After a lunch meeting with my 'editor' I took a stroll around the district around the news office. I stumbled upon a place called 'The Yummy House' which offers ex-pats like myself the luxury of western goods. It's western prices (~$3 US for taco shells, $2 US for Kraft Mac & Cheese Spirals) but worth it just for a small treat from home. So, I have found my hook up for everything from chips and salsa to Fabreeze. Nothing says 'first world' quite like being able to de-odarize your close without washing them. Thanks Yummy. You're good peoples.
Body Movin'/Body Body Movin'
This morning while I was teaching I heard quite possibly the best euphamism for 'making whoopie' (i.e. sex). In small groups my students had to present one American holiday to the class. One group chose Valentine's Day. They talked about how it was a day for lovers and how romance is the main theme. They said that boyfriends will take their girlfriends to the park for a romantic night. I asked, "Why do lovers go to the park?" My student, Chris, replied, "to mutually organize a romantic movement."
Don't fool yourself, we're talking BODY movement here, nothing of the social kind. I had to take a 5 mintue break just to stop laughing. Props to him for adding the consentual qualifier 'mutually'. Way to go Chris, way to go.
peace. paul.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
The Roof of Iowa
Hey. I just got a shipment of new reads from Minneapolis. Thanks Dad. One article that I read in The Rake - a Mpls. free of charge magazine - really caught my eye. Click here to read it from the Rake online (www.rakemag.com). It made me smile/chuckle/almost belly laugh. It's a great idea that's up there with visiting the historic Corn Palace in South Dakota.
Also on media watch, you gotta check out the futuristic love story "2046" from Hong Kong director Wong Kar-wai. The story jumps around but offers an interesting concept. "Dot the i" is another great indie film, but this one's from Spain/UK and stars Gael Garcia Bernal (Ché in "The Motorcycle Diaries").
Zaijian, peace. paul.
Also on media watch, you gotta check out the futuristic love story "2046" from Hong Kong director Wong Kar-wai. The story jumps around but offers an interesting concept. "Dot the i" is another great indie film, but this one's from Spain/UK and stars Gael Garcia Bernal (Ché in "The Motorcycle Diaries").
Zaijian, peace. paul.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Just coffee?
Here is my second contribution to the Zhongshan Ribao. In China's major cities the green mermaid logo of Starbucks is becoming as prominent as Colonial Sanders and the golden arches. While Starbucks has not yet moved to Zhongshan, local cafés are springing up around the town. I enjoy them because I like coffee. The Chinese have other reasons...
JUST COFFEE?
By Paul Wegerson
March 25, 2005
Since coming to Zhongshan I’ve traded my morning cup of coffee for a glass of green tea. Packed with anti-oxidants, green tea seems more healthy and less heavy than a cup of coffee. Despite this, a cup of coffee and a good book will remain my recipe for relaxation.
Although tea will remain the traditional drink of China, a craving for all things western has turned on China’s coffee makers.
A perfect cognate in almost any language – coffee, café or kafei （咖啡) – love for the caffeinated bean is almost universal. With more and more cafés opening in Zhongshan, a distinct coffee culture is beginning to emerge.
In the highly trafficked area around the Metro Mall (Da Fu Yuan- 大福园) 4 classy café restaurants are jostling for business on the same corner. Yet, the clients don’t come just for the coffee.
Hip twenty-somethings and young professionals are flocking to these coffee shops to unwind and chat with friends. Many patrons enjoy a light dessert of cheesecake, flan or a social basket of French fries with their iced mochas. Business is booming for these cafés, and the coffee culture is becoming a status symbol. The draw is not always the drinks but rather this Western atmosphere. They want to pay for it too.
Near the Metro Mall, where quality is second to cost, a cup of Colombian coffee at the ultra swanky Kimo Coffee goes for 25 RMB ($3 US). Included in that cost, however, is a white-gloved piano player tickling the ivories to an easy listening Western hit. The décor is more like a Manhattan wine bar than a bohemian café.
These trendy coffee shops serve international coffee blends from bilingual menus and they even don English names like Kimo Coffee, Conception and Jack & Magic Pea. With Kimo being the exception, the atmospheres of the latter two cafés are reminiscent of the java joints in my hometown of Minneapolis, MN – right down to the pillow-soft couches, the smooth jazz vocals of American artist Norah Jones and wireless internet connection.
Tucked away from major roads, Just Coffee offers a great cup of coffee for only 8 RMB (less than $1 US). However, owner Li Li Wei complains that quality and value are not alluring to this new blend of coffee drinkers. “They think that [8 RMB] is too cheap. It must not be good. They pay for the atmosphere because they don’t really know what good coffee is,” he said.
Whether customers are attracted by their palates or their pocketbooks, coffee culture is percolating in Zhongshan. If this trend continues, I’ll surely have more company in China. #####
*This article is property of Paul Wegerson 韦保罗 and The Zhongshan Ribao 中山日报. It may not be reproduced without permission.
Fact: There are 158 Starbucks retail stores to serve an 'urban coffee experience' to the Chinese coffee drinker. Most of them are in the cultural hubs of Shanghai (47), Beijing (44) and the Hong Kong SAR (34).
Fact: Most of the new coffee shops mentioned in this article (Just Coffee, Conception, Jack and Magic Pea) are owned and operated by Taiwanese investors who also own factories in districts of Zhongshan.
JUST COFFEE?
By Paul Wegerson
March 25, 2005
Since coming to Zhongshan I’ve traded my morning cup of coffee for a glass of green tea. Packed with anti-oxidants, green tea seems more healthy and less heavy than a cup of coffee. Despite this, a cup of coffee and a good book will remain my recipe for relaxation.
Although tea will remain the traditional drink of China, a craving for all things western has turned on China’s coffee makers.
