In line to see the body of Mao at the "Maosaleum"We had a great time today. We began the day with a stroll through Tiananmen Square on our way to the Forbidden City. Both places were packed with people. It was the second time to both placed for me but I have to admit it was much easier to take in today because the weather in the mid 70’s, about 30 degrees cooler than this summer when I was last there. I have embedded videos about the two areas below.
The Gate of Heavenly Peace
Video from Tiananment Square
Video of the Forbidden City
When you check out the rest of the photos you will notice some pictures with small animals on the edge of a roof. I included this because of represents the strong role that numbers play in ancient and current Chinese culture. The numbers of animals on the edge of the roof represent how important the building is in China. The higher the number the more powerful the person. The highest number one could have is nine; the only person who could have that number was the emperor of China.
One of the best stories that I heard today from the tour guide was that the Forbidden City had 9,999 rooms in it. That meant if a newborn infant spent the night in a different room each night it would take until their 27 birthday too spend the night in every room of the Forbidden City. Wow!After our morning tour and lunch was over we went to visit different schools. I went with a group of teachers to the Beijing Language Middle School. The teachers and students were great. They start school at 8 am and finish at 4pm. When they get home they have about three to five hours a night. They do not participate in extra-curricular activities as American students do. Their main focus is on school.
Mr Steph particpating in a langauge lesson.
You think american culture has hit China?
Changing Classes at School
Kobe Brynat jerseys passed Yao's in sales this past year
They are under a lot of pressure from their parents and teachers to do well. We observed two classes and then had meetings with the English department. After school we spoke with some students and then went to dinner.
Students playing basketball
I want to thank my World History, Section 1, class. I enjoyed our Skype conversation.
Click here for links to more photos
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24 comments:
John,
I am enjoying reading your comments and learning from them. Our fourth graders are going to start reading your blog and posting some comments so be on the look out. Don't forget that our lower school (fourth grade) would love to have a school to correspond with. I am hoping you can find one that would be interested. Thanks so much for keeping us up to date on your visit.
Take care,
Jennifer S.
Mr. Steph
Wow! The kids are a lot older than I thought they were. I thought they would be our age. They look older. Was that them saying "ya'll" while playing basketball? Do their schools look the same as ours?
Mao must have been a huge influence on the country. According to the video we watched I thought he did great things and began to change China. Did he do great things? I hope you are having fun!! Keep us posted!! talk to you soon!
Hope we get to hear more from you again. The kids loved it! They are really enjoying learning more about China's relatively modern history and connecting it with your visit. I want to know if you got in to see Mao's body? Hope you are having fun and learning a lot! Ms. Gould
Hi,
I have two question,who's Mao and what kind of food do they have in China?
sincerely,
HalleG.-4grade
Hi, I have a question,how was the food in china?Was everyone friendly in china?Write me back!! Sincerely,Anna.R fourth
Mr. Stephany- What is your favorite place in China??? Have you learned how to speak chinese??? Love,Ella A.4
Hi,
I have two questions,what's a bullet train?Also do they have
Amarican food and not just Chinese food? Sincerly, Abigail S.-Forth Grade
Dear Mr. Stephany,
I have really appreciated all of these pictures. It has really helped me visualize China. Are you going to be sad to leave china?
Olivia 4th
Hi, I have a quchtion about china. Do you like it?Is it fun. I always wanted to go to china. I know what the time difference of China and us is. China is 13 hours ahand of us.Have you leaned alot of things that you did not know before?
bye!
Katie E.-4th
Hi,
I liked the video of you eating the sea horse. Did you see the Big nest?
Katie C.-4th
Hi! What was the best thing you ate and did? Did you eat any snake meat or sea cucumbers?
Courtney S.- 4th
Hey Mr. Steph It's Amanda D. :-]
The Children in China, they seem a lot like us but are they?
what do they do for fun? (beside basketball)
what are there hobbies?
what age do they have jobs are they at young ages?
Do they have a social life?
Hey Mr. Steph it's amand :} again
I know your leaving to Japan soon and when i went I had to try squid pizza and many different flavors of popcorn (I heard popcorn was a big deal) can you try some plzzz.
btw. can you have a japenese person to send a shout out to me and danielle.
THANKS
Is your favorite food in china noodles?Darby H.-4th
Hi. I think it's cool that you got to visted the Great Wall of China.The pic are so cool.
Hayley B-4
hey,
Have you meet any people from the olymipics? I couldnt't belive you ate a seahorse!! My dad has ate a crocodile tale but not a SEAHORSE.
Ashley S-4th
Raleigh C-Fourth Grade
Dear Mr.Stepheny
How long were you in China?
Caroline R.-4th grade. I can't beleive you got to the Water Cube and the Birds Nest.I've always wanted to go Water Cube. Did you get to inside the Water Cube and see the giant pool?
Porter J.-4 grade. Why were you singing on the rickshaw? I can't belive you ate a seahorse!
hey what up
tricia
Hey mr. Step! that is hilarious how you got them to say hello wallace and lockie! Are the Japanese and Chinese students as crazy as us?
Ps. Toughen up! Its ONLY a seahorse!
hello Mr.Stephany its Danielle G.
What was it like to go to all these places and why did you have to go to all those places?I haven't seen you in a while it seems like its been ages.
danielle g. hope you have a safe trip home back to memphis!!!!!!!!
-4th
Dear Mr.S,
Me and my couisin Jake are watching your school video.
Do they have other uniform choices at the school??????????????????????
Love,
Haley H. 4th
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