16th Jan


Checklist:
Lush, sweet apples
Comfy bed
Cold floor, cold water, cold air!


Something, something, something, pause. This lady doesn't stop talking, nor have any facial expressions, as the lift goes down to level 1. * 'Wu ting bu dong. Ni shwore ying wen ma?' [I don't understand. Do you speak English?] Still she chats on, I think something has clearly got to her this morning. Ping, level 1. I hold the front door open for her, 'xiexie' [thank you] and she smiles.


It's winter season so where I thought I had days off, for now I'll be at school for what sounds like the whole week. Pupils come in for lessons as they wouldn't usually be able to because of their parents work, travel issues etc. Tomorrow I'll be taking my first lesson with Kindergarten and elder Elementory. I don't think there's much focus on these lessons, being that they aren't actual pupils at All Young School, but I've been given my text books and I'm looking through the subject areas for the 50-60 minute lesson. Sounds like it'll be a great way of getting experience before taking on the actual classes, which I'm nervous about. It's not like Uganda, writing on the blackboard and the class taking notes. Each class is an 1 and half, split into two lessons, with a ten minute break. Lesson notes are wrote on the blackboard, such as new words, review old word, review sentences… I do my 40 minute lesson, crossing off what I've done and then after break the next teacher checks the board, continuing from there. It seems to be spontanious, thinking on your feet. The children don't have exercise books but a copy of a text book, when or if we're using them. The new words and grammer each lesson have to be put into context with flashcards, games and singing. There's a lot of exaggerated gestures, 'funny' actions, repeatative words and movement. I suppose, I'm not going to lie, I thought it was going to be easy but from observing lessons, it's not and a lot off effort from yourself has to be put in, which of course I will be doing, it's just so different and I can only hope what I do is right and it's what Felix is looking for, as I can easily see myself staying here, seems great!


Freda (Felix's wife) took me to the Walmart, it was packed. There were so many stalls ranging from tea leaves to underwear. The supermarket was hectic. I'm not sure how I'm going to get on going there on my own, as everything is in Chinese, sometimes even the numbers. 'Huh, how much is that please?' They stare at me blankly. 'Okay I'll just take it'
I'm looking forward to learning more Mandarin, to help me get by independently, as English is clearly not commonly used!


Packet of noodles for dinner, yumm considering I couldn't read the box, estimating the time of cooking and what sachets to use. When I find my feet, I'll start cooking for myself and not from unhealthy, yet tasty boxes.


My Chinese number is; +86 137 7440 6977
Ending in double 7, as number 7 is goodluck!

Emma x x x

*This is not the correct spelling, but wrote how it sounds when speak. I can only spell shorter sentences/words.