Xiao went to school M-Th this week, attending her first ESL course in the U.S. She is not very pleased with the class and I can't blame her.
National University has put all 8 International Students in the same ESL class, even though they are all at different English language levels and abilities. One of the students cannot speak or understand a single word of English, while Xiao is able to read and write fairly well and can also understand and communicate quite a bit. This is not the best of situations. There are much better language schools out there that have specific classes for different levels of students...but, Xiao wants to continue at National, finishing this course and taking one more ESL course next month.
After her ESL courses, Xiao plans to start her courses in her major, Business Administration.
Ashley and I have been talking with Xiao quite a bit and helping her figure out things, like how to transfer from one school to another, if she decides to do that down the line.
Xiao is out for dinner tonight, with her Chinese friends. This is a good break for her, after a long and intense week of studying.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
First day of school!
Today was Xiao's first day of ESL classes at National University. My friend Laura, who is also hosting a Chinese student, picked her up this morning and drove both students to school. Xiao will be home around 4:30 or 5 today and I will be anxious to hear all about her day!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
The little bird has flown!
Xiao spent a semi-quiet week at home, studying her English by watching movies, etc. But, she did go out to dinner twice with her new Chinese friends...on Tuesday and Thursday.
We are having a heat wave here and I had trouble sleeping Thursday night...we all did. Xiao was out for dinner and didn't get home till about 1:30 am....She left about 1:45 pm today to go to Karaoke with her friends....and then, the group drove up to S.F. to meet some more Chinese friends. They all went to dinner in SF and then went clubbing till the bars closed at 2:30 am. Xioa got home about 4 am!
Xiao has decided that she will stay with me in September, but is not going to want food included in her rental agreement. She wants to try shopping and cooking on her own.I will get $100 less from the university, but be off the hook for this responsibility...which is good because in the past 2 weeks she really hasn't eaten much here...either claiming not to be hungry....or going out to dinner last minute with her friends. The new arrangement will work better for both of us.
I am very glad that Xiao has met some young people to have fun with and speak Chinese with. Nevertheless, she quickly went from being a dependent young lady, who wanted to spend time with me and wanted me to take her everywhere (the first two weeks), to someone that either stays in her room to watch movies and chat on IM with her friends in China, or goes out with her new friends. I guess this is normal, especially since she can speak Chinese with these people, which is so much easier for her...and, after all, I am hardly her age....but, the situation still made a 180 degree shift overnight....after I introduced her to the Chinese group on http://www.meetup.com/. Xiao's behavior is totally normal. She is feeling comfortable with her new pals and is feeling her freedom now and liking it. Being in America is a new, exciting experience for her. I just need to readjust to the new parameters and expectations of this adventure and move on. The little bird has flown!
We are having a heat wave here and I had trouble sleeping Thursday night...we all did. Xiao was out for dinner and didn't get home till about 1:30 am....She left about 1:45 pm today to go to Karaoke with her friends....and then, the group drove up to S.F. to meet some more Chinese friends. They all went to dinner in SF and then went clubbing till the bars closed at 2:30 am. Xioa got home about 4 am!
Xiao has decided that she will stay with me in September, but is not going to want food included in her rental agreement. She wants to try shopping and cooking on her own.I will get $100 less from the university, but be off the hook for this responsibility...which is good because in the past 2 weeks she really hasn't eaten much here...either claiming not to be hungry....or going out to dinner last minute with her friends. The new arrangement will work better for both of us.
I am very glad that Xiao has met some young people to have fun with and speak Chinese with. Nevertheless, she quickly went from being a dependent young lady, who wanted to spend time with me and wanted me to take her everywhere (the first two weeks), to someone that either stays in her room to watch movies and chat on IM with her friends in China, or goes out with her new friends. I guess this is normal, especially since she can speak Chinese with these people, which is so much easier for her...and, after all, I am hardly her age....but, the situation still made a 180 degree shift overnight....after I introduced her to the Chinese group on http://www.meetup.com/. Xiao's behavior is totally normal. She is feeling comfortable with her new pals and is feeling her freedom now and liking it. Being in America is a new, exciting experience for her. I just need to readjust to the new parameters and expectations of this adventure and move on. The little bird has flown!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Xiao's fun weekend!
