Guangya School also held a mini Winter Olympics for primary and middle school students and, the first day 19 November was REALLY cold and wet, BRRRRRR!!! Nevertheless, the events were fun and the students were having fun and quite enthusiastic whilst competing. By the 2nd day, the weather slightly warmed, clear bright skies with sun, but still had the cold breeze but not as piercing as Thursday... actually, quite comfortable.

I have to admit, I have most fun with my students when they are being themselves, being kids... Enjoy the video! One small note, majority of photos of those are with my students, sadly, I don't know & didn't place everyone's name because those particular students do not talk as much in class as I would like, so yes, you'll note the ones who do are the hams in most pics.

Guangya School's Version of Olympics remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Tis my second Chinese wedding, however, the first of an acquaintance I befriended since my stay at Guangya School.

Jake & Michelle's Winter Wedding remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Thanksgiving is another a week away, and I have had many thanksgiving celebrations mostly abroad or in another state. In truth as the last two months approaches and a new year begins this celebration won’t be that much different. Although I’m abroad once again, I do want to express my thanks for the following people in my life:

I express my love for my parents who gradually accepted my crazy choices in my life. I know I’ve made wild choices and taken twisted turns, but they were always there for me even when I would not ask directly for their guidance. Mom and Dad, my thanks to you for bringing me into this world and I finally had find whilst continuing nurturing my purpose within my life.

To my sister and brother (in that order) for somewhat understanding my lifestyle, and although they still don’t understand … they sort of respect what I do. Thanks for your sibling love.

To my FL friends who have stayed in touch, I appreciate every little short note email message you sent and encouraged me to continue to send my blog updates for my writings weren’t done in vain. I appreciate your honesty in explaining your reasons for your delayed replies. Thank you that mean more to me than not receiving an email at all.

To my FL co-writer and known fame comic book author from my childhood… as many times you keep referring me as your ex-wife with my sometimes ‘nagging’ ways, I gratefully appreciate your patience, truly I have to say thanks!

To my now CA GF who has gotten acting roles with great effort and determination… many congrats! We both had a dream in doing what we want to do in our lives and we are living our reality! I truly hope to see you soon!

To the art schools and staff in Sarasota, I may have driven many miles, well, a good 45-50 minute drive from St Petersburg, to sometimes do one sitting but genuinely appreciate offering my assistance in an emergency.

To my one FL GF who has returned to MA in which I hope you receive this email … I’m grateful that we met, I too hope to visit you too.

To my CA virtual guy friend whom I’ve never met or actually spoken to, but we’ve stayed in touch by IM (mostly)… we’ve shared many humorous and an unusual moments of being single again… thanks for every virtual hug you sent!

To my new and current Chinese teachers, friends, and students, nice to know that this world is not so small and together we can make a difference in this world.

To my ‘foreign’ teachers from India, TX and South Africa for the humor, lending an ear, and just being good friends with a real sense of being you.

Trust all will have a wonderful thanksgiving dinner….

Giving thanks... remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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These are my assigned primary students, quite a handful... all of them!

Keep in mind, us adults like to have fun too especially whenever possible.

Slightly late I know.... remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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This is my film demo reel I produced whilst in China... Enjoy!!!

Will post pics from the Chinese children Halloween celebration as well as the adults party!!

Celebrating Halloween remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Well, yes, Halloween is next Saturday, but since school week ends the Friday before Halloween, who says you can’t celebrate early? As far as I know, Guangya School is the only school which does celebrate selected US Holidays – mostly, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween and Christmas… I’m not certain in regards to Thanksgiving, since this is my first here… we shall see.

Nevertheless, after National Day for China’s 60th celebration, lots of additional changes been taking place at the school and staff. The atmosphere between staff and administration hasn’t improved.

The school now laid tiled drive way and with the newly installed electric gate, anyone who returns to the school after 10pm is required to pay 2RMB for re-entry, and after midnight payment is 5RMB.

One teacher told me he was fined for being late for class, he claims he wasn’t, and deducted payment from his pay. Now he is required to have monitor time sheet signed every time he arrives to classroom by Chinese teacher assistant. This same teacher then asked me if I was ever late for class. Naturally, I told him no, I’m always waiting at the door before class begins, meaning some Chinese teachers keep their students longer after bell has rung… so I’m waiting for moment to enter the room, in which I prepare my lessons and papers during recess so when students return to class, I’m ready to begin…

Ok, so I’m anal and punctual…

With the ever increasing tension at the school, I’m glad to say that I’m departing by next year to another location. Not saying that the grass is greener, but the educational institute is organized and a training center, NOT an academic school … and the only subject taught is English, reading, writing and speaking.

