Menu
Profile
Location
Pictures
Latest messages
|
|
As the leaves t... | (2) |
|
|
|
Zaijian Beijing | (2) |
|
|
|
奥运... | (7) |
|
|
|
Bitter sweet en... | (5) |
|
|
|
He wanted a mon... | (5) |
Keep in touch!
Yes, I would like to receive an email whenever a new message is posted!
My emailaddress:
Useful travel tips
This diary was visited 2563 times and is part of WhereAreYou.net
Message
me,
1 November 2008
China Nanjing
As the leaves turn...
Doesn't time fly? Whew!
Happy Halloween!
No, China doesn't celebrate the holiday. But people know it from Hollywood etc. The English Club on campus (Nanjing Normal University) had a "gala" last night. And guess who was the honorific guest? That's right - Yours truly. Chinese gatherings are so interesting. Students sit in nice rows listening to presentations, play orderly games (with rewards and punishments), and sing songs (they heart karaoke). My favorite part was telling scary stories. Ha. There's something deep down -deep deep down- wrong with me because I really enjoyed scaring them with this tale about a normal-gone-crazed foreign teacher and her slaughtered students. Te he he...
The weather is turning cold in Nanjing. And everyone seems to be happy as Fall is the most beautiful season here, especially on Zhong Shan Mountain National Park) and (XuanWu Lake). Of course I am very happy as well.
Teaching at (NanShiDa, Nanjing Shifan Daxue, Nanjing Normal University) is beyond expectations. Students continue to self-motivate and have lasting interest in lessons. Together, we've built ties, sharing ideas and having laughs, even a little break dancing every now and then. As a teacher I enjoy independence from the university. And you know me, I really like creating things and moving people's ideas. My job is mucho grande entertaining and doesn't feel like a job at all. I only give lessons on two days a week.
And you ask, What does Nichole do with that massive quantity of free time? (Besides enjoying her cozy little apartment and fantastic location in the middle of the city). ! I study Chinese - a lot. The "Ni Hao class" at starts from the basics, I mean the basic basics. But in two months we've already finished the first intensive book! That's pretty far along in vocabulary. I can buy French perfume in Chinese. 
Wow, Chinese is so different from English. ...Did you know I practically failed English in first grade? Yeah, I think my mom paid the teacher to pass me. (Good thing I'm an English teacher! A ha ha, aaaanyway...) Chinese is a different world, a world I like. Writing is visual, like drawing. Grammar is wickedly easy. There aren't even capital letters or necessary commas! And character combinations to form words and syntax is logical and ordered. All together, my mind relates to Chinese. Now my lazy tongue just needs to catch up. Tones are a whole notha' story!
Else wise this Fall, I've had a lovely trip to Shanghai, cheered for (Jiangsu) at a provincial soccer game, explored new parks, and met new friends. Some friends and I make dates every week. On Tuesday night, I walk the campus track with a doctor. His English is just as bad as my Chinese. Always interesting conversations. My best friend and I just picked up frisbee. Fantastic! On Thursdays, me and another American teacher meet with two Chinese friends and chat on culture and news at McDonald's (its a hip place to chill, like Starbucks in US). Speaking of news! I'm glued to my podcasts, listening to all the latest from BBC/NPR on the failed economy and the Rachel Maddow show on elections. Yes, I mailed in my absentee ballot. What an intense season for the United States! My thoughts and hopes are with you.
Sooooooooo, how are you doing?! What's new in life, diseases and promotions alike? Are the economy issues just as vague and mysterious on home soil as they are abroad? Are affects turning into reality in South Africa and Holland? What about that Zuma? Will US voter turn-out be pathetic as always? Or is Obama and McCain stirring people up? Stirring the world up? China knows what's happening. Did you make a crazy Halloween costume this year? Pictures - top priority!
Sorry I myself don't have pictures lately. But that's a good thing. I don't feel so foreign anymore, and definitely not a tourist. Will work on that. Would you like to see my apartment and the students?
Miss you madly. I really do.
(I miss you/ Wo xiang ni)
(I love you/ Wo ai ni)
n
React to this message
Gift tip
The adventure has finished!
Reactions to this message
So good to hear you are doing well and having fun this year! It is amazing what you go through the first year. Yes, I would put in a vote to see pics of apartment and students and campus. Even some abstract stuff. Will try to learn to do the same.
Good to hear from you,
A
So wonderful to hear from you. I've been very busy. After finally leaving Reno, I came home to Hurricane, fortunately we were spared. I soon left for Misssouri where I spent 3 weeks with friends. Denny had open heart surgery and 5 by passes. He's doing well and on the mend. I came home to a wonderful visit from my grandbaby girl-Izzy. She was here for her first Halloween we all had a glorisous time. Have you heard that Saundra is lN LOVE!!! It's awesome. I haven't met Clint yet but hope to soon. Continue enjoying your time in China, and thanks for sending Troy the info about China.
Love you,
Pam