A perfect cognate in almost any language – coffee, café or kafei （咖啡) – love for the caffeinated bean is almost universal. With more and more cafés opening in Zhongshan, a distinct coffee culture is beginning to emerge.
In the highly trafficked area around the Metro Mall (Da Fu Yuan- 大福园) 4 classy café restaurants are jostling for business on the same corner. Yet, the clients don’t come just for the coffee.
Hip twenty-somethings and young professionals are flocking to these coffee shops to unwind and chat with friends. Many patrons enjoy a light dessert of cheesecake, flan or a social basket of French fries with their iced mochas. Business is booming for these cafés, and the coffee culture is becoming a status symbol. The draw is not always the drinks but rather this Western atmosphere. They want to pay for it too.
Near the Metro Mall, where quality is second to cost, a cup of Colombian coffee at the ultra swanky Kimo Coffee goes for 25 RMB ($3 US). Included in that cost, however, is a white-gloved piano player tickling the ivories to an easy listening Western hit. The décor is more like a Manhattan wine bar than a bohemian café.
These trendy coffee shops serve international coffee blends from bilingual menus and they even don English names like Kimo Coffee, Conception and Jack & Magic Pea. With Kimo being the exception, the atmospheres of the latter two cafés are reminiscent of the java joints in my hometown of Minneapolis, MN – right down to the pillow-soft couches, the smooth jazz vocals of American artist Norah Jones and wireless internet connection.
Tucked away from major roads, Just Coffee offers a great cup of coffee for only 8 RMB (less than $1 US). However, owner Li Li Wei complains that quality and value are not alluring to this new blend of coffee drinkers. “They think that [8 RMB] is too cheap. It must not be good. They pay for the atmosphere because they don’t really know what good coffee is,” he said.
Whether customers are attracted by their palates or their pocketbooks, coffee culture is percolating in Zhongshan. If this trend continues, I’ll surely have more company in China. #####
*This article is property of Paul Wegerson 韦保罗 and The Zhongshan Ribao 中山日报. It may not be reproduced without permission.
Fact: There are 158 Starbucks retail stores to serve an 'urban coffee experience' to the Chinese coffee drinker. Most of them are in the cultural hubs of Shanghai (47), Beijing (44) and the Hong Kong SAR (34).
Fact: Most of the new coffee shops mentioned in this article (Just Coffee, Conception, Jack and Magic Pea) are owned and operated by Taiwanese investors who also own factories in districts of Zhongshan.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
My Secret Garden
Hey ya'll. This is the text copy of the article I wrote for the Zhongshan Ribao (Daily News). It ran in the English Edition for overseas Zhongshan residents. The article is full of warm fuzzys for Zhongshan. Oh yeah, those strange spaces after some words are the Chinese translations for certain local monuments. Enjoy.
When I discovered that I’d be teaching English at Zhongshan College, the first thing I did was consult my travel guidebook, Lonely Planet: China. The passage describing Zhongshan was unflattering to say the least, it reads: “An industrial city, there is little to see or do here. If you get stranded here for an hour or so, the one and only scenic spot in town is Zhongshan Gongyuan…” (____)
Well, I’ve been ‘stranded’ here for 6 months and while the guidebook’s assessment is misleading, but I’m not about to correct them. My ‘secret garden’ is great just the way it is.
To the hurried tourist, Zhongshan might be seen only as the birthplace and namesake of Dr. Sun Yatsen. To me, my new home has hidden wonders that I’m glad have not been heavily trafficked and trampled by too many people. Parks and green getaways weave effortlessly in and out of this city serving as compliments to the atmosphere, not only as tourist attractions.
On any given day, small groups of people can be seen enjoying a quiet stroll in Yatsen Lake Park_______. Some people come here to have a quiet lunch break and others come for a leisurely workout. Within a brief 20-minute walk from the tree-shaded campus there are several oases to sit and chat with my students or to relax and reflect on this experience.
Poor air quality has been an issue for many of the promising cities in China. However, recent investment in factories here has done little to alter the view of the mountains from the college classrooms. In my experience, few Chinese cities can brag about this blend of development and environmental preservation.
Quaint streets nestled behind the rising skyline also offer kind people with warm greetings. Perhaps my stature (I’m 1.8m or 6 feet tall) or my fair skin makes me a local novelty, but their enthusiasm when they say ‘hello’ is always genuine. Plus, they politely exhibit patience as I trip over the 4 tones of Mandarin Chinese –Putonghua_____– in my attempts to make small talk!
Lastly, as an American accustomed to a different pace of life, Zhongshan’s proximity to the cultural and financial hubs of Hong Kong and Guangzhou provide a taste of the big city life without its distractions. When I am visiting our metropolitan neighbors, the temptation to eat western food and protect my cultural habits is too great. Here, I am thrust into Chinese culture and I must adapt, grow and learn in order to thrive.
Growth occurs when we overcome the challenges we face. If I were seeking complacency, rather than a cultural challenge, I would have stayed in my home state of Minnesota.
Through this weekly column I offer a window into the life of a foreigner in China. After receiving a B.A. in political science I came to China with open eyes to observe and experience the pleasure and pains of the world’s fastest growing country.
I hope that you enjoy my columns. Zaijian____. ####
peace. paul
When I discovered that I’d be teaching English at Zhongshan College, the first thing I did was consult my travel guidebook, Lonely Planet: China. The passage describing Zhongshan was unflattering to say the least, it reads: “An industrial city, there is little to see or do here. If you get stranded here for an hour or so, the one and only scenic spot in town is Zhongshan Gongyuan…” (____)
Well, I’ve been ‘stranded’ here for 6 months and while the guidebook’s assessment is misleading, but I’m not about to correct them. My ‘secret garden’ is great just the way it is.
