China Reflections 2: people

While in China we had tour couriers, met people in other choirs, and of course dealt with merchants, workers, and those trying to sell us stuff on the streets. As usual when traveling we learned a few words and phrases in the home language. I managed to remember how to say hello and thank you, but that was about it. Fortunately, (due to the Olympics I think) the language barrier wasn't as big deal as I anticipated. There were times we struggled to order food, but for the most part pictures on menus, and more English being spoken helped us.

I found the people to be very gracious. (Except the mosquitoes! Those that "swarmed" to the bus to sell us post cards, "rolex" watches "5" dollar!). As Rick Steves says in his books about travel if you respect the culture, accept the fact that things will be different from home (and that's a good thing) and try to be a good guest in the place you are visiting you'll have a wonderful time and find the people to be helpful and friendly. I've traveled to many countries in Europe, and to Israel/Palestine three times and have had very few times when I didn't feel welcomed or was frustrated by interactions with the local people.

One of the things I didn't realize before we went to China was that there were so many different ethnic groups within the "Chinese" population. I knew there were a few like "Tibet" but, there are many more! They mostly speak Mandarin, but with so many different dialects that some groups can't communicate with each other. And, the "rules" are different for different groups. For example, we've all heard about the one baby rule. Well, that's true for the majority group and people living in cities, but if you are a part of some ethnic groups you are allowed 2 children, and if you are a farmer and you have two girls you can have a third (lucky you if it's a boy). Anyway, when we were in Dalian we saw influence from Japan and Russia. I

China Reflections 1: Mostly Food

Hello everyone!

The plan to journal in China via my blog was a good one, but unfortunately I couldn't access Blogspot from China. Fortunately I was able to log in to Facebook everywhere we went so I was able to post pictures and short descriptors daily of our experiences. For those of you without Facebook I've set up a website for sharing pictures on Shutterfly.com called: Chamber Singers in China. You can go to chambersingersinchina.shutterfly.com to see photos I've posted. We may soon have pictures from other members of the tour group as well.

So, everyone asks: "What was your favorite place, event? How was the food, How was the trip?" A few people have asked about the culture and how we managed in China. Other than saying "It was a great trip" it's been harder to answer these questions than I thought it would be.

I thought I'd start with one entry here, and add more thoughts over the next week or so.

FOOD

Before I left for China I was nervous about the food. I knew that I liked Chinese food, but I knew that what I was used to was Americanized Chinese. So I wondered... would I find foods I liked? would I get tired of it? would there be "gross" things I didn't want to eat? Dennis said we'd have great breakfast buffets and that we'd see lots of vegetables and chicken as well as fish for dinners. He did warn us about some of the unusual foods he'd experienced on his previous trips, which made me a bit nervous... but then I thought "I made it through Israel/Palestine, I can do this too." We ate Mandarin on the mainland and I found it to have mostly mild flavors. In Hong Kong the Chinese food was Cantonese. There were a number of other kinds of Chinese as well. I avoided (mostly) things that were too spicy and had fun eating in China.

Breakfasts were good. There was always a variety of bread, eggs (cooked to order), bacon and sausage, cereal, fruit and a variety of traditional Chinese dishes that we might see at dinner like things to build a green salad, fried rice, dim sum, and more. I stuck with fruit, an egg, cereal and yogurt or bread most mornings. I did enjoy french toast and waffles a few times and had pot stickers a few mornings as well.

At the large group meals things were served family style on the lazy susan and we could take a little taste and go back for more if we wanted. That worked out great. I tried almost everything and always discovered something new that I liked even if I didn't know what it was. I'm not a huge fan of tofu, but even found several tofu dishes that I liked. We were surprised to see the skin, head and feet on top of the chicken at our dinner in Dalian. Not a problem, just lift up the skin and grab the good meat underneath! I had my first abalone and one of the best scallops (big single scallop served on a half shell) I've ever had. Fish were often served whole (like they were in Israel) but that wasn't a problem. We all became quite adept at using our chop sticks. Food was an adventure each day, and I think we only scratched the surface of what China had to offer.

