My daily commute...In photos! (with a few captions)

Ok, so I lied!  Anyone that really knows me knows I can't not say something!  So before you take this tour with me, know that there are actually two ways to get to the school from my apartment.  Today, you see the back way.  If I go early one morning, I will do the same for the front way, that way you can see some images from the daily morning market.  But I typically take this route...

Going down the stairs in my building.  I live in Mananli 18-7-401 (building 18, 7th door, fourth floor number 401)

 Just outside the door turn right then go straight to that brick wall in front...

 At the brick wall, turn right again to the end of the buildings (or just follow the road)...

 Road turns left, and so do I....

 Left turn again and walk just a short distance past the fence in view there....

 Take a right on the worn pathway...and cross the parking lot at the end...

 Hug the left side of the building in front...then a slight left to the right side of the next building...

 This is the next building, cross under the squash (?) trellis...

 Close-up of the squash(?) trellis

 See that door...

 Yeah, this one...enter through...

 Straight through the courtyard to the gate...

 Right out of the gate and walk under the willows...

 Yes, pass the stinky pond...(but beautiful lotus plants!)

 Just passed the willows, turn right then left into the school grounds...

 Straight through the gate...

 Turn left in between the buildings...

 Then a right down this walkway...

 Until you see this door...

 Enter into the HUB...

 Turn right into our office!

Yay! You made it!  That is what I say to myself everyday when I make it to work!  Obviously, the return trip looks pretty much the same, but backwards.  (Sorry that some pics are blurry, I took them on the iPhone camera while walking...)  The trip takes about 8 minutes...so not that long.

One Month!!!

Where has the time gone?  I have been in Beijing now for one month!  I can't believe it!  Yesterday finished the first full week of school for the students to be back as well as the first full week of sports being started.  Aside from one day this week, it has been absolutely BEAUTIFUL!  Blue skies everyday except one.  That one day I really felt the pollution in the air and in my lungs.  I was told it was actually pretty low considering the winter readings.  Yay! (I say that with a sarcastic tone.)  

Not much really happened this week.  I had my first injury on Monday.  A student was out at a club and was shoved off the stage by a bouncer and sprained his ankle.  From talking to the kid and then an encounter with the father, it was pretty bad.  The injury occurred on Saturday, but I saw the kid on Monday afternoon.  It seems as though the kid came to school on Monday and the nurse sent him straight to the Emergency Room at one of the hospitals so that x-rays could have been taken.  When I saw the kid that afternoon he was on crutches and had an air-splint on, and zero swelling.  I asked about the injury and he allowed me to evaluate him, actually the coach made me evaluate him. (Not really made me, but asked me to!)  On evaluation I looked at the kid and said "Dude, this is nothing-a grade 1, maybe a grade 1+ ankle sprain.  If you would have seen me prior to the nurse, I would not have sent you the ER, and I would have saved you money!"  Now, I have nothing against nurses and please don't read into this-but when it comes to injuries (orthopedic in nature), Athletic Trainers are probably the most qualified profession to evaluate that injury, next to orthopedists.  Nurses are fantastic at what they do, physiotherapist/physical therapists are as well; but ATC are equally fantastic at our jobs. 

After telling him my opinion, rehab started.  Poor kid had no idea he was going to get a workout!  I ran him through some exercises for about an hour and had him off his crutches at days end.  Sent him home with ice and exercises to do.  I continued to see him daily this week and by weeks end, he was back in practice.  In fact today, he played in a match on the sand!  The father came to the office today to see me.  When he realized who I was he asked me "What did you do to my son?  He was sent to the ER on Monday and put on crutches and came home off them?  Now he is practicing?"  My reply was "I'm just doing my job!  If I would have seen him in the morning, I would not have sent him to the hospital, instead I would have worked with him like I did."  He responsed "Well your not a nurse."  "Exactly, I am an Athletic Trainer, and that is how we handle injuries!"  He was then appreciative, but still a little concerned.  