To the hurried tourist, Zhongshan might be seen only as the birthplace and namesake of Dr. Sun Yatsen. To me, my new home has hidden wonders that I’m glad have not been heavily trafficked and trampled by too many people. Parks and green getaways weave effortlessly in and out of this city serving as compliments to the atmosphere, not only as tourist attractions.
On any given day, small groups of people can be seen enjoying a quiet stroll in Yatsen Lake Park_______. Some people come here to have a quiet lunch break and others come for a leisurely workout. Within a brief 20-minute walk from the tree-shaded campus there are several oases to sit and chat with my students or to relax and reflect on this experience.
Poor air quality has been an issue for many of the promising cities in China. However, recent investment in factories here has done little to alter the view of the mountains from the college classrooms. In my experience, few Chinese cities can brag about this blend of development and environmental preservation.
Quaint streets nestled behind the rising skyline also offer kind people with warm greetings. Perhaps my stature (I’m 1.8m or 6 feet tall) or my fair skin makes me a local novelty, but their enthusiasm when they say ‘hello’ is always genuine. Plus, they politely exhibit patience as I trip over the 4 tones of Mandarin Chinese –Putonghua_____– in my attempts to make small talk!
Lastly, as an American accustomed to a different pace of life, Zhongshan’s proximity to the cultural and financial hubs of Hong Kong and Guangzhou provide a taste of the big city life without its distractions. When I am visiting our metropolitan neighbors, the temptation to eat western food and protect my cultural habits is too great. Here, I am thrust into Chinese culture and I must adapt, grow and learn in order to thrive.
Growth occurs when we overcome the challenges we face. If I were seeking complacency, rather than a cultural challenge, I would have stayed in my home state of Minnesota.
Through this weekly column I offer a window into the life of a foreigner in China. After receiving a B.A. in political science I came to China with open eyes to observe and experience the pleasure and pains of the world’s fastest growing country.
I hope that you enjoy my columns. Zaijian____. ####
peace. paul
Friday, March 18, 2005
Happy St. Patty's Day!
It could be something in the old Irish Catholic blood, but St. Patty's day has always found me on a high note.
Two years ago I was enjoying fresh pints of Guinness at the source of the sauce - Dublin, Ireland. In my company was none other than Mike Mullan, who has been one of my best friends since we met in 3rd grade. The friends, pints and parades created a great memory that lingers to this day.
Last year on St. Patty's day I was nervous. I was nervous because I had a big interview with some real tough-guys from the Maryknoll China Teachers' Program. It wasn't so much the questions they were asking, but the heavy lights they used to warm the room. Wearing a sweater was a bad choice. Not to mention that the lights were so bright I couldn't see their faces. The whole scene was like something out of the Wizard of Oz where I couldn't look "at the man behind the curtain." The electro-shock switches they attatched to my temples were quite unpleasent as well I'm just glad I didn't screw up too bad... Which brings me to...
This year, I'm spent a green holiday in a red country. Luckily, the other guy I'm teaching with - Ryan McCarthy - also studied in Cork, Ireland and was eager to reminisce. I went to a Chinese bar, owned by two Canadians, to enjoy a few Beamish beers from the great city of Cork while I talked to a St. John's grad from St. Paul, Minnesota.
Also, I've just completed my first column for the Zhongshan Ribao - my city's local newspaper. It was fun to write and this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship...
One more for the record books. I wish you all a very happy St. Patrick's Day! Tip a cold one (or a hot toddy) for me.
Eire go braigh! Slan and slaíte!
Two years ago I was enjoying fresh pints of Guinness at the source of the sauce - Dublin, Ireland. In my company was none other than Mike Mullan, who has been one of my best friends since we met in 3rd grade. The friends, pints and parades created a great memory that lingers to this day.
Last year on St. Patty's day I was nervous. I was nervous because I had a big interview with some real tough-guys from the Maryknoll China Teachers' Program. It wasn't so much the questions they were asking, but the heavy lights they used to warm the room. Wearing a sweater was a bad choice. Not to mention that the lights were so bright I couldn't see their faces. The whole scene was like something out of the Wizard of Oz where I couldn't look "at the man behind the curtain." The electro-shock switches they attatched to my temples were quite unpleasent as well I'm just glad I didn't screw up too bad... Which brings me to...
This year, I'm spent a green holiday in a red country. Luckily, the other guy I'm teaching with - Ryan McCarthy - also studied in Cork, Ireland and was eager to reminisce. I went to a Chinese bar, owned by two Canadians, to enjoy a few Beamish beers from the great city of Cork while I talked to a St. John's grad from St. Paul, Minnesota.
Also, I've just completed my first column for the Zhongshan Ribao - my city's local newspaper. It was fun to write and this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship...
One more for the record books. I wish you all a very happy St. Patrick's Day! Tip a cold one (or a hot toddy) for me.
Eire go braigh! Slan and slaíte!
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Wo men shi ming ren!
Don't flood us for autographs yet, but Ryan and I are offically famous. A little write up was put in Saturday's Zhongshan Daily about how Ryan and I have come to China to teach English at the university. I can't read Chinese either, so don't worry...
It's pretty funny because I told the writer that my father came to visit me and a few other details. Perhaps something was lost in translation (my Madarin is NOT that sweet), but she said that my father and I loved the Beijing archtecture and the famous bridge. How we had great memories of feeding goldfish and listening to the sootheing sound of wind rustling through Beijing's bamboo forests. He never went to Beijing. I gotta learn how to say 'sensationalism' in Chinese...
