protesters‏

Hi,

There were protesters on the street today. I have never seen that here. There were no signs but even there were I would not be able to read them. My school has a bus that takes us to the other campus where I teach. Many people were holding hands across the street. Just holding hands and not saying anything. Three lanes each way. My bus made a Uturn and went a different route. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera. When class finished the route was clear but there were maybe 100 police officers standing around. I am sure all of the protesters were arrested. China does take protests kindly. Even peaceful ones like that .That does not happen often here. For the most part, people are happy. They have a free market economy so you can live the American Dream in China. Get rich. But there are very many poor.

I would like to know what cause they were trying to pursue but I doubt that I will ever know. China is a mix of free market and socialism (communism?) but it works. Students can find jobs that pay little (maybe $200 a month is good if you have a degree) but they can advance quickly if they have the drive.

I have a friend, Jack, who is an English major with a speach impediment, and makes 2000 each month teaching Math. None of the teachers at my training school make that much. He has ambition. He has a registered company and hands out his business card to everyone. His mother finished primary school. His father got to high school. He makes more money than they do. And he is still a student. His 2000rmb (about $300) is more than the average income here. He is driven. He will be a success. Everyone wants to be rich here. There is a huge middle-class that are working 6 days a week for 12-14 hours every day.

I love China. It is such a beautiful country. There is so much diversity. Some students ask me 'Do you like China?' 'Do you like Chinese food?' I say yes to the former. The latter I usually ask them 'Do you like all Chinese food?'. They usually say No. I tell them that I like most foods but not every one. People are friendly, helpful, and you get stared at a lot. Last night I was in KFC and a young girl, maybe 7, came up and just stood there looking at me. That is not unusual. She never saw a 'foreigner' before. It is a nice place to be. It is too bad that it is so far to go home. If you want a good experience, come here. Honestly. I can hook you up with my agent and she is wonderfull. Tell her what you want. She is a god-send when it comes to finding jobs here. And also very pretty. Very nice person. She will not get you a shitty job at 30 hours a week in some hell hole.

If you want to experience life on a different level, then China is for you. The work is easy. Do you speak English? The Chinese language is not easy but I am learning a little.

Maybe next year I will have my family visit but it is too expensive. My first quote is 11900 to go to Toronto. It is Spring Festival so everyone is going somewhere. It is amazing. Many husbands are going home to visit their families. They live in different cities. Two years ago they had snow storms and there were no trains. 400,000 people were waiting in Guangzhou.

I love it. Except for the crowds of people. Sooo many people. There is little time to be alone. Even in a park or riding my bike. But it is a wonderful country with some beautiful people. Especially the girls! Gorgeous!

I want to live here for 6 months and home for 6 months. There are people here that I love. I don't know if I could live in Canada for 6 months but maybe 3 would be good. I would miss people like Judy and Cherry. They are my family here. If you are lucky you will meet them some day.


Love Don