The Adventures of Tai'an My Journey to Tai'an tag:travellerspoint.com,2008-03-20:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29 2009-01-13T11:08:06Z Bettinamc img/travel-blog-feed.png The Agriculture University Tea House tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-13:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=212&entryid=145393 2009-01-13T11:08:06Z 2009-01-13T11:08:06Z Andrew, Blair and I went to the Agriculture University to Jason's tea lab. It was so interesting. We were there 3 hours before we had even realised. Anyway at the tea lab the professor said that you can't have a tea lab with out having a tea house. So the professor paid to deck out the tea house. It looks fantastic and is very welcoming. We sat in there and drank tea. We ... Andrew, Blair and I went to the Agriculture University to Jason's tea lab. It was so interesting. We were there 3 hours before we had even realised.

Anyway at the tea lab the professor said that you can't have a tea lab with out having a tea house. So the professor paid to deck out the tea house. It looks fantastic and is very welcoming. We sat in there and drank tea. We had the whole tea process shown to us.

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]]> Hanging with Maggie tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-13:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=211&entryid=145389 2009-01-13T10:28:01Z 2009-01-13T10:28:01Z Today Maggie took me to the park at the base of the mountain. We had a lovely time strolling around except it was freezing. After the park we went to the porridge restaurant for dinner. I wish I had spent more time with Maggie. It is always a challenging situation. We are visitors they still have their normal life. I guess I really never realised how often Maggie's husband was away and how she spent most ... Today Maggie took me to the park at the base of the mountain. We had a lovely time strolling around except it was freezing. After the park we went to the porridge restaurant for dinner.

I wish I had spent more time with Maggie. It is always a challenging situation. We are visitors they still have their normal life. I guess I really never realised how often Maggie's husband was away and how she spent most of her time by herself. if I knew that I would have contacted her to do things together.

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]]> Blair's Birthday tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-13:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=210&entryid=145387 2009-01-13T10:24:27Z 2009-01-13T10:24:27Z It was Blair's 55th Birthday today! We had arranged to go for dinner at the East Lake Restaurant. There was Blair, Andrew, Cameroon Mike, Polly, Alice and me! Dinner was great with a lot of laughs and a bit of sport. Expected when Blair and Andrew are together! After dinner I suggested we go to the Salsa Bar. Blair had said earlier he didn't want to go because it is too loud. After a couple ... It was Blair's 55th Birthday today! We had arranged to go for dinner at the East Lake Restaurant. There was Blair, Andrew, Cameroon Mike, Polly, Alice and me! Dinner was great with a lot of laughs and a bit of sport. Expected when Blair and Andrew are together!

After dinner I suggested we go to the Salsa Bar. Blair had said earlier he didn't want to go because it is too loud. After a couple of bottles of beer he was all for it!

We all headed to the Salsa bar except for Polly. We danced and drank until 1 am when we made the chilly departure to leave.

Tucked in bed by 1.30 am. Another great night had!

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]]> Spring Festival tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-13:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=209&entryid=145383 2009-01-13T09:46:48Z 2009-01-13T09:46:48Z Well this is what the Chinese call it but we would know it as Chinese New Year. The Chinese love festivals and one of their most popular festivals is the Spring Festival. This year the Chinese New Year falls on the 26 January 2009. It will be the year of the Ox. Chinese New Year starts on the first day of the first month in the lunar calendar. Many people take a week off work. This is ... Well this is what the Chinese call it but we would know it as Chinese New Year. The Chinese love festivals and one of their most popular festivals is the Spring Festival.

This year the Chinese New Year falls on the 26 January 2009. It will be the year of the Ox. Chinese New Year starts on the first day of the first month in the lunar calendar. Many people take a week off work. This is China's biggest holiday.

Since boxing day the stores have been transformed and in the supermarkets there are great displays of food and gift items.

Just near the checkouts are huge piles of cartons of items ready to be put on shelves - as soon as the shelves are cleared, they are filled up again.

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]]> Food tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-13:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=208&entryid=145380 2009-01-13T09:23:25Z 2009-01-13T09:23:25Z It amazes me how the Chinese prepare their food. There are the pineapples which are presented with the head in tact and the pineapple with all the little eyes cut out. The baked sweet potato cooked inside some heating contraption and served in a plastic bag. The Chinese hamburger. Popcorn is cooked in this strange contraption. It is hard to explain how it actually works but the first time you hear it explode you wonder if you need to duck for cover as ... It amazes me how the Chinese prepare their food.

