For those of you who think I have half a brain in my head please don’t read any further I would love that lie to live on for as long as possible. As a child I had this notion that what ever the weather was in Tulare, that was the weather for the world. Yes I now realize how ridiculous that notion was but hey I’ve never claimed to be the sharpest crayon in the box. Nor did I ever stop to contemplate how the snow in the mountains worked when Tulare never saw snow.

Anyway I guess that misguided notion still lingers as I’m troubled by and rather annoyed with embracing my new climate. When I look outside and see clouds I scoff and insist that they will pass with no effect on my day. Oh little do I know about monsoon season! I’m coming to realize that the definition of monsoon means that 20 hours a day some form of precipitation WILL fall.

These forms vary from downpours to sheets of mist that envelope you making an umbrella pointless and cumbersome. I have often wondered while in flight what it would be like to stand within a cloud. Now I know the feeling and wish I’d never wondered. Weifang has been enveloped by one giant cloud. The humidity on a good day hangs around 74%. Other days you just pray it will rain so at least you will have the satisfaction of being soaked by a liquid other than your own sweat.

For all my gripping I must admit the vibrant foliage around town almost makes it bearable. For as much as I love a good dry heat the color brown does not register as appealing to me,thus Tulare in the summer has little appeal. So beautiful scenery or dry heat? The jury is still out on this one. So for all those enjoying the Tulare heat, pull out a lawn chair and sun tan for me for one hour. With this cloud coverage there is just no point here.

Summer is here, therefore the oh so glorious, much sought after in the west, tanning rays of the sun. But to an impressionable young Chinese girl summer does not bring the hope of a splendid, hair hiding, leg lengthening tan but the never ending battle of Sun vs Parasol.

My students are always oh so horrified when they see me in shorts, cap sleeved shirts and sunglasses. I am most obviously missing the most essential summer accessory my Parasol! While I am trying desperately to get back my usual summer tan my students run from shade spot to shade spot precociously angling their parasols for the most shade coverage. Don’t get me started on the number of girls who where tights in this sweltering heat.

Beauty is relative to where you live. In America thin, tanned, well curved girls are the standards to which we strive while here in China it’s the anorex, white, flat as a board girls who get the attention. Humm how well do you think I’m fitting in.

I promise to add pictures of more Parasol sporting girls but for now the following will have to suffice.

While Katie, like myself, is trying to accomplish the western chore of a even natural glow Thomas has taken a more Chinese approach to his summer.

Oh Thomas...

At one time it was Katie’s yellow purse that I looked for in a crowd but now Thomas’s Purple Parasol, a good three feet above the rest, is so much easier to spot.

I’m slowly visiting the sites in Qingdao and by slowly I mean a napping tortoise has seen more of Qingdao than I. To continue the prolonged tour I scheduled a weekend with Beth. I had it all planned, the spice market, Zhongshan Park, the pagoda, the temple, the beach, Catholic Cathedral and of course Jimo for the newbie Beth.  Of the entire list we hit two. Not exactly my idea of a successful trip. So here is how our misadventure started…

We had gotten tickets for the 4:30pm fast train, and pulled out at 6:30pm. We got to Qingdao and found a cab to the hostel. I had looked up rooms the week before and saw plenty of rooms I was having trouble booking online so I figured I’d take my chances, for future reference BAD idea. I had brought information for back up accommodations and knew if all else failed we could crash at Victoria’s.

We called hostel number two and they had two beds in a mixed dorm available. We told them we were on our way and jumped in a cab. The driver, we learned 20 frustrating mins later, dropped us off on the back side of the hill. We got out of the cab and found ourselves in a deserted back alley at the foot of a dark and uninviting hill. We Called the hostel again for directions and were told to our horror there were no beds! I explained I’d called 5 min ago and was told there were two beds. She checked with the other receptionist and apologized for the mix up.  She gave us directions and then said she would stand outside and wait for us, we finally made it and realized she had walked down the other side of the hill. When she showed us the room available Beth and I both panicked inside. It was an overflow dorm separated from the complex and full of middle aged Chinese men, not exactly the company I felt comfortable sleeping with so far from the hostel.

In the end I couldn't have wished for better lodgings.

We apologized for the inconvenience but declined the room. Sophia, the receptionist said she understood and offered to help us find accommodations elsewhere. We figured she’d give us a car and send us on our way. To our surprise she grabbed her sweater, a flashlight and the other receptionist. She even asked if we had eaten yet and grabbed some muffins for the trip. She walked us to a hotel 15min away and arranged our room and everything.

Spacious with a view

The room was spectacular and upon their insistents we got a room with a great view of the courtyard and the city. We settled in and then went out for a quick bite.

The creaky old floors just enhanced the character.

The next morning we were up and about ready to hit Jimo when it opened at 9am. I was hoping for a quick morning be in and out by 12 for lunch and on our way to see the rest of the town. I had a list of sites to hit. That did not happen! But here a few of my purchases that  somehow took 5 hours!

