Coronavirus in Xi'an update

I have now completed my first week of giving assignments to students via an online tool. Both students and teachers are now scattered around the world. Many have recently returned to their home countries or have gone to nearby countries such as Thailand or Japan. Some are stranded in the country they vacationed in, due to travel restrictions.  Others have decided to try (at least for the time being) to stick it out in Xi'an. I intend to remain in Wisconsin until school is reopened, travel restrictions lifted, and the situation is stable.

The Xi'an airport

Those recently flying out of Xi'an encountered a virtually deserted terminal. Mask-wearing was mandatory, both at the airport and in the airplanes. All passengers are screened. People white wearing hazmat suits were present at the airport.

Bags of veggies to be delivered

For those living in apartment complexes that have had a person who tested positive for the coronavirus, they are put on lockdown. So far, 54 buildings or complexes are under such restrictions. (Considering that my complex currently has 18 high-rise buildings with around 34 floors, that's a lot of people!) No one is able to leave at all. (In other complexes, one person from the unit can leave every 2 or 3 days IF they don't have a fever).  Temperature and other monitoring are done upon exit and entry. For those in lockdown, vegetables are delivered to them. Imagine opening up the door and seeing your delivery person wearing a hazmat suit!

Taking no chances when delivering

According to the "official" numbers, there currently are 31,213 infections in China. Of those, 184 are in the Shaanxi province and 80 in Xi'an.
Current restrictions in the area:

• Those returning will immediately be quarantined for 14 days at a designated hotel. They may not first go to their apartment.
• Once they are able to return to their apartment, they must register with their apartment's management and follow all guidelines.
• No long-distance bus services.
• Over 106 local bus routes are suspended.
• Subways are still operating under limited hours and only some entrances. Registration is required.
• Several train lines are suspended.
• No Didi (China's equivalent of Uber) services.
• Wear masks when taking taxis, any public transportation, and in most any public place
• Taxi drivers must disinfect their vehicles at least 2x a day.
• Carry your ID/passport when taking public transport, in case they ask you to register your information
• Several shopping malls and hotels are closed.
• Supermarkets may be open but under limited hours. Some larger chains will have price-stabilized veggies and meat to prevent price-gouging.
• No large gatherings or events are permitted.
• Schools will remain closed at the direction of the Ministry of Education, and will likely remain closed until at least March 2. 

*Photos courtesy of my colleague, Jenna Dolman

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Teaching in China during the Coronavirus

On January 18, I departed Xi'an for what I thought was a short 12-day stay in Wisconsin, with my little brother's wedding being the highlight of the trip. As I write this, a calendar reminder popped up, reminding me that my flight to Xi'an was to happen in 15 minutes. And yet I am writing this from the couch at my condo in Madison, WI.

At the O'Hare airport on December 19 (one day later than planned due a flight delay and then missing the next flight), I saw a small sign that urged those traveling from Wuhan to self-report if they had a fever or cough. Because it didn't apply to me, I didn't give it much thought. Then I waited in the long line with the HUGE number of Chinese students returning to Madison for the start of the second semester. The at-capacity bus I was in, along with the other two buses, contained virtually all individuals from China.

Just a day later, the city of Wuhan became known to the world. I began thinking of those 16 hours I spent on the plane and then a few more hours on the bus with people from China. Had any of them been in Wuhan? An administrator from my international school in Xi'an contacted the faculty querying about where we had traveled and if we had any contact with those in Wuhan. On Monday, after hearing that school would be closed for at least two more weeks, I contacted my principal, requesting that I remain in Wisconsin until the re-opening date is definite.

 Map showing the current number of reported coronavirus infections

When I look at this map and see how the numbers continue to escalate every day, I am grateful that I arrived prior to the major outbreak and thankful that I did not have to return on the 30th, as originally planned. Friends in Xi'an reported store/mall closures, reduced store inventory (especially of produce), and the inability to find any masks and hand sanitizer. Getting around by public transportation is severely impaired, with the suspension of service, limited routes/hours, or long delays due to the screening of passengers. Several highway exits are also closed and health checks are being conducted at those open. Many flights are also being canceled. Didi (the Chinese equivalent of Uber), the most popular way for foreigners (and many locals) to travel within the city, has now suspended its service. People are strongly urged to stay home, cooped up in their high-rise apartments. All those entering the apartment complexes are checked for fever and cough.

