Sunday, March 31 10:30pm
Today Megan and I ventured out of Shanghai to a neighboring village
about an hour away by bus. The Zhujiajiao Ancient Town was our
destination. On the way, Megan I and I discussed how her school worked
in Shanghai. Students that boarded at the school slept 4 to a room,
Chinese Teachers slept 2 to a room and foreign teachers, like Megan, had
their own room. I asked if this created any resentment between foreign
teachers and locals and she felt there was. She also said that the
expectations and pressure were much higher for local teachers as opposed
to foreigners, which she took offense to. Chinese teachers are observed
countless times a year, whereas Megan was only been observed twice a
semester last school year and even less this year. She said that their
bonuses, yes those things that people work extra hard to earn, are tied
to 'satisfaction surveys.' She explained that a part of the bonus comes
from surveys from the kids and surveys from the parents. Other parts of
the bonus come from observations and test scores. I found this very
interesting.
Once we arrived, we found our way to the water village. It was
spectacular!! There were so many alley ways to visit that had street
vendors and street food. One of the foods was 'stinky tofu.' Stinky
doesn't even begin to explain the pungent odor coming from that food!!
Even the locals were holding their nose. Someone must like it because it
is everywhere!
We visited Shanghai Ancient Cultural Center, Post Office of Qing
Dynasty, Kezhi Garden, Town's God Temple, Quanhua Art Yuanjin Buddhist
Temple, and Shanghai Handicrafts Exhibition.
While walking around, we frequently heard the phrase "Lao Wai," as
people stared at or took pictures of us. Lao Wai means foreigner. Megan
finally started replying back, "Yes we are!," in Chinese. The looks on
their faces was priceless as we all giggled. For some reason, we stood
out more here than in Shanghai.
After grabbing noodles and dumplings for lunch, we decided to head back
to the bus stop. Woah!! The line was super long. And one thing I learned
quickly about the Chinese, is that they are even less patient than I
am. They are always pushing and 'cutting' in line. Did I mention how
much pushing they do?? Wow! The line moved up one step as people boarded
the bus and I got a shove and a signal to move up that step!!
Boarding and exiting any and all transportation, I've learned that its
best if I just sit back for 30 seconds and let them do their thing, then
I can calmly do mine.
We made it back to People's Square in Shanghai. By now you've noticed I
haven't mentioned the use of a squat toilet yet. Today was my firs
legitimate 'chance' to use one. While we were waiting in line for the
bus, I decided, hesitantly, that I would check out the restroom. It was
as I suspected... Squat toilets only, with what could only be urine on
the floors, and doors that didn't shut. I quickly turned and joined
Megan back in line. So when we got back to the city, we stopped in at a
nice hotel and I found an 'appropriate' restroom.
Next top for me was the Shanghai Circus World to take in the acrobat
show: ERA. This relatively small, circular arena was perfect! The
acrobats were absolutely breathtaking. I've encounters bits and pieces
of acrobatic shows in the US, but an entire show just for this was
delightful. I can't comprehend how their bodies bend in that way!
One thing I learned today regarding the metro. If while you are riding
and the train stops at the next exit and a Kenny G song comes, you have
to get off because in just a few seconds, the lights will go out and you
have to pick up the next train. Ask me how I know.
**9.53 miles clocked today.
Apple Store-Lujiazui
East Nanjing Rd and Me with a Coke!
The view from the Bund. The fantastic Pearl Tower is behind me.
Yu-Yuan
No comments:
Post a Comment