Category: Peace Corps
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November in Pictures
November was a full month of fun experiences. I was invited to tea by another teacher and learned about Chinese tea culture. We drank fermented black and green tea from the Fujian province and a tea from the Yunnan province aged 15 years. I discovered the college Biology Department brews its own beer. Yes, beer–and […]
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Postcards From My Students
A few weeks ago I had my sophomore students create a postcard (or use a real one or photo). The assignment started by asking them to think of something that represented themselves. In class they wrote and shared about it, then I asked them to create a postcard for the following week. One-by-one they presented […]
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October in Pictures
October was a busy month as I further settled into life in Mianyang and my teaching schedule. An event of note was held to welcome the freshmen on the 21st. Each department of the university has one, complete with dancing, music, emcees, games, and flashy lights. Many of my students were involved in planning, performing, […]
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The Dubbing Competition and Just Rolling with It
So sometimes life in China as a university English teacher is a bit odd. We have to navigate a different culture, a different university system, and the sometimes awkward use of our own native language. My students seem well aware that spoken English in this country is often not correct, as they make jokes about […]
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September in Pictures
Here are a few photos from September. In addition to teaching, I traveled to Luzhou (another city in the Sichuan province) to meet up with other Peace Corps Volunteers. We imbibed on local food and drink, which included a tour of the Baijiu (grain alcohol) factory. Earlier in the month, I began teaching Speaking and […]
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I arise early in the morning
I arise early in the morning and enjoy the relative peace and quiet. Waking up before 6am is not a new routine for me–as I’ve grown older, I’ve become more of a morning person and delight being awake before most people. Living in a country not of one’s own can be an exhausting experience in […]
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Morning in Mianyang
A soft rain fell on Monday morning. From my balcony I sipped coffee and stared at the gray sky, rejoicing in the moment. Damp earth below, slight breeze through the screen, a view of my city. A long list of tasks awaited my attention, but for that moment, I could be present. Today is Friday, […]
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Chengdu
Rumbles of thunder echo beneath the constant rattle of cicada-like insects. The morning air is muggy, the afternoon air is muggy, the night air is muggy. Rain is in the forecast today and with it might come slightly cooler temperatures, if only for a few hours. Yesterday morning the rain fell from a gray sky. If […]
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The first month in photos
As promised, a gallery of recent photos. There are many stories to tell from this first month, and this morning I offer a journey of photographs through the various experiences I have had as a Peace Corps trainee in China. Written stories are not far behind, but here are images to grab your attention.
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Peace Corps, The First Month
Last night under a clear sky I laughed and laughed, probably the deepest laugh I have had since arriving in China almost a month ago. On my walk home I noticed a few stars; it’s not so often I have a chance to look up and see the sky. As a Peace Corps Trainee, my […]
Megs the Wanderer 