Currently, there are 87 confirmed reported 9,742 cases in the Shaanxi province; of those, 32 are in Xi'an. Even the "small" town where a Chinese friend of mine has been cooped up in her family's apartment now has some infections. She is especially concerned for her grandma, who already has health issues. I pray for the health and safety of all the hard-working, kind citizens of this populous country.

Starting on Monday, I am to be giving art assignments to my students online. I can't use any resources that require the use of a VPN, in order to accommodate the Chinese students. So that means no Google apps, no YouTube, Vimeo, Pinterest, and even many seemingly innocent sites. Art supplies will have to be kept at bare minimum as well. If anyone has had experience or advice on teaching upper elementary art (particularly PYP) under these restrictions, I'd love your insight.

For now, be assured that I am safe and healthy in Wisconsin.

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Gao Xin Hua Fu

I'll take you through a bit of the complex where I live - Gao Xin Hua Fu. It is located a little less than 5 miles south of central Xi'an in a newer area.  My apartment building (#16) is one of the taller ones.  It wasn't easy to get in the entire height of the building. I'm live on the top floor of this one!

Vehicles enter outside the complex and into an underground parking area, leaving the complex mostly to pedestrians and some two-wheelers. On the route I take to the main gate, there is a special slightly softer path that is especially nice on which to walk or jog. The complex is large enough that if you would go around the paths, you could get in a fair number of steps. I was pleased to see grass and a fair number of trees, all of which gets regular waterings by workers.

More buildings are still being constructed. Lots of cranes in the area!

Wide walkway to the main gate. 

Main gate of the complex. One needs a special card that you wave over the turnstile, much like in a subway station. One can borrow carts or dollies to haul stuff to your apartment.  

View right outside the gate at sunset. The street is a fairly busy one. The shuttle buses that take us to school begin the journey right outside the gates and then proceed to pick up teachers in a few other places. 

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In Xi'an - first post

Now that I have internet via hotspot from my phone, I'm getting around to posting about my experiences in Xi'an as a teacher at an international school in this historic city.

On late Sunday afternoon, I arrived in Beijing. The process was a bit longer than anticipated - waiting in line to go through immigration, shuttle train from international to domestic terminals, security screening, and more. I was thankful to see that all my luggage arrived from the 13 hour Chicago to Beijing flight as well as the Milwaukee to Chicago flight. After collecting the pieces, I had to go through another security screening with the luggage. If only there were the perks of Global Entry here. The one medication I was taking with me drew extra attention and further scrutiny, but thankfully they let me keep all the bottles. After another short scan of all the luggage, I then waited in line for domestic transfer. Relieved of my luggage, I quickly went to the gate and was one of the last ones on the plane. Those 2+ hours went by quickly!

In a little over 2 hours, I landed in Xi'an. Alas, two of my suitcases did not arrive with me, likely due to the short amount of time after I dropped off the luggage for transfer. Thankfully the airport said they would deliver the suitcase to the school address the next day. The school principal and nurse were there to greet me. The principal took me to my apartment. After taking a brief, lukewarm shower (the gas hookup needed some attention) by maintenance staff, I went to bed. I sat down on the bed and heard a THUD. It was so hard, I could knock on it. Tired, I gave it a try, hoping that the A/C and nice comforter were enough comforts to override the rock-hard "mattress." Thankfully my down pillow was in the suitcase that arrived with me, so I had another softer item. After a non-so-super sleep, I got up to enjoy the sunrise. I had quite an overview from the 34th floor, the top floor of the building. No, it's not a penthouse.

