Quebecers and their Loyalty to the Language

This past June, hundreds of bikers set up camp in glamping-tents on the lawns of Laval

University in Québec City, Québec, Canada. Village Avril, where devoted cyclists meet together

for a 1000-kilometer ride. As I walked along the pathways, watching the teams get breakfast and

exchange with local vendors about sports products, an emcee took the microphone and spoke in

the local Canadian French dialect of Québécois. All was well in the crowd until he uttered an

English word. Suddenly the bikers around me shouted back, “Travail! On dit travail!” At that

moment, I witnessed first-hand the local sentiment of protecting a language against anglicisms. I

took it as a testament to the Quebecers’ considerable pride in their language and how eager they

are to keep the English away from their language. I wondered why the desire to push away

anglicisms was so strong, despite speaking a localized French dialect so heavily influenced by

them. And I wondered how the current French-language policies and measures affected the

average immigrant to Quebec. .....(research continued)

Photo Dump: Today's Adventure

 Massivity

 Balance

 Drop below

 Opposing views

 A side to every story

 Opposing views

 Up and Down

 Chasing the golden hour

 Trying not to get caught

Don't forget your youth

Tiny People

11 OCTOBER 2016

Today during opening, Midge and I got out the calendar and asked, "What day is it today? Who's being good that wants to come show us?"

That's when we realized our calendar was still on "September", and of course, parents were watching.

It dawned on me very recently that I'll miss all these kids when the semester ends. I'd read countless times about how that happens, and I guess it's happening once more. I already have put to memory their abilities and respective English levels, their likes and things to avoid with them, and most importantly their names. I really hope that some years down the road I will be able to see them again, even just for one conversation.

For the seniors, it's Hannah, Lucy, Sarah, Rako, Andre, Kingsley, Ivan, and Jay. For the juniors, it's Clara, Donut, Sera, Joanna, UT, Vivian, and Allen. Allen is a little stinker, and Donut is going down that path as well. (I thought she would've been my star student, now Clara is taking her place.)

I didn't realize how much I know about them until Midge asked, "Who's that one?" and I said, "Nelson. He's pretty smart." "And her?" "That's Hannah. She's precious. She does my hair and gives me back rubs during lessons." And then Kingsley with his little anklet runs up to me and buries his face in my belly.

He comes up to me during snack regularly to hop into my lap and give me big slobbery kisses on my cheek!

Hannah and me

Sera with Vivian and UT in the background. Vivian is looking down. (She is very good in English!)

Here in China there doesn't seem to be a distinction between "breakfast food" and other food. For breakfast we eat corn, greens, noodles, chicken, dumplings.. basically anything the USA would usually eat for "Chinese night."

Little Lucas, who always whispers Chinese nonsense in my ear

Kingsley and I

Peter knows how to take pictures!

Andre and Michelle

Michelle is a sweetheart who is eager to learn and very observant. She is so sweet and sometimes gets left out. 
That's the tough part about teaching, helping everyone feel included, especially the quiet ones. I was the quiet one growing up too, and I know exactly how it feels to be on the outside looking in. I hope none of my kids feel that way.

And then for a moment, everything is still.

Photo Dump: La Grande Muraille de Chine

中國的長城

We met some friends!

Waving to our friends...

It was a foggy, perfect day. Some rain at the beginning and lots at the end. The hike was nice even though it was a bit crowded; that's what I get for going on a National Holiday!

 At some points, I wonder how it is that people long ago walked this area every day. Then I think of how muscular their legs must have been.

This is one of those places that you have to see in all it's forms, at all seasons, in all hours of the day. I wish I could spend time on each section.. but that would be a long long time to walk.