Class activity

I had my students write a story together.  Each was allowed to write three words on the chalkboard.  Here are the results from one class:

 

American Breakfast

Today I invited some friends over for a typical American breakfast, except that I invited them over for dinner because who eats real breakfast in the morning anyway?  Actually, I do. This semester I only have one morning class on Thursday so I have time to make a real breakfast.  In fact, I often eat a prebreakfast while making breakfast, which is closely followed by brunch.

Anyway, for dinner tonight I wanted to treat George, my old boss, who has treated me countless times to KTV, movies, or dinner.  He brought his friend Rainbow and Vivian, who is an old student of mine.  We made crepes (pancakes are too difficult in a wok on a hot plate) and a potato dish (not sure how that's breakfast) and pizza :).      

As we were sitting down, Vivian was struggling to choose a seat.  I was confused until she asked me, "It is custom in your culture that this is the host chair?"  I laughed and said I had no idea but it made me think about all the customs we study before we come to China and our customs that they expect when they are invited to an American's apartment for dinner.

I rarely think of such things anymore.  Sometimes I'm not even sure anymore which customs are Chinese. In China you always offer your guest something to drink the moment they step in the door.  Is that American too?  Because to me it feels so natural and even necessary.  But I am not good at fighting to pay the bill and now I'm wondering if I should have walked my guests to the gate, even though they told me it was too cold to go outside.  It's funny how fighting is polite.  I think people here must just be programmed to always consider others' needs.  I have to fight with a student to keep her from carrying my bag of groceries for me.  When students buy fruit, they buy a lot, because they're buying it for all their friends to share.  And if they just happen to run into you, they'll give you some of it!  They say, "It is just the Chinese way."

      

Lessons learned in China #10

There's nothing like some sweet and sour pork with sprinkles on top.   Mmm...

Lessons learned in China #9

You can buy yogurt from a vending machine!  :)

Lessons learned in China #8

You never know who you will meet and when.

It may be dark and you may be in the woods on a path hiking towards your hostel but unsure of which path to take when the most nimble old man appears and guides you to the road and helps you find a taxi.

You may on a train with a sick friend when you meet a women with a baby who speaks very good English and is willing to do anything she can to help you.  And when it's 2AM and you don't speak the langauge and your friend probably has food poisoning, knowing that you can "dial a translator" means a lot to you.  It is even more incredible when you find out that she is also a Sister.  And you are reminded once again that there is One who helps us so much, sometimes in little ways, sometimes in big ways, and his power has no limits or borders.    

Lessons learned in China #7

A guide book, despite being large and cumbersome, can be very useful in certain settings. Say for example that you are on a 12 hour train ride.  It's 2AM and you still have about six hours left and your friend has been rushing for the bathroom every half hour for the past 5 hours.  If you have a guide book, you find an available hostel at the next stop.  But calling ahead and letting them know that you are coming is only possible because of lesson #8....

Lessons learned in China #6

This is pretty accurate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wjZ_QcGlk4

I am trying to learn a little bit of Chinese.  Most of what I can say, can be more easily gestured (left! right! I want this one!), but I can ask someone where they are from.  I can also say that my friend is very sick and throwing up. This was surprising useful on one unfortunate train ride, which brings me to lesson learned #7....