It's pretty funny because I told the writer that my father came to visit me and a few other details. Perhaps something was lost in translation (my Madarin is NOT that sweet), but she said that my father and I loved the Beijing archtecture and the famous bridge. How we had great memories of feeding goldfish and listening to the sootheing sound of wind rustling through Beijing's bamboo forests. He never went to Beijing. I gotta learn how to say 'sensationalism' in Chinese...
Xin Gongzuo (New Jobs)
Well, as I write this there have been some major developments in my life. Lately I've been accumulating new projects and expanding my scope over here in Zhongshan. Just this week, two developments sprung up. First, I've been asked to write a weekly column for overseas readers of the Zhongshan Daily - the city newspaper. A one-page English edition runs every week and is sent to Zhongshan residents who have been transplanted to the other ends of the world. Each week in this edition, my column "Zhongshan through my eyes" will run. I didn't pick the title. Suggestions? I'll also be doing copy editing and an initial "Corrections, Clarifications and Omissions" column just to warm up.
I've also taken on a co-host position on a campus radio show. Entitled "EZ Talk" (again, a title I did not pick...WTF?) it will be a variety show with different themes in Chinese and English each week. I think it will be a great teaching tool if properly marketed and could spiral into something bigger. We'll see...
I've also taken on a co-host position on a campus radio show. Entitled "EZ Talk" (again, a title I did not pick...WTF?) it will be a variety show with different themes in Chinese and English each week. I think it will be a great teaching tool if properly marketed and could spiral into something bigger. We'll see...
Welcome back to the China show!
Ladies and gentlemen welcome back to the China show! Your guide, paul., has been away for a few months but is attempting to make a come back. First, I must apologize for using impersonal e-mail messages to convey my emotions through a series of 1s and 0s. Now, he's back! With 20% additional wit and wisdom for the same low price! Act now! Act now!
Sorry for that brief introduction, but I felt some explaination was necessary. As China develops rapidly, so does the speed and connectivity of their internet access. When I tried this blog back-end 3 months ago it did not load. When I tried today, it worked. I still cannot see the front end (what you see) so please e-mail me if something totally bizarre pops up there. I'll tell you if it's on purpose or not.
Sorry for that brief introduction, but I felt some explaination was necessary. As China develops rapidly, so does the speed and connectivity of their internet access. When I tried this blog back-end 3 months ago it did not load. When I tried today, it worked. I still cannot see the front end (what you see) so please e-mail me if something totally bizarre pops up there. I'll tell you if it's on purpose or not.
Friday, October 22, 2004
Twice Bitten, Once Shy
I have returned to Hong Kong for a mix of business and pleasure only to find this city much more endearing. As an international metropolis, Hong Kong is a first class city and one that I'll always enjoy visiting... if only for a 'quiet' break from the Motherland. Though its only been 2 months, the same city I was nervous to begin my adventure in has brought me comfort. The vibrant city that eased me into Aisan culture has lost none of its charm... and none of its pollution either.
While the city hasn't changed, I certainly have. My beard is down to my chest, the hair on my head has grown back just enough to cover the 'I heart Handgela' tattoo on my scalp and that lazy astigmatic eye of mine has given up completely and forced me to place a patch over it. Other than this, life is good.
Classes are going well and I find myself sincerely enjoying teaching. Eventhough I've been teaching for about 7 weeks now, there's one thing I can't get over: my students' names. Each class I begin by taking attendance. I chuckle everytime I call out some students' names: "Lady Killer?..." or "Bedroom?..." or my favorite "Ronie?..." (just like peppeRONI, seriously). Other names on my 'greatest hits' list are: MagicSkai, Arson, Very, who sits next to Happy, Orange (like the fruit), Savage, Funky, Bugg. C, M.E. and Potty (maybe the name John was taken).
Anyway, it's no consolation but I apologize for allowing this blog to gather dust. China is quite particular about their communication. Translation: In China, there's no blog like no blog.
much love. peace. paul.
PS. For a good time write to:
Paul Wegerson
Zhongshan College
Zhongshan City, Guangdong
P.R. China, 528403
No ransom notes, please. I don't negotiate with terrorists.
While the city hasn't changed, I certainly have. My beard is down to my chest, the hair on my head has grown back just enough to cover the 'I heart Handgela' tattoo on my scalp and that lazy astigmatic eye of mine has given up completely and forced me to place a patch over it. Other than this, life is good.
Classes are going well and I find myself sincerely enjoying teaching. Eventhough I've been teaching for about 7 weeks now, there's one thing I can't get over: my students' names. Each class I begin by taking attendance. I chuckle everytime I call out some students' names: "Lady Killer?..." or "Bedroom?..." or my favorite "Ronie?..." (just like peppeRONI, seriously). Other names on my 'greatest hits' list are: MagicSkai, Arson, Very, who sits next to Happy, Orange (like the fruit), Savage, Funky, Bugg. C, M.E. and Potty (maybe the name John was taken).
Anyway, it's no consolation but I apologize for allowing this blog to gather dust. China is quite particular about their communication. Translation: In China, there's no blog like no blog.
much love. peace. paul.
PS. For a good time write to:
Paul Wegerson
Zhongshan College
Zhongshan City, Guangdong
P.R. China, 528403
No ransom notes, please. I don't negotiate with terrorists.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Trial by Fire
Yesterday was my first foray infront of a class. Well, by class, I mean 3 students. Let me explain...
We went to the Maryknoll Technical College in Hong Kong to teach our first lesson plans. With class sizes about 15-20, this was supposed to be a simulation of what we'd be doing all year. Since the MTC is in Hong Kong, the students have already been permiated with English yet don't often get to speak it. They said that the student's English would be about equivelant to our Spanish by senior year of high school (or whatever language one studied at that level).
