Keeping Up With Christa

And we're back...

2010-06-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

With the threat of Google removing itself from China completely, it’s no surprise that blogspot was not up and running for most of this year, thus my lack of updates. But, as I am back in the good ol’ US of A for a few weeks I thought I would take some time to recap the year and update you all Christmas-card-style. Here we go!!

“They” say ignorance is bliss but with my second year of teaching at Shanghai American School I could no longer use the excuse of being a rookie. I took on the responsibility of team leader of the music, art and PE departments, along with keeping up with the relentless energy of the 5-11 year olds I teach. We performed a concert for each grade level including my personal favorite “Bugz” (how can 6 year olds in antenna and chrysalis not be cute?!) as well as 3 band concerts throughout the year. I continued to work on my masters from Boston University in all of my free time, and am anticipating completing the program in December of 2010. While some papers were more fun to write than others, it has been a positive way to stimulate some of those underactive brain muscles and think about how to become a better educator.

I worked through the fall as the assistant coach to the boy’s varsity volleyball team again along with my friend and travel-buddy Kristina. Although we didn’t end the season with taking over the Asian high school v-ball world like last year, we had great tournaments in Shanghai and Beijing and placed a respectable second in the finals. During pre-season in the spring, I was thrown in charge of conditioning and am proud to say that a few of my workouts brought the boys near tears. Although we have lost all of our players over 5’8” we are looking forward to another competitive season.

Another repeat for year two at SAS was the Habitat for Humanity trip, but this year I was in charge. Our group headed off to Malaysia in March and worked on completing a house that the owners were unable to finish. This was another physically challenging and personally rewarding experience that will if nothing else provide me with the confidence and know-how to mix cement by hand and spackle the walls in my own home one day.

Although this year didn’t seem as though I was jet-setting through the polluted skies of Shanghai quite as much as last, I was able to have a few adventures. Instead of celebrating Thanksgiving with the traditional turkey and stuffing, my friends and I dined on dim sum and lamb stew in Xi’an where we stayed for the weekend to check out the infamous Terracotta Warriors. For Christmas holiday I travelled home and even got a bit of snow to play it. For Chinese New Year in February I decided to stay in Shanghai for a more authentic experience. For over a week fireworks went off everywhere, all day and all night without regard. They were lit in the middle of streets with cigarettes and shot off of buildings, so many that it became difficult to see the lights through the smoke and ash. After Malaysia for spring break I was able to hop a quick trip to Hong Kong at the end of March to meet up with my dear sister to celebrate her birthday and the end of her 3-month journey across the globe. It was a great weekend getaway with more yummy dim sum and the discovery of red bean paste cakes we devoured. An unexpected extension to our May holiday and a few weeks off of grad classes allowed me another trip and off I went with my pal Allan to Yangzhou for a long weekend of cycling, hiking, mud-bathing, and drinking beer in the afternoon…it was just what I needed!

Leaving the oasis of school housing at the Shanghai Racquet Club, this was also the first year I lived on my own in downtown Shanghai. This provided some true “China moments” mostly my own fault for being too lazy to learn Chinese. There was the time strange men knocked at my door incessantly until I was forced to answer in my pajamas after which they repeatedly shouted at me…no saying it slower and louder will not make me understand. It was not until my neighbor got fed up with the yelling and translated for me that I learned the guys were actually police officers that needed my passport information. Then there was the time my power went out. Now I know how to flip a breaker and get power back, but it was not working on this one. I ended up phoning the landlord who suggested I tell the guard at the desk. “OK,” I said, “I’ll try and do that.” When he realized that was not possible due to the fact that in Mandarin I can only really say “How much does this cost,” “One beer please,” and instruct a taxi driver on how to arrive at my apartment, he offered to help with the translation. Minor frustrations aside, living in the city has allowed me to know the city. After many long walks I have figured out how to get around and experienced the sights and sounds of a vibrant city caught with a bizarre mix of new and old, progression and retention.

And then there is the Expo. It has taken over Shanghai in an unbelievable way. Essentially Disney’s Epcot on steroids and an updated version of the World’s Fair that have taken place since the 1800s, each country that is represented has intended to showcase highlights from their homelands, including inventions, famous people, and of course, food. While I was honestly a bit disappointed with the USA pavilion, it is a great way to circle the globe in a matter of hours.

Summer has brought me back to the US but not always home. After a few days to recover from jet lag my parents and I headed off to Vancouver. Next is Chicago to visit friends and babies followed by two weeks in Boston for courses in Brazilian drumming and podcasting with Akron stops in between. I will be heading back to Shanghai early this year with my wonderful pal Jenni, in order to present at the ISME conference in Beijing and then it’s back to work….but it’s too soon to think about that! So far, this has been just the break I needed. I can’t stop myself from breathing perhaps too deeply the fresh air that my body so desperately needs and have been unable to resist summer treats such as my favorite frozen yogurt and basically anything mom makes!

I am looking forward to year 3 in Shanghai, but it will be a big one. Again I plan to coach, teach and be team leader… I will finish my grad work in December…I’m in the process of preparing for 10Ks and half-marathons of the big runs in Hangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing (I’m including this so someone can hold be accountable, please)…I have a list of places to travel to that don’t involve chaperoning high school students that will gradually get checked off…and I plan to thoroughly enjoy every moment of it! This will most likely be my last in Shanghai so if you’re planning to visit my guest room is ready for you. Hurry before I find my next adventure somewhere else in this crazy world!

Why I Have Become the Worst Blogger Ever.

2010-01-01T06:15:00.000-08:00

Not that I was ever the best blogger around, but at least now I have an excuse for my complete lack of posts: It's not me, it's China. While each of the important sites for communicating with the outside world have had their time out, blogger seems to be the one that is not re-opening access via the Shanghai internet...maybe it was that post I did about the pj's last year.

While I am home in the USA I thought I'd leave a quick note to you faithful readers who have not given up on me ever posting again. Here is a quick recap on what has happened in my life since my last update:

- During May of '09 I spent many weekends viewing the good, the bad and the ugly apartments of downtown Shanghai until I found the one that I currently call home. It is cozy and still spacious for one person and the lack of an oven, or even a second working burner, supports my non-domestic lifestyle.
- In June I had my first visitor, my sister, who stayed with me in Shanghai for a few days until we traveled to northern Thailand to spend some time in the jungle and indulge in as much curry and pad thai as possible.
- After completing the first year at SAS, I returned home via Chicago and spent a month in Akron running the trails of the metro parks and working on a class for my master's program.
- I started my second year at SAS in August '09. It has been unbelievably easier than the first and some might say I know what I am doing now.
- I coached volleyball again and our team took 2nd at the big APAC tournament in Beijing. We were so proud of the boys!
- I visited Xi'an with 3 other friends during Thanksgiving weekend to see the Teracotta Soldiers. It is a pretty amazing and kind of unbelievable thing.
- Teacher Prom rocked pretty hard again this year and I stepped it up to make it even more like senior prom by getting my hair and nails done.
- Home now for the holidays and looking forward to what 2010 will bring!

Best wishes in 2010, the year of the Tiger!!

Habitat for Humanity - Quezon, Philippines

2009-05-21T02:14:00.000-07:00

This year for Spring Break, I volunteered to chaperone a high school Habitat for Humanity trip. I remembered a similar trip I went on in high school that I still think of often and was excited for the opportnity to help a few people while seeing a new place. When I found out that the other chaperone would be my fellow-newbie colleague, Allan, I knew this was going to be a great trip.