After enjoying Happy Hour on Thursday and going out with the same people on Saturday, Xiao left at 9:15 am on Sunday to go to their BBQ in a Cupertino park. She left early on Sunday because she wanted to help them get set up, as a thank you for them taking her to buy a cell phone on Saturday.
I didn't make it to the BBQ, as I had to finish a writing project. :(
Her friend Fei called me about 2 pm and said they were headed to Valley Fair Mall to go shopping. That was great news, as I hadn't had a chance to take Xiao there yet and wanted her to see it.
After the mall, the group drove to San Mateo to have dinner. Xiao finally got home around 11 pm.
She was really tired on Monday.....probably from all the fun she had during the weekend!
This week, she has been studying her English, as her classes start next week. After spending the weekend with other Chinese who have been in the U.S. for a few years, Xiao realized that her English is not as good as it needs to be....and she has decided to take about 4-5 months of ESL classes before starting classes for her major. I think this is a great idea.....the better she can understand, speak, and write English, the more successful she will be with her other classes.
I didn't make it to the BBQ, as I had to finish a writing project. :(
Her friend Fei called me about 2 pm and said they were headed to Valley Fair Mall to go shopping. That was great news, as I hadn't had a chance to take Xiao there yet and wanted her to see it.
After the mall, the group drove to San Mateo to have dinner. Xiao finally got home around 11 pm.
She was really tired on Monday.....probably from all the fun she had during the weekend!
This week, she has been studying her English, as her classes start next week. After spending the weekend with other Chinese who have been in the U.S. for a few years, Xiao realized that her English is not as good as it needs to be....and she has decided to take about 4-5 months of ESL classes before starting classes for her major. I think this is a great idea.....the better she can understand, speak, and write English, the more successful she will be with her other classes.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Xiao goes out on her own!
I am so glad that I found the group of Chinese American young people on Meetup.com...
On Thursday, they had a Happy Hour meeting from 6 - 8 pm at Fuel restaurant, which is very close to my home. I drove Xiao to Fuel and gave her my cell phone.
When the event was over, I spoke with Xiao and also spoke with a wonderful gal in that group. Her name is Fay. Fay has been in the U.S. for several years and speaks perfect English, as do a few of the others in the group. She told me that they were all going to go for dinner in Cupertino and they would call me when they were finished and drive Xiao home. How nice!
Xiao got home about 10:30 pm...I was already in bed.
I spoke with Xiao about the event the next day. She had a wonderful time. About 15 people were at the Happy Hour....many Chinese, some from TaiWan, etc. All of them were very nice and very helpful. In fact, they offered to help her find a pre-paid cell phone. Today, Steven came and picked her up and they are still out shopping for the cell phone...or having fun.....or both!
It is wonderful that Xiao has met a group of young people like this. They are having a BBQ tomorrow at a park in Cupertino. Xiao is going. I may go also...and if I do, Xiao has offered to pay for my entrance fee. She is sooooo sweet. I am so lucky to have her staying with me.
On Thursday, they had a Happy Hour meeting from 6 - 8 pm at Fuel restaurant, which is very close to my home. I drove Xiao to Fuel and gave her my cell phone.
When the event was over, I spoke with Xiao and also spoke with a wonderful gal in that group. Her name is Fay. Fay has been in the U.S. for several years and speaks perfect English, as do a few of the others in the group. She told me that they were all going to go for dinner in Cupertino and they would call me when they were finished and drive Xiao home. How nice!
Xiao got home about 10:30 pm...I was already in bed.
I spoke with Xiao about the event the next day. She had a wonderful time. About 15 people were at the Happy Hour....many Chinese, some from TaiWan, etc. All of them were very nice and very helpful. In fact, they offered to help her find a pre-paid cell phone. Today, Steven came and picked her up and they are still out shopping for the cell phone...or having fun.....or both!
It is wonderful that Xiao has met a group of young people like this. They are having a BBQ tomorrow at a park in Cupertino. Xiao is going. I may go also...and if I do, Xiao has offered to pay for my entrance fee. She is sooooo sweet. I am so lucky to have her staying with me.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Vasona Park BBQ
Yesterday, National University took the new international students on a driving tour of San Jose (downtown).
Afterwards, National hosted a BBQ in Vasona Park in Los Gatos. We had the opportunity to meet other international students, already enrolled at National...and were treated to an American BBQ of hamburgers and chips.
