Chinese Language classes are over for the semester!! Today we had our Grammar final, which was 2 hours long! Two days ago we had our listening final, and I think that if I missed any it was because the tape was SOO much slower than in class! I was starting to look at how nice it was outside.. and then I would realize that I missed part of a question! (Thank goodness it repeats over and over again!) From the previous post, my Speaking test didn’t go as bad as I made it sound… I scored a 95 I will be sure to let you know as soon as I know my other scores! In the weeks to come, I am excited to do some relaxing and focusing on my other classes as well as prepare for all of the exciting traveling we have coming soon!
AND in other exciting news… I am hired to work for Admissions as a Student Host next semester!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Speaking test accomplished!
Sunday April 25th
This weekend is one of the types of weekends that I love and I don’t love all at the same time. We didn’t have any plans, so I spent the entire weekend relaxing/studying/walking around. I love weekends like this, but at the same time, I miss being REALLY busy. Next week Mike and I have finals since we are only taking half the semester of language, and it will be a busy week! I have my Speaking test on Tuesday, my Listening test on Wednesday, and Grammar on Friday. Wish me luck!
This weekend has been a beautiful weekend to be outside, but it’s hard to believe that it is only Spring! I feel like wearing shorts and tank tops while everyone else is wearing six layers! My apologies that there isn’t too much to blog about, like I said it was just a lazy weekend! I guess since there isn’t a lot to say about the week itself, I can talk about changes and Chinese things that still shock me! I’ve found it easier for myself to grow closer to God when I am reliant on hearing his word through reading the Bible. It’s interesting to me that I am getting into the habit of reading every day, I hope to keep that up when I return to the states. For those who haven’t heard I am going to Haiti for 3 weeks for a mission trip when I get back from China as well!
I haven’t really gotten “home-sick” yet. I miss my family and my friends, but the only other thing that I miss is my dog and Taco Johns. (Taco Johns is such a silly thing to miss!) It’s so sad to think about everyone else’s life and how much older my sister’s two boys and my brother and sister will be when I get home, but I hope that someday they have the same opportunity to study abroad. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.
Tuesday April 25th
Today I had my first of 3 finals. This final (which is midterm for everyone else) consisted of 6 parts and it was to judge my ability to speak Chinese. We had to read words and characters, as well as answer some questions and give a small speech. My speech topic was “Talk about your Daily Life,” which wasn’t too difficult. I feel as if my test went rather well, but I was really nervous and I accidently said “I go to the post office to change money” instead of the bank! After that I was really nervous/frustrated, and I still had 6 minutes of the 10 minute test left! For the most part, I wish that the test could have been longer! It feels silly that most of my grade is based on how well I can speak in only 10 minutes!
This weekend is one of the types of weekends that I love and I don’t love all at the same time. We didn’t have any plans, so I spent the entire weekend relaxing/studying/walking around. I love weekends like this, but at the same time, I miss being REALLY busy. Next week Mike and I have finals since we are only taking half the semester of language, and it will be a busy week! I have my Speaking test on Tuesday, my Listening test on Wednesday, and Grammar on Friday. Wish me luck!
This weekend has been a beautiful weekend to be outside, but it’s hard to believe that it is only Spring! I feel like wearing shorts and tank tops while everyone else is wearing six layers! My apologies that there isn’t too much to blog about, like I said it was just a lazy weekend! I guess since there isn’t a lot to say about the week itself, I can talk about changes and Chinese things that still shock me! I’ve found it easier for myself to grow closer to God when I am reliant on hearing his word through reading the Bible. It’s interesting to me that I am getting into the habit of reading every day, I hope to keep that up when I return to the states. For those who haven’t heard I am going to Haiti for 3 weeks for a mission trip when I get back from China as well!
I haven’t really gotten “home-sick” yet. I miss my family and my friends, but the only other thing that I miss is my dog and Taco Johns. (Taco Johns is such a silly thing to miss!) It’s so sad to think about everyone else’s life and how much older my sister’s two boys and my brother and sister will be when I get home, but I hope that someday they have the same opportunity to study abroad. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.
