Some would say it's a bit late to find this out, but in an e-mail, reader Nic pointed out that no comments were addressed or some such thing. He suggested I had the option turned off. This would explain why others have talked of difficulties posting comments. I have now made it easier to post comments, but as there are only two or three days left of this blog, you might not consider it worth it, unless you happen across this site in the future and feel compelled to let me know something about it, like a typographical error, perhaps. Either way, no matter how you feel on the subject, the option is now available for you.
Anyway, back to business. The training here in Jianshui has been going very well: the course participants have been motivated and enthusiastic throughout, there hasn't been a drop off in numbers during the course and they've agreed with our timetabling, even though it has meant they've had to postpone their three hour lunch and nap break by two hours. Coupled with the fine weather (mid to high twenties), this has meant a rather enjoyable stay. The local education bureau have also been the best so far. They've laid on the odd tour after training, there have been the delightful dinner offers and they've also laid on a bus for us, 
to take us to and from the hotel to the training centre. Normally we have to scavenge for a taxi, which we all bundle into with copies, computers and the like, but a luxury bus ferries us about at our whim. And why the hospitality? We're told that the EB believe that happy trainers make good trainers. 'Tis true. Others would say that it's something to do with the big cheeses of the EB having been given a 'fact-finding tour' of the UK for 10 days. I couldn't / wouldn't want to say.
to take us to and from the hotel to the training centre. Normally we have to scavenge for a taxi, which we all bundle into with copies, computers and the like, but a luxury bus ferries us about at our whim. And why the hospitality? We're told that the EB believe that happy trainers make good trainers. 'Tis true. Others would say that it's something to do with the big cheeses of the EB having been given a 'fact-finding tour' of the UK for 10 days. I couldn't / wouldn't want to say.As previously mentioned, the town is quite relaxed and not too far from Shangri-la, giving it a remarkably un-modern-China quality. Not that there's anything wrong with modern China, just that they're a little heavy on concrete, pollution and noise in certain parts. Quite the opposite in this place. In today's first described picture, you can see engaging locals chatting about the price of pomegranates. You can only imagine the changes this chap has seen - after all, the great Chairman Mao only died in 1976 and with him thoughts of continual violent and aggressive revolution.
A further joy of rural life is the trees. Five years ago a law was passed forcing 
all new major roads (between cities) to have three lines of trees (different varieties) on either side of them. The upshot of this excellent piece of planning policy means that travel between cities is quite a pleasant experience, involving a great variety of flora and fauna. It would seem that in the Mao years there was quite a lot of cutting down and concreting which they're only now beginning to get over. Although this picture doesn't show roads, it does show the rather nice countryside - not all factories and pollution after all.
all new major roads (between cities) to have three lines of trees (different varieties) on either side of them. The upshot of this excellent piece of planning policy means that travel between cities is quite a pleasant experience, involving a great variety of flora and fauna. It would seem that in the Mao years there was quite a lot of cutting down and concreting which they're only now beginning to get over. Although this picture doesn't show roads, it does show the rather nice countryside - not all factories and pollution after all.
But what does one do when not training large groups of Chinese state school English teachers? Well, you could relax in a local eating spot and try the local water pipe. Not being one to shy away from local customs, I felt I had to have a quick go of this bamboo job. A standard cigarette will do - just pop it into the little spout at the bottom and inhale through the top. Lots of smoke gets lost / wasted as it comes out the top, but I believe that's a good thing when considering the quality of most local Chinese smokes. But then, what can you expect for only 30p a pack for the local stuff?
You could also spend the day trying some music at a local temple. You can see that I tried my hand at this too (picture up top). I'm afraid to tell you that on this occasion, my effort to make sweet music fell flat and unfortunately not on deaf ears either. Still, worth a shot.
If all this still wasn't enough, you
could pop to a morning market. Those knowing me would instantly know that this is something I wouldn't do and was simply beyond me owing to the time of day, but we do have a shot passing such a market on the way to the training centre. Note the donkeys to the left of the picture and a few farmer Barlimow (sp?) straw hats towards the back. Loads of folk wear them round here.
could pop to a morning market. Those knowing me would instantly know that this is something I wouldn't do and was simply beyond me owing to the time of day, but we do have a shot passing such a market on the way to the training centre. Note the donkeys to the left of the picture and a few farmer Barlimow (sp?) straw hats towards the back. Loads of folk wear them round here.I did pop back a little later and get some more shots. One that interested me in particular was this stall with a load of different herbs and spices all set out in their sacks with jars of pickled hot peppers stacked on shelves at the back- just the thing to enliven those boring bone and gristle dishes.
Speaking of bone and gristle, the EB weren't put off by our excuses of being too busy for dinner last night and have scheduled another for us for tomorrow lunch after the training and before we set off on another journey. Their kindness and politeness is appreciated, but they really shouldn't, you know. No, really.