I brought Mollie, Shayla, and Buddy to the BBQ and they were a big hit with most of the students. One, in particular, "Ken", really loved them...and was happy to take the leash and feed them some left-overs.
Ken (his American name) is from Inner Mongolia. He is 25, and in the MBA program at National. Ken is the only other student in a host family stay, as all the others are staying with family or friends. Ken's host family is from Taiwan and they live in Saratoga.
Ken is an open-minded, outgoing, enthusiastic person, who is interested in everything and wants to partake in everything. He and Xiao are very very similar in personality. Ken has never seen a beach or the ocean....and so, I invited him to go with us when we venture there with the doggies. He enthusiastically said, "Yes, I want to go with you!" I have a feeling we might be doing quite a bit together over the next several months.
Xiao and I both feel that we were lucky to be put together. She is a wonderful young lady....full of life...and very accommodating....And she feels very very happy to be staying with me. I hope she stays for quite a while.
School does not begin until Sept 1, so we have about 9 more days to "play",
Afterwards, National hosted a BBQ in Vasona Park in Los Gatos. We had the opportunity to meet other international students, already enrolled at National...and were treated to an American BBQ of hamburgers and chips.
I brought Mollie, Shayla, and Buddy to the BBQ and they were a big hit with most of the students. One, in particular, "Ken", really loved them...and was happy to take the leash and feed them some left-overs.
Ken (his American name) is from Inner Mongolia. He is 25, and in the MBA program at National. Ken is the only other student in a host family stay, as all the others are staying with family or friends. Ken's host family is from Taiwan and they live in Saratoga.
Ken is an open-minded, outgoing, enthusiastic person, who is interested in everything and wants to partake in everything. He and Xiao are very very similar in personality. Ken has never seen a beach or the ocean....and so, I invited him to go with us when we venture there with the doggies. He enthusiastically said, "Yes, I want to go with you!" I have a feeling we might be doing quite a bit together over the next several months.
Xiao and I both feel that we were lucky to be put together. She is a wonderful young lady....full of life...and very accommodating....And she feels very very happy to be staying with me. I hope she stays for quite a while.
School does not begin until Sept 1, so we have about 9 more days to "play",
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Orientation Day at National University!
Yesterday, we had a lovely American breakfast with my dear friend Nancy. Nancy and Earl have been bringing their dogs to stay with me since 2001. Sadly, dear Earl passed away about 2 weeks ago. Such a wonderfully kind man. Nancy is a vivacious and positive lady, who spent her first 46 years as a single woman and travel agent, traveling the world. She met and married Earl in her late 40's and they were happily married for 39 years. She continued to travel with him to many exotic places. Nancy wanted to meet Xiao and treated us to a delicious breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns, waffles and pancakes at iHop (International House of Pancakes).....Yum. She has invited us to come by her home also, so that Xiao can meet the famous "Iggster!" (Nancy's little poodle)
Today, Xiao is at National University's Orientation Day. I drove her there this morning at 8:30 and then returned there about 10 am, just to see what was happening and to meet the other international students. There are six students, 4 from China, 1 from Japan, and 1 from Viet Nam. They are all very nice and most can speak English as well as Xiao, which is awesome. I will see them all tomorrow at the BBQ at Vasona Lake. I plan to bring Mollie, Shayla, and Buddy also.
I will pick Xiao up from Orientation at about 5 pm today....and I am looking forward to hearing all about her first day at National.
Today, Xiao is at National University's Orientation Day. I drove her there this morning at 8:30 and then returned there about 10 am, just to see what was happening and to meet the other international students. There are six students, 4 from China, 1 from Japan, and 1 from Viet Nam. They are all very nice and most can speak English as well as Xiao, which is awesome. I will see them all tomorrow at the BBQ at Vasona Lake. I plan to bring Mollie, Shayla, and Buddy also.
I will pick Xiao up from Orientation at about 5 pm today....and I am looking forward to hearing all about her first day at National.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Monterey Bay!!!!
I decided to venture south and show Xiao another part of the California coast. I drove down Hwy 101 and then thru Castroville (Artichoke Capital) to Monterey. It was glorious there...although overcast everywhere else along the coast. Monterey Bay was picture perfect....lovely breeze and about 78 degrees.....We walked along the pier, stopped to view a man and his one dozen exotic parrots....and then walked along the beach...with our feet in the water all the way....Splendid way to spend an afternoon.