My one purse indulgence - not to be used in China due to color

yes - I agree my pearl obession is on the version of meriting an intervention

Sonny - The best pearls in Jimo!

I have to admit I was thrilled when Beth stumbled across a jean shop that sold my size!! I am saved. I’ve just about warn the seat out of a few of my jeans I no longer have to live in fear of being pantless for the next year. We ended up leaving Jimo at closing time around 5pm! Never again!!

We headed to our hotel for a nap then met Kelly for dinner at the Diner. It was delicious of course but then again western food tastes so so good after not having it for a month. Although the repercussions of stuffing your face with diary heavy western food can at times be uncomfortable late. The Diner was full of westerners as usually and a large group of Europeans were occupying the center tables. Their children were all playing together and we almost forgot we were in China.

Sunday Morning

Sunday morning we got up a little late and headed straight for the Catholic Cathedral. It is only open before 9am on Sundays and I was extremely keen on seeing it. We got to the gates about 8:45 and decided to take a quick look. We soon realized that mass was starting and as they handed us the liturgy in English we decided to stay. It was an amazing experience. The Service was in Korean, so I felt a little at home as half of my church is in Korean due to translation.

Where there's one there is always a dozen others

As on any good clear day were were half a dozen couples taking wedding photos around the city at different scenic locations. Wedding photos in China are taken when convenient not following the ceremony. Some are taken the week in advance or even months late if it is more convenient.

Exploring the area around the Hotel and Jimo…

New York Library anyone?

Now this is what I call a Farmer's Market!

The old Government Building - German Style

During lunch the downpour started. It didn’t let up for about four hours. We hid out for lunch then raced to Book City. At the bus stops I finally gave up trying to stay dry and gave into the fact that I would remain soaked the rest of the day. I was literally pouring water out of my shoes. I should have worn flip-flops!

At Book City I had a rather interesting adventure. I took the ACT test or at least part of it. As I was browsing through the Chinese Textbooks a student approached me asking for some help. Could I please define, scrutinize. Humm, the epitome of teaching English learning to define large words without using large words. I did my best and the conversation proceeded from there. The student had just take the ACT test and would like to review his answers. To my surprise he pulled out the test booklet and started referring to all the questions he had reservations about. He asked my opinion on each and again I did my best but I told him that was no guarantee. There is this belief in China that if you are a native English Speaker all our tests are a walk in the park. What they don’t realize is unlike Chinese education we don’t spend our entire academic career with our nose in test booklet, just the better half of the second semester. Well, after that test boy was I glad I decided on COS and I didn’t have take any college entrance tests, I really don’t know how I would have fared.

We spent the afternoon working on our Chinese and caught the train home around 7pm. Overall, I bearly touched my laundry list of things to see but it was an enjoyable trip none-the-less.

Does that look like a 5:30am sky to you?

As I’ve complained before about the insanity of being in such a huge country with a single timezone,  nothing could have prepared me for the spring here. When I came in the fall the days were getting shorter and the nights longer. Now that I’m at the opposite end of seasons the days are getting longer and the nights shorter.

 I woke up this morning to bright lights. When I rolled over I expected to see 7:30 on my clock, having over slept. No luck, it was 5:30 still another hour before I could even start hitting the snooze button.

 The only logical solution is to tackily black out the windows.  But if this 5:30 wake up call continues I see no other alternative.

Nothing makes you feel more unprepared then a crisis. Well maybe there is, a crisis with five children sitting around your table.

Now before you panic please remember I tend to exaggerate, no need to jump on skype and see home I’m doing. I’m fine.

Last night I was in the middle of tutoring when the lights went out. It was the only time I was grateful my parents have continually remained at my apartment during the lessons. I teach the children in the large hall with no outside facing widows. When the lights went off our area was pitch black. The parents entered and helped calm the excited children. Here’s another universal, turn of the lights and Children go crazy. They can find a thousand things to do in under two min, then proceed to do all of them in under five.

Utilities here work on prepaid cards. When the utility is used up you swipe another card at the appropriate utility station in your apartment or building. I’ve had only one power out so far but it was during the day and James had it sorted within min. But as I looked around campus there wasn’t a light to be seen. So it was obviously not due to a late electric bill.

Thank heaven for fathers who insist daughters take essential items such as flashlights.

Luckily Kelly and I both had flashlights. I worked the class out with the parents and was able to send all the children home early. I don’t even want to think how I would have had to keep their attention for another hour in the dark. Soon they were gone and the boredom set in.

NO lights, NO TV, NO Internet, but worst yet, NO computer. My computer has become my life here. What was I to do? Kelly and I decided to take a walk. Night walks are always fun and there was a bright moon out.

As soon as we opened the door the storm started. We stayed in the door way for a few min enjoying the fresh storm. I love the way that storms smell. Unfortunately in China, that wonderful smell is at times interrupted with a whiff of China which your nose often feels it will never recover from.

The wind was incredible, the rain started pouring in a matter of seconds.

