Nothing but Love

I have felt nothing but love from every Chinese person I have met during my wild experiences. One night, after dinner, Kim, Emily and I walked by a park with not only a jungle gym for children but workout equipment for adults. I enjoyed standing on these swinging metal rods that allowed me to swing forward and back or stretch my legs (one leg forward as the other went back). A woman was on another one of the same machines right across from me and smiled, asked where I was from and laughed when seemed to be enjoying swinging back and forth as much as a little kid would. Another woman, accompanied by her young daughter, said in perfect English to me, "Welcome to China!" Why haven't I seen parks like this in Delmar, NY?

We stumbled upon another great experience one night last week, again while walking back to the campus after eating dinner, when we saw a large group of elderly people dancing in a park. It looked as if one of them was leading the group but they all seemed to know what dance moves to do as the beats and rhythms of the music changed. Of course, we had to join in and attempt to keep up with the elderly Chinese men and women. What we didn't expect was the crowd watching us that slowly formed during each song. The crowed LOVED our props: when a new song started and all the old people suddenly were dancing with fans, we used folders I just bought at the store; when an even newer song started and all the old people were dancing with ribbons and scarves, I used Emily's new purchased long johns. One woman in the crowd had an infectious laugh...so obviously I had my picture taken with her before we left for the night!

Those two park experiences were slightly different than my first two times at English Corner. English Corner is a gathering of people speaking English in one area of the campus on Tuesday and Friday nights. A few of the veteran foreign teachers had warned us that they didn't plan on returning to English Corner this year. I kept thinking, "What's the harm in talking to people for a little bit?" Oh, I learned. Emily and I went to our first English Corner and were greeted by an English teacher. He said it was an honor to have foreigners at English Corner...then proceeded to ask me questions about Obama's health care plan and the financial crisis. This teacher, asking tough questions and not letting students get a word in, diverted the students away from me and towards Emily. She ended up talking to a few non-English majors who wanted to be her BEST FRIEND. Meanwhile, the teacher took a pause and I stole this opportunity to talk to a student standing next to me. This led to me talking to a few other students and all of them were amazing. Peter is a senior History major and spoke English pretty well. Alex is a senior Psychology major and knew a lot about American television. Last but not least, Liu Yang was shy to speak any English with me at first, attempting to tell me he didn't speak English (but he said that in English). After I asked him a few questions, the four of us had a good conversation going. I received their information and plan on meeting up with them again another time. But here's the thing I still can't really believe actually happened: I became friends with a Chinese soldier. Liu Yang told me he did not go to Hebei Unverisity but enjoyed coming to English Corner sometimes. He did not attend college because he was a soldier for many years and now works as a driver for his boss (not sure exactly what that entails still). I must not forget to mention one girl, originally talking with Emily, joined our conversation and scared me a little with how loud and forward she was. The few people who seemed a little too crazy to meet us Americans freaked us out a little but the fun students and new soldier friend (still can't believe that...) made it a worthwhile experience.

After attending English Corner on Tuesday, I was not sure if I would go again anytime soon. However, Emily and I went again Friday night! I am hoping to eventually find a tutor out of the awesome group of people I have met there. They could teach me Chinese for an hour and I could teach them English for an hour. Before English Corner, I really only knew my students and did not want to have my student be my tutor. My second time at English Corner, I met a potential tutor...but she does not need much help in English haha. Vicky, a new girl at English Corner on Friday night, speaks English very well and I just want to be best friends with her! Now I am going to stalk HER and not vice versa hahaha. When I buy a tennis racket, we are going to play together on the courts near my apartment because we are both bad! So English Corner was less intense the second time. The crazy girl from the first time even showed up in a calm disposition. I am still not sure how often I will continue to go but it has been a good place to meet friends.

It is a new experience to have a nation of over 1 billion people be so interested in me! Everyone is friendly, wants to practice English with me, and likes meeting me. I truly have felt nothing but love from the people of China!