Fitness Center

Nin hao,

I visited one of several mega complexes making up Shenzhen's fitness center. They have several of these centers spread around campus. I simply couldn't believe how big it is. The pictures can't fully capture the size of the center. I included several pictures of the fitness center, pool area, and orientation program being held at the center.

Zia jian,

Dr. Haskins

First Few Days

Nin hao (hello),

After a 24 hour flight, I finally made it to Hong Kong. I was greeted by Dr. Helena Pan, a professor at Shenzhen University. Shenzhen is located about 20 miles north of Hong Kong in south east China. Helena took me to my apartment located in the building for international visitors. By the time I got my bags unpacked and my room somewhat organized, I had been up for over 30 hours. To say my brain was fried was an understatement! On the following day, I was greeted by Martin, a post-grad student who would show me the university and important places to know, such as a three-floor Wal Mart or where my office was located. We spent the better part of a day getting items for my apartment that I would need during my five month visit.

The city of Shenzhen is one of the fastest growing economic areas in China. Modern buildings and high rise apartments dominate the landscape. High tech companies abound but a number of other businesses co-exist in a landscape dominated by modern architectural designs. The campus of Shenzhen University seems to reflect both the growth and the new types of architectural buildings in Shenzhen. Yet the campus contains beautiful landscapes of palm trees, bamboo woods, lush gardens, a student-made lake which is unbelievable to see, and what seems as thousands of bike riders on campus. I may end up getting a bike just to get around campus. I could also use the exercise!

Finally on my own, I ventured out for dinner (How hard could that be!). First, there is a process for paying and getting your food. Since I didn't speak Mandarin, I didn't know what the cost of the meal would be and I didn't know that you needed to go to a certain booth to pay and get a ticket to show the servers as you selected your food (I also didn't know most of the types of foods being served.). Approximately five students came to my rescue. Among the five of them, they were able to understand what I was asking and what I needed to do. I thanked them and then selected and ate Chinese-style chicken (which was quite good), several Chinese dishes, and had a drink--all for one dollar!

The next day, I went to my new office with plants and a balcony. A student worker helped to set up my office equipment and show me where the hot water was for tea and where the Asian-style bathroom (No toilet bowl exists.) was located. I met several of the profs who spoke a minimum of English and a secretary who spoke no English. Since I speak very little Chinese, we all got along great, using nonverbal communication primarily to communicate. Well, jet lag is kicking in so I will say zia jian (good-bye) for now.

Dr. Haskins

Getting Ready for China

What does one pack for a five month trip to China? Worse yet, how does one get all that "stuff" in one suitcase? I was told that the weather in Shenzhen, China is similar to LA. Average temperature in January, for instance, is in the upper sixties. I can live with that weather! I was told by my host in China to pack just a few clothes. She said that clothes are "reasonable" in China. Even with this advice, I still had a table filled with "stuff." My wife was my lifesaver. Somehow she managed to stuff all that "stuff" in one suitcase. I just hope the suitcase survives the trip. I leave on Monday, August 25th and arrive in Hong Kong the next day. Shenzhen University is located about 25 miles north of Hong Kong. I am filled with mixed emotions about leaving my family and friends but look forward to meeting my new students and colleagues.