What’s Wright in the World

September 29, 2005

Janet is teaching today. I am not. We each have seven two-hour classes per week, but our schedules are different. Mondays are for class preparation. My Thursdays will be occupied reading each journal page I assign the three hundred students to turn in each week. The first of the pages were received Tuesday. I share a few excerpts with you.

“Four ducks on a pond/ A grass bank beyond/ A blue sky of spring/

White clouds on the wing/ What a little thing/ To remember for years/

To remember with tears.

It’s strange that this simplest poem can light the most imperceptible passion in my heart, lead me into a sea of thoughts. I think the picture of four ducks in spring should stand for all the nice and beautiful things. It can be an encouraging eye of an elder, a hand of a friend or even a smile of a stranger, which are worth treasuring during our lifetime…”

“Suddenly a strange picture flashed into my mind. A village was sleeping peacefully in warmth from the north and east mountains, and the necklace, which consists of four rivers, was shining beneath the bright moon…In spring, here and there over the grass stood beautiful flowers like stars…”

“…In the nights of summer holidays, I often lay on my back on a large plastic paper. In the sky, with hands across under my head, making the moonlight scattering on me. Such silver, silver light! Staring at the stars gleaming in the sky, I always think, such a beautiful place, which the nature shares with me…”

Fall weather has come to Xi’an. We have had rain (very light but steady) for most of the past week. The temperatures are very comfortable (high 60’s-low 70’s), and the air is now clear and breathable. I learned yesterday that coal fuel is now illegal in Xi’an. Large fields of natural gas deposits have made that the fuel of choice, and its use is mandatory. They are trying to cope.

We leave on Friday for a five day trip along the ancient Silk Road of China, traveling by Train, Bus, Boat, Camel and Plane to Urumqi, The Gobi Desert, Donhuang, and back to Xi’an. We are advised to “dress warmly.”

I am beginning to get some strength back in the left shoulder. There is a positive aspect of the “shoulder thing:” I had committed, during the course of the healing process, to embark on a trimming of the waist process. That was 23 pounds ago. I must find a tailor.

More when we return…..

September 25, 2005

Sigh. Another year older. Janet invited a few of our fellow teachers to join us for dinner and cake. Wayne sent a short video of his family singing “Happy Birthday” badly, which was a valuable reminder why I love my family. Thanks to the many of you who sent greetings. We really enjoy hearing from you.

Last Thursday, Janet and I ventured into the fountain area of the entrance of XISU, where there were gathered probably 1000 students for their weekly “English Corner.” The English corner is a tradition in virtually every university in China. It is an informal gathering of students and English speaking foreigners or otherwise skilled English speakers. The students gather around the subject and pepper him/her with questions; their object being to improve their own English skills..

For three hours Thursday, Janet and I were separately surrounded by several dozen students, asking questions ranging from describing our family, to George Bush’s handling of Katrina; Confucianism in the west to Christianity; Grammar to idioms.

We had long discussions on euthanasia, racial tensions, the challenges to a modern China in the world, etc. It was a stimulating experience. The evening was ended only by the beginnings of a rainfall.

A couple of days earlier, I purchased a table tennis paddle, and managed to pick up a couple of games with students. I was surprised during the English Corner experience to learn that three of those surrounding me either observed my play, or had opposed me at the table. One commented that, for a one-armed man, I did pretty well. On reflection, the comment is not unlike the comments of the director of a musical in which
I once sought a role: “Don’t let anybody tell you you can’t sing….NEXT.” but it did seem to make me a bit more acceptable to a remarkably friendly and courteous group.

We have been asked about Xi’an. The short answer is: we don’t know much yet. Historically, it is the most important city in China, being the first Capitol of China some 2200 years ago. It has some of the finest historical relics to be found anywhere, most of which we will explore in the days to follow. I spoke to a teacher at the business school, who said manufacturing is not a major aspect of the local economy. My personal perception is that building and construction of residential/office complexes is the major industry. The new areas of Xian (there are new areas surrounding and expanding far beyond the original walls of the ancient city) have arch! itectural features that would elicit admiring observation anywhere in the world, The west has discovered China, and is pouring money into it. Insurers, banks, fast foods, appliances, Tupperware, Amway, Papa Johns, Haagen-Daz (a pint costs $10.00 American, here), Dove Bars, etc. The other day I bought my first and only ice cream bar (so far). It was a delicious Chocolate bar with a light and dark chocolate crust. It was imported from Germany. Janet has discovered to her great delight why Xi’an is famous throughout China for it’s pastry acumen. The varieties of breads, rolls and buns are endless. Yesterday, she served us breakfast pastries of beautifully ! light and flaky strawberry turnovers.

Xi’an has 600,000 tourists view its attractions annually. Their dollars are a meaningful infusion into the economy.

Another major industry is education. There are 65 university level schools here, plus innumerable private elementary, secondary and trade schools serving the 7,000,000 people of Xi’an.

Right now, I am feeling like one of the blind men of Indostan. I have seen so little, and presume so much.

The other day, I was talking to a foreigner (we are of that classification here). I mentioned to him I was looking forward to picking up a copy of the latest Love Bug movie, which I knew to be scheduled for release October 5th. He said “Yeah, it’s pretty good. I picked up a copy last month.” The government says it is trying to crack down on copyright infringements. They acknowledge it is a huge task.

Next week will be our first full week of teaching. We’ll keep you posted.

Dzai jian.

We got several phone calls from friends wanting to know if we were safe from Hurricane Rita.

I’m happy to report we are high and dry here. This is the place everyone in Houston came to for safety. Not a drop of drain. Kids are outside playing on the slip-and-slide.

Its good to live inland!

-Wayne