Merry Christmas Everyone,
Well, the dreaded cold has arrived in Dalian: ten days ago it snowed for the first time this winter. While the snowfall only lasted one day, it was quite a dump - the streets were covered with snow for days to come. Since then the days have been very cold, yet the sun has been out most days. It's very reminiscent of those beautiful sunny days skiing at Mt Buller - I'm rather enjoying it!
The teachers have been busy buying Xmas decorations in order to organise a Christmas party for the students. After doing some shopping myself by buying a small Xmas tree, complete with lights and decorations for the princely sum of 30 yuan ($4.60), my excitement was somewhat soured when I found that someone had decided to steal my bike which I had chained to a steel fence! I guess that was their way of getting a Xmas bargain! Oh well, I don't want to ride a bike in the snow anyway.
On a happier note, the teachers have befriended a Chinese accountant lady who works in Dalian's performing arts centre. She can get us into most performances for free, if the tickets are not sold out. I have been to one (international acrobats) and had to pass on two others (Russian Ballet and Spanish Dancing) because of my work load! I hope to catch the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra on Dec 28.
The work load has not abated, especially as we are into the test and exam time of the semester. However, there's always a lighter side to the drudgery of having to mark a heap of test papers. For example, as I am reading students' case studies on Australia:
- One student said that a Sydney restaurant served delicious seafood such as shrimps, oysters, lobster and crap.
- Another student researching Nicole Kidman said that the movie which won her an academy award was called "The Times". Not having heard of that movie I looked up Google only to find that the movie was in fact called "The Hours". I have to keep reminding them not to look up a Chinese website and then getting an automatic translation into English - it invariably ends up being Chinglish!
To all my friends and acquaintances: have an enjoyable and relaxing Christmas and New Year. To those of you in Australia, I hope to see you soon...
Find attached:
- First sign of snow: the school taken from my 27th-floor apartment window.
- Photo (x10 zoom) of the lit-up shopping centre in the distance.
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