August 30, 2009
We cannot access our blog or anyone else's at present. That may change when somebody who knows more comes on the scene. That's China.
Today was our first experience a Church, very unusual, but still the true gospel.
We made contact with the Branch President Saturday evening, via the cell phone left in the apartment, with his cell # programmed in. He is a returning teacher at another university where there are 7 member teachers (5 through BYU).
Because we were unfamiliar with the route and the bus system, and church being 15-20 miles away, we (meaning 4 of us who live at Ocean University of China/same apartment building) decided to take a taxi, which we flagged down about 10 minutes away (no such thing as calling a taxi or going to a taxi stand) and we gave the driver (who did not a word of English) written in Chinese by our friend Charles Yu (whose status is unknown to us) the instructions. After a while it became apparent the driver was lost and becoming frustrated, but we did get there. The cab fare was 36 RMB (Yuan) or about $5.40 for a 30 minute ride.
Next week, we think we could manage the bus for about $1.25 (covering both ways).
The meetings are held in the home of a Korean member family (the Kongs). They live an an area which seems to be inhabited by foreign nationals and is very beautiful and the apartment is very large, with a big living room which becomes the main meeting room. The security guard for the complex followed us right to the front door to make sure that we were in fact legitimate and welcome.
There were 11 teachers and about 25 Koreans (plus) including several samll children and one non member. We held a 2 hour block of meetings including the joint priesthood/relief society lesson from the Joseph Smith manual. There were 3 talks one by a child in Korean, interpreted by his father, his wife and one English teacher. Almost everything was translated. The sacrament was administered exactly as you would expect. After next week, when the Branch reorganizes (with the arrival of all the teachers) they will go back to a 3 hour block, including primary.
The Church provided the chairs, books and all the other supplies as well as one room which is reserved as the Branch President/clerks office. The Church assists with the rent to allow such a place to be used.
For those who have been to Switzerland, Qingdao is like that, i.e, a major bank on every corner. A marvelous and new city (without pollution)
Shucks, after 3 days we don't speak Chinese yet.
August 31
We went for medicals this AM (had been warned it was a possibility). It was very efficient. We took a taxi there, arriving about 8:30 AM. We had to fill out several forms, give copies of passports, visa and photos. Then had 6 different exams done in the next half hour (blood pressure and a few other pokes, eye test, blood sample, ultra sound, ECG and xray) all recorded on computer. Cost about $50.00 which University may reimburse.
Getting bold, took a bus to Carrefore and bought food and several household items, but had to take the taxi back because of the purchases.
It is embarrassing on the bus to have people (both young and female) insist on giving up their seats for us. We assume that our grey hair does it (respect for the elderly?).
We decided to buy some new sheets that fit (the existing ones did not hang over the edge at all). A new set with pillow cases, very good quality, (and large enuf) cost about $22.00.
Still no word from the school about specifics on class sizes or much else.
September 1, 2009
The buses seem to run all day, every day, every few minutes, at least in the busy areas.
The cost is 1 kwai, slang for yuan or rmb. Sometimes it is 2 if the route is long, but we don't know how they know. Most buses have a sensor that reads your pre-charged bus passes, but others don't (and we don't understand which is which yet). A yuan is worth about 15 -17 cents, so pretty cheap. One card can be swiped for several people.
We have a map with bus routes marked, but it rather faint, so it is sometimes hard to read.
We have a meeting this PM at the far away campus Laoshan to learn the number and location of our classes. There is a school bus between campuses, which may be free, but doesn't run as often. It is about a 20-30 minute walk from our apartment. Students seem to be arriving around here for the start of classes next week.
Below are a few pictures of our apartment.
