Moon Cake Festival

Every autumn, Chinese folks take a weeklong break to celebrate their country and the end of the harvest season.  During this celebration, called the Mid Autumn Festival, people eat moon cakes and gaze at the goddess in the moon.  Moon cakes are small pie like pastries that are traditionally filled with lotus paste or sweetened red bean paste.

To quote Chris, moon cakes are China's way of letting you know they have a sense of humor.

There are many different stories about how this tradition started, most of which confuse me.  I think the best version is:

Around 2170 B.C., the earth once had ten suns circling over it; each took its turn to illuminate to the earth. One day all ten suns appeared together, scorching the earth with their heat. A strong and tyrannical archer named Hou Yi saved the earth. He succeeded in shooting down nine of the suns. One day, Hou Yi stole the elixir of life from a goddess. However his beautiful wife Chang Er drank the elixir of life in order to save the people from her husband's tyrannical rule. After drinking it, she found herself floating and flew to the moon. Hou Yi loved his divinely beautiful wife so much; he didn't shoot down the moon. 

Fast forward this story a few thousand years.  The Mongols were running China.  The folks in the Ming dynasty decided it was time to overthrow the government.  Mid Autumn festival was around the corner so the Mings decided to bake messages into the moon cakes detailing their plan of action.  They then started a rumor that a plague was coming, and moon cakes were the only cure.  As expected, the cakes were snagged up, the battle plan was spread and the revolution was successful.

When we went through our culture class with Jie, we learned that today people exchange moon cakes with friends and colleagues before Mid-Autumn festival.  So Chris and I decided to pick out some moon cakes for some of the people who have made our lives easier in China. 

We went to the nearest Carrefour (our grocery store), and saw literally hundreds of different brands of moon cakes ranging in price from a couple RMB ($.50) to 1200 RMB ($250).  All of the cakes were wrapped in Chinese packaging, so I had no clue what flavor to expect.  I felt completely lost and overwhelmed.  I did not want to give junky moon cakes, so I decided to take matters in my own hands and hold a moon cake taste test.  We picked up 3 moderately priced moon cakes, and headed for home for the tasting.

Our first moon cakes.  We were do ready to dig in!

This is a  cross section shot of the moon cakes.  The red bean paste cake is on the right; the lotus paste cake is on the left.

I could barely contain my excitement when we got home!  I was going to sample a tasty part of Chinese culture.  I unwrapped the cakes, took out a knife and sliced off a sample-sized chunk of one of the red bean paste pastries.  I took a small bite, and choked it down.  I am by no means a picky eater, but this was horrible. 

All hope was not lost; we still had our lotus pastries.  Sample number two tasted like stale brownie, dehydrated peanut butter, and paste.  

Chris was eager to help with the taste test.

He takes a preliminary sniff.

His face says it all!

All I had to say about these cakes was best shown in this picture.

My not so secret moon cake message.

There was no way that I would feel comfortable serving these moon cakes to my worst enemy.  I decided that I needed to ask some of my Chinese friends which brands were tasty.  Fortunately, a couple of friends wrote down the Chinese characters for the decent moon cakes.  Chris snagged a couple of cakes on the way home from work and we sampled more cakes. 

We brace ourselves for the worst...

This was a lotus paste moon cake with a hard boiled quail's egg in the center.  It tasted better than it sounds.

Success!  They were by no means perfect, but at least I was able to finish the cake.  Chinese folks must have a completely different flavor palate than mine.   Moon cakes are not something that I would eat every day.  I am happy to report that Sophie, my new Chinese teacher, commented about how we purchased tasty moon cakes. 

As fate would have it, moon cake festival happened to fall on the 16^th anniversary of my first date with Chris.  On our first date, we went to Ben and Jerry’s for ice cream.  As a tradition, we usually go out to dinner on the anniversary of that evening and top it off with an ice cream run.  This year, I needed to find a way to marry both of these traditions.

The answer would come easily thanks to a little ice cream place called Haagen Dazs.  