On Wednesday, a friend came into Beijing I had met on an online chat site-we hit it off because he was biking throughout Asia.  He has been biking for the past year and half.  Before biking he was in marketing and hated his job.  So he sold everything he had, bought a bike and a pack and started biking.  So far he has biked through mainland Asia, Vietnam, Europe and is in Korea now and when finished in Korea he is going to New Zealand.  He was showing me some photos of Shangri-La, Tibet, Chengde and all I can say is this world has some beautiful places in it; and I have only scratched the surface!  It is so cool to hear about experiences of other adventurers-it really energizes me.  

On Thursday and Friday I also met with the Assistant Principles of each school level here and discussed being a substitute teacher.  I am now on the top of the list for subbing in each section of the school, in fact on Monday I get to sub for one block, 8th grade science.  Excited to get started doing this!  I have to make some extra money for my Christmas vacation.  

Today we had the annual welcome picnic for all the new families to WAB.  It included games, music, cake and traditional Chinese Dragon dancers.  The cool thing about this school is that in everything they do, the Chinese culture is always present.  Here are a few photos from the Dragon Dancers.  

Tomorrow I will have lunch with my AD and his partner down in 798.  This is the art district of Beijing.  From the photos online, this may be my new favorite place.  I will take a gander there tomorrow and will be back I am sure with my "real" camera to capture the area.  I can already see me loving this place!

Wow...Three weeks..

It has been 3 weeks now, since I came to China (July 27).  I can't believe almost a month has gone by.  Everyone is right, times is flying by.  I can't believe that I am already trying to figure out my Christmas plans.  (If my parents don't hurry up and tell me what they are going to do, I will just book without them! Oh, and Jenny too!!) 

So, this week has been interesting, as usual.  Just finally getting to work, meaning seeing practices, meeting students, meeting more teachers...I really must say, a school without students is just a weird place to be.  So on Thursday when the students filled the halls and you could hear the laughter and joy to be with their friends again just filled my heart.  No, I'm not a teacher in profession, but I think that deep down there is a teacher inside of me.  (If ever you've gotten hurt around me, you will understand that statement!) So with the start of school that also means the start of sports.  Here they have different seasons than we do back in the states-as well as different sports.  There are 3-4 seasons (depending on who you ask) throughout the year.  Season one is just now getting underway.  This is the busy one!!  On Friday and Saturday we had tryouts for our season one sports.  The sports in season one are: Men and Women Rugby, Men and Women Volleyball, Men and Women Tennis, Men and Women Swimming, Men and Women Cross Country and Baseball.  (I don't think I left anyone out!) Oh, and that is just high school...I am not even discussing middle school and elementary school activities.  

Before we started school, on Tuesday the athletic department met with all the coaches to go over the handbook and for me to go over concussion protocol.  (Though back in the states concussion issues have died down a little and aren't in the spotlight as much as they were a couple years ago, the issue is a  little behind internationally.)  I must say, Martin, the AAD here has done a fantastic job without having an ATC on staff before.  Basically, I have come in and I am looking at the protocols that he has in place and I am just tweaking them to make them more appropriate to the school and to the entire athletic department, rather than just one sport.  Of course, as everyone who knows me, I have my own opinion too.  So in true "Josh" fashion, at the coaches meeting I explain the modifications. (with prior approval from the AAD)  This simply means I told them how I handle concussions and how and when a student-athlete can return from a diagnosed concussion.  My stance, as any capable physician and any other ATC should should have, is that until all symptoms are clear, they should then start a return to play protocol.  While explaining this, I did mention that even if I had a letter from a doctor stating that the student-athlete was cleared to play, if that student-athlete told me that they had symptoms-then I would not allow that student-athlete to participate.  With a bold comment like that (in other words challenging a physicians note) I elicited conversation from the coaching staff.  As bullets were fired off at me, I was shielding each one with the poise and professionalism of a CEO of a major business.  I know that sounds brazen of me, but I was proud of how I handled it.  I stood my ground and in the end, can you really fault someone who is looking out for the health and well-being of the student-athlete?  In the end, I was backed by my boss, and we all accepted that if it came to that, further discussion could ensue.  (Though, my stance should not change on that.)  I will say, for days after the coaches in the meeting that agreed 100% with what I said came up to me and state how impressed they were with how I handled myself during the meeting.  I have actually never had that happen before.  

