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Hello everyone,
I had a lovely week off, for National Holiday (the 62nd birthday of the Mao's People's Republic of China) but as a result we all had to then work the weekend as well as the week after!! 7 whole days in school :( I cannot complain though as every worker has been made to do the same - its the governments decision, so literallly - can't complain! ha
During my week off, I explored alot of the places in Beijing I had wanted to go to for a while, but hadn't had the chance. I checked out the touristy areas, where I saw other westerners! eee! I also checked out several of the lovely city parks.. which are so big that you forget you are in a polluted capital! Ritan Park was one such park, a beautiful stroll here came complete with old women doing tai-chi (more on this later) and groups playing traditional Chinese instruments. I also saw people playing mahjongg, painting, caligraphy and kung fu!
Street Dancing - Many workers and particularly the elderley start each day with morning exercise. As I walk to the bus-stop I see tai-chi, tai-chi with swords and a beauty salon who have perfected a dance to pop music. I have even seen 80 year olds doing hip hop!! I keep meaning to wake up early enough to join them. hehe
Western Fascination - Beijing is a multi cultural city, but I live in the outer suburbs where few white people ever go! I have to keep reminding myself that this country was closed to foreigners until 30 years ago when it was opened back up for travellers. I get alot of sideways glances and stares when they do not think I am looking - but as soon as they know I'm aware they are staring they look away! I have started to milk this, and if I am on my own on the bus or tube I start my own little social experiments. Obviously not worried about being watched, some may say I am a bit of an attention seeker ! - I put my headphones in and dance a little, and mouth the words to see if I get reactions. Most people are amazed, but dont want to let on! No-body else acts this way on the bus, they all sit in complete silence and look stony-faced, and they probably think I am some crazy westerner!! haha!!
My appearance - it is not only my crazy dancing and singing on buses which gets me attention! My appearance also seems to invite questions, alot seem interested in my freckles and my blue eyes - as chinese have brown eyes! In fact one girl in my class asked me "Are those real big eyes?" I didn't know what she meant.. after asking a few more questions I discovered that she thought they were contacts as she couldn't believe that they were my natural eye colour. "Why did I not have brown eyes?" she asked. bless. I have also had many reactions from the Chinese boys, as I walk past in the corridors I have heard a few "Whoooooa"'s and even three boys have said "You are beautiful". That definantly perks me up a little before lessons! haha!
Reading books - I have read some good books already, "Wild Swans" which is the story of 3 generations of Chinese women (a book which is banned in China, as it talks about communism) is very good and really insightful. I am also reading a book called "Reading the English" which is from a anthropoligist who studied English behaviour. Its really interesting, and fascinating to read whilst in another country - as it makes me realise why I behave the way I do and why I feel the way I do about other cultures behaviour.
News - I have a very large TV in my apartment, which would be great except I can only understand 1 channel "CCTV English News Channel", which features British newsreaders living in Beijing. The news is heavily censored in China, and I rarely see anything of interest. Most of the news articles are about some amazing Chinese project, or government meeting. The other day I turned it on to see the headlines - top story was that Westlife came to play in China, for the first time in their musical careers. Hard-hitting journalism! haha!
Ta Ta for now! Love Love. Miss Emma (or Lao She Emma - as I am known by most here, meaning Teacher Emma).
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