IT'S SNOWING!
Have spent the last 2 hours doing work for Leeds, a 'diary' entry in Chinese. I have some sentences so far: 迄今我的上海经验很丰富，上海的生活八字还没有一撇！This says: So far my experience of Shanghai is good, my life in Shanghai has just started! (Lit: My experience of Shanghai is very plentiful, the left stroke of the 'ba' [number 8 in Chinese- 八] character hasn't been written yet.) Sometimes I love how poetic Chinese is, but it can make it very difficult to find a translation.
Ah SNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWW!!!!!!!!!
Not enough to make a snowman yet (雪人 'xue ren' in Chinese- lit: snow man）
xxxxxxxxxx
Slice of life.
By Belle
Weekdays: After university I teach english to this man in his 40s. Wether I should be able to teach English or not might be debatable (and this blog is written 1:30 on saturday night so that speaks for itself as well) but this man is nevertheless a bit mental. He doesn´t believe anything he has not seen with his own eyes, so he doesn´t read the newspaper, watch the news of tv etc. He believes that no job is hard work and any work could be finished within 3-4 hours, even though most jobs are more like 8h/day (this is just because a person cannot conventrate for 3 h straight, so one needs a whole day etc)... these are some of the things we talk about during our 6h/week we meet and sometimes I feel like jumping out of the window when I hear him talk.
Twice a week I also meet a language exchange partner to practice my Chinese and her English. The rest of my free time during the weekdays I spend (trying) to do homework, study/speak chinese, but mostly I end up doing something fun during this time like going out for a nice meal with friends, going for drinks, celebrate something (we celebrate: people visiting friends in shanghai, birthdays, that christmas is almost here, that we simplyl live in Shanghai, etc. we like to celebrate things).
Friday evenings we usually go for a nice meal, then for drinks, sometimes to houseparties, or to a bar.
Saturday mornigs and day I teach 2 girls English, and after that I might go home and tidy the apartment a bit, rest, or go for coffee with friends, or just go to a new street and stroll around (see pictures below).
Today I woke up around 8, went for a 2 h lesson with the girl, came home 12. at 12:20 me and Emma went to meet some other girls to go work at an event. We didn´t know anything beforehand more than what we would get paid and what we would wear. We ended up spending ca. 5 h in a bus, 2 h waiting around in a room or getting our hair and make-up done, and finally 1 hour of catering where we (8 of us) were dressed in white pretty dresses and heels, and walked around with trays of desserts and snacks at an inaguration party for the opening of a very nice hotel (we think, still not quite sure what sort of event it was). Got home about 2 hours ago and feeling knackered now. (will put op a picture later)
Sunday is the day of rest. However, last sunday our day of rest looked something like this:
Woke up around 12, had pizza and watched lost, went to the german market, then to the Chalet to meet some friends, then back home to do homework and prepare for the coming week, also cleaned and did laundry.
This sunday (tomorrow) I will meet a new potential student (her mom came up to me in Starbucks and asked me to teach her daughter) so will have a 1 h lesson.
And finally some pictures below,
Good Night,
xx
Isabelle
Tai kang rd.
Tai kang rd.
Saturday afternoon, on my way to teaching.
Dec. 4, 2010
Hotpot with friends.
spicy vs. non-spicy
(you order different food wich you then put down in the boiling water to cook.
This way you eat as much as you like in whichever order you like)
The German Market.
Christmas time! Mistletoe and wine!
Isabelle is very excited about Lucia, a festive day which falls on the 13th December and I shall educate some non swedes about this day now! Lucia is translated as 'Saint Lucy's day', and goes back to legend of a Silician girl, whod died for her Christian beliefs. The vikings were apparently so 'impressed' by this, they brought the story back to the homeland, ie. Swedee! But now, this Saints day is more popular in Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland etc etc. (According to Wikipedia!-) schools, businesses and homes choose a "Lucia", who is dressed in white robes and red ribbons and wears a crown of candles/lingonberries on her head. And also, according to folklore, unmarried girls believed that Saint Lucia would tell them who their future husband would be, on her saint day. I feel a little more educated now, but think Isabelle would be better telling you all about it! And she wants to drink mucho mulled wine on this day and I'm up for that.
I ended up staying up very late last night, which I am not pleased about since the flat above us (with the barking dog who barks through the night) has been drilling and hammering all morning! Yay! But the reason I was up so late was because I ended up skyping my friend Jess, and then my whole family, who were gathered for my Big Bro's graduation! Miss them all a lot really. My nan couldn't make it due to the crazy snow in the UK. Oh how I miss the cold and snow! Here's some pics of stuff:
Our Christmas tree! (And stolen tinsel)
Yummy Swedish and Irish alcohol (although the baileys is empty)
My mum, brother Tom and Dad at Tom's Graduation!