Took Hwy 1 towards Santa Cruz and then down Hwy 17 back to San Jose.
We both had a great time!
Tomorrow, if the weather report is good, we will take the doggies to Santa Cruz area!
Took Hwy 1 towards Santa Cruz and then down Hwy 17 back to San Jose.
We both had a great time!
Tomorrow, if the weather report is good, we will take the doggies to Santa Cruz area!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Half Moon Bay and Walmart
Still unwilling to drive to Santa Cruz because of the large wildfire situation....so, I decided to take Xiao to Half Moon Bay today. There was a HUGE amount of traffic on 92, due to an accident, so it took us quite a while to get there....but it was worth the drive. The weather was outstanding....and lots of people were out enjoying the beautiful coast.
We walked out on the little pier and watched people fishing for sardines. I had wanted to treat Xiao to fish and chips, but she wasn't hungry. So, we'll have to do that another time.
We sailed back to San Jose, stopping at the Redwood City Walmart....to see if we could find Xiao a bathing suit. Unfortunately, there were hardly any suits left....guess August is too late to find them! Xiao may have to purchase at a beach store in Santa Cruz or Capitola. Another adventure! We will probably go there on Monday.
Walmart was absolutely PACKED...and we both hated that.....so, after picking up some much needed canisters of Crystal Light and a plastic pitcher, we got the heck out of there!
Enough adventure for one Saturday. We are home now, having a cold drink....and relaxing......
We walked out on the little pier and watched people fishing for sardines. I had wanted to treat Xiao to fish and chips, but she wasn't hungry. So, we'll have to do that another time.
We sailed back to San Jose, stopping at the Redwood City Walmart....to see if we could find Xiao a bathing suit. Unfortunately, there were hardly any suits left....guess August is too late to find them! Xiao may have to purchase at a beach store in Santa Cruz or Capitola. Another adventure! We will probably go there on Monday.
Walmart was absolutely PACKED...and we both hated that.....so, after picking up some much needed canisters of Crystal Light and a plastic pitcher, we got the heck out of there!
Enough adventure for one Saturday. We are home now, having a cold drink....and relaxing......
Friday, August 14, 2009
Hot Summer Nights!
Jet Lag finally caught up to Xiao....she slept in until 1 pm yesterday!
I was going to take her to the beach yesterday, but there is a HUGE fire in the Santa Cruz mtns, near Bonnie Doon....so, I decided to postpone the beach trip.
Xiao and I went to a free outdoor concert in Campbell last night. A 60's and 70's revival rock band.....The park was very crowded....seems that everyone was out enjoying this summer event. Lots of picnickers....lots of wine and beer....
We met my friend Joanne and her friend Laura there....and enjoyed 2 hours of great music in the balmy summer weather....It was really nice.
Xiao didn't recognize any of the songs....and wasn't familiar with any of the American artists like Skynard or Aerosmith.....She only listens to pop Chinese music and some American pop like Mariah Carey. But, she still enjoyed being at the concert.
Next Thursday is the last free concert of the summer in Campbell. I may try to get there earlier next week, so we have better/closer seats. And, maybe we will bring a picnic dinner too.
I was going to take her to the beach yesterday, but there is a HUGE fire in the Santa Cruz mtns, near Bonnie Doon....so, I decided to postpone the beach trip.
Xiao and I went to a free outdoor concert in Campbell last night. A 60's and 70's revival rock band.....The park was very crowded....seems that everyone was out enjoying this summer event. Lots of picnickers....lots of wine and beer....
We met my friend Joanne and her friend Laura there....and enjoyed 2 hours of great music in the balmy summer weather....It was really nice.
Xiao didn't recognize any of the songs....and wasn't familiar with any of the American artists like Skynard or Aerosmith.....She only listens to pop Chinese music and some American pop like Mariah Carey. But, she still enjoyed being at the concert.
Next Thursday is the last free concert of the summer in Campbell. I may try to get there earlier next week, so we have better/closer seats. And, maybe we will bring a picnic dinner too.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
A trip to an Asian market
Yesterday, I took Xiao to Cupertino to go to Ranch 99 Market. We walked through the entire grocery store, which was fun for me since I hadn't been in an Asian store before. They sell whole fish and had a long counter with all types of fish to choose from, plus live lobsters and shrimp. Xiao didn't want to purchase any of the Chinese food items. She said that 22 years of eating it is enough and she wants to eat only American food while she is here! I would have liked her to cook some traditional Chinese food for us, but unfortunately, Xiao doesn't know how to cook! That is why her family wanted her to stay with a host family. We did find out that pre-paid calling cards to China were MUCH less expensive at this market....so, from now on, Xiao will purchase here rather than Costco.
