Archive for March, 2009
I’m at a loss for words
March 25th, 2009 | 
Author: I’ve mentioned recently that life has been constantly changing, and this is where I’m at now:
I’ve taught at a public school and got fired because they didn’t like that I tried to teach with my own style. I’ve taught at a large training school for adults and quit because they didn’t like that I, again, had a mind of my own (and the students didn’t have minds of their own). I’ve also taught at a small immersion center for kids and am ready to quit because the kids don’t listen to me or respect me, thus causing me a lot of stress and angst. As a result, I’ve been considering the following options, but not in any order:
1)stay here and try teaching adults again (at a University)
2)stay here and continue studying Chinese (but taking a formal class) so I can eventually do translation/interpretation and/or international trade
2)move to another city and start over (Chengdu/Shanghai/Beijing are options)
3)move back and do a masters while apply for security clearing through the state dept
4)move to another country and try teaching there (europe?)
5)peacecorps
6)look for a nonprofit organization that would allow me to work overseas, such as in central/south america
7)freelance travel writing
I know I just wrote this article, but I wanted to show that I’ve made a decision. I’ve decided that I’m going to stay in Wuhan and teach adults again, and while I do that I’ll continue saving money and traveling while trying my best to freelance write about my travels. As a last resort, I’ll move to another city in China because to be honest Wuhan has lost its appeal.
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Nothing Too New
Last post I wrote about how winter in Wuhan sucks, and while it still does, I realized it doesn’t have to be so bad. I’ve been a member of Couchsurfing for almost 2 years now, and I’ve been an avid fan. I’ve always wanted to host people, but never had the chance until I moved to China. I finally got my chance when 2 German guys were passing through Wuhan on the way to Beijing. I hosted them for 3 nights and it was a cool experience practicing my language skills and sharing the international peace pipe. I’ve also met up with a group of French exchange students, and find that meeting these other groups of people can spice up life in this mostly dull city.
I have an update on my recording job: It is definitely happening, even though it still hasn’t begun (due to the authors not finishing the book yet). They’ve guaranteed me 50 hours of work at a rate of 100rmb ($14) per hour, which means 5000rmb (almost $750). This in itself will pay for a nice trip!
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Moving to this part of China is very hard for a Jew because from what I’ve seen so far, I’m the only one for several hundred miles in every direction (sadly the reality). It’s been a complete disconnect from everything I’ve known and because I’m not very religious it hasn’t been too harsh, but what I miss more is the special feeling you get from being around other Jews. I’ve almost been here for 9 months and have been unable to practice Judaism because you need 11 men for a “minyin” (the number needed to pray). As a result of this, I’ve decided to make a special 5 day trip to a city in the south called Guangzhou, where I’ll be staying with the rabbi and his family at their Chabad House. There I’ll celebrate Passover and get my chance to reconnect, as well as hopefully bring tons of good food back to Wuhan so I can observe the dietary restrictions.
—-
I know all the girls I’ve mentioned here in the past haven’t lasted very long, but I’ve recently met a girl. She has a good personality: she’s easygoing, caring, smart, and more open-minded than some girls I’ve known here. The last few girls I dated here were just for fun because I wasn’t interested in having a relationship, but I think she’s good girlfriend material so we’ll see how it goes. 
How Boring is Winter!
Last post I wrote about how winter in Wuhan sucks, and while it still does, I realized it doesn’t have to be so bad. I’ve been a member of Couchsurfing for almost 2 years now, and I’ve been an avid fan. I’ve always wanted to host people, but never had the chance until I moved to China. I finally got my chance when 2 German guys were passing through Wuhan on the way to Beijing. I hosted them for 3 nights and it was a cool experience practicing my language skills and sharing the international peace pipe. I’ve also met up with a group of French exchange students, and find that meeting these other groups of people can spice up life in this mostly dull city.
I have an update on my recording job: It is definitely happening, even though it still hasn’t begun (due to the authors not finishing the book yet). They’ve guaranteed me 50 hours of work at a rate of 100rmb ($14) per hour, which means 5000rmb (almost $750). This in itself will pay for a nice trip!
—-
Moving to this part of China is very hard for a Jew because from what I’ve seen so far, I’m the only one for several hundred miles in every direction (sadly the reality). It’s been a complete disconnect from everything I’ve known and because I’m not very religious it hasn’t been too harsh, but what I miss more is the special feeling you get from being around other Jews. I’ve almost been here for 9 months and have been unable to practice Judaism because you need 11 men for a “minyin” (the number needed to pray). As a result of this, I’ve decided to make a special 5 day trip to a city in the south called Guangzhou, where I’ll be staying with the rabbi and his family at their Chabad House. There I’ll celebrate Passover and get my chance to reconnect, as well as hopefully bring tons of good food back to Wuhan so I can observe the dietary restrictions.
—-
I know all the girls I’ve mentioned here in the past haven’t lasted very long, but I’ve recently met a girl. She has a good personality: she’s easygoing, caring, smart, and more open-minded than some girls I’ve known here. The last few girls I dated here were just for fun because I wasn’t interested in having a relationship, but I think she’s good girlfriend material so we’ll see how it goes.