They aren't saying KTV, they're booing.

Trip Start Aug 24, 2009
1
6
27
Trip End Dec 15, 2010


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Flag of China  , Hubei,
Sunday, September 20, 2009

More or less a lackluster week of teaching over here in the P.R.  We have signed and fingerprinted our "official" contracts, which were, thankfully, more or less the same as the ones we had already signed a few months ago.  This means that we are legally bound as teachers until at least June 30, 2010.  There will be days where that seems like an eternity, but here's hoping that they will be few and far.  Jill also had a student who attempted to jump out a second story window.  She isn't taking this personally as the same 6 year old boy also took off his pants and ran around the soccer pitch, being chased like a greased pig.  He has some issues. 

On to The Weekly Saturday Transit Disaster - This week we attempted to get to the East Lake Scenic Area in Wuchang.  After an hour and a half on a bus we were politely asked to get off.  Apparently the route had ended, leaving us in the middle of nowhere, with little to no bearing as to what direction we may need to travel in
Yangtze River Park at night
Yangtze River Park at night
.  This isn't the first time this has happened to us.  Luckily, a stranger in a mysterious black Hyundai offered us a ride.  The man was driving an unmarked taxi, which usually means that you end up paying a little extra.  This is balanced out, however, by the thrill of accepting a ride from a complete and total stranger.  Short story long, we got to our destination after a couple hours in traffic.  East Lake was very nice and the peace and quiet of the mountain's hiking trails were more than welcome after the journey we had just taken across the city.  Unfortunately, Saturday was the smoggiest day we have ever seen, so the views of the lake were... limited.  Our return trip was unbelievably tedious - a nauseating 2 hours on a bus, full bladders, a pee break, and a taxi ride home.  Total time in transit on Saturday - 4 hours.  

Sunday we were taken to a "KTV".  Sadly, KTV joints are karaoke houses that let you rent out a private room for your singing displeasure.  I don't like karaoke.  Not even a little bit.  I have always found it strange that the people who choose not to sing are viewed as jerks, while the people making clowns of themselves on the mic are seen as normal and well-adjusted.  I would never tell some one not to sing, but some how I can be made to feel guilty for not singing myself.  The peer pressure can really wear you down.  And karaoke without drugs and alcohol?  Nonsense
Yangtze River Park at night
Yangtze River Park at night
.  Maybe next time, I'll sing "Hey Jude" for my fans but it's going to take some Bai Jiu to get me started.  To make matters worse, apparently everyone in China can actually sing.  We had a good time anyway, and it was Helen's birthday so we were glad to be invited.  Afterward, we went for terrible Western food and some DQ...  I truly believe that if I am going to get food poisoning in China, it will be from a Western-style restaurant.  

Song of the Week time.  This one is from Jill's grade 3 class.  We couldn't make these up if we tried:

One, two, three, four,
We've got some balls.
Five, Six, Seven, Eight, 
Let's pass and play.
Nine, Ten; Nine Ten,
Let's be good friends. 

 I think that's more than enough. 

Mike

Endnote:  Congratulations to Tanis, Schwing and new arrival, Ava. 

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Comments

Kai on

I stumbled upon your blog while searching on Wuhan Yucai. I am glad I did. It is so great you have each other to experience China with. Sounds like a whole different world.

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