Anyway, on a brighter note, I do have plans to take photos on Halloween Eve of my students who are winners for the month and celebrating the weekend. As soon as I post, I’ll email you to links for viewing.

Also, conducting and control of the classes has improved, not enormously, but a reasonable amount which students do want to do well. I had adopted an award plan for the students who participate in the first 5 minutes of lesson, so they get one sticker a week and I tally their behavior in case of a tie. Only the top three are rewarded a month prize, the few runner-ups a small pastry and remaining students who didn’t get anything a small candy of sorts.

I’m surviving and I’m managing to remain sane… LOL!! Learning to prepare my own meals more since cafeteria staff continues to provide minimal portions for me. Right now, I’m eating my steamed rice and roast duck, and for a non-domesticated gal who doesn’t like cooking, I utilize my rice cooker / steamer to its full potential … and, yes, my meal is rather tasty.

Oh, as for the roast duck… no, I didn’t prepare, that was bought as such, I just steamed…

Halloween in China remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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As a stock photographer, I do my best in capturing the best photo to sell, but even the best photo isn't good enough. According the microstock sties, the images have to be 'marketable'.

Although family and friends have and will always be my number one fans, their glorified comments mean nothing to the microstock sites... not 'marketable' pics are normally rejected.

I usually don't have the heart to 'permanently' erase a photo which *I* believe 'tells a story'. So I keep the rejects on a DVD as data files and create artistic imagery... for whatever...

Then an idea finally occurred to me: those 'inspirational quotation' PPT slides or flash movies I receive as attachments (yes, those emails everyone must share and reply or else.... Internet legends ... sheesh!) I can do the same with MY photos. What great way of getting my photographs noticed even more ... right here on the World Wide Web.

Non-marketable photos put to good use remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Sure, I understand 'back to school' is usually crazy and trying to understand the schedule, however, this start was INSANE!!!

We, meaning the school and staff, had experienced personal disasters. One new Chemistry teacher barely lasted till the end of September, he had returned to States by 3rd week after displaying crude and vulgar behavior in a drunken state. Another higher level teacher, (remember, I'm only assigned to primary level), was paid a month's salary, paid insurance then disappeared (grapevine informed that he returned to States because he couldn't handle the students). Former film studies teacher/principle of IB (International Bachelor) Program had quit when replaced by the Headmaster's 22yo son and young wife.

In regular school, children not paying attention, teens not giving full attention to being disrespectful to foreign teachers, students skipping class whilst other students can't decide what classes they want or know who their next English teacher is assigned (school has assigned 4 different English teachers already, in which the Dance Teacher was one of them), other students are being destructive to school property ... copier machines temperamental, electricity and water shuts off and no one is informed as to when or how long, Internet is connected whenever... list is endless AND this all taken place only in ONE month!!

I did develop powerpoint videos for my classes, however, only one class (4B room) doesn't have their TV / monitor hooked up... still in a box with seal unbroken. Hopefully, I'll find two student tables and put together to have TV placed on top so I can do my presentation which is much easier than using chalkboard (yes, the old green board and horrible chalk, I can imagine what my lungs look like). My goal this weekend is to get 4B TV setup whereas I can start utilizing.

This is not whining, folks, this is actually happening... whining is an event or situation is usually fixable or resolvable.... not here. October is finally making its way here... School holiday for 11 days... WOW, probably, I can think and rest as well as develop my new lessons for October. I certainly seek toward a peaceful and productive October... I'm keeping a positive attitude.

I'm delayed in writing due to this nonsense of events... when I'm finished with my video of school's anniversary, I'll send you link in where to view.

Till... whenever....

Is there an end to September? remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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She made suggestions in which I’m not sure if she knew that I have never taught English to young children. Mainly I’ve only conducted classes with teenagers, who WANTED to learn, and adults who WERE eager to advance their English knowledge. In either case, her review was not a positive. She gave suggestions which meant I had to spend my own money to 'create' or find a miracle of printing or making copies of my lessons from the school's copiers which hasn't been maintenanced who knows how many years (do note the inch of more of dust inside) are so temperamental.

