Foot Massages

Preet, Claudia and I wandered around the Qingdao financial district and stumbled across a foot massage spa. To our surprise, a 70 minute foot massage was $15 Canadian. I was assigned the only male maseuse...lucky me until I discovered my skirt would be a little bit cumbersome. Yes, the second picture doesn't quite show him massaging my foot!

Laoshan Mountain

This mountain is famous for green tea. Green tea plants grow free from pollution. We had an opportunity to pick the leaves, have them dried and drink the tea the same day. Also, the mountain is dedicated to Lao Tzu, Chinese philosopher. Qingdao is his birthplace, hence the monstrous statue of him sitting on a huge bull.

Split Pants

I am constantly observing and I noticed many kids have split pants. The pants are intentionally designed this way. Now, add this thought to my squatting toilet experiences and guess what? Yes, the split pants are for going potty...without a potty. It is a common sight to see parents allowing their children to squat absolutely anywhere in public to pee or pooh. And unlike my constant poop and scoop for Cleo, parents do not clean up afterwards. So, any surface or ledge or anywhere I step could be a potential latrine. I often wonder if the poops I see laying around are human or animal. I will not step in a puddle of any kind. I make sure I take off my shoes before I step into my dorm. I cringe when a child reaches out to touch me or see kids cradled, split pants and all, in adult arms. I just think germs, germs, germs!!!!

Apparently, young children are trained to whistle while doing their business. This is not a warning sign but an “in-progress” signal.

Although I am grossed out, I accept it is a cultural reality. If you think about it, how would China deal with all those disposal diapers? I guess washable/reusable diapers aren’t an option.

Sorry, I can't bring myself to take pictures for this post.

Olympic Sailing Centre

The coastal area of Qingdao was the site for water sports during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. We had an opportunity to spend an evening in the area. Random people would approach us to take pictures. No one has been asked to hold a baby...yet! The lakeshore is beautiful and busy every evening.

I enjoyed my first Starbucks...my one comfort beverage when I travel and get homesick. I also learned that Starbucks is guaranteed to have a western toilet. Clearly, washroom facilities are a huge concern when out and about.

Olympic torch 

Close Up

The boys eating "street-meat-squid". I didn't want to risk it! They claim it was delicious.  

Cultural Conundrums

Some strange things I’ve observed:

-men commonly cool off by walking around with their shirts pulled up over exposed pot-bellies

-hoarking of any kind, anywhere, at any time is perfectly normal and acceptable as is spitting onto the floor or ground

-bathrooms with squatting toilets do not have toilet paper or paper towel (I carry tissues and sanitizer with me at all times!) 

Quad-stimulating toilet...standard in even fancy establishments.‏ 

-there are stray dogs and cats everywhere...haven’t seen any feral, scratchy monkeys yet; the travel doctor was adamant that if I get bit or scratched by a cat, dog or monkey I must get myself to a hospital and insist on a rabies shot

-teachers are forbidden to sit down while teaching

-the local convenience store sells three-penis wine (lovingly nick-named “wang nector” by my colleague); the penises of three different animals are fermented in alcohol to create the beverage...no one has ventured to taste it yet

Teaching Teachers

I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the open-mindedness and buy-in of the Chinese teachers to western teaching methods and philosophy. They genuinely want to learn how to make teaching engaging. They love all the TRIBES strategies and take copious notes on how to run the activities I model in class.

Being honoured as teacher trainers during the opening ceremony.

The English speaking, reading and listening abilities of the 25 teachers in my class varies greatly which makes training them somewhat challenging.

Photos of teachers I'm training

Their behaviour is somewhat shocking. I have both a male and female student who continually pick their noses all day...I’m not kidding! Cell phones are a huge issue. Despite my multiple requests, they refused to put them away and have no qualms about fielding calls in class. Also, they were regularly late for class and when returning from breaks. I showed the bi-atch in me and suddenly the behaviour changed. I was stunned I had to speak to adults in that manner.

The coordinator treated us to a lovely hot pot lunch today. It was delicious and I broke my rule of not eating seafood as recommended by the travel doctor. Because Qingdao is a coastal city, seafood is very popular and, apparently, of good quality. Hopefully, I won’t get sick. I’ll keep you posted!

Being treated to hot pot lunch

Aerial view of hot pot lunch

Comfy Accommodations

My dorm is clean, comfortable and air conditioned. It has a cute balcony, desk, TV and modern bathroom. During the regular school year, three students live in the room. Luckily, I have it all to myself!

My dorm bed

My dorm desk and TV

Dorm shower and bathroom sink

My much appreciated western-style dorm toilet

Landscape around campus 

Another university across the street