Teachers Rejoice, it's your day.

The most famous of Chinese teachers, Confucius, passed away on September 10th (so I read) and in his honor China celebrates Teachers Day. At Zhengzhou number 47 high school (where I work) all the teachers this year were brought to a restaurant and gardens near the Yellow River. We arrived with a few hours to tour the space, walking through the gardens and traversing the rope courses suspended over a lake. Some women dared the wobbly bridges, but most the courses were littered with the male teachers as they (and I) embraced our childish nature. We foreigners took the chance to rent a 4-person bike and skirt around the grounds. Wait, I overused the plural. I tugged us around the gardens. Often solo pedaling at the beginning and then physically pushing the bike on the return. No worries though, it was good exercise.

The fountain pictured here is filled once again to house the live fish with which each teacher is rewarded. The teachers received a clothing steamer, some dishes, the live fish, moon cakes (I'll explain that later when I get to Mid-Autumn Festival), and a monetary bonus. Unfortunately, we foreigners are employed through an intermediary and do not receive any school gifts.

Before the lunch, the school held an awards ceremony. While proud of my colleagues for their recognition, it is a fair chance to reflect that there cannot be a future for me here. Yes, we foreigners do not have to attend school meetings or proctor tests, but it is disheartening to know that we aren't even in the running. Regardless how diligent, innovative, dedicated, or self-sacrificing we may be, our peers won't officially recognize it.

On the positive side, the students show their satisfaction (or lack thereof) daily. My 12th graders presented me with a scroll of Confucian teachings as a Teacher's day present. That is a great reward!

Later Days,
Rick