasn't someone invented an easier way to tell time? The problem exists with a non consistent year, so we add a day every so often, and then divided by 12 you still come up with inconsistent. A month is anywhere from 28 to 31 days. The next divide by a very inconvient number like 24; take that and divide by 60 and divide by 60 and you have a second. I think that we could do better.
I told you a bus ride was boring and when the mind wanders there’s no telling. We are in a wandering situation right now; physically rather than mentally. Mostly settled in to our new apartment and mostly done with some vacation although we still plan to travel to a preserve to see the Pandas in the wild. We’ve found 2 reasonable sized grocery stores apparently there are 2 more; I found the post office but they said it’s not a post office although they had package, stamps and other things. We are adjusting to our new city although for several days they decided they don’t want to hire Sue and how is that going to work. Some very slow negotiations and even slower resolve; we may have to move back to Gushi. At this very moment, we think not.
We will try to do another section about our vacation but for now I guess we will end this and get it posted.
Dennis and Sue
Thursday, June 12, 2014
May
Our last post was abruptly ended so a bit of continuation.
We had an up and down April – our best friend died the 16th of April. Sue got home two days before and had a lousy time; saying goodbye. I was able to use Karen’s guarantee of heaven to explain God's love and Jesus' redemption of man. It sure seems like an uneven exchange; Karen going to heaven so I can explain about it, but . . .
May wasn't much better with the ups and downs. We should have received our work visa before starting; but didn't. We expected it within the first 90 day visa; but we didn't. Then got an additional 30 day extension that should have allowed enough time for the work visa but again didn't. We got an additional 90 day visa surely expecting to receive the up graded Z working visa and after 30 of these days nothing. So we advised our hiring company; CZZ that if we didn't get it by the end of May; we were quitting. You would think that they would respond quickly but instead stalled. Yes, we did get our work Z visa May 30, the very last day before we were to submit our resignation. The process is a bit of paperwork and leaving the country; so we went to Hong Kong. We had to submit one day and receive the next day (with a rush application.) So we use the wait time to go to Macao; this gives me 34 and Sue 32 countries that we have visited, vacationed, or lived in.
We almost had an early return but we have to guess that “we are not done here yet.” Our plans continue; we teach until June 13; go on vacation when and where we don’t know yet and then teach again around September 1.
Our summer vacation was planned to be in Taiwan and Thailand with a few other shorter stops. Well in case you only get “American” news not everything is calm in Taiwan; mostly because of the government getting bribes to allow for outsourcing of jobs. It probably seems odd to you wondering, what is the difference if America imports from China, Taiwan or wherever. From this side of the world; it is very important. Our expected R & R in Thailand’s beaches is maybe not the best decision as the military coup and the ousted president and her brooked cabinet puts the country on edge with the red shirts against the others.
Then there is Japan wanting to regain some extra islands near China; off shore drilling in others’ water. North and South Korea showing more aggression at one another. Russia and Ukraine / Crimea problems are as only one country away. The Philippians is still in near disaster after last years’ hurricane.
Will keep you posted as to our future plans and also our vacation plans.
Love,
Dennis and Sue
We had an up and down April – our best friend died the 16th of April. Sue got home two days before and had a lousy time; saying goodbye. I was able to use Karen’s guarantee of heaven to explain God's love and Jesus' redemption of man. It sure seems like an uneven exchange; Karen going to heaven so I can explain about it, but . . .
May wasn't much better with the ups and downs. We should have received our work visa before starting; but didn't. We expected it within the first 90 day visa; but we didn't. Then got an additional 30 day extension that should have allowed enough time for the work visa but again didn't. We got an additional 90 day visa surely expecting to receive the up graded Z working visa and after 30 of these days nothing. So we advised our hiring company; CZZ that if we didn't get it by the end of May; we were quitting. You would think that they would respond quickly but instead stalled. Yes, we did get our work Z visa May 30, the very last day before we were to submit our resignation. The process is a bit of paperwork and leaving the country; so we went to Hong Kong. We had to submit one day and receive the next day (with a rush application.) So we use the wait time to go to Macao; this gives me 34 and Sue 32 countries that we have visited, vacationed, or lived in.
We almost had an early return but we have to guess that “we are not done here yet.” Our plans continue; we teach until June 13; go on vacation when and where we don’t know yet and then teach again around September 1.
Our summer vacation was planned to be in Taiwan and Thailand with a few other shorter stops. Well in case you only get “American” news not everything is calm in Taiwan; mostly because of the government getting bribes to allow for outsourcing of jobs. It probably seems odd to you wondering, what is the difference if America imports from China, Taiwan or wherever. From this side of the world; it is very important. Our expected R & R in Thailand’s beaches is maybe not the best decision as the military coup and the ousted president and her brooked cabinet puts the country on edge with the red shirts against the others.
Then there is Japan wanting to regain some extra islands near China; off shore drilling in others’ water. North and South Korea showing more aggression at one another. Russia and Ukraine / Crimea problems are as only one country away. The Philippians is still in near disaster after last years’ hurricane.
Will keep you posted as to our future plans and also our vacation plans.
Love,
Dennis and Sue
April
Well my week started on Monday, after my computer was not working for the weekend.
I found out Monday that Karen was taken to the hospital; I had just talked to her on Friday. She said she had a sinus infection, went to see the doctor and got some medicine. On Sunday night she called Eden (her daughter) to have her take her to the hospital. By Wednesday; the medicine didn't seem to be working. The doctor's thought she has run of the mill pneumonia. On Wednesday night they put her on a ventilator; she had pre-determined that they would only keep her on it 4 days. 4 days will be up on Sunday night. I left China quickly to see Karen and also support Eden, Kim, and Shane; Karen’s daughters and son, and get some myself.