The large earthquake in Western China had not phased me until this night. I’ve been truly blessed in my life never to be in any natural disaster or any disaster for that matter. It wasn’t until this evening that I got a little shaken. It wasn’t the power out as much as the vulnerability. I soon realized we were out of drinking water but hadn’t yet call in a new bottle. With the power out we had no methods for which to boil water. Without power I also had no ability to contact my family. My cell was only getting interrupted signals which was making calling out extremely frustrating if near impossible.

This evening I have come to truly appreciate my parents and their preparedness. So, mom don’t convert my bedroom yet I just might be bunking at home for the rest of my life.

IT’S SNOWING!

Snow is falling all around, on the house tops on the ground.

The heats been turned off in a gesture of good faith that the weather will warm yet it hasn’t. Thank heaven I bought that Contraband space heater. Better go dig it out and plug it in. On the bright side I only have one early class today so I can spend the rest of the day cuddled on the couch with hot chocolate! So today is looking bright after all!

Weifang – International Kite City

I don’t think that title fits today. You release a kite today and it will be torn to shreds in under a min. I’ve never experienced wind like this. Rexburg didn’t even compare. One positive, it was a warm wind. The freezing Siberian winds decided to take a day off.

As Kelly and I clocked our new hike into town we had to adjust for wind factor. I’m just grateful I wear glasses for an added shield, but even with glasses I had to keep blinking particles out of my eyes!

At one point I was walking in front of Kelly and I heard a short scream. I turned to find Kelly recovering from an attack by a stray piece of cardboard. The most nerve racking sight on blustery days is the swaying of light poles. I’ve seen the arms move in an occasional storm but not the post!

Oh the blustery days I endure in Weifang. I enjoy wind to be perfectly honest, it cools things down and is well entertaining. The only drawback in Weifang is the dust it kicks up. The dust and debris in the air did a number of visibility for the day.

It was like somebody put a sepia lense on the sun!

What flag do you fly after red for bad air quality? Black? Today Weifang should have a black flag billowing in the wind, but I doubt it would last.

Well its done. The heat has been turned off. I knew April 5th was WAY to good to be true. When I awoke this morning my room was not as toasty as usual. I leaned over to the radiator and my heart sank as my hand grasped the reality of the cold metal.

At least the weather has take a turn for the better but no promises it will last. A projected cold spell is to hit this weekend. So now the windows have all been shut and I’m refusing to let Kelly open any for air flow. I’d rather have a stuffy house than a cold one.

I must admit once the radiators were turned on this winter I was completelyspoiled. I didn’t realize how much until I returned home to the States and was painfully remained that during winter back home I still had to bundle as my father’s idea of a toasty house was 76*. Here in China my apartment was so hot I wore shorts and t-shirts all winter inside with my window cracked at night. So the heat was wonderful while it lasted and in about a month I will have it full blast once again.

So yes for right now I should enjoy the rather cool weather because come summer when the temperature rises at the same rate as the humidity I will be reminiscing of the cold spells.

This morning I awoke to warmth, not something I had anticipated. Today is March 16th. March 15th is the final day of heat for China. The government controls the heating for buildings throughout the country.

At first I did not understand how the government could possibly control the heat until someone explained the heat in China is provided via the coal factories. Come March 15th the coal factories are then turned off? (That’s my best uneducated guess) Anyway,  who really cares about the logistics I was just bracing for the repercussions. So, I was more than pleasantly surprised to find the heat still on upon waking this morning.

Katie and Thomas had mentioned, they’d been informed the heat would be extended through the beginning of April but I didn’t dare hope it was true. Apparently it is! Hip Hip Hooray for the Chinese Government, and thank you for severe weather conditions in Northern China.

The day’s have been getting warmer and my blood has seemed to thicken. I even brave the classroom at times and remove my winter coat, much to the horror of my students. We reached all the way to 40* the other day, Heatwave! 

Side note:  Today’s crazy picture worthy moment, which I did not have my camera for was a women on the corner of the street tending to a campfire in the gutter. No joke full on campfire! It looked like a nice Tepee set up with great ventilation and an ample supply of kindling.

According the theFreeDictionary.com Fall means:

1. To drop or come down freely under the influence of gravity.

The last time I checked gravity pulled downward, so can someone please explain how the snow is FALLING sideways out my window.

Everyone is speculating a warm burst for Wednesday this week but I’m not that optimistic. My only prayer is that come March 15th when the heat for all of China gets turned off the government takes pity and leaves it on. I can hope can’t I, and hey they did turn it on early this year due to severe weather up North.

I know here I am complaining once again about the weather but to be fair, I’m getting use to it. Really I just needed a few rather poignant lessons in layering and proper winter attire which usually means donning rather less than attractive outerwear. On a whole I don’t mind as I know I will always return to my toasty apartment and be able to thaw in a matter of minutes. With the heat off I’m afraid I’ll have no respite for my frozen marrow.

Just a quick glance into my life, for a person who loathes snow to a rather unhealthy level at times how is it I always manage to end up in cold snowy places? Rexburg, Id – Jacob Lake, Az – Weifang, China Who is booking my travel arrangements? I should fire them.