Class today went so much better than yesterday. The material better stuck today and I was able to recall the info from yesterday. I was worried that I’d be just as lost as yesterday and mood would be horrible, but luckily it was not. Today’s activity was volunteer work with children at a school for […]
Soap and Sad Goodbyes Read More »
I fell off my bed this morning. Throughout the day people kept asking me why I look tired or why I was a little sour, and truth be told, its because I still have a bump on the right side of my head, from when my alarm went off for the sixth time. It really
Today after classes, we had the opportunity to travel to a rehabilitation center in Beijing which specialized in children’s mental health. It was a wonderful experience as we got to make soap with the children, and sing and dance with them. It was so great to see how happy the students were by our presence. After
An Adventure and the Rehabilitation Center! Read More »
The day began as yesterday did, with breakfast followed by Mandarin-language class. We learned how to talk about our families and where we are from and where we are living today, which perhaps is not a lot in the grand scheme of an entire language, but feels like an auspicious beginning to gradual proficiency of
Early-night Dancing Read More »
Today we started out once again with a Mandarin lesson. We learned how to say a myriad of things relating to one’s family and home, as well as numbers. After class we had a very tasty lunch, which included a new item—candied yucca. It was very sweet and tasted a little bit like cotton candy
Soapmaking and Architecture Read More »
Today was especially fun! After our lesson we visited a school and living center for disabled people, and made soap with them. Apparently the residents there make soap to sell, which helps them become self sufficient. I sat across from a guy who was really good at making soaps!! I even got to keep some
Today we had our third Chinese language class. Our memory is starting for retain the small phrases and questions we study. After class, we took the bus to a rehab center for disabled people up to 35. We worked in their shoes to make small hand soaps. We made the melted soap, colored it, and
Chinese Lessons and Trip to Rehab Facility Read More »
Today we went to a rehabilitation center for those with mental and physical disabilities. Already when hearing the news at breakfast of our destination, I was conflicted. While yes, volunteering to make soap for this center is a good activity to do, no consideration was taken for us students about going there. I know that
The Rehabilitation Center Read More »
Today we had the chance to give back to the people of Beijing that have made this trip so great. We went to a mental rehabilitation facility for individuals with mental disabilities to develop their abilities. This facility allows their residents to develop real skills, case in point, making soap. While we were there we
Serving the Community Read More »
So today marks day 2 of Mandarin classes and the good news is my head is still in tact…for now. We reviewed pin yin, which was very welcome, and then moved on to learn various phrases and terms. I can now count to 10, describe my family, and tell someone where in Beijing I am
Someone Please Call Jiu-Yao-Yao Read More »