We are praying for God’s will; however we don’t want her to die; it’s too soon. I know she would be happy to be with Guy but we are selfish. She never did stop missing him even after 16 months.
I arrived on Sunday late morning because of smog in China; my plane left late missing my connection in Detroit. I went straight to the hospital; Karen was in ICU; she could write letters down, so we were able to communicate. They had her on morphine and Propotol so she slept a lot.
The doctor advised another day on the ventilator. On Sunday night, Karen decided to stay on the ventilator. By Tuesday, the doctors said she was doing better; they took her off the ventilator. Wednesday morning; she took a turn for the worse but didn't want the ventilator put back in. By Wednesday afternoon; they took her off oxygen and she passed away at 6:53 PM. We planned the funeral for Monday, April 21 at 11 AM with visitation at 10 AM. Many people came to celebrate her home going; she is now with Guy, in Heaven.
The week after the funeral we spent the week cleaning out the house. I left to come back to China on Friday, April 25 and arrived on Saturday night, April 26.
Dennis was happy that I was home. We are continuing to teach and get ready for the end of the semester. It will be summer break for the students. Dennis and I plan to do some traveling.
Dennis was talking with our TA (teachers’ assistant) about Karen and her readiness and eagerness to get to heaven. She asked how can you know? I was very happy to explain the knowing comes from Jesus not ourselves. She had never considered such an idea. We are alert for another opportunity to explain God’s redeeming grace. The news of God using Karen on her last day was a blessing and a reason to rejoice but for now the sadness seems to grip most that knew Karen.
I found out Monday that Karen was taken to the hospital; I had just talked to her on Friday. She said she had a sinus infection, went to see the doctor and got some medicine. On Sunday night she called Eden (her daughter) to have her take her to the hospital. By Wednesday; the medicine didn't seem to be working. The doctor's thought she has run of the mill pneumonia. On Wednesday night they put her on a ventilator; she had pre-determined that they would only keep her on it 4 days. 4 days will be up on Sunday night. I left China quickly to see Karen and also support Eden, Kim, and Shane; Karen’s daughters and son, and get some myself.
We are praying for God’s will; however we don’t want her to die; it’s too soon. I know she would be happy to be with Guy but we are selfish. She never did stop missing him even after 16 months.
I arrived on Sunday late morning because of smog in China; my plane left late missing my connection in Detroit. I went straight to the hospital; Karen was in ICU; she could write letters down, so we were able to communicate. They had her on morphine and Propotol so she slept a lot.
The doctor advised another day on the ventilator. On Sunday night, Karen decided to stay on the ventilator. By Tuesday, the doctors said she was doing better; they took her off the ventilator. Wednesday morning; she took a turn for the worse but didn't want the ventilator put back in. By Wednesday afternoon; they took her off oxygen and she passed away at 6:53 PM. We planned the funeral for Monday, April 21 at 11 AM with visitation at 10 AM. Many people came to celebrate her home going; she is now with Guy, in Heaven.
The week after the funeral we spent the week cleaning out the house. I left to come back to China on Friday, April 25 and arrived on Saturday night, April 26.
Dennis was happy that I was home. We are continuing to teach and get ready for the end of the semester. It will be summer break for the students. Dennis and I plan to do some traveling.
Dennis was talking with our TA (teachers’ assistant) about Karen and her readiness and eagerness to get to heaven. She asked how can you know? I was very happy to explain the knowing comes from Jesus not ourselves. She had never considered such an idea. We are alert for another opportunity to explain God’s redeeming grace. The news of God using Karen on her last day was a blessing and a reason to rejoice but for now the sadness seems to grip most that knew Karen.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
More Adventures in China
We picked up Lidia on our way home from Shanghai; at the airport in Hefei, China and then attempted to buy bus tickets for our trip back to Gushi. Well only 1 seat left on the bus so we spent the night in a traditional Chinese hotel; up 3 flights of stairs; small room with 3 beds (hard as a rock); a typical Chinese bathroom (squatty potty); shower but no towels.
We were able to get the bus back to Gushi on Tuesday; we relaxed at home for a few days and planned the rest of our time with Lidia. By the way she is one of our Guatemala daughters that is on her 5 years of international studies in Taiwan.
We left Gushi on Tuesday, January 28 and headed to Zhengzhou we arrived the evening of the 28th; the taxi driver told us it was 85 KM away from the city; he said 300 RMB; we said 200 RMB and he said OK. After we arrived; it was only 35 KM so we paid him 100 RMB; half the miles; half the cost; he wasn't happy. The next day we figured out the bus system and were able to get to the city for 5 RMB. This is what happens when you book a hotel that says it’s in Zhengzhou but it was a different district (who knew?) While we were in Zhengzhou; we went to a museum; walked through a park; walked around the city. We had Hot Pot (an experience); when we get to the restaurant; they give you a menu and you pick out the meats and vegetables that you want and they bring a big pot to the table with a heater underneath and then you add the meat and vegetables to this boiling liquid broth until it’s cooked. Then you use your chopsticks to pick out what you want to eat. The owner of the restaurant could see that I (Sue) was having problems with chopsticks so they went down the street and bought a fork just for me; when we were leaving the restaurant; they gave me the fork to keep; what a memory!
