Logan and spring flowers! #beijing (at 颐和园 The Summer Palace)
Our school opens!
Today our kindergarten officially had its first day of school! All went well after much blood, sweat and tears to get this far.
We are starting out with 7-8 students—small beginnings, but we weren’t sure we’d be able to get any students by launch. Our max class size is 12 (ideal is 10), and the place we’re renting can hold 20 students comfortably. We are hoping to fully fill out our first class within 2 months, and to launch our second class at the start of the next semester.
This weekend we will start our “after-school” classes 3 evenings a week plus Sat and Sun, for primary school students. Nearly all those class slots are full (though we could use some more students in some classes). So now our challenge is to find some more competent teachers. If you know anyone, let us know!
About after school: If the parents have money the kids go to “after school” where they study extra to get ahead. The competition to get to the top universities here starts in kindergarten and is intense. We focus on English, global cultures, nature and the environment, character building, etc. with lots of activities and fun and try to limit book work as the poor kids study all day long.
A friend had invited us out to dinner a 15 minute drive for our house. After we finished eating, the roads had flooded so badly that we couldn’t get home. We tried every possible road, and almost got stuck in the water, which would have been quite worrisome especially because we had Logan with us. Thankfully, there was a spa/hotel next to the restaurant that had one room left, which we all crammed into for the night. Quite an adventure! Unfortunately, the rain had serious consequences for our newly-opened school. The rain poured in through a small enclosed back garden than filled up with water, and we are having to replace the entire floor at considerable cost. A tough start, to say the least, but we will survive! The Chinese have a saying: 好事多磨, which means that every good venture will experience difficulties (especially at the beginning). So hopefully this bodes well for our eventual success!
Were hospitals here built for midgets? What’s with the ultra-low reception window? #beijing (Taken with Instagram)
Lo-tech advertising in China. A street cleaner takes them all down at night and they’re back up the next day. Repeat. #beijing #quirks (Taken with instagram)
Lunch at Capital M, a great restaurant tucked away off Qianmen street, with a dear friend. Great food! #beijing #food (Taken with instagram)
Subway busking duo. A rare sight (subway is usually too crowded). This guy/girl sounded good. #beijing (Taken with instagram)
In case you were wondering what dog looks like. Can’t tell you what it tastes like as we didn’t dare. #food #beijing (Taken with instagram)
