|
 -
August 2002
Inside this edition:
Lama Temple
On Sunday, August 4th, World Link students went to Lama
Temple for their weekend excursion. Lama temple was built
in the 18 century by Yongzheng Emperor in Qing Dynasty
and is an attractive destination for many reasons, not
least of which is its atmosphere. Though it's often packed
with tourists, it somehow retains a peaceful monastic
feeling.
The artwork inside the hall is authentic and breathtaking. Primary among these works is an extraordinary
statue of the Maitreya Buddha, nearly 20 meters in height, carved of a single sandalwood tree. We had a pretty tranquil
Sunday morning there.
|
Moe and Albert relaxing on the steps in front of the palace
|
|
|
|
|
|
Christian, Ariana, Rebecca, and Tim in front of the first gate.
|
The beautiful bamboo bush outside the door of a temple.
|
Waiwai Tong in front of the palace in his Chinese soccer team T-shirt and stylish sunglasses.
|
Throwing a coin at the top of the statue,
will get you good luck. |
Shaolin Trip
August 9th, World Link students and some of the martial arts students went to Shaolin to visit the temple they had longed for. Built in 495 AD, the Shaolin Temple is located northwest of Dengfeng County. The Indian Monk Boddhidharma arrived in 527 and initiated the Chan (Zen) sect of Buddhism. Shaolin hence became the birthplace of the Chan Sect. At the beginning of the seventh century, 13 martial arts monks were rewarded by Tang Dynasty Emperor Li Shimin after they had saved him from danger. The Temple was given the title, "Number One Temple Under Heaven." Shaolin kungfu thus developed rapidly as its fame spread. Our martial arts students got the chance to study with the Kong Fu masters, which was really exciting! Besides Shaolin Temple, the students also got to visit some close by cities and other sightseeing spots.
|
|
Students posed in front of Dragon Pavilion in Kaifeng City.
|
|
A photo together with those KungFu
masters |
So moved by the Shaolin Monks performance that Joseph, Moe, Ben and Steven shaved their hair to look closest to their idols.
|
|
|
|
|
"I came, I saw, I conquered", Martial
Arts student Moe signed at the side of China's mother
river--Yellow River |
After a good night's sleep on the train,
Rebecca woke to find herself back in Beijing. |
Art Exhibit
August 9th, Friday, World Link students went to a newly opened gallery--Red Square Art Gallery to enjoy the valuable collection of some famous Chinese Artists. The artists range from early 1900 to current time including really famous Chinese artist Qi bai shi, who was famous for his vivid water painting of prawns. Another cool thing about this gallery was that there was a very nice bar next to the exhibition room!
|
|
|
|
Christian, Jenny, Alan and Harm-jaap posing in front of exhibits.
|
Jenny, Alan, WLE staff Cindy and David on the corridor of the exhibition.
|
Christian, David and Harm-jaap appreciated the paintings.
|
Houhai Boat Tour
August 18th, a cool late summer evening, WorlLlink students
took a boat trip to Houhai. One of the three back lakes-Xihai,
Houhai, and Qianhai-from ancient Beijing. They were once the
exclusive beachfront property of China's Qing Dynasty royalty,
who alone could own and maintain houses here. The three Back
Lakes were in turn connected to three lakes immediately to the
south-Beihai, Zhonghai, and Nanhai-adjacent to the Forbidden
City. Today, the Back Lakes neighborhoods teem with old Beijing's
quickly disappearing, colorful hutongs and siheyuans. Students
enjoyed the barbeque while boating on the quiet lake. It is
such a pleasant thing enjoying the cool breeze with the company
of the melodious traditional Er hu music.
|
|
|
|
Ming Teck Kong, World Link staff Cindy,
and Marietta pose on the boat. |
Martha and Wayne enjoyed the Erhu player's performance.
|
Young Er hu performer's skillful performance.
|
Out-of-Town Trip: "Qingdao"
Perched on the southern seaboard of Shandong Province, Qingdao is the paradise most people in China dream of retiring to one day. Ceded to Germany in 1898 for 99 years, the town takes pride in its Bavarian appearance and is referred to by most Chinese as "China's Switzerland."