On Sunday, February 2; we boarded the bullet train (bullet for shape and speed) for Beijing. It was only a 2 hour ride; after we arrived we had to figure out where Yanqing was. This is where our timeshare was. After many questions; Lidia figured out that we needed to take an additional train. Lidia now knows; Spanish, English, and Chinese. After we boarded the train; we were sitting next to a young lady so we asked her if this was the train to Yanqing and she said yes. Her Mother, Father, and sister were sitting in the seat right in front of us. Her sister Beth was very happy to have some Americans to talk with to be able to practice their English. We talked for the entire 1 ½ hour train ride. We found out that Yanqing was the city that this family lived in. When we arrived in Yanqing; Beth helped us get a taxi; (she was concerned that we would be charged too much); she went with us to the resort and helps us get checked in. Once we reached the resort; our room wasn’t ready so they gave us 2 separate rooms (one for us and one for Lidia); they said our room would be ready tomorrow but it wasn’t so we stayed in these rooms all week. This was a 5 star resort built for the 2001 Olympics but no money has been used for repairs or updates. I guess it is now a 2 star resort. The girls asked what we were planning to do this week; we said sight see the area; visit the Great Wall; sight see Beijing and relax. They said they had a car and would pick us up on Monday morning and they would take us to the Great Wall. WOW!!! We said that would be great but we didn't want to inconvenience them.
Beth and Clara picked us up at 7:30 AM and we drove to the Great Wall; we bought tickets and proceeded up the Wall. We climbed up (I never knew there could be so many steps) and back down. What an amazing site. We climbed for about 2 hours and took lots of pictures along the way. People kept stopping Dennis and wanted to have their picture taken with him; several children also because they said he looked like Santa Claus.
It was cold and windy so we were bundled up with hat and gloves. I would recommend not going in February; wait for warmer weather. After climbing down; we went for some coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to help us warm up.
That night Beth and Clara wanted to take us for Hot Pot for supper; we had a wonderful time together. I did much better this time with the chopsticks.
On Tuesday; we went to Beijing to visit Tienanmen Square, The Palace Museum, a shopping street, and enjoyed being in Beijing.
On Wednesday; Beth picked us up and we climbed to the top of a pagoda; you could see the entire city of Yanqing. We then went to a traditional Chinese restaurant and had very traditional food for this area of the country. We sat at a table with a turntable on it. They placed 12 different dishes on
the turntable and we began to eat; it was very good. Sometimes I had no idea of what we were eating; maybe I don’t want to know. We were given a drink that looks like milky tea; it was good; I found out later that it was a tofu drink.
After lunch we headed out; we visited Guyaju (Ancient Dwelling Site) Cave Houses; these were houses build in the side of the mountain where people lived; it was very interesting.
After visiting the Cave Houses; we then traveled to the Ice Museum; they had statues made from ice; including a house, animals, and lots of horses because this is the year of the horse. Everything was lit up with lights. We were there around 4:00 PM and Beth said let’s wait until it gets dark because it is much nicer at night.
We found a little restaurant where we had some hot chocolate, and then some orange juice; well surprise the orange juice was served hot. Most drinks are served hot. When it got dark; we walked around and saw all the different things made from ice; they all had lights and it was beautiful. It was so cold; but well worth it. Beth suggested we take the back roads home as the highway would be very busy. OK picture a country road such as Greiner road; now picture this road with cars parked on both side that for some odd reason; I am guessing most don’t want to get their tires dirty and park on the payment. Now picture cars going east and west with occasional walkers not getting their shoes dirty. Someone decides to do a u-turn or better described as a triple W turn. We are not sure how busy the highway was but we can only assume faster than this, although not as entertaining.
On Thursday; we took the train to Beijing and went to an Antique Coin Museum. Dennis enjoyed this so much and Lidia was along and helped to explain the different dynasties and information that was only written in Chinese. After the museum, Lidia and I split up from Dennis and he went to find another coin museum (you can only look at old coins for so long) and we went to find Silk Road (a 6 story building full of shopping). On our way; we found a Mexican Restaurant and had lunch there; it was pretty good for being cooked by Chinese people. Afterwards, we went shopping and found souvenirs; DVD movies, and a typical Chinese shirt for Dennis. We met Dennis and took the train back to Yanqing. We then took a taxi to Longlongchang Restaurant where we met Beth and Clara and had Peking Duck for supper. This duck is served sliced thin, with onions, cucumbers; a special dark sauce and you put this altogether in a thin tortilla and eat it like a burrito. It was very good. Afterwards we went back to the hotel looked at pictures; played Chinese chess, and talked. We finally went to sleep around midnight.
On Friday; we slept late until 10:30 AM. We went to Wal-Mart and then walked home. We enjoyed our walk around the city and our relaxing day of do nothing. We bought the fixings for a salad and had that for supper that night in the hotel and then Dennis and Lidia played Chinese chess.
On Saturday, we enjoyed the day of walking around the city and just looking. We once again bought the fixings for a salad and made this for supper again (We are missing having fresh salad because in our city you can’t buy lettuce.)
We packed our suitcases and got ready to leave on Sunday morning; we were taking the train to Xi’an (pronounced She On.) We would spend 5 nights here. We saw the Bell and Drum Towers, some of the several hundred as big as 8 feet. the Wild Goose Pagoda, the Terra Cotta Warriors. We also enjoyed walking around the city. The Terra Cotta Warriors were amazing and so life like.
We boarded the overnight (sleeper) train to head to Hefei on Friday, February 14. We had a soft sleeper; still hard by American standards. There for 4 beds in a room 2 uppers and 2 lowers; there is a small table with a thermos bottle for hot water (the Chinese drink hot water; they believe cold water is bad for the stomach. There was heat on with no way to adjust it; we were sweating. We arrived in Hefei at 6:00 AM; took a taxi to our hotel again in Hefei but in a different district; once again a 30 minute taxi ride.