Tuesday April 25th
Today I had my first of 3 finals. This final (which is midterm for everyone else) consisted of 6 parts and it was to judge my ability to speak Chinese. We had to read words and characters, as well as answer some questions and give a small speech. My speech topic was “Talk about your Daily Life,” which wasn’t too difficult. I feel as if my test went rather well, but I was really nervous and I accidently said “I go to the post office to change money” instead of the bank! After that I was really nervous/frustrated, and I still had 6 minutes of the 10 minute test left! For the most part, I wish that the test could have been longer! It feels silly that most of my grade is based on how well I can speak in only 10 minutes!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
a lazy weekend
This weekend is one of the types of weekends that I love and I don’t love all at the same time. We didn’t have any plans, so I spent the entire weekend relaxing/studying/walking around. I love weekends like this, but at the same time, I miss being REALLY busy. Next week Mike and I have finals since we are only taking half the semester of language, and it will be a busy week! I have my Speaking test on Tuesday, my Listening test on Wednesday, and Grammar on Friday. Wish me luck!
This weekend has been a beautiful weekend to be outside, but it’s hard to believe that it is only Spring! I feel like wearing shorts and tank tops while everyone else is wearing six layers! My apologies that there isn’t too much to blog about, like I said it was just a lazy weekend! I guess since there isn’t a lot to say about the week itself, I can talk about changes and Chinese things that still shock me! I’ve found it easier for myself to grow closer to God when I am reliant on hearing his word through reading the Bible. It’s interesting to me that I am getting into the habit of reading every day, I hope to keep that up when I return to the states. For those who haven’t heard I am going to Haiti for 3 weeks for a mission trip when I get back from China as well!
I haven’t really gotten “home-sick” yet. I miss my family and my friends, but the only other thing that I miss is my dog and Taco Johns. (Taco Johns is such a silly thing to miss!) It’s so sad to think about everyone else’s life and how much older my sister’s two boys and my brother and sister will be when I get home, but I hope that someday they have the same opportunity to study abroad. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.
This weekend has been a beautiful weekend to be outside, but it’s hard to believe that it is only Spring! I feel like wearing shorts and tank tops while everyone else is wearing six layers! My apologies that there isn’t too much to blog about, like I said it was just a lazy weekend! I guess since there isn’t a lot to say about the week itself, I can talk about changes and Chinese things that still shock me! I’ve found it easier for myself to grow closer to God when I am reliant on hearing his word through reading the Bible. It’s interesting to me that I am getting into the habit of reading every day, I hope to keep that up when I return to the states. For those who haven’t heard I am going to Haiti for 3 weeks for a mission trip when I get back from China as well!
I haven’t really gotten “home-sick” yet. I miss my family and my friends, but the only other thing that I miss is my dog and Taco Johns. (Taco Johns is such a silly thing to miss!) It’s so sad to think about everyone else’s life and how much older my sister’s two boys and my brother and sister will be when I get home, but I hope that someday they have the same opportunity to study abroad. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Volcanos, earthquakes, and tests
Things in China are going well! For those who know, the earthquake that happened is REALLY far away from Hangzhou, so we are safe, and no I haven’t felt any aftershocks! I am however praying for everyone in Europe, and I hope that all of my friends are safe and able to enjoy traveling very soon! This week I had my second Chinese test, I scored another 86, and with my final in two weeks, I hope to do much better! (For those of you who know me, I am NOT okay with a B!) Other classes are going well too, but I am excited to get out and see the rest of China! As my dad says, I think I will have seen more of China than that United States! Trips planned in the upcoming months:
1. Bejing- the Great Wall
2. Xi’ an- The Terra Cotta soldiers
3. Huangshan- Beautiful place, where the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was filmed
4. TIBET!
We also plan to go to other places, but I don’t know for sure yet!
