We get out of our apartment as scheduled. A taxi is waiting and we arrive at the airport with time to spare. We check our bags, get our boarding passes, and begin the long trek to the international departures gate, immigration, and security. The plane departs on schedule and due to a huge tailwind, we get to San Francisco an hour ahead of schedule. Judy is sitting next to a guy on the plane who “knows everything and complains about all of it”. He even whines about arriving early and having to kill time before his next flight. He must have never missed a connection due to weather, etc.

Our layover in SanFran isn’t too long, and our Global Entry clearance gets us through immigration really fast. It’s a four-hour flight. We get our bags, recheck them, work our way through security again (TSA-Pre is helpful), and find our gate. The departure is delayed due to a late arriving plane, but we eventually get away.

Courtney meets us at the DFW airport, delivering us to a Rosa’s Café, where Brad and Glenda meet us. We have a fun reunion catching up on a few things and making plans for the next week over dinner. Brad takes Courtney back to Dallas. We take the car and drive to our hotel in West Fort Worth. We have two days in our hotel before the movers arrive with our stuff and we begin to move into our new Museum Place condo. Two more days and we’ll be back on our own bed and sitting on our own furniture. It’s going to be a great 2 ½ weeks here and in Baton Rouge, catching up with all our families.

I’m going to take a short hiatus from writing, but I’ll get back at it when we head back to Beijing. I may even have a moving story or two.

Today is a big day for the BISS elementary music department (Judy), and students. The annual Xmas program is a huge hit. Judy has done her usual masterful job of putting together a program where every student, in every grade level, gets a chance to perform. The program features a variety of costumes, props, and instruments. It’s short and sweet, and leaves everyone wishing for just a little more, which is exactly what she wants. I’ll try to post a picture or two of each group.

PRE-K

KINDERGARTEN

 FIRST GRADE

SECOND GRADE

THIRD GRADE

FOURTH GRADE

FIFTH GRADE

BISS CHOIR

After school we start putting together our stuff for the trip back to the states. It’s always a challenge to pack everything we need to take back and fit it into two large bags, and our carry-on. There’s lots of selecting and folding and cramming, etc., etc., etc.

Before Judy left school, Shannon discussed possibly coming over to eat some pizza. Dom, her husband, is out of town, and with school out for Xmas, she needs someplace to wind down after her first semester as the principal. No matter where the school is located, a principal is always dealing with parent issues, and Shannon had her share of them today. We make a plan, and begin our packing while we wait for her call. She had stuff to finish at school before getting out the door.

We work vigorously at our packing, and never heard from her. Judy sent a text, and didn’t get a reply. We tried to call, and she didn’t answer? I finally ordered pizza, but we’re pretty curious where she is. The pizza arrives, and we continue packing and eating (we’ve got a bunch to do tonight). Finally around 7:45 pm, there’s a knock on the door, and Shannon walks in with a great story, a true TIC (this is China) story.

She left school around 5:30. As she tries to hail a taxi, she calls to tell us she’s on the way, and her phone shuts down. She has no more minutes left. Like Judy, Shannon has no idea how or where to get a phone card, or how to input it, even if she did. This is “husband duty”, and Dom is in Australia, and has been for a week. She can’t even call anyone to find out how. It takes her 45 minutes to finally get a taxi, and the 3^rd Ring Road traffic is terrible. 15 minutes turns into 45 minutes.

When she finally gets to UHN, and walks into our building, she realizes she doesn’t know our apartment number. She knows how to find it when she gets off the elevator, but has no clue what floor we’re on, and no ability to call and ask. She can only remember we’re on the 15^th floor or above (we’re on the 25^th floor). So….., 10 floors (and doors) later, and lots of questioning looks from the apartment dwellers below us, she found us. We all have a huge laugh, and enjoy some more pizza.

We get a recap of her day and parent dealings, and then she heads home, hoping to find out from Dom (via Skype) how to load her phone. We’re up pretty late finishing our packing. Our 1:30 pm flight tomorrow isn’t particularly early, but one never knows what problems will be encountered when trying to get a taxi. The bulk of the packing needs to get finished tonight.