We took a bus (the wrong way) and then got on the bus going the right way; we were leading towards Carrefour (an international store with western products.) We got off the bus; asked a few people; and walked a few blocks; we finally found it. After shopping, we went back to the hotel and relaxed. Lidia left on Sunday morning and we took a bus back to Gushi.
We are back at teaching school getting ready for our next adventure this summer.
We were able to get the bus back to Gushi on Tuesday; we relaxed at home for a few days and planned the rest of our time with Lidia. By the way she is one of our Guatemala daughters that is on her 5 years of international studies in Taiwan.
We left Gushi on Tuesday, January 28 and headed to Zhengzhou we arrived the evening of the 28th; the taxi driver told us it was 85 KM away from the city; he said 300 RMB; we said 200 RMB and he said OK. After we arrived; it was only 35 KM so we paid him 100 RMB; half the miles; half the cost; he wasn't happy. The next day we figured out the bus system and were able to get to the city for 5 RMB. This is what happens when you book a hotel that says it’s in Zhengzhou but it was a different district (who knew?) While we were in Zhengzhou; we went to a museum; walked through a park; walked around the city. We had Hot Pot (an experience); when we get to the restaurant; they give you a menu and you pick out the meats and vegetables that you want and they bring a big pot to the table with a heater underneath and then you add the meat and vegetables to this boiling liquid broth until it’s cooked. Then you use your chopsticks to pick out what you want to eat. The owner of the restaurant could see that I (Sue) was having problems with chopsticks so they went down the street and bought a fork just for me; when we were leaving the restaurant; they gave me the fork to keep; what a memory!
On Sunday, February 2; we boarded the bullet train (bullet for shape and speed) for Beijing. It was only a 2 hour ride; after we arrived we had to figure out where Yanqing was. This is where our timeshare was. After many questions; Lidia figured out that we needed to take an additional train. Lidia now knows; Spanish, English, and Chinese. After we boarded the train; we were sitting next to a young lady so we asked her if this was the train to Yanqing and she said yes. Her Mother, Father, and sister were sitting in the seat right in front of us. Her sister Beth was very happy to have some Americans to talk with to be able to practice their English. We talked for the entire 1 ½ hour train ride. We found out that Yanqing was the city that this family lived in. When we arrived in Yanqing; Beth helped us get a taxi; (she was concerned that we would be charged too much); she went with us to the resort and helps us get checked in. Once we reached the resort; our room wasn’t ready so they gave us 2 separate rooms (one for us and one for Lidia); they said our room would be ready tomorrow but it wasn’t so we stayed in these rooms all week. This was a 5 star resort built for the 2001 Olympics but no money has been used for repairs or updates. I guess it is now a 2 star resort. The girls asked what we were planning to do this week; we said sight see the area; visit the Great Wall; sight see Beijing and relax. They said they had a car and would pick us up on Monday morning and they would take us to the Great Wall. WOW!!! We said that would be great but we didn't want to inconvenience them.
Beth and Clara picked us up at 7:30 AM and we drove to the Great Wall; we bought tickets and proceeded up the Wall. We climbed up (I never knew there could be so many steps) and back down. What an amazing site. We climbed for about 2 hours and took lots of pictures along the way. People kept stopping Dennis and wanted to have their picture taken with him; several children also because they said he looked like Santa Claus.
It was cold and windy so we were bundled up with hat and gloves. I would recommend not going in February; wait for warmer weather. After climbing down; we went for some coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to help us warm up.
That night Beth and Clara wanted to take us for Hot Pot for supper; we had a wonderful time together. I did much better this time with the chopsticks.
On Tuesday; we went to Beijing to visit Tienanmen Square, The Palace Museum, a shopping street, and enjoyed being in Beijing.
On Wednesday; Beth picked us up and we climbed to the top of a pagoda; you could see the entire city of Yanqing. We then went to a traditional Chinese restaurant and had very traditional food for this area of the country. We sat at a table with a turntable on it. They placed 12 different dishes on
the turntable and we began to eat; it was very good. Sometimes I had no idea of what we were eating; maybe I don’t want to know. We were given a drink that looks like milky tea; it was good; I found out later that it was a tofu drink.
After lunch we headed out; we visited Guyaju (Ancient Dwelling Site) Cave Houses; these were houses build in the side of the mountain where people lived; it was very interesting.
After visiting the Cave Houses; we then traveled to the Ice Museum; they had statues made from ice; including a house, animals, and lots of horses because this is the year of the horse. Everything was lit up with lights. We were there around 4:00 PM and Beth said let’s wait until it gets dark because it is much nicer at night.
We found a little restaurant where we had some hot chocolate, and then some orange juice; well surprise the orange juice was served hot. Most drinks are served hot. When it got dark; we walked around and saw all the different things made from ice; they all had lights and it was beautiful. It was so cold; but well worth it. Beth suggested we take the back roads home as the highway would be very busy. OK picture a country road such as Greiner road; now picture this road with cars parked on both side that for some odd reason; I am guessing most don’t want to get their tires dirty and park on the payment. Now picture cars going east and west with occasional walkers not getting their shoes dirty. Someone decides to do a u-turn or better described as a triple W turn. We are not sure how busy the highway was but we can only assume faster than this, although not as entertaining.
On Thursday; we took the train to Beijing and went to an Antique Coin Museum. Dennis enjoyed this so much and Lidia was along and helped to explain the different dynasties and information that was only written in Chinese. After the museum, Lidia and I split up from Dennis and he went to find another coin museum (you can only look at old coins for so long) and we went to find Silk Road (a 6 story building full of shopping). On our way; we found a Mexican Restaurant and had lunch there; it was pretty good for being cooked by Chinese people. Afterwards, we went shopping and found souvenirs; DVD movies, and a typical Chinese shirt for Dennis. We met Dennis and took the train back to Yanqing. We then took a taxi to Longlongchang Restaurant where we met Beth and Clara and had Peking Duck for supper. This duck is served sliced thin, with onions, cucumbers; a special dark sauce and you put this altogether in a thin tortilla and eat it like a burrito. It was very good. Afterwards we went back to the hotel looked at pictures; played Chinese chess, and talked. We finally went to sleep around midnight.