A few days ago Mike was cooking tasty food and burnt his neck/arm on hot oil, so we enjoyed trying to figure out how to go through the Chinese hospital process (once again). It was easier this time because we could SHOW the people what was wrong. Apparently, you have to buy a card and pay for the appointment first and then see the doctor and then buy medicine! Just in case you ever have to see a Chinese doctor.. It’s sort of a long process.
Today, the weather was BEAUTIFUL, Mike and I were going to go to the lake, but instead we went on an adventure to find the foreign book store (since we have to spend all of those hours on the train in the next months!). Before successfully finding the book store, we stumbled upon this nerdy looking store that I knew Mike would like… We went inside and it was full of Gundams (these models that Mike likes to build)! He already has 3 small ones, but the ones in this store were super nice, and cheap, so I bought him an early birthday present (no worries, he already knows). We ended up spending more time in the nerd store than the book store, but the book store was rather disappointing because they didn’t have the book I was looking for… I ended up buying 3 other books instead of the 1 I wanted.
By the way, Mike and I didn't go to the cook your own meat place on Friday, instead we went to Pizza Hut... which is AWESOME here.. They have Salmon Pizza, (Mike likes it, I don't) we will have to take Mike's dad there when he comes!
OH AND I found Sunkist the day after I posted my last blog, but it didn't taste very good, I will stick to tea!
1. Bejing- the Great Wall
2. Xi’ an- The Terra Cotta soldiers
3. Huangshan- Beautiful place, where the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was filmed
4. TIBET!
We also plan to go to other places, but I don’t know for sure yet!
A few days ago Mike was cooking tasty food and burnt his neck/arm on hot oil, so we enjoyed trying to figure out how to go through the Chinese hospital process (once again). It was easier this time because we could SHOW the people what was wrong. Apparently, you have to buy a card and pay for the appointment first and then see the doctor and then buy medicine! Just in case you ever have to see a Chinese doctor.. It’s sort of a long process.
Today, the weather was BEAUTIFUL, Mike and I were going to go to the lake, but instead we went on an adventure to find the foreign book store (since we have to spend all of those hours on the train in the next months!). Before successfully finding the book store, we stumbled upon this nerdy looking store that I knew Mike would like… We went inside and it was full of Gundams (these models that Mike likes to build)! He already has 3 small ones, but the ones in this store were super nice, and cheap, so I bought him an early birthday present (no worries, he already knows). We ended up spending more time in the nerd store than the book store, but the book store was rather disappointing because they didn’t have the book I was looking for… I ended up buying 3 other books instead of the 1 I wanted.
By the way, Mike and I didn't go to the cook your own meat place on Friday, instead we went to Pizza Hut... which is AWESOME here.. They have Salmon Pizza, (Mike likes it, I don't) we will have to take Mike's dad there when he comes!
OH AND I found Sunkist the day after I posted my last blog, but it didn't taste very good, I will stick to tea!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Wuzhen
The care package from Michael’s mom arrived, and it was HUGE, we have so much cereal and food for a long time!
After a long week of classes, Saturday we took our 2nd Central College trip. We left in a van at 7:30 for Wuzhen, an old water village that is about 2 hours away. Our director was not with us because she is in Pella for a conference thing, but Wuzhen was a very wonderful trip. Upon arriving, I thought that we were going to a legit town, but we actually were going to an old town that is now a tourist location.. (inside the city) and my oh my, were there a lot of tourists! Soo many people acted as if they have never been around a “wai guo ren” (foreigner). They took more pictures that normal, and even tried to look sneakier by standing closer to us to take pictures. Wuzhen was only a day trip, but the rest of the weekend was rather successful as well. Mike and I had our rather usual “Friday night date” which consists of going to that place that has unlimited cook your own meat. I also looked into places to travel to a little more, and I think that in addition to Tibet we are going to the Yellow Mountains (where Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was filmed).
