Hello everyone, I am still alive, still doing relatively well, and still in China. Unfortunately, the place where my internship is located has very unstable internet, which makes it virtually impossible to use my Yale VPN and get around the GFW (Great Firewall).
I don't know how long this connection will last, so a few brief updates:
1. I am loving my internship here. It has exposed me to so many sides of Chinese culture that I would never have seen otherwise.
2. I have been teaching English to two classes of small children (5-6 year olds and 7 year olds), many of which compete for the title of "Most Adorable Little Kid Ever."
3. I am grudgingly learning more about traditional Confucian thought from the teachers here, while trying to demystify certain aspects of Western culture (particularly Christianity).
4. I am almost definitely coming back to China after graduation.
5. I may be going to see Guilin!! (I am all sorts of excited)
6a. I have been an unwilling vegetarian for about 80% of my time here, since the meals are all provided and the Academy is strictly vegetarian.
6b. I actually quite enjoy their take on vegetarianism. The food is surprisingly quite good, and unsurprisingly quite good for your body.
7. My Chinese has improved like crazy. It's amazing.
I will try to provide updates when at all possible, but a full summary of my experiences might have to wait for my return to the States.
Wish me luck!