On Friday; we slept late until 10:30 AM. We went to Wal-Mart and then walked home. We enjoyed our walk around the city and our relaxing day of do nothing. We bought the fixings for a salad and had that for supper that night in the hotel and then Dennis and Lidia played Chinese chess.
On Saturday, we enjoyed the day of walking around the city and just looking. We once again bought the fixings for a salad and made this for supper again (We are missing having fresh salad because in our city you can’t buy lettuce.)
We packed our suitcases and got ready to leave on Sunday morning; we were taking the train to Xi’an (pronounced She On.) We would spend 5 nights here. We saw the Bell and Drum Towers, some of the several hundred as big as 8 feet. the Wild Goose Pagoda, the Terra Cotta Warriors. We also enjoyed walking around the city. The Terra Cotta Warriors were amazing and so life like.
We boarded the overnight (sleeper) train to head to Hefei on Friday, February 14. We had a soft sleeper; still hard by American standards. There for 4 beds in a room 2 uppers and 2 lowers; there is a small table with a thermos bottle for hot water (the Chinese drink hot water; they believe cold water is bad for the stomach. There was heat on with no way to adjust it; we were sweating. We arrived in Hefei at 6:00 AM; took a taxi to our hotel again in Hefei but in a different district; once again a 30 minute taxi ride.
We took a bus (the wrong way) and then got on the bus going the right way; we were leading towards Carrefour (an international store with western products.) We got off the bus; asked a few people; and walked a few blocks; we finally found it. After shopping, we went back to the hotel and relaxed. Lidia left on Sunday morning and we took a bus back to Gushi.
We are back at teaching school getting ready for our next adventure this summer.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Updates from China
Hello:
You may have gotten used to the style of my writing but be assured I am not a published author therefore; I am at liberty to change.
Today’s blog will be just a mosaic picture of some of the unique experiences.
So here we go; an opportunity to learn Chinese has intensified our empathy for these Chinese students attempting to learn English especially the multiple sounds from our vowels. In order for us to say a style of the U; it sounds something like SZUER with a whistle but it’s only one sound. So far I have gotten closer than Sue because she can’t whistle. I thinking of becoming a professional mime…this language is difficult.
This quote is never to be repeated when I am in Wisconsin; “the most appetizing thing on my plate is broccoli.”
We took the bullet train (called that because of its shape or because of its speed.) Traveling at 182 MPH.
We experienced a new definition of cruise control; the bus driver would accelerate heavy until surpassing his desired speed; he would shift to neutral and cruise; 30 seconds later repeating the process. The uncomfortable part was this was almost a 7 hour bus ride; our seat was directly over the engine.
We recently were somewhat surprised by the price of a few items; 1st surprise – 2 scrap pieces of plywood cost $10.00; 2nd an apple (it was very large) cost $19.00; a steak; although it did look like a nice cut of meat cost $58.00 per pound (we bought none of these items.)
A taxi driver becomes very upset when he is expecting a $30.00 fare and only receives $15.00; the passenger is upset when expecting a 50 mile trip but received only 18 miles.
A suitcase full of canned goods is very heavy.
For those of you who are inpatient for spring; be assured the trees will bud; the dandelions will bloom and the mosquitoes will survive.
I hope that your tomorrow brings some interesting things as well.
Dennis
You may have gotten used to the style of my writing but be assured I am not a published author therefore; I am at liberty to change.
Today’s blog will be just a mosaic picture of some of the unique experiences.
So here we go; an opportunity to learn Chinese has intensified our empathy for these Chinese students attempting to learn English especially the multiple sounds from our vowels. In order for us to say a style of the U; it sounds something like SZUER with a whistle but it’s only one sound. So far I have gotten closer than Sue because she can’t whistle. I thinking of becoming a professional mime…this language is difficult.
This quote is never to be repeated when I am in Wisconsin; “the most appetizing thing on my plate is broccoli.”
We took the bullet train (called that because of its shape or because of its speed.) Traveling at 182 MPH.
We experienced a new definition of cruise control; the bus driver would accelerate heavy until surpassing his desired speed; he would shift to neutral and cruise; 30 seconds later repeating the process. The uncomfortable part was this was almost a 7 hour bus ride; our seat was directly over the engine.
We recently were somewhat surprised by the price of a few items; 1st surprise – 2 scrap pieces of plywood cost $10.00; 2nd an apple (it was very large) cost $19.00; a steak; although it did look like a nice cut of meat cost $58.00 per pound (we bought none of these items.)
A taxi driver becomes very upset when he is expecting a $30.00 fare and only receives $15.00; the passenger is upset when expecting a 50 mile trip but received only 18 miles.
A suitcase full of canned goods is very heavy.
For those of you who are inpatient for spring; be assured the trees will bud; the dandelions will bloom and the mosquitoes will survive.
I hope that your tomorrow brings some interesting things as well.
Dennis
Sunday, February 9, 2014
New Adventures
We have continued our adventure, so I will continue our open letter.
Allow me a chance to start with; we are doing fine and enjoying our adventure. Allow me another chance to say without hesitation that I did not give up my retirement to go to work as a teacher, but we are on vacation for Chinese New Year; this combined with an additional 2 weeks of student testing so we are off for 6 weeks.
