Nin Hao (hello),
I can't believe that I have only about six weeks left in China. Where did the time go. Since my last blog, I have experienced more of China's culture, and have made a number of new friends, including administrators who have invited me to come back and teach at Shenzhen. Who knows what the future holds on this issue, but I certainly would consider such an offer if my schedule allowed.
I met with Dr. Ben Wong, Dean of Adult Education at Shenzhen University. He is considered a high ranking administrator and he had invited me to teach one of his classes. I may do this in the next few weeks. His wife Judy works in the International Affairs Office, and was extremely helpful with guiding me through the visa process in China--no easy task! I spent the afternoon visiting with them and other quest that they had invited, including a judge, who I hope to have tea with and discuss the legal system in China, a U.S. American prof, a part-time teacher, and the Vice Dean of the School of Foreign Languages. We spent a delightful afternoon discussing everything from civil law in China to how can Shenzhen increase its economic output. I was told by the Vice Dean, at one point, that the university does not have to really worry about money. It gets what it needs from the government. I was further informed that the university is currently partnering with Harvard University to build a medical school in Shenzhen--not bad.
I also had the opportunity to spend a delightful afternoon during the week at the Red Forest. We walked along the water front and could see Hong Kong in the distance. I commented in a joking manner that perhaps we could swim over to Hong Kong. My student David, who is a serious young man said, "Bill, I don't think that you want to do that." I said why and he responded in a serious tone. ". . . because the soldiers will shot you!" I told him that was a good reasoning for not swimming to Hong Kong. We spent some time playing frisbee with young children who wanted to follow us around. We later walked along a garden-like path that was incredibly beautiful.
With a group of four students, I was invited to join them in a traditional morning tea breakfast, which is more like a brunch. I was expecting to have some tea and light snacks. As you can see, we ended up having a feast. I said is this typical and they responded, yes! I asked them: "How can Chinese eat all this food and not have the weigh problems we have in the U.S.?". They said this food did not contain that many calories and that Chinese do allot of walking, which I have experienced and have lost weight! I also liked the fact that we spent time socializing as we ate. We must have been there for about one and a half hours. I think we need to do more of this in the U.S. to truly communicate with family and friends. I never realized how hurried we are in the U.S. I, for one, when in the U.S., would try to do way too much within a short amount of time. Since I have been in China, I am still a busy person, but I have learned from my Chinese friends to enjoy life more by slowing the pace whenever possible and enjoying the "conversation," food and surroundings that I'm in. I hope to continue these habits with family and friends.
My final experience involves a Thai style hair wash and a Chinese haircut. Ms. Li has washed my hair before but this time she asked if I wanted to try a Thai style hair wash. I said: "Why not!" I want to tell you that you have got to experience this. She spent almost an hour massaging my head, shoulders, arms, back and hands. She washed my hair three times while gently scrapping her fingernails on my scalp. She then washed my face and cleaned my ears!!! I asked if she would come back to the U.S. and open up a business. I then had my haircut from Mr. number one (yes, that is what he wants me to call him). We discussed politics (my student acted as translator) and the beautiful weather occurring in December (People are wearing shorts.). My hair was washed a fourth time to remove the hair clippings. The price-get this--for the Thai hair wash and the haircut was about $5!!! I am going to be in for sticker shock went I return.
I hope all is going well for you and that you experience balance and harmony during this holiday season.
Dr. Haskins
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