During the week, our 18 students had to complete journal entries about the day's events. I have taken bits of their entries and combined them to create this blog. I am using their words directly (please keep in mind, English may not be their first language), only deleting bits about HOT Filipino guys and group gossip. Hopefully this will give you a better understanding of our adventure.

Day 1

YAY! It’s finally Habitat for Hmanity in Philippines! This is my first time joining, and I am really looking forward to have a great experience in this trip!

Today was mostly a “moving day.” We were on the airplace (from Pudong to Manila) for a bit over 3 and a half hours. We were on the bus for 3 hour and a half hours total. That’s 7 HOURS of transportation total!!! Everybody was EXHAUSTED when we arrived to the hotel.

The flight passed quickly, and we were soon able to “enjoy” the extremely hot and humid Philippine air after a minor incident at the customs, which thankfully let me through after some questioning and help from Ms. Kuebel. The bus trip, though, was an entirelyl different experience. It turned out to be even longer than our plane flight, which asked for torture. Although the halfway stop at McDonalds filled our stomachs, eating it on the bus was not plecant at all.

Day 2

After breakfast we splitted into three groups, each going to the different vans to go to some resort place (TOTALLY AWESOME despite the fact that I already forgot the name). Once we reached the RP (resort place :), everyone stripped naked…and then wore our swim suits…what were you thinking…? It’s a really nice place, blue sky, white clouds, clean beach, tri-colored sea (green, aqua-blue, dark blue each resembling their respective depth), coconut trees, etc…but we’re missing hammocks :)

The beach days was @#*! great!

Day 3

FINALLY!!! First day of working at our site!!! The site is around 10-15 minutes away from the hotel (finally one place in which has a bus ride close to the hotel!!!). We got to meet the people who would live in the house we’re building. There were 2 families I felt encouraged to build a good house for them because they were very friendly.

We were to start from scratch – it always fascinated me as to how a house was built and why the walls could be as strong as to withstand so much strength. I was about to find out the answers. We started working in 2 groups. One group was in charge of digging a hole. The other group was in charge of shoveling sand, moving bricks, and filling up the bricks with cement. So there, we were at the working site and it was HOT!!! Not that the place looks hot, it’s more like temperature HOT!!! Everyone was SWEATING A LOTTTT!!! We all looked like “soaked chickens.” We worked from 10 Am – 4:30 pm…with about an hour of lunch and a few breaks. I personally think that so far the trip is pretty fun, especially because everyone is cooperative and funny in their own ways.

Day 4

Today I woke up with a pain butt and legs.

Today we did:

- Moving the bricks
- putting the cement into the bricks
- shoveling the rocks and sand
- carrying the buckets of rocks/sand into the house
- I don’t remember

The burning sun is quite intense and evil. The work was really tiring…as I’ve said for the hundredth time…but then you realize everyone is in this together, so you are not alone. It sort of pushed you forward -> you actually learn a lot in ONE SINGLE DAY. It was a pretty awesome experience. We all were engaging with each other. People don’t or would not realize what the world (including people, culture, the environment, etc.) is like. You can be friends with someone in just one hour or even one minute! THAT’S WHAT HAPPENED IN THIS TRIP. This group is the most cooperative group ever. Our progress on building the house is faster than ever. The work that we’ve done would have been completed in 3 days, but WE FINISHED IT IN 1 DAY! ONE! HAHA. I LOVE HABITAT PHILIPPINES 2009!

Today we ate in a “barbaric” restaurant, where we ate with out hands (without fork or spoons). Yes…it was quite interesting. We found out that Fortune owns a internet café, so after having a “hand-using” dinner, we all went to Fortune’s café and played DOTA.

Day 5

Today was almost same as the day before. I had to carry the cement to the top and it was almost heavy as my brother.

I dig and dig and dig. It was hot and sweaty much which made me feel very uncomfortable but I thought it was okay because my muscles get bigger and bigger which means I become stronger – Yay!

End of first day there were bricks stacked on top of each other, much like my unfinished lego pieces at home, merely things stacked ontop of each other that has no shape. End of second day and we’re half way there! I don’t know about the others, but that’s uber satisfying for me.

Susie learned a bunch of Filipino swear words

Everything was usually except that we only worked until 3:00. After that we went to a swimming pool, filled with water with green things.

Day 6

Last day in the work site!! I’m going to miss the concrete mixing and the brick stacking. We worked so ahead of original schedule that the last day’s workload has been finished. Congrats! We're just so PRO :) My hands cannot really grip anything heavy anymore…but looking at what we achieved, it was really touching. I was very proud I was part of building the house.

Later today, we prepared a surprise party for David’s birthday. I cannot tell you how jealous I am that my birthday wasn’t during habitat. The food was great and David got a HUGE cake! Rudy also prepared a picture of David as superman. After the food all of us had a really fun cream pie fight. It was all sticky and yucky! Everything was a mess! The guys left the party while the girls had some crazy time dancing. Surprisingly, Mr. Wager and Christa are great funny dancers. Haha!

Day 7

We worked so hard that we completed all of our objectives by the end of our fourth day of working, which meant that we got an extra day to sleep and relax. Yay! After breakfast we headed for the mall.

After the mall we went back to the hotel and started practicing for the closing ceremony. We did one group act where we sang “All You need is Love.” Then there was also many other small acts.

Overall, the trip was just amazing, and the hard work we really did pay off! I am proud of what I’ve done and this will definitely be a memorable trip. YAY HABITAT!

SEE OUR PICTURES AT: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=71000&id=507727317&l=679249c40a

Check This Out!!

2009-05-21T01:35:00.000-07:00

Want to see some new pictures...cut and paste these links into your browser.

Check out pictures of my recent trip to Xitang, a water town outside of Shanghai.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=80925&id=507727317&l=68b7cb077e

If you need proof I live in Shanghai, here it is.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=80924&id=507727317&l=f8e59191cf

We All Live Together

2009-05-03T03:52:00.000-07:00

EAGLES are "G"lobally-minded:

Visiting Authors

2009-04-19T01:04:00.000-07:00

Every year, SAS invites authors to come to the school to inspire and teach our students. In March, Sheree Fitch and Ralph Fletcher spent a week in the elementary. To welcome them, we had an assembly during which different grade levels perform short presentations, such as poetry recitation. I decided to incorporate some of these poems in my classroom teaching by making them a little more musical.

Grade 2 performed "Shine, Shine, Shine" a poem by Sheree Fitch, on Orff instruments.

Grade 3 learned a percussive version of "Bumpercars," also by Sheree (sorry Ralph).

School Days

2009-03-17T05:32:00.000-07:00

For some reason unbeknown to be, I decided that this would be the right time to begin my masters. After searching online, I found that Boston University has a completely online Music Education Masters Program. So I applied, was accepted, paid lots of money, and am now a student.

What I have learned so far is that this is a program meant for people who live in the United States. I first discovered that when I tried to order my textbooks. On my first attempt at ordering, I did not find information regarding international shipping. I emailed someone in charge of the bookstore who informed me that books could be shipped to China for a mere 45 USD. Ok.

Books...check. Wait, that was too easy. A few weeks after I ordered my books I received an email from DSL. It was written in Chinese. A friend translated the message, "Respond to this message." I called the number at the bottom of the email, in my head rehearsing the words in Chinese, "Do you speak English." Fortunately, they did. "What is in the package?" I was asked. "Books," I replied." "For what purpose?" "A masters program." "Is there anything else in the package." "No, only 3 books," I said as in my head I thought, "You sent me the invoice slip. You know what is in the package!" "Well, we need that information written in Chinese and then we will deliver your books," I was told. Ok. "We will also need a copy of your passport and visa." Ok.

Fax sent, books received, I'm ready for my first day of school.

