Monday July 19, 2010

Thought for the Day: “Some men see things as they are and say 'why'. I dream things that never were and say 'why not?'” - John F. Kennedy

Following our morning meeting we boarded the van with Chris and headed for the flower market. We learned that Kunming is the flower capital of China, and for much of SE Asia. Although much of the activity had slowed down by the time we arrived (9:00) it was still very interesting to observe the site and enjoy the beautiful displays.

We met a group of English speaking college girls who insisted on our having our pictures taken with them. I tried to resist but they threatened to use force, so I succumbed.

We then drove through the new city where there is construction going on a monumental scale. The University, a medical school and a tech campus is being built. Along with huge housing complexes for faculty and staff. It is all on a world class scale.

The van to take us to school after lunch was a little late, so class was a little compressed. JK announced about the speech festival. He discussed the various ideas for delivering a good speech. He then discussed the variables that determined a teacher's salary in the US.

I added one point to the tips for the speeches, Inflection. I explained the meaning and we had a short drill to illustrate.

After that we had a short game of telephone and learned some new slang. We finished with a new song, The Unicorn, to add to their play list of Yakety Yak and Where Have All The Flowers Gone.

Dinner was at a Moslem restaurant. The ambiance was pleasant, the food was good, the service attentive and a good time was had by all.

- Bob