There are the pineapples which are presented with the head in tact and the pineapple with all the little eyes cut out.
The baked sweet potato cooked inside some heating contraption and served in a plastic bag.
The Chinese hamburger.
Popcorn is cooked in this strange contraption. It is hard to explain how it actually works but the first time you hear it explode you wonder if you need to duck for cover as the country is being bombed!

I'm sure I will think of other things to add to the list over time.

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]]> The Tailor tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-12:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=207&entryid=145233 2009-01-12T14:27:04Z 2009-01-12T14:27:04Z I found a tailor. They are no different to the tailors in Thailand or Vietnam. They make clothes with no pattern. I can't sew a button so I find this quite extraordinary. The tailor is in a little. The shop is filled with lots of fabric depending on the season. How does it work? Firstly you find the design you want. You can bring a picture from a magazine, draw it yourself or take an exiting item ... I found a tailor. They are no different to the tailors in Thailand or Vietnam. They make clothes with no pattern. I can't sew a button so I find this quite extraordinary.

The tailor is in a little. The shop is filled with lots of fabric depending on the season.

How does it work?

Firstly you find the design you want. You can bring a picture from a magazine, draw it yourself or take an exiting item to be copied. You then select your fabric and then negotiate the price. There is some room for bartering, but it is so cheap I accept the price.

Then the tailor gets out her tape measure and measures you. This is written down. The price is settled and a deposit is requested. I normally pay in full, however on one occasion I didn't have enough money with me so I paid what I had on me and the rest would be paid on collection. Normally they request 50% of the cost as a deposit.

It normally takes a week. A receipt with details of the order, collection date and the deposit paid is provided.

When you return the garment is usually hanging from a rack dangling from the ceiling - and with a hook it is located. It's placed in a bag and off your go with your new item/s to add to the wardrobe.

Mostly I have been satisfied, however, I've had to go back for further alterations on some items.

I have only used the one tailor in Tai'an. After my first order I took another teacher with me who ordered some items. Another teacher arrived and I have also taken her to the same tailor. I should be on commission!!

I have at one time purchased corduroy and taken the material to the tailor to have a pair of pants made. I would like to have another suit made before I go home. Time is quickly running out!

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]]> Spitting and smoking tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-12:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=206&entryid=145229 2009-01-12T14:13:17Z 2009-01-12T14:13:17Z Few women smoke in China. I find it very uncomfortable in restaurants, in elevators and in the taxi when the cigarette is lit up and I have to endure a gulf of smoke. Strangely there is a sign in taxis that smoking is forbidden, but that appears to exclude the driver!!!! The gym I go to there are several Chinese Men who light up between sets. There is one man in particular who when he comes near me he ... Few women smoke in China. I find it very uncomfortable in restaurants, in elevators and in the taxi when the cigarette is lit up and I have to endure a gulf of smoke. Strangely there is a sign in taxis that smoking is forbidden, but that appears to exclude the driver!!!!

The gym I go to there are several Chinese Men who light up between sets. There is one man in particular who when he comes near me he puts his smoke out. Even through the language barrier who got the hint!

Some of the Chinese do not like the spitting. Others will spit in the classroom. This I do not tolerate.

Some Chinese don't like the disrespect for other peoples property. They acknowledge that there is a problem with rubbish and pollution. Of course there are waste bins everywhere, but many Chinese people just throw their stuff on the ground. It astounds me. No keep China beautiful slogan here!

I hope that the students now understand some of the things that their country needs to change.

I have recently learnt that maintenance work done by plumbers and electricians are not trained. Anyone can do it. You just have to give it a go! This explains why there is such a huge problem with plumbing. I don't know how many times I have asked for my plumbing to be fixed and I still have a toilet that runs all hours and a shower that leaks. I have some water leak in my kitchen but no one can figure out where it is from. It only started when the heat was turned on.

There are many opportunities for the Chinese people to be trained, for education on pollution, spitting, for education on maintenance and so on.