The day before my class began, I was completing paperwork for work and I needed to include a description of the course I was taking. I had remembered seeing it online so I went to copy and paste. When I searched under the Masters curriculum, the course was not listed. Of course it wouldn't be, it is a doctoral class. What!? At this moment, I wished I was in the Eastern Time Zone. I emailed and called a university contact, knowing that as it was 2 pm for me, should not be in her office at her 1 am. That left me panicked for only about 20 hours, when I learned that the class is now required for both programs. Ok.

I love the beginning of school. New school supplies, new syllabus, new calendar dates, I think it's great! So as I log into my course, I begin to search the syllabus and first week's course materials. Reading, reading, reading...what? The first assignment is to visit my local libraries and write a 3-5 page paper on the music education sources I could find. I live in China. My local library is the elementary school's and I bring all of my reading material from the US. But visit my local library I did. Here is an excerpt from the paper I submitted on that excursion:

After searching the school library, I looked for access to other libraries in Shanghai. The biggest challenge is the language. My Mandarin skills are limited and I am unable to read the characters. While there are several English-language bookstores, there is not an English-language library.

After online searching and asking around, I found the Shanghai Library, the largest public library in China. The website left me hopeful. The 4th floor of this building is dedicated to foreign language books and much of the third floor to Music Appreciation. The library’s website boasts these resources:
- CD-ROM & Database Retrieval Service, topics do not include music or arts
- Reference Librarian Service
- Reference Consulting Service
- Electronic Newspaper Clipping Service
- Music Appreciation Room
- Music Literature Room, includes latest scores, references books, CDs and piano
- AV Rooms
When I asked colleagues about the library, many said, “I’ve seen it, but I’ve never been in it.” So I decided to take a look for myself.

As I approached the building, a swarm of people circulated around the 1st and 2nd floors of the library, neither of which appeared to contain any books. The map confirmed that the 3rd floor was for music resources, however there was no mention of the 4th floor. I took the stairs up, the higher I was, the fewer people I saw. By the time was on 3rd floor, it was a custodian and I, with no hopes for gaining access to the music resources. While their website had stated open hours on the weekends, this was not the reality. What appeared to be a catalog was also unhelpful as it was written all in Chinese. So down I went to find the missing 4th floor.

Around the corner of the building I had already searched was another entrance, which appeared to be more promising. As I went inside I was relieved to see that a 4th floor did exist and was labeled as the Foreign Book section.

As I approached the entrance, a librarian approached me, and in English, asked if I was looking for something in particular, or just visiting. I told her that I was looking for music resources, and even more specifically music education. Her response, which she repeated several times through the course of our conversation was, “There isn’t much.” She pointed out the periodicals and the computer catalog and then left me to browse.

At first, I strolled the floor to get the layout. In the front section were periodicals and research materials, followed by the Friendship Library of donated foreign language books, a numerous amount of Taiwanese and Hong Kong periodicals, and a selection of reading materials in German.

The computer database did not turn up too much more. When I searched the generic keyword “music” I was hit with 2,629 items; “music education” 17, most of which I did notice were published after the year 2000. The search for “journal, music education” retrieved a few titles, including American Music Journal, Circuit, Music Perception, and Absolute Sound.

Because I knew that my resources would be limited, I tried to find creative ways to research. Keeping within the limits of China, I emailed both the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and Shanghai Normal University to learn if they had English materials in their libraries and if they would be available to the public. I did not receive responses in time to add to this paper, however, I have been told from an acquaintance that works at the Conservatory that there are very few English resources in their library.

Now that the first week of class is over, things have settled down a bit and I know that I will survive this course. Ok.

Xin Nian Kuai Le

2009-02-20T21:36:00.000-08:00

Chinese New Year is the biggest migration of people during one time of the year anywhere in the world. For most, it will be the only time of year that they will be able to see their family. The holiday is celebrated with red lanterns adorning the streets, red envelopes of money for the children, dumplings for friends, and fireworks...lots and lots of fireworks.

We are given one week off of school for Chinese New Year, during which many teachers stay in Shanghai to celebrate in traditional fashion. I chose to leave the chaos and head to Cambodia.

Before leaving for this trip, my travel buddy and I did as much as we could to prepare ourselves. We read articles and guidebooks, booked tours and hotels, and watched the gruesome and heartbreaking film "The Killing Fields." Even with these preparations, I was unsure of what to expect.

When people ask me what was my favorite part of the trip, my answer will always be the people. For the awful things that this country has endured and continues to face now, they are the most welcoming and friendly people.

For this post, I can only tell you to check out the slide show on the side of my blog or by clicking the link below. I have organized them and written captions that detail our trip. While these are only a few of our nearly 1,000 pictures, they are some of my favorites. Enjoy and be happy!

http://picasaweb.google.com/ckuebel/Cambodia?feat=directlink

Teacher Prom

2009-01-03T22:35:00.000-08:00

As a 25 year-old, I never thought that I would have the chance to go to prom again. But as long as I work at SAS, I will have the chance every year.

I first learned about Teacher Prom (ok, that's not really what it is called, it is the SAS Winter Ball, but I prefer Teacher Prom, or how about TP for short) from my friend that works in HR and is in charge of the shindig. I'm glad I had some notice, because they are not messing around. The Ball is held at a hotel downtown, where the dress is formal, and the drinks flow freely.

When I packed for my big move, I wasn't exactly thinking that I would need a ball gown or fancy shoes, so in fact I packed neither of those things. So what does a girl do when she is in a foreign country that does not have more than 2 stores that sell her size in clothing and cannot find shoes for less than $150 USD? First, she has her dress custom made. In order to do this I had to find a picture of a dress online that I liked and hoped would look halfway decent without trying a similar style on and not having a backup. Then, it was off to the fabric market to purchase fabric for what I hoped was a reasonable sum. Following that adventure it was 2 meetings with my tailor, Mrs. Wong, who came through and created a beautiful navy blue silk gown. Shoes were a bit more complicated. Again, the Internet is my friend...after finding a pair that were decently priced and I wouldn't be terribly upset if they arrived and were horribly ugly or painful, I had them shipped to my parent's house. "But they live in Ohio," you may be thinking. True statement. My wonderful parents then shipped that same package of shoes made in China to me in China where they arrived safe, sound, and in time for the big day.

When the day of Teacher Prom arrived, I had done the necessary primping that one must to feel as if they are in high school again. I got and mani and a pedi and a massa (is there a shortened way to say massage?), spent exorbitant amounts of time on my hair and makeup, and arrived just in time to be fashionably late.

After the festivities began, guests were invited to partake in the buffet, wine, and socializing before the programmed events. Little did I know what was in store. As dinner was wrapping up, it was time for the entertainment. Each campus had selected performers and the Pudong staff went first. And what, I ponder, is better entertainment in China than...karaoke! That's right, 4 people that I don't know, but assume work at SAS Pudong were the singers for approximately 20 minutes of less than on-pitch crooning. Maybe I'm hyper-critical because I'm a music teacher, but the elbows I got from my friends to switch places with them makes me think I was not the only one in the room with that opinion. Up next, it was Puxi's turn. Oh no, we did not represent our side of the river with karaoke, but by a dance troupe led by none other than our elementary school secretary. Fluorescent dresses with sequins and glitter lit up the room as our ESOL teacher and "tech guy" swirled and twirled the girls about the floor. Talk about some hidden talents.

After the entertainment portion of the evening, it was time for the main event...the raffle. If you are one of the lucky ones you could walk away from the evening with anything from a laptop, travel vouchers, gift certificates for restaurants, or even 10,000 RMB cash. Not too shabby, but of course, I was not so lucky.