It is Haagen-Dazs!  It has to be good!

To tickle the palates of many Westerners, Haagen Dazs created ice-cream moon cakes!  Ever since I saw the commercial for the little cakes in a cab, I knew I had to try one.

So on moon cake day we headed to the Jing’an Temple area and picked up a petite collection of cakes from the Haagen Dazs vendors and rushed home to place them in the freezer.

Chris picks up the mooncakes from the tent.  The cakes are packed in dry ice so they will make the subway trip home in tact!

To quote Barney Stinson from How I Met Your Mother, these cakes were going to be LEGENDARY!  I figured we would follow tradition and wait until after dinner to celebrate.

We went to Nova Cool Docks where we dined on French cuisine on the patio, and gazed at the moon as per both Wilcox and Chinese tradition. 

This was our view from dinner.  Notice the full moon!

When we got home, we immediately broke out the moon cakes. 

Haagen Dazs never disappoints!

I am happy to report that I savored every bite of the white chocolate, strawberry and vanilla yumminess.  Ice cream moon cakes are amazing and a must try for people everywhere! 

So tasty!

This whole experience made me realize while I am not Chinese, and will never be Chinese, China will always have a special place in my heart.  Hence, Chris and I made a pact to celebrate moon cake festival each year regardless of where we live.  Even if the cakes are really ice cream!

Suffering for the Sake of Beauty

When moving to any new city, it may take some time to find your beauty team. When moving across the globe, it may take even longer due to language barriers and cultural beauty regime differences.  For example, in Shanghai it is next to impossible to find hair dye in any other color than black in stores because most native Chinese folks want to keep the black hair of their youth.  Also, many Chinese people value porcelain white skin; so many makeup products contain bleaching agents to lighten their skin.    It was for these reasons (and more) that I realized I needed to find a hair stylist, pedicurist, and aesthetician (waxer) who understands western beauty.

Luckily, the first week I was in Shanghai I found a little nail place called American Style Nails across the street from my subway line!  The owners, Chu Fan and her husband ran a salon on Madison Ave for 10 years.  They are American licensed cosmetologists, keep their salon to the American level of cleanliness, and import all of their products from New York!  For 126 RMB (around $20) you can get a brow wax and pedicure.  AND THEY SPEAK FLUENT ENGLISH!!!!  Since their brow waxing got the Pat (my mother) seal of approval, and my pedi lasted 3 weeks I quickly became one of their regulars.  I love that since my first visit, Chu remembers me every time I call.  If I do not call within 2-3 weeks, she will answer the phone,

            “Long time, no see…” When I call.  If you are a future or current expat, their place is definitely worth checking out. 

Since Chu did a great job with my toes and brows, I figured I could at least ask her for a hair referral.  After I asked her, she replied

“Oh, I know someone who would be perfect for you.  I will call her and make you appointment.  What time you want to go?” 

“Are you sure she knows how to cut curly hair?”  I asked. 

“Oh yes, what time?” She asked.

“And she can color light brown/ blondish hair?” I needed to be sure that my hair was not going to look like a bird’s nest.

“Yes.  I send my western girls to her and they all love her.  What time?”

This seemed almost too good to be true.

“Do you think she could see me Tuesday morning? Around 9:30?”

Fortunately Zinna at iSalon was available and willing to cut my hair.

I arrived at iSalon bracing for the worst.  Luckily they had a chalkboard sign that claimed they had an English-speaking stylist who was trained in London!  BONUS!  Zinna greeted me in the street because I looked like a lost Lowei.  She whisked me to her chair and had her assistant match my hair color with a hair dye card.  I was relieved …this was normal salon procedure. 

She then asked me what I wanted.   What I really wanted was my hairstylist from the states, Denise, to do my hair but that was not going to happen.  So, I showed her a picture of me right after my last haircut, and she and her assistant went to town. 

I pulled out my iPad to read my latest downloaded book, and she said the three words any techno-girl wanted to hear.

