zimatravels

The following is from my travel journal during my first stay in Hangzhou, China, teaching English in 1988.

I got into a deep conversation over dinner today with my student, Thomas.  We talked about the differences between American and Chinese students and teachers.  He told me that it is best to keep silent in China.  He said, “Learning from Chinese teachers is like eating fish.”  He couldn’t quite explain what that meant, but he and the other students at the table described a rather dry, dull, rote learning and regurgitation.  And, it is not a good idea to disagree with the teacher.  I told them that American students were encouraged to ask many questions and think for themselves.

I could see a certain excitement in him when I suggested he write out his thoughts and I would be glad to read it.  He was surprised at my offer to read it.  I think he’ll do it.  He seems to want to talk to me more.

Being in China has helped me gain an appreciation for certain American characteristics such as humor, enthusiasm, directness, and lack of modesty.  And yet, the shyness and innocence of these Chinese young people is very refreshing.  In spite of being naive, they are not shallow.  In fact, I see them as deep, disciplined, and resilient.

Letters have begun arriving from the U.S. and Israel, so it’s been good to catch up with my two homes.  However, by the postmark I can see it takes at least one month to reach me!  Mailing letters is different in China too.  Most assumptions based on past experience of how things work can’t be taken for granted.  When they put an address on an envelope in China, the arrangement is completely opposite what I’m used to.  In other words, the country comes first and then works down to the person the letter is going to at the end.  The return address of the sender is under that address.  There is no sticky part of the envelope to lick.  Instead, a paste must be applied to close the envelope as well as put on the stamp.  And the stamp can be placed ANYWHERE on the envelope — including the back.

My friend Russell from the other college heard there would be a black American breakdance troupe performing in Hangzhou.  With the help of my friends, I got five tickets from scalpers for about $10 total.  How I loved hearing that black dialect ringing out in the gymnasium in Hangzhou.  And they moved like fluid.  There was also a decent laser show.  After the performance, Russell exclaimed with restrained excitement, “I’ve never seen anything like that before!”

Watching the performance reminded me of one of my tourism students asking me, “What is broken dancing?”