Wow, today has been so interesting.
As I said earlier, I taught my first lessons this afternoon. They are each 45 minutes long and I had three in a row - it's pretty tiring but I actually really enjoyed it. I am not usually a person who stands up in front of a crowd unnecessarily but I think that is why it is so good for me to do this!
Chinese school children in Wuhu are not used to seeing blonde English people (or westerners at all, for that matter) and I think this novelty factor will work in my favour (at least at the beginning of term when the poor things haven't been overloaded with work quite yet - their days are 7am to 5.30pm!). In two of the three lessons I was applauded when I entered the rooms and loads of kids asked me to be their friends when I asked them to introduce themselves - talk about an ego boost!!! Still, I would rather that than them ignoring me or refusing to do as I asked.
I think my boss, Caroline, has given me many of the nicer, well behaved classes (she seems to favour girls) and I felt bad when Ahmir and Joe told me about their less-than-delightful first day's experiences. However, I think we will all improve as we go through the semester and start with more structured lessons.
I must say, the children talk amazing English - I totally underestimated their abilities when I was planning the lessons. I have been told not to mention certain things by Caroline, which is unsurprising considering the country I am in. However, many of them seemed interested in the culture of England and where I come from.
What will be difficult to sustain is talking in a clear and concise manner all the time, even to the assistants, if I want to be understood. Still, I guess I will come home and mumble and waffle less!
After the lessons were over, I came back with Joe and our assistants in a taxi (they seem to get a taxi for a five minute walk all the time). My assistant is called Rex and he is pretty cool. He's twenty and speaks very good English. It has been great to have him to help with interpreting at times but also just as moral support because he is really encouraging and friendly.
So, we got back to our flat (which adjoins Aston school, our base for teaching a lot of the time) at about 6 and were pretty peckish. We eat a communal lunch at noon everyday with the chinese assistants, foreign teachers, Caroline and the cook. There are about 10 of us around the table so it's quite sociable (I just wish I understood a word of what they were saying!) . We chatted for about an hour over a cup of tea, then I decided to go and check out the running track. Joe and Ahmir came with me - normally I am fiercely independent but when so many people stare at you in the street, it was nice to have them by my side. The running track is at the University, which is about a minute's walk from the flat. It was so nice to use up some energy but I think I will bring my MP3 player next time (thanks again, Alex!) because the scenery doesn't change much.
I am really loving the challenge of this trip at the moment, at least. It really is so different. The obvious touristy challenge is to order food in a restaurant when you have no idea how to string a sentence together and no one in the place can speak English any better. This challenge confronted Joe, Ahmir and me when we went out for dinner tonight. I was determined to make it work and we eventually explained our desire for pork, chicken and vegetables with rice to the poor sods who ran the place. To our delight, ten minutes later out came a pretty tasty meal for the three. Moreover, it cost us the equivalent of one pound fifty (including drinks) I actually got a buzz from communicating using smiles, nods and a few key words - it was quite an experience anyway!
For now, I am going to go. I just spotted another cockroach and so I think I might retreat to the Kitchen for a drink!....x
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