A lot of people are highly critical of some aspects of life in China and there are days I am extremely frustrated about it, however, this country has had challenges that no other country has faced, and I think they are doing a great job.

I look forward to watching China develop.

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]]> Dining tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-12:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=205&entryid=145226 2009-01-12T14:01:56Z 2009-01-12T14:01:56Z The Chinese table manners would offend most people I associate with. Eating with the Chinese can take a little getting used to. They spit their bones and other wanted food onto the table. It is quite acceptable in China and is done in most restaurants! Of course I find it quite appalling. The loud eating of food - munch, munch, crunch, crunch with the mouth open would see my brother on the first plane out ... The Chinese table manners would offend most people I associate with. Eating with the Chinese can take a little getting used to. They spit their bones and other wanted food onto the table. It is quite acceptable in China and is done in most restaurants! Of course I find it quite appalling. The loud eating of food - munch, munch, crunch, crunch with the mouth open would see my brother on the first plane out of her. Sometimes it really is like eating with children.

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]]> Time Flies tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-12:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=204&entryid=145224 2009-01-12T13:58:15Z 2009-01-12T13:58:15Z This week is my last week of classes. I have been showing DVD's and playing Music. Because they are my last classes I have not used the DVD'ss or music as I would normally do in English class, but there is Chinese subtitles and English dialogue on the DVD's and the music is the music that they like and I provide the lyrics. There are some sad farewells too. I have some great students and I will ... This week is my last week of classes. I have been showing DVD's and playing Music.

Because they are my last classes I have not used the DVD'ss or music as I would normally do in English class, but there is Chinese subtitles and English dialogue on the DVD's and the music is the music that they like and I provide the lyrics.

There are some sad farewells too. I have some great students and I will miss them. But as I tell them they are only a text message or SMS away.

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]]> The Meat Market tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-12:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=203&entryid=145222 2009-01-12T13:47:45Z 2009-01-12T13:47:45Z The meat markets will make most people cringe. It certainly does make me cringe but I've learnt to look the other way. Most people know that in Asia many foods are eaten that we in the west would find too difficult to eat. In China we also know that the Chinese people will eat anything. I guess when there are 1.3 B people to feed and poverty and starvation has played a huge role in their 5000 year history, ... The meat markets will make most people cringe. It certainly does make me cringe but I've learnt to look the other way. Most people know that in Asia many foods are eaten that we in the west would find too difficult to eat.

In China we also know that the Chinese people will eat anything. I guess when there are 1.3 B people to feed and poverty and starvation has played a huge role in their 5000 year history, that this is more a case of reality and not choice. Their taste buds and sensitivities are different to ours.

We are horrified about dog meat. The Chinese are shocked at our reaction to the thought of eating dog meat. I am keen to report that it isn't the household pet that is eaten but dogs which are specially bred for this purpose. Dog meat is a delicacy.

The Meat Market remains copyright of the author Bettinamc, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> The VegetableMarkets tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-12:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=202&entryid=145220 2009-01-12T13:39:48Z 2009-01-12T13:39:48Z I love going to the vegetable markets. The traders are so friendly and happy to sell you their produce. If it is not the best they tell you not to buy. The Chinese race are very honest! ... I love going to the vegetable markets. The traders are so friendly and happy to sell you their produce. If it is not the best they tell you not to buy. The Chinese race are very honest!

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]]> Cold tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-12:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=201&entryid=145218 2009-01-12T13:36:03Z 2009-01-12T13:36:03Z It is freezing. The temperature has dropped to - 26 degrees! I do not enjoy the cold. I've never lived in such cold conditions and I don't like it. I choose to stay indoors for most of the day. You will never see me out of bed before 7.30 because the sun hasn't risen and rarely will you see me outside after 5 pm. This is when the sun has gone to bed. I sit with my heaters ... It is freezing. The temperature has dropped to - 26 degrees! I do not enjoy the cold. I've never lived in such cold conditions and I don't like it.

I choose to stay indoors for most of the day. You will never see me out of bed before 7.30 because the sun hasn't risen and rarely will you see me outside after 5 pm. This is when the sun has gone to bed.

I sit with my heaters on, a hot water bottle and layers of thermals. I get into my bed which has 2 doonahs and a blanket. I sleep well.