So, with the thought in mind that we'd have two 45 minute blocks to teach in, we broke it up into pairs. I was with Ryan, my good friend whom I'll be at Zhongshan with this year. My lesson plan, of course, scheduled 2 small group activities which would each take 5-10 minutes (coming up with things to do in HK and then questions that a tourist might ask them on the street) and then a 20 minute presentation section where groups played the two different roles (tourist and local guide) infront of the whole class. With only 3 students, you really can't switch up "groups" all that well and they can't really "present" to the "whole class" for "20 minutes." Yeah, trial by fire...
In lieu of actual presentations, I had them create a schedule on the blackboard and then rotated the three students around playing the different roles. I think it went really well, in light of the dramatic lack of students.
Also, Ryan's activity had them write responses to different questions and then we'd discuss them. The final of 10 questions was: "describe Hong Kong in ONE word." One of the students said, "Noisy." Another wrote, "Busy." The third and brightest of the group wrote, "Before 1997: bright. After 1997: dim." This is all in reference to the '97 handover of HK from British control to the Chinese. BOLD!
There is a lot to each of these studnets and I look forward to getting close enough with my students to have frank converstations about these topics. As for yesterday, I dropped my jaw and decided to change the subject for safety's sake...
more to come soon as I depart tomorrow morning for Zhongshan. Excited. Nervous. CHINA! peace. paul.
We went to the Maryknoll Technical College in Hong Kong to teach our first lesson plans. With class sizes about 15-20, this was supposed to be a simulation of what we'd be doing all year. Since the MTC is in Hong Kong, the students have already been permiated with English yet don't often get to speak it. They said that the student's English would be about equivelant to our Spanish by senior year of high school (or whatever language one studied at that level).
So, with the thought in mind that we'd have two 45 minute blocks to teach in, we broke it up into pairs. I was with Ryan, my good friend whom I'll be at Zhongshan with this year. My lesson plan, of course, scheduled 2 small group activities which would each take 5-10 minutes (coming up with things to do in HK and then questions that a tourist might ask them on the street) and then a 20 minute presentation section where groups played the two different roles (tourist and local guide) infront of the whole class. With only 3 students, you really can't switch up "groups" all that well and they can't really "present" to the "whole class" for "20 minutes." Yeah, trial by fire...
In lieu of actual presentations, I had them create a schedule on the blackboard and then rotated the three students around playing the different roles. I think it went really well, in light of the dramatic lack of students.
Also, Ryan's activity had them write responses to different questions and then we'd discuss them. The final of 10 questions was: "describe Hong Kong in ONE word." One of the students said, "Noisy." Another wrote, "Busy." The third and brightest of the group wrote, "Before 1997: bright. After 1997: dim." This is all in reference to the '97 handover of HK from British control to the Chinese. BOLD!
There is a lot to each of these studnets and I look forward to getting close enough with my students to have frank converstations about these topics. As for yesterday, I dropped my jaw and decided to change the subject for safety's sake...
more to come soon as I depart tomorrow morning for Zhongshan. Excited. Nervous. CHINA! peace. paul.
Friday, August 20, 2004
Neon Off Nathan
Nathan Rd. is totally insane. Imagine Minneapolis' downtown Red Light district but stretching out for 6 congested blocks. Welcome to Nathan Rd, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Ryan, Eddie and I went strolling here last night after dinner and had a blast. Once people find out that you're American, they want to speak English with you and buy you a drink...please, twist my arm a little more. Hey FYI, I may have maxed out my first flickr account, so here's the second one. rock. peace. paul.
Thursday, August 19, 2004
Orientations
With a week under my belt in Hong Kong, things are starting to feel more comfortable. Actually, comfort is a drastic understatement when living in Maryknoll's Stanley House. The place is amazing and it feels more like being at an all inclusive resort than in a developing country. The meals are warm and satisfying, yet distictly Western. So far, we've eaten hot dogs, baked beans, hamburgers, jo-jo potatoes and tonight we had fried chicken and cous-cous with steamed carrots. Beer is always in the fridge and as we drink it, they replenish the supply behind our backs. It's an amazingly wonderful place but I don't think the gravity of China has struck me yet as a result of our surroundings. Probably, it's a great way to ease into the year ahead of us...
During our first day of orientation, three questions were asked to the small groups we had formed. I think they provide a great foundation to the fundamental reasons I chose to come to China. Since I have not formally posted much on the subject, here goes...Q and A.
1) What are you most excited about in coming to China? Thanks for asking Alex, I'll answer the best I can. I wanted to come to exotic China, the jewel of East Asia to make new friends and to experience a new culture. With Asia begging for English teachers, it just all makes sense. Also, I went to a doctor and told him my symptoms. He said that China was the perfect remedy to cure the travel bug that has been fastened to me since Ireland.
2) What are you most anxious about? That's eaaasy, man. The teaching part. You know, the whole reason I left my bubble for a year. Just a little scared over making the leap from student to professor in 3 months. I mean I did a lot in those months, but unfortunately I'm not teaching Odd Jobs 121 or Fence Painting 211 (Indians are teaching those, for much lower pay I might add). But, honestly, how should I field questions about Taiwan or Tibet or any of the other issues intreguing me without getting deported. So many sensitive issues...it will be hard to think outside of such a boxed society.
3) What do you hope to gain from the experience? A firm grasp of the culture, which of course includes language proficiency as well as knowledge of their history, politics, economics, health system...tons o questions. I also hope to gain smarter questions about my dreams, desires and the world around me. Although I'm helping others, an internal change is inevitable. It's the reverse mission part - bringing the experience back - that will truely be the judge of my experience. Fin.
This is a fairly breif over view, but I wanted y'all to know that I'm alive and rocking hard in Hong Kong. peace ya'll. paul.
