Knobcottage in China

Jamie, is the English name of the Chinese guy who seems to manage recruitment of foreign teachers in Guizhou, the province in which I am working.  in between lessons one day I got a text on WeChat asking me where I was because  he was in the school.  Finally I got to meet Jamie.  He'd brought along with him the Chairman of tehe Party at Tongren University and one other guy.  We sat in the office and did a photoshoot.  Jamie said we are family and I was lie his older brother.  I told hm that he looked older and that I would be the younger brother!  He now calls me Didi...younger brother! My 'older brother' Me, Jamie (left) and The Chairman

...an umbrella on a motorbike.  Yes, it's China, they have umbrellas on motorbikes!  ...don't ask! Bigger umbrellas Nice pink frilly Parisienne ones ...and this most mighty of beasts with two wheels, three legs and one head!

It is exactly what I expected and more.  So rewarding.  ALL of the kids are genuinely nice and respectful.. They are curious and polite.  In class if you say an English word and point at them they all shout and repeat it, all fifty to sixty of them!  But our (Anna and my) jobs are to make them more autonomous and make them able to take charge of their own learning.  They are so excited that there is an real English teacher here.  I think they also appreciate our more fun-based learning!  We can do this as we don't have the pressure of the Chinese National exams to force-feed the children through! Here are today's results! ( yes, I did notice the eeerm awkwardly placed peg..only after I looked at the photos!)  Kids are kids are kids!   and a few pictures of the school for good measure!  View towards the river from the school 'parade ground' View from the office door View from the office window.

After such an interesting start to the day, I met with Anna outside the bank and went into town.   On the way back, I heard it...oh yes!    Chinese Square dance music ( A short documentary on Chinese square dancing (opens a new window) ).   I’d always wanted to see it for real.   It is a form of dance exercise done by the older Chinese ladies.   Not only have I wanted to see it, as soon as I heard it, I wanted to do it!   There were about 20 people dancing with a few watching, so I was straight in.... you can see the results below. ...Yes, its me!  I absolutely loved it.   I'll be there again soon. Sorry about the quality of the video (and the dancing!) On the way back we noticed a crown and went to look for the reason.   It was a cock fight.   Kind of spontaneous, no-one too bothered.   It was interesting watching the small kids trying to get close for a look!   I make no judgement.   I am here to explore a deep and rich culture, and this is a part of it!