As we start September, it’s surreal to realize where we are.  One year ago, there is no way we would have imagined ourselves teaching around the world.  It was such a pipe dream, and now it’s reality.  Teaching is teaching, but everywhere has it’s own challenges.  We’re looking forward to the future.

Today is “Opening Ceremonies” at the BHSF Main Campus.  It’s a BIG DEAL.  We’re supposed to be on the campus at 7:30am.  The one-hour commute means early departure.  Thankfully, the subway isn’t crowded, and we get to sit for much of the trip.

As we approach the campus, students are coming from everywhere.  The street is congested and students are bailing out of their cars, and running toward the school gates.  At the gate, students are allowed in, but parents are held out.  Judy and I get in using my faculty ID.  The ceremony is outside, on the field.  A large stage is set up, and several thousand plastic stools are lined up for students and parents.  Thankfully, the faculty gets chairs.  After the students get in place, parents are admitted, and fill up the remaining stools at the back.

Teamwork Sculpture

Middle schoolers getting organized

All the students are wearing their uniforms, and it’s a pretty interesting sight when everyone is seated in their rows, feet together, hands on knees, and backs straight.  There are over 2500 students, including the main campus, the international campus, and the middle school campus.  The students have had some preliminary training and we are treated to two different groups demonstrating their marching and self-defense skills.  I can’t begin to give this a proper description.  Hopefully I can figure out how to post some video.

Flag-Raising

Ceremony starting up

We are treated to speeches and introductions, most of them too long, especially when our mandarin is so inadequate.  There is a flag-raising ceremony, and a rock version of the School Song we’re treated to.  This is everything I hoped for, and more.

At the conclusion, we walk back to the subway, and ride to Xidan (pronounced she-don) station.  There’s supposed to be food and shopping.  We find both.  We end up eating twice before we leave.  We passed on the bullfrog and duckblood, but enjoyed some very spicy vegetable dishes in “The Spicy Spirit.”  They have their own version of jalapenos here.  We’ll be better off when we learn to recognize them before we eat them.

Starved! Can you tell?

Our destination, some shopping and food

Orange tea

One pea at a time

Spicy vegetable!!!!! I mean spicy!

Spices for sale.

We are worn out when we decide to head home, and opt for a taxi over the subway.  We’re on the opposite side of Beijing from our apartment, so I’m a little worried about the length of the trip.  Judy practices her “taxi talk”, and it works!  We’re home 40 minutes later.  She again proves her value!