The China, Our China (Zhongguo, Women-de Zhongguo)

Dear Intrepid Explorers,

Sorry I've been MIA for a bit. Settling in a foreign land is quite the endeavor and took a bit more time (and sleep deprivation) than expected, but I'm back in action. And I know action.

Though this is not a the most thorough introduction to the cast of characters which will be regulars on the Vlog, nor is this the most thorough depiction of our time in Beijing thus far, but for now, it will do. It will do:




Walking with you once upon a dream,

-cy

Letters from Yali

Greetings and Salutations from the PRC,

I'm currently developing my next video, but in the meantime, I wanted to write something a bit more meaningful.

This evening, Jason (my Yali partner) and I received hundreds (literally) of letters each from the pool of kids from which will come our future students. I wanted to share one with you:

---

Dear Chris,

I'm glad to hear this message. I know that we will welcome two new teachers to Yali School. So. I'm exciting for your coming. So I want to know some information about you. Because my classmate's name is same to you, he loves basketball very much. Do you like NBA? If you like, I think we can be the best friend. If you can teach us, I think we can know you more. So I am looking forward to meeting you. Do you like Chinese food? like HuNan food. It's very hot, but I think you will love. Let's be friends. Welcome home!

Ruins.

---

I found these letters incredibly moving, and this one in particular struck me. "Welcome home!" Although I am very much a stranger in a strange land, attempting to speak a language that I barely know in a culture I barely understand, I've been shocked at how accessible everything and everyone seems to be.

Overall, it's been a fantastic start, and I really am starting to feel at home.

-cy

Haikus and Stuff

Dear Intrepid Explorers,

As of late, I did indeed wander through a bygone pre-historic era, in the Land of Dial-up and 'coon Huntin': the American South. I love my family, and I love fishing, but it's time I re-entered Dear Moderity. I miss it, and it misses me. We miss each other, and this is sad.

The pandas are sad.
Freedom comes to the pandas.
I cometh to them.

Modernity hast spoken unto mine ears. It hast informed mine judgments.

China. China. Woot.
I come to you, oh pandas.
China. China. Woot.

It is my time. I shall return, somewhere, over the rainbow. I shall return in China.

I leave my country tomorrow, but the love between us will grow stronger over time and space.

To infinity and beyond!

-cy

(My dad has shitty Internet, so a video wasn't really possible. This was the best I could do. Deal.)

Part of That World

In the midst of Packing Hell came true inspiration:




And below, you can find the lyrics, so that, in the truest spirit of Mr. Chris' Sing-Along Vlog, you can sing along:

(I don't know, Buddy. Maybe Mom's right. Maybe there is something the matter with me.
But I just don't see how a country that makes such cheap things could be bad.)

Look at this shit.
It's not even neat.
Wouldn't you think my packing is complete?
Wouldn't you think I'm the guy,
The guy who's packed everything?

Look in this here:
T-shirts galore.
You'd never think I could fit anymore.
Looking around here you think:
Damn, he's packed everything.

I've got jackets and beanies a-plenty.
I've got hoodies and jean shorts galore.
You want Chinese textbooks?
I've got like twenty!
But who cares?
No big deal:
There's still more...

I wanna be where my students are.
I wanna hear, wanna hear their questions,
Help them learn for the – what do you call it?
Oh – test.

Using my brawn, I won't get too far.
Brains are required for teaching, striving,
Helping my students – what did I just say?
Mine.

It's where they live, it's where they learn,
Now it's the place for where I do yearn.
Travelin' free – can't wait to be
Part of that world.

What I will give that I can live out of this country.
What I will pay so I to say I saw this world.
Bet'cha over there, they won't care
If I'm just a bit of a shit show:
A young Yale man ready to can
His disbelieve.

And ready to know what those people know
Ask 'em my questions and get some answers:
Where's the restroom and why do you - what's the word?
Squat?

Now it's my turn,
I get to learn, see and explore that world that I yearn.
Across the sea,
I get to be
Part of that world.

-cy

Willkommen

Welcome to the beginning:



Warm up those vocal chords. You'll need 'em.

-cy