First Week Complete

Today I am beginning my three-day weekend!!! I won't have Friday classes until next week so I'm hoping to enjoy my extra day off by mopping, laundry, and lesson planning.  Yesterday I only had two classes: the first was the worst class I've head (very poor English, very badly behaved) and the second was the best class I've had.  Oh I wish all my classes were like them! I'll be looking forward to them every week. They were kind and interested and even laughed at my jokes - I transcended the cultural barrier! It was lovely.  They want to know how tall I am (I don't know in cm!) and if I have a boyfriend (they sounded very disappointed when I said no... haha!)  And some of the students think I look like the alien girl from Avatar.  That knowledge was a little disturbing at first, but now I realize I just must look very foreign to them. And all of the Chinese teachers have been more than welcoming to me.  The eldest one has developed a liking for me and comes in every day with reports about things she has memorized about the United States and Colorado. It's pretty cute : )

Sadly, I'm still quite sick with this nasty cold that won't let go. (I don't think the cold showers have helped) Mostly I just want to stay in bed where it's somewhat warm - which doesn't leave a lot of time for getting things done.

Next week I begin my first classes with the Korean students (who are notorious for being unmotivated and somewhat disrespectful). I'm hoping I can win them over with a little old-fashioned kindness - try to befriend them first. I'll be posting on how that goes!  If they are completely unresponsive, I will probably be asking for lesson-planning advice. Korean school opening ceremony this afternoon. Will be attending. Perhaps I will meet some of my students.

My biggest goal for the weekend: make some friends!

And if I'm feeling up to it: explore the city!

And to my friends back home - I miss you! Please write to me!