Suzhou and School: May 2008 Archives
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Zhong Guo Jia Yuo! Go China!
Today, the olympic torch came to Suzhou. And I, officially, have olympic fever.
However, prior to the torch arriving, both Suzhou, and I had some serious preparations to do.
Yesterday, a couch surfing friend (Jenna) came to Suzhou to surf my couch, and help me prepare for the torch to arrive. We bought stickers, flags, head bands ad tshirts. And yelled Jia yuo! jia yuo!
Zhong Guo Jia Yuo! Go China!
Today, the olympic torch came to Suzhou. And I, officially, have olympic fever.
However, prior to the torch arriving, both Suzhou, and I had some serious preparations to do.
Yesterday, a couch surfing friend (Jenna) came to Suzhou to surf my couch, and help me prepare for the torch to arrive. We bought stickers, flags, head bands ad tshirts. And yelled Jia yuo! jia yuo!Even Gina joined in to help us all get amped.
The following day (now we are back at today, sorry) Jenna and I got up painfully early, to brave the unbelievable crowds in an attempt to sneak a peek at the burning symbol of ultimate physical accomplishment.
The crowds got thicker and thicker ,and by the time we got to the street where the torch would pass us, the crowd was thousands deep and most of the good vantage points (trees) were already spoken for.
But we managed to squirm through a mob and get out on a corner. It also helps that I am at least 3 or 4 inches taller than the average person here, so I could see just fine. And for the next ten minutes or so, we joined in on some chanting of Zhong Guo (China) jia yuo (add gasoline)... Go China!
It was so fun to see all the people around me so proud and excited. And it was certainly fun for them to see a laowai (old whitey) all dressed up in 'I love China' gear and chanting with them. I think I might be on about a million Chinese people's cell phone cameras after today.
Then the police around us got even edgier, and I knew it was coming.... Zhong Guo, jia yuo...Zhong Guo, jia yuo!
More pushing, more chanting, people taking pictures galore. And there it is! the guy in the red and white surrounded by the blue-clad running guards.
Then he passed us and it was over. Just like that.
But the chanting did not stop for a while. And neither did the great high and excitement we all felt to be a part of something so rare and special!
100_2733.MOV
The following day (now we are back at today, sorry) Jenna and I got up painfully early, to brave the unbelievable crowds in an attempt to sneak a peek at the burning symbol of ultimate physical accomplishment.The crowds got thicker and thicker ,and by the time we got to the street where the torch would pass us, the crowd was thousands deep and most of the good vantage points (trees) were already spoken for.But we managed to squirm through a mob and get out on a corner. It also helps that I am at least 3 or 4 inches taller than the average person here, so I could see just fine. And for the next ten minutes or so, we joined in on some chanting of Zhong Guo (China) jia yuo (add gasoline)... Go China!It was so fun to see all the people around me so proud and excited. And it was certainly fun for them to see a laowai (old whitey) all dressed up in 'I love China' gear and chanting with them. I think I might be on about a million Chinese people's cell phone cameras after today.Then the police around us got even edgier, and I knew it was coming.... Zhong Guo, jia yuo...Zhong Guo, jia yuo!
More pushing, more chanting, people taking pictures galore. And there it is! the guy in the red and white surrounded by the blue-clad running guards.Then he passed us and it was over. Just like that. But the chanting did not stop for a while. And neither did the great high and excitement we all felt to be a part of something so rare and special!
100_2733.MOV
http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/
I received this email from my mum this morning:
"Hi Honey; Could you pls enter into your Blog about how far you are away from Chuengdu (earth quake center). And let everyone know you are okay. I got four calls yesterday and 3 already today from people concerned about you. Thnx, Mom"
Awe..... someone out there actually cares!?!?!
Yes, I am OK. In fact, no one here even felt the earthquake. It is terrible that so many people died, especially the children in the schools. However, I don't think it's as bad as the American media is so talented at dramatizing.
My classes are all raising money to send their way and all of us here are just counting our blessings.
Chengdu is at the very center of China as can be seen in this map. I am on the East Coast right between Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing. It may not look very far on a map, but to get to Chengdu would be about a 18 hour train ride. As you can see from the scale on the map, it is about 1,500km from Shanghai.
If anyone out there would like to send money or clothes or food to the victims and their families, feel free to email me and I will do my best to transform your wishes into something useful.
"Hi Honey; Could you pls enter into your Blog about how far you are away from Chuengdu (earth quake center). And let everyone know you are okay. I got four calls yesterday and 3 already today from people concerned about you. Thnx, Mom"
Awe..... someone out there actually cares!?!?!
Yes, I am OK. In fact, no one here even felt the earthquake. It is terrible that so many people died, especially the children in the schools. However, I don't think it's as bad as the American media is so talented at dramatizing.
My classes are all raising money to send their way and all of us here are just counting our blessings.
Chengdu is at the very center of China as can be seen in this map. I am on the East Coast right between Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing. It may not look very far on a map, but to get to Chengdu would be about a 18 hour train ride. As you can see from the scale on the map, it is about 1,500km from Shanghai.
If anyone out there would like to send money or clothes or food to the victims and their families, feel free to email me and I will do my best to transform your wishes into something useful.
