Posts Tagged ‘Weifang’

Hello Feng Feng

September 1, 2010 0 comment

We had a huge dinner in celebration of Polish Peter’s new daughter, Feng Feng. And by huge I mean I don’t think I’ve been to a dinner that big since the Weifang City Foreigners Banquet.

On the way to dinner I had a rather interesting run in with a new student. Julie, Charlotte, Roina (Charlotte’s beautiful baby daughter) and I ran into one of my students as we were waiting to catch a cab. I had volunteered to push the stroller as we were in our complex and never even contemplated how it might adversely affect my reputation. My student approached me and quickly began oohing and awing over Roina. She introduced herself as my student, they are are all new so I had no idea so I just smiled and nodded, that is until she started directing Roina’s compliments at me. I quickly pointed the finger at Charlotte vigilantly naming her the mother. Just what I need a rumor around school that I have a baby. So I guess pushing the stroller will no longer be an option even within my own complex, and I thought moving off campus equaled freedom. So if and when pictures of a baby girl begin showing up on my blog lets make this clear. I did not sign up for a second year to hide a pregnancy. And if you happen to hear such a rumor please squash it. Remember this is Kayte you are talking about the longest I stay in the presence of a single child is about an hour, two of a good day.

My new Dinner Pal

With that said the Dinner.

The next part might come as a shock goodness knows it did to me. Peter now has two daughters, the eldest is Monica, who for some strange reason has taken a liking to me. Whenever we go out for dinner I’m her playmate and dinner partner. Mind you the first time we met she wouldn’t speak more that two words to me but now I get rather enthusiastic Chinese and just enough English to catch her drift. Thank goodness she knows Polish is only for her father because that would be completely out of my element.

Julie is in the corner.

The dinner was to celebrate Monica’s new sister and the unofficial meet the new foreigners dinner. I was shocked at all the new faces when I walked into the room. Good thing Brad reserved the BIG room.

L-R Andrew, Manuel (German), John (American), Brad, Didn't catch his name, Leah, Ryan is leaning over Mary-Chris

There are two more pictures of people but wordpress isn’t cooperating. Needless to say there were tons of people many of whom I didn’t know. The night was filled with talking and food. Have you ever seen a Lazy Susan that big! We decided with the effort it took to turn that thing we’d call it Work-Out Susan, it wasn’t really suited for lazy people.

Monica and I had a fun evening playing with my pearls although she was disappointed I didn’t ware my separating butterfly ring, sometimes I think she only likes me for that piece.

Dinner was delicious. I walked home this evening with Charlotte and Roina. The weather is finally cooling off and it was a pleasant stroll.

Since I was contemplating driving…

August 16, 2010 0 comment

Just incase anyone was wondering alternative methods of travel to see me, here is Google’s suggestion. When I typed it in I figured it would come up with ERROR but trusty Google comes through as usual!

Personally my favorite parts are the ocean crossings. Although I don’t really understand the stopover in Hawaii. Also, how exactly do you fit your car in the Kayak, or the jet ski? Inventive though.

Driving directions to Weifang, Shandong, China 9,595 mi – about 36 days 20 hours Suggested routes

This route has tolls.- more info » This route includes a ferry.- more info »

 