As usual, I have to take off early to get to school. My knees are feeling gimpy, and I decide to taxi over today. When I get into the cab, the driver’s gestures indicate he’s driven me to school once before. This is great, because I can sit back, relax, and let him worry about the route. I don’t have to sweat whether or not the driver really knows where I need to go. He drops me right at the door with a big smile.

Almost everyone is in class today. It’s been several weeks since that’s been the case. We spend some time talking about holiday music in the states and we even sang some Christmas carols, using some of Judy’s powerpoints. I followed that up with youtube videos of extreme home Christmas lights set to music.

At lunch today, we meet the guitar club for the first time. They’ve been meeting some on their own, getting ready for the school talent show, and have some good ideas in place. I just give them some ways to maximize the musical impacts.

Orchestra club meets after school, and the rehearsal goes ok. About half the group is attending, and they’re talking about also playing at the talent show? They actually could make it work, but they’re going to have to rehearse. To make matters worse, today is my last chance to meet with them before the talent show on Jan. 31. Like last year, my trip to the US means I’ll be gone when the talent show takes place. I hate they have to perform without me around for three weeks to push them, and fix a few things. Oh well!

When I’m not rehearsing the clubs, I spend the rest of the time putting together my sub plans for my absences. I’m going to miss only 3 classes, but it’s never easy to write plans that will keep the students busy and out of the teacher’s hair, especially when there’s a language barrier between the sub and myself. I’m also going to have a different person for each day, so that triples the problem.

TUESDAY, 12/9/14

I was the ultimate example of non-productive today. The weather wasn’t too bad, but the pollution was miserable. Yesterday the pollution levels started around 70-80, and finished around 180 at midnight. This morning when we woke up, the reading was around 230, and by the time Judy got home it had bounced up above 420, and was settling in at 370 when we went to bed. It was dreary all day!

Pre-K students in Music Class.

Some of the “tree decorating” by the Pre-K teacher Ruta Baskevics (Latvia).

I kept trying to accomplish things on the internet, but it was so slow, I couldn’t get most websites to open. I was beginning to wonder if my computer had a virus or something. Nope, just lousy internet. I guess some businesses and individuals in China have good service, but if everyone has anything approaching the poor levels we see, the country will never achieve what they’re capable of. In a digital world, this is just too inefficient.

WEDNESDAY, 12/10/14

I thought Monday was going to be my last shopping day, but when I got home, Judy called with a few last minute items we needed. Yesterday was not a good day to go out, but today is my last chance before we head back to the US. As I start out, the pollution levels are around 220, but by noon, it’s down below 90. I saw some readings in the 40s by bedtime.

Lilly’s mom has taken over Lilly’s cleaning duties at our apartment while Lilly has returned to her hometown to have the baby. On Wednesdays, she has to come in around 8:00 am, to get our place finished, in time to travel and cover one of her regular jobs. Just as a point of interest, Chinese parents are not allowed to know the sex of the baby before birth. Because of the “one child” policy, and the tradition of kids taking care of their elderly parents, boys are more desirable than girls. Many female babies were being aborted, and the parents would try again later for a boy, especially in rural areas where a boy could better handle the farming duties.

I have several items on a “hit list” to purchase, but I’m really curious about the Russian sector of Beijing. I deduced where it was, took a train, and walked into the area, looking for the “Russian Market.” I found lots of markets, especially fashion and furs, but didn’t find what I was looking for. It was unique to walk down the street and hear so much Russian language, especially from the Chinese on the streets and in the shops.

An “Apple Store” in the Russian sector. I don’t think Tim Cook signed off on this one. Check out the Russian signs in the area.

I eventually headed to the Silk Street Market, made my purchases, and had my standard lunch at Tim’s Texas BBQ. I lived it up a little and had the Mexican Burger instead of the Border Burger (guacamole instead of grilled Anaheim peppers). Back home I finalized my lesson plans for this week, and made some decisions on sub plans for my BHSFIC classes while we’re in the US.

