Old Village in the City of Liaocheng

Within the industrial city of Liaocheng, where my university is on the outer perimeter, there are some small village areas that are tucked away , out of sight.  I was asked by the student union of our School of Foreign Languages, where I work, to come to an English tutoring session for an afterschool group of various aged students in someone's home.  It was probably the most interesting time of the semester.  I felt a little odd but of course welcome in the home of one of the mothers of a student.  I always feel as though I am there for show but of course I also think that any representative in a positive light of Westerners is of value.  This is how most people in Liaocheng lived their lives until recently.  In one respect - it is so much better than the non-decript apartments but in other ways such as warmth and sanitary conditions, it is worse.  The quiet within the village is wonderful.

A traditional gift for Christmas is an apple.  I have many wrapped apples under my tree and so many homemade Christmas cards and letters on my windowsill !  Also - some very interesting looking stuffed Santas.  I found my tree at the downtown supermarket - and my students bargained for a lower price because it didn't have a box. It was like being with my sister- the ultimate shopper.  Many students wanted to come help me trim the tree as no one had done this before. They became obsessed with singing Jingle Bells. 

 I just completed giving final exams and will be spending the next few days marking them.

Dreams

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
~ Eleanor Roosevelt

I always wonder if the dreams of my students are the same as the dreams of the students in the US.  I 'm not really sure.  I think they think the American dream is a nice home, a car and a good job.  Maybe that is what they want too.  Is that all our American dream entails ?  I hope not.  I know at the moment that is what most of my students think Americans want.  It makes me sad. When they view American universities , I hear them mumble quietly -  "the American dream".  I get tears in my eyes and have to look away.  Why do we only get this dream?  Is it just luck?   I don't believe in American exceptionalism.  I have wanted to read a book I saw reviewed Guns, Germs and Steel.  I think it addresses this issue. 

An observation of changes in Chinese society

It's not right to take pleasure in the pain of others but I will say I get a little giggle out of my Chinese fellow teachers complaining about their children.  Most only have one and this child is doted on.  But as usual last night, I was questioned by these teachers about how to stop their children from watching too much TV and only wanting to go to KFC.  They don't want to read.  Just play computer games.

The same day, I was asked by my friend's girlfriend who is 19 years old, about  how can she order Victoria Secret catalog items that are not available in China.  There is plenty of lingerie in China but not Victoria Secret.  This is what they see online in the ads and Western goods are what they want.  I see students rapping down the hall and posting Eminem.  I get asked continually about which is my favorite Desperate Housewife and do I enjoy the TV series Friends. OMG

Oh the corruption by the Americans - Laiwei.  We do not have to worry - we will win over the hearts and minds of the Chinese with Victoria Secret.

But I still love how meals are lengthy procedures, tea and conversation still occur.  Eating out is a very social affair. I never grow tired of it.