I wish the heaters were efficient. I was told I would be able to walk around my apartment in summer clothing. They are not as warming as I would like. Some days I don't seem to be able to get warm.

Cold remains copyright of the author Bettinamc, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> New Years Eve tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-12:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=200&entryid=145213 2009-01-13T10:36:11Z 2009-01-12T13:26:14Z New Years eve was celebrated with dinner at the Ramada. We enjoyed a great meal and camaraderie at the Ramada with some foreign friends. Some of us returned to the campus and others (A, B & B) went on to continue the celebrations at the Salsa Bar where we also meet up with some Chinese friends. It was great. Blair decided that drinking was better than dancing. The rest of us had a boogie ... New Years eve was celebrated with dinner at the Ramada. We enjoyed a great meal and camaraderie at the Ramada with some foreign friends. Some of us returned to the campus and others (A, B & B) went on to continue the celebrations at the Salsa Bar where we also meet up with some Chinese friends.

It was great. Blair decided that drinking was better than dancing. The rest of us had a boogie or two. Andrew loves to dance. He has taken professional dancing lessons. This is how he meet his wife.

The Salsa Bar has recently opened. It was cool! It cost the boys Y30 each to get in but with that they got 4 free beers. It was loud! It also had a suspended dance floor. We had heaps of fun. I became everyone's wife or girlfriend to get rid of Chinese men. We got home at about 2.30 ish.

I have spent almost 10 months trying to locate a bar. Finally there is one in Tai'an. The dance floor is suspended and you bounce whether you like it or not. The music is way too loud or maybe I am just getting old!

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]]> The Trees tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-12:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=199&entryid=145211 2009-01-12T13:20:35Z 2009-01-12T13:20:35Z The Chinese people are devoted to the many gardens that are in and around the cities and towns. The street scapes are extraordinary. One thing I find fascinating is the care of trees. The trees are stabilized with bamboo or timber frames. Some trees are roped. Others are painted. I am told the tree is roped to make it tree stronger and force the growth upwards. They are painted to keep them warm in the cold ... The Chinese people are devoted to the many gardens that are in and around the cities and towns. The street scapes are extraordinary. One thing I find fascinating is the care of trees. The trees are stabilized with bamboo or timber frames. Some trees are roped. Others are painted. I am told the tree is roped to make it tree stronger and force the growth upwards. They are painted to keep them warm in the cold winter and snow.

I have never heard of this practice anywhere else before.

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]]> Bus Travel tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-11:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=198&entryid=145056 2009-01-11T14:30:27Z 2009-01-11T14:30:27Z The buses are always packed. Standing room only. No limit on the numbers on a bus here. Pack them in. Tightly. Hang on to your purse. Pickpockets find these times easy pickings. If the bus is packed I just wait for the next one. They are like Chinese people - another one will pass in a moment! ... The buses are always packed. Standing room only. No limit on the numbers on a bus here. Pack them in. Tightly. Hang on to your purse. Pickpockets find these times easy pickings.

If the bus is packed I just wait for the next one. They are like Chinese people - another one will pass in a moment!

Bus Travel remains copyright of the author Bettinamc, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Shopping tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-11:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=197&entryid=145055 2009-01-11T14:28:26Z 2009-01-11T14:28:26Z Shopping is a favourite pastime to the Chinese. Shopping is what friends do together. The city shopping areas are busy. During National Holidays is when many sales are held. The shopping frenzy that Chinese people seem to participate in is quite amazing. It is hard to register that much of the world think that China is more third world. . ... Shopping is a favourite pastime to the Chinese. Shopping is what friends do together.

The city shopping areas are busy. During National Holidays is when many sales are held. The shopping frenzy that Chinese people seem to participate in is quite amazing. It is hard to register that much of the world think that China is more third world. .

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]]> Train Travel tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-11:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=196&entryid=145053 2009-01-11T14:22:18Z 2009-01-11T14:22:18Z The system in China here is that you wait in the "waiting hall" until just before your train is due, when they will open two gates and you get your ticket checked and then go to the platform and line up where your carriage number is due to stop. Always when you get on there is someone else sitting in "your" seat. Many people don't buy tickets for seats, and just hope that a "vacant" seat is available. There is ... The system in China here is that you wait in the "waiting hall" until just before your train is due, when they will open two gates and you get your ticket checked and then go to the platform and line up where your carriage number is due to stop.

