The first week in China
Our first week in Xi'an was incredible. We arrived Saturday and were met at the airport by Jerome, the CCS China country director. We then went to the home base, which consist of three apartments, and shown around. We then ate our first of many wonderful meals, prepared by the CCS cook, went for a walk and settled in for the night. On Sunday we had a city tour and orientation. The city tour was awesome as we went into the old town which is surrounded by a huge wall that is 8 mile around. It is big enough that there is a road on top of it and your can walk or bike around it (we hope to go tomorrow). We then toured the Muslim quarter (Xian has the largest Muslim population in China) and many other sights in old town.
Xian was once the end of the silk road from Europe, was once the capital of China and is 4000 years old. It has 4 million residents in the city limits and 8 million if you include the suburbs. About twice the size of Atlanta but not very big by Chinese standards.
In my first week I taught English classes at a local elementary school (4 and 5 grades) along with an English lady named Debbie. We observed the first day and were on our own after that. Each class has about 50 or 55 enthusiastic children and it is a lot of fun after the initial shock.
On Tuesday evening we had a lecture and demonstration on tradition Chinese medicine including acupuncture, herbs and cupping. It was done by a Doctor who runs the acupuncture department at a local hospital. It was so interesting that I decided to try it for my back (which I hurt a few days before I flew over). I have now been to see him and receive treatment 3 times and I feel much better. I receive acupuncture for 30 minutes and then cupping for about 10 minutes. It is certainly a little different than anything I have experienced before and all of the Doctors and staff are very professional and friendly. The acupuncture department is extremely busy.
Our other activities last week included a visit to the Terra Cota warriors which is considered by many one of the 8 wonders of the world. It was amazing and I will post more comments and pictures later. Yesterday we went to a museum on the history of women and women rights in China including the 1000 years that they had to bind their feet. We had a cooking class on making Chinese noodles one evening and several people went o play badminton one morning. I even found time to search out the three local Starbucks. Awful, I know. What a first week :)
Xian was once the end of the silk road from Europe, was once the capital of China and is 4000 years old. It has 4 million residents in the city limits and 8 million if you include the suburbs. About twice the size of Atlanta but not very big by Chinese standards.
In my first week I taught English classes at a local elementary school (4 and 5 grades) along with an English lady named Debbie. We observed the first day and were on our own after that. Each class has about 50 or 55 enthusiastic children and it is a lot of fun after the initial shock.
On Tuesday evening we had a lecture and demonstration on tradition Chinese medicine including acupuncture, herbs and cupping. It was done by a Doctor who runs the acupuncture department at a local hospital. It was so interesting that I decided to try it for my back (which I hurt a few days before I flew over). I have now been to see him and receive treatment 3 times and I feel much better. I receive acupuncture for 30 minutes and then cupping for about 10 minutes. It is certainly a little different than anything I have experienced before and all of the Doctors and staff are very professional and friendly. The acupuncture department is extremely busy.
Our other activities last week included a visit to the Terra Cota warriors which is considered by many one of the 8 wonders of the world. It was amazing and I will post more comments and pictures later. Yesterday we went to a museum on the history of women and women rights in China including the 1000 years that they had to bind their feet. We had a cooking class on making Chinese noodles one evening and several people went o play badminton one morning. I even found time to search out the three local Starbucks. Awful, I know. What a first week :)
posted by Bryan at 9:12 AM
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