The bullfrogs and cicadas at night make us feel like forest dwellers. The people that we see
regularly will be missed. They were a part of our lives even though our relationship consisted
of a morning or evening greeting. Our morning started with the sound of the woman sweeping
the walkway with a long broom. It is a relaxing, gentle sound.
China employs many people doing jobs that would be done at home with machinery. So, there
are many women and men on campus. Since the grounds are so well cared for, there are many
gardeners and grounds workers. Every building has security staff, and that employs hundreds.
Then, cleaning staff in the main teaching building are always visible. This is like a little city. When
you leave campus, the usual street vendors and bustle assault you and you are in a different world.
We have marvelled at the architecture of the main teaching building where we teach most of the time.
This university is well known for subtropical architecture, and the building represents that. It is open with
many breeze ways. There is no air conditioning or heat in the building, and except on the hottest days, like
today, it isn't necessary. It is a beautiful building.
Of course I am looking forward to home. First and foremost I have missed family.
Friends and the familiar rhythm of daily life come next. As far as things, this is what I have missed:
- my piano
- my sewing machine
- my vacuum (you can't imagine how a vacuum helps)
- hot water for the washing machine
- a dryer
Here are some pictures of the campus.
The women workers. The grandmothers tending toddlers on the plaza in front of the main teaching building.
The main teaching building from outside and in.
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