During our first day of orientation, three questions were asked to the small groups we had formed. I think they provide a great foundation to the fundamental reasons I chose to come to China. Since I have not formally posted much on the subject, here goes...Q and A.
1) What are you most excited about in coming to China? Thanks for asking Alex, I'll answer the best I can. I wanted to come to exotic China, the jewel of East Asia to make new friends and to experience a new culture. With Asia begging for English teachers, it just all makes sense. Also, I went to a doctor and told him my symptoms. He said that China was the perfect remedy to cure the travel bug that has been fastened to me since Ireland.
2) What are you most anxious about? That's eaaasy, man. The teaching part. You know, the whole reason I left my bubble for a year. Just a little scared over making the leap from student to professor in 3 months. I mean I did a lot in those months, but unfortunately I'm not teaching Odd Jobs 121 or Fence Painting 211 (Indians are teaching those, for much lower pay I might add). But, honestly, how should I field questions about Taiwan or Tibet or any of the other issues intreguing me without getting deported. So many sensitive issues...it will be hard to think outside of such a boxed society.
3) What do you hope to gain from the experience? A firm grasp of the culture, which of course includes language proficiency as well as knowledge of their history, politics, economics, health system...tons o questions. I also hope to gain smarter questions about my dreams, desires and the world around me. Although I'm helping others, an internal change is inevitable. It's the reverse mission part - bringing the experience back - that will truely be the judge of my experience. Fin.
This is a fairly breif over view, but I wanted y'all to know that I'm alive and rocking hard in Hong Kong. peace ya'll. paul.
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Downtown Hong Kong
Pretty slammin' scene. See that bird soaring on the left? It's actually the HK Convention Center. Man, did they ever fool you...
The First Day of the Rest of My Life
We arrived safe, sound and on time to the Hong Kong airport last night. Everything went as planned. As I write this a day later, however, jet lag continues to drag me down. Jet lag is the new hangover. With a strong boost of adrenaline we stayed up pretty late last night to soak up our new surroundings. Maryknoll House, where we're staying in Stanley Village, Hong Kong, is totally sweet. Maryknoll built this house in 1926 after the Chinese said, "We'll give you this crappy land in the boondocks where you have to climb a hill just to get a nice view. Take that Catholics, with your... your... dumb morals! There, we said it. Fine. Teach. See if we care!" Last laugh = Maryknolls. Stanley Village is now the Beverly Hills of the HK, we wake and rest with a balcony view of skyrise condos and the calm South China Sea. Not too shabby...
After minimal sleep, we thought it was a good idea to trek around and get lost in the big city. It was sooooo bomb. With Birks strapped to my feet and a camera strapped to my hand, we destroyed HK on foot, ferrry and train. We got these 'octopus cards' for the pub. transit system and can top them up as we go. Sized about 2 credit cards thick, the card acts like a security card that is pressed against a sensor anytime we board a bus, subway or ferry. This week I'm gonna work on jumping up on to the sensor, or just flicking my back pocket for effect. Freestyle swiping anyone?
Steve Morrow from Notre Dame, on the far right of the linked picture below, was our tour guide for the day because he is the Emperor of Hong Kong and is the nephew of the dude who founded the city after he drove out a band of Singaporianese rebels who were controlling HK from afar though commission bourgeois and local warlords. That's a blatant lie. He lived here during 1st and 2nd grade, but everytime he's introduced to Maryknolls the legend grows. We did call him the emperor, though. No, seriously, we did.
Jet lag is destroying me and my funnyometer now, so I must hit the sack before I do any more damage. For more pictoral pleasure, check out the updated online photo album.
Thought of the day: Travelling likens us to children, bewildering us with new atmospheres. We are always excited and ask questions in hopes of understanding the unfamiliar.
Be excellent to each other...and...party on dudes. peace. paul.
After minimal sleep, we thought it was a good idea to trek around and get lost in the big city. It was sooooo bomb. With Birks strapped to my feet and a camera strapped to my hand, we destroyed HK on foot, ferrry and train. We got these 'octopus cards' for the pub. transit system and can top them up as we go. Sized about 2 credit cards thick, the card acts like a security card that is pressed against a sensor anytime we board a bus, subway or ferry. This week I'm gonna work on jumping up on to the sensor, or just flicking my back pocket for effect. Freestyle swiping anyone?
Steve Morrow from Notre Dame, on the far right of the linked picture below, was our tour guide for the day because he is the Emperor of Hong Kong and is the nephew of the dude who founded the city after he drove out a band of Singaporianese rebels who were controlling HK from afar though commission bourgeois and local warlords. That's a blatant lie. He lived here during 1st and 2nd grade, but everytime he's introduced to Maryknolls the legend grows. We did call him the emperor, though. No, seriously, we did.
Jet lag is destroying me and my funnyometer now, so I must hit the sack before I do any more damage. For more pictoral pleasure, check out the updated online photo album.
Thought of the day: Travelling likens us to children, bewildering us with new atmospheres. We are always excited and ask questions in hopes of understanding the unfamiliar.
Be excellent to each other...and...party on dudes. peace. paul.
Friday, August 13, 2004
Doug, Katie, Ethan and Steve @ Stanley House
The early arrivals to Hong Kong. Don't worry, we're awesome.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
A One Way Ticket to Hong Kong...
So, I got this one way ticket to Hong Kong, right... That just sounds cool, like something out of a novel. To move this entry along, I'll cut to the meat. Since graduation in May, I've been talking about my adventure to China in the future tense. For a long time it seemed remote, like something you're planning on getting around to doing. That whole escapist philosophy made a prision break this weekend. At a family party at my uncle's house this weekend my reality was given a name and more importantly a date. Throughout the summer people had always asked me, "So, when are you leaving?" Until Saturday (or Friday for that matter) my response had been, "Not until mid-August...I've got some time." As I write this, I'm staring at less than 9 hours of sand left in the hourglass.
