Morning on the Square

Linfen, and I believe most cities in China, have public squares throughout the city. It's a gathering place for people in the morning and at night. I've been out at the square at night several times but today I was out at 6 am to see the activities. The square was full. There were older women doing a dance with a ball on a paddle, some high impact aerobics with rock music, line dancing, people stretching, tai chi, and people walking the perimeter of the square like a track. It is quite inspiring and makes me realize what isolated lives we lead because we have the luxury of space.

I left the square having only taken photos without getting the benefit of exercise and went to the street market. The fruits and vegetables are beautiful. I managed to negotiate buying a bunch of bananas. I was greeted by a woman who spoke limited English. She was very sweet and insistent that I visit her hair salon. I managed to get out of it but it was a bit awkward and a little funny. We both used our limited skills to fake each other out, I believe. I pretended not to understand her request, she pretended not to understand my no.

We only have two days left to teach and I'm starting to feel very sad to leave the children and the college students we've met here. I feel privileged to have spent time with them and to have learned so much from them. What a difference a week makes. We will leave on Friday afternoon. Packing should be interesting.

I'm updating photos and will have another blog post about last night soon. It was our best night in Linfen yet.