These are some of my students from ETP A, the most advanced class.
Today was the first day of classes. I have to admit I was a little nervous walking into a class of 30, 18 and 19 year olds. In the states that would have been a college level course but here in Tongren, things seem to be different (a somewhat axiomatic supposition I suppose). So for my first class I got to know the students through a short oral introduction and writing assignment. Here are some excerpts from the most advanced class (unedited):
“I watched TV and went to see Henan horse-race which was unforgetable because it is so beautiful. Do you know how to ride horse? I don’t know before this summer holiday, but I used this time to riding horse.” - Fred
I found the image to be quite striking. Witnessing traditional horse races on the wild grasslands of the plateau.
“For me, this summer holiday was so-so. We had celibration Naga Festival. At that time, all of my friends together joined the Naga Festival. After the festival, its harvest day. I worked really hard that time. And I was exhousted that time. Then I rested for four day at home. After that, I came to school.” - Lisa
A reminder of where these kids come from, mostly from farming or nomadic families.
All in all, a good first day. Will post pictures of ETP A class soon (this is the most advanced class).
Uncategorized 8:40 am
It’s not as bad as I thought it would be although the bathroom needs some serious work. I’m staying in a two bed-room apartment (another teacher should be coming in less than two weeks…fingers crossed) which included a large living room, “balcony” or concrete alcove for hanging clothes, and a modest size kitchen with various cookware and oddities. The bathroom however…well let’s just say I haven’t bathed since I got here for a reason.
Have I only been here three days? It feels like months. Must be all the traveling and the shock of being on the opposite side of Earth from everything I know, from the people that I care about. The altitude might be having an effect as well, my lungs have been hurting since Sunday, the result being a soporific one. Feeding myself hasn’t been the most successful either, though now at least I know where the markets are to buy fresh vegetables and things and have been eating better.
Teaching…teaching is hard. My class yesterday with ETP A kind of bombed, no one understood what I was saying and the students were really rowdy. I think the subject matter “Love and Marriage in North America” kind of when over their heads (it was the first chapter of the text book we’re using, not my idea) as the vocabulary was too difficult. Today I’m teaching ETP B a double period and I think this one is planned better including some games and even a magic trick! Seriously, none of my teachers growing up was even half as fun as us ETP teachers try to be. And yes, I’m somewhat resentful of that 
Off to class!
Uncategorized 8:36 am
The mythical Shangri-la at last? Click through for more breathe-taking scenery.
Tongren 7:22 am
Tongren (2500m) is a small Tibetan town nestled in a valley protected by majestic green mountains on both sides. I’ve been walking the town these past few days, visiting the phone company (to get internet in my apartment…rather difficult to negotiate in broken Chinese), some restaurants, the market street, and the nearby Geluk monastery. The school I’m teaching at (民族师范学校 or Minorities Teaching School) is located near the top of the town away from the town center. I admit my first impression of the town was one similar to Dharamsala (indeed many of the little concrete whole-in-the-wall shops with mass produced store signs selling housewares are very similar) a small green town at the foot of mountains in India. Sadly the chai walas (tea shops) i found to be missing…quel dommage! More impressions forthcoming as well as some spectacular photos.