Always when you get on there is someone else sitting in "your" seat. Many people don't buy tickets for seats, and just hope that a "vacant" seat is available.

There is so much activity on the train - so many people shouting, phones ringing, children shrieking and so forth. It is rather fun, but tiring after a while.

Someone will always want to know where you are going and then they will wan to help you. It is hilarious. Old people, young people, everyone - adding their thoughts to the discussion.

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]]> Chinese National Holiday tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-11:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=195&entryid=145051 2009-01-11T14:12:48Z 2009-01-11T14:12:48Z The National Day of China is held on October 1st each year. The PRC had its beginnings on October 1st, 1949 and is celebrated with a holiday of one week. I love they way the Chinese celebrate occasions on a weekly basis not just a day off as we do in Oz. The students go home and the campus is very quiet. Normally I would travel but it is the last week Barbara is in Tai'an so I ... The National Day of China is held on October 1st each year. The PRC had its beginnings on October 1st, 1949 and is celebrated with a holiday of one week. I love they way the Chinese celebrate occasions on a weekly basis not just a day off as we do in Oz. The students go home and the campus is very quiet.

Normally I would travel but it is the last week Barbara is in Tai'an so I chose to hang around here to spend some time with Barbara before she leaves.

National Day is celebrated throughout mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau with a number of government sponsored festivities. There are lots of fireworks!

The school has given us no information about the festivities.

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]]> Mid Autumn Festival tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-11:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=194&entryid=145048 2009-01-11T14:05:02Z 2009-01-11T14:05:02Z This weekend in China it is the celebration of the Mid Autumn Festival, with a public holiday on Monday September 15th. It is sometimes referred to as the Mooncake Festival as wonderful packages of moon cakes are given as gifts at this time of year. Well it is a public holiday for some. We had class! The Chinese teachers I believe were given Mooncakes. ... This weekend in China it is the celebration of the Mid Autumn Festival, with a public holiday on Monday September 15th. It is sometimes referred to as the Mooncake Festival as wonderful packages of moon cakes are given as gifts at this time of year.

Well it is a public holiday for some. We had class! The Chinese teachers I believe were given Mooncakes.

Mid Autumn Festival remains copyright of the author Bettinamc, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Chinglish tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-11:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=193&entryid=145046 2009-01-11T14:01:45Z 2009-01-11T13:53:04Z There are so many examples you forget. I wish I was smart enough to write them down. Here are some messages I have received on my mobile: From a guy who works at the gym - I have to abdicated the gym. I am finding a new job. From a student - Give you the room and hoop you get warmth in winter Chinese Friend sending a message because I am sick - As I got off the phone, ... There are so many examples you forget. I wish I was smart enough to write them down. Here are some messages I have received on my mobile:

From a guy who works at the gym - I have to abdicated the gym. I am finding a new job.

From a student - Give you the room and hoop you get warmth in winter

Chinese Friend sending a message because I am sick - As I got off the phone, I feel a little bad. I should want to say sth to you, but I can't exactly express me meaning. I want to say that although you are here out of your homeland, but being here not means you just for job and feel longly. You should also see that you also have friends here and we all concern on you. When I hear you getting a bad headache, I worryed about you very much, and when u need help, I can serve any aid of you, Wish you getting on well soon!

Chinese Valentines Day - Hello! Do you have know me. Tomorrow is Chinese lover's day. So good luck for you!

Chinglish remains copyright of the author Bettinamc, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Cooking tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-11:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=192&entryid=145043 2009-01-11T13:47:35Z 2009-01-11T13:47:35Z Since my arrival in China I have eaten out. Largely because they kitchen facilities are not exactly conducive to cooking, secondly this may be the only western contact you have in your day and lastly why would you cook when it is so cheap to eat out. This all came to a sudden end for me. With my partner in crime returning to America, the arrival of new teachers who don't enjoy the Chinese cuisine, my new teaching roster ... Since my arrival in China I have eaten out. Largely because they kitchen facilities are not exactly conducive to cooking, secondly this may be the only western contact you have in your day and lastly why would you cook when it is so cheap to eat out.