 756 N M St Tulare, CA 93274

1. Head north on N M St toward E Merritt Ave   0.5 mi
2. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto E Prosperity Ave   0.4 mi
3. Take the 3rd right onto N J St   2.1 mi
4. Take the ramp onto CA-99 N   207 mi
5. Take the exit toward San Francisco/I-80 W/I-5 W/CA-99 W   1.2 mi
6. Merge onto CA-99 N/US-50 W   1.3 mi
7. Take the exit onto I-5 N toward Redding   743 mi
8. Slight right at WA-599 N (signs for Tukwila/W Marginal Way)   2.1 mi
9. Continue onto WA-99 N   3.1 mi
10. Turn left to stay on WA-99 N   62 ft
11. Merge onto WA-509 N/WA-99 N via the ramp to Seattle   0.7 mi
12. Take the WA-99 N/E Marginal Way exit toward 1st Ave S   0.3 mi
13. Slight left at WA-99 N/E Marginal Way S Continue to follow WA-99 N   7.5 mi
14. Slight right at Bridge Way N   0.3 mi
15. Turn right at Stone Way N   0.4 mi
16. Slight left at N Northlake Way   0.2 mi
17. Kayak across the Pacific Ocean   2,756 mi
18. Continue straight   0.1 mi
19. Turn left at Kuilima Dr   0.5 mi
20. Take the 3rd right onto HI-83 W   12.4 mi
21. Continue straight onto HI-99 S/Kamehameha Hwy   6.5 mi
22. Slight left at HI-80 S/Kamehameha Hwy Continue to follow Kamehameha Hwy   2.1 mi
23. Take the Interstate H2 S ramp to Honolulu   0.2 mi
24. Merge onto I-H-2 S   7.9 mi
25. Merge onto I-H-1 E   4.7 mi
26. Take exit 13B toward Halawa Hts. Stadium   0.3 mi
27. Merge onto I-H-201 E   4.1 mi
28. Merge onto I-H-1 E   4.1 mi
29. Take exit 23 for Punahou St toward Waikiki/Manoa   0.2 mi
30. Turn right at Punahou St   0.1 mi
31. Take the 1st right onto S Beretania St   0.1 mi
32. Take the 1st left onto Kalakaua Ave   1.9 mi
33. Kayak across the Pacific Ocean   3,879 mi
34. Turn left toward 県道275号線   0.4 mi
35. Turn left toward 県道275号線   358 ft
36. Turn left toward 県道275号線   0.2 mi
37. Turn right at 県道275号線   0.1 mi
38. Turn left at 国道125号線   499 ft
39. Turn right at 県道24号線   0.6 mi
40. Turn left at 千束町（交差点） onto 国道354号線   2.0 mi
41. Turn right at 中村陸橋下（交差点） to stay on 国道354号線   1.0 mi
42. Take the ramp to 常磐自動車道 Toll road   0.3 mi
43. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for 東京 and merge onto 常磐自動車道 Toll road   23.8 mi
44. Take exit 三郷ＪＣＴ toward 首都高・銀座・湾岸線 Toll road   0.7 mi
45. Merge onto 首都高速6号三郷線 Toll road   5.8 mi
46. Take exit 小菅ＪＣＴ toward 湾岸線・銀座 Toll road   0.3 mi
47. Merge onto 首都高速中央環状線 Toll road   0.4 mi
48. Take exit 堀切ＪＣＴ on the right toward 銀座・箱崎 Toll road   0.3 mi
49. Merge onto 首都高速6号向島線 Toll road   5.4 mi
50. Take exit 江戸橋ＪＣＴ toward 神田橋・北池袋 Toll road   0.4 mi
51. Merge onto 首都高速都心環状線 Toll road   3.8 mi
52. Take exit 谷町ＪＣＴ on the right toward 東名・渋谷 Toll road   0.3 mi
53. Merge onto 首都高速3号渋谷線 Toll road   6.9 mi
54. Continue onto 東名高速道路 Toll road   189 mi
55. Take exit 豊田ＪＣＴ toward 東海環状・伊勢湾岸道・豊田東出口・土岐ＪＣＴ・四日市・新名神 Toll road   0.3 mi
56. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for 伊勢湾岸道・四日市・新名神 and merge onto 伊勢湾岸自動車道 Toll road   19.8 mi
57. Take the ramp onto 伊勢湾岸自動車道 Toll road   12.1 mi
58. Take exit 四日市ＪＣＴ toward 東名阪道・大阪・伊勢道 Toll road   0.6 mi
