THURSDAY, 11/28/13

Today is a workday for both of us.  Judy gets away on time.  I actually get away a little early.  It’s cold (-3 C), but the wind isn’t blowing too much, so it’s a comfortable walk.  I’m even sweating a little as I get to the train station.  Classes go pretty well.  Orchestra class after school is little frustrating.  It’s hard to move forward with only one day a week, and numerous absences each week.  Several of the students have make-up work to do in one of the classes, and two others have an SAT prep for chemistry.  Seven students attend today.  We are able to get work done on our full ensemble piece, helping a couple of the weaker students solve some problems.  I’m glad I don’t have a contest to prepare for.

It’s Thanksgiving Day back in the US, but a workday here in China.  Since I don’t get home until late, Judy and I decided earlier in the week that we’ll save our Thanksgiving meal (and energy) until tomorrow.  There is some awareness in China of Thanksgiving.  We’ve seen ads for Thanksgiving buffets, etc.  The malls have “turkey” decorations.  I didn’t see any turkey in our local grocery, though.

FRIDAY, 11/29/13

School goes well for both of us today.  I get home around 2:30 after visiting with some of the faculty after lunch at my school.  There were 4 of the male Chinese teachers shopping clothing online, taking advantage of “Black Friday” sales.  I thought there might be discussion of the US intrusion into the new Chinese Air ID Zone in the South China Sea, but the subject never comes up.  Only shopping talk today.

When Judy gets home after musical rehearsal, we load into a taxi and ride to the Renaissance Beijing, Capital Hotel.  It takes about an hour in heavy traffic.  Her choir is singing for a Christmas tree lighting next Friday, and she needs to check out the location of the hotel, where the choir will be standing when they perform, and the sound system.  She doesn’t want any surprises.  We meet the hotel staff contact, and verify all the details. 

Now it’s time for Thanksgiving Dinner.  Renaissance Hotels are Marriott properties, so the buffets are pretty elaborate.  Although there is no turkey, there’s plenty of steak and mashed potatoes.  We waddle out when we finish off our meal, ready for a “long winter’s nap”.