November/December together!

Seasons Greetings!

Amidst the holidays I hope you find enough peace, health, and happiness ready to begin a fresh new year. It’s always great to hear stories and updates from you, and I hope you enjoy the photos and stories from this end as well.

Where to even begin? It’s been ages, but all the same that only means there are plenty stories to share! As we approach a new set of holidays the first one comes is a blast from the past of Thanksgiving (yes it has been that long). So thanksgiving in China is the same anywhere else besides the US and Canada, nonexistent. Nonetheless I managed to find a quality restaurant that supplied ‘takeaway thanksgiving meals’ and ordered cranberries and a whole roast turkey. Fortunately, Jane, a current resident of my hometown Westport, CT happened to be visiting her family in the area and brought some goodies with her. Together with our mutual friends Dan, Jane, and daughter Mia as well as my Australian colleagues, Brett and Jeremy, we sat down to have a proper Thanksgiving dinner with good peoples. In doing so I of course was responsible for explaining why there was a big bird in front of us.

The same weekend was a great opportunity to watch the Chinese National football/soccer team live in Hangzhou. Dan was kind enough to join, warning that the Chinese National team is a common denominator for Chinese people to relate and joke about. However, the visiting Lebanese team had an even more disappointing history in qualifying for the Asian cup. Well, after going up on an early goal China struggled to finish the game off, and before the final whistle everyone was up in arms yelling ‘la ji (insert name of coach, player, or team here) which means ‘trash (name)’ and laughing hysterically after a 1-0 victory.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe Staples high school soccer team, of Westport, CT, went on to win the CT LL state championship 4-0, finishing first in the region, and 6th in the nation. Congratulations boys. And since we are on the topic of giving shoutouts, I’d like to also congratulate my colleague Jeremy on a new generation of family after the birth of his first grandson, Kaiden.

Ok, officially done abusing the update for personal reasons, now onto the juicy stuff! Recently, some of the Chinese English teachers have begun an English Newspaper Publication ‘Eyes Around’ and naturally asked for some assistance in editing, lecturing on writing, and an interview to be published in the first edition. Attached is a copy of a flattering and ‘interesting’ dialogue between two students and myself. This was their first interview with a native speaker, so give them a break, especially on some of the questions. Also, keep in mind that I edited most of the articles, including my own words, which is a very bizarre experience. In future issues I will certainly take more advantage and insert puns, quips, and other jargon…in a professional manner of course.

Last story, I promise! Every year the college has a Christmas party for faculty and students. Apparently it is quite a classy event with evening gowns, suits, and of course classy entertainment and the president and the vice president of the college are usual guests. For whatever reason they elected yours truly (the youngest, least experienced, and most bearded faculty member) to host the party. Hosting includes the normal jobs of an MC, but on this occasion I will also be singing Christmas carols and reenacting the nativity scene. What role will I have? You guessed it…bearded baby Jesus. So enjoy the company of friends and family, and feast your heart out on gifts and good eats, while I relish as a cultural ambassador. BAH-HUMBUG! ;-)

Happy holidays to you! Catch up in the New Year!

Trevor