Getting closer

Hi all,
Well, we're getting closer to the departure date.
I addressed some of my concerns Saturday: I filled my suitcases with clothes and books and toiletries, and it wasn't too bad. I fit in more than I thought I could, and it wasn't too unwieldy. So that's good news.
My visa should arrive today via FedEx or something. I used travisa.com and they were very nice to work with.
My brother is getting married this weekend in Indiana. So we'll be there from Wednesday night until Sunday. Once we get back it'll practically be August!
I'm still learning Chinese; I read a list of the ten most important phrases to know going to China, and I already knew eight! So that's encouraging. I'm sure my pronunciation is terrible; but I can work on it when I get there.

Here are the ten phrases:

1. Ni hao: pronounced, “nee how.” This is the most common way to say Hello in China, and is typically understood regardless of your pronunciation. This is also a good phrase to begin more complex Chinese conversation, as it preps the listener to hear Chinese rather than the expected English, etc.

2. Xie xie: pronounced, “shay shay.” Thank you. In my opinion, this is the number one phrase to know. You cannot be thankful enough for the many waiters/waitresses, cab drivers, and citizens for helping you get the things you want without knowing the language they speak. This phrase typically raises a smile, as it is greatly appreciated, and often unexpected.

3. Bu yao: pronounced, “boo yow” Literally translates to “no want.” This phrase is especially useful in the major tourist areas in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, where countless vendors are continuously trying to make a sale.

4. Wo yao yi ping shui: pronounced, “whoa yow ee peeng shway” Translates into “I would like a bottle of water.” A little lengthier, but just as useful, as water taken directly from the tap is not drinkable in China. I have never been to a restaurant or hotel that did not provide bottled water.

5. Cesuo zai nar: pronounced, “tsuh-swhoh zi (rhyming with eye) nahr” “Where is the restroom?” This phrase is rather self-explanatory. Even if the person being asked responds in more Chinese than you can handle, they will at least point you in the right direction.

6. Wo e le: pronounced, “whoa uh luh” This phrase translates into “I am hungry” and is probably the most basic way to get someone to help you find food.

7. Zai jian: pronounced, “zi jee-ann” The most common way to say “good bye.”

8. Duo shao qian: pronounced, “dwoh shaow chee-ann.” Here you are asking how much something costs, a phrase especially helpful in the many markets around town.

9. Wo bu shuo zhongwen: pronounced, “woh boo shwoh jong-wun,” and meaning “I don’t speak Chinese.”

10. The last thing to know are the numbers, one through ten, broken down as follows:
a. Yi (ee) – 1
b. Er (ar) - 2
c. San (sahn) – 3
d. Si (suh) – 4
e. Wu (woo) – 5
f. Liu (lee-oh) – 6
g. Qi (chee) – 7
h. Ba (bah) – 8
i. Jiu (jee-oh) – 9
j. Shi (shr) – 10

T minus 28 days

28 days and I'm off! I can't believe it's so soon.
Most of the time I am really excited to live in China, teach, have my own apartment, use public transportation, etc. But every once in a while I get a little nervous. It's not a specific nervousness; I just get nervous about things in general. I guess specifically I am a little worried about getting all of my stuff into two suitcases/carrying those two suitcases through Chinese airports!
The language thing is hard, but I'm getting better. Tones sort of make sense to me now. And I learned to count to 10, which means I also learned to count to 99. In Chinese a number like 34 is said "san shi si" or "three ten four". So now I can [theoretically] buy something from a market...
I've sent out letters and received about a third of my money raised. I fashioned some "thank you" postcards yesterday. I need to finalize them, get them printed and start handing them out!
I only have two more doctor's appointments in August. (I'm trying to figure out what still needs to be done...) I bought some books (a grade book and others) and only need to buy travel supplies (passport holder) and toiletries (they don't sell deodorant in China).
Anyway, hopefully in a month I will have some interesting posts, that are about anything but deodorant! :)
Liz

The View from Turner

Hi All,
I'm writing from Turner, Oregon where Training is being held this year. We're staying at a (very nice) campground here in Turner. The rooms are halfway between a cabin and a hotel: there are bunk beds in the room, but also a private shower, which is nice. There is a steep path between the dining hall and the rooms, which keeps us from getting lazy.
The schedule for each day has been: breakfast, morning session, lunch, afternoon session, dinner. Wednesday and Thursday were on Language Acquisition (which I found very interesting). Friday and today were teaching English as a Second Language. Tomorrow is church and then a session on Chinese culture: what to bring, what not to bring, how to share, etc. Monday through Wednesday will be presented by a cultural anthropologist on cross-cultural life.
I fly out Wednesday night on a red-eye flight back to New York. There are 40 days until I leave for China. I have about 1/5th of my support raised.
:) Liz

Headed to Oregon

Well, I'm headed to Oregon for training. I leave tomorrow (the 4th) and get home next Thursday (the 13th). I'm not quite sure what to expect at training. I used to have a brochure with more information, but I can't find it (oops!). I do know that I'll meet some other people who are going to China, specifically Sara, who will also be at Anshun Teacher's College with me! So that's exciting.

Fund raising is going well. I've raised about 1/5th of my funds. Hopefully the rest will come soon! :)

Have a happy 4th of July,

Elizabeth