photo series by adrian fisk, 2011

this photo series is from a couple of years ago, but i still find it really interesting, particularly the few photos with illiterate farmers or workers. despite the fact that these stills feel a tiny bit contrived [after all, they were written for a westerner and an assumed western audience], the photo i’ve copied here proves exactly what i thought when i came here: there’s no way you can begin to understand ‘china’ and how it works without coming here. the news media is completely inadequate on both sides, whether through government censorship or journalistic sensationalism. the people’s republic, as it were, does not easily lend itself to summary.

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things have been intense lately. today the weather was hot and muggy; my students were unbelievably rude to each other, and even the teachers were picking fights. i came down with the same runny-nose-sneeze-and-cough cold that my students have been passing among themselves here, which has made it hard to do anything but drink lots of juice and have fever dreams during naptime. what’s more, i’m hoping that in a few days, i won’t have to share the bad news that my coworkers [including my roommate] are being forced to leave the country. you know, i thought i had problems with getting a legitimate visa after leaving my old job, but it’s nothing compared to what happens when you get caught with the right visa in the wrong place. i think this is part of why the principal got fired… but i’m going to save that speculation for another time. again, i’m really hoping that in ten days i’m not writing a farewell post.

it’s a constant battle to stay healthy and positive, but i’m doing my best. i’m making new friends and reaching out to old ones, starting new projects and being consistent with my hobbies. feeling like this is all part of better understanding modern china and learning chinese helps too. still… i’m trying not to let real life ruin the book version of this adventure.