A few other things that are new in my life, but don’t fit into the blog:
1. It looks like we may be leaving for Haiti on July 20th for a mission trip, which means summer is minimal.
2. Rooming with Dani next year is going to be amazing! We have a great group of gals that Dani has worked out. (and Brooke)
3. I need a hair cut really bad
4. Michael cooked a super tasty lunch. It consisted of potatoes, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, meat, pineapple, and other random things.
5. I can’t wait to see everyone when I get home, and I wish the time change was easier.
6. I am thinking about not drinking pop anymore… it’d be easy to quit without Sunkist in China!
7. I can’t wait to be home to read the Bible in a year with other people to help me through it.
8. I want to eat at Joe’s Crab Shack with lots of butter for my crab.
After a long week of classes, Saturday we took our 2nd Central College trip. We left in a van at 7:30 for Wuzhen, an old water village that is about 2 hours away. Our director was not with us because she is in Pella for a conference thing, but Wuzhen was a very wonderful trip. Upon arriving, I thought that we were going to a legit town, but we actually were going to an old town that is now a tourist location.. (inside the city) and my oh my, were there a lot of tourists! Soo many people acted as if they have never been around a “wai guo ren” (foreigner). They took more pictures that normal, and even tried to look sneakier by standing closer to us to take pictures. Wuzhen was only a day trip, but the rest of the weekend was rather successful as well. Mike and I had our rather usual “Friday night date” which consists of going to that place that has unlimited cook your own meat. I also looked into places to travel to a little more, and I think that in addition to Tibet we are going to the Yellow Mountains (where Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was filmed).
A few other things that are new in my life, but don’t fit into the blog:
1. It looks like we may be leaving for Haiti on July 20th for a mission trip, which means summer is minimal.
2. Rooming with Dani next year is going to be amazing! We have a great group of gals that Dani has worked out. (and Brooke)
3. I need a hair cut really bad
4. Michael cooked a super tasty lunch. It consisted of potatoes, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, meat, pineapple, and other random things.
5. I can’t wait to see everyone when I get home, and I wish the time change was easier.
6. I am thinking about not drinking pop anymore… it’d be easy to quit without Sunkist in China!
7. I can’t wait to be home to read the Bible in a year with other people to help me through it.
8. I want to eat at Joe’s Crab Shack with lots of butter for my crab.
Monday, April 5, 2010
weekend in Nanjing
April 6th
After a long and tiring weekend in Nanjing I am going to try and blog my weekends happenings. Please excuse my lack of sleep
Friday
This weekend is the Qingming Festival so there is no class on Monday! With the long weekend ahead, my friend Zoe was wanting to travel to Nanjing (former south capital) to visit. Nanjing is about 5 hours away by bus, but things would be very busy with the holiday. After Zoe had all of the plans worked out, she asked Mike and I if we would like to join her… and of course, we couldn’t refuse After I was done teaching, Zoe and Mike met me downtown to go to the bus station. However, at dinner I asked if everyone had their passport…. Zoe didn’t! So she had to catch a taxi back to the dorm to get it… Mike and I headed to the bus station and much to my surprise Robert and Wei Ling had decided to join us! (the Chinese wife.. so helpful) Sadly, Zoe missed the bus, but she didn’t miss much of anything else..
We got off the bus around midnight, and the taxi took us to the hotel. Actually, the taxi dropped us off in front of a hospital, so Wei Ling called to find the hotel. Zoe had booked the hotel from the Lonely Planet Guide (a really good book used for traveling??), so I didn’t understand what was going on. A woman came and led us to the hotel. This was one of the scariest walks of my life. The hotel was down a dark alley where there are usually shops open during the day (It’s called a Traditional Street.. bargaining place basically). We got the hotel entrance, there was a sign that said “30 yuan for 3 hours,” and it wasn’t the best looking place… in other words… think of why people would only want a hotel for 3 hours……. Without another place to go, we decided that we had to stay, but we would leave first thing in the morning. I didn’t want to lay down on the bed at ALL, and we made them change sheets, but they still didn’t look very clean.. Needless to say, I was so tired, I fell asleep fast.