So our adventure starts; we are waiting for the bus at 5:30 AM that doesn't start its route until 6:00 AM so we hail a cab and off we go to the long distant bus. After questions and the majority 3/2 is what we went with. Leaving the yard quite slow; we watched the street vendors setting up for the day. About a mile later; the warning buzzer went off and off we go. Now much faster, it is necessary to use your horn. Approximately ½ hour outside the city, we see a sign that tells us we are going in the correct direction; so lean back and relax. Going through the country, we see some drained rice fields waiting for planting and flooding. I expected to see many more factories of assembly plants considering the flood of “Made in China” products,
At the 2 hour mark, we stopped for fuel at $6.00 per gallon, although I just found out that there is liters and meters and Chinese liters / meters apparently are smaller (we discovered this when buying strawberries) and a bathroom break. (More about the bathroom later.) Another hour and into a big city; the bus parked and we follow the crowd into another crowd. We look for a 15 – 25 year old because typically they have the best English. We have found that it is hard to talk with one person; either they are concerned about making a mistake so they say no or we are flooded with several; some trying to help and some curious about us and the crowd.
We used a 3 x 5 index card to write our destination in English and also Chinese characters. This particular time; we had a man maybe 50 years old write on our card; more Chinese characters including a number 517; with a point in that direction. Off we go and a shuttle bus is parking with a 517 in the window. We sure are happy to be some of the first on because this 30 passenger bus had 40 plus people all with luggage headed towards the train station. The problem is now in reverse; we are one of the last off this shuttle and our crowd is too dispused to get a general idea of what way to go. To add to the entertainment our bus was in an accident with another bus. Nothing serious but it caused a delay. After some circles we get to the ticket window in order to locate what track or gate our train is leaving or better to say left. At this point; the train has a 5 minute head start; so running to will not help. With some generosity at the ticket window we were told to go ahead to track 18 and we could get on the next train at no extra cost. The ticket taker at the turn style stops Sue to tell her we are late and we must go back, I scoot through without my ticket getting checked because they were (3 of them) busy with Sue. Sue tries to pretend all is OK, saying ting bu dong which translates I hear you, but I don’t understand. Ting bu dong; ting bu dong and off we go to track 18. Rushing with the crowd; we find a lady that works for the train and show her our ticket; she said to get into this car (approximately 20 to choose from.) Inside we find seat number 4D and 4F and sit down. The train leaves a minute later; OK we hope this is really what we wanted. We showed the ticket to the passenger across the isle and she nods yes.
We did buy a map of China that is in English before we left and this map would be quite helpful, unfortunately we left it in Wisconsin so I am frequently lost and don’t know it. After the stop in the next city; a new passenger tells me I am in his seat. With a little comparison of the ticket; we discover we are in the wrong car. So with suitcase in hand; we are headed 4 cars back. I hadn't mentioned yet that this train is called the Bullet train and travels at 234 Kilometers per hour or about 140 miles per hour, I am not sure if this is the smaller China kilometer or if that is only used when purchasing something. The walk is actually easy; the train is quite smooth. OK from track 18 headed towards Shanghai in car 15 and seat 7 and 8; now everything is good. The next city; another bump from our seat only then do we realize we are on the 10:30 AM train not 10:00 AM, so we take another empty seat. The next you would maybe guess, ha ha you are probably wrong. The conductor is coming down the isle checking tickets. We start to guess what may happen . . . maybe we must buy a new ticket, maybe we must pay a fine for being on the wrong train, and maybe we must get off at the next stop. Across from us a young Mother with about a 2 year old boy that wanted to see more of the train then his seat; I guess this distracted the conductor and we where not examined. I was bumped from my seat 2 more times but we made it. Now outside Shanghai Train Station we are looking for hotel; Holiday Inn. We see a shuttle driver for Super 8 so we ask him, he is willing to help us get a cab for 350 RMB or almost $60.00; we guess this is a type of scam so we lost him. Another person told us about subway. They said to take line 2 to line 1 and this would take us to ZhongXing Road which is where our hotel is. While at the subway ticket office; we showed them the card with the name of our hotel on it and we were told that we wanted line 2 to line 8. We got on the subway with our luggage; changed trains; and were finally at our destination. Under the city and out the other side; asking again where is this hotel / street; the first person said about a 30 minutes walk after sitting on a bus and train for 6 hours; a walk may be good. After 20 minutes; we pass a subway entrance #3. Maybe the other user of the subway did know best. Several more responses were ahead a little, being you, don’t know but we found it; thanks to the big green H.
Let’s admit our experience on the subway the next few days. One morning while trying to find a store; we only made 5 changes before knowing where we were. Part of this problem started because there are 2 airports and I assumed we were at the other one. Please note that I am not admitting that
I made a mistake but instead that I expanded our experience and adventure.
Another experience was not realizing that there are several exits from each stop and some stops have transfers multiplying the available exits. As you may guess after a day of sightseeing upon exiting the subway we did it wrong but with some inquires and seeing the large green H we got home; so we thought. Who would have guessed that there are multiple Holiday Inns? Yes thing looked different but we assumed that we arrived by the back door, in fact our first clue was that our elevator key didn't work. As human nature goes; I opted for not asking for help at the front desk. A traffic police helped us pointing that way. Off we go, arriving at a guard rail dividing the Y in the road; we went for the one with fewer cars; but the police using his whistle advised us the other side of the guard rail with heavy traffic. As we continue towards the other green H; we go over multiple subway and train tracks. I guess between sight seeing and getting to the correct hotel we walked over 6 miles.