As the evening proceeded, there was dancing, drinking, drinking, and drinking (an open bar and teachers is always in interesting combination). But alas, all things must come to an end. As the party wound down, groups separated to their favorite downtown hot spots. I headed with a group to JZ Club, a great spot for live music and a mellow crowd, but maybe not the best place to hang out in an evening gown. After a drink, some Latin music, and a French band singing reggae in Chinese, we decided to call it a night and head back to Zhudi for a good night's sleep.

Call it what you will, Winter Ball, Teacher Prom, Holiday Party, or just a chance to get free drinks, at least I know what to pack for next year.

Check out pics from Teacher Prom on the right side of my blog!

Obama Rama

2009-01-03T22:21:00.000-08:00

As an American living abroad, it is easy to fall out of the loop of current events in the States. I feel that more effort must be made to keep up with important US news and as far as celebrity gossip and pop culture...forget about it! But this past November was special for Americans everywhere, and the presidential election had the whole world watching.

As the election grew closer, it was apparent that this was a pretty big deal to not only Americans, but our entire community. The elementary school halls were lined with information about both the Republican and Democratic parties and every classroom in the entire school held "elections." Teachers were posting their absentee ballots and making sure that their fellow US citizens were doing their duty of casting their votes. Students who had never even lived in the US wanted to make sure that I was voting...and voting for Obama.

On Election Day (or for us, the day after), our school set up our entire Performing Arts Center to show live coverage as the votes came in. The front and downstairs lobbies showed footage from about 4 different stations while the main auditorium had a CNN feed on the big screen. Classes came in throughout the day to check the polls and older students and teachers would pop in whenever they had a few moments to spare.

I was in the PAC when it was projected that Obama would win and the cries from the staff and students was deafening. Tears were shed, fists were pumped, and hugs were given. It was a historical moment for all of us. I was not there to see Obama's speech, but did hear Senator McCain's as he stepped out of the race. While the majority of us were not sad to see him go, it was an eloquent and appropriate for the situation.

And as teacher's do, we had to celebrate this momentous occasion with a drink at the local bar as we saw the world change right before our eyes.

Turkey Day China Style

2009-01-03T22:00:00.001-08:00

Although I work at an American School, we do not get all of the Western holidays off from work. For Thanksgiving, for example, we were only given half day on Friday. But having to work and the lack of cranberries in China did not stop us from celebrating the most glutunous holiday we know and love.

The week before Thanksgiving, our school sponsored several different all-you-can-eat type of events, warm-ups for the main event that weekend. My first Thanksgiving was held Friday night at my friend Kristina's apartment. Because she does not have an oven, each guest brought a dish or two, one couple providing a grilled turkey and the second bird from our cafeteria, sold pre-cooked of course. Her Canadian boyfriend even joined the festivities and brought pumpkin pies ordered from a local bakery. To be honest, they were not quite the same as mom's, but at least we were feeling that Turkey Day spirit.

Kristina likes to have fun and her idea of a good party usually involves a theme. In an attempt to create an authentic Thanksgiving environment, she asked several tailors at the fabric market to create Pilgrim bonnets for her guests. I was personally thankful that none of the tailors would honor her request, they say because they didn't know what they were, I believe it was because the model's face was a little possessed looking. Nevertheless, guests were still required to complete the "I am thankful for" bulletin board, Kristina being most thankful that her friends visiting from Korea were able to get visas in 24 hours after having forgotten to get them when they arranged their visit.

My second Thanksgiving was at my friend Dave's apartment on Saturday afternoon. Dave has the advantage of having an oven in his place, but of course, hosting a party can't be that easy. Minutes before Dave was to put his bacon-wrapped turkey into the oven, all of the circuits blew and the oven was out of commission. Dave soon became thankful for a neighbor who allowed him to cook his turkey in her oven, running across the street between the apartments to bast the bird every 20 minutes. More food, more friends, and another great Turkey Day party!

Check out the Turkey Day slide show on the right side of my blog!

Home For The Holidays

2009-01-03T21:52:00.000-08:00

During my 2 week holiday I travelled to the States for the first time in 6 months. As the year of the rat is coming to an end and the year of the ox will soon begin, I have had time to reflect on how my life has changed in 2008.

I had been anticipating the Winter Break since school began and had even had my airline ticket before even moving to Shanghai. After Thanksgiving, I wasn't sure how I would make it, but thanks to the Grinch and Polar Express I survived the kiddos at school and with events like Teacher Prom and The 12 Pubs of Christmas, my weekends went pretty quickly.

I was looking forward to going home for many reasons - seeing friends and family, mom's cooking, driving a car, breathable air and being able to speak and have people understand me in public situations. I was ready to head home for just a break, to have things be a little easier and more familiar. During my interview, I was told that this would be a life-changing experience. Sometime changes can happen that you don't even notice until you are taken out of that situation. I should have known when I was packing and though US dollars looking weird that this was going to be an interesting trip.

When living overseas you become many things - an expatriate, better an a new language, hopefully more adventurous and outgoing - but no one told me that becoming a time traveller was also required for this lifestyle. the trip to or from Shanghai it Akron is 24 hours. Between the drive to the airport, the 14 hour flight to Chicago, the layovers, and the flight to Cleveland, it is a long day...or is it? On the way there I got 2 Saturdays, arriving only 5 hours after I left, and on the way back I lost Thursday, leaving Thursday morning and arriving Friday afternoon. I spent approximately 1 hour hour of my vacation in intense conversation about the International Dateline and how it works, including time zone diagrams. It would have been even more interesting after a few Christmas Ales.

My only layover during this trip is Chicago and as soon as i landed there i did the most American thing i could think of to do in an airport - I went to Chili's and ordered a burger and fries. It might have been the lack of satisfying food served on the 13 hour leg of my journey, but about halfway through all I could think about was a burger. If you're stuck on something for 7 hours you might as well indulge yourself.

Thus began my 2 week stint of all things American. Mom's cooking is always good, but I'm not sure it has ever tasted this good. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were all special treats including a turkey dinner for Christmas and more sweets that a family of 6 can handle. YUM! Time was also spent hiking through temperature ranging from 17 to almost 60 degrees Fahrenheit and catching up on episodes of The Office (now that I'm caught up, hulu.com, here I come!). And of course I spent many hours making up for my absence from the US economy with A LOT of retail therapy (I won't take all of the credit if the recession is over sooner than later, but you're welcome).

Seeing friends and family of course led to conversations about what life is like in China and I was happy to actually be able to answer them - yes they really do spit on the street; yes the pollution is bad; no I'm not always sure what I am eating. And of course I had to take some flack for, let's face it, how spoiled this lifestyle could make me - yes I have an ayi; yes I could get a massage every day; yes I can get clothes custom made (ironically, nearly every piece of clothing I own has a "Made in China" tag except the ones that I have had made in China). As I heard myself talking about these things, I felt very separated from my Chinese life. Is this really where I live and what I do?

When it was getting within a few days of leaving, I was feeling like I could stay in Ohio for just a few more days. Why do I have to live so far away? But, as I got to the airport, said my teary goodbyes and waited for my first flight, I felt a little more ready to go back. As I waited for my second flight in Chicago, I even began searching for Asian faces. I started to yearn for that familiarity and although I don't look the same and will never completely understand their culture, I felt some kind of kinship or solidarity because I live in their country. And as soon as I stepped off the plane, hopped in the taxi and could only tell the driver get me home by giving him a business card, saw several men pulled over to pee on the side of the road, and planned where I would go for my afternoon massage, I knew I was home. Not home forever, but home for now.