Saturday
First thing I thought about when I woke up was getting out of the gross bed and into a shower.. however the shower head was broken so it sprayed water on the wall and not on the person in the shower.. We left the hotel right away, and spent most of Saturday trying to find a hotel and then we just walked around and shopped at small stores on the Traditional Street and then we got massages that night.
Sunday
On Sunday we visited the “Dr. Yang Sun’s temple” for the day. The bus ride was SO packed and long and hot (emphasis with the and). When we got there, the place was huge, and beautiful but not what we expected… After all of that walking we decided to go and get another massage Massages are cheap and wonderful here.
Monday
Monday was very uneventful.. except for the ride home. We decided to take the train because it is typically nicer, and you could do your homework on a train. Since it was the last day of the festival, they didn’t have any spots open on the train until Wei Ling told them that we were Americans. Almost immediately, the train magically had just enough seats for us! We had seats, which was very nice, but there were so many other people that we constantly trying to steal our seats. The train was also delayed, so it took 10 ½ hours instead of 6.. We got back around 5 AM Tuesday morning, and I had class at 8:00
After a long and tiring weekend in Nanjing I am going to try and blog my weekends happenings. Please excuse my lack of sleep
Friday
This weekend is the Qingming Festival so there is no class on Monday! With the long weekend ahead, my friend Zoe was wanting to travel to Nanjing (former south capital) to visit. Nanjing is about 5 hours away by bus, but things would be very busy with the holiday. After Zoe had all of the plans worked out, she asked Mike and I if we would like to join her… and of course, we couldn’t refuse After I was done teaching, Zoe and Mike met me downtown to go to the bus station. However, at dinner I asked if everyone had their passport…. Zoe didn’t! So she had to catch a taxi back to the dorm to get it… Mike and I headed to the bus station and much to my surprise Robert and Wei Ling had decided to join us! (the Chinese wife.. so helpful) Sadly, Zoe missed the bus, but she didn’t miss much of anything else..
We got off the bus around midnight, and the taxi took us to the hotel. Actually, the taxi dropped us off in front of a hospital, so Wei Ling called to find the hotel. Zoe had booked the hotel from the Lonely Planet Guide (a really good book used for traveling??), so I didn’t understand what was going on. A woman came and led us to the hotel. This was one of the scariest walks of my life. The hotel was down a dark alley where there are usually shops open during the day (It’s called a Traditional Street.. bargaining place basically). We got the hotel entrance, there was a sign that said “30 yuan for 3 hours,” and it wasn’t the best looking place… in other words… think of why people would only want a hotel for 3 hours……. Without another place to go, we decided that we had to stay, but we would leave first thing in the morning. I didn’t want to lay down on the bed at ALL, and we made them change sheets, but they still didn’t look very clean.. Needless to say, I was so tired, I fell asleep fast.
Saturday
First thing I thought about when I woke up was getting out of the gross bed and into a shower.. however the shower head was broken so it sprayed water on the wall and not on the person in the shower.. We left the hotel right away, and spent most of Saturday trying to find a hotel and then we just walked around and shopped at small stores on the Traditional Street and then we got massages that night.
Sunday
On Sunday we visited the “Dr. Yang Sun’s temple” for the day. The bus ride was SO packed and long and hot (emphasis with the and). When we got there, the place was huge, and beautiful but not what we expected… After all of that walking we decided to go and get another massage Massages are cheap and wonderful here.
Monday
Monday was very uneventful.. except for the ride home. We decided to take the train because it is typically nicer, and you could do your homework on a train. Since it was the last day of the festival, they didn’t have any spots open on the train until Wei Ling told them that we were Americans. Almost immediately, the train magically had just enough seats for us! We had seats, which was very nice, but there were so many other people that we constantly trying to steal our seats. The train was also delayed, so it took 10 ½ hours instead of 6.. We got back around 5 AM Tuesday morning, and I had class at 8:00
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