Friday, October 4, 2013
Creepy Crawlies and Nanshan Park
We went hiking around Nanshan Park a couple of days ago. Once we got past the crowds at the bottom of the mountain, we had a great time! It was wonderful to see "natural nature" again, as one friend put it. We hope you enjoy the photos!
Thursday, October 3, 2013
FLOOD!
Unusual humidity for this time of year had plagued Yantai for a week. "Why doesn't it just rain and get it over with?!" I wondered to myself on several of these sticky, sweaty days. Then, Monday came. Some rain sprinkled throughout the school day, then students went home, leaving the teachers to their never-ending planning and preparation. As I click click clicked away on my keyboard, the skies became darker and darker. Then, around 3:45pm, the real rain came. It pounded on the roof and on the sidewalk and on unsuspecting victims outside. Hmm, I thought to myself as I continued my work. "Hopefully this will stop by the time we are ready to go home..."
It was quitting time, but rain had decided to work overtime. Zach and I waited in the school for a bit longer, hoping that the rain would stop, or at least let up a little. It did not. We decided to try to brave our way home through it on our bicycles, but after experiencing the sheer amount of water already on the ground and pelting down from the sky, decided once again to try to wait it out. Giving up, we rushed back into the school building, and joined the mishmash of students, parents, and fellow teachers looking viligently out from the foyer to the situation outside. "It has to stop soon!" we all seemed to be thinking. But it didn't. Some began to say that the street outside was flooding. Zach and I then knew that waiting it out was futile. The local sewer/storm drain system had been failing lately, flooding the bike path after only small amounts of rain. This water had nowhere to go.
We then resolved to fight our way home on our mighty bicycle steeds. Before we had reached the school's front gate, we were three quarters' drenched. After exiting the school gate, we saw the real challenge before us. Tianshan Road was completely flooded, including the adjacent bike path and raised sidewalk. Cars had stalled in the road after trying to ford the flood. Waves of water rushed over the sidewalk as if the tide was coming in all the way from the ocean. On the sidewalk, the water level was at about calf-height-- and rising. We mounted our bicycles, and pedaled our way through the flood. Water filled our shoes with every pedal forward, and the rain soaked everything else. Memories of watching floods on the news flashed into my head, which was followed with the bad feeling that this wasn't such a good idea.
But we had to make it.
And we did. We pushed our way down the sidewalk, made our way carefully across the traffic jam at the intersection, and got onto the relatively dry sidewalk on the other side. We splashed our way through the little village, pushed through the gate, and made it dripping from head to toe into our building. We were preceded by one of our neighbors and his little daughter. They were running in to the building carrying a bulging bag of Yantai apples. Soaked to the bone, and relieved to be out of the rain, we all tumbled into the elevator. But not before our neighbor opened his bag of apples and told us each to take one. The apples were big and beautiful, and smelled delicious. We protested, as we should according to custom, but he continued to urge us as he should according to custom. But his kindness was genuine. We accepted his kind offer, remarked how delicious they looked, and each retreated to our safe and dry apartments.
I will always remember this day. The day we rode our bicycles through a flood, and also a day when apples became an extraordinary kindness.
It was quitting time, but rain had decided to work overtime. Zach and I waited in the school for a bit longer, hoping that the rain would stop, or at least let up a little. It did not. We decided to try to brave our way home through it on our bicycles, but after experiencing the sheer amount of water already on the ground and pelting down from the sky, decided once again to try to wait it out. Giving up, we rushed back into the school building, and joined the mishmash of students, parents, and fellow teachers looking viligently out from the foyer to the situation outside. "It has to stop soon!" we all seemed to be thinking. But it didn't. Some began to say that the street outside was flooding. Zach and I then knew that waiting it out was futile. The local sewer/storm drain system had been failing lately, flooding the bike path after only small amounts of rain. This water had nowhere to go.
We then resolved to fight our way home on our mighty bicycle steeds. Before we had reached the school's front gate, we were three quarters' drenched. After exiting the school gate, we saw the real challenge before us. Tianshan Road was completely flooded, including the adjacent bike path and raised sidewalk. Cars had stalled in the road after trying to ford the flood. Waves of water rushed over the sidewalk as if the tide was coming in all the way from the ocean. On the sidewalk, the water level was at about calf-height-- and rising. We mounted our bicycles, and pedaled our way through the flood. Water filled our shoes with every pedal forward, and the rain soaked everything else. Memories of watching floods on the news flashed into my head, which was followed with the bad feeling that this wasn't such a good idea.
