Flight home

Back in the USA!!!!!!!! We landed at 4:40pm in Chicago . I could not fall asleep on the trip at all. I completed all but one evaluation of my administrators, watched three movies, read my book, and walked around and talked . The snow capped mountains over Juneau , Alaska were beautiful. I will blog some photos. The trip to China was very educational. This was not a vacation, but rather very educational in learning about the culture of China, the education system, the history of China, and finally making new friends and moving forward in a partnership to benefit students. We will be starting a club for students to exchange ideas, and have discussions with students from China. That is just one idea we will be exploring immediately. I want to thank the Berks Community Foundation for paying for the trip. The cost to Tulpehocken was less than 1,000 dollars, and since my arrival five years ago, it is the first time I ever went on a trip. I have never attended any National Conference and if I would have ... It would have been much more than 1000 and not nearly as enriching or educational. So a huge thanks goes to my board of directors for allowing me to attend this Heibi exchange. My plan is to edit my blog , followed by making a journal with my experience. I am so glad I blogged each and every moment of the trip, because upon my arrival to work on Monday, the crazy schedule for the end of the year begins. Usually for me as an administrator May is a blur. Anyone who would like more information or request photos etc. please contact me at ealbert@tulpehocken.org. A special thank you for those who followed my blog . I hope I was able to have you live the trip with me. My final thought.....was when I turned around after going through security and only being able to wave to my China friends. The tears flowed heavily and I shall always remember their faces. I know we will see each other again. Ed

Airport

Through customs, security and bags checked. No extra charge for my luggage, some paid 200.00 for over weight. Eating at Burger King. . Board in 30 minutes, leave at 3:55 my time... That is 3:55 eastern time for you all. Next blog Chicago. Ed

Prep

Some of us were Boy Scouts and always prepared.....others just did not get it. Joe playing the weight game.

My final breakfast view in china. This is from the ninth floor of my hotel. Four hours to departure to airport.

As you all can see sleeping is still a problem.... How was the blue and white game anybody?

Hey Lee and Mary, proof that I made it to the shop.

Shop

After a 30 minute taxi ride in bumper to bumper traffic, we made it to the store.

Delivery

Papa John's delivery.

Market

More of the market

Market

Here is part of the market.

Consulate of USA. Take note of flag .

Pearls anyone?

Strategy

Tonight back in the room is all about using common sense. I call it the weight game. Any luggage over 50lbs tomorrow is a 200 .00 charge. So we are taking from one bag to another. Using a bathroom scale to check. I just borrowed another scale from another room, and there is a difference in the scales. How about the earthquake today in Beijing, a 7 on the Richter scale. We did not feel it. We depart for the airport tomorrow at 12:00 pm. Our flight leaves at 3:00 and we arrive to Chicago at 4:00 pm central time. I will send done pictures next of the market today. Ed

My meal... Lasagna

Italian

Joe , Jen , Margaret , Connie and myself hung together as a wolf pack today at the market which is crazy. Again I was hounded by many to buy watches... I finally said no and the guy really got mad at me. We then went in two cabs to visit the store I told you about. After the store we walked several blocks and used a jigsaw approach and found a quaint italian restaurant . We celebrated...... Finally !!!! What a day!!!!!

I would like to state I am not supporting communism .... But I would have been a fool not to visit this museum.

Well it is raining heavily in Shanghai . We are ready to go on some tours. In the PM I will be visiting a special store . The owner of the store is good friends with two special friends of mine from Lebanon , Pa. Visiting Ping, the owner of the store , will be neat and a special connection. More to come.

First meal

Our first meal in Shanghai and our last CHINESE MEAL. We are going western tomorrow . Tomorrow is the first day to do what ever we wish to do. So it will be Saturday for us... touring and visiting shops. Of course no one has any space left in their luggage.

The walk to the security gate. See my friend waving as we all walk to gate.

