changing leaves, changing seasons

Last night was the first night of official cool weather in the city of Beijing. I was walking in Hou Hai to meet a friend for dinner, and I needed to put on a scarf it was so windy. The trees were showing a hint of red and my nose was getting cold. I could not only see change around me, but feel it as well.

Over the past four years, I have experienced fall in many different cities, but I have to say Beijing is my absolute favourite. The character of this city is at its best in Fall. The colour of temples seems to become more vibrant among the surrounding reds and yellows of maple trees. The mountains hugging the outskirts of the city seemingly call you to climb their hills, and the traditional culture of Beijing comes alive as people prepare for special holidays like National Day and Mid-Autumn festival, by putting bright red lanterns in front of their homes.

Over the coming weeks, I have a few visitors coming to Beijing. My original excitement for this city has come around again. The possibility of more places to see, more experiences to have, looms around every corner. Just something I was thinking about today.

The city of Beijing is in it’s month of preparation. Preparation for the big National Holiday in October. Basically, China’s 60^th Birthday. Everyday, as I make my way to work on my bicycle, and cycle down the famous Changan Avenue, I notice something new. A few days ago, it was a huge presence of police lining the streets. Yesterday, it was bright flowers that were being watered and used to decorate the corner of the street. Today, it was the military jets parading in the sky as they evidently rehearsed for what promises to be a poignant day in China’s history.

I love the atmosphere this kind of event brings. Traffic goes slower, people stop to look, and everyone has to re-arrange their plans in some way or another. The city is caused to pause.

As I couldn’t take my usual route home, I took the back streets just around the corner from Changan. I was brought back to the original reason why this city has its charm and intrigue.

Hutongs. Old style alleyways, with traditional Beijing architecture.

People here are out on the streets, enjoying BBQ, having a beer or selling flowers at their shop. Couples walking hand in hand, local vendors selling fruit, and cute cafes with soft lighting. The local life in Beijing is what adds character to this city. At night, there is a glow that comes from these streets. I found myself slowing down and was reminded – this is the China I came to see. This is the China that captivates me.

so, my mom turned 60...

Recently, my beautiful mom had her 60th birthday. As I'm in China, I couldn't be there, which was so difficult. I decided to make light of the situation and get someone at her party to read this outloud. I had so much fun writing it. I hope she liked it!

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Mom, I really can't believe that this moment is here. You are 20 years old! Happy Birthday. What a milestone. You are in your prime! You have so much ahead of you - drinking with your "cool mature" friends around the university; traveling to a third world country in October with your boyfriend; trying experimental procedures (aka. lasic eye surgury); and going off early in the morning to attempt nursing classes with a huge hangover. My, my, what a great age!

(Pause here.)....

Oh, wait...your 60?? 60 years old? Someone obviously forget to keep me in the loop. Seriously. How do you hide your age so well? What is your secret?

Mom, you are a gem. I can imagine, knowing you are there right now, with your "cool mature" friends, celebrating (ahem. Everyone - could turn to Sheila for me and see if there is a bottle of wine next to her........see? I told you. She just likes to try and fit in with you all)

But seriously, Mom you deserve every thing good today. Everything fun, beautiful, hilarious and wonderful. You are my mom, my teacher, my nurse, my mentor and my friend. Even though I have been living away, the miles immediately disappear as soon as I hear, "Hi honey...," on the phone. I love that I can laugh with you about the silly things, cry with you about the serious things, and learn from you about the life things. I love your energy towards life and the light you add to any room.

I can't wait for you and Dad to come and see me next month. Interesting, you and China are both turning 60 this year!! But don't worry - unlike China, you are 60 years young!

Mom, I hope you have having such a great evening, surrounded by the people you love. I wish I could be there. I love you mom!!

Jane.

impressions of thailand

(sunset, pattaya)

Travel has been my teacher, one that I keep learning from again and again.

I’ve been home from my trip to Thailand for a week now. As I have been pouring through my photos from this country, I felt like I soaked in an adventure. In just the week I was there, this country left some impressions on me that I wanted to share with you.

When you are greeted by the Thai people, they extend to you a “sawadeeka!” with a beautiful smile, and place the palms of their hands together and bow. As I traveled to a few different countries and citites over the past couple years, I love learning about the nuances each place has. I think the way you are greeted by someone, shapes how you see them. I really got the sense that generally the Thai people are very peaceful and open. Since living in China, I have developed this theory called “the blonde hair/blue eyes syndrome.” While many places make you feel like you are an outsider, China not only does this but also examines your every little, tiny seemingly insignificant difference from the Chinese. At times, a simple walk down the street can sometimes be a hard pill to swallow. In the short time I was in Thailand, I was said hello to several times, and was treated with kindness at first glance by random strangers.

(traditional thai crown, bangkok)

Thai architecture. It is among the most intricate, pristine and colourful I have seen yet. The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a good example of this. At every turn, you see stunning towers, columns and bright reds and golds. Every statue, every corridor, every doorway has a distinct purpose or gives you a sense of symmetry. Getting to photograph this place was such a highlight for me.