Xiao explained last night, over a dinner of barbequed chicken, that since she is an only child, her parents took complete care of her, not requiring her to cook or clean or anything like that. They adore her...and want to care for her until she is through with college and ready to marry. In Chinese culture, this is typical. Apparently, after she attends college and works for a few years, she will want to marry....perhaps about age 26 or 27.....if she meets someone. At that time, they will teach her how to cook and care for her own home and husband. In return, there is a cultural expectation that Xiao will care for her parents when they get old. Xiao embraces this tradition wholeheartedly. She shared that if her parents wanted her to return to China permanently, after her stay in America, she would do that, out of respect for them. Wow. This is very very different from American attitudes....but, it is also very wonderful, in my opinion.
I asked Xiao if there were "arranged" marriages in China and she said "no". They are allowed to fall in love and choose their own life partners. Xiao had a boyfriend, but currently does not have one....which is why she was free to journey to America and enjoy this adventure. Maybe she will meet a nice man here?
After dinner, Xiao, Ashley, and I watched the first Harry Potter movie. None of us had seen it before. Xiao was able to follow it, since she was familiar with the story and we put on the English sub-titles.
Xiao showed us some beautiful pictures of her home city....on the Internet. She lives in the city, in an apartment with her parents. The picture on the net showed her apartment building. That was really fun. China has really developed over the past 10 years. They even have an "eye" ferris wheel, like London. The wheel spans a major highway, so the cars pass under it. Xiao has been on that ferris wheel!
She has invited me to come visit her in China or perhaps, to come along on a trip when she returns there. She is excited about the possibility of showing me all the sites. I would love to do this and hope it will be possible. We shall see.
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/map/ This shows a map of China. Xiao's home city is Tianjin, which is near Beijing. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianjin For more info and pictures of the city.
Xiao explained last night, over a dinner of barbequed chicken, that since she is an only child, her parents took complete care of her, not requiring her to cook or clean or anything like that. They adore her...and want to care for her until she is through with college and ready to marry. In Chinese culture, this is typical. Apparently, after she attends college and works for a few years, she will want to marry....perhaps about age 26 or 27.....if she meets someone. At that time, they will teach her how to cook and care for her own home and husband. In return, there is a cultural expectation that Xiao will care for her parents when they get old. Xiao embraces this tradition wholeheartedly. She shared that if her parents wanted her to return to China permanently, after her stay in America, she would do that, out of respect for them. Wow. This is very very different from American attitudes....but, it is also very wonderful, in my opinion.
I asked Xiao if there were "arranged" marriages in China and she said "no". They are allowed to fall in love and choose their own life partners. Xiao had a boyfriend, but currently does not have one....which is why she was free to journey to America and enjoy this adventure. Maybe she will meet a nice man here?
After dinner, Xiao, Ashley, and I watched the first Harry Potter movie. None of us had seen it before. Xiao was able to follow it, since she was familiar with the story and we put on the English sub-titles.
Xiao showed us some beautiful pictures of her home city....on the Internet. She lives in the city, in an apartment with her parents. The picture on the net showed her apartment building. That was really fun. China has really developed over the past 10 years. They even have an "eye" ferris wheel, like London. The wheel spans a major highway, so the cars pass under it. Xiao has been on that ferris wheel!
She has invited me to come visit her in China or perhaps, to come along on a trip when she returns there. She is excited about the possibility of showing me all the sites. I would love to do this and hope it will be possible. We shall see.
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/map/ This shows a map of China. Xiao's home city is Tianjin, which is near Beijing. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianjin For more info and pictures of the city.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Free Tacos!
Yesterday was Free Taco Tuesday at Jack in the Box!
Ashley, Xiao and I took Mollie, Shayla, Buddy, Daisy, George, and our boarding dog, Ginger, to a local dog park. This was a very new experience for Xiao...as they don't have these in China. We had alot of fun watching all of the dogs play and run around the park. Lots of dogs were there today...all different breeds....so, I had a good time pointing them out to Xiao and telling her the breed name. She really enjoyed this American experience, as she loves dogs.