Final farewell

This was very emotional for me. I will forever remember this experience. I am now beginning to my transition for work. Today is the anniversary of Colombine and with what is going on in Mass. It has me concerned. Be safe Tulpy.

Some quick facts

Quick facts of Shanghai .

27 million people live here 

62% live in city

Mother river feeds into Yansee   to china sea to Pacific Ocean 

2010 expo held here

12-13 thousand US dollars to buy a license in shanghai  this allows  you to drive anytime, otherwise you can only drive at certain times.

Trip to hotel

Welcome to America !!! I feel like I am in the USA. Shanghai is beautiful. We have a hour drive to our hotel. We are driving parallel to the fastest train in the world. More to come I want to enjoy the scenery . BTW... I just ate a whopper jr. and a large fry..... I LOVED IT!!!!! Followed by a snickers bar.

Arrival

I have arrived in Shanghai safely. Ready for a new adventure.

Ready for a new experience . Shanghai !!! Talk soon.

Final

The last so long. I am through security

Well I am the first one at the airport😄 . Waiting for my American friends.

Final group picture

We went to school for a few moments. I received my thumb drive will all the pictures from the school photographer . Now we are off to the airport.

Weather

Today is the first day it is raining. One of my friends said, the skies are crying due to my departure . How true!

Cloths

I forgot to tell you. Xia had all my clothing yesterday sent to the cleaners. Is that first class or what???? Each item is returned individually wrapped .

Now

As I am getting ready this morning I find the tears flowing already, this is going to be really filled with emotions. Trust me people.... It has been the highlight of my career. Ed

Overload

This is not uncommon to see. I am amazed how they get all these items on one vehicle.

Thoughts

Hello, my body clock is really out of whack. Two AM here and I am wide awake after another long day. Ask yourself what a hug can do for you or others? Typically, Chinese do not hug. I think I have changed that tradition from my first day here. This evening and throughout the trip, hugging was part of my approach with all the individuals I met. Many have said it has given them a feeling of trust, acceptance and warmth. Such a simple little thing , but yet powerful. I am sure in a few hours from now many more hugs will be given to the staff, and anyone else who is around me. I will arrive at school by 7:30am, spend about 30 minutes with staff, followed by an hour trip to the airport. I will meet all my American friends, except our friends from Massachusetts , we will see them in Shanghai. It is about an hour flight. I was able to successfully pack my luggage and triple checked everywhere not to forget anything, most importantly my passport. Well I must go the alarm ( mr. rooster) will be cackling in a few short hours. So long my friends. Ed

Ps. I think there might be a saying..... What happens in Shanghai - stays in Shanghai.

Overview

I feel as though I may have sent this already. Am I really starting to loose it??????The school building are next to the oval track. To the far upper right...... You guessed it......the lot is now filled with high risers.

Gifts

My gifts are beautiful. I have received many gifts in Chinese language. This is the meaning of one of them.

Score sheet

This was the score sheet they used for the sports meeting.

Sports meeting as they call it.

Farewell

Words do not say enough for this walk.

Hoops there it is

Hoops there it is....... Tell Moyer I got him a gal that is 6 ft 5 . Second time I played bball

Driver

Curt, after you retire you can have plenty of work in China with teaching drivers Ed .

Driving

I was asked to go to a lunch interview today. This young lady from the education department who picked me up was nervous driving me to lunch. I will send a picture of her after this blog. When she went to park the car, it was very evident she was unable to do this. I offered to park the car and she replied quickly with a yes. So I now can say I drove a car in China. Just some lite humor and a cute story.

So long

My best words as I type this..... Is to say so long my dear friends.

Raising of the flag

Better view

Perhaps this is better.

Field

I am sorry for not getting the entire shot..... This is half of the field. Awesome feeling!

Simple

The same world the same dream. So simple!!! I ask why is this so difficult? Each of us play a part in the dream .

Going the extra mile

This too was a touch of class!!!!!