But we had to make it.
And we did. We pushed our way down the sidewalk, made our way carefully across the traffic jam at the intersection, and got onto the relatively dry sidewalk on the other side. We splashed our way through the little village, pushed through the gate, and made it dripping from head to toe into our building. We were preceded by one of our neighbors and his little daughter. They were running in to the building carrying a bulging bag of Yantai apples. Soaked to the bone, and relieved to be out of the rain, we all tumbled into the elevator. But not before our neighbor opened his bag of apples and told us each to take one. The apples were big and beautiful, and smelled delicious. We protested, as we should according to custom, but he continued to urge us as he should according to custom. But his kindness was genuine. We accepted his kind offer, remarked how delicious they looked, and each retreated to our safe and dry apartments.
I will always remember this day. The day we rode our bicycles through a flood, and also a day when apples became an extraordinary kindness.
From "2 years in China" to 3
To all our readers:
So sorry that we have not been writing. For many reasons--which I don't care to spend time writing about--last year was a very stressful year, and generally an unpleasant one.
But now...it is our third year in China! We began working our third year at Yew Wah with restrained hopes and caution: "We will wait and see..." We knew that the school year would begin with a brand new co-principal, I would be back in Grade 1 instead of Grade 3, and Zach would yet again be given new responsibilities. We are now almost two months in to the school year, and our outlook on "things" has developed.
As for me, I have a large class of bright, bubbly Grade 1 students who are generally excited to learn English! So far, these students' parents seem very supportive of the education of their children. I am very happy to be these students' English teacher, and I don't mind teaching Grade 1 again because of them! Zach says that he enjoys his new responsibilities, and still enjoys cheering on his lower secondary students. I don't know how he does it! As for the other things, the jury is still out.
We are full of many hopes for this new year. We hope that we can get back into studying Chinese. We hope that we can learn to be even more independent residents of Yantai. We hope that we can help other expats living here. We hope that our school and foundation will make good choices. We hope that we can continue to be good teachers for our students. Cheers to Year 3!
So sorry that we have not been writing. For many reasons--which I don't care to spend time writing about--last year was a very stressful year, and generally an unpleasant one.
But now...it is our third year in China! We began working our third year at Yew Wah with restrained hopes and caution: "We will wait and see..." We knew that the school year would begin with a brand new co-principal, I would be back in Grade 1 instead of Grade 3, and Zach would yet again be given new responsibilities. We are now almost two months in to the school year, and our outlook on "things" has developed.
As for me, I have a large class of bright, bubbly Grade 1 students who are generally excited to learn English! So far, these students' parents seem very supportive of the education of their children. I am very happy to be these students' English teacher, and I don't mind teaching Grade 1 again because of them! Zach says that he enjoys his new responsibilities, and still enjoys cheering on his lower secondary students. I don't know how he does it! As for the other things, the jury is still out.
We are full of many hopes for this new year. We hope that we can get back into studying Chinese. We hope that we can learn to be even more independent residents of Yantai. We hope that we can help other expats living here. We hope that our school and foundation will make good choices. We hope that we can continue to be good teachers for our students. Cheers to Year 3!
Friday, July 19, 2013
Concerts in the park, Paso Robles. Inga Swearingen is pretty...
Concerts in the park, Paso Robles. Inga Swearingen is pretty awesome.
via Tumblr http://sreppok.tumblr.com/post/55915814829
Friday, June 28, 2013
I had already decided to have a urinal in my garage. After...
I had already decided to have a urinal in my garage. After seeing this I will have a cup holder as well.
via Tumblr http://sreppok.tumblr.com/post/54091563267
Friday, June 14, 2013
Yes this is a law in China ...
Yes this is a law in China. Yes, most people break this law. Yes, most business look at you funny when you ask if they allow smoking.
via Tumblr http://sreppok.tumblr.com/post/53005871399
Good advice for men ...
I have seen many variants of this sign in China. I love how it always translates into “civilization,” as if hitting a urinal (instead of the floor) is the defining line between a civilized society and complete anarchy.
Although, this probably makes the USA the latter …
via Tumblr http://sreppok.tumblr.com/post/52996638150
Friday, June 7, 2013
At Zhaohu Mountain near Qingdao. This is a fake Daoist temple...
At Zhaohu Mountain near Qingdao. This is a fake Daoist temple made to be a tourist attraction. It is beautiful, but fake.
via Tumblr http://sreppok.tumblr.com/post/52426041465
5 years ago today, I married my best friend. Mikaela, I love you...
