China

Lots has happened since our last update I don't know where to begin..........

I bought an electric moped a week ago, and I'm loving it. I've been driving everywhere. I decided to get one after my friend Michael let me ride his. Before that I thought, these things are weak - only 35 mph. It doesn't seem like much, but it is a surprisingly fast speed. Plus, it's good for the environment. Unfortunately, the batteries are a hot item for thieves, and mine was stolen two nights after I bought it. Problem solved, however - for only a dollar a month I signed up for a parking spot in a guarded garage right in our apartment complex.

My computer took its last breath yesterday, and i am mourning it's loss. Luckily, we still have Amara's but it is having connectivity issues.

Today we went swimming with our friends Benjamin and Grace at East China Normal University. It's a really nice swimming pool, and it's really clean - they make you do a physical before you can swim in the pool. Amara joked to me that a physical like that would cost a fortune in the states (assuming you don't have health insurance). Speaking of insurance, I was informed the other day that we can get coverage here for 800-1500 yuan a year (about 100-200 dollars). So i'm thinking about getting it, especially with the dangerous vehicle I ride around on all the time.

Teaching has been going well. This month is much less crazy than July (im working only 5 days a week instead of 7). But the good news is that pay day is in three days!!!!

The other night we went out to KTV with my co-workers from Kid Castle. They are all really nice. We had a lot fun. I feel like i've gotten a lot out of teaching - they pay really well and the friendships that we've acquired with our tongshi (co-workers) are priceless. I also feel like my chinese has really improved by communicating with my students.

My kids had their big year end program last week. They did so well! My oldest students will be starting primary school this fall so they had their graduation ceremony from kindergarden. This last month, they've put a lot of work into practicing their songs for the program and it went very well. Now, we will just be relaxing for the next month until the fall term starts. I look forward to giving my imput about what the children should be studying next year and am much more comfortable in my role as teacher. The past month has been interesting...I've definetly experienced a lot of awkward moments when our cultural differences and my not being sure what is expected of me has created some misunderstandings. But, I'm getting used to it now. I like the people I work with and now that my Chinese has improved some, it's been easier to communicate with the other teachers. Working in this school will definetly force me to study!

I took some pictures of my kids at the program. These are my older students. I also have many 4 and 5 year olds. One of students is not even 2 yet! I enjoy teaching them because I don't really have to "teach" exactly, mostly it's just playing with them and teaching them songs. But anyways, here's some pictures!

Teaching has definetly been more challenging then I expected, but I enjoy being around the kids and they love learning English!

Erik here.

So we've been very busy with our schedules, so busy that its hard to find time to accomplish simple tasks like cooking and cleaning. Somehow, we still managed to find time to see the Transformers. I don't think Amara enjoyed it as much as Jason and I, but who doesn't love giant transforming robots?

We have also discovered the wonders of the IP-based voice comm service called SKYPE. It enables the user to dial from their computer to either a computer or an analog or digital phone. It only costs 2 cents a minute to call any phone in the world!!!!!! And it's free if you call to another computer. We encourage everyone to download it so we can maintain good communications. All you need is a microphone and speakers (you can get a webcam also, which allows users to watch each other while talking.

www.skype.com/

The only downside is, when we call people on their landline or cell phones sometimes we have to dial two or three times before they can hear us (Shawn Michael, yes, that was me calling you). So if you get a call and you can't hear anybody on the other end, it's probably us. Just remember - the second or third time is the charm.

We are having a blast and enjoying every minute of our time here. We are also very excited for the possible arrival of one of Amara's good friends.

I just got back dropping off my Xbox 360 at my favorite video game store. The owner charged me 200 yuan (about $24) to "mod" my machine so it can play the cheaper, pirated games sold on the streets here (about $1.25 a disk). I'm going to have to rely on Amara to help me to control my video game playing.
We have also been buying up many movies. We bought Ocean's 13 the other day, and are eagerly awaiting the rest of the summer blockbusters to hit the streets - Evan Almighty, and Transformers. Our favorite DVD store from last year was raided last year and now charges too much for movies (to pay off the settlement), so we simply found another shop that was still in business.
I am enjoying my last 2-day work week. Starting next week, I will be working six days a week. But the goal is to make enough money this summer to pay for my university courses that start in the fall. As for Amara, I could not be more proud of her. She works long hours both at work and at home (preparing lesson plans). Her dedication as a teacher reminds me of my mother.

After searching around, we finally found an apartment - just one bus stop away from the back gate of ECNU (where my classes will be held). It's nice - 2 bedrooms, with a living room and balcony, a washer and dryer, and a great view of the city. And its all for 1800 RMB (235.00 USD) a month! Its been a tough search - apartments are going fast due to the ECNU graduation (graduates moving off campus). Luckily we have wonderful friends here to help us out. We move in Tuesday.

I started my first job today. I teach a class on Sunday Mornings, and will start a Wednesday class very soon. Its very easy work, and it pays extremely well (around 20 USD/Hr). A friend from GVSU is in charge of HR at the school, and got me the job. It is perfect for me because I desire part time work, to make sure I can survive my classes.

Amara has been averaging 2-3 interviews a day. There are so many appointments and calls for her that it is hard to remember who is calling from what school or agency. She has already gotten a few offers, but I think her intent is to wait until all the offers are in, and make a decision based on where she would have the most fun (as well as salary and benefits, to a lesser extent).

Attached is picture of a boat with a huge TV on it (can you say electrical hazard?!?!)