While 2008 was a year of challenges and new opportunities I look forward to the adventures that 2009 has to offer. Happy New Year!

See pictures of my Holiday adventures in the Home for the Holidays slide show on the right side of my blog page.

Here, There and Everywhere Part Er

2008-11-15T23:11:00.000-08:00

And the adventures continue...

This year I was the Assistant Coach for Boy's Varsity Volleyball. When I found out about the open position I assumed it would be for the girl's team, but when I met Kristina, the Head Coach, I was informed that it would be for boys. I love a challenge and I love volleyball, so what could be better than coaching a varsity sport during my first quarter at a new school and first time at an international school? Besides, I got to go to Hong Kong and Beijing!

During the season, I did get used to coaching high school boys. They smell more than girls but cry less, they whine more but can handle a tough practice.

Because of our schedule, we do not play too many teams during the season until China Cup.

China Cup is a 4 tournament team that was held this year in Hong Kong. So mid-October we hopped on a plane with JV and Varsity boys and girls volleyball teams and headed south. (OK, so it wasn't that carefree; travelling with 12 boys is not that easy, especially when girls are present.)

If Suzhou is the Venice of the East, then Hong Kong is the London of the East. Signs are written in English before Cantonese, everyone (even taxi drivers) can speak English and they even drive on the left side of the road.

While sightseeing was on our minds, we were there to play volleyball. Our first night there we had a game against International School of Beijing. I had been hearing of ISB and how unbeatable they were. In fact, our school has not beat them in volleyball in 14 years...until now!

They rest of the tournament went equally as well for our team. We made it to the Championship round, but unfortunately could not pull out a win against a local Hong Kong team. But we beat ISB!

Because the tournament was small, we were able to do a bit of sight-seeing. We made it to Stanley Market during the day for some shopping and to check out the water, Times Square and an expat bar area after we had checked on the kids for curfew.

Taking a break from the gym on Hong Kong.

Number 2 at China Cup.

Two weeks later it was back on a plane, this time to Beijing for the All APAC tournament. This is kind of like a state tournament at home, except teams are from different countries instead of different counties. Only one sport a year as this 12 team tournament and it happened to be volleyball this year.

I would love to say at this point that I was able to see the Great Wall, Tienanmen Square and some of the Olympic facilities, however, this tournament was a little more intense and it was rare that we even left the gym during the 5 days we were there.

We were all excited for this tournament. Having had a great season and having never won APAC for volleyball we were ready to show our stuff. Kristina and I were especially anxious to prove ourselves as the only all-female coaching staff.

After the round robin, we were placed 1st in our bracket. As soon as we hit tournament play, games were close. Sets were going point for point and many broke the 25 point cap. But we held our lead.

Then we got to play ISB...again...at ISB. And we won...again...at ISB! (Of course I didn't get to be there because I had to take a kid to the hospital, but I was there in spirit!)

Finally, the Championship. We were playing a team who had never been to APAC before, so therefore had nothing to prove or lose. Among their strengths was a ginormous middle hitter and a libero who resembled the traditional image of Jesus and happened to be from Isreal. Thank goodness Kristina goes to church regularly so she could put in a good word with the Big Guy.

The guys played a great game. They stepped it up, held themselves together (except for our captain who got a yellow card) and worked as a team. And it all paid off because for the first time in SAS history Boy's Varsity Volleyball has won not just APAC, but All APAC!! Woo-hoo!

That's right LeBron, I got a gold medal in Beijing too!

Woo-hoo!!

We're Number One!!

We love this trophy!

Here, There and Everywhere Part Yi

2008-11-04T01:41:00.000-08:00

I will be the first to admit that I have been slacking on my blogging. I try to wait until I have something interesting, funny, or unusual to share, mostly because it makes it easier to come up with horrible puns and sarcastic comments. And while the month of October seemed to fly by without much to report, I went on 3 trips, coached a winning volleyball team, and still had time to dress up like a gigantic orange crayon.

October started with a 5 day holiday to celebrate Chinese National Day. October 1, 1949 is the day that the People's Republic of China was founded. Chinese locals will usually take at least that day off and celebrate with friends, families, and explosives...I mean fireworks. Local Chinese schools even get the day off, but make it up by coming in the weekend before. And what do billions of people do when they have time off...travel.

Traveling within China during a Chinese holiday could be one of the worst ideas a foreigner could have. Did that stop me? Of course not. A few friends and I decided we would use our time off of school to go to Suzhou, the Venice of the East (real Venice should not be concerned about this competition), only a 2 hour drive from Shanghai.

We thought it would be fun to take a train there, but apparently so did everyone else in Shanghai. At the train station, we pushed through the thousands of people who already had their tickets in order to the area to purchase seats. Window 10 in the Shanghai station had a sign above it reading "English Speaking Line." And while that didn't mean "English Only," we just hoped that at least there was really a teller we could understand when we got to the window.

We were the only Westerners in the station, but just a few of the hundreds scrambling to get tickets. We waited patiently in our line, only wishing we had the language skills to be as tricky as locals: When locals come to the train station, they do not come alone. That way, each person can get into a different line and when one reaches the front, their party rushes over to purchase tickets.

Yes, we did eventually get to the front of the line, and yes there was someone who spoke English, but no, there were no tickets to Suzhou. Plan B it was and we hired a driver to take us to our destination.

We arrived our first day in Suzhou with enough time to take a walk around and try to find some of the wonderful gardens the guide books mention. So after a hearty hotel breakfast, we grabbed a map and were on our way to find the Master of the Net's Garden. "Turn left at the second street and it will be on your right," the hotel concierge told us. No problem! We walked down the city streets, stopping when anything interesting caught our attention...a flea market in a park, a Buddha garden with banzai trees galore, and a few clothing shops.

Along the way, we asked a few strangers to confirm we were headed in the right direction of the garden. "Yes, just up the street on the right," they all said. Hours later, and still no sign of a garden or water, as I thought was how the name "Venice of the East" should have come about. So we asked one more person, "Oh, it's back that way on the left," pointing to the way we had come from. On we walked.

Eventually a tourist shop was found, as was the "garden", a term that is not the same in China as it is anywhere I have travelled. Sprawling areas of green grass or flowers are nowhere to be found. While these areas give interesting insight into Chinese culture, they are maybe not the peaceful retreats we were hoping to find.

After what could be called a fiasco, we decided to hire a tour guide for our second day to take us to another Suzhou hot spot Tiger Hill, on a boat tour of the canal and to the silk factory for which Suzhou is known. The date with the tour guide was not until the afternoon, plenty of time to try and find another garden on our own.

This time we were smart about it...Hop in a taxi, straight to the Humble Administrator's Garden. About 6 million people live in Suzhou and I think they all decided to go to the same garden on the same day at the same time. Knowing we were in a time crunch, we hopped out of the taxi when we were stuck in traffic, but could see the gate for the garden. As we dodged people and cars we briskly walked to the entrance, passed hundreds of people in a queue, who were luckily going into a separate museum. "Phew," we thought, the line to get into the gardens is shorter, we'll have time to look around and get back before we have to meet the tour guide.

The word garden instills upon us a feeling of tranquility, peace, and calm...the Humble Administrator's Garden on National Day of China is anything but. Thousands of people had come to the garden that day. While at first it was tolerable, as we followed the twisting paths it was apparent that there would be no relief from the hoards of people. As the claustrophobia set in the clock kept ticking we knew we had to get out. We had been given maps at the entrance and additional copies were posted throughout the garden, however, I believe these were created as a mean joke meant to be played on tourists. Although we attempted to follow directions, it was quickly apparent that the maps were hugely inaccurate and we were only moving farther from the one exit. It was kind of like a Chinese Finger Trap; it seems so easy to get out of, but the harder you try the more stuck you get. Persistent we were, and eventually were free from the Humble Administrator's Garden.