It’s the last week before we head back to the US. Judy has one last assembly on Friday, and then school is out after lunch. She’ll probably spend the afternoon putting away all the holiday stuff, and then head home for final packing. She has a couple of possible evening activities planned with some of the teachers (depending on her energy level). It’s gonna be a full week.

My school stays in session through December up to January 23. There is a holiday on December 25, and then two days on Jan. 1 & 2. I’ll miss a total of three class days (18^th, 19^th, and 26^th) while we’re back in the US, since they fall on Thursday and Friday (my regular teaching days). It’s always a pain trying to provide class activities when I’m not sure who might be covering the classes.

As we arrived home yesterday I noticed the crown on my new watch was gone, so I’m headed back today to get it replaced. But first, I’m still trying to find a kite market I’ve read about. I took the train down to Panjiayuan station, near the antique market. I show the address to some of the tuk-tuk drivers and they’re all pretty confused. One of them offers to take me, but I’m not convinced he knows anything, so I set off on my own. I walked around several long blocks and eventually stumbled into a big market area. It’s four stories. The first two floors are food, the 3^rd floor is clothing, and the 4^th floor is household items. This is a nicer wet market than several I’ve seen. There is a huge seafood area with large tubs of fish and lobsters. Meat vendors are around the walls. It’s just so interesting watching all the business taking place. It’s not an Albertson’s or a Kroger.

Eventually I give up, and sightsee through the Antique Market for a while. I’ve deduced that maybe it’s not kite selling season. Then it’s back to the Silk Street Market.  They fix the watch quickly and I also end up buying an Omega watch. I offered a ridiculous price (or so I thought), and they eventually settled. As I was leaving, I walked by the stall where I made them so mad yesterday. They spotted me and “if looks could kill”.

I walked up the street to Tim’s Texas BBQ and enjoyed another great lunch. I need to break myself of this habit. After lunch, I debated about taking a long walk to the Russian Market, or heading up the road to a mall area called “The Place”. I elected to visit “The Place” (it was a shorter walk). It’s a really nice upscale mall area with an outside pavilion like downtown Las Vegas. I’d seen it from a distance at night and the lighting is unbelievable. I hope to see it some evening up close, but it probably won’t happen before Xmas.

I made the trek to train station and headed home, stopping to buy milk in the BHG market at Taiyanggong Station. It’s been a while since I’ve walked this much around town, and I’m beat.

One of the Beijing skyline highlights. It’s not that tall, only about 85 floors, or so.

We still have shopping to finish before we leave for the US. We’re going to the Silk Street Market, to get the wristband adjusted on my Rolex watch. I found the shop where I purchased it, and they made the adjustment. They also gave me a lesson on how to adjust the time and calendar. It’s not like any watch I’ve ever dealt with.

Judy’s been interested in maybe getting a watch, so she begins to check out the options. I think she ended up with a Rolex and a couple of Omega watches. Since I already had a rapport with the staff, the bargaining is a little easier. The prices keep coming down, making me think I probably paid too much on my previous purchases.

We stopped in at a few other shops. There is no such thing as browsing in these places. If you take an interest, they start asking how many you want, and then out comes a calculator. Before you start talking, you better be prepared to take it home, or have them yelling at you as you walk away. In one of the shops, we selected some items, and the “talks” began. I didn’t want the items that badly, and wouldn’t move up from 10% of what they wanted to sell it for. They inched down, and I didn’t move. I eventually pulled out the money I quoted, and tried to offer it to them. When they wouldn’t take it, I tried to leave, and two little sales girls blocked my exit, enthusiastically saying “impossible, impossible”, referencing my offer. I agreed it was impossible and kept trying to walk out. Judy was long gone, standing down the hall outside the shop grinning. I can’t believe she didn’t film this.

I eventually got through the blockade and out the door, and sure enough as we walked away, around a corner, they both hollered “ok, ok”. When I went back they tried to squeeze me for a few more rmb, but eventually gave up. We wandered by the shop later as we were leaving and they muttered and glared as we went by. The same scenario happened in another shop, without quite so much vehemence. We left Silk Street Market not “feeling the love”, but with stuff in our bags, and even some money in our pockets.

