Xi Xia. It was the beginning of a sublime three-day weekend. Sleep-in on Saturday, May Day on Sunday, Chinese Labor Day on Monday, which, of course, meant no class. My only goals were to shave my face and to fry up some chicken legs. I’d been researching how to do it the KFC way and perfecting my technique through trial and error for months. Sure, I didn’t have half the proper ingredients but damn it I was ready! My students had other plans for me.
Kidnapped By My Students
On Saturday morning around eleven I woke up to an ardent knocking on my front door. I put on some pants and yelled, “do you know what time it is?” The knocking continued.
“Oh yeah, I’m in China and they probably can’t hear me, let alone understand me… especially through the door,” my brain blurted out to my empty bedroom. Buttoning up a shirt I walked to the front door.
“DO YOU KNOW WH—“ On the other side of the eyehole were four students smiling up at me. Opening it I sputtered an, “Oh, oh hey, how’s it going?”
We were to jump on a bus and head to Xi Xia right then! Serving in the Peace Corps does call for a lot of flexibility after all. The Colonel would have to wait.
What are ya, chicken?
As I unbuttoned the shirt to put it on they shoved a small paper bag filled with jian bing into my other hand and said, “it’s your breakfast!”
I wasn’t mad
Our destination, Xi Xia (pronounced ‘she sha’), had been talked up ever since I arrived at site last year.
“It is so beautiful.” – Cora, freshman oral English student
“I really want to go there, Matt.” – Ana, student who has never been there
“There’s a secret entrance that students can show you so you don’t have to pay the equivalent of $10 to get in.” – written on an old, brown-stained note left by the previous male volunteer at my site
“If Xi Xia was a boy he’d be my boyfriend <3.” – back-side of a note passed to me by a student
As it turned out, it was a place FULL of magical wonders and EVEN MORE Chinese tourists. And even that secret entrance!
Hiking… In English
We hiked around and spoke English with each other while taking in the sites, which I suppose did something to fulfill the first goal of Peace Corps China: don’t ever embarrass yourself by speaking Chine—I mean teach English.”
But honestly, what would Peace Corps be without a dose or two of daily embarrassment?
My students were enthusiastic to have me along and took many selfies and group selfies with their selfie sticks. Taking selfies is an epidemic in China just as it is in America. I’ve seen little kids do it, students in class do it, and breastfeeding women in hair salons do it. Everyone does it and if you don’t you won’t be able to shove pictures of your life onto the ever-widening social life raft that is WeChat (a social media platform in China similar to Facebook Messenger).
It’s surprising to me that ‘selfies’ is still underlined in red on Microsoft Word. The dictionary people really haven’t defined it yet? This is 2016! What’s the deal with that?
The first word suggested to correct it is selfish. I can’t see how that’s relevant, though. What could the personal benefit of randomly shoving your arm out into empty space be? What if you were eating a big burrito? Gone! What if you were on the phone with your mother in law? Talk to you later! What if there was a big mean looking ex con walking within arms reach? Whoops.
Here are few selfies that the students took and sent to me later:
Meeting New Peeps
While hiking around I met a few interesting Chinese people. One woman approached me speaking fluent English! I was dumbfounded… usually all I get is a quick, “I don’t understand what you’re saying,” rattled off to me in Chinese. But this woman’s English abilities were better than mine.
She’d been a middle school teacher teaching specifically English for 28 years. That November she was going to Boston for three months to study. It would be her first time in the States. She asked me what she should do there in her free time and I, having never even been within a hundred miles of Boston, mumbled to her to, “Go to a hockey game.” She heard, “Play in a hockey game,” and said, “No no no!”
That’s exemplative of cultural exchange for me here in China.
That night I got home exhausted by the full day. Xi Xia had really taken it out of me. By this point the chicken legs had been marinating in salt and pepper water for over twenty-four hours, definitely wayyyy too long. But I didn’t care. I just hopped into bed!
Originally posted in an old blog.
My Peace Corps timeline of service.
Really Appreciate this blog post, is there any way I can receive an alert email every time you make a new article?
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement? My website has a lot of unique content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my permission. Do you know any techniques to help stop content from being ripped off? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
Thank you for sharing excellent informations. Your web-site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you¦ve on this site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched everywhere and just couldn’t come across. What an ideal site.
I was very pleased to find this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.
I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem. You’re amazing! Thanks!
Hello! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa? My website discusses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you might be interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Awesome blog by the way!
Great – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related information ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Excellent task..
It’s actually a nice and useful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this useful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
Yay google is my world beater assisted me to find this outstanding site! .
Can I just say what a reduction to search out someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know the way to convey a difficulty to mild and make it important. Extra people have to learn this and perceive this aspect of the story. I cant consider youre no more common because you definitely have the gift.
We stumbled over here coming from a different page and thought I might check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to looking at your web page for a second time.
Great V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related info ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Excellent task..
This really answered my problem, thank you!
I simply could not depart your web site before suggesting that I extremely loved the usual information a person provide to your visitors? Is gonna be again often in order to check out new posts
I’d incessantly want to be update on new articles on this web site, saved to favorites! .