Our tour guide for the afternoon turned out to be a young woman who was also a teacher. We were able to discuss the difference in our students and Eastern vs. Western educational ideals.

Tiger Hill is another important area of Suzhou. It is basically three connected areas, a pagoda, steps, and a tower, each meant to represent a different area of the Tiger. While referencing Venice, Suzhou also has similarities to Pisa. The tower of Tiger Hill is also leaning, but has been modified to prevent a collapse.

After Tiger Hill, we hopped on a boat and headed down the canal...finally we see this water we have been hearing so much about! Just like in Venice (I'll give you this one Suzhou), the canal is basically the backyard of many homes. Doors lead out to the water and we were able to glimpse into many homes as we floated past, catching locals enjoying an afternoon snack, doing daily chores, or discussing local events with their friends and families.

The last stop on our tour was the Silk Factory. Before reaching the store, you are able to see how silk is made; from the worms spinning their cocoons, to the sorter at the conveyor belt, the off to the machines were the threads are separated and finally to the weaving machine to make some of the most intricate and rich patterns. The hot ticket item is the silk quilt. Women are in the shop stretching the raw silk that becomes the inside of the quilts and we were able to help stretch one piece, 1 of us on each side of a bed pulling the same piece of silk to fit the frame. After the tour and museum comes the shopping. Silk clothing, undergarments, pajamas, scarves, bags, coats, fabric, tablecloths, pictures...the list is endless of what could be purchased. We did our best to help the Chinese economy and then headed back to the hotel to rest and enjoy our last night in Suzhou.

The title of this post "Here, There and Everywhere" would imply that I did go to more than just Suzhou, and in fact I did. Please read "Here, There and Everywhere" Part Er to find out where else I have traveled.

Kids playing at one of the parks we stopped in...so cute!

Banzai Mania!

Humble Administrator's Garden with a few of my closest Chinese friends.

The Leaning Tail of Suzhou.

On the canal in our "gondola."

Let's Celebrate!

2008-09-23T03:31:00.000-07:00

Cultural celebrations are wonderful things. People come together with food and drink to enjoy what they love about their home lands. This past weekend was Chinese Moon Festival. While

I'm still not sure what this is a celebration of, or what exactly is meant to happen, the traditional indulgence of this time of year is the Moon Cake.

These approximately 2 pound, palm-sized treats come in a variety of shapes and sizes, filled with mysterious gelatin substances supposedly made from ingredients such as rice, red beans, fruit jelly, sesame paste, or everyone's favorite, the hard-boiled egg. (I tried to get a picture of one with an egg, but they were gobbled up before I could even get my camera out!)

But Chinese are not exclusive to celebrating their own holidays. Since moving here, I have even been able to get in touch with my German roots at an International Beer Festival.

This festival was as German as you can get:

Men in leiderhosen playing games with beer...

...and a great band singing classic German hits.

But the Chinese won't let you forget where you are. Just outside of our beer tent, there were

Tsingtao tents, karaoke, and Chinese cuisine such as snail (yes, I tried one) and octopus.

Or for those in a more carnivorous mood, these guys would served up some camel, deer, ostrich, or sheep as shown by their helpful photo menu.

Learning about festivals from around the world gives insight into different cultures; I just never would have thought I would discover so many while in Shanghai.

My Apartment

2008-08-31T06:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Shanghai Racquet Club!

My living room. Apparently no one got the memo that I should never have white furniture.

This is the view from my balcony. No, this picture is not hazy because of pollution. It was so humid when I took this picture that my lens fogged up.

The kitchen I don't use, unless you count putting take-out from the carry-out container onto a real plate cooking.

This is my bedroom. The second bedroom is to the right but is only closed off when I shut the sliding doors, so until I have visitors it is just one huge room.

This is the view from the window in the last picture.

Yes, I am aware that I am being spoiled.

I'm A Pig

2008-08-31T04:54:00.000-07:00

I'm a pig, but so is everyone else who was born in 1983. And this past weekend I was able to celebrate my 25th year as a pig in Shanghai.

Through the grapevine, a few people had found out that my birthday was coming up, but I was never expecting all of the great things that happened this weekend. The surprises started Friday morning with a violin and vocal serenade by our music TA and few other teachers, including a lit birthday cheesecake. Possibly a fire hazard, but worth it!

Plans had previously been made with a few people for dinner and an evening at a jazz club downtown for Saturday night. Going to places like Face Bar and JZ Club don't sound very Shanghai-esque, but our trip to the restaurant gave us a glimpse into the real China. We took the shuttle from our apartment complex to the subway, which is both incredibly crowded and incredibly clean, an unlikely combination in China, and then were going to walk to Face. At one point, we got a bit turned around, so the only Chinese-speaking member of our party asked for directions. The woman she asked offered to show us the way and before we knew it, we had left the "bright-lights, big city" streets to take an unexpected "short-cut." So the 7 of us very American-looking Americans were off to follow a tiny Chinese woman through twisting and turning poorly-lit alleys, past entire residences no bigger than my kitchen, men in their boxer shorts and tank tops doing work outside their doors, and dodging clotheslines as older women chuckled at us. It was as if we had stepped through a secret door from the raucous concrete jungle of 21st Century Shanghai into a subdued village of what life was like before western modernity was introduced to the east. Although a sweaty detour, everyone one of us was glad to have been given the opportunity to see what most walk right past.

Eventually we did arrive at the restaurant and squeezed our party of 13 around the large wooden table reserved for us. We enjoyed shared Thai dishes, drinks, and great conversation with new friends. I was even serenaded again, this time even the waiter joined in as he brought me another lit dessert.

But the night was not over yet! After dinner we headed to the jazz club, but this time in taxis, even though the Japanese Beatles cover band playing at a bar called Abbey Road was tempting. No one was playing when we arrived, but a group took the stage shortly after. The first group played Latin jazz and the guitar player also sang, but my poor Spanish skills provided only rough translations of the lyrics. The group I was with was enjoying the music from a second floor booth that overlooked the stage. Towards the end of the set, we could see a note passed to the singer, which he proceeded to read into the microphone, "Can you please sing Happy Birthday to our friend Christa?" Yes he can and yes he did! So again, I was serenaded, not by just one, 5, or 13, but an entire jazz club in downtown Shanghai.

At dinner, someone asked me what the best thing that happened to me last year was and what I want for this year. My answers were basically the same in that this move has been a wonderful opportunity that I know will continue to provide new adventures and life lessons for the next many years. And if I learned anything from my first birthday in Shanghai, it is that I have a wonderful group of new friends who will help me to to accomplish these goals. I guess life as a pig isn't so bad after all.

Bon Appetite

2008-08-27T05:46:00.000-07:00

Before I begin with my latest blog I have an addition to the previous entry, "You Say Potato..."

6. It is okay to wear your pajamas in public. Grocery shopping, taking a bike ride, or just an evening stroll are all perfectly acceptable times and places to wear your pj's.

And now for the new stuff...

Common questions that people asked me before I moved were, "Do you like Chinese food? What are you going to eat there?" To which I wondered to myself, "What am I going to eat there?" Followed by the even more profound question, "If we call it Chinese food, what is it called in China?"

While I was relieved to see that my local grocer carries cereal and peanut butter (even though I had come prepared with my own PB...just in case), I have learned some basic rules about dining out in China. Guidebooks will tell you to stay away from uncooked veggies and fruit you didn't peel yourself (Exceptions can be made to this rule if you purchase fruit and vegetable wash sold right next to your Palmolive, Cascade, and Comet). Locals will tell you not to drink the water. Co-workers will tell you it's all a state of mine - you'll only feel sick if you think you feel sick.