You may assume that we would be more careful not to make the same mistake, I would not want to disappoint you but we didn't. We realized our error at the door not all the way to the elevator. And because the bridge over the tracks had very long approaches; we went back into the subway area and exited an alternate route. Surely lightening doesn't strike the same place 3 times, well we did notice a clock tower the following evening that we hadn't seen so we turned around as entering the subway court way.
Things that we saw were Yuyuan Garden is kind of like “China Town” with traditional type buildings, tea houses, elaborate decorations, and stinky tofu and wow does it stink; we had to get a block away to avoid nausea. Also we saw People’s Square, a very nice city park. Yuyuan Bazaar is 1.5 mile pedestrian only shopping strip with porcelain, musicians, pearls and of course trinkets. Another city about 1 hour bus ride that we visited Zhujiahiao known as the Venice of China. This city has sections of walking only; shops, restaurants, museums, and of course water, bridges, and rutter propelled boats. We also toured a traditional Chinese garden and monasteries; it was very interesting.
After one of our hard walking days, we saw a Pizza Hut and thought; after 5 weeks without pizza even BAD pizza would be good. We were quite surprised that the menu had pictures; always a good sign when you can’t otherwise communicate. Also the menu was bi-lingual; another even better help. As we were paging through; we discovered a choice of pizza, steak, pasta, salads, soup, fish; chicken and pie for dessert. What a pleasant surprise; we plan to hunt out Pizza Hut whenever we feel that noodles, rice, and vegetables is at its limit.
Chinese have many sayings so I will try to pass these to you; by the way this first one is from Dennis:
Edit your goals for tomorrow if today or yesterday had no chance of accomplishing it.
Traffic in our city.
Traffic in our city.
Traffic in our city.
We thought we ordered a 3 course chicken dinner.
Traffic in our city.
Traffic in our city.
This will be a restaurant.
Shopping
Shopping
This isn't crowded.
Our hotel room
Our hotel room
This is...chicken,duck rabbit. pheasant,fish,pork,beef,lamb and ???
Traffic in our city.
I am not really reading this.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Report #2
We are settled in a bit more and now I have time to write again.
The first topic is traffic. I have heard the expression “stay off the sidewalks” because a certain teenager just got their license; or just got their license back. Well here it doesn't matter if you are on the sidewalk or front yard, center of the road, or the curb. You are fair target and it may come from any side. Or for that matter the front or behind you must watch for a hit. The size of the vehicle doesn't matter (typically not a semi; they are seldom seen.) The cement truck is probably the heaviest, good thing that he has a loud horn so you have time to get out of his way. Next would be a 3 wheeled dump truck; they are a single cylinder diesel with lots of gears. They don’t need a horn because you can hear the distinct sound; engine speed at the most is 100 RPM, travel speed maybe 10 or 15 MPH. But they have carry capacity more than 2,000 bricks. Add this together with a driver that is paid by the mile; well you know that he couldn't stop even if he wanted to.
The next step would be a bus. Their income is by the number of passengers; so he goes where the people are. It is a cheap ride; only 2 RMB or about 12 cents. It is kind of a toss up if there are more taxis or motorcycles but we will start with taxis. They are from a small car and smaller 3 wheeled cars and are usually red. You also have the choice of bus style body (seriously you thought the old Volvos were square.) 3 wheeled motorcycle or 2 wheeled with a rumba seat type taxis. The cost is by the mile with a base rate of 5 RMB. That means that the faster they get our out the quicker they can get another fair. They all have working horns although the 3 wheeled cars are more of a hum. The same driver that stops in the lane to let you out or in will also toot if someone stops in front of him so don’t know if the horn is for you; look out coming through or another obstacle.
I think it is a toss up between the private cars and the motorcycles or E-Bike (battery powered scooter) as to what is the most dangerous. The motorcycles far out number the private cars and are quite maneuverable in a crowd that they pass through but the owner of a car is an elite group and therefore should have the right of way. In both cases the horn is used to advise that you are in their way and should move. The greatest problem is when you have multiple horns; you get no time to guess if left or right instead allow your instinct to help you.
So far the closest that I have gotten is folding a mirror on a private car while being brushed by an E-Bike. Something I miss from Guatemala is the hand gestures; they gave you a clue of their intention or I could give them a quick reply.
Our next topic is food and what goes with rice or noodles. Most of you know I am not a big fan of vegetables and less of a fan of green vegetables, and even lesser fan of cooked green vegetables, and I really really do not like cooked to mush green vegetables that I don’t know what they were / are. But as you would guess that is what goes with rice and noodles.
Allow me to ramble a bit. We found some snack type foods for example ketchup flavored French fries o-boy; I like ketchup on my French fires; well they were crunchier than potato chips and I don’t know what is used for the ketchup taste but they missed it and I had the unpleasant taste for more than an hour. We found microwave popcorn; hurray then noticed it is strawberry or chocolate flavor; we are a bit skeptical; what happened to butter flavor; I don’t know. We found Lays Potato Chips. . .but they are chicken, beef, cucumber, and of course ketchup flavored. If you think that America has too many choices of breakfast cereal; wait until you shop here for soy sauce. The saltines crackers come pre buttered; my nephew Samuel would like that.
We discovered that Tofu comes in many different shapes, color, and consistency but no matter how they cook it (and they do use several varieties) it still tastes like nothing and does not need chewing.
Bought a barbecue chicken on a stick from a street vendor. . . it wasn't chicken. Sue bought some bacon later to discover it is lamb; that will be part of today’s supper.
