Monthly Archives: September 2009
Teaching Writing
One of the many classes I’m teaching is writing. What is great about writing with non-native English speakers is they don’t know the tired clichés and common word usage we are all so familiar with. Instead, they put together words in new and exciting ways which aren’t exactly correct, yet they are not exactly wrong &hellip Continue reading
Hangin’ in Hangzhou
I went to Hangzhou (pronounced Hahng-joe) the other afternoon with a fellow English teacher Lynn. She had a meeting that night so we had a few hours to walk around the city and I could check out the famous West Lake for the first time. I though I’d share some pics… Even though everything looks &hellip Continue reading
The Case of the Missing Key
When you live in another country in which you can’t speak or read the language, everyday you deal with little mysteries that need to be solved. Take for instance the case of the missing key. I ride my bike to class everyday, and I have a nifty little bike lock that is actually attached to &hellip Continue reading
‘English’ Names
So we have been here for a week and everything has been amazing. We are getting to know the place, the people, and even beginning to speak Chinese in everyday life. Of course the reason we are here is to do one thing: teach. I have 8 classes a week to teach that range from &hellip Continue reading
Teacher Day
Teacher Day. It sounds like another “Hallmark” holiday. In America, I think they do have a teacher’s day in which you are probably suppose to buy a card and give your teacher a shiny red apple. But here in China it is serious business. Teacher’s Day is practically a national holiday with the government and &hellip Continue reading
Imagine if you Will…..
…Your alarm goes off. It’s 4:30 am, and while you don’t jump out of bed, you do get up quicker than you normally would that early. After all today is the start of your year of living abroad. You’re sleepy (and a little bit cranky) but excited nonetheless. You and your partner are well prepared, &hellip Continue reading
