Chengde Temples

Botanical Gardens

The Exterior of the School

Volunteer Work at the Primary School

This past Wednesday was our last day to volunteer at the primary school near our apartment. We were surprised to learn this, but it is because this coming Wednesday the students are presenting a very big May Day program (sports). We have observed the entire school or so it seems lining up every afternoon to practice for this special occasion.
The month of May will be spent working hard drilling, cramming, and studying for the all important tests that the students will take in June.
We have worked with all the sixth grade students this semester. They have been delightful and we have learned much from them. This past month we have primarily listened to and made suggestions to their speeches for the English competition they had last weekend.
When we arrived at the school this week, we were presented with gifts of appreciation and then escorted to the different classrooms where the students posed with us. The assistant principal (we aren't sure of her official title) was so kind to take the pictures and email them to us.
The students have been wonderful. They have so much energy and have been especially kind to us.

Sleeper Bus

On our way back from the Yangze we saw a sleeper bus and those of you who know me know how hard it was for me not to take pictures. I guess the people get on the bus and it goes forever. Several of our students talk about 40 and 50 hour train and bus rides and I guess that is the function of these buses. They have seats that are in a permanent reclining position so you basically lie down and you can sleep. The people seem to be pretty content and they pile out of the bus when it stops for potty breaks.

Chengqing

Pictures from Chengquing which is the largest city in China. We got there in the afternoon and didn't have a lot of time to explore, but the pictures capture some of the sights.

Sights of Beijing

The weather has warmed up so we are outdoors a lot more. There are pictures taken on the main street near our campus. Note the window washers, the man sharpening knives, the transportation and the food.

Yangze River

Here are some views from our trips. It was cloudy while we were there but it was still beautiful.

Spring colors in China

Summer Palace

We went to the Summer palace about March 28 and here are some pictures. It is starting to green up and is beautiful. The blossoms were awesome.