I know as all teachers, we all want students who want to learn and pay attention. Yes, I know that is not always possible. Sometimes, a fluke does happen… for an ironic reason, not happening here. Also, I'm doing my best of being creative with Math games and ideas, but somehow doesn't flow with my way of thinking.

After that day, which was Tuesday when I was conducting 2B English class and the students knew of her presence, the lesson was awful. No one participated or paid attention… the students were in their own little worlds and only two to three students would answer.

By that afternoon, 4B Math wasn’t that much better either… I was sinking even further into an abyss. Then by Wednesday, after spending hours on ideas to use math games in 2B and retiring late into the night, my idea didn’t work as I processed. Music was not any better…

Granted the weather was awfully muggy and distracting, but all of 2A had other ideas and again, I only had a few students participating… I gave the Chinese/English teacher the common expression of “I really don’t want to be here” and I already knew my attitude was reflecting on my mood which in turn showed toward my teaching.

Yes, I do and will admit, I’m feeling rather frustrated and this is only the 2nd week of September… the negativity of being told that I’m not teaching correctly or not handling the class is hanging over my head like a thunderstorm. Dujiangyan experienced thunderstorms in the last two mornings, and I had hoped that was my sign of starting fresh. However, to my dismay… certainly not the case.

I’m feeling rather … crappy, my apologizes for my frame of mind.

Politely censored remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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I was pleased to learn that the homeroom teachers of the grades I was assigned, I already knew the teachers for we had befriended each other since my arrival or introduced first time. Her English name is Rachel and we've crossed paths when I returned to Sichuan; exchanged hellos and small talk, but never said that much.

However, that day, we were 'tickled pink' to learn that I was assigned to her 4th grade in teaching the students English; the other for Math, Michelle, was also excited to have me assigned to her homeroom. Believe me, you should have the enthusiasm on my face... and that cloud of gloom had disappeared in which my brainstorming returned like thunder.

During lunch that afternoon, I was asked how I felt about teaching 2nd and 4th graders with an added "Well, it's not exactly what you were trained to do." My response nonchalantly was "No biggie, I am already friends with the homeroom teachers, so this will be quite an amusing, challenging semester." Did I notice an unusual expression of not exactly hearing what should have been my reply?

Have you heard of the Dark Ages?

Saturday morning, Rachel and I exchanged ideas about teaching English to 4th graders. We both laughed as we both learned that we'll both be teaching 4th graders for the first time teaching. She too had taught middle school. I shared her my previous lesson plans I had prepared before leaving as well as some of the lessons I used whilst in Jinan. She too agrees with me that our goal is make the students 'very interested' in learning English by making the lessons entertaining. I shared my ideas of showing animation film clips in which the teams can discuss then share with the rest of the class. Rachel really pleased and I also taken into consideration her suggestions.

For those of you who responded to my dismay, I want to thank you for writing and I just have to share that now I see this particular assignment as my new adventure....

...yes, to my benefit, this last semester will be quite educational for me as well...

Unexpected pleasant surprise remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Both to my dismay and shock, in any order you wish to perceive, Grades 2 and 4 were assigned to me teaching English, as well as MATH and MUSIC. Now, I know nothing about teaching math, and that afternoon when I was told that I could TEACH math, rather upsetting me, tis not my specialty. Certainly, whomever informed of my ability of teaching certain subjects should have consulted me first rather than offering what they thought was true. My degree is in Humanities with my main focus is toward mythology, folklore, fairy tales, expression of music and films, usage of American Idioms.

Of course, my mood became cloudy and I wasn't very sociable... but nevertheless, I prepared my lesson plan that evening and sent to the principle. Last night I completed slideshow for my English lessons and, today, after Jazz class I'll complete my music lesson plan... for the weekend, there are plans of preparing my already papers from last semester, lessons during the summer and just getting organized... since my return arrival, wish I was informed LAST WEEK of the assignment which would have made this past week more relaxing.

Not complaining too much, but a challenge is a challenge at any level, especially the unexpected type. No problem, as usually, I'll do my best and show that I am VERY capable! This is one gal who refuses to pass a trivial situation.

Preparing for Fall Semester remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Author's Note: If you are interested in reading the full article, visit
http://www.esl-school.com/archives/2009/02/casualties_of_international_english.php
and decide for yourself.

Now that I a fully awake and re-read "Bill T" comments and take note of his grammatical errors... quite amusing indeed.