5 years ago today, I married my best friend. Mikaela, I love you so much! Thanks for sticking by me in this awesome adventure.
via Tumblr http://sreppok.tumblr.com/post/52370377435
Thursday, June 6, 2013
An awesome cake that Mikaela made for her co-teacher. It may not...
An awesome cake that Mikaela made for her co-teacher. It may not seem like a big deal, but making a cake in China just seems more exciting!
via Tumblr http://sreppok.tumblr.com/post/52301099462
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Mikaela’s look of concentration as she beats me at...
Mikaela’s look of concentration as she beats me at Settler’s of Catan.
via Tumblr http://sreppok.tumblr.com/post/51949220626
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Nice hot day in Yantai.
Nice hot day in Yantai.
via Tumblr http://sreppok.tumblr.com/post/51679884711
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
9 1/2 Minutes of Yu Garden
One of my favorite things about China: the gardens.
Oh, the gardens! I could tell you, but why not show you?
While visiting the famous Yu Garden of Old Shanghai, we decided to make a walk-through video for the benefit of all of you back home. Please forgive the walking motion--this film was a last-minute idea, and we did not have our tripod. Regardless, we wish that you will enjoy your own tour through a part of Yu Garden!
Oh, the gardens! I could tell you, but why not show you?
While visiting the famous Yu Garden of Old Shanghai, we decided to make a walk-through video for the benefit of all of you back home. Please forgive the walking motion--this film was a last-minute idea, and we did not have our tripod. Regardless, we wish that you will enjoy your own tour through a part of Yu Garden!
Chinese New Year
Its getting time for Spring Festival again! This is the time when Americans make their way to a Chinese Restaurant, stumble out some Chinese phrases, and find out what year of the Chinese Zodiac they were born in!
So, in honor of this excellent, long, and old cultural tradition, I will now share some facts with you.
First, Chinese New Year falls inside a Chinese State holiday called Spring Festival. This holiday usually lasts 2-4 weeks, but most people only get a week off. During this time travel in China is very popular, and very expensive. Most people go home to their families during this time.
Chinese New Year is February 10th this year. It begins on the first day of the 13th lunar month, but their are many more complicated rules associated with it, and all you need to know is that it moves a bit every year. Starting on this day is when most people get at least a few days off, and almost every is closed! Last year, we weren't quite prepared, and we almost ran out of food.
The Chinese give money gifts to their families in Red Envelopes, and that money must be new. In addition, it must be an even number, and that number cannot add up to 4, 40, 400, or any other amount beginning with 4, as that number is unlucky. Households here in China hang red paper banners over their outside door frames, as these also bring luck.
However, the most iconic thing about this Festival is the fireworks! Fireworks were invented in China in the 7th century. Since loud noises ward off evil spirits, its important to make AS MUCH NOISE AS POSSIBLE! Mikaela and I live in a relatively small town (6.5 million), spread out as much as Los Angeles, but we still got INUNDATED with fireworks all around us! So, in honor of this upcoming Festival, here is last year's fireworks video we made. Enjoy!
So, in honor of this excellent, long, and old cultural tradition, I will now share some facts with you.
First, Chinese New Year falls inside a Chinese State holiday called Spring Festival. This holiday usually lasts 2-4 weeks, but most people only get a week off. During this time travel in China is very popular, and very expensive. Most people go home to their families during this time.
Chinese New Year is February 10th this year. It begins on the first day of the 13th lunar month, but their are many more complicated rules associated with it, and all you need to know is that it moves a bit every year. Starting on this day is when most people get at least a few days off, and almost every is closed! Last year, we weren't quite prepared, and we almost ran out of food.
The Chinese give money gifts to their families in Red Envelopes, and that money must be new. In addition, it must be an even number, and that number cannot add up to 4, 40, 400, or any other amount beginning with 4, as that number is unlucky. Households here in China hang red paper banners over their outside door frames, as these also bring luck.
However, the most iconic thing about this Festival is the fireworks! Fireworks were invented in China in the 7th century. Since loud noises ward off evil spirits, its important to make AS MUCH NOISE AS POSSIBLE! Mikaela and I live in a relatively small town (6.5 million), spread out as much as Los Angeles, but we still got INUNDATED with fireworks all around us! So, in honor of this upcoming Festival, here is last year's fireworks video we made. Enjoy!
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