Like I said earlier, tryouts were this past Friday and Saturday.  On Saturday when we were finished at work, I headed out to meet the new folks on an apartment tour.  I met up with them about halfway through, in time for the BBQ after.  Then I met up with some friends in the San Li Tun area.  Nothing wild and crazy, but we did check out one of the clubs.  I had forgotten how much I love the fact that the  USA does not allow smoking in public areas!  My eyes burnt!  It was so smokey and so packed, you really couldn't dance if you wanted to...It was really just a mob of people all moving in unison really.   The thing that stinks about going out here, is that if you go out and stay late, there is no public transportation available.  The subway and buses all quit at 11 pm; so you have to find a taxi.  Good luck finding one getting you to the area I live.  Each night I have been out later than 11 pm it has cost me almost twice as much to get home because I can't find a regular taxi.  Taxi's don't drive in the rain, or snow, and they can decide not to work whenever they want to.  Money is a driving force here, but I guess sometimes they just don't need it.  What you have to do is settle for a black taxi...which i wrote about in another post.  Last night's experience was much better, this guy actually could speak a little English and he was very nice.  I almost asked for his number, so that I could call him if I needed a ride again...in the end I didn't-they are everywhere, but you just have to pay a little more.  Needless to say, I won't be going out past 11 many more nights.  

Today, was very laid back.  I slept in, did laundry and then all us roommates went to the Lotte Mart (China's equivalent to Walmart, though there is a Walmart here!) to pick up some items for the apartment, and to look for a beard trimmer for me.  I brought my trimmer with me, but it has bit the dust.  I got a good 7-10 years out of it, so it was well worth it.  I was in such a need for a trim today that I just had to find one.  But alas, the Lotte Mart did not have what I needed, but we did get some other items.  When we got back to the apartment, we decided to go down and have street food BBQ-or I ended up having street BBQ and my roommates had food from one of the restaurants.  These are the places that we westerners think they cook all kinds of "mystery meat"-rat, cat, dog, donkey etc.  But, I'm here, I'm going to try it.  I mean you can't go wrong with a chicken wing, can you?  Nope, is the answer-they were delicious!  Spicy, but delicious.  I also had noodle soup and the noodles are hand made to order and are probably the best noodles I've ever eaten.  They are so tender and soft when you eat them.  I want to learn how to make them and cook some real chicken noodle soup with them!  So dinner was a hit and on the way back we passed by two barber shops, feeling like a mountain man, I decided to walk in and ask if they could trim my beard.  The guys in the shop laughed, because I don't think they have ever been asked to do that before.  But I was in a state that I needed it badly.  For money, anything can be done!  So I sat back, and let the man trim my beard since I couldn't find one myself!  Five minutes later, I looked about 10 years younger and felt so much better and cleaner.  I paid the man the equivalence of $2.25 and was on my way.  

So now, I'm just wrapping up my night here, and look forward to a new week and a new day.  The pictures to follow are some from the trip last Saturday from the Great Wall...Enjoy!

The Wall is on the top of the hills!

 A view from the Wall...

Sharon and Peter...(Just love this couple!  Mom and Dad, you'd love them too!)

 This may be printed when I get back to the states and may go on a wall at home...Maybe one of my favs!

 The group shot..

 The Trumpolds...Great family!

 Me-representing Hartsville, and the YMCA!

 Amy, one of my favorite Kiwi's in the world!!!

 And a few more of me again!

Photos from the past couple of weeks...

Finally, something better than Coke!

He made it work!  He rode off into the sunset with his bike loaded!  (This is outside my compound!)

Richard and Andrew and Bran watching some southern comedy on youtube...I think this was Bill Cosby's show...If you haven't seen it, google "Bill Cosby, North, South Carolina."  If you are from SC, you will find this funny!  If you aren't from SC know that the lady in the video is telling the truth and all the locations are accurate!

Eleanor and I going up to the Great Wall!  (She is a wonderful Chinese teacher)

The trip down was more fun than I thought it would be...

Here is the Chinese volleyball player that came to speak to the volleyball camp last week.  Can't remember her name, but at one time she was named best volleyball player in the world. 

Just another normal Sunday...and Sweet Tea!

NOT!!!!

Nothing at all like an average, normal Sunday.  First off, I awoