Author Archives: connieinasia

Unknown's avatar

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.

My Favorite Walking Route, Jinxiu Xiang (Spendid Lane)

Posted on June 19, 2008 by connieinasia

               After several days of wickedly hot weather, with everyone sizzling under a blazing sun, a bit of rain last night has relieved us of the heat from Chengdu’s previous afternoons.  Finally, Little Flower and I are able to … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Singing in a Chinese Choir

Posted on June 18, 2008 by connieinasia

                          For many years, my mother was choir director of our smalltown United Methodist Church.  I, being her daughter, was one of her most faithful choir members.  From childhood to adulthood, I joined the many voices under the direction … Continue reading →

Posted in Luzhou: Yangtze Rivertown Stories | Leave a comment

My Family’s Chinese Immigrant, Old Bean

Posted on June 17, 2008 by connieinasia

  My parents have been hosting a Chinese immigrant that was sent from China 15 years ago by a good friend of mine.             Lao Dou (Old Bean) came to my American family as an unexpected guest.              I was leaving … Continue reading →

Posted in Tales of China | Leave a comment

Our Quaint Little Red Light District

Posted on June 16, 2008 by connieinasia

              The quiet, narrow side street that hugs my apartment complex is like many hundreds in the city.  Despite its semi-secluded location, it touts three roadside medical and physical therapy (massage) clinics, an Internet bar, a vegetable market,  flower … Continue reading →

Posted in Chengdu Daily Life | 1 Comment

Opening Day in the Neighborhood

Posted on June 13, 2008 by connieinasia

              Chinese love openings of anything.  Crowds will gather  to await the grand opening of any department store, grocery, restaurant or even small snack shop along the street.  Everyone is afraid of missing out on the excitement of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Chengdu Daily Life | Leave a comment

News From Jason

Posted on June 12, 2008 by connieinasia

               “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / gang aft a-gley /               An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain, / For promis’d joy!”                                                                                                   Robert Burns (from To a Mouse)                          The telephone … Continue reading →

Posted in Chengdu Daily Life | Leave a comment

Chinese: A Kind Language, or “Man Zou, Everyone!”

Posted on June 11, 2008 by connieinasia

              Despite what people think, Chinese is a kind language.  English is cluttered with articles, verb tenses, word derivations, idioms and a slew of  grammatical rules and regulations.  But Chinese has the ability to express one’s thoughts and feelings … Continue reading →

Posted in Chengdu Daily Life | Leave a comment

An Introduction to Luzhou Vocational and Technical College

Posted on June 10, 2008 by connieinasia

             This evening, Catherine (Yin Ying) will be arriving here from southern  Luzhou city (loo-joe), my former teaching placement with the Amity Foundation.  I taught at Luzhou Vocational and Technical College for 5 years and will be returning there … Continue reading →

Posted in Luzhou Vocational and Technical College | Leave a comment

A Good Day For Getting Vaccinations

Posted on June 9, 2008 by connieinasia

              I love holidays in China.             Not only is everything still open, even post offices and banks, but the traffic is light.  Getting across town in a taxi or bus is quick and easy.  This is why today … Continue reading →

Posted in Chengdu Life: Pets in China | Leave a comment

An Introduction to Today’s Dragon Boat Festival Holiday

Posted on June 8, 2008 by connieinasia

                  With the year 2008 came some interesting changes concerning holidays in China.                         There used to be only 3 holidays in this country:  Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), which was during the school’s 5-week winter break but … Continue reading →

Posted in Chengdu Daily Life | Leave a comment