“We have wi-fi.”  FABO!!!  Not only was I getting my hair done, I could surf and relax. 

One hour later, at least half of the aluminum foil supply of Shanghai was on my head, and it was time to let the color set in.  While the color was cooking, a tall man approached me while I was in the chair.

I have never had this much metal on my head...EVER!

“You need treatment.” He said.

Tell me something I don’t know. 

“What kind of treatment?” I ask.

“Treatment for your hair.”  He replied. He then proceeds to pull out an iPad with a menu of different treatments, each when translated into English said,

“To improve the quality of colored or damaged hair.”  I was afraid he was going to suggest Keratin treatment on the sly.   (For you boys out there, Keratin treatment is a kind of treatment to make your hair straight and shiny.)

“Um, that’s okay.  I want to wear my hair curly.”  I figured that would make the man go away.

“You need a treatment.”  The man insisted.

“Will it make my hair go straight?  I want to wear my hair curly.”  Oh Denise, why couldn’t you move to Shanghai like I suggested!

“It is for color.”  The man pulled out a small vial of L’Oreal something or other. 

“Are you sure I will be able to wear my hair curly?” I could not believe that I was getting bullied into a treatment.

“It is for color.” He insisted.  At least it said L’Oreal.  How badly could it mess up my hair?

“Okay fine, I will take that one.”  Please go away.  Please go away now you greedy salon owner!

After I was shampooed my hair looked like a bird’s nest…literally.  I was thankful when the treatment began.  The highlighting assistant would spray a couple of blasts of treatment, roll his thumbs in my hair and then comb it straight.  The color was okay. Perhaps this would work out.  After the rolling and combing, the assistant brought out a device that looked like it would suck my brains out.  What did I agree to?

The assistant pinned my hair into a French twist and leveled the device over my head.  At first I was calm…this was like one of those hair dryer devices that my mom owned and never used because the hand held blow dryer was invented. 

Then something beyond my wildest imagination happened.  Smoke started oozing out from the hood. 

“Um…Zinna?”

“Yes.” She answered.

“I think my hair is on fire.”  I reply.

“I don’t understand you.”  Great.  How could one understand free wi-fi but not understand my hair is on fire?  More steam started pouring out.

“Zinna?  Is everything okay?  There is smoke coming from my head!”  I ask.

“Hang on, I find someone for you.”  Nice.  At least it is hair.  It will grow back?  Two minutes later, the evil salon proprietor came around.

Me with my head "on fire". 

“Is there a problem?”  He innocently asked.

“I think my hair is on fire. ” I blurted. “Do you see the smoke?”

“Your hair is not on fire.” He laughed and walked away.

A couple of minutes later, a cool breeze replaced the steam, and my hair was ready to be cut.

Zinna cuts my newly treated hair.  

30 minutes later, I was out with my new do.

It is by no means perfect, but it is a start.

Me before.

Me After.

Denise…if you are reading this, PLEASE come to Shanghai! J

Chili-ing Out

After a summer of 100+ heat indices, Shanghai is finally starting to cool down!  To celebrate the departure of muggy weather, Chris and I headed to the 7th annual chili cookoff at Bubba’s restaurant in Shanghai.

Yummy!!!

About twenty teams participated in this CASI sanctioned event.  The top four entries are headed to an international chili cook-off in Texas. I have to admit, before today I had no idea there was a chili cook-off sanctioning body.  You learn something new everyday!

My beverage had a mustache!  In honor of team 24!

Chris loved the home brew and a spicy shot of "Yankee Chili."

Team Terlingua made a chili so spicy, that I did not feel the burn for 30 seconds.  Then my mouth stung for 5 minutes.  Unfortunately, they took the top prize.

If you voted for team Pistolera, you received some extra TLC/Tequila from some naughty nurses.

Am really bummed that the Jailhouse Chili crew ran out of chili early.   Their presentation was fabulous.

Perhaps dinosaurs would have survived if they had chili.