Author's Note: remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Nevertheless, one of the comments simply infuriated my street level of intelligence and I decided to write a comment of my own. This is what I wrote:

"First off, I AM NOT a academic, certified teacher, and second, YES, I AM a certified TESOL instructor with a BA in Humanities. Quoting the last sentences from Bob T. : "the problem is to get the non-professional teachers out of the teaching business, and make it mandatory that only professionally trained teachers teach in classrooms. It is not the learners fault that bad teachers did not teach them correctly." All I have to say is "Get off your high horse and stop being a blasted snob!"

My mother who is a retired teacher of 30yrs will also disagree with your statement and she has Masters Degree PLUS was a highly respected academic teacher. However, her methods of teaching is not just from books but from a person who believes of being firm NOT strict in aiding students to learn.

I've been teaching since February 2009 but I have also experiences many international travels and cultures which I implement within my ESL lessons. I do not require a PhD in giving lessons in learning how to speak English, but the patience and understanding with most of all COMMON SENSE!

My ESL lessons involve that speaking English is the art of LISTENING to tone inflection, HOW the phrasal verb is used, ACTUALITY or FIGURATIVELY, use of PANTOMIMING (do not just simply give up because student still doesn't understand), most importantly BODY LANGUAGE (useful in the Business World). Put all that together with life lessons and my students now have a better understanding WHAT, HOW and WHEN to say those overly use of American Idioms both socially and occupation.

I am not a born US native, but from a former British colony in which my parents immigrated to America. So my first language was Queen's English, and I faced the horrors of HOW American teachers always thought their way of teaching toward any subject, including speaking English as GOD-GIVEN TRUTH and CORRECT, given me much reason NOT to speak. My ESL lessons involve PASSION, and I truly understand how these students feel when learning from AN ACADEMIC, PROFESSIONAL teacher who only learned from a book how to present lessons but never performed in actual practice, and demands that he/she is always right for the book claims so... any student would feel quite inferior."

So, after writing my thoughts on Bob's comment, I submit to Post and automatically response with a polite "Thank you for your Comment" with "Your comment has been received. To protect against malicious comments, I have enabled a feature that allows your comments to be held for approval the first time you post a comment. I'll approve your comment when convenient; there is no need to re-post your comment."

People simply detest facing truth ... I'll update on status.

Types of teaching... remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Internet hell remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Nice to finally lay on a MORE comfortable mattress... I had such pains - literally - with the ones provided for me in Jinan. At least here, the mattress is six inches thick rather than one to no inches... base board truly isn't comfortable. Bought enough provisions till end of month for school does offer 3 meals here... back to that.. LOL!! I'm planning a diet of maintaining my weight, really don't require any gaining unnecessarily.

Reunited with familiar friends here, certain teachers had left and school has no replacements ... so far, was inquired if I had an interest in teaching the IB college students. Hey, sure, why not? More notches of experience to put onto my CV. I'm all for that.

Also, since my return, I've been receiving emails regarding Typhoons. In truth, haven't seen any... well, not entirely true... in Jinan, the weather has been rather hazy and lots of overcast, and city had experienced (3 days before I flew) a bucket of rainfall which lasted one hour then stopped.

Well, went for breakfast and one of the cafeteria ladies recognized me and given my usual (very small) portions for breakfast. Had to laugh.. what a nice welcome back.

Drizzling rain today... hmmmm, is there a storm coming???

Back to routine.. adjustments, typhoons... remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Production can happen anywhere!!

Btw, did you know....? remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Truly, do I need to say more? Had a blast! Thanks to my new found Jinan friends! Big hugs!

Home video remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Yesterday was my last day with Jinan IELTS Training School, and certain students who were truly interested in learning had plenty questions of me as well. They were amazed by my many international travels and 'survived' the language barrier, then they earnestly developed a spark in doing the same.

As I explained, the impact of my influence might result of my ability of connecting and expressing my passion for life and in events I firmly believe. If they choose in following their dreams, then they should. "You are the future, make a difference," I told them. That day I expressed my passions more directly by reflecting on what inspires me. Traveling abroad is my way of learning and appreciating other cultures, knowing that we are more alike in how we live our lives with a slight difference of cultural habits.

"Be an open book," I said, "allow yourself to become an open sponge. The more you want to learn, the more you appreciate your life, yourself, and others."

I certainly didn't want to sound as though I was preaching, but changing my occupation as a teacher has allowed me to freely express what I believe in: freedom of one's mentality to expand to unlimited horizons. Almost sounds poetic...