Funny family skype (even the cats there!)
xxxx
Turkey and BFFs
Currently putting on christmas songs (current song is Robbie Williams- Angels) and talking about possible films to watch on Christmas day- (Sound of music or It's a wonderful life) It's gonna be nice to be around friends as we're all from so many different places, gonna be such a multicultural christmas! Isabelle and me are planning to make the dinner, but we're not sure of the details yet as our oven is pretty small and we don't know whether to buy a turkey/chicken or try to fit a small chicken in the oven!
Thanksgiving Turkey- looking gooooooooood
I'm also mega excited because one of my BFFs Maddie Donovan is coming from Oz to my humble abode on the 30th December- I haven't seen her in so long and don't know how long it will be before I see her again, so I'm so excited and sad at the same time. I'm saving up all my classes so I can skip them when she's here and show her
Shanghai in style! Miss her a lot and can't wait to see her x
Me and Maddie!!
Issy sends her love to you all too!
Jess xx
lately
Been soo busy and tired lately. We are teaching most days as well as class. We were planning on skipping our classes tomorrow to go to this amazing market in YuYuan gardens, but I discovered today that if I miss 3more listening classes (the bane of my loife!) then I might not be able to sit the exam! (Even though I still have 70% attendance in listening..) so need to make it into class tomorrow.
Father, mother, baby brother, Amy (student) and me!
xxxx
LOST
MMMMMMMMMMMM SAWWYYYEEEEEER
Don't you ever wonder?
Ok this isn't about Lost but I just really like it :D
J xxxx
More Beijing Opera
"Day 983 of my captivity."
Ok, I didn't write this but found it pretty hilarious so thought I'd re-post here! J x
Excerpts from a Dog’s Diary…
8:00 am – Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am – A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am – A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am – Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM – Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM – Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM – Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM – Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM – Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM – Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM – Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
Excerpts from a Cat’s Diary?
Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a ‘good little hunter’ I am. Bastards.
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of ‘allergies.’ I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage..
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow — but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released – and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.
The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now………
Isabelle
Feeling peoples eyes staring at you wherever you go at all times can sometimes feel a bit daunting here in Shanghai. But today, not even that can make me feel less excited about…. Well just about everything. See, I have had a “cold” for the past few weeks. The year of 2010 has been a rollercoaster in so many ways so being ill in Shanghai made me feel a bit worse than just a little down which in turn ended with a visit to a Chinese hospital; an experience quite different from that of a Swedish or English one. Let’s just say that there is no such thing as privacy, not when they take blood tests and not when you describe your symptoms to the doctor. I left with 4 boxes of antibiotics as well as “medicine” for flu, a sore throat, and general cold medicine. As I’ve started to feel better I also feel a lot more like myself again, and here are all the good things that has happened lately.
Yu Garden
Photo exhibition and Beijing Opera.
Our former teacher in the UK, Li RuRu, came to Shanghai to participate in a few events commemorating her mother Li YuRu who was the first woman to sing Beijing opera. We met her at a photo exhibition and she introduces us to some people working at the shanghai art conservatory who might introduce us to some art students here in order to do some language exchange which we all have realised is a really good way to get to speak more Chinese.
We then went to see a Beijing opera which was quite interesting.
Here´s an article in the guaridan about Li YuRu.:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/jul/21/classicalmusicandopera.china
New Job
I went to meet this man who wants to learn English today. I was quite nervous as he is a bit older (around 30) and normally I only teach children. However, it went really well. He wants to meet 3 times a week, Monday Tuesday and Thursday during daytime and 2 hours each time. He doesn’t work at the moment and does this because he wants to travel more. We´ll meet at Starbucks in a new shopping mall about 20 minutes south with the metro from me which means it´s not very far. For me this means; easy job, flexible times (he is free every day so we can reschedule if needed), free coffee and quite a bit of extra money each month….. sweeeet.I went to meet this man who wants to learn English today. I was quite nervous as he is a bit older (around 30) and normally I only teach children. However, it went really well. He wants to meet 3 times a week, Monday Tuesday and Thursday during daytime and 2 hours each time. He doesn’t work at the moment and does this because he wants to travel more. We´ll meet at Starbucks in a new shopping mall about 20 minutes south with the metro from me which means it´s not very far. For me this means; easy job, flexible times (he is free every day so we can reschedule if needed), free coffee and quite a bit of extra money each month….. sweeeet.
King of Sweden
On Friday I met the Swedish King, Carl XVI Gustav, and Christer Fuglesang as they visited Jiao Tong University during their trip to china for the Royal Technology Mission.
Put on the ice ice.
So the weekend ended with a house party at our friends B&J´s place for a party themed; BlingBling. We put on the ice, mixed mojitos all night long and around 1 the police came to throw everyone out as we were too many and too noisy. Headed to M1NT but before the long island ice tea was even finished people were hungry and wanted food so was they went to get food I went home and made some very good pesto-feta cheese- parmesean-pasta and watched modern family.