Sunrise from the enclosed balcony on the 34th floor

I proceeded to unpack and put items away. A few hours later, a gal from the agency the school partners with came to take me to IKEA. Later we also went to the gas company to pay $30 for 2 months worth of gas. A rep from the cell phone company came right to my apartment and set up my service. For $15 a month, I have unlimited data, but after 20 GB,  the data is slowed to 3G. The school was able to communicate with the airport to deliver my baggage to my apartment complex, so the evening was spent unpacking that and setting up/unwrapping IKEA items. For a later supper, one of the teachers took me to a shopping mall where we ate at a Japanese restaurant.

The next morning I had to go with a school nurse downtown to a government clinic for foreigner workers entering China as well as Chinese people seeking to study/work abroad. Because we arrived early, my turn in the queue was not long and after going through the multiple stations (ultrasound, x-ray, blood, vision, etc), we were done. In the afternoon, the gal from the agency went with me to a supermarket that also had imported items. Although I was able to figure out most items, she helped decipher a few labels that were only in Mandarin and lacked visual clues. Now that I had a screwdriver, I was able to assemble my couch table. My apartment was coming together. Below are a few photos of each room.

Living room and enclosed balcony (a rod can be cranked down so you can hang laundry from hangers). Note the identical building as seen through the balcony window

Dining room table and door entry

Master bedroom with closet

Master bedroom and view

Spare bedroom with slightly less hard real mattress

Spare bedroom desk and closet. I'll try doing my drawing here.

Bathroom with washing machine that is complex and all in Mandarin

Shower with just a short lip - easy for water to overflow onto bathroom floor

Kitchen with two burners and no oven. Refrigerator is very narrow.

Spare room with raised storage. I presume a bedroll could be placed on top of it. The next part of the building blocks out most light.

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Visa in hand (finally); Xi'an bound

After multiple authentications, notarizations, governmental letters of invitation, and a visit to the Chinese Consulate in Chicago,  my two-month+ process to get a Chinese "Z" work visa has finally yielded results. I have missed orientation week and the first week of school but will soon join the staff and students at the new facilities of Liangjiatan International School in Xi'an.  On Saturday morning I will leave the land of cheese & brats and exchange it for chopsticks and noodles. Bring on year 17 of international teaching! I will have a spare bedroom, so visitors are welcome!

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Xi'an Bound

In a few short months, I'll be departing the land of cheese and bratwurst and calling the city with all those clay soldiers my home.

Starting in August, I will be teaching art for grades 3-5 at Xi'an High Tech International School. This relatively new school was set up to meet the needs of a growing international community, including the neighboring high-tech companies. Samsung and Johnson & Johnson are two such companies that send large numbers of students to the school. In fact, 39% of the students are Korean. While there are 22 nationalities represented, a large percentage of the students are ethnic Chinese.

Campus (drawing)

The school has been busy constructing a brand new $130 million campus on a 66,600 sq meter campus. An architect firm from Washington, DC has undertaken the project. The campus has a 3-floor building for general classrooms, and separate buildings including an indoor sports center, indoor swimming pool, theater, and black-box theater. A state-of-the-art HEPA filtration system is installed.

Classrooms (PK-12)

Enrollment in the 2017 school year was 320, but they anticipate to have 400 students for this coming school year. More than half of that number is at the elementary level. The non-profit school is now a full IBO world school, with its newest certification of PYP occurring in 2016. Currently, the elementary school has one class per grade level, but this will be expanded to two starting in the 2018-19 school year. Class sizes will typically be between 12-22 students. With the increase in classes, it was decided that a second art teacher was needed.

Indoor Swimming pool

When speaking with the elementary principal (who is from Ireland), he said that art, music, PE, etc. teachers are called "single-subject teachers" at the school. Although he was good with scheduling, the principal (a former PYP coordinator and teacher himself) he wasn't all that knowledgeable about the unique aspects of such subjects. Therefore, those teachers were asked to design their schedules. For the upper elementary, students will have art for two 40-minute periods per week, typically as a double-period. There will be two art rooms, one of which contains a kiln room. Below are some photos of the yet-unfinished art rooms.

Art room with new tables

Unfinished and unfurnished art room

The school also has a Makerspace area and a Teaching &  Curriculum Center. For tech, the school has SmartBoards, iPad cart, MacBook Pros (more hopefully coming), a 3D printer, and some drones.