We were lucky to have Tony (our courier) and Han (choir member) who both read/spoke Mandarin with us on the trip. I ate in groups with one or the other of them a few times and they helped with the ordering. One fun dish we had was a soup that was served inside a wonton... it was sort of like a garlic shaped water balloon... You use your chopsticks to pick it up at the top and slip your soup spoon underneath it. Then a quick dip in soy sauce, set it down on your spoon, take a small bite off the top to let the steam out and then try to eat it without spilling/splashing yourself with the soup and mini pork/meatball that was inside.

A few times Carey and I relied on pictures in menus. One day we ended up in a group of six in Hangzhou with an hour to get lunch. We walked down a small street lined with small places to eat. We saw one was quite busy and decided it was a good sign. They had to clear a table for us and while we waited we observed what everyone was eating. One thing a number of people had on their tables was what looked like a tomato based crab soup. It turned out the menu was without pictures and without any English subtitles, and no, the waitress didn't speak English. So... Laura who could read Japanese was able to figure out which thing was the crab soup, and what she thought would be a veggie, a tofu, and a chicken dish. So, we ordered and it turned out to be a great meal!

A few surprises... rice was seen at breakfast but not lunch or dinner unless we asked for it. We would have seen it more if we were to visit villages in the country. I was told by one person that rice was considered peasant food and mostly eaten at breakfast by some folks. We saw lots of noodles (a big variety of kinds). Of course there were the clear rice noodles we've seen in the US and some pasta type noodles that were thicker than spaghetti, and tasted more like homemade noodles do here. We did see ice cream in some places. It was expensive and served in very small scoops. There were ice cream bars tho in lots of the tourist places and it was more reasonably priced.

When we needed a break from Chinese we either ate in the hotel (where we could always get western food) or found an Italian place. I had pizza a couple of times. I must admit that the "Hawaiian" pizza I ordered for lunch along the river one day in Shanghai was a bit different... in addition to the pineapple and "ham" it had peas and canned peaches on it! We saw Starbucks, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Haagendaz, and KFC in every city... Sometimes there were KFC's within blocks of each other. Lots more of them throughout the country than McDonalds. One day we had 1 hour to eat and shop in a market place so I joined Janet and a few others in a quick meal at Burger King. I must say the cheeseburger and soda tasted just like home! All in all food turned out to not be a problem for me. I only had a one day where my stomach wasn't happy unlike Carey who had problems most of the trip even tho we ate the same foods.

I avoided tap water, green salads, and tried to eat smart. When I got home I was craving green salads and fruit like peaches and strawberries. We mostly saw melons at breakfast and an occasional apple and/or banana. Boy was the Farmer's Market a joy to behold on Thursday! I'm back to fresh, raw and steamed veggies (bye bye oil, and fats) and lean meat and poultry. :)

Ohio Visit with Family

This blog is to chronicle my visit to see everyone in Olmsted Falls... How much can you do in three days? Let's see:  Church, soccer game and party, zoo, science center, park, musical, at least 10 books (with bodies cuddled close, or on me), meals, shopping (birthday tradition with Jasmyn) and playing games.  I had a ball and only wish I could have stayed longer! The complete set of pictures are on Facebook. I'll post a few here as well. 

Many thanks to Jonah for loaning me his room and bed! 

Saturday we watched Jonah play in his last soccer game of the season and then enjoyed the BBQ/potluck party with all the other soccer families. Afterwards we went for a drive around the area so I could see a home they hope to buy, downtown Olmsted Falls (a few blocks long), and an amazing 130 mile long park. We drove through part of it and went to the nature center. They have lots of information about not only the nature, animals and plants in the area but also about the pioneers who first settled in the area. The girls loved dressing up in the pioneer clothes, and they all loved climbing on/in the turtle and big tree. 