59. Merge onto 東名阪自動車道 Toll road   13.8 mi
60. Take exit 亀山ＪＣＴ toward 新名神・京都・大阪 Toll road   0.6 mi
61. Merge onto 新名神高速道路 Toll road   30.9 mi
62. Take exit 草津ＪＣＴ toward 草津ＰＡ・名神・京滋・京都・大阪 Toll road   0.2 mi
63. Take exit 草津ＰＡ on the right toward 名神 Toll road   0.5 mi
64. Merge onto 名神高速道路 Toll road   30.1 mi
65. Take exit 吹田ＪＣＴ toward 中国道・山陽道・宝塚・岡山 Toll road   1.1 mi
66. Merge onto 中国自動車道 Toll road   18.8 mi
67. Take exit 神戸ＪＣＴ toward 山陽道・岡山・徳島 Toll road   0.9 mi
68. Merge onto 山陽自動車道 Toll road   192 mi
69. Take exit 廿日市ＪＣＴ toward 山陽道・岩国・北九州 Toll road   0.9 mi
70. Merge onto 広島岩国道路 Toll road   7.3 mi
71. Take the ramp onto 山陽自動車道 Toll road   59.2 mi
72. Take exit 山口ＪＣＴ toward 中国道・下関・北九州 Toll road   0.8 mi
73. Merge onto 中国自動車道 Toll road   39.9 mi
74. Continue onto 関門橋 Toll road   5.9 mi
75. Continue onto 九州自動車道 (signs for 九州道・福岡・熊本) Toll road   215 mi
76. Take exit 高速鹿児島ＩＣ toward 鹿児島出口・南九州道・川内・伊集院 Toll road   0.2 mi
77. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for 川内・伊集院・南九州道 and merge onto 国道3号線 Partial toll road   0.4 mi
78. Take the ramp to 南九州道 Toll road   0.4 mi
79. Merge onto 南九州西回り自動車道(市来~鹿児島西)/鹿児島道路 Toll road   12.7 mi
80. Take the ramp to 国道3号線 Partial toll road   0.9 mi
81. Turn left at 市来Ｉ．Ｃ入口（交差点） onto 国道3号線 (signs for 川内・串木野)   4.5 mi
82. Turn left at 串木野駅（交差点） onto 県道38号線   1.0 mi
83. Turn right   0.2 mi
84. Turn left   0.1 mi
85. Turn left   325 ft
86. Take the 串木野~里~中甑~鹿島~長浜 ferry Toll road   40.3 mi
87. Continue straight   66 ft
88. Turn left toward 県道349号線   190 ft
89. Turn right toward 県道349号線   187 ft
90. Turn left at 県道349号線   7.0 mi
91. Continue onto 県道350号線   1.3 mi
92. Turn left   0.9 mi
93. Jet ski across the Pacific Ocean   486 mi
94. Continue straight onto 塘后支路   0.2 mi
95. Turn right at 塘后路   0.3 mi
96. Turn left at 双城路/雙城路   0.7 mi
97. Turn right at 永清路   0.7 mi
98. Turn left at 宝杨路/寶楊路   0.7 mi
99. Sharp right to stay on 宝杨路/寶楊路   49 ft
100. Turn left at 同济路/同濟路   0.8 mi
101. Slight left to stay on 同济路/同濟路   0.2 mi
102. Slight left at 富錦路/富锦路   0.3 mi
103. Take the ramp on the left onto Ａ３０公路 Partial toll road   14.4 mi
104. Take exit Ａ５ toward Ａ５公路 Toll road   0.2 mi
105. Keep right at the fork to continue toward Ａ５公路 and merge onto Ａ５公路 Toll road   8.1 mi
106. Continue onto 沿江高速 Toll road   20.4 mi
107. Take exit 苏嘉杭高速/苏通大桥/南通-蘇嘉杭高速/蘇通大橋/南通 to merge onto 沿海高速 Toll road   283 mi
108. At 同三高速公路苏鲁省界收费站/同三高速公路蘇魯省界收費站, continue onto 同三高速 Toll road   108 mi
109. Take exit 济青高速-濟青高速 toward 济青高速/濟青高速 Toll road   492 ft
110. Take exit 济南-濟南 on the left toward 济青高速/濟青高速 Toll road   0.4 mi
111. Keep right at the fork to continue toward 济青高速/濟青高速 Toll road   0.3 mi
112. Keep left at the fork to continue toward 济青高速/濟青高速 and merge onto 济青高速/濟青高速 Toll road   50.9 mi
113. Take exit 潍坊东/Ｇ３０９/朱里-濰坊東/Ｇ３０９/朱里 toward 804省道 Partial toll road   0.5 mi
114. Sharp right at 804省道   0.4 mi
115. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto 健康东街/健康東街   3.6 mi
116. Take the ramp onto 金馬路/金马路   0.3 mi
117. Turn left at 勝利東街/胜利东街   0.8 mi
 

