New Developments

Development #1. We did some research last night and discovered that it might not be so easy to break our contract here & go to a different school. Apparently, they have to give us a release document in order for us to teach legally at the other place. If they so choose, they can withhold said document, which would force us to leave the country 15 days after breaking the contract. Apparently, if this happens, you are never welcome in China again. Ever.

Development #2. They removed 701, Liz's demon possessed class, from her schedule and replaced it with...nothing! So now she has 14 hours, all of 1st year students. Ji Sir's comment after telling us this was, "So, I hope you can be happy now until the end of your contract." Well, happy would be a mighty strong word, but slightly less despairing might be in the cards. We're not sure if she'll still be paid or not...

Also, they pile all of our problems on the poor German teacher, Emmanuel, which we're feeling a guilty about. He gets called on if one of us is sick and the other can't cover, and now he gets this, again because of us. If he can handle them though, more power to him. But he can say no if he wants.

Development #3. Donuts. We've discovered how to make our own Chinese donuts available at any good Chinese buffet in America, but conspicuously missing from every menu here. They sell the dough in packs in the store, most of them stuffed with something nasty or weird, but tried the "dairy flavor" and it is pretty much plain dough. Deep frying those babies with cinnamon and sugar is almost reason enough by itself to stay here.

So just when it seemed all but certain that our future would not include teaching here 2nd semester, the tides have turned and it's forcing its way back into the mix again. We hope to talk with the foreign affairs lady and see if any more new developments might turn up, or if they'd be willing to let us go on friendly terms. Honestly, it would really be better for everyone if they got someone new in here. There does seem to be a glimmer of hope (forced though it may be) for surviving here now, although I still think it would be much more fun and less discouraging to teach college students. The one great benefit of this school is the ability to travel with the long breaks (and holiday bonus). Ugh....decisions. Anyway, keep up the great input! Thanks everyone for your votes/messages/encouragement!

In other news, Coke Zero has now infiltrated China and appears to be all the rage. McDonald's now serves it up standard so you have to ask to make sure you get regular. Must be the cool black labels or something...