Saturday night I went to see Jasmyn perform in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She was in the children's chorus and Mark played trumpet in the pit. I totally enjoyed the show and even got a few ideas for staging things the next time we do the short version in church!  

Sunday of course began with church. Their church service included a mini musical done by the children (including Jasmyn and Jonah of course). The kids had studied the story of the Prodigal Son and they rewrote it. Barbara added a few songs and it was great! Jasmyn was one of the "Bad kids" who took her allowance for the year and wasted it at Target and other stores with her "bad" brother. Jonah was the Police officer who eventually took the kids home. 

While Jasmyn and Mark went back to do another show, Barbara, Jonah, Aislynn and I went to the Cleveland Zoo. It's really big! We went to two exhibits: the rainforest and the dinosaurs. Yes, I said, dinosaurs! I loved the rainforest exhibit, but the dinosaurs were amazing. It's a temporary exhibit where they've set up life size, mechanical dinosaurs in the trees and bushes so it looks like they're in a habitat. They growl, roar, and move so it's all very convincing. Lot's of fun! 

Sunday night we went to Max and Erma's for dinner. There is a "Balloon Man" who does a bit of slight of hand and balloon creations on Sundays. After we ate he had us laughing for about a half an hour. Great fun. 

Monday morning I took Jasmyn out for our annual birthday tradition of  lunch and shopping for clothes. We found a cute capri and top outfit and a darling dress for church. Her choice for lunch was Friendly's (so we could have sundaes for dessert). Jasmyn loves shopping, unlike her parents so we tried on LOTS of clothes and had to narrow it down to which outfit/dress to get. Since everything was on sale she was able to get two outfits. 

Monday afternoon Mark and the kids and I went to the science museum in Cleveland. It's by Lake Erie so I sort of saw the lake as well. The museum is VERY hands on and was a blast to experience with the kids. We saw a movie about Mummies and explored until closing time. 

Mark had a meeting and Barbara had to take Jasmyn to another rehearsal (for Snoopy Jr.) so I read LOTS of stories and put Jonah and Aislynn to bed.  

And thus it was over! I spent Tuesday traveling home. The unplanned joy was finding my folks in the SFO airport having lunch before their flight to Ohio. We caught up a bit and I had a chance to share some about my trip before catching BART to come home. 

So Long, Farewell

Friday afternoon found staff members gathering to support the teachers  who received the bad news that they were being assigned to other schools for next year. I know it was difficult for Anne (our principal) to deliver the news. We knew this day was coming, and we each hoped we would be able to stay a part of the Laurel family. Even so, it was still really hard to hear who would be leaving. I find myself really angry and frustrated these days...  The cuts in staffing are only the beginning of what I fear will be cuts in many other areas in the coming year. How could our state government let this happen? Why aren't they being held responsible? 

 

When will our society wake up and walk the talk? If education is truly valued it must be supported. And that means money must be spent on teachers, supplies, technology, programs, and curriculum. The future generation of teachers have been "let go" due to budget cuts. We will miss their energy, their fresh ideas, their knowledge. 

The teachers left will do what they always do... We'll walk back into our classrooms,  focus on our students, spend our own money on glue sticks and pencils, and hold on to the dream of fully supported/funded education. We'll do the best we can to teach every child no matter what their home life is like, or what challenges they bring to us. We'll celebrate our students successes and cry over those we can't reach.  We'll do our job despite everything... and hold on to the dream for a better future for our kids. 

Reflections on My Laurel Family

Seventeen years ago we opened Laurel Elementary School. Anne Allen has been our principal, and I've worked with many of the same teachers since that first year. Some teachers have moved, a few have retired and we've added new members to our family over the years.  I've been lucky to work with a group of teachers at my grade level who have become like family. We've had our ups and downs, but basically we're a high functioning group. We not only work well together, we enjoy spending time together, and I know that no matter what happens we're there for each other. 

