Last week, my students invited me to the popular KTV (karaoke). In the U.S., karoake is on the list of things-I-wouldn't-do-for-$1,000. But, I love my students and wanted to spend as much time with them as possible. So I agreed.

Fortunately, KTV is divided into private rooms. It also provides an amazing buffet service--we ate constantly from 4-8 pm! And while my students knew more English pop songs than I did, I made it through "Do-Re-Mi," "Puff the Magic Dragon," and "Scarborough Fair." It ended up being a great evening together.

This morning our excursion was closer to my interests: we climbed Mount Baiyun. However, before you get images of grassy peaks or secluded woods, remember that I am in China! Climbing Mount Baiyu is obviously the social thing to do in Guangzhou, for it seemed that everyone was there this morning. There are two ways to climb this 400 meter mountain: by a paved, heavily traveled road, or a steep staircase. We chose the road on the way up and the stairs on the way down.

Despite the crowds, it was actually a beautiful hike. It was a warm day for hiking (100 F), but we enjoyed being out of the city--or at least, above the city--and the scenery was beautiful. At the top, we could see the sprawling city of Guangzhou...on all sides!

The time has flown by--since my last post, we've celebrated Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and two weddings! That's in addition to 28 classes and several other Methodology lectures and culture presentations. Each day brings another memory. I will never again see a Santa Claus without thinking of our trainee making an exceptional St. Nick, striding down the aisle shouting "woe, woe, woe!"


Along with classes and presentations, I've visited a student's house, gone shopping several times (so much for Americans being shopaholics. The famous Tee Mall in Guangzhou has 8 levels!), and tried many a new cuisine.


Tonight, however, topped every other experience so far. We were taken on a magical river cruise down the Pearl River (see below).

Speak Slowly and Carry an Umbrella

This was the first lesson I learned at Guangzhou! Umbrellas are used in rain or sun; everyone carries them, and they cost about 9 Yuan (approximately $1.20).


This week, our team has learned alot about waiting without complaining! Because of the Olympics, our schedules are different this summer and we arrived one whole week before our students arrived. We've tried to keep ourselves occupied with lesson planning, but we're all looking forward to getting keys to our classrooms and meeting our students on Friday.


During training, we were told--warned, actually--about culture shock, so I was surprised at how easy the adjustment has been so far. The people are so welcoming and loving! And we have been well provided for. On Monday evening we were given a banquet with the president and vice-president of the college that is hosting us. The food was delicious, albeit interesting! We were served 11 dishes consisting of everything from fish to tofu to a chicken with head, beak, and all. In China, everything is served on a round table in the middle, and everyone grabs what they want with their chopsticks. Our team has been using chopsticks since our arrival, but we still gave our hosts some amusement!

Guangzhou is huge. And busy. The traffic puts NYC to shame! The little dotted lines in the road are there merely to keep the line-painting people in business. I'm pleasantly surprised every time the bus returns us to campus in one piece!

Coming soon: July Fourth--in China!

Leaving LA!

Ni hao!

The last 6 days I've been in training in the hot city of Azusa. I've been blessed with an amazing team and team leader. Now we're ready to get to China! In a few minutes my team will be boarding a bus to take us to the airport, from where we'll fly to Hong Kong and take a bus to Guangzhou.

Please lift us up for safe travel across the Pacific. It will be a long airplane ride!

I'll try updating soon...from the People's Republic of China!