I've learned from my endurance (finally and now till forever) that by understanding what inspires me allows me to live truthfully and in a way that motivates those around me. Becoming aware what fuels my soul allows me access to an unlimited source of energy, which positively affects almost everyone I encounter.

Those students who felt an influence as to what I was sharing, we exchanged email addresses (ironically, years ago that would've been mailing addresses...LOL)

"I may not be rich with money, but I'm certainly ENrich with myself. My greatest reward is knowing that you understand and apply what you've learned from your life lessons. I'm only a guide, the rest is in your hands to find your path."

Who would have thought this former shy nobody, later into becoming a former US Army sergeant, to now has become a teacher to teenagers (omigosh!!) I had the most wonderful experience! Thanks to Headmaster of IELTS for accepting me for the summer, and my Jinan colleague who introduced me to the school.

I'm really going to miss those kids!

Warm goodbyes, and 'becoming of age' connections remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Gee, life's grand, received wonderful birthday salutations and small gifts in memory for me from my Jinan students, then later spent a great evening with friends with dinner and cake... Lots and lots of pics.. will post soon!

What a birthday celebration! remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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At least I can say that I have LOTS of new lessons to use Gained and learned more of myself and teaching skills... yeah, sometimes, I do still speak fast, but not always... try not to anyway.. LOL!

Hopefully, when i find my next location I have just as much scenic moments to capture... will find more in Duijangyan ... have such trouble spelling that city's name... always so close but not perfect.

Using loaner computer to type this posting, tis such a very SLOW processor... giving my small laptop a rest, probably will use tonight to edit and COMPLETE then POST my video at summer camp... tis no excuse not to finish.

Made contact with other virtual friends I met online... glad he and I connected, he'll assist with my photo techniques whilst I still have advantage of being here in Asia. I hope to travel more this winter and visit another virtual friend in Australia... tis would be fantastic, also by then, I should have a new contract ready and I'm on the move again.

Received several nice unexpected birthday wishes... awww, made me feel ... GREAT ... not OLD which in reality is state of mind. However, I can't account for my muscles and bones sometimes... they seem to have minds of their own... LOL!! Nevertheless, a good natured attitude, adventurous mind, notorious sense of humor and healthy common sense has been very kind to spirit, body and soul... I'm grateful.

Well, almost time fo me to walk out door and head for class building...my mind rested, tis why I wrote this morning... felt like a writer on the go, feels great, another year and celebrating my birthday in another continent. Yep, life has been very good to me, quite blessed one might say, not rich in dollars but ENRICHED with life.

FINALLY completed!!!!

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I video taped my students saying goodbye to me and Raul made his wonderful speech.... and friends tell me that I'm animated (laughing very heartily of shared amusement). I shall miss them, Raul especially. Nora also bid me farewell for she was anxious to return to her home country in Hungary. We both battled a week and a half of bad plumbing, being a free meal to insects whilst our ears at the mercy of unwarranted evenings and early wake ups of deafening chirping, arguing with taxi drivers, but we mostly did appreciate the quiet and isolation away from the city.

When I mean isolation - I do mean I - S - O - L - A - T - I - O - N, tis why most cab services do not want to drive out the school. Although only a 45 minute ride, the drive takes much longer due to the crumbling road conditions. Nevertheless, there were no other distractions, other than the laughter of screaming and yelling of English words from children and teens.

I've been back for 5 days now, and I certainly didn't miss the madness of traffic and swarm of people racing across the streets. Back at the flat, I most certainly appreciated the single mattress... which I was able to sleep then awaken next morning with flexibility.

Been teaching at the training school since 21 July and haven't stopped yet, even weekends... weekend mornings, I usually take a very early morning walk into town to watch as the city awakens in preparing for the day, also for me to get photos without interruptions. Later after my return, I received an unexpected mobile text that I had class that Saturday afternoon... luckily, where I was in walking distance to return to flat to change clothes and head out again.

Have class again today, but only one ..., however, two more days with a total of eight more hours of teaching. Sadly, my time here in Jinan is almost over ... almost 10 more days before my flight returns for Sichuan.

Time flies when you're having fun remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Then after dinner, I had to return to summer camp for I had to teach the next day. Ava assisted in hailing a taxi for me and explained to driver where I needed to go in which I also gave him the Chinese written address. As soon as we said our goodbyes, I closed the door, the driver looked over to say in Chinese he was charging me 80RMB for trip.