While Chinese has never been my #1 choice of cuisine, I have tried a few local places and have found many tasty dishes. Meat is a staple of most menus and no part of the animal is off limits. Fish head soup and chicken feet are only a couple of the English translations gracing the pages of restaurant menus, right next to the bean curd and veggie dishes. The best example I can give is one stolen from a book I read before leaving the states called "Lost on Planet China." In the book, the author travels throughout China and at one point meets a local who explains the theory behind local delicacies, "We eat everything with 4 legs except the table and everything with 2 legs except people." (It's a hilarious book and I would recommend reading it!) The hands of the chefs here are heavy on the oil, but the flavors are plentiful in each dish. It is poor form to run out of food at a meal, so the more you order the better, but not everything will come at the same time, so when you forget what you ordered it's a nice surprise when it finally reaches your table. Chinese meals are meant to take time and the check is not presented until you ask for it, so take a load off and enjoy your company.

Although nothing came on a stick, my dinner this evening has been one of the most adventurous I have had here. My friend Alan and I decided to walk from our apartment complex to check out a local eatery. We hadn't made plans to go anywhere in particular, just followed our noses to somewhere that neither of us had been before. As soon as we walked in, I new it would be interesting. There was light dinner crown, but we were the only foreigners in the place. The owner looked at us and looked back at another employee as if to say, "What am I supposed to do with these people. Are they lost?"

But we had a seat anyway. We were not given menus because our waiter new we had no idea what to do with them and instead were faced with the menu on the wall. Often, restaurants here will have pictures so that even if you don't know what is hidden in the sauce at least you can choose a meal you find aesthetically pleasing. No such luck here. So Alan took charge, pointed to three things in the first column of the menu and away we went.

The first dish we were given sounded like kung-pao chicken, although not so spicy and with lots of peanuts. The second plate had a pile of tofu which was very tasty, but nothing is a greater challenge than eating silken tofu with chopsticks. The next dish was duck (we think) with onions and mushrooms (our favorite dish of the meal) and finally some greens with egg. After eating our fill of protein and chatting we asked for our check (and by asked I mean we did what we assume is the universal sign for check where you pretend to write on one hand), paid our 40 RMB (yeah, that's about $5.50 USD!!) and strolled on home. Bon Appetite!

School Days

2008-08-23T21:52:00.000-07:00

Two school days down, another 178 to go! After 6 months of preparation for this move and 2 weeks in Shanghai to brace myself for the beginning of the school year, I was very anxious to meet the kids this past week.

For the last two years I have taught middle school music, so I knew that switching to Pre-K through Grade 5 would be a change, but being in an international school adds a whole new dimension to my teaching experience. The majority of these students have lived in countries I have never even been to and speak at least one language other than English. Most of the faculty members have taught in numerous international schools, working abroad anywhere from 2-29 years.

The fact is that these school and living situations are incredibly transient. Students are likely to stay in one place for only a few years and teachers not much longer. The average at SAS is fairly high, with teachers staying 4.5 years. Some teachers who have put in more time say Shanghai has begun to feel like home, but even they, like most faculty, still have residences in their home country, cars sitting in storage, and family waiting for their return. Others have even left their spouses, knowing that their adventure in China will be over when our two-year contracts are up.

Regardless of this and my constantly swirling thoughts of when I will leave here and where I will go next, I am looking forward to the challenge of this school year. Although I haven't even met all of my classes, the students I have had are wonderful. Just taking attendance is a world geography and language lesson. Meet them in the lunch room and it's cuisine from the corners of the earth...what, your mom never packed dried scorpions in your lunch box? These young globe trotters will be so fun to work with and because I am now in elementary I must say what everyone knows...they are just so cute!!

You Say Potato, I Say "Tu Dou"

2008-08-15T01:49:00.000-07:00

Every place you go has a different set of cultural norms, the things that are acceptable in a society that make it unique. In my short time here, I have compiled a list of some of the most interesting things I have observed.

1. Everything comedians say about Chinese drivers is true. Apparently no one here was taught the familiar Safety Town tune, "Green means go, yellow means slow, and red means stop, stop stop!

2. For as few rules as there are for driving, there are fewer for pedestrians, other than motor vehicles and bicycles have the right of way.

3. There is no such thing as a queue.

4. People stare at me. Nothing makes you feel more self-conscious than having people stop and look at you, but here I don't have a choice. I've had some people go out of their way to get a good look at me, or better yet, get me to speak to them, which is apparently pretty entertaining for them. Here is a typical conversation between me and some locals:

L(ocal): Ni hao.

M(e): Ni hao.

L: (long phrase of Mandarin to me or their friends nearby)

M: (blank stare)

L: (giggle or laugh out loud).

I've never felt so funny in my life.

5. Babies do wear split pants, however I don't think there is an age limit for public urination.

"The secret of how to live without resentment or embarrassment in a world in which I am different from everyone else is to be indifferent to those differences. For that which is different from me does not impoverish me - it enriches me."

Adapted from quotations by Al Capp and Antoine De Saint-Exupery

The Good, The Bad, The Stinky

2008-08-13T15:18:00.000-07:00

I have been in my new home for about one week and although I have not even scratched the surface of all that is China, I have seen glimpses of the good, the bad, and the stinky.

I live in an area of Shanghai called Zhudi Town, which is far enough west of the city center not to be on any maps, but close enough to hop a taxi to downtown without shelling out too many RMB. My apartment complex is basically a country club, sans golf course, only a short walk or bus ride (approximately 2 minutes) from school. Oh, and for those of you asked, were wondering, or who never even thought of it, yes, the toilets are just like the ones at home, but I'm sure my first "squatty potty" experience will be one worth mentioning. Since our arrival, most new teachers have been scrambling to set up their new homes amongst shopping excursions to Carrefour, checking out the local bars, finding the best massage in town, and once in a while thinking, "Oh yeah, I should probably do some work."

My first weekend in Shanghai began with a school trip to Ikea. This basically meant that the approximately 15 of 40 new teachers, who hadn't already figured out how to get there and been four times, took school buseS to Ikea to do a 2-hour power-shop. The whole trip had a game show feel with an international twist. With the Swedish/Mandarin signs and tags I had to do my best to make my way through the two-story warehouse while keeping track of the time and maneuvering through hoards of people who treat their role as pedestrians similarly to that of how they drive (if you are the one person who has not heard jokes about Chinese drivers, please try and find some and then read my next blog). Afterward, I apparently hadn't had enough of large crowds for the day and went shopping downtown. And what is a better way to end a day of strenuous shopping than to find the only Zhudi Town restaurant owned by a Texan that serves burgers, brews its own beer, and shows the Olympics in English. Delicious!

On Sunday, I was invited to join a colleague on a trip downtown to check out a few of the most well known areas of Shanghai. Having someone who is willing to be your tour guide in a new city is great, but having one who speaks Mandarin in China is the ultimate. We started our trip by taking a shuttle bus from our apartment complex to the Portman, a large hotel/convention center area downtown and then headed east through shopping and business areas. The city was awake, but quiet and clean, which our host claimed was unusual and we would find out for ourselves later in the day. Our first stop was a 4-story shopping area known as "580", or what I will call the Faux Factory. This is a building with nothing but knockoffs, from purses to jeans, Turkish rugs to golf clubs. If I thought Ikea was hectic, it was nothing compared to the attacks of these vendors. While most will only loudly proclaim their wares, others will grab and pull you to their stall to prove that they have the best deal. Any hesitation on your part can get you a price cut of about 50% and even attempting to barter can only get you a better deal. Know a few words in Mandarin and you are set. On our way to find a place for lunch, we stopped for an appetizer of water lily seeds from a street vendor and continued east to a great restaurant that overlooks the city.

