Team  172, Xi’an China, March 29 through April 18, 2009

Global Volunteers

Eighth Day of Teaching

We arrived at school with Julia meeting us at the car and inviting us to a special ceremony honoring the institution of a new major at Xi’an Biomedical College.  Through a joint effort of the school, private corporations and the government, the school is starting a major in public health/pest management.  We were introduced as special guests and entered the auditorium to a round of applause.  Many speeches preceded the unveiling of a plaque with confetti and streamers.  It was a proud day for the school and we were thrilled to be a part of it.

 

The ceremonies made for a short morning class (1 ½ hours).  For lunch we went to a local on the street restaurant and watched as they made our noodles.  We also got some Coke Zeroes and Chinese hamburger, so it was McDonalds’s Chinese style.  It was the first time the teachers had tasted Coke Zero and reviews were mixed.

 

Due to scheduling confusion, only two students showed up for the afternoon class.  Quick change of plans and we took these two students with us on a tour of the school labs.  We found it very interesting to see what the students were learning.  Annette got a promise of a manicure next week in the beauty training school.  Wes was quite interested in the scientific end of things.

 

We decided to get dropped off at the textile market and Annette and Nan had a great time with their shared love of textiles.  It was an amazing place, huge, with all sorts of interesting fabrics.  Both Nan and Annette got measured for silk jackets.  Wes was quite patient and helped with fabric choices.  I think we were the only tourists in the market.

 

Over dinner Nan helped Wes and Annette plan the Beijing part of their trip.  All in all it was quite a busy day.

 

Submitted by Annette

Wes showing a jade artifact to the students and teachers.

Date: 04/08/2009

Buying material in the textile market.

Nan and Annette modeling their new silk jackets with the owner of the silk shop.