Jingshan Park 景山公园
Views from Jingshan Park 景山公园
Mother’s hand is waiting for yours to hold
Chinese people have a saying: “尊老爱幼,” which means, “Respect the old and cherish the young.” These traditional attitudes and priorities are part of the reason I really love Chinese culture, but many such ideas are being eroded in modern society, often by the influence of western culture.
The story below was in my reading textbook this week, and it really touched a nerve with me. I’ve included the whole story, and translated it into English as best as I’m able.
Continue reading “Mother’s hand is waiting for yours to hold”
Full moon
Beautiful full moon tonight for the Lantern Festival
Two little dinosaurs
Two little dinosaurs snuggled up on the balcony to watch the Lantern Festival fireworks before bed!
Worrying story of Chinese teenagers abroad turning to crime and violence
As I read this story, I felt very sad at the attitudes of the teenagers and their parents. These three young people are being punished for doing horrible things to another Chinese teenager, and their response is that it’s their parents’ fault for not bringing them up better. Sure, that’s probably true, and a sad reflection on the parents and the modern society that allows this to happen, but it’s like the kids are trying to absolve themselves of all responsibility: “It’s not my fault I’m a horrible person, blame my parents, blame society.” This seems all too familiar and pervades Western attitudes to crime and punishment. Surely the truth is that we all have choices to make? We are strongly influenced by so many things, true, but when push comes to shove, or to kick, then we have the choice to make in that moment. No one else makes that choice for us, and we can choose a better way.
What a difference a few months makes…
Urgent! Ponies needed!
One fun thing about preschool in China is the very random requests sent from the teachers. This morning we got a message that we need to make ponies ready for the children to ride on Monday, made the more hilarious by the auto -translator:
In order to enrich children outdoor sports game material, could you please help me make a pony, each do a kid, on Monday. I send pictures to you, the horsehead materials can be done with children do not wear socks, horse of your choice material body, to be strong, children can play live. Thank you very much!
Those of you who can speak Chinese: your challenge is to work out what the original message was…