After lunch, we strolled over to People's Park and took in the sights of water lilies the size of our heads put together, the sounds of traditional Chinese instruments, and observed Chinese matchmaking. People's Park has become a hot spot for local parents to advertise their children with hopes of finding them a spouse. Mom and/or Dad document their child's best and most stable qualities and post their information sheet (with or without photo) on bushes and clotheslines around the park. While this may appear as an absurd practice to those of us who are more familiar with the methods of bar-hopping, Internet dating and blind dates, the reason for it is more than just over-involved parents. Because of the one-child rule (which has more exceptions and fine print than the latest allergy medication advertised on television) and continuing liberation of this culture, the number of aging single men and women is increasing. In a society where the child is meant to support the parents in their old age, this has resulted in many single people being unable to provide the support necessary their family needs. The effects of recent actions in this culture are leading to unpredicted results that are now effecting a large portion of society. Sorry mom and dad, but I'd rather end up taking care you with my 42 cats than have you pawn me off in the park.

Next it was off to the Bund, the area of Shanghai that follows the Huangpu River and is known for its restaurants, shops, and history. In order to get there we walked along a pedestrian area (I guess here that also includes scooters and trolleys) with every shop and restaurant imaginable. "High end" and "elite" could describe just about every store in the area, from Chanel to Feragamo, with a sprinkling of more familiar Starbucks and Haagen-Dazs. We continued with the crowd: Walking along busy streets dodging vehicles and people, down mysterious subway-like steps, up said steps and alas, the Bund. The idea of the Bund is great, depending on where you look there is a river and/or skyline view of the Puxi (West) or Pudong (East) areas of Shanghai. Similarly to tourist sights anywhere, people come to enjoy the area with family, friends and loved ones, perhaps purchasing a tasty candied crab apple on a stick or souvenir photo of yourself by the river. However, the Huangpu does not necessarily offer the cool breeze that one may find refreshing on a muggy summer afternoon. After watching a large coal barge sail by and making our way closer to the water, the air could really only be described as stinky. I think my exact words were, "That smells...disgusting." While the Great Lakes may not always be the picture of cleanliness, the Huangpu is in a different category. However upsetting this view may be for those of us who are environmentally friendly, or even aware, the Bund is still a great view of the Pearl Tower, the skyline of Shanghai and a provides a glimpse into the area's history and culture. Our trip to the Bund did not last long and we headed home just in time to catch a taxi before the afternoon storm.

School is starting one week from today and reality is starting to set in. Although things are busy I am already planning my next blog so stay tuned!

Always Pack A Clean Pair of Undies in Your Carry-On

2008-08-07T06:30:00.000-07:00

The plan seemed simple...fly from Cleveland to Chicago, hang out at O'Hare with some Starbucks and a magazine, then hop on the 14 hour flight from the Midwest to the Orient. Like I said, the plan seemed simple.

True or False: It takes 7 hours to fly from Cleveland to Chicago. True, if you are stuck on an airplane in Cleveland for four hours, removed from the plane for another, back to the airplane for hour 6 and then take off for 55 minutes of turbulent air time. Ok, so there was a bit of a thunderstorm Monday in Chicago. When I finally arrived at O'Hare, I had already missed my connection to Shanghai and being only one flight out a day, I had to wait until Tuesday. Thank goodness for the wonderful people of Chicago, namely Melissa Small. Good friends are the ones who will pick you up from the airport, find you a toothbrush, let you crash in their spare room, and then drive you back to the airport less than 24 hours later.

Anyway, the second attempt was successful...kind of. I made it through the 14 hour flight (the empty seat next to me made up for the worst selection of movies ever!) and arrived safely in sunny (what! after all that talk of an apocolyptic horizon...this is karma telling me that, contrary to what the airlines want me to believe, I did in fact make the right choice in moving) Shanghai! I gathered my passport and arrival form and headed with the herd of other passengers through customs, making sure to look as much like my picture as possible and hoping my visa would bring up no questions. Mission accomplished and on to baggage claim. While I was mentally devising a plan of how to fit 5 suitcases and 2 carry-ons onto the smallest luggage cart in the East (small people, small bags?) I waited patiently to see my bags I had so carefully tied with ID tags and obnoxiously bright ribbon. After a few minutes of watching the hypnotizing carousel go 'round, I thought, "Maybe I zoned out. Focus Christa, you have to get those bags." But alas, there were no bags. So I, along with the majority of my flight, stood in a "line" waiting to talk to an agent about our missing belongings.

Long story becoming too long, my bags weren't in Shanghai. One thing I did find, however, was my ride to my apartment. The wonderful vice-principal of my new school rode with me in the taxi to our resort, I mean apartment complex, and helped me figure out what to do with my lack of luggage. Like I said, good friends are the ones who will pick you up from the airport, and find you a toothbrush (and in this case toothpaste, towels, pjs, and laundry soap). So here I am at 10 pm Thursday evening, still sans luggage, hoping they will arrive by midnight as promised. But if there is one thing I learned from this whole thing, always pack a clean pair of undies in your carry-on.

There is much to write about my new place and school, but here is a preview...IT'S AMAZING!!

From Funk to Folk

2008-07-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

While I created this blog in order to update loved ones about my travels overseas, I have had quite a few adventures during this past summer in the states, that are definitely worth mentioning.

The summer began with my first trip to Bonnaroo, a music and art festival in Manchester, Tennessee. While some compare this week-long extravaganza to Woodstock, others to heaven, it was an experience that I will never forget. It was a chance to see some musical legends perform, including Willie Nelson, Ben Folds, Susan Tedeschi and Derrick Trucks, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss and some new favorites.

Throughout the summer I have attempted to make the most of the Chicago music scene, including this past weekend when I was able to see Al Green(!) one day and then next a fiddle contest at the Folk and Roots Festival. Where else can you make such a smooth transition from funk to folk than this great city?!

And possibly the best musical achievement of the summer has been my sister's completion of her debut album "Along For The Ride." I am so proud of her and if you would like to see why, check out Laura Kuebel under Recording Artists at www.tangledrecords.com.

The next blog I post will most likely be from Shanghai so keep your computers on and your good thoughts coming my way!

The Last Day and a New Beginning

2008-06-06T11:27:00.001-07:00

Today is my last day of my first real job. I have taught at my current position for the past 2 years and it has been a wonderful place to begin my career. As I pack up my room and say good-bye to students, I know that I am leaving a special place.

Thank you to all of the students and staff that have been so welcoming. You have helped me to grow as a teacher and as a person. I am going to miss you all. Please keep in touch! I am as excited to hear about your new adventures as you are mine!!

The Blogging Begins

2008-05-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

Hello, and welcome to my first real Blog. I have begun this web-adventure in response to the real life-adventure upon which I will soon embark...my move to Shanghai, China.

This past February, I attended the University of Northern Iowa's Overseas Placement Fair in the cultural mecca of Waterloo, Iowa. I interviewed with principals and administrators from American schools located all over the world, from Kuwait and Abu Dhabi to Columbia and Switzerland. Even without leaving the US, this experience opened my eyes to new places and opportunities. Instead of snatching the job I had originally been wanting, I will now be "going with my gut" to Shanghai, China to teach at Shanghai American School. I will be teaching elementary music and band and I cannot wait! Check out the school at www.saschina.org