The “meat” that is served on campus; after 2 weeks of eating it we are still only guessing, most times we guess it is duck. Someone suggested that we should bring coffee with us. We did and the 2 canisters will last all year (we don’t think so.) We haven’t found a coffee pot yet but Lidia is coming to visit up during Chinese New Year and she said she would bring us one. We think we found hamburger but will have to verify with our interpreter. We found out yesterday that the meat we thought was hamburger was really ground pork or ground lamb so the search continues.
The bread is sweet; the salt is powdered.
***IF you are skirmish skip to the next part. While in the street market in the “meat” section; they have ¼ of a cow hanging and whack off some for you with a butcher knife. You have your choice of live or dead fish; (seriously it is belly up in the tank.) Chicken or duck live or plucked and something in a pail with water, maybe something from the sea or maybe something from the chicken or duck. I have traveled and try to experience but I think I will pass on the nose from a pig.
The mushrooms are some type of a black fungus. The broth of a soup is sometimes similar to jelly fish; it can be scooped up with a fork but expect it to slide off.
A few other tidbits: Today we had to squint when looking into the sun. We were advised that it will get to freezing. Well there are icicles handing off the mops.
Mid-size 3 wheeled motorcycle pickup carries about 45 cases of book each more than a carton of reamed paper.
After a week of classes…we will tell you more later.
The first topic is traffic. I have heard the expression “stay off the sidewalks” because a certain teenager just got their license; or just got their license back. Well here it doesn't matter if you are on the sidewalk or front yard, center of the road, or the curb. You are fair target and it may come from any side. Or for that matter the front or behind you must watch for a hit. The size of the vehicle doesn't matter (typically not a semi; they are seldom seen.) The cement truck is probably the heaviest, good thing that he has a loud horn so you have time to get out of his way. Next would be a 3 wheeled dump truck; they are a single cylinder diesel with lots of gears. They don’t need a horn because you can hear the distinct sound; engine speed at the most is 100 RPM, travel speed maybe 10 or 15 MPH. But they have carry capacity more than 2,000 bricks. Add this together with a driver that is paid by the mile; well you know that he couldn't stop even if he wanted to.
The next step would be a bus. Their income is by the number of passengers; so he goes where the people are. It is a cheap ride; only 2 RMB or about 12 cents. It is kind of a toss up if there are more taxis or motorcycles but we will start with taxis. They are from a small car and smaller 3 wheeled cars and are usually red. You also have the choice of bus style body (seriously you thought the old Volvos were square.) 3 wheeled motorcycle or 2 wheeled with a rumba seat type taxis. The cost is by the mile with a base rate of 5 RMB. That means that the faster they get our out the quicker they can get another fair. They all have working horns although the 3 wheeled cars are more of a hum. The same driver that stops in the lane to let you out or in will also toot if someone stops in front of him so don’t know if the horn is for you; look out coming through or another obstacle.
I think it is a toss up between the private cars and the motorcycles or E-Bike (battery powered scooter) as to what is the most dangerous. The motorcycles far out number the private cars and are quite maneuverable in a crowd that they pass through but the owner of a car is an elite group and therefore should have the right of way. In both cases the horn is used to advise that you are in their way and should move. The greatest problem is when you have multiple horns; you get no time to guess if left or right instead allow your instinct to help you.
Our next topic is food and what goes with rice or noodles. Most of you know I am not a big fan of vegetables and less of a fan of green vegetables, and even lesser fan of cooked green vegetables, and I really really do not like cooked to mush green vegetables that I don’t know what they were / are. But as you would guess that is what goes with rice and noodles.
Allow me to ramble a bit. We found some snack type foods for example ketchup flavored French fries o-boy; I like ketchup on my French fires; well they were crunchier than potato chips and I don’t know what is used for the ketchup taste but they missed it and I had the unpleasant taste for more than an hour. We found microwave popcorn; hurray then noticed it is strawberry or chocolate flavor; we are a bit skeptical; what happened to butter flavor; I don’t know. We found Lays Potato Chips. . .but they are chicken, beef, cucumber, and of course ketchup flavored. If you think that America has too many choices of breakfast cereal; wait until you shop here for soy sauce. The saltines crackers come pre buttered; my nephew Samuel would like that.
We discovered that Tofu comes in many different shapes, color, and consistency but no matter how they cook it (and they do use several varieties) it still tastes like nothing and does not need chewing.
Bought a barbecue chicken on a stick from a street vendor. . . it wasn't chicken. Sue bought some bacon later to discover it is lamb; that will be part of today’s supper.
The “meat” that is served on campus; after 2 weeks of eating it we are still only guessing, most times we guess it is duck. Someone suggested that we should bring coffee with us. We did and the 2 canisters will last all year (we don’t think so.) We haven’t found a coffee pot yet but Lidia is coming to visit up during Chinese New Year and she said she would bring us one. We think we found hamburger but will have to verify with our interpreter. We found out yesterday that the meat we thought was hamburger was really ground pork or ground lamb so the search continues.
The bread is sweet; the salt is powdered.
***IF you are skirmish skip to the next part. While in the street market in the “meat” section; they have ¼ of a cow hanging and whack off some for you with a butcher knife. You have your choice of live or dead fish; (seriously it is belly up in the tank.) Chicken or duck live or plucked and something in a pail with water, maybe something from the sea or maybe something from the chicken or duck. I have traveled and try to experience but I think I will pass on the nose from a pig.
The mushrooms are some type of a black fungus. The broth of a soup is sometimes similar to jelly fish; it can be scooped up with a fork but expect it to slide off.
A few other tidbits: Today we had to squint when looking into the sun. We were advised that it will get to freezing. Well there are icicles handing off the mops.
Mid-size 3 wheeled motorcycle pickup carries about 45 cases of book each more than a carton of reamed paper.
After a week of classes…we will tell you more later.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)