Author Archives: connieinasia

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About connieinasia

I have been in the Asia region for 27 years as an English language teacher. A majority of those have been in China with the Amity Foundation , a Chinese NGO that works in all areas of development for the Chinese people. Covid stranded me in America for over 3 years, with China closing its boarders to returning teachers. In 2023, I was accepted into a new teaching role not in China but in Laos. Join me in experiencing this incredible journey into a different culture, a different language, and a different life.

A Rare Occasion

Posted on October 15, 2021 by connieinasia

“How many rainbows have you seen in your lifetime?”“Do you remember your first rainbow? Can you tell us the story?” Yesterday, I placed these questions, along with two pictures, in a new WeChat group I now belong to. A former … Continue reading →

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Hopeful News of China’s Relaxing Entry of Foreigners into the Country

Posted on October 9, 2021 by connieinasia

As always, my days are spent trolling the Internet for signs that China will start moving away from their Zero-Covid policies and enter into a resignation that opening up to us “regular” foreigners (returning overseas teachers and students, even tourists) … Continue reading →

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An Earthquake Security Check

Posted on October 7, 2021 by connieinasia

“Hey, Bruce!” I typed into my WeChat message to my Chinese colleague, “Bruce” Liu, yesterday. “Sorry to bother you again but have you checked on my apartment yet? I just want to make sure the recent earthquake didn’t do any … Continue reading →

Posted in China, From Along the Yangtze, Luzhou, Luzhou Vocational and Technical College, Luzhou: Yangtze Rivertown Stories, Tales from Sichuan's Yangtze Rivertown, Travel | Leave a comment

“We’ve created a monster!” My Mom’s Latest Newspaper Column

Posted on October 4, 2021 by connieinasia

Walk With Me—October 2021 by Priscilla Wieck I had planned to resume this column in September but somehow September slipped away. I am writing this at the end of that month and you will be reading it in October so … Continue reading →

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Our China Rescue, Bridget, Is At it Again!

Posted on September 30, 2021 by connieinasia

Awhile back, China rescue Bridget entered People Magazine’s World’s Cutest Dog Contest. Some of you helped select her photo to send in as my mom and I couldn’t decide. It was a long shot as over 10,000 entries were received … Continue reading →

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Snippets of China Updates

Posted on September 24, 2021 by connieinasia

A lot has been happening among my WeChat contacts. Here are a few highlights, including news reports which so many of my Chinese friends have commented on. Newest Covid Outbreak After squelching an outbreak in Nanjing in July, things were … Continue reading →

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“Where were you when . . .?”

Posted on September 13, 2021 by connieinasia

My mom listens to NPR in the morning hours. Yesterday was no different aside from the subject matter: the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Interviews packed the a.m. program: memories of loved ones lost, experiences retold from those on the ground, … Continue reading →

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Face-to-Face, 30 years later

Posted on August 31, 2021 by connieinasia

In the previous post, I mentioned “Kevin” Hu , a former student of mine, who found me with a web search. Our connection is now complete on WeChat, where he and another classmate are trying to gather more of us … Continue reading →

Posted in A 30-plus Year Reunion in China, China, Luzhou, Tales from Sichuan's Yangtze Rivertown, Tales of China, Travel, Waiting it out during Covid | 1 Comment

A 30-plus Year Reunion in the Works

Posted on August 20, 2021 by connieinasia

     This WordPress blog is mostly viewed by American friends.  But on rare occasions, I get a surprise note from someone who has found me after many years.          “Teacher Connie, this is Kevin Hu,” read … Continue reading →

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A Chinese Farmers’ Daughter: Heartbreaking Disappointment

Posted on August 16, 2021 by connieinasia

18-year-old Liangyu began her summer rejoicing, along with her dad (Che) and mom (Chen). Her year of exhausting study as a senior in high school was finally over. She was the first in her family to graduate from high school, … Continue reading →

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