Jiaotong University 

We are having a grand adventure in Xi'an, China.

In the spring we decided we wanted to look at opportunities for service.  After making a pros and cons list we settled upon teaching again in China.  We previously taught in Nanjing for the 2018 - 2019 school year.  We loved our students, fellow teachers, food, travel, and China.  

BYU China Teachers has 23 teachers serving this year throughout China.  It is a wonderful program and we feel so fortunate to participate.

So here we are!

We had a long flight, which at the time was excruciating, but now seems comical.  Let's just say that Doug sat with a baby cradle over his lap.  

We are teaching at Jiaotong University.  We have 8 classes with 173 students.  The class is titled, "Oral English Presentation."  Our first day starts on Tuesday.  We brought from the USA a big box of Oreo's in our suitcase.  A debate activity will highlight our first lesson plan on whether chocolate flavor or golden flavor is the best.  

This week has been busy with business such as opening bank accounts, phones, campus ID cards, moving into our apartment and lesson plans.  

We live adjacent to a large park known as Xingquinggong Park.  We have loved the sights and sounds of this Chinese park with musical performances, dancing, Tang Dynasty costume faze, iconic bridges, and serene water landscapes.  

One night we explored the renowned Muslim food street, where a variety of intriguing food options captivated us as we walked along, observing demonstrations and attempting to identify the various dishes.

We have found delicious food to eat so far.  Some favorites include cold noodles, Chinese hamburger, beef noodles, dumplings and a sweet potato and cheese dish.

Funny experience of the week:  We went to a spa today to get a pedicure.  It was an hour process starting with a back massage and ending with an ear wax cleaning.  It costs less than $14.  We were translating back and forth with the technician.  When we told him we had 5 children, his translation back to us said, "You are an over-birth gorilla team."

Xi'an

Chinese hamburger and cold noodles

Squid at the Muslim Food Street

Stretching and cooking noodles