Saturday, February 28, 2009
Hey Sports Fans
Kids
I met some of my freshmen students at the pub two blocks from campus, the only one in the vicinity of this 20,000 strong campus. They're all from Henan Province, which with 95 million people is the most populous and among the less prosperous in China. I offered to buy beer all the way around. One was happy to accept, two shared a beer, and the others limited themselves to the free tea. Cheap dates! Two are 17, having started primary school early, the rest are 19. The teetotalers told told me that they were not old enough to drink. One told me her parents forbid her to drink. I told them that when American kids go off to college they tend to get a little wild, but she said that she could not lie to her parents. Others took the time-honored "what they don't know" approach. This new generation has grown up under the reform as China has opened up to capitalism, investment, and the world, and there are signs of change. One of the kids referred to something us boomers remember well, "the generation gap." In so many ways China is similar to the USA in the 1950s. Maybe it's edging towards its own sixties.
Welcome, Colony
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A Student E-Mail
Dear Professor,
It was an honor for me to attend your course. I’m XXX, a freshman who majors in English. The brief glance of American popular culture you gave us really impressed me a lot. In return, I’d like to share some of my superficial view on Chinese values.
You said that America is a democratic country which citizens have strong passion for politics, while Chinese seems to have less interests in participating in political affairs. They care more about their own lives, families, especially their own children. Maybe having gone through a long period of feudal society, it appears that Chinese lack sense of host more or less. But Chinese is absolutely a patriotic nation. When Wenchuan Earthquake happened, the whole nation focused their eyes on the disaster area, helping the victims of the calamity heart and soul. When torch-relay got obstructed abroad, the overseas got together to protect the relay. Besides, the Beijing Olympic Games wouldn't be successfully held without the unyielding support of the Chinese. All these show the great cohesive force of sharing suffering.
As the generations of Confucius, living and working peace and contentment is our desire. So the Chinese wouldn’t bully the other countries. Instead, they long for harmonious coexistence, renewing old friendships and establishing new contacts, just like a family. To safeguard world peace and promote common development is their desire, they hope that one day can beat swords into ploughs.
The Chinese civilization has always given prominence to unremitting self-improvement, reform and innovation. As an ancient Chinese motto puts it, “As Heaven keeps vigor through movement, a gentleman should unremittingly practice self-improvement.” It is their perseverance, determination, stamina that enable the Chinese nation grow after surviving numerous setbacks and adversity. China is a country with large population, people value their precious opportunities. I think it is the main reason why China has developed so swiftly since the reform and opening-up.
The Chinese nation is also good at learning. Perhaps you had already felt it since you stepped into our university. Students worked hard day and night in order to get higher degree and have better future. Many of them think that only getting a higher degree can change their destinies.(though I think the skill and the ability are the power). Their families put a large sum of money on their children's education. But education in modern times has acquired a kind of snob values.
The Chinese is also a thrift nation. Unlike the US, which has a fairly sound social security system, China is a developing country after all. Besides, China thrifty is Chinese traditional virtue. They’d rather save the money in the bank than make investments to get much higher rewards especially during the financial crisis.
You said that Americans believe that God guide their destinies. While in China expect some religious people, most people believe gods, but they don't care who the god is .It seems that they're some sort of superstitious, but is there anyone who doesn't want to be blessed by god?
China is one that has continued uninterrupted for more than 5000 years. The distinct cultural tradition of the Chinese nation that developed in the long course of history has exerted a strong influence on China. Chinese values are deeply rooted in Chinese culture. So it is difficult for me to present all-around Chinese values. I just tell my superficial views and I'd like to explore more through books and personal experiences. I’m looking forwards to getting further communication with you so that I can get a better understanding of Chinese and American culture through their discrepancy.
P.S: here are some of my questions about American culture.
1) It is said that art is a mirror, Can the Hollywood movie can truly reflect American culture? if yes, could you please list some.
2) why TV Shows are so popular in the US?
3) what's the advantages of American education, compared to China ?
