School Has Started

We've been in classes for about 4 days now.  We have some war stories, especially Chris.  My school has some level of disorganization that comes with cross cultural work places, etc. but my school puts Chris' school to shame.  He found out 2 days into the school year that he is teaching in a starter program -- again -- similar to last year in China.  One of the reasons we wanted to get out of that situation!  The Chinese homeroom teacher, in his 7th grade classroom, has been taking advantage of Chris' time by tactically disappearing when needed, or acting lost and confused so that Chris would take the lead with the students.  When confronted, her "surprise" at the "news" clearly gave Chris the impression she knew more than was letting on.  Hum...

We've finally gotten at least one phone with a contract, which turns out to be cheaper that pay as you go.  So now I have a Smartphone.  It was a fight getting it, but I think the phone office was so tired of seeing me and arguing with me (I'm getting good at that...) that they caved.  Just kidding, I had a translator friend to help me and all the silly required paperwork.

My latest adventure has consisted of hunting down free bikes.  I saw an ad online, emailed the guy, he responded letting me know he'd moved but the bikes were left outside the apartment complex, unchained.  My first thoughts were "Free bikes!" plus "I'm sure they're still there!"  Well, I took the subway, tried as best as I could to follow his directions and 5 blisters and 2 hours later, I floundered my way with my poor Chinese back to the subway empty handed.  

One of the reasons I want a bike is to ride by Chris as he has started training for a marathon!  I have to say, there are times it feels like we are hitting our heads against a wall and yelling: "why is this so hard here?!?" but we're, for the most part, having fun doing it.  Not the head banging part.  Mostly just life.  I get to walk everywhere, which I love.  Chris is going to get a scooter soon.  Our walls aren't completely white anymore.  This feels more like living again.  It is good.