Europe Day – Culture Week 2011
Here are a couple more pics of Europe Day when I was having quite some fun with some students.
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Survival with the Bike Bell
It used to be a lot better looking. And it even used to have a compass on top – before the compass decided to have a divorce (and it never even asked for my permission – ungrateful thing!). Now it’s just a simple, compassless bike bell. But it’s a good one. And I need it. Almost as desperately as I need the breaks on my bike. Because without my bike bell, trying to get to class with my bike would be an almost hopeless case. There are just too many students on the road when I’m on my way to class. And even with the bell it’s quite the challenge to weave through the crowds of students. So, my bike bell turns out to be a life-saver, both for myself, and for any student that would inadvertently run into my bike if it wasn’t for the bell. What a lucky thing to have that bell. Even if it’s a divorced, compassless bell! Saying Thanks … And, since we’re talking about bikes and bells already today, …
Why Showering Takes Twice As Long These Days
Culture week is over, and I’m sure most of us are very relieved – despite of all the fun it brings. Now, we can focus back on the simple things of life. Like taking a shower. If you remember, just a couple of weeks ago, I posted about my hot water heater, and how it makes me really happy. And that’s exactly the reason why showering takes me twice as long these days. Well, or at least it’s half the reason. Next to making me really happy, my hot water heater also has another big bonus: It makes me feel warm and cozy each time I shower. After all, our heat hasn’t been turned on yet, and my little Mr. Electric Heater – with all his hard work – just can’t keep up fighting the cold that’s been creeping in from all around. So, I am cold; my apartment is cold; outside it’s cold – only my water heater is really, really hot! And that’s why I love spending all that time with my shower …
30 Days of Thanks (6)
Today, I am thankful that culture week is over, and that life can get back to normal. Also, I’m thankful for the memories I have with my friends and family.
Word of Wisdom: Give Thanks
Give thanks at all time.
International Culture Week 2011 – Grand Finale
We’ve done it! Finished another culture week. And today was the grand finale, celebrating songs and dances from various cultural backgrounds. Being me, of course, I’m gonna allow you a peek of some of the eye candy we got to have. Here are some pics … And here’s a short clip to give you an even better idea of some of the performances … Saying Thanks … Lastly, I want to say thanks for living in such a culturally diverse environment, which really helps me to look at life from a different perspective.
Culture Week – Day 5: North America & Australia
Of course, next to China Day, North America Day is probably the most popular day of culture week. No wonder – Most foreign teachers don’t need to teach on Fridays, which means they have plenty of time for games and fun activities. It’s about America, and of course it’s a pride thing to make sure America is well represented. Right after lunch, I made my tour of the square and I was quite entertained by what I saw … My Canadian friends organized a street hockey game. And probably the most interesting part of all was when the students saw the hockey sticks and asked us what they were for! So, I learned today that the average Chinese person doesn’t have a clue what hockey is! Of course, once they started playing, the students figured things pretty quickly. Lady Gaga & Lady Liberty posing back to back, and the students (though clueless as to who those figures were) loved to pose with them for a photo opportunity. Saying Thanks … Finally, I don’t want to …
Fest of Cultures – Day 4: Europe
Finally, Europe Day has arrived! This means playing on home turf for me. Except that it’s basically looking at Europe from an American perspective since as the only European around, I’m just a tiny minority! So, I’m never really sure whether I should be amused or annoyed at all the medieval artifacts my American colleagues dig up to represent Europe. It’s not quite what Europe is like, and it’s certainly not the way the Chinese perceive Europe, in whose eyes the European continent is highly developed, modern and sophisticated. But I’ve given up hope trying to convince my American colleagues to point out some of Europe’s modern accomplishments (such as soccer, European cars, developments in renewable energies/environmental protection, tourism, etc. to mention just a few). And so I’m puttering around between medieval castles, Viking ships, and the guillotine, thinking to myself: “I’m sure I’ve ran into one of those Vikings in Europe before … just can’t quite remember where exactly … but certainly, they must be out there somewhere …!” Anyways, I still had fun …
Culture Week – Day 3: Africa & Latin America
The fest of cultures is continuing. Today it’s all about Africa & Latin America. Again, I made my trip to the square for a little peek of what was going on, and of course, I’ll let you take a peek with me …
Happy Birthday Misty Hilltops!!!
I can’t believe that it’s been so long, but exactly one year ago I launched my blog for the first time. Happy Birthday to MistyHilltops.com! Didn’t really have a clue what I’d let myself in on when I started, but it’s been quite the journey and a lot of fun. When I first started blogging, I was afraid that I’d be either running out of things to say within a week (I’m glad that didn’t happen), or that whatever I’d have to say would really bore the world (you’d have to decide on that one!). But 365 days later, I’ve come to realize that my blogging-worries were in vain: NUMBER 1 I’ve got topics I want to talk about lined up all the way through the middle of December already, and new ideas are coming every day! So stay put to see what’s coming! NUMBER 2 I have anywhere between 50 and 100-something visitors a day, and that number’s growing. And while I know that compared to the most popular blogs in the world this …