Our friend and fellow Purdue grad Eric Otting's team came in second place!  Score one for his bar, De Refter!

Needless to say, we had a great time. Bring on the fall!

My First Week In The Trenches

I did it!  I made it through the first week of teaching! 

My mind, body, and soul are exhausted.  I feel like a first year teacher all over again.

It all started on Monday morning around 9:20 am Shanghai time.  After a 90 minute commute via foot, bus, and subway I arrived at the Shanghai Daning International school, where I teach English to first, second and fourth grade students for one hour twice a week.  If there were one word to describe SDIS, it would be nirvana.  When you walk into the school, you are greeted with a jumbotron showing highlights of school activities.  Students in darling uniforms run around the perfectly manicured playground, complete with a rock wall.  The students are very intelligent, and the teachers all seem extremely happy.  One of the biggest perks of working at this school is that all of the teachers are bilingual.  (They all speak Chinese and English.)  The teachers love to collaborate with the foreign teachers (that would be me and my friend, Meagan) and the classrooms have Promethian boards!!!  (This means I get to try everything I have been teaching others to use for the past 5 years!)  The average class size is around 15-25 kids.  Needless to say, I am a very happy camper here!

My fourth grade students stand at attention at the end of the Chinese National Anthem.

In spite of my fabo surroundings, I was very nervous about teaching first graders how to speak English. We were told that many of them have never spoken English before we walked into their classroom. My fears melted when a darling first grade Chinese girl walked up to my desk before class.

Student:  Hello Teacher! (Imagine a tiny British accent)

Me (trying to get set up for class):  Hello Sweetie.  (I still don’t know their names…it was day one and class had not started.)

Student: I would like to sing a song for you. 

Me: Okay…  (I was expecting something simple, like “Mary had a Little Lamb” or “Three Blind Mice”.)

She proceeded to belt,

“I throw my hands up in the air sometimes
Saying AYO!
Gotta let go!
I wanna celebrate and live my life
Saying AYO!
Baby, let's go!”  She then switched songs and serenaded me with “A Whole New World” from the movie Aladdin in its entirety.

So much for the kids not knowing any English.  It took every teacher cell in my body not to laugh or dance along with her.  It was too sweet!

I would say about 90% of the kiddos at the school have both Chinese and English names.  If the student had no English name, I had the responsibility of “naming” them.  This was a serious job.  I needed to be certain their English name was sturdy enough to appear on a Harvard application, but not be the same name as annoying students in my past. 

As part of my first day agenda, I would ask each student his or her name.  If a student did not have an English name he or she would usually look at me with a blank stare, and a classmate would say,

            “He doesn’t have an English name.”

I would then look at the child, and assign him a name that fit his or her personality.

One little nameless boy needed a new English identity.  I took a close look…he looked like a Michael.  I asked him if he would like to be called Michael, and he said okay.  We shortened it to Mike for ease of use and I moved on.

At the end of class I heard a tiny voice yell, “Teacher, Teacher!”  Michael came up to my desk.

“Yes sweetie?”

“I don’t like it.”

“What don’t you like?  I asked.

“My name.” he replied.

I immediately felt guilty for my bad choice.

“Okay sweetie, what would you rather be called? “  I asked.

“Three.”  He responded

I choked back a laugh.

“Three?”

“Yes, Three. 

“Honey, that is not a usual English name, are you sure you don’t want a different name?” I asked.

“Yes.” 

“Well okay then. It is nice to meet you, Three.” I replied.

“It is nice to meet you too.  Goodbye Teacher.”

Teaching in China is not always easy.  After my morning classes, I jumped in a cab took another 20 minute commute to my second school. 

As we pulled up to my afternoon school, I learned that I would not be teaching in the school.  I would be teaching in a smoky conference room. The Chinese government forbids teaching private lessons in government school buildings...at least on sunny days.  My teaching conditions were not what I expected…at all.

This is my classroom before.

This is my classroom after.

