This past year of Beihang University has been great for me. I was happy most of the time, even though I fell completely short of two of my goals. My Chinese is still completely abysmal and my weight is still entirely too high. I did lose about 15 kg during the first semester and then gained it back over the spring. Financially, I am in a much better place. I make about the same comparatively in the States, but I don’t have to finance a car, pay insurance or gas, or the rent on an apartment or room. All of that money goes to my savings (ok, my debt).

In January, I went to the home of my friend Anna, in Wenzhou. I met her family and stayed at her home for a couple of days. It was very beautiful there among the rice fields and mountains. The people of Wenzhou speak a dialect that is extremely difficult, so I understood none of it. Her family is very nice. We then went to the wedding of our mutual friend, Sabrina, in Hangzhou. I also stayed with her family. Her mom tried to murder me with food. She was beyond gracious and welcoming. I enjoyed getting to know both families.

Anna and me, Wenzhou.

Serena’s Wedding, Hangzhou.

After that, I went to Hong Kong and Macau (my 2x) where I visited with my friend Jan (from Czech Rep.) and my 妹妹 (Masako from Japan). I met both of them while living in the dorms of Sichuan University. They are some of my favorite people. Jan was studying at HK Polytech and Masako came to visit with us both. We also went to Macau and had dinner at the Grand Lisboa Casino with two other friends, Ricver Chan and Elaine Seng. Ricver was Jan’s roommate at Sichuan University. Elaine is a friend of mine that I met while teaching at Beijing Normal University. She was a student then and is now a teacher in Macau.

Jan and me, Macau

Jan and Masako in Hong Kong

Elaine and me, Macau.

I had another trip later in the year. I went to Pingyao, Shanxi Province with friends from Church. It was great hanging out with those guys, especially since one of them will soon be heading back to the US. The city itself was very interesting. I also bought the first souvenir (other than books) in the past ten years – a gun that fires matchsticks. I didn’t tell anyone but I immediately regretted buying it. First, I am an avowed cheapskate and it cost me about $8. Second, it was a silly purchase. I could also have had a miniature bust of myself made for $48, but didn’t because it was too expensive and a bit egotistical. All of the souvenirs in the past ten years were given to me.

As for the school, I love teaching here. My students are respectful and eager to learn. I felt that my Western Culture classes were interesting and had something of an impact. Several mentioned that my class was their favorite. I think that had more to do with my no homework policy than anything else, though. I felt some regret about my Oral English class. My students were exchange students from outside of Beihang and they paid more to come to this university. I could see their progress, but could also sense their frustration because they did not feel they were as capable as others. I knew this was not true, but I could not seem to convey that to them. They were the only class I had for the whole year and were my favorite. Each of them is an example to me in striving for my goals.

My students.