The days leading up to these last eight-point-five hours left on American soil have been hectic to say the least. (For a writer's effect that I'm probably making up right now, I'm going to put all the stuff together so the reader struggles to pick it all up. Sorry in advance...here it goes) Runningaroundtowntopickupshoes... packing... fillingmyglassesperscription... totallydominatingQuizWizandPhotoHuntattheOldChicagobar... packing... importingfivepointthreedaysworthofmusicintomyiTunes... meetingfriendsandfamilyforcoffee... packing... andsayinggoodbyetothosethatilove. Whew!
All that driving around and busy-ness has given me some time to reflect but with so many tasks and appointments on my mind, there have been few breaths of fresh air. Such is to be expected when cramming for a long trip. Soon, it becomes like finals - you just want it to be done. This in no way cheapens anything or anyone I've seen or spoken with in the last days, but once you do the prep you've only anxiety to feed off before the test.
Calling it a 'test' could be a great analogy for this 'most excellent adventure.' No grades will be awarded of course, but it's more of a test of character. Sure one can read a book about China's economic situation, but can they deal with extreme poverty? One can read about government oppression and censorship, but can one keep quiet when all one's been taught to do is think critically? One can watch 'Iron Monkey,' 'the Chinese Connection' or 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,' (subtitled of course, cuz the dubbing always freaks me out) but does that prepare someone to fight for his life in the Hong Kong underground, moving from boss to boss trying to avenge the death of his master while returning honor to a dojo shamed by evil Japanese imperialists? Well, the last one went too far...ahhhh, fun with stereotypes.
No matter how you look at it, things will change. Hong Kong, Zhongshan, Minneapolis, Chicago, New York, Vermillion South Dakota. It's all about how we adapt and grow WITH these changes. For better? Forever?
In mass last week, our priest talked about Christopher Columbus. WTF? He said that when explorers before Columbus travelled the ocean, they always hugged the coast line to keep land in sight. Columbus, in contrast, said, "That's cool and all, but if ya'll don't mind I'm just going to ahead and sail straight across the ocean. Umm...yeah, I think I'll just go ahead and do that." They thought he was crazy, or a few oars short of a sailboat. (What?) What Columbus posessed was a sense of adventure and above all faith in himself and his path. It seemed to work for good ole' Chris, so we'll see how I fare. Hopefully the pirates get me before the scurvvy does. Aaarrrrggh!
Stay classy America. This is not goodbye, only good luck. Peace. paul.
The days leading up to these last eight-point-five hours left on American soil have been hectic to say the least. (For a writer's effect that I'm probably making up right now, I'm going to put all the stuff together so the reader struggles to pick it all up. Sorry in advance...here it goes) Runningaroundtowntopickupshoes... packing... fillingmyglassesperscription... totallydominatingQuizWizandPhotoHuntattheOldChicagobar... packing... importingfivepointthreedaysworthofmusicintomyiTunes... meetingfriendsandfamilyforcoffee... packing... andsayinggoodbyetothosethatilove. Whew!
All that driving around and busy-ness has given me some time to reflect but with so many tasks and appointments on my mind, there have been few breaths of fresh air. Such is to be expected when cramming for a long trip. Soon, it becomes like finals - you just want it to be done. This in no way cheapens anything or anyone I've seen or spoken with in the last days, but once you do the prep you've only anxiety to feed off before the test.
Calling it a 'test' could be a great analogy for this 'most excellent adventure.' No grades will be awarded of course, but it's more of a test of character. Sure one can read a book about China's economic situation, but can they deal with extreme poverty? One can read about government oppression and censorship, but can one keep quiet when all one's been taught to do is think critically? One can watch 'Iron Monkey,' 'the Chinese Connection' or 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,' (subtitled of course, cuz the dubbing always freaks me out) but does that prepare someone to fight for his life in the Hong Kong underground, moving from boss to boss trying to avenge the death of his master while returning honor to a dojo shamed by evil Japanese imperialists? Well, the last one went too far...ahhhh, fun with stereotypes.
No matter how you look at it, things will change. Hong Kong, Zhongshan, Minneapolis, Chicago, New York, Vermillion South Dakota. It's all about how we adapt and grow WITH these changes. For better? Forever?
In mass last week, our priest talked about Christopher Columbus. WTF? He said that when explorers before Columbus travelled the ocean, they always hugged the coast line to keep land in sight. Columbus, in contrast, said, "That's cool and all, but if ya'll don't mind I'm just going to ahead and sail straight across the ocean. Umm...yeah, I think I'll just go ahead and do that." They thought he was crazy, or a few oars short of a sailboat. (What?) What Columbus posessed was a sense of adventure and above all faith in himself and his path. It seemed to work for good ole' Chris, so we'll see how I fare. Hopefully the pirates get me before the scurvvy does. Aaarrrrggh!
Stay classy America. This is not goodbye, only good luck. Peace. paul.
Sunday, August 08, 2004
Going away, Part-AY!
Last night my friends threw a killer going away bash for me at Club 878 (also known as Andy and Mark's house). It was so amazing and overwhelming to be surrounded by most of my good friends and Nick Weinhagen's nose rings. Listing the whole group would be sheer name dropping, but needless to say they are all very important to me. Plus, some of them gave me scrap book momentos that will serve as a constant reminder that great friendships last beyond school and across oceans. The scrap book holds many of my fondest memories (4 wheelin' at the cabin, MV Student Council, Darren Ellefson) along with some hilarious moments that should have been left where they were (my torrid love affair with Kelly MacDonald, Robin's undying love for me OR Jayme Meyers, Hans Strommen). Big thanks to "my feminine consciences" for the beautiful book and the good luck card. Memories will decrease the distance.