Qingdao is known for its soothing sea breeze and succulent seafood but more than anything else, it is also known for its beautiful beaches and beer that boasts to be Asia's best. Some WLE students spent a weekend, strolling by the sea, feasting on
fabulous seafood, imbibing Asia's best beer by the pounding tide.
|
|
|
|
|
|
A replica of a German palace, this former German governor general's residence was once used as a residence, secretly by Jiang Jieshi (Chang Kai Shek) and later, by Mao Ze Dong.
|
Marietta Le Sage, Shannon Roy, Martha Bakken and friend, Teresa, enjoying the sights
|
Gemana Chiola from Italy finds peace up on a tree.
|
WLE Student Coordinator Tony Li's first glimpse of the ocean (in his entire life) makes it immensely difficult for him not to jump in!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Martha and Teresa enjoying the sea breeze!
|
Teresa, Marietta, Tony and Shannon onboard the guided tour
|
Tony savoring the sea!
|
The Qingdao skyline.
|
|
|
|
|
At the Qingdao Beer Brewery, reputed to be Asia' best.
|
Marietta & Teresa presenting the different varieties of Qingdao Beer
|
Weekend Excursion: "More Than Tea at Lao She Teahouse"
China's teahouses have traditionally been places of leisure where artists, mandarins, intellectuals and dilettantes converge to enjoy tea, talk and tradition. Lao She was the pen name of Shu Sheyu (1899 - 1966), an early 20th century Beijing novelist who was severely persecuted and who died during the Cultural Revolution. Best-known for "The Rickshaw Boy" (or Camel Xiangzi), his other works include the play, "Teahouse" for which the Lao She Teahouse was named.
|
On the 13th of July, WLE students spent a tranquil afternoon at the Lao She Teahouse participating in a traditional tea ceremony, learning the correct way to prepare and serve tea.
While sipping some divine Wu Long tea (a cross of black and red tea) and nibbling on some delightful Chinese snacks, traditional Chinese musicians playing on classical Chinese instruments, opera singers, acrobats and magicians performed on stage.
|
| CL6w student, Rebecka Stanich invited on stage to participate in the show of magic.
|
|
| The time-honored Chinese tea ceremony.
|
Welcome Night: "Kaoya Feast"
|
It was fearless eating for our WLE students who had just arrived in Beijing. A traditional kao ya (roast duck- Peking style) dinner awaited them plus a host of other sumptuous Chinese dishes. 'Duck' seemed to be the theme of the evening, with the next the social gathering moving onto a popular English pub called the 'Goose & Duck', for a taste of Beijing's social setting.
|
|
|
|
|
Some of the sumptuous dishes served during Welcome Night.
|
The "kao ya" getting ready to be devoured by our students.
|
|
|
|
|
Paul Chaveriat enjoying "kao ya."
|
'Hao(3) chi(1)' say Rebecka Stanich and Christina Schumann
|
CCB6w students, Jeffrey Schrimmer, Thomas Percival, Samantha Lawson and CL6w student, Sergio Boehler, enjoying chow and chat.
|
|
|
|
|
Ming Teck Kong, Paul Chaveriat and Lisa Sweetman pose happily after enjoying "kao ya."
|
(b.r.) Juan Rodriguez and Jeff Jong with WLE Student Coordinator, Tony Li. (f.r.) Wai Wai Tong, Hang Le Ngo, Li Ting Li, Julia Carlyon & Joseph Mealor.
|
Wayne Herring shows WLE Events Coordinator Cindy Wu and Julia Carly the art of table soccer
|
|
|
|
|
Sergio Boehler and Jeffrey Schrimmer. Checkmate.....
|
MA student, Juan Rodriguez, is persuaded up the stage to karaoke
|
Albert Tao and Wai Wai Tong having fun!
|
Martial Arts Classes: "Practise, practise and more practise"
|
|
|
Germana Chiola and Dr. Armando Alva from Italy at Tai Ji Quan class.
|
Jeff Jong from the US and Juan Rodriguez from Spain warming-up.
|
|
|
|
Wai Wai Tong and Joseph Mealer sparring.
|
Juan making sure all limbs are streched and warmed up.
|
Scenes from Beijing: "Slice of Life"
|
|
|
|
Mike getting ready to blow his birthday candles.
|
WLE staff Sanna Johannesson, Cindy Wu, Samantha Zhang and WLE student, Hamilton at Sam's farewell lunch.
|
CMA student Jeff Jong and his language exchange partner.
|
China Business Field Trip: "Wine Tasting at Dragon Seal"
Beijing Pernod Ricard Winery was established in 1994 through the joint venture of two partners: Groupe Pernod Ricard, the leading French wines and spirits company and Beijing Winery, one of the earliest wineries in China.
Today, the company has evolved into a fully owned Chinese company called Dragon Seal Winery producing a full range of grape wines with the use of French wine-making capabilities.
|
| 
|
|
Vanessa Wong, Marilyn Ying Lin, Will Giles and Eric Cariou begin the wine tasting.
|
Trying to find out how wine is made.
|
|
China Business Field Trip: "Presentation of the Blue Zoo" |
|
|
China Business students visited the fist and finest walk-through aquarium in Beijing. Inaugurated in November 1997 by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, it is the largest aquarium of its type in Asia.