(janice and i at the bangkok airport)

I live for moments like these. One night in Pattaya, I decided to walk to the beach from our hotel (all of 2 minutes) to take a swim. I managed to arrive there just as the sun was setting. Perhaps, it was the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen. Brilliant colours – blues, pinks, reds, all reflecting on the warm water. As I swam with this gorgeous view in front of me, I stretched out my hands and took in a deep breath.

(floating market, pattaya)

As I sat to think about the places we saw (the Reclining Buddha, the Grand Palace Wat Po), the things we did (visited a floating market and rode an elephant), I felt so lucky. Every experience always teaches me something new and helps me realize that this world is so diverse, colourful and beautiful.

(my bag, at the Grand Palace)

It also reminded me that I really do like living in China. It just took me some time outside to gain perspective again. I want to keep learning and keeping seeing new things and enjoying my job and the people I meet. Keep living life with my eyes wide open.

(janice and i at the grand palace, bangkok)

I'm slowly uploading my pictures. You can check them out here: www.flickr.com/photos/myfeetandi

5 best moments of my day

1. A student telling me he passed his CET4 English Exam, after the 5^th try. He bought me ice cream to say thank you for helping him speak English more confidently.

2. Getting a beautiful email from a previous student Emma, who told me she missed my classes and that she took my advice about how to maintain her English.

3. Telling a student I have English corner the next teaching hour, and seeing him bolt to the front desk to get a token for my class.

4. A while back, a student by the name of “Joy” and I were discussing HIS (yes, a guy!) name and I suggested that perhaps he think about changing it to a more suitable male name (*when in my life would I actually have the chance to do this? Change someone’s name?! That is insane. That is China) Anyways, I had later suggested the name of “Josh,” as it sounded similar to his Chinese name. He looked a little hesitant and said he would think about it. A few days after that, he informed me that he not only changed his name to Josh, but he got a new name plate on his office door and new business cards made up for himself. He politely handed me his new card, to which I accepted (in the Chinese way) with both hands.

5.English Corner. I gave the students 15 random pictures of men and women of different races, varying appearances and styles. Each group was handed questions to answer about these people. Eg. “Who would you hire for a job? Who would you go on a date with? Who would you talk to on the subway? Who is most likely to be married? Who looks the most trustworthy?” etc. I wanted them to answer the questions, based solely on the people’s appearance. We got into a very heated discussion about the information we use on a person’s face and appearance to make our decision about their identity. Apparently, "all foreigners are untrustworthy" and “an ugly man is not allowed to have children”

Solid gold.

reflections on second person

This week in my English corner I was discussing with the students, “If you could do anything you wanted, what would be your dream job?”

Now, one thing I’m learning about Chinese culture is that there seems to be little chance or space for imagination, without the practicality of money, their parent’s expectations or societies demands, seemingly getting in the way. As I sat there and talked with this group of eight students, I sensed there was a light that went off in each of them. Dim, yet still present. I knew this would be a challenge for them to articulate something that maybe they have never really discussed before. Here are the most beautiful answers I got from them:

“I would love to be a travel journalist”

“A farmer on an organic field.”

“An artist.”

“I want to be some one who judges food (a food critic)”

“I would absolutely love to be a Chinese art restorer.”


“An English teacher”

“A musician”

I think in Western society, a lot of these could be very well possible. In China, they are almost next to impossible for reasons that Western young people don’t even need to consider. After class, one of the students told me that it was really hard for her to express what she truly wanted or desired so candidly. Recently, in my classes I have noticed a trend in the way students express themselves.

I say, “Imagine you are a _______, what would you do?” Usually the answer comes in 1st person. Eg. I would/I could…etc.

In China, most students answer in 2nd person. “You would be able to/You can…” In class, I constantly find myself reminding them to say, “I.” This is no fault of their own, it is simple the Chinese way. Thinking of the group before thinking of themselves. I could talk until I’m blue in the face about this, but I’ve learned that I need to meet the students where they are at, and encourage them in what they are capable of doing. Also, I want to challenge them to develop their own thinking. Then again, I need to realize I’m not set out to change them, I first need to understand them, and understand myself.

I loved this English Corner the other night. The students and I somehow found a middle ground between each other. I love my job and the things I am caused to consider because of it.

Hi everyone. Just to let you all know, I still don’t have access to facebook. The reason you will be getting my blog posts on facebook is cause my blogger works with my facebook account. I don’t know when I will be back. This is the joy (sense my sarcasm) of living in China. I can't really give more details. Feel free to email me at jane.eleanor.jeanette@gmail.com if you want to keep in touch for now. I miss updating you on the funny little things that happen in my day to day life here. But, you can also check out my blog and pictures at www.myfeetandi.blogspot.com. I try to update this as often as I can!