Final farewell to students

Imagine 2500 students, 200 staff members standing and waving farewell as I walked down the track. Tears flowed as it is best not to see the front of me. I am told the students wanted to perform their best today, just for me. Their sports performances were outstanding. I was also the first foreigner ever two give three speeches at this school.

Aerial view

This picture should give you a view of my school. An additional building will be built lower right

Interview

To my surprise I have another interview with a representative of Hebei Education Department . Similar to PDE if it still exist in Pa. Anyway, she said she us taking me for Western food. Yes!!!!!! N n

Good morning

Good evening to you. Again for those of you who are joining me I realize I misspelled words , missed used words, such as there, their, and to vs two. I indeed do know the difference. My blog was to keep you connected..... Especially my friends at Tulpy. For all others you should just be happy that you are following me. This is the first time I ever blogged but not the last. So please forgive me for making mystakes.... Yes that was my twisted humor. ( mystakes) Again, I hope my staff and students had a feel for my experience in China. I wanted to take in each moment, my days were very long, and I wanted to blog daily. I am glad I did. I will proof my blog when I return and write a book of my experience using the blog as my sequence and memories. After all I do forget from time to time. If you enjoyed my blogs I will give you a book... If you were critical of my writing..... Get a life!!!!! Lol . You will be able to purchase the book for 29.99 and if you do so within 20 minutes of the book going on sale... You also will get the shower curtain rings free. But wait.........

Good evening

Good afternoon, it is midnight and I just placed many pictures on the blog to give you a glimpse of the day. I was with classes all morning, and I met with the top ten students in grades 7, 8 and 9, for Q and A. I may have told you that already... So please excuse me. The day was wonderful and filled with excitement and learning. Although I was the Honorary Principal for today, I am really visible in the school and I feel as though I am at Tulpehocken. I see almost all the students, and like the students at Tulpehocken, they are friendly and always willing to say hello. Tomorrow is my last full day with a speech at the sports ceremony and a farewell speech at the conclusion of the day. THIS IS GOING TO BE EMOTIONAL! I hope my blogs have given you a sense of what I have been doing..... But you really need to live this. Through this partnership our students will be given an opportunity to reach out to the students here in China and School 44. We have so much to offer to one another. I have said for years and will always maintain the following belief. " when we work together we can move mountains and make a difference". I Know this works..... It has worked well for the past 5 years at Tulpy. Too bad others in our country cannot take a page out of our book and do the same. Stayed tune for tomorrow.....

The honorary principal for a day with pride, enthusiasm, and a love for all children. Dr. Albert

Tree

My colleagues joined Xia and myself for the second tree planting.

Friendship tree

We planted to friendship trees. This was very special as was the whole day.

Official

Does this look official or what?????? This agreement has the potential to make an impact on students both in Tulpy and School 44.

Signing

The signing of the cooperation agreement letter between Tulpy and School 44.

Showing off a gift

One of my many gifts given was a Brooks Brother tie to Xia. In this photo we were sharing we both had similar ties......both from Brooks Brothers. I think Brooks Bothers should donate to our foundation...... For advertising in China.

Meeting

Giving a speech prior to signing our cooperation agreement.

Question

A student asked me if I can dance. So I did a little soft shoe dance with her. The students roared .

Classroom

Visiting classrooms for Q and A.

Music

Yes we all sang to the song Old Suzanne . The kids loved it. They were like professionals.

What a presentation the students did for this group.

Honorary Principal

Today I was the Honorary Principal for the Day. In this photo I am giving information about the school to my colleagues who came to visit for a few hours. They were taken on a tour, witnessed dances, vocal performances, PE class, and visited classroom for questions and answers. The students showed the administrators with gifts as they did for me. I must say my friends were very impressed with my school. The day ended at 6:00pm .

News

TV interview. I doubt if it made National News

Biology

If only my college and HS biology teachers see me now!!!!!!!!

Art work

This was a beautiful gift given to me by this student. Lovely.

Gift

This same class also gave me candy...... Oh boy!!!