Its main attraction is the central tank holding 3.5 million liters of artificially produced salt water where a complete eco-system has been created to allow thousands of marine creatures, including sharks, rays, eels, coral reef fish, lobsters, sea horses, starfish and many others to live as natural an environment as possible.
Besides the main tank, Blue Zoo Beijing features 18 different themed tank displays. An additional attraction at the aquarium is the sight of experienced divers feeding the fish and sharks twice a day.
|
|
|
|
| (b.r.) Martha Bakken, Marilyn Ying Lin, Sanna J., Audrey Cheong, Will Giles and Jeffrey Schrimmer (f.r.) Vanessa Wong and Eric Cariou. |
Looking into a quite different world.. |
Martha Bakken trying in vain to bring the fish home. |
| |
|
|
Weekend Excursion: Balmy Breeze at Summer Palace
The breathtaking summer retreat for the residents of the Forbidden City, considerably refurbished by Emperor Qianlong in the 18th century, is an immense park of 700 acres. Three-quarters of the park is occupied by Kunming Lake.
On the 21st of July, WLE students trooped to brave the crowds at the Summer Palace. Enjoying the sun and the breeze, the students strolled through the park and enjoyed the breathtaking view of Kunming Lake awash with the reflection of flickering ripples. The green hill against the backdrop of the lake was an exact replica of the entrance tickets.
The students also walked through the 700-meter Long Corridor (Chang Lang), which is decorated with scenes from ancient novels that unravel the history of China.
|
| Finding a spot by Kunming Lake.
|
|
| The ceiling of the Long Corridor painted with a scene from a famous, ancient Chinese novel. |
Orientation Day: "June students"
|
The June Chinese Language & China Business students had a comprehensive orientation conducted by WLE Programs Advisor Sanna Johannesson. After an hour and a half-long briefing, WLE staff members led the students on a brief tour around the WLE Center and then, on a more extensive walking tour of the neighborhood around the school campus. The day ended with the students meeting their language exchange partners for the first time.
|
|
|
|
|
Students listening intently to the briefing.
| A brief area tour around the WLE Center |
|
|
|
|
Meeting the language exchange partners for the first time.
|
Julia Carlyon from New Zealand with language exchange partner, Li Jian.
|
Sabrina Gu from the United States with language exchange partner, Hu Qing.
|
|
|
Sergio Boehler from the United Kingdom with language exchange partner, Han Lin.
|
Farewell Night: "Feisty & Fascinating"
|
A fabulous Xinjiang feast . A scintillating show of belly dancers. Terrific table-top dancing. One live snake. One shirtless Italian. Plus 56 WLE students make up for a feisty and fascinating farewell night. But don't take our word for it, let the pictures speak for themselves.
|
|
|
|
|
David Rentschler and Edward Slade begin the feast.
|
GAndrew Wong, Jon Farr, Ben Higgins and Luciana Selmi Dei
|
Ana Li, Jeffrey Seals, David Rentschler and Edward Slade
|
|
|
|
|
Mabel Chu, WLE Chinese Language Tutor Zhang Lao Shi, Cesare Polenghi, Anita Huang and Michelle Chitson
|
WLE Student Coordinator Tony Li shows everyone how to "handle the noodles."
|
Pretty smiles from Alice Azzalin and Jackie Baiata.
|
|
|
|
|
Daniel Craft and Neil Kothari
|
David Chan, Tiffany Ng, Tiffany's friend and Michelle Andersen
|
Cesare wearing an authentic costume, Uighur.
|
|
|
|
Luciana enjoys the dancing.
|
Mary Higonnet and Tony posing for a last picture together.
|
|
Interview: "Eric Cariou, CCB10w"
| 
|
|
Name: Eric Cariou, CCB10w
Country of residence: United Kingdom
Nationality: French
Profession: Entrepreneur
Educational background: University Diploma of Technology - University of Toulouse; Bachelor of Science, Major in Physics - University of Lancashire; Master in Science, Major in Physics & Electronics - University of Surrey
Languages spoken: English, French
Hobbies: Running, Trekking, Traveling, Phyto-therapy, Macroeconomics, Badminton, All forms of artistic expression
Q. Is this your first time in China?
A. No, I went to Hong-Kong before but this was for business and only flew in and out of the city. Only saw my hotel there!
