epiphany

Rolling up the Sidewalk (and Other Highlights)

Classes are over for me. I have finals next week, but my actually teaching days in China have come to an end. I gave my last class, who are my favorites, peanut butter and chocolate Oreos to celebrate (yes, you can buy those here).

In other life-shaking news, I think I figured out why Chinese sidewalks are all made of decorative brick instead of concrete slabs. This should have dawned my me earlier because I'm constantly annoyed at the digging up and re-laying of sidewalks here, but I think the reason that all the sidewalks are made of brick is that they're constantly digging up and re-laying the sidewalks. Apparently the ground under the sidewalk is choice territory for cables and pipelines, and rather than laying those before constructing a new building or neighborhood, it makes better sense to the Chinese to put them in as needed. That being the case, it definitely makes sense to have easily removable sidewalks rather than having to lay concrete and smash it up again every few weeks or months.

I went to sanda again last night, and the Mini-Boss was as brutal as ever--more brutal, if that's possible. He had me do 200 kicks on the bag per leg, and when I had finished that, I had to do 200 sit-ups. Normally when I have to do a lot of sit-ups, I hold onto the back of my thighs cheater-style to help me get a complete and thorough sit-up. But the Mini-Boss saw that and came over and whacked my arms. "No!" he shouted. When I would pause too long sitting up to rest, he would push me down forcibly. As with my kicking, his mantra was "faster!" When I got to the point where I couldn't sit up, he shouted at me to keep going. I told him I was trying, and he said, "Try harder!"

Shu Li is a bear as a teacher, but it's really good. He's a nice guy and will do all the things he's asking of you himself if need be. His intensity makes you hate him as you're working out, but once you're done, you're really pleased with how much more you were able to do because of his help (or forcing). He makes you want to come back and prove yourself.