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.