Great Wall Excursion

Just came back from watching Superman Rtns and nibbling on guazi with K in her room. Quite an entertaining movie.^^

This past week was pretty full on. Every night after class (except Friday), I either had an elective class or some other activity. Monday night was calligraphy and the class party, Tuesday was Chinese corner, Wednesday was Business Chinese and Thursday was Japanese corner. Had to get up early this morning…for the Badaling Great Wall excursion. So sleepy…

Over 120 international students – 3 buses full – signed up for the trip. It was chilly and looked like it was going to rain, but we left as scheduled at 8:30am. It was hot and sunny when I went just a month ago. I even got myself a horribly noticeable t-shirt mark. This time, my hands were numb from the cold before we even got to the main entrance. But I’m glad I went. The autumn landscape was beautiful. We walked the south section this time. It’s steeper than the north section, but there were less people.

The 30 yuan ($5..!!) tour included lunch at a hotel restaurant as well, and it was pretty good. Bargain! I love being a student.^^

I could not keep my eyes open on the bus. Both K and I fell fast asleep. I was still sleepy when we arrived at the dorm. I showered then lay in bed for at least an hour but still couldn't fall sleep. Oh well, early night tonight I think.

The south side...


The north side...

We were here!

>> More photos here

Xizhimen

Aren't they just adorable?!?!^^

Peak-hour traffic. Xizhimen station is on the first floor of the 3 upright oval-shaped buildings.

Class Outing^^

Yesterday after class, we all went for dinner and then for an hour of karaoke (minus 3 ppl)...English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean songs! We got a huge room which had a small stage/dance area. Towards the end, everyone got up and danced. It was great fun.^^




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この頃、宿題が急に多くなって、週に３回テストがあって、ちょっと大変です。＞＿＜

なのに、昨日の夜、クラスパーティーが開かれました。（＾＾）/ ２人だけが出席できなかったです。ご飯を食べ終わったら、BさんはMagic Ballという面白いゲームを皆に教えて、皆で楽しく遊びました。かなり頭の使う、集中しないといけないゲームです。説明が長いので、また今度にすると思います。

二次会はカラオケで。歌は英語、中国語、日本語、韓国語の四ヶ国語で、色々歌いました。１３人もいたので、私の部屋より大きな部屋をくれて、十数人が踊れるほどのスペースがありました。最後の数曲、皆が一緒に歌いながら、踊って、楽しかったです。

クラスを変えなくて良かったです。＾ー＾
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Girls Day Out

I was a little surprised when I was given this as change at the railway station!
Unfolded...

Went out for pizza with 2 classmates this afternoon. We stopped by the shopping centre just south of our uni, and JY took us to this stall that sells nuts and the like. They have these yummy sweet potato chips and freshly roasted chestnuts…I’m hooked!

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クラスメートの女性達が遊びに行く予定だったけど、結局私を含めて３人しか行かなかったです。

昼を食べ終わってから、ビリヤードをしに行きました。１時間半で２ゲームしか終わらなかったです。下手だたけど、楽しかったです。それが一番大事ですね。＾ー＾

後、Lotus Centreに入って、ジヨンはすごく美味しい甘栗と紅芋チップスの売っているナッツのお店を紹介してくれました。三人も甘栗などを買って、寮へ向けました。歩きながら喋べたり食べたりして、３０分も歩いたと感じなかったです。

今日、中国語会話の練習が沢山できたし、楽しかったし、良い一日でした。＾＾
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Japanese Students' Association Welcome Party

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今夜、日本人留学生会の歓迎会に行きました。私は一体何人でしょうね。とにかく、今は日本語モードです！＾＾　

大きい、丸いテーブルが９～１０あって、席はくじで決まりました。全部で約１００人が出席したと思います。私のテーブルは１１人いて、女性が３人ばかりでした。関東地方出身の方がやはり多かったですね。

色々なゲームを用意してくれて、面白かったです。うちのテーブルは一つのゲームを勝って、大きなチョコレート・ケーキをもらっちゃいました！その場で、みんなで食べました。;P

久しぶりに日本人に囲まれ、長い間日本語で喋って、懐かしかったです。中華料理のレストランでなかったら、日本にいるって感じでした。

日本語を忘れないように、上手にもなるように、木曜日の「日本語コーナー」も参加しようかな。。。＾＾
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No water!!!!

We’ve had no water supply since about 11:30pm last night coz there’s something wrong with the water tanks Apparently this happens at least 2-3 times a year. Well, I just hope that it’s fixed by tonight!

Going to the Japanese Students’ Association gathering tonight. I heard that about 100 people are expected to attend. I wonder how they’re going to seat everyone…

Electives

Ahhh!!! 55 words to memorise for dictation tomorrow morning!!

Elective classes have started this week. There’s Taichi, Erhu, Chinese Painting, Chinese Calligraphy, Business Chinese, Chinese Pronunciation, Martial Arts, An Introduction to Chinese Film...

I went to Calligraphy on Monday. The teacher is a 70-year-old man who claims that studying Chinese calligraphy is good for one’s health and actually helps one live longer. Hmmm…

Tonight I went to Business Chinese. It’s more like “Chinese Business” than “Business Chinese.” I know, I could just learn about Chinese corporations on my own, but the likelihood of that ever happening would be rather slim.^^; Plus, it’s interesting to listen to a local’s perspective.

The teacher actually graduated with a teaching degree (Chinese as a second language) from BLCU, then went on to study law at Tsinghua. He lectured as if he was telling a story, making what would probably be considered a dull class to most surprisingly interesting.

Which should I take?? Maybe I’ll take both…^^