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! By the way, how could we communicate?
Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely wonderful. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is actually a wonderful website.
Does your website have a contact page? I’m having problems locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail. I’ve got some suggestions for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My blog has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my permission. Do you know any techniques to help reduce content from being ripped off? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
You made a few nice points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found a good number of folks will agree with your blog.
Hey, you used to write fantastic, but the last several posts have been kinda boringK I miss your super writings. Past several posts are just a bit out of track! come on!
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you really know what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Kindly also visit my website =). We could have a link exchange contract between us!
Some genuinely nice and useful information on this web site, likewise I conceive the style holds excellent features.
After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.
Thank you for some other excellent post. The place else may just anyone get that kind of info in such an ideal means of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m at the search for such information.
Dear xyzmattc.com webmaster, Your posts are always well-supported by facts and figures.
Hello xyzmattc.com admin, Your posts are always well written and informative.
PLoS One 2013; 8 5 e63773 buy cialis daily online
Several recurrent AML oncogenic fusion lesions have been linked to a high risk of relapse after chemotherapy, including chromosomal translocations involving the Mll mixed lineage leukemia gene MLL ENL and MLL AF9, particularly found in infants or individuals that had previously been treated with topoisomerase inhibitors Ayton et al viagra heart attack
Hi xyzmattc.com webmaster, You always provide useful tips and best practices.
Great line up. We will be linking to this great article on our site. Keep up the good writing.
Dear xyzmattc.com administrator, Your posts are always well-structured and logical.
Hi xyzmattc.com administrator, Excellent work!
To the xyzmattc.com admin, Thanks for the educational content!
Hi xyzmattc.com webmaster, Thanks for the in-depth post!
To the xyzmattc.com webmaster, Your posts are always informative and well-explained.
Hi xyzmattc.com administrator, Your posts are always well-cited and reliable.
Hi my loved one! I want to say that this post is awesome, great written and come with approximately all important infos. I’d like to see extra posts like this .
Hi xyzmattc.com administrator, Your posts are always informative and well-explained.
I am continuously searching online for ideas that can assist me. Thank you!
Hi xyzmattc.com admin, Nice post!
To the xyzmattc.com administrator, Your posts are always informative and well-explained.
To the xyzmattc.com owner, Your posts are always informative and well-explained.
358055 322743Dead composed subject matter, thanks for info . 216855
F*ckin¦ remarkable things here. I am very happy to look your article. Thank you a lot and i am taking a look forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?
Thanks so much for providing individuals with an extremely breathtaking possiblity to read from this site. It’s always very pleasant and also full of a great time for me and my office fellow workers to search your site at the very least 3 times per week to study the latest tips you will have. Not to mention, I’m so always astounded with all the powerful concepts served by you. Selected 3 facts in this article are unquestionably the most effective I have ever had.
Unquestionably imagine that that you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the internet the simplest thing to be mindful of. I say to you, I certainly get irked whilst people think about concerns that they plainly don’t realize about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and outlined out the entire thing without having side effect , folks can take a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thanks
To the xyzmattc.com administrator, Good to see your posts!
Hello there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Cheers
Great article and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is in fact the best place to ask but do you guys have any thoughts on where to employ some professional writers? Thx 🙂
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.
It’s really a cool and useful piece of info. I’m happy that you shared this useful information with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
Good day very cool website!! Man .. Excellent .. Wonderful .. I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally?KI’m satisfied to search out a lot of helpful information here in the publish, we’d like develop more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
Hello xyzmattc.com admin, Keep up the good work, admin!
I’m not sure why but this blog is loading extremely slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
Java Burn: What is it? Java Burn is marketed as a natural weight loss product that can increase the speed and efficiency of a person’s natural metabolism, thereby supporting their weight loss efforts
What is Lottery Defeater Software? Lottery software is a specialized software designed to predict and facilitate individuals in winning lotteries.
You could definitely see your skills in the work you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. At all times go after your heart.
I love it when people come together and share opinions, great blog, keep it up.
Valuable info. Lucky me I found your web site by accident, and I’m shocked why this accident did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
Ikaria Lean Belly Juice is a dietary supplement that helps in losing weight.
Yay google is my world beater helped me to find this outstanding web site! .
Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.
Hi my loved one! I want to say that this article is amazing, great written and come with almost all important infos. I?¦d like to look more posts like this .
Hi xyzmattc.com webmaster, Thanks for the well-organized and comprehensive post!
You are a very capable individual!
Dear xyzmattc.com webmaster, Thanks for the well-researched and well-written post!
To the xyzmattc.com webmaster, Excellent work!
What Is ZenCortex? ZenCortex is an ear health booster that protects ears from potential damage and improves your hearing health.
I believe that is among the most significant information for me. And i’m satisfied reading your article. But want to statement on some general issues, The site style is ideal, the articles is really nice : D. Just right task, cheers
Some times its a pain in the ass to read what blog owners wrote but this web site is really user friendly! .
Lovely just what I was searching for.Thanks to the author for taking his time on this one.
I regard something truly special in this web site.