Monday, February 23, 2009
Random observations
Saturday, February 21, 2009
I gotta go, but
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Food report
Monday, February 16, 2009
Kaifeng... first impressions
Kaifeng is a lot different from Beijing. The capital has, at least at its center, become a world city. It is one loud and vast insistence that China is arriving as a global power.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Wish Lanterns
Friday, February 13, 2009
Pictures
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Beijing
Greetings from Kaifeng,,, but more on that later.
Due to the visa snafu, I had only two days in Beijing and was determined to score as much as I could of the Big Four. I’ll spare you the minute-by-minute for a general summary of my introduction to China.
Beijing is a very different place from what it was 20 or perhaps even 10 years ago. It looks as though a giant redevelopment reaper has scythed most of what was the center and replaced it with wide, i.e., very wide boulevards and gleaming new buildings. Maybe it is still enjoying the effects of the Olympic makeover. The fabled pollution was nothing more than a haze during my short stay, not nearly as bad as Los Angeles was when I lived there in the early seventies. Two days, however, is scarcely time enough to draw a valid conclusion.
I stayed at Beijing Downtown Backpackers Association. The good: location in historic neighborhood and very inexpensive (single room $25/night). Clientele is young. To describe the staff as helpful and friendly is to disservice it with understatement. The not-so-good: it’s a hostel, bare and spare, so if you want comfort and charm, look elsewhere. My room was nothing more than a bed, a table + bathroom. If you are interested go to http://www.backpackingchina.com.
The street is basically an alley about a car-and-a-half width. There are many restaurants and shops that seemed to be frequented more by Chinese than the few Westerners in the area. Even if you stay elsewhere the neighborhood is worth a visit if you have time. This is an example of the hutongs that once made up much of Beijing.
BTW the staffer with whom I had the most contact is a young woman called Apple. Apparently many Chinese who work with foreigners take an English name that either echoes their real name or they simply pick their favorite animal or food. We have a rough equivalent of this with all the self-applied appellations sported in hip-hop culture.
The Great Wall is an absolute must and the hostel offered access to a guided hike along a less-frequented section. We left before 7:00 AM for the 2 ½ drive. Climbing a steep set of steps, I realized this was going to be a lot tougher than I had anticipated. Thus ensued eight of the toughest kilometers I’ve ever walked. Admittedly with one bum knee and one hip replacement I ain’t what I useta be but the constant up and down over the undulating artifact ensured that by the end I was less aware of fulfilling a long-held desire than simply focusing on putting one protesting foot in front of the other. Take this hike only if you’re in excellent condition especially in the lower extremities.
Still the magnificence of the Wall was overwhelming. That the Chinese constructed this astounding fortification while Europe was emerging from the Middle Ages is a weighty testament to their engineering abilities.
I was shot for the evening. Still jet lagged, I had just enough energy to get dinner and a most gratifying massage. I went for legs only, then the masseuse offered me Chinese cup therapy. Oh well, in for a penny… this consisted of heating glass bowls and sticking them on my legs. Other than producing some bright round welts I’m not sure what the purpose is.
My second and last day in Beijing I checked two other items off the must-see list. In the morning it was the Forbidden City, as vast and spectacular as advertised. I will savor another viewing of The Last Emperor, the only film ever made on site. No more due to worries about the effects of the kliegs on the antique paint jobs.
Some kind of guide is necessary and while I was headed to the audio I was approached by an eager young man with good English. I took a chance and he proved personable and knowledgeable, well worth the $30 for both our admissions and his fee. Oh, his code name: Sword. If you want his services go to swordissharp2003@yaho.com.cn. I really wanted the excuse to run his e-mail address.
Afternoon took me to the famous Temple of Heaven, a vast park devoted to the spring planting sacrifice. I always thought of the Chinese emperors as pampered and removed from the mundane but at least once a year they had to lead an elaborate ritual vital to the health of a densely populated agrarian society. The whole park is billed as the largest religious site in the world and after a couple of hours’ walking that doesn’t strike one as egregious..