This all came to a sudden end for me. With my partner in crime returning to America, the arrival of new teachers who don't enjoy the Chinese cuisine, my new teaching roster and it being way to cold for a Queenslander I started cooking. My dishes became simple one pot receipes.

Blair had purchased a crock pot so I tried it out. Ever since October I have been living on Chicken Cacciatore, Minestrone soup, pumpkin soup, vegetable soup, cabbage soup. Throw everything in the crock pot and it will be ready when you are.

I've had to set up my kitchen. I had to buy the basic kitchen utensils and serving plates to survive. Certainly nothing like my kitchen at home. I even made a trip to Jinan to buy some western style products that you can't buy here in Tai'an.

I will bequeath all sorts of things to the new occupier of my apartment.

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]]> Scrabble and Poker Night tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-07:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=190&entryid=144618 2009-01-08T03:47:54Z 2009-01-08T03:47:54Z I had arranged to have a scrabble and poker night with some of my colleagues. The night started with some nibbles and then Chicken cacciatorie for dinner. The night continued with people departing unexpectedly, questions raised, laughter, drinking. The night ended with stories to tell, copious amounts of alcohol consumed and no playing of scrabble or poker! ... I had arranged to have a scrabble and poker night with some of my colleagues. The night started with some nibbles and then Chicken cacciatorie for dinner.

The night continued with people departing unexpectedly, questions raised, laughter, drinking.

The night ended with stories to tell, copious amounts of alcohol consumed and no playing of scrabble or poker!

Scrabble and Poker Night remains copyright of the author Bettinamc, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Gifts tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-07:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=189&entryid=144615 2009-01-08T03:44:26Z 2009-01-08T03:44:26Z Christmas, our New Year and the end of my contract all fell around the same time. In China although they don't believe in Christmas they have a custom of giving apples to those that they wish happiness to for the coming year. The receiver of the apple must eat them on Christmas eve. I was the recipient of such apples and could not possibly eat them all on Christmas eve. I did tell a few white ... Christmas, our New Year and the end of my contract all fell around the same time.

In China although they don't believe in Christmas they have a custom of giving apples to those that they wish happiness to for the coming year. The receiver of the apple must eat them on Christmas eve. I was the recipient of such apples and could not possibly eat them all on Christmas eve. I did tell a few white lies to my students who asked if I had eaten the apples - 'of course I ate them'

I was extremely touched by the gifts I had received from my students. Because of Australian laws I may not be allowed to bring them into the country. I will declare them at the airport and hopefully I will be able to keep them

Gifts remains copyright of the author Bettinamc, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Sepis Christmas Party tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-07:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=188&entryid=144612 2009-01-13T10:48:31Z 2009-01-08T03:38:37Z The Foreign Teachers Christmas Party was celebrated on the 23 December 2008. First we had dinner at the school restaurant. I was fortunate to share dinner with some of the teachers from the Brazil project and Andrew. As per normal there was way too much food. After dinner we went to the administration building where there was a show put on for us. The students are really quite talented. Most of them can sing or ... The Foreign Teachers Christmas Party was celebrated on the 23 December 2008.

First we had dinner at the school restaurant. I was fortunate to share dinner with some of the teachers from the Brazil project and Andrew. As per normal there was way too much food.

After dinner we went to the administration building where there was a show put on for us. The students are really quite talented. Most of them can sing or play an instrument. The show was great and very interactive. Polly has formed a drama group and they sang and did some dancing.

The international school Principal - Michael, was trying to teach Blair and I how to write Chinese Characters. I think we failed!!!!!

Party was all over by 9 ish.

Sepis Christmas Party remains copyright of the author Bettinamc, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Andrew's Birthday tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-07:/blog/?domain=bettinamc29&thisblog_entryid=187&entryid=144606 2009-01-08T03:28:28Z 2009-01-08T03:28:28Z Andrew celebrated his birthday on the 18th December. We had a small gathering for him at the Porridge Restaurant. It was a nice dinner. ... Andrew celebrated his birthday on the 18th December. We had a small gathering for him at the Porridge Restaurant. It was a nice dinner.

Andrew's Birthday remains copyright of the author Bettinamc, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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