 Weifang, Shandong China

Unfortunetly this will only get you to the edge of town. So just give me a call about Roundabout and I’ll meet you. I’m sure you’ll be tired so I won’t plan anything for the day, you can just rest but hey no Jet Lag so we’ll start bright and early the next morning.

Well see you all soon, well 36days and 20 hours soon. Remember no potty breaks you need to make good time.

And another one bites the dust

August 14, 2010 0 comment

Peter to the end! Left to Right Peter, Mary, Leah, Brad

 We had Peter’s goodbye dinner tonight. He’s off to Sweden to achieve the lofty goal of world peace and all – international conflict resolution masters program. But for all that we are down a Brit. I have no idea where I’m going to turn for my British English explanations now. I guess my students will no longer get the benefit of the doubt until proven wrong on British grammar. Sorry kiddos it’s Yankee English only until another Brit shows up in my circle.

Summer is here and so are the parasols!

June 29, 2010 0 comment

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.

Fire Hands

June 28, 2010 1 comment

So I’m in love! Yes you read that correctly, Kayte Reagan has fallen and fallen hard. The object of my affection is a gift of the gods, the ultimate in take out food and the one thing I shall spend the rest of my life craving. The direct translation is Fire Hand!

The woman who started it all...

Yumm street food, just thinking about it makes me hungry. Hou Shou 火手is a sandwich of sorts that comes in a myriad of varieties. My two favorites, egg & pork and beef & chilies.  The filling is stuffed in a pita like bread that has been warmed.

I'd devoured half before I thought of taking a picture.

Outside of the middle school I teach at on Monday and Tuesday is the most delicious Huo Shou 火手. The woman is there every morning with here cart that is attached to her scooter. She fires up the grill and we’re in business. Plenty of grease, a herb mix to die for and a I”m in heaven. For Y2 really can you ask for anything more?

I few few weeks ago I decided to branch out and try a new variety. I think it might have eclipsed my love for egg and pork. It is juicier and the bread is always fresh rather than rewarmed.

Okay now I want one...bad.

The beef and chili is sold by the vendor next to the other woman but I’m pretty sure their related so no hard feelings for the switch.

At lunch they are not there so I go for a deep fried chicken version, smack, delicious. Oh yes, I’m in love.

Every Day Photos

April 6, 2010 0 comment

While I was home in February I would often find myself recounting various daily events that I’ve never blogged about as daily events seemed inconsequential and boring here.  My father on the other hand was quite intrigued and asked for more pictures of daily life. So here are a few.

Not too many resturants can beat street food.

Street food is the new Take Out. I’ve been quite fortunate, knock on wood, my stomach has not revolted against the greasy and sometimes questionable street food I often partake of. I’ve decided I’m just building my immune system each time I try a new vendor.

Recycling is a living for some.

You can often find people rummaging through trash cans to find recyclable materials. Cardboard and plastic are the two most commonly collected items. The various modes of transportation are also quite inventive here. I’ve never seen so many peddled vehicles.

They start 'em young in the family business.

I was out one afternoon and came across someone hammering away. I just couldn’t help but take a picture when I realized it was a 3 year old kid.

阿凡达 ~ Avatar

March 12, 2010 1 comment
I knew there was a movie theater in town but was promptly told upon arrival last term, there were NEVER English showings. All movies that made it to Weifang were dubbed. I’d accepted this as fact until Katie said she saw the movie billboard say something about English(英语). As it was next to something that read 3D they discovered it was the movie Avatar. Ammon had tried to get me to go with him while home and I kept putting it off then left without seeing it.

 

Katie and Thomas fearlessly went to the box office to asses the situation. Through the help of a student via cellphone they discovered the movie was as predicted dubbed in Chinese but the theater did have a copy of the film in English with Chinese subtitles. The great thing about being a westerner in China is the fact that businesses are always trying to please you! They offered to show the movie in English with Chinese subtitles for the final showing at 10pm as it was hardly booked. Of course we jumped on it.  

Word is now spreading in Weifang that there is a possibility to see a film at the theater! A high point in everyone’s week. We’re going to push for Alice in Wonderland 3D, I’m trying to get a group for Sherlock Holmes. Movie tickets are American prices, ¥60 for a 3D film and ¥40 for a regular but well worth the treat.