Isabelle xx
Out and about
Remember remember the 5th of November
Jess x
Jellicle Cats come out tonight, Jellicle Cats come one come all
So Halloween boat party was where the spirit of Shanghai/Halloween was taking us this year. Open bar on a boat doesn't sound like the most clever idea. But after a day of walking around the fabric market with a bin liner full of fake fur, 4 hours of stitching and watching Cats the musical, we were very up for our first halloween in Shanghai.
Isabelle and Obama
So, waking up this morning the day looked bright and promising, but the sky has turned back into that kind of grey scary night time which is Shanghai's daytime. Sunday plans are: to do some revision for the upcoming tests, go get fixed shoes from cobblers, go to Zhongshan park to see about a job, eat last nights brownies and generally do nothing.
J xx
"She sits upon the windowsill or anything that's smooth and flat
She sits and sits and sits and sits
And that's what makes a Gumbie Cat
That's what makes a Gumbie Cat!"
winter ?
Dear family and friends,
Everything is well. Both of us have some kind of cold at the moment, and our internet still doesn´t work properly, but otherwise things are ok. The weather in Shanghai suddenly turned very cold. I now understand what people meant when they told me that it gets extremely cold here during the winter. About zero degrees is normal i hear, and that´s not too bad I thought.. Now it says on some weather information websites that it is about 16high and 11low today and I can tell you that it feels much colder. Just a few days or maybe weeks ago it was too hot to wear a sweather, then for about 2-4 days it was a bit chilly, and now all of a sudden it is just freezing, and it will get worse. We have not used the heating system yet and want to wait for as long as possible, but we are already sleeping with winter duvet + blanket + socks + Pyjamas + extra sweather.... and it is still cold.
So now I am sitting in my thickest jumper and a blanket wrapped around me and a hot cup of coffee. Soon abou to meet a friend at Metro City.
Yesterday I went to the park for a little bit.
XOXO
Isabelle
Settled in Shanghai
but at around 11pm it seemed to work and we started skype conversations lasting till 1.30am. I saw my dad make the dinner via webcam and got to see my kitty kat too :D I think it's crazy how I'm 5000miles away and can still see people in the UK, I love it!
As Issy says, we've started teaching in the last week, and so far I'm really enjoying it! The pay is amazing and it's not a lot of effort. To be honest, I really enjoy it, although I feel sorry for the kids cos they have so much pressure on them. We've also been eating out (a lot) and are thinking about joining a crazy Chinese fitness centre with dance/yoga/taichi classes. Anyways, enough for now cos it's very late and I have early class boooooooo
J xxx
♥
祝你生日快乐！
There are many people with birthdays this month to say the least. So far we have celebrated Rowan (3rd), Me (7th), Sabrina (8th), Alex (11th) and we still have Emma (29th) and Cibele (31st) to go that I know of right now.
Many birthdays mean many cakes and cocktails. Me likey.
Me, Tiago and birthday cake
Nice people, Nice view
Alex´s Birthday
Other than celebrating birthdays, life in Shanghai has sort of become a little bit more relaxed as we have started to actually go to classes now. Jess and I haven´t really been bad at going, but since we have had so many days of holiday already it feels like an exception rather than a rule to actually go. However, this week we have attended all classes so far, only friday to go. sweet!
We have also started to do some part-time english teaching so that we can sustain our living situation here where... well let´s be honest, going out for drinks and dinner is something we almost do as often as we go to classes.
Someone told me that a nickname for my Chinese name (YiSha) could be Asha.. I kinda like it.
xoxo
Isabelle
Chinglish always makes my day!
Printig Genter!
“Polite sharing and no challenging”
You are lame.
"Polite language and No noising"
Hmm.. stool or urinal.. I really can't decide!
A personal fave
That's quite alright!
Still haven't decided if I want babyfoot
Expo
Hey guys,
So we went to the EXPO on Monday.. after hearing many mixed reviews from people. Here's a selection of photos.
Queues for China's pavilion.
China's pavilion.
Norway.
Sweden Pavilion- 瑞典馆
UK Pavilion- Theme of seeds and growth. Represents a dandelion
04-09-10
We discovered an amazing western supermarket today, CityShop, with nearly all imported products. I bought an expensive bar of dairy milk, but it was soo worth it when I got home and had a cup of tea with it! Lots of cheese, very expensive cereals and cake making ingredients. However, Heinz salad cream (and the crap low fat one at that..) was like £6! Definately gonna have to save that one for a rainy day.
04-09-10
We discovered an amazing western supermarket today, CityShop, with nearly all imported products. I bought an expensive bar of dairy milk, but it was soo worth it when I got home and had a cup of tea with it! Lots of cheese, very expensive cereals and cake making ingredients. However, Heinz salad cream (and the crap low fat one at that..) was like £6! Definately gonna have to save that one for a rainy day.