Q. Why did you decide to study Chinese Language/China Business ?
A. For many years I have been very interested in many aspects of Chinese culture but never took the time necessary to explore the million facets of this country. Earlier this year, the opportunity arose to take an extended break and do something different from what I had been doing over the last few years. I then decided to join the World Link program, spending three months learning the language, discovering the country and exploring new business opportunities.
Q. How are you finding your studies in China?
A. Have thoroughly enjoyed both the language and business classes. All the teachers I have had, have really been top class. I have also taken some electives which introduced me to other aspects of this culture. I particularly enjoyed the Singing elective which was great fun and the Hanzi elective which is ideal for those, like me, have never written Chinese before. Also took some additional classes to have an introduction to Wushu which was great fun.
The language course has allowed me to get a grip on the basics of written and spoken Chinese. Learning the vocab and the characters is really hard work and has definitely stretched my memory which hasn't been used much since I left University a few years back! We covered study material that would probably have taken me a year to cover in the UK. I am indeed very pleased as my first objective of getting a grip on the basics of the language has now been achieved.
The learning of the language has undoubtedly allowed me to get a much better understanding of this fascinating country and its culture. Learning the language has also given me the opportunity to develop some friendships with Chinese students and even local artists!
Q. How do you like Beijing?
A. It is THE place where things are happening. New constructions and buildings popping up everywhere, lots of places to visit and things to do. You can feel the energy all around you and that's definitely very stimulating and exciting. People are also very welcoming and patient. Food is miles better than any Chinese take-away you might be used too and extremely varied. I really love this city and could have done with a few more months or even years here!
Q. What do you find most interesting in Beijing?
A. Beijing has got a lot of open-air markets. These are fascinating places, buzzing with people, bits and bobs hanging all over the place and a good place to develop your haggling talent further. There are also some great parks and temples, lots of good art galleries, and so many exciting things to do in town.
Q. Any memorable experiences in Beijing/China?
A. Rolling down some sand dunes and horse racing in Inner Mongolia?Boat racing on the Summer Palace lake in Beijing…Walking and picnicking along the great Wall in the middle of nowhere.... Meeting up and becoming friends with some exciting up and coming local Chinese artists?Practicing Chinese and English singing at a local Karaoke Bar !…Roller blading…Kart racing…and so much more.
Q. How has your experience in China changed you, if it has?
A. After being so focused and absorbed in my work over the last 4-5 years, it has been great to have a real break, have an opportunity to stand back and do such a range of different things in such a short period of time. Such a change of environment and of the things I might do in a day has really helped me to reflect on myself and on the kind of project I am now looking for. I also met many amazing people at World Link and outside with whom I have shared unforgettable
experiences. I have learned a lot from them and, no doubt, they have contributed to the change in me.
Q. What is the thing you like best about Beijing/China?
A. Nothing is static and everything around you changes so rapidly…an ambitious and optimistic country…working hard at making this country a better place to live in.
Q. Will you come to China/Beijing again?
A. Definitely yes. I already have a meeting organized for 2008 in Beijing for the Olympics to celebrate our WLE 6th Anniversary with some other students! Will hopefully be able to come back next year too.
Q. What advice would you give to others who plan to come and study in China?
A. Do not buy a brand new bike (even if it only costs around 30 Euros or Dollars) when you arrive in Beijing but rather a second hand one. I had two stolen in just a few weeks! This seems to be a real problem.
Also you might want to get a bit of practice at handling chopsticks before you come as it might save you a few finger cramps.
Do not bring much with you as you can buy everything here at a fraction of the price you would pay in Europe or the States. Instead, plan a lot of spare space/bags where you can put presents and the million of other things you have bought, when you return. But more importantly, prepare yourself for a great experience. Enjoy!
|
Interview: "Martha Bakken, CCB6w"
| 
|
|
Name: Martha Bakken, CCB6w
Country of residence: United States
Nationality: American
Profession: Special Education Administrator
Educational background: BA East Asian Languages and Cultures- Columbia University; MPP Human Resources, Labor and Education- Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University; MA Applied Linguistics- UMASS Boston; MS Special Education- Wheelock College
Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Chinese, American Sign Languages
Hobbies: Running, Reading, Theatre, Travel
Q. Is this your first time in China?
A. No. It is actually my sixth time in China. I came to China first in 1987 to visit a friend and then I came back in 1990 to study at Beijing University. I have been back once a year for the past 4-5 years.
Q: Why did you decide to study Chinese Language/China Business?
A. The language course interested me because I haven't studied Chinese formally in over 10 years and I wanted to brush up on my language skills. I was also interested in getting to know the city of Beijing again, and having an opportunity to explore the city more in depth. Although I am not in a business profession, I took the business program because I was interested in China's economic and political future and the types of changes that are predicted given the current reform plan and China's entrance into the WTO.