After murmuring, “I will make this work.  It will be okay.” about 50 times, I knew I had to get my act together. I have taught for eleven years, I can pull off teaching English to kiddos without desks, books, and a projector…I think. 

How do you like that SMART board?

This is my friend Megan's room.  Luckily she has a rolling blackboard she uses.

After school teaching is kind of like herding cats.  The kids have pretty much checked out and are ready to go home, and it is my job to keep them learning and entertained.  After two 35 minute sessions of Dr. Jean songs, SHINE raps, introductions, and more I was beat.  Every bone in my body was aching.  I wanted to hop in a cab, drink a huge bottle of water, and go to bed.  After one hour in traffic, I did exactly that. 

You can take the girl out of the Beech, but you can't take the Beech out of the girl!

My Tuesdays and Wednesdays are nice.  Classroom hours don’t start until 3:30, and I head for home by 4:50.  This leaves me plenty of time to plan my lessons for the week during the day, and I am full of energy for the afternoon crew. 

My after school students participate in Chinese eye relaxing exercises in their classroom.  Twice a day this eery music with a woman's voice  plays on the PA system and students rub their eyes and parts of their face for about 5 minutes.  Notice that we are in the school building, not in my normal classroom.  If it is rainy outside, we can use the students' classroom.

Since I did not have anything formally scheduled for Wednesday morning, my coordinator thought it would be a good idea to meet my Friday school colleagues.

On Friday mornings, I teach two 6^th grade English classes and one drama class at a foreign language magnet middle school.  If you would have told me one year ago that I would be teaching drama to sixth graders in Shanghai, China, I would have told you that you were insane.  

After going through a rapid-fire interview with the headmaster, a local English teacher handed me a “Little Red Riding Hood” reader’s theater script. 

“Could you do this play with the drama class?” she asked.

“Sure!  Not a problem!” I replied.  I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

Much later that evening, I picked up the script and started planning my drama lesson.  This version of “Little Red Riding Hood” was not the story of my childhood where Grandma was locked in a closet, and Little Red Riding Hood ran away.  This morbid version included Grandma and Little Red getting eaten by the wolf, a hunter performing a c-section with classroom scissors to free Little Red and Grandma from the wolf, Little Red and Grandma filling the Wolf’s stomach with bricks, and the hunter finally shooting the wolf.  Awesome.  Unfortunately, Chris was sleeping so I could not wake him to determine whether or not I was hallucinating.  I know toy guns are allowed in Chinese schools so I had the shooting covered, but how in the world was I going to be able to pull off a c-section with scissors?  I knew it was time for bed.

Fortunately my sixth graders are awesome, and the school is beautiful. 

My middle school.

There are only 35 kids in the entire school, so class sizes are tiny. The students are energetic and enthusiastic, so my first class flew by.  

Around noon, it was time for drama.  I figured the best way to start a drama class would be by having the kids participate in an improv activity.  This way I could see who had natural acting ability for casting purposes.  I walked into the classroom and asked,

     “Hello!  How are you all today?”  One little boy yelled out,

     “I am full!”  This was a great opportunity!  I could see who was up for the Big Bad Wolf with a belly full of bricks.  I had all of the kiddos pretend they were a Thanksgiving Day level of full.  Immediately, all of the kids started rubbing their stomachs and started groaning.  I asked a little girl,

     “How are you?”

     “I am full.  I ate too many French Fries.” She groaned

     “Where did you eat your French Fries?” I moaned.

     “At McDonalds.” She whined

     “So you have a McBrick?” I asked.  I had to go there.

     “A what?” she asked

    “A McBrick.  It is the feeling you have after you eat too much McDonalds.”

The class cracked up.  I am proud to say I taught Chinese kids about McBricks.  It is these special moments that make me love my job.

Unfortunately, we ran out of time before we were able to reach the c-section portion during the cold read of Little Red Riding Hood, but I will gladly share what happens as soon as we get there.

This school year is going to be a huge adventure.  I look forward to embarking on a year of MacGyver style teaching and growing as a professional.  There will be more classroom stories to come!