Mollie McBone has captured Xiao's heart. She told me that Mollie is her favorite...She seems to get a kick out of Mollie laying on her back with her legs spread-eagled waiting for a belly rub! Mollie is quite the "character"....my little clown dog.
After the dog park, we went to a local Jack in the Box, to use our coupons for free tacos. Each of us got 2 free tacos and took them home. At home, we added extra cheese and some tomatoes. YUM! FREE DINNER! I thought this would be a fun experience for Xiao and it was. They don't have Jack in the Box in China, but they do have other fast food restaurants, such as McDonalds, KFC, and recently, Pizza Hut.
It was a fun day!
Ashley, Xiao and I took Mollie, Shayla, Buddy, Daisy, George, and our boarding dog, Ginger, to a local dog park. This was a very new experience for Xiao...as they don't have these in China. We had alot of fun watching all of the dogs play and run around the park. Lots of dogs were there today...all different breeds....so, I had a good time pointing them out to Xiao and telling her the breed name. She really enjoyed this American experience, as she loves dogs.
Mollie McBone has captured Xiao's heart. She told me that Mollie is her favorite...She seems to get a kick out of Mollie laying on her back with her legs spread-eagled waiting for a belly rub! Mollie is quite the "character"....my little clown dog.
After the dog park, we went to a local Jack in the Box, to use our coupons for free tacos. Each of us got 2 free tacos and took them home. At home, we added extra cheese and some tomatoes. YUM! FREE DINNER! I thought this would be a fun experience for Xiao and it was. They don't have Jack in the Box in China, but they do have other fast food restaurants, such as McDonalds, KFC, and recently, Pizza Hut.
It was a fun day!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Monday errands
Today, we went to National University to let Xiao meet Kathryn, the director of International Student Studies. Kathryn is the individual who placed Xiao in my home. We learned that Orientation Day is August 18th and that on the 19th, National University is hosting a get acquainted picnic at Vasona Lake in Los Gatos. New students and current students are invited. I am also invited to attend.
Next, we went to Citibank and Xiao opened a savings and checking account.
I took Xiao to the Santa Clara library and we found some easy reading children's books about California, San Francisco, Tahoe, and Los Angeles. Xiao wanted to learn more about this state and I also felt that reading would help her learn English more rapidly.
Afterwards, we went to Costco and Xiao purchased a pre-paid calling card so that she could call her parents easily and inexpensively. We learned from the staff at Costco that a Costco warehouse has recently opened in China.....I am not certain of the location.
I told Xiao about Meetup.com and found a local Chinese group for her. This group has all Chinese members, ages 18 - 40, who want to get together and speak Chinese. I think this will be a good group for Xiao to belong to and she is excited about attending a function soon.
It is hot out today....100 degrees. We are going to take it easy for the rest of the afternoon and will probably have a salad for dinner since it's so warm today.
Next, we went to Citibank and Xiao opened a savings and checking account.
I took Xiao to the Santa Clara library and we found some easy reading children's books about California, San Francisco, Tahoe, and Los Angeles. Xiao wanted to learn more about this state and I also felt that reading would help her learn English more rapidly.
Afterwards, we went to Costco and Xiao purchased a pre-paid calling card so that she could call her parents easily and inexpensively. We learned from the staff at Costco that a Costco warehouse has recently opened in China.....I am not certain of the location.
I told Xiao about Meetup.com and found a local Chinese group for her. This group has all Chinese members, ages 18 - 40, who want to get together and speak Chinese. I think this will be a good group for Xiao to belong to and she is excited about attending a function soon.
It is hot out today....100 degrees. We are going to take it easy for the rest of the afternoon and will probably have a salad for dinner since it's so warm today.
Sunday in America
Although I was exhausted last night and went to bed around 10:30, Xiao stayed up until about 2 am, getting her clothes and belongings organized and talking with her friends in China via the Internet. I have no idea when she finally went to sleep, but she slept in until about 11 this morning!
I, on the other hand, was up at my usual time of about 6:30 am, and spent the morning cooking and preparing food. I boiled the turkey carcass down and made turkey soup. I also made potato salad for our evening barbeque.
