NEW TOWN

I have moved to Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, China. A new school for this year. This town is much smaller and much "slower" than Nan Chang. But, like a lot of middle size cityies in the states it seems to have crime troubles. From the first day here I felt it had the element of bored teenage and early twenties males that created problems. Besides that it seems to be nice town. Not as small as I think but not nearly as large as I am used to, sort of like Rockford.

I have spent two days at fish farms watching them harvest fish. I will post the pictures when I get access to my usb drive, I am not on my computer. My friend, Lai Zhou, family rents two lakes/ponds and raise fish. Last night I went to another fish farm and wathced them harvest the fish and then went to the fish market. At the fish farm they use large barrels to haul the fish from the water to the truck. The barrels were carred by men that appeared to be 70 years old. The muscles on their backs were bulbous from years of hauling things around on poles strung over their shoulders.

They harvested about 1,200 kilos of fish and it took 5 hours to load. Watching this was boring but interesting. The lake is in the mountains and the sky was clear so there were lot of stars to see and I think I say satellites. I was surprised by the amount of air traffic there was at this time of night.

The amount of fish I have seen pulled out of the water over those two days was incredible, considering that there are many others that do the same. And, all of the fish are sold the next morning to middle men that sell it to the markets. In China fish is a not a staple but a delicacy.

I will be home soon and will see some of you then.

Terry

LEAVING NANCHANG

It is 10:45 and the temperature here in Nan Chang is 87 degrees, the low tonight is projected at 84. The heat index now is 100. This place is hot and I am glad I am moving to a new city tomorrow. I am not just glad because of the heat but most of my friends have left and a new batch of teachers are coming in. I am moving to a city in south Jiangxi Province called Ganzhou. It is smaller than this place but is supposed to have better air and less arrogant people.

I finally let student friends know I am leaving, I was surprised at how unhappy they were. Their displeasure made me feel good.

I will be in the states soon so I will see some of you then.

In the mean time, enjoy the cooler weather in the USA.

Terry