Now, that was insane because when I returned from Jinan to summer camp the first time, there were no issues with driver and I paid for what the meter was clocked... with slightly heavy traffic, I paid 45RMB. I shook my head and voiced 'no' and wrote on paper 45, he in return waved his hand and shook his head 'no' to firmly insist on 80RMB.

We verbally fought on the way there, and although I may not speak Chinese, I knew direction in returning to the school. At the same time, I watched the meter, at times, he refused to acknowledge my directions and always gave excuse in stopping when I motioned he had to turn left or right, he would go opposite direction or just stop to ask someone who directed the same direction I just provided.

We were close to the school and as soon as the meter clocked at 31.50RMB, he stopped meter and put up his available sign. He pulled into drive way of school and demanded his fare. I told him I'm paying what receipt had printed and I needed receipt (for reimbursement) and he refused, but demanded payment.

Luckily, one of the parents saw - literally heard - driver and I argue about fare. Of course, driver had his story and I told mine. By this time, the fare was being reduced but he refused to give me receipt. Finally, one the Chinese counselors also joined in the shouting match, she understood more what I said and understood that driver was cheating me.

The father said that I could write down service number and make a complaint on driver, and driver went ballistic. The fare was then reduced to 40RMB, but still refused receipt. Counselor stepped aside with me and said that driver will accept 40 but I must promise not to contact service number (by this time, Raul and rest of Colorful Language Global Village returned on bus to school for I had texted him to meet me at gate because of situation - talk about such timing). However, she didn't understand, like driver, why I required receipt, I simply answered, "For business reimbursement." I also made my promise not to contact his service number.

I paid my 40RMB, got my receipt (driver had given me with two fares in which one was mine, upon adding another fare totaling amount over 40RMB), and left in a huff. Under his breath, I could him swear in Chinese... I bet from that mumbling he was saying that he doesn't want to deal with foreigners.

I explained to Raul what happened and he even said that he didn't like people who cheat...

A bad taxi experience remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Two students, in second front row, laughed. I inquired what was so funny, they didn't want to say... so I told the one male student who understood me more, that he wasn't laughing at me, actually he was laughing at himself. For I all I'm doing is showing them the non-responsive expressions I see from students... he can laugh all he wants, because he is making laughing at his own mishap. His face as well as, his row classmate, hers went sour for they understood what I was saying was true.

Blank expressions remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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I can say that I'll have connected internet with convenience of my own space rather always depending on the school's connection and computer system... hmmm, with the lack of - certain 'things' - I noticed the quality of my photographic images are not that fantastic. I know I can take great photos... but my ambition is on a detour, do require another camera, more advanced and I have more control. I really do miss taking great photos...

Just keep in mind, my images are mostly candid and NOT the standardized stock images, more of photo journalism which I am now deciding to create a photo journalistic book with captions and images.. not worry about this and that about what makes a sellable photo. I know there are bad photos and there are REALLY BAD shots. I depict story telling or capturing the moment.

ok, just to say, that some might see me and probably not, depending how much time tonight I have online before retiring for evening... I will update as soon upon have given opportunity.

Break from summer camp ... slightly... remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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My first level of students slightly advanced total of 6 whilst lower level 11. As usual, more students usually means more social talking. Ironically, they are learning how to say certain expressions but not instructed in how or when to use in proper content. Hmmm....

Other than that, at this moment I'm writing on a whim ... for I am tired and tonight, watch film with students and transfer photos from last night activities... sort of writer's block and my charming wit is dry as a well, despite the rain outside.

I do want to share that my experience with these children are fun and extremely challenging. Of course, that means I learn of myself of each day... as for example this past Saturday, of mass confusion. I was assigned to teach summer camp, but my colleague had forgotten that I had last class with Oral English class which meant I had to take taxi back to Downtown Jinan and return same evening to meet with students. Also learned that same afternoon, that next week before end of summer camp, I am teaching 2 more classes in Jinan, then finish summer camp by 23rd July.

Luckily, I remained 'cool and collected' and used my frustration as an example importance to understand when speaking to each other in any language. Listening and hearing very useful methods of perfect communication. Just know that I didn't express my angry, rather focused in using that energy into my teaching and all was pleasant,

However, I did express my concerns ... but all spoken in jest... which made the situation more amusing. Language difference has moments in which I am learning everyday and greatly appreciate ability of enhancing my knowledge.

10 Days at Summer Camp, Day 6 remains copyright of the author mskaye, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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