Xiao wanted to see some of the area around my home, specifically where I did grocery shopping, etc. So, we went to Lucky's and went down each isle, so that she could see everything we had available to us. She mentioned that they only had a few choices of cereal in China and was amazed that we had a whole isle of different kinds of dry cereal to choose from. We went through the check out line and our cashier told us that she had recently spent 20 days vacation in China. She chatted a bit with Xiao about that. She also said that although China's grocery stores were large, like ours, they were typically PACKED with humans....with barely room to move around. Amazing! And, we get upset when there are more than 3 persons in a check out line!!!!
After the grocery visit, I took Xiao to Target and we went through every section of the store. I explained that this store was alot like Walmart (which they have in China), but a bit more expensive. When I visit Walmart in the next few weeks, I plan to take Xiao with me. Xiao needs to purchase a pre-paid calling card so that she can call her parents in China. I asked around and believe that Costco may have the best prices for these, so I will take Xiao there sometime this week. China does not have a Costco yet.
The exchange rate is 1 - 7 in China, $1 American is worth $7 in China. So, it would be a great country to visit right now. But, it's interesting to note that Apple MACs are very very expensive in China, so only the rich Chinese have them.
Ashley, Xiao and I had barbequed hamburgers and potato salad for Sunday dinner. Ashley and I asked Xiao many questions about her home. She told us that she lives in the city and there is not alot of space for people. Apparently, baseball and football do not exist because there is no room for those kind of sports! I asked how they were able to host the Olympics in Beijing. Apparently, they built temporary structures and tore them down afterward. Such a shame! Those arenas could have stayed and allowed the people of China to have other ongoing sports....but, there just isn't enough space to allow for the population. Wow.
Xiao also told us that most families have only 1 child, and I recalled that this is mandated by the Chinese government. Xiao is an only child. Her father drives a car for a government official and her mother works also (not sure what she does). Apparently the government job pays ok, but her family is not rich. They saved for Xiao to be able to come to America.
Xiao already attended a Chinese university and graduated. However, they only give diplomas, not degrees. This is why she wished to come to America and attend college, to receive a degree in Business Administration. With a degree, she will be able to get a better job, here or in China. I was amazed to here that Chinese colleges did not award degrees. Xiao also had to get very good grades in school and pass a test in order to be allowed to go to college in China. Apparently, China does not have community colleges that are available to any student wishing to attend.
It was a lovely evening here, with warm Santa Ana winds. Xiao is really enjoying our summer weather in California. We sat out back for a while and enjoyed the breezes.
Tomorrow, we plan to go to National University, to speak with her school representative.
I, on the other hand, was up at my usual time of about 6:30 am, and spent the morning cooking and preparing food. I boiled the turkey carcass down and made turkey soup. I also made potato salad for our evening barbeque.
Xiao wanted to see some of the area around my home, specifically where I did grocery shopping, etc. So, we went to Lucky's and went down each isle, so that she could see everything we had available to us. She mentioned that they only had a few choices of cereal in China and was amazed that we had a whole isle of different kinds of dry cereal to choose from. We went through the check out line and our cashier told us that she had recently spent 20 days vacation in China. She chatted a bit with Xiao about that. She also said that although China's grocery stores were large, like ours, they were typically PACKED with humans....with barely room to move around. Amazing! And, we get upset when there are more than 3 persons in a check out line!!!!
After the grocery visit, I took Xiao to Target and we went through every section of the store. I explained that this store was alot like Walmart (which they have in China), but a bit more expensive. When I visit Walmart in the next few weeks, I plan to take Xiao with me. Xiao needs to purchase a pre-paid calling card so that she can call her parents in China. I asked around and believe that Costco may have the best prices for these, so I will take Xiao there sometime this week. China does not have a Costco yet.
The exchange rate is 1 - 7 in China, $1 American is worth $7 in China. So, it would be a great country to visit right now. But, it's interesting to note that Apple MACs are very very expensive in China, so only the rich Chinese have them.
Ashley, Xiao and I had barbequed hamburgers and potato salad for Sunday dinner. Ashley and I asked Xiao many questions about her home. She told us that she lives in the city and there is not alot of space for people. Apparently, baseball and football do not exist because there is no room for those kind of sports! I asked how they were able to host the Olympics in Beijing. Apparently, they built temporary structures and tore them down afterward. Such a shame! Those arenas could have stayed and allowed the people of China to have other ongoing sports....but, there just isn't enough space to allow for the population. Wow.