The school is located a distance outside of the main city of Xi'an and also is about 45 minutes away from the mountains.

Tomorrow I'll write a bit about the city of Xi'an.

Another adventure awaits!

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The Sun Sets in the East

The apartment is as bare as it was when I arrived. My belongings are in the suitcases, ready for tomorrow's long journey back to Wisconsin. After four years in Korea and sixteen years overseas, it's time to say goodbye. Lots of hugs, some tears, and plenty of dinner gatherings have taken place these last few weeks. Packers have quickly wrapped up and boxed the many mementos I have carefully collected during my many travels to over 32 countries.  The numerous to-do lists have been completed and the art room is all tidy, ready for the next art teacher to inspire creative minds at SFS. 

The last sunset I will see at SFS has come and gone. This beautiful campus has been such an inspiration for so many photos, transformed in the change of seasons. I will forever cherish the memories that I have of the splendid people and places at SFS, Seoul, and South Korea. I hope to return someday. For now, the sun has set in the East of my world.

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Travel Thankfulness

Seonunsa - South Korea

School is out for the rest of the week - I finally have a chance to take a breath. I am sitting in my cozy warm apartment just steps away from my classroom. With the cold wind and even a few flurries in the air, I was thankful for such a short commute. Our faculty Thanksgiving lunch was started with a prayer and Thanksgiving song, sung first in English and then in Korean. This evening I'll attend another one with some friends, and yet another one tomorrow. So wonderful to be in the company of colleagues, celebrating a holiday where we just begin to touch on the many blessings heaped upon us by our Lord and Creator.   

The Great Wall - China

I'm in my 16th year teaching internationally. What incredible places I've had the opportunity to travel in and to teach. I'll never tire of the incredible beauty that God has created - such diverse landscapes, how He faithfully causes the seasons to happen each year, providing renewal in so many ways. 

Shekhawati - India

Angkor Wat - Cambodia

To explore incredible man-made wonders with friends - and even have a little fun.

Kashmir - India

To meet locals and put a personal side on travels, even if we can't speak the same language.

To witness such generosity and hospitality, freely giving and sharing what little they have. 

Timbuktu, Mali

To witness far-flung places at a time when it was safe to do so. 

Sirogojno, Serbia

To shop with friends and share new experiences.

HaLong Bay - Vietnam

To be able to fly during holidays, transported to a new world and arrive back at school, refreshed.

Taj Mahal - India

To see some Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Penang - Malaysia

To view unique crafts being created, including those that are slowly disappearing.

Ella - Sri Lanka

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Back at SFS

School's Korean gate

 After a low-key summer, I'm back in Seoul. This marks my 15th year teaching overseas - my 3rd year at Seoul Foreign School - and my 21st year teaching overall. Here are a few photos of our campus. The school is blessed with beautiful facilities. This week teachers are having inservices/meetings, and hopefully a bit of time to get the rooms ready.

Soccer field, with ES building (left) and HS building (right)

Flowering bushes next to the Lyso Performing Arts Center

I just had to include a few blossoms as well!

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Painted Trees and Beams

My last night in Seoul prior to heading back to Wisconsin for the summer. While it is the beauty of such painted (man-made and God-made) scenes I will hold on to visually, it is the lasting friendships I will cherish. Unlike the highly temporal beauty of the painted blossoms of spring, I pray that those human connections will last much longer. Until we meet again. 

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Let the School Year Begin

This year marks my 20th year of teaching - hard to believe!

Below are some photos of my art room at Seoul Foreign School where I teach art to students aged 3 through grade 5. Today was our first day of school. Lots of returning, familiar faces as well as about 90 new ones at the school. You're welcome to visit our Artsonia online gallery. There are some very talented kiddos!

Entrance to our spacious, 4th floor room

Yes, ten sinks!

New this year: a couch and carpet by an area I'm developing as a center

SmartBoard and carpet area, where we begin every class

My crayon monitor system, scrap paper trays, and lots of natural light

Entrance at the elementary school

Looking down the stairs. Being on the 4th floor = good exercise!

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