As a Newbie, I am constantly searching online for articles that can benefit me. Thank you
What is ProNerve 6? ProNerve 6 is your complete arrangement made to address the multifaceted necessities of nerve wellbeing
It is in reality a great and useful piece of information. I am happy that you shared this useful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
I just could not depart your site prior to suggesting that I actually enjoyed the standard information a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often in order to check up on new posts
I wish to express appreciation to the writer for rescuing me from this particular condition. After browsing throughout the internet and seeing things which were not beneficial, I was thinking my entire life was over. Living without the presence of strategies to the problems you’ve sorted out by way of your entire blog post is a critical case, as well as the ones which may have negatively affected my entire career if I hadn’t encountered the website. The knowledge and kindness in controlling all the stuff was useful. I don’t know what I would have done if I had not encountered such a point like this. I am able to now relish my future. Thank you so much for this impressive and sensible help. I won’t hesitate to refer your site to any individual who should receive guidance on this problem.
I’ve recently started a website, the info you provide on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
Thanks for the article, can you make it so I receive an update sent in an email when you make a new post?
Hi , I do believe this is an excellent blog. I stumbled upon it on Yahoo , i will come back once again. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and help other people.
One such software that has been generating buzz these days is the Lottery Defeater
What i do not understood is if truth be told how you are no longer actually a lot more neatly-liked than you might be right now. You are very intelligent. You recognize thus significantly with regards to this subject, produced me in my opinion believe it from numerous numerous angles. Its like women and men are not interested until it is something to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding. Always handle it up!
Some truly grand work on behalf of the owner of this site, perfectly outstanding content material.
I?¦ve read a few just right stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how so much effort you put to create this type of fantastic informative web site.
Way cool, some valid points! I appreciate you making this article available, the rest of the site is also high quality. Have a fun.
I’ve learn a few good stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much attempt you set to create the sort of great informative site.
Hi xyzmattc.com webmaster, You always provide practical solutions and recommendations.
What Is Sugar Defender? Sugar Defender is a meticulously crafted natural health supplement aimed at helping individuals maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Developed by Jeffrey Mitchell, this liquid formula contains 24 scientifically backed ingredients meticulously chosen to target the root causes of blood sugar imbalances.
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my web site thus i came to “return the favor”.I am attempting to find things to enhance my web site!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!
I like this website because so much utile stuff on here : D.
I got what you mean , thanks for posting.Woh I am lucky to find this website through google. “Spare no expense to make everything as economical as possible.” by Samuel Goldwyn.
Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything. However just imagine if you added some great photos or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this blog could certainly be one of the most beneficial in its field. Fantastic blog!
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. It extremely helps make reading your blog significantly easier.
Good write-up, I am normal visitor of one’s site, maintain up the nice operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
Hey very nice site!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find a lot of useful info here in the post, we need work out more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
I was just looking for this information for some time. After 6 hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your web site. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this kind of informative sites in top of the list. Normally the top websites are full of garbage.
I am typically to blogging and i really respect your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and hold checking for brand spanking new information.
I really like your writing style, superb info , appreciate it for posting : D.
You have noted very interesting points! ps decent site. “Enemies, as well as lovers, come to resemble each other over a period of time.” by Sydney Harris.
Some really choice blog posts on this site, saved to fav.
I really glad to find this site on bing, just what I was searching for : D likewise saved to bookmarks.
I love it when people come together and share opinions, great blog, keep it up.
of course like your web site but you need to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless I will surely come back again.
Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice whilst you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast offered vivid transparent concept
Hello! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I truly enjoy reading your blog posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same subjects? Thanks!
I’m curious to find out what blog platform you are using? I’m having some minor security issues with my latest website and I’d like to find something more safe. Do you have any recommendations?
Hello my friend! I want to say that this article is awesome, nice written and include approximately all important infos. I¦d like to peer more posts like this .
Greetings from California! I’m bored at work so I decided to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the info you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, excellent site!
I think this internet site holds some real great info for everyone :D. “As ill-luck would have it.” by Miguel de Cervantes.
Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any recommendations?
Thank you, I have recently been looking for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I’ve found out so far. But, what concerning the bottom line? Are you sure about the source?
I take pleasure in, lead to I found exactly what I was having a look for. You’ve ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all of us you really recognize what you’re speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Please additionally visit my web site =). We may have a link trade agreement among us!
Simply want to say your article is as amazing. The clearness for your publish is just nice and that i can suppose you are knowledgeable in this subject. Fine together with your permission allow me to take hold of your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks one million and please keep up the gratifying work.
I truly appreciate this post. I?¦ve been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thx again
Excellent website. A lot of useful info here. I am sending it to some friends ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks for your effort!
Good ?V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related info ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task..
Thanx for the effort, keep up the good work Great work, I am going to start a small Blog Engine course work using your site I hope you enjoy blogging with the popular BlogEngine.net.Thethoughts you express are really awesome. Hope you will right some more posts.
It is in reality a nice and useful piece of info. I¦m happy that you simply shared this useful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
I enjoy your piece of work, thankyou for all the interesting posts.