Xiao also told us that most families have only 1 child, and I recalled that this is mandated by the Chinese government. Xiao is an only child. Her father drives a car for a government official and her mother works also (not sure what she does). Apparently the government job pays ok, but her family is not rich. They saved for Xiao to be able to come to America.
Xiao already attended a Chinese university and graduated. However, they only give diplomas, not degrees. This is why she wished to come to America and attend college, to receive a degree in Business Administration. With a degree, she will be able to get a better job, here or in China. I was amazed to here that Chinese colleges did not award degrees. Xiao also had to get very good grades in school and pass a test in order to be allowed to go to college in China. Apparently, China does not have community colleges that are available to any student wishing to attend.
It was a lovely evening here, with warm Santa Ana winds. Xiao is really enjoying our summer weather in California. We sat out back for a while and enjoyed the breezes.
Tomorrow, we plan to go to National University, to speak with her school representative.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Xiao has arrived!
I picked Xiao up from SJO yesterday afternoon. She arrived at Terminal C, which is typically much easier to deal with than A....but, SJO is doing alot of new construction, the short term parking was in a different place, and it was like Mr. Toad's wild ride following all the signs to get around! I decided to just keep circling by the arrivals near baggage claim, driving slowly with my left hand on the wheel and holding up a name sign with my right. After making 8 complete cycles and getting told to "keep moving" by the airport staff, I still didn't see her and started to get worried. I finally asked a man that was waiting if he knew about her flight and the man told me it had gotten in about 45 minutes ago and everyone was already gone! I asked him if he had seen a young Chinese gal and thankfully, he had! She was in the baggage claim office, because her two bags didn't arrive from Seattle! Oh dear.
After speaking with Xiao briefly, she asked me for help. So, I drove to the parking lot, parked the car, and came back to deal with the baggage claim issue.
We then drove home. She commented about how great the weather was here......it is very hot in China right now...and San Jose weather happens to be just perfect this week.....in the low 80's.
Ashley and I cooked together last night. I roasted a turkey...and Ashley made stuffing and mashed potatoes...Thanksgiving in August......and a good meal for Xiao's first in America.
Alaska Airlines delivered Xiao's luggage about 9 pm last night, which was a tremendous relief for her...and for me! Xiao looks to be about a size zero....and I definitely didn't have anything that would fit her!
We all had dinner around 9 pm last night...and about 10 pm, we all retired. Long day for Xiao, as it was really about 11 am the next morning in China!
Xiao is 22 yrs old. This is her first trip outside of China and the first time she will be living away from her parents. Nevertheless, she is very mature and certainly handled everything well so far. She does speak some English, but is definitely not fluent, and communicating exactly what we mean or she means takes effort. We will not be learning Chinese while she is here, but she most definitely WILL learn English!
She will probably rest and relax today (Sunday) and tomorrow (Monday), I will take her to National University to show her where it is and check in. Then, I will help her get a SS card and open a checking account at a local bank.
This is quite an adventure.....a first for me....but, it seems to be a good time in life to try this out. New ventures are always good for the soul.
More to come......
After speaking with Xiao briefly, she asked me for help. So, I drove to the parking lot, parked the car, and came back to deal with the baggage claim issue.
We then drove home. She commented about how great the weather was here......it is very hot in China right now...and San Jose weather happens to be just perfect this week.....in the low 80's.
Ashley and I cooked together last night. I roasted a turkey...and Ashley made stuffing and mashed potatoes...Thanksgiving in August......and a good meal for Xiao's first in America.
Alaska Airlines delivered Xiao's luggage about 9 pm last night, which was a tremendous relief for her...and for me! Xiao looks to be about a size zero....and I definitely didn't have anything that would fit her!
We all had dinner around 9 pm last night...and about 10 pm, we all retired. Long day for Xiao, as it was really about 11 am the next morning in China!
Xiao is 22 yrs old. This is her first trip outside of China and the first time she will be living away from her parents. Nevertheless, she is very mature and certainly handled everything well so far. She does speak some English, but is definitely not fluent, and communicating exactly what we mean or she means takes effort. We will not be learning Chinese while she is here, but she most definitely WILL learn English!
She will probably rest and relax today (Sunday) and tomorrow (Monday), I will take her to National University to show her where it is and check in. Then, I will help her get a SS card and open a checking account at a local bank.
This is quite an adventure.....a first for me....but, it seems to be a good time in life to try this out. New ventures are always good for the soul.
More to come......
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