Q. How are you finding your studies in China?
A. I enjoy the classes (although sitting on your tush for 4 hours takes some getting used to). It's nice to have different types of classes and I especially like the Listening and Speaking classes as they concentrate on vocabulary you can use in everyday life.
Q. How do you like Beijing?
A. I love Beijing. I feel privileged to have seen the changes over the last 15 years. Beijing seems to reinvent itself every time I visit. Although I may lament some of the "progress" (e.g. McDonald's and Baskin Robbin's) there is no denying that Beijing is now truly a world-class city. No expat will ever be able to claim that Beijing is a "hardship post" again. The juxtaposition of East and West, new and old is sometimes jarring and sometimes charming, but always interesting.
Q. What do you find most interesting in Beijing?
A. Everything. These days it is possible to have a breakfast of "bao zi" (steamed buns) from a small cart on the street before a strenuous walk through a city park, tour a splendid photography exhibit of "Old Beijing", stop at a "cha guan" (teahouse) for a cup of Jasmine tea and finish the day with Chinese, Spanish, Indian, or Japanese food or even a scrumptious Beijing Duck feast. What more could you want?
Q. Any memorable experiences in Beijing/China? Tell us a few.
A. Oh? This could take forever? I will have to think about it.
Q. How has your experience in China changed you, if it has?
A. Well, I don't know if I can claim to be a "changed woman," but it was a wonderful break from my life in the States. It is always an adventure - and one needs an adventure in one's life from time to time.
Q. What is the thing you like best about Beijing/China?
A. That it is constantly changing and reinventing itself. You never have to worry about being bored in Beijing. There is always something to do, to see?And even if you have seen it once, you should always return because it will have changed in your absence.
Q. Will you come to China/Beijing again?
A. Absolutely. I come almost every year.
Q. What advice would you give to others who plan to come and studyin China?
A. Don't bring too much. These days you can buy everything in Beijing.
Beijing is more expensive then it used to be, especially if you are not used to living like a student. Be flexible. Don't get annoyed. Laugh. It will get you far, and you just might have a good time.
|
"A War of Wills"
By Melanie T. Lim
|
It was winter in the spring when I decided to go down to Xiu Shui  (Silk Market). The chill in the air was probably contributory to my hallucinations of Pashmina scarves begging me to bring them home. After I had picked out the one I wanted, I started haggling. After some exhausting minutes of haggling, I realized that an experienced shopper at ritzy Wangfujing like myself was no match for the toughened shopkeeper whose tongue was as glib in the English language as it was in the art of daily negotiation.
Still, I was pretty impressed with myself after I was able to bring down the price of the scarf from RMB1,000 to a mere RMB100, that is, until the shopkeeper, three stalls away, offers me the exact same scarf for only RMB50. Believing in the superiority of the "mean," I bought my second Pashmina scarf. This would effectively bring down my mean price to RMB75. This is a theory only true shopaholics can ever comprehend. A year later, I bought my third Pashmina scarf - same kind, same place for RMB20.
The moral of the story? Do not go to war unarmed. Do not go to these markets without first arming yourself with information. Know the real market prices of the goods you want. Experienced market shoppers can give you a ballpark figure. Don't pay more than RMB100 for a designer bag. Don't pay more than RMB50 for a designer wallet. Don't pay more than RMB20 for a t-shirt. Then go shopping. And bring the right attitude. Prepare to walk away without the goods.
To win the war, you must steel yourself for total failure. In war, it is those who are not afraid to die who survive. It is the same at the Silk Market. You can get the goods you want at the price you want IF you are prepared to walk away without them. You must learn to walk away when you don't hear the price you want. When the shopkeeper calls you back, (and he will), the war is half won. But it is not over till the exchange is made. He will not give up. He will keep negotiating. You must not give in. You must keep walking.
This is a "war of wills." He who refuses to give in, wins.
Melanie T. Lim is a former WLE student who has now joined WLE as one of its Program Advisors. She has lived in Beijing since February 2001.
|
"Beijing Facts"
Trivia: Beijing Facts
| Location: | Northeastern part of the People's Republic of China |  |
| Area: | 16,800 square kilometers
stretching 160 kilometers from east to west
and over 180 kilometers north to south |
| City Limits: | 80 kilometers |
| Topography: | 43 meters above sea level, 183 kilometers from the sea |
| Climate: | Continental (cold and dry winters with little snow, hot summers) |
| Population: | 12 million |
| Ethnicity: | 95% Han Chinese |
| Language: | Putonghua (Mandarin) |
« BACK
| |
|
Print Page
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)