Down the street, I took Judy to Tim’s Texas BBQ. She had some nachos, and I had the Border Burger (big patty with cheese and two grilled Anaheim peppers). This is probably the closest thing we’ve found in Beijing for food from back home. It was great!

After our late lunch, we decided our feet needed some work and went to Dragonfly Spa for some foot massage pampering. I just can’t stay awake when I get this relaxed. I’m afraid my snoring might have bothered some of the nearby patrons, but, oh well. Back home after our day of shopping, eating, and pampering, we begin to plan for the week and our Saturday departure for Texas. It’ll be on top of us before we know it.

We have a slow start to our Saturday, relaxing, and catching up on random computer jobs. We also take to time to make sure we have appropriate clothes for the BISS Christmas Party tonight. With our work finished and clothing decisions made, we head out to the Hongqiao Pearl Market. I’ve visited before, but this will be Judy’s first visit. This is also the site for the Tianle Toy Market, next door.

The Pearl Market and the Toy Market

We had a great visit, finding some fun toys for nieces and nephews (at least fun for us). It’s crazy the things available for kids to play with these days. As with any Chinese market, some bargaining has to take place. I have to constantly run currency conversion numbers in my head so we don’t pay too much. I used to worry about insulting vendors with low prices, but I’ve decided it’s part of the game between buyer and seller. When we head home, my mindset has shifted from gift selection and pricing, to “how do we pack this stuff to get it home”.

Back home, it’s time to get ready for the Xmas party. We meet the bus to the party at the UHN gate, along with 10 other BISS UHN residents. As we get close to the restaurant, the traffic is terrible, and the trip takes almost an hour. Our apartment is the last stop before the restaurant.

The party is at a restaurant called “Mango”, located in the Russian section of town. The chef is the husband of one of the BISS teachers. She’s Ukranian, but I’m not sure of the nationality of her husband. We never saw him. He was too busy cooking. The food was really good, with roast chicken, roast pig, grilled vegetables, so many other great foods.

I was not aware there was such a vibrant “Russian” scene in Beijing. There’s a huge section near this restaurant with stores and shops with Russian writing (instead of English) along with the Chinese writing. Apparently many of the Chinese workers in this part of town speak Russian. Later in the evening the restaurant begins to fill up with Eastern European patrons, and you can hear Russian spoken everywhere you turn. There were a few “water pipes” in use at a couple of nearby tables. That’s not a standard item seen at a “Texas Roadhouse” in DFW.

After dinner, we’re treated to a Cuban floor show with singers and dancers. There’s lots of salsa, and eventually the BISS faculty begins to join in on the dancing. What a group!   It’s another one of those nights that I find myself shaking my head at where we are and what we’re doing. It’s a blast!

Judy is pretty worn out when she heads to school today. She has regular classes during school, and then a musical rehearsal after school. My day is pretty easy. I have my two classes, then I ate lunch. After lunch, I visited with Josie and Lashawnda about the Pearl Market. Josie has advice on some small shops, and we’re probably headed there tomorrow.

Back at the apartment, Lilly is finishing cleaning. Today is her last day until March. Her mom will be replacing her for next week (before we leave for the US), January, and the one week in February before the Chinese New Year holiday begins. Lilly is returning to her home in a rural part of the China. Her baby is due Dec. 27. She wants to have the baby in her hometown where it will be cheaper, and also warmer. She doesn’t have heat in her hutong home here in Beijing and it would be pretty rough on the baby. Also, Lilly’s mother is very busy with work and wouldn’t be able to help with the baby, and back home, the mother-in-law will be able to help. That’s going to be an interesting dynamic since Lilly and her mother-in-law don’t get along. Lilly is always discussing how “lazy” she is. Her phrase is “she not good, no work”.

When Judy finally leaves school, she and Shannon attend a holiday “cookie baking” party at a BISS teacher’s apartment. By 10:00 pm, I was beginning to figure it turned into a slumber party. She finally came in, totally exhausted, and full of cookies.

