Subway & Bus Tips

So, this is the third day that we have traveled to the school by public transportation. I have observed & learned several things.

1. Do a dry run. Make sure to make your own notes with landmarks. If you can keep an eye on your watch so, that you know about how long your ride should be.
   
2. On this dry run, if you are going to be on the bus for longer than a few stops, count the stops.
   
3. If you are going to take public transportation, make sure you have a Chinese friend write, in characters, to your destination and from your destination. On the subway, it is not such a big deal. But, the buses get crowded & noisy and the announcements are hard hear at times.
4. Do not hesitate to sit in an empty seat. He who hesitates is left standing.
   
5. In Beijing, during rush hour, they have people with little colored flags at the major stops to marshal in the buses. They are invaluable when you want to make sure you are going the right way. The lady at the stop where we pick up the 19 remembers us. This morning, we nodded to the same lady. Bus 19 pulled up. Something was different about this bus today. We started to board and she said something in Chinese to let me know not to board. But, Delainie, knowing this is the bus we board everyday, started to get on and the lady stopped Delainie from boarding. We then got on the right 19.
6. When riding a subway or bus and traveling with a child or older person. People will give up their seat so that the ride for these passengers is safe. You may want to offer your seat to one of these types of people. If you don't the bus conductor, not the driver, will ask you to.
7. Bus conductors are also good friends. Your card with the route in Chinese, is also good to show them. They know the route better than you and can tell you exactly when to get off.
8. On the two buses hooked together get on in the back and , if standing, work your way forward because you exit at the front. Just make sure you are close to the door when you stop comes or you will watching your stop go by. Almost happened today. A lady refused to move and there I was pulling Delainie through the bus, saying excuse me in Chinese, there is this lady with a ipod on that would not move.
   
9. If no one moves out of your way then sometimes it is necessary to nudge your way through. I finally got to the door and it shut. The other passengers called to the driver to open the door. He did. All was well.
   
10. Standing on as bus or subway for long trips stinks. Esp in the summer it is hot and sweaty. With no air conditioning and 50 plus people in a tight space. It tends to smell a little funky.
11. Women conductors & marshaling people are always more helpful and friendly.
    
12. Be courteous. You will expect the same.
    

Picture of the Day

Dripping with sweat

I know I have mentioned this many times before but it is really hot! 99 degrees today. I got home from my almost two hour commute from the school dripping from my fingertips with sweat.

A shower didn't help much. It was almost unbearable. A tub would have been nice. I could adjust the temp and soak. I miss tubs. Showers are great in a small limited space and conserving on water. But a tub enough said.

Talked to Teacher Yan today. I tried to explain to her that the students just don't understand. I also can't find this oral test we are supposed to be taking at the end of the classes. She said I would just have to do the best that I can with them. I reccommend not to use this book for pre-teens. I did have a new student today. Her English name is Summer. She is 21 and a university student. She has pretty good English. She helped translate some things for me today in class.

Bakery

Went to the bakery today and bought two pieces of cake. Mmmm. Delicious.

Sleepless in Beijing

I didn't sleep well last night. I was very concerned about my students. They do not understand the relevance of the subject matter. As I said yesterday, the book is a bad book for 10-14 yr olds. They are never going to use this stuff at least not for many years.

I am going to talk to Teacher Yan today. There has got to be something we can do. I want them to succeed. I don't want them to think of English as boring "May I help you, sir ." Stuff

New friends

Here are Delainie's new friends from school.

Teaching English 1st Day

Today was my first day of teaching English. I am sure it was frustrating for the students.

1. They are not used to a native speaker.
2. They do not know how to ask questions about the subject matter
3. They do not know how to answer questions when they don't understand
4. The book we are using is for adults ready to enter the work place, serve English speakers (and I mean serve as a shop girl, a bus or taxi driver) & are not 10-12 years old
5. My students are 10-12 years old When are they going to use this stuff?
6. By the time the book is relevant in their lives they will have forgotten it

I think this class should be centered around conversation. How to introduce yourself. Not some mindless "May I help you, sir?" Stuff.

Just my two cents.