As for the rest of the party, Andy had a great time...a GREAT time. Once he realized that he was having too much fun, he kindly excused himself and passed the title of party host on to me. This surprise move was slightly unorthodox, as my name was on the cake, but I happily played host while Andy passed out. Face down on the porch is the new queen bed. As Captain of the party, I think I did a pretty good job. Only one lamp got broken. Although that technically happened on Andy's watch, I still have a horrible feelling that my foot may have had something to do with the lamp shade popping off. But, c'mon, who's counting?
It's funny how small coincidences can influence emotions. After everyone filed out and made their way home, I found myself on the porch with a half-passed out Andy. As the tail lights of Billy's Civic faded out of sight, it began to rain. The sound was soft and calming at first. Yet, as the drops came harder and harder I discovered that my eyes had been replicating the heavens and I was crying in sync with the rain. By that point it had just been too much. Too much fun. Too much laughter. Way too much whisky. (Note to self: chasing Jim Beam with Beam n' Coke is NOT a good idea.) Too much history to leave behind. These same thoughts gave me tremendous strength as well. Once I collected myself, I was reminded just how lucky I am to have great friends who go to great lengths to make me feel special. While I'll be away for one-year-plus, I know that they'll be with me always.
I'm sorry if much of this posting sounds overly dramatic, but the gravity and reality of leaving for China in 4 days hit me hard last night and overwhelmed me sumpin' fierce. It's cliche, but you never really know what you have until you're forced to leave it. You know, like going to college for 4 years and then bam! you graduate. Or like that one sweet spot in the elm tree where you can see Jenny Dunbar changing in her room everynight. Binoculars aren't even needed! Then, all of a sudden she slaps a restraining order on you and you can't go within 50 feet of her or her blue house with white trim on Pascal Lane. Man alive! Ok, that got too personal, but you get the idea. My friends mean the world to me, yet I'm comforted to know that they think the same, and will always be there when I need them. Emailing and blogging is the new hanging out. Peace and much love to you all. Paul.
As for the rest of the party, Andy had a great time...a GREAT time. Once he realized that he was having too much fun, he kindly excused himself and passed the title of party host on to me. This surprise move was slightly unorthodox, as my name was on the cake, but I happily played host while Andy passed out. Face down on the porch is the new queen bed. As Captain of the party, I think I did a pretty good job. Only one lamp got broken. Although that technically happened on Andy's watch, I still have a horrible feelling that my foot may have had something to do with the lamp shade popping off. But, c'mon, who's counting?
It's funny how small coincidences can influence emotions. After everyone filed out and made their way home, I found myself on the porch with a half-passed out Andy. As the tail lights of Billy's Civic faded out of sight, it began to rain. The sound was soft and calming at first. Yet, as the drops came harder and harder I discovered that my eyes had been replicating the heavens and I was crying in sync with the rain. By that point it had just been too much. Too much fun. Too much laughter. Way too much whisky. (Note to self: chasing Jim Beam with Beam n' Coke is NOT a good idea.) Too much history to leave behind. These same thoughts gave me tremendous strength as well. Once I collected myself, I was reminded just how lucky I am to have great friends who go to great lengths to make me feel special. While I'll be away for one-year-plus, I know that they'll be with me always.
I'm sorry if much of this posting sounds overly dramatic, but the gravity and reality of leaving for China in 4 days hit me hard last night and overwhelmed me sumpin' fierce. It's cliche, but you never really know what you have until you're forced to leave it. You know, like going to college for 4 years and then bam! you graduate. Or like that one sweet spot in the elm tree where you can see Jenny Dunbar changing in her room everynight. Binoculars aren't even needed! Then, all of a sudden she slaps a restraining order on you and you can't go within 50 feet of her or her blue house with white trim on Pascal Lane. Man alive! Ok, that got too personal, but you get the idea. My friends mean the world to me, yet I'm comforted to know that they think the same, and will always be there when I need them. Emailing and blogging is the new hanging out. Peace and much love to you all. Paul.
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
The Photo Album, By Paul Wegerson
While this whole thing will be a constant work in progress, I'll keep ya'll updated as changes happen. Recently, I started an online photo album. I also learned, at least I think, how to create links within my postings, so one can hypothetically check out photos to add depth to a certain posting. While I'm still learning how this whole system totally works, feel free to make fun of me/tell me if something isn't working. Sarcasm is acceptable. Be warned, if your criticism really isn't that funny, then I probably won't listen to you and attack you in my next posting. Scared yet? I wouldn't be either. Anyway, if the link 'online photo album' doesn't work, then here it is (you may even have to cut and paste): http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulinchina. Enjoy the carmelized, chocolate sprinkled eye candy from my digi-photo-mon. lates. paul.
Monday, August 02, 2004
Da 'Stone
| After graduation, two of my best friends from hike school and I went on the Great American Roadtrip to Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Tetons and of course, Mt. Rushmore. Probably one of the greatest weeks of my life, spent maxin' and relaxing with the guys. This pic was taken after we hiked a gorge that split the two highest peaks of the Tetons. We were on our way back and stopped for a pic. Our 'picnic table' was definately a trailor house sized boulder with a killer view of the MTNS. It was so sick, I got ill. |  Mark, Andy and Paul @ the Teets. Originally uploaded by since81. |
Sample Blog...this is a test by the Nat'l Blogger's Network
Hi there. This is my first foray into the wild world of blogging. Actually, since these accounts are totally FOC (Free of charge, that is) I will probably never even consider writing a second message on this here blog. Ok, this is pure ramble and now I'm going to post this and try to check it from another computer.
word. paul.
word. paul.
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