It’s Thursday, so I’ve got an early class. I’m gone by 6:30, headed for the train. When I arrive at school, I realize I didn’t pack my computer charger. It’s the first time this year I’ve walked out with it. My computer is at 50% power, but thankfully, it holds out for both classes.

It’s a weird day for classes. 60% of the 11^th graders and 80% of the 12^th graders are gone. They are taking the SAT test Saturday. Because they have to go to Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur, or Hong Kong, or Macau to take the test, there is lots of travel involved. I have 8 of 25 students in period 1, and 5 of 22 students attending in period 2. I guess there won’t be any orchestra club after school today.

After class, I go talk to Dr. Prettyman about the three classes I’ll be missing while we’re in the US. She mentions she needs help selecting music for a faculty participation performance at the talent show on Dec. 31. I’ll be in the US, but they want me to help find the music. She also needs me to present some of the ideas to the faculty at the meeting after school. Ouch! I have to go home, pick-up my computer charger, return to school for the meeting, and put together some ideas for the faculty meeting. Normally I don’t attend faculty meetings because they’re the same time as Orchestra Club, but with most of the students gone, no club today.

It’s an hour home, and then an hour back to school. With a charged computer, I put together some ideas (with help from Judy’s karaoke library). The presentation is short and the performance idea is “new information” to the faculty. They table the discussion to get their heads around what they might want to do.

Next on the list is Judy’s program at the Renaissance. I leave school at 5:15, loading up in a taxi (I’m in no mood for the subway after 3 long trips earlier today). Traffic is a beating. I have to travel from west to east, through the center of Beijing, down Chang’An Blvd., past Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. It takes an hour for me to get to the hotel. I was beginning to sweat it a little.

Judy’s choir had arrived earlier and are enjoying a mini-buffet, provided by the hotel. I grab a quick bite, and then head out to make sure the sound will work properly. The students did a nice job in the restaurant, especially considering their age.

The program kicks off at 7:00 pm with a gorgeous tree-lighting. The students sing great, and the audience of parents and hotel patrons is enthusiastic, spurring on the students even more. They are a huge success!

This view is from the back of the choir. Check out all the cameras

Another view.

After the program, the props are put away, and the students are dismissed to their parents. We load everything in a small bus, along with Shannon, a couple of teachers, and a handful of students. Back at school, we unload and move everything back into the school. 15 minutes later, we’re in a taxi headed home. It’s been a great night! This was most likely Judy’s last Christmas program, and we’d be celebrating, if we weren’t so tired.

I’ve been looking at kites for over a year, after I saw some guys flying them in a nearby park. I was intrigued by the numerous designs, colors, and all the “gear”. They have special reels, and bags. I’m curious where the “kite market” is located, or did they make them. I googled “Beijing Kite Market”, and sure enough, there are a few specialized market areas for kites.

I’ve decided today is my day to actually go looking, and I settled on a location that’s supposed to be the best spot, but on the outskirts of Beijing. I have an address, but it doesn’t show up when I enter it into any of the map apps. Reading the description of the location, and scouring the map, I think I know where it is and head out. It’s a long train ride, and involves 3 different trains and routes. As we near the destination station, the train comes above ground. As we pull into the station, I can’t see any sign of the market, and I should be able to see it. I can see the area where the market should be, but it’s been leveled. Darn!

I get back on the train and head back into town. I’m almost glad I didn’t find the market. It was an outdoor market, and although the sky is clear and the sun is bright, it’s really cold, and the wind is blowing. I have a haircut appointment this afternoon, and there’s just enough time for a stop at Fatburger on my way.

After the haircut, I contemplated visiting one of the other kite markets, but the cold wind convinced me it was time to go home. Back at the apartment, I stopped at the wet market for some apples and carrots (I developed a yearning for fresh carrots when we were making the potato soup a couple of weeks back.) Lilly is still at the apartment when I arrive, and I ask her if she knows anything about the absentee market. “Oh yeah, it’s been closed for 5 or 6 years”. I guess the webpage I used was a little old?