In the evening I entrained to Kaifeng. The Beijing West Station, one of two serving the capital, is like most everything else in the huge center new, clean, efficient, and, unsurprisingly, crowded. It was easy to find my train but boarding entailed having to drag my suitcases down a long flight of stairs. Preparing for four months knocked the “lite” off of “pack” so this was a challenge. I had a “soft sleeper,” a closed-door cabin shared with three others, two bunks on each side (the “hard sleeper” is open-door with three bunks on each side, and cheapest are just plain seats). Thus I overnighted to Kaifeng where next I will pick up.
Friday, February 6, 2009
At last. My passport is in hand, visa securely glued onto its pages (side note: the new passports with pictures and quotes remind me of a patriotically-themed day planner). The baggage is packed. Room at the Beijing Downtown Backpacker’s Association Hostel is reserved. I’m just about on my way.
I’ve been working on course preparation (“prep” in the trade), but I figure I’ll be doing a lot of improvising as I adapt to the teaching environment. As long as I have the Internet and PowerPoint… oh what the heck, even if I don’t I’ll be in CHINA! At HENAN UNIVERSITY!
People around my age will remember cartoons with the stock joke of someone digging a deep hole and popping out of the ground in China. A surprised peasant wearing one of those crazy Asian sombreros was always part of the scene. China seemed so far away, so exotic & mysterious—the epitome of foreign.
No shovel for me, I go over the polar ice cap Newark to Beijing. Allowing always for the Great Weird, I should walk into the Beijing haze on Sunday and make my next post from the other side of the world.
If you’re thinking about a trip to China (and a visit to Kaifeng), Continental is running a special introductory fare—much less than what I paid. http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf?/base/business-11/1233826236167920.xml&coll=2
Take a look at Henan University and Kaifeng from the Google earth satellite at
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
In October, 2007, I applied for professional leave and received permission spring, 2008. Arrangements were nailed down with Henan University.
Paperwork for a work visa arrived three weeks ago. China requires that a visa application is submitted in person either by the traveler or an agent. Hiring someone to do this is standard practice. Google “China visa agent” and you will get millions of possibilities.
I’m lucky. My brother Steve lives in midtown Manhattan, about 30 blocks from the Chinese consulate. More good fortune: it’s the one designated for Ohio.
My good luck. Not my brother’s. An inveterate city walker, he trudged in the January cold to the consulate only to learn that the passport office keeps what we used to call “banker’s hours” (I reckon now it’s “bailout hours”).
The second trip resulted in rejection due to a couple of errors. “Lines out the door,” he e-mailed. “It’s like the fall of Saigon in there! Who knew so many people wanted to go to China?”
At least he got an unexpected thrill. When he called my mother on his walk home, she told him to walk over two blocks where he saw Flight 1549 floating on the Hudson River.
Visit three discovered that the paperwork from China was found to contain a critical error. By that time I was in Florida visiting Mom. Henan University was on break, the days to departure were dwindling, and a delay became a consideration.
Word came back that a tourist visa would be fine, but we had to wait out the Lunar (Chinese) New Year.
Back went my brother twice more, dropping off the passport and then finally picking it up. From the consulate right across the street to Fed Ex. You know, FedEx, of the When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight.
Well, the package had to be here overnight. And it wasn’t.
A call to FedEx revealed that the plane had been delayed and my passport languished at their Memphis terminal. Another call to a service representative told me to sit tight, they were working on it and would call. Of course, no one did and several hours later I called to confirm that the package would absolutely, positively be a critical day late.
I now understand the negative reviews of FedEx posted at http://www.rateitall.com/i-35526-fedex.aspx
Not to go into too much travel travail, but here’s something to ponder: I had to reschedule with Continental. I looked at Friday’s flights and both legs had plenty of empty seats—I counted over 50 on each. But could I have one of the those seats? Only for over a thousand dollars, whereas I could have seats on Saturday’s flights for less than $300 in fees. This makes sense only to those who wish to understand why the airlines lose so much money with their irrational and illogical policies.
As I post this, I await passport and am now recalibrated to leave on Saturday, Feb. 7. I hope that’s not too much excitement for everyone. This Weblog is off to a squeaking start…