my welcome bunch

my first week was terrific. of course, i had my students for the first time. in 5 days, i was invited out for 3 activities. it was really good. the first activity as to Tse Cho park, the one across from school. very, very nice. we just simply walked. it was beautiful. had a bridge, lots of water, a pond, an area to fly kites. lots of people fishing! on a thursday afternoon. also, flying kites! usually, you don't see adults flying kites in canada, but in jincheng! they fly kites simply because they love it. the students treat me to candy hawthorn. i wasn't sure what it was, but ate it anyway. i recall haw flakes at home, and recognize and now know the real fruit. it's just so good. i should get some at the supermarket. i regretted not bringing my camera. after that activity, i walked to jinnian supermarket, bought some things, and went home. that was the first time i went to the market alone. the streets, i realize, are very freaky! at that point, i was somewhat terrified of crossing the street. it was done, however.

the other activities, included me going to xin tai huan supermarket downtown, which was real cool. it was the first time i went downtown. i bought paper for letters, lovely paper, and two cds. one apparently a nicolas tse (canadian, one student tells me) and! a david tao zhe cd. i'm going to bring home a david tao collection, i think :P.

the first week ended with me having dinner at my house. my first year students cook for me. that's right, they cook for me. it was soooooooooOoo unbelievably good. i've got to tell you, food in Jincheng, China is soooooooooooooooOoo good. i haven't gotten sick of it at all. man, i've gotta learn to make food. [i will] die by my own cooking.