Guanxi

Sunny and I. Sunny dressed up for

a traditional American Wedding for the cultural component of one of our classes

Leading games today. Working as camp counselor and youth teacher taught me that in any competitive activity, team names are very important. So today I was prepared for usual competitive lineup of names like “the Annihilators,” “Team Number One,” “Team Kick-ass,” etc.) . The class quiets down and team one shouts their name. “Moon!” I turn, “Moon?” I clarify. “Team Moon” Team 5 objects, “That was going to be ours.” I’m baffled. “Okay, team 5 you guys can think of a new name. Team 2, what do you have?” “Happy.” “Happy? Just Happy?” I get eager nods. After taking each team name, we have the final intimidating lineup of teams Moon, Sky, Dream, Stars, Happy, and Sun. What? This is not competitive material. This is the ’97 line of GAP fragrances.

And then I realize that imagery and emotion is more embedded in Chinese language than in English. It was strange to encounter the more poetic speak that some of these students use, but I've really started to enjoy it. Especially the conversations that I have with the girls in the dorms late at night. Its a community of authenticity and openness. I have felt so loved and the students here are so warmhearted, and it wasn’t until the last few days that I realized that sarcasm was almost entirely absent here. Still working on this.

Not to say its all like that. There's also the stereotypical "relationship" or guanxi experience through the lens of the business world, where Chinese businessmen network through karaoke bars and drink . .a lot. But students here take seriously the role of host, and are so generous. These eager expressions of love to a stranger, the laowai, are humbling, and a reminder to me to give as i have been given.

Photo per request of my little friend at Tiananmen Square

Surviving Swine '09

One of my favorite parts of China so far has been living off less than a dollar a day buying from local food carts. I was in heaven for the first week. It turns out that one of my cheap meals, however, was accompanied by cheap Salmonellae. So after getting really sick, I had to follow TIP policy requires any associated students or faculty with a fever to check in at the hospital. And so the adventure begins.

We (me, and Sky, an amazing friend and translator) approach Beijing Haitain hospital, a pepto bismol pink (how appropriate for the day). We spend 3 hours at Haitan hospital, and 6 hours of questioning, testing, waiting in the hall. Blood tests, throat swabs, temperature monitoring for 10 hours. It was the most inefficient, inconvenient and exhausting procedure, but it was really interesting to see how the hospital was run.

I found out there are many things I love about Beijing Haitain hospital. Like doctors wearing flip flops. The best part, though, was our fourth interview conducted by two petite men clad in Tyvek bunny suits who after questioning us get sprayed down with what looks like the weed sprayer my dad used to use on the front lawn. In fact, I think that made it all worth it.

As always, Sky brightens the day :)