Don't we look cool!

Don't we look cool!

 
The Galaxy could take a lesson on 3D glasses from China, they were the first pair I’ve gotten work over my glasses without slipping. I still prefer regular films over 3D as they just seem blurry to me.
 
Ammon, I have to admit I was blown away. I went into the movie without any expectations and completely ignorant. I thought the movie was a cartoon to be completely honest. I loved it. I wish I could see it again and am kicking myself for not going with you.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Snow is suppose to FALL!

March 9, 2010 1 comment

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.

Farewell – Welcome Dinner

March 4, 2010 0 comment

A turn of luck delayed Bonnie’s departure from Weifang just long enough for  me to say goodbye. We all met up Wednesday night for dinner. Bonnie decided on our usual, Weifang Family Restaurant. Wendy and Peter joined us along with Tina, Steven, Anna, and Kelly. We had a delightful evening and great food.

Even though the semester is shaping up to be fun filled, Bonnie will be missed greatly. I’ve come to rely on her excellent Chinese food vocabulary heavily. Needless to say I had her help Wendy write down all my favorite dishes so I won’t starve once she leaves.

Bonnie and I had many great afternoons in Weifang even if they were not always productive. To be honest it was just a relief to have someone to go into town to see during the week. Bonnie I think you should stay, really why go back to England to your family, friends and comfortable life?

Have a safe flight to New Zealand and Enjoy a good curry for me when you finally make it home to England.

I’mmm Back!

March 3, 2010 1 comment

Kelly and I landed safely in China yesterday. After 36 hours traveling I was relieved to finally get back to my apartment and pile my bags in the entry way, mind you half are still sprawled there as I dug through to get out the few things I needed. 

My trip home was worth all the trouble. It provided a much needed relief and a fresh start to the upcoming semester. With a roommate now and a new found determination to learn Mandarin it is already shaping up to be a great semester.

The trip began with me eating my words I gave the previous day to my friend Maria. When dropping her off at Bakersfield to head home I’d teased her about the Prop-Plane at the Airport. I’d never ridden in one and hoped never to have to. Everything comes back to bite you I’ve learned and sure enough before I knew it i was boarding a Prop-Plane to LAX. It was everything and worse I’d imagined!

Upon exiting the Prop-Plane my purse broke! I’d always made fun of luggage and bag stores in Airports, I mean come-on by the time you are getting onto the plane shouldn’t you already be packed!! But here I was stranded with a broken purse still facing another 24 hours of travel, I was willing to pay anything for relief! I found a tacky Hollywood bag at Hudson News and headed to my next gate to settle in for a long layover. Poor Kelly, we were to meet up at LAX and catch the same flight to Beijing together. She got stopped at every security check and pulled aside for further scrutiny. We tried to change seats to sit together but it was a full flight.

As they began boarding we ran to Starbucks for a last meal. Fiji water, blueberry scones and shrink-wrapped turkey sandwiches. I found my seat and was relived to find yet another window seat. I’m sticking with Expedia, since adding a window seat preference, that’s all I’ve scored on flights through them. I’m finally learning the trick to sleeping on international flights, oh another dozen and I should be a pro! Flights went smooth. In line after costumes I ran into the Sorensons, the BYU teachers from Jinan. I had ran into them going through security at LAX when flying home in January. We all had breakfast then headed to our domestic flights.

The puddle jump from Beijing to Qingdao was quick and James was waiting at the luggage carousel. It was intriguing watching Kelly’s reaction to Mainland China on the two hour drive home. I felt relieved to be done with flights and back into a normal routine. Qingdao to Weifang seems to be practically a Tulare – Visalia run most weeks.

James took us out to lunch before heading to the apartment. Lunch was wonderful. I’m thrilled to no longer be the novice with chopsticks, knock on wood. Kelly is reminding me of all my first experiences that have now become casual everyday events. Lunch was a usual conglomerate of vegetables, meats and tofus, chopped, diced and sauced up! With a hot bowl of noodle soup for the main course.

Once back on campus and in the apartment I finally felt I could relax after 36 hours of travel.

It’s good to be home and settled back in!