This next Friday we're facing changes to our school family. Due to budget cuts our district is moving from 20-1 student teacher ratio to 25-1. That obviously means fewer teachers. Pink slips went out in March... 2 teachers at Laurel, many more around the district. Iron House was hit hardest potentially losing 1/3 of their staff (Including this year's Teacher of the Year). This Friday we'll receive our tentative teaching assignments for next year. Three teachers from our school will be reassigned to other schools.  1 teacher each from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd will either be reassigned or will change grade level. We're all nervous...  Who will be leaving us? Who will be changing grade level? How will we be regrouped for next year?  In addition, Anne, our fearless leader, will be moving into a new position an Assistant Superintendent and our office manager, Lana will be retiring. So, more changes to the family.  I'm thankful I have a job, I'm pretty sure I'll still be at Laurel, but...  will I be asked to teach the K-1? Who will I have to say good-bye to at the end of this year? It's going to be a tough week; State election on Tuesday, District celebration to honor Teachers of the Year and those with 5, 10, 15, 20 etc. years of service on Wednesday, Open House on Thursday night and then on Friday our assignments...  

Thoughts on the Break-In

This afternoon I got home and discovered my principal had been trying to get a hold of me. When we connected she told me that my classroom as well as the school library and a number of other classrooms were broken into last night. They took my guitar and my school laptop. Evidently they were only after laptops, and we were the second or third school they've hit in the last month. One of the thieves was caught with my guitar (should get it back eventually), so maybe they'll get the rest of the guys soon. I've been reassured that none of the student's or my stuff was vandalized, but I still feel violated. All I can think about is getting back to MY classroom and seeing with my own eyes that everything else is okay. How am I going to deal with this?  Do I stay angry? Do I feel grateful that nothing else was taken or ruined? 

The day started out so well... a good bell rehearsal (for our concert tomorrow), a yummy lunch with Christina, and a walk downtown enjoying the festival between rain showers. I came home and everything changed. It's so frustrating, and is one more stress in our lives at school that we don't need right now. I love my school and my job, but this spring we're dealing with so much: budget cuts (budgets frozen... can't buy a pencil without permission!), Anne moving up to assistant superintendent (a positive, but still a stress), a new principal (someone I know... again, a positive change but a stress), layoffs, tons of pressure to raise test scores and now we're facing increased class sizes next year, along with reassigning some teachers to other schools and/or grades. As one of the "veteran teachers" I try to set a positive tone and to be the kind of teacher that avoids gossip, bad mouthing others, or dwelling on negative. I try instead to focus on what I can control in my classroom and to support others. I've been doing a lot of listening to others this spring. We're all worried about who will have to leave our school, and grade level.  And now this... 

Last fall Mom sent me a copy of the Serenity Prayer and a quote by Reinhold Niebuhr... it seems appropriate today:

God, grant me the serenity 

to accept the things I cannot change, 

the courage to change the things I can 

and the wisdom to know the difference. 

Living one day at a time; 

Enjoying one moment at a time, 

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world

as it is, not as I would have it; 

Trusting that He will make all things right

if I surrender to His Will; 

That I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy in Him

Forever in the next. 

Amen. 

 

Welcome!

Welcome, I'm glad you found me.  In addition to having a space to get on my soap box about whatever is on my mind, my plan is to set up this blog to document and share my adventures this summer. I'll be traveling a lot! As soon as school is out I'll leave for Ohio to visit My brother Mark, Barbara and my amazing nieces and nephew. 

After a long weekend with family I'll have a week to prepare for Choir tour with the Ohlone Chamber Singers. We're going to China! I'll be posting our adventures... everything from the Great Wall to strange foods and of course our concerts. 

Home for about 10 days and it will be time to hit the road with the youth from First Pres.  We'll be going to Estes Park, Colorado for the LOGOS youth conference.  

So, check in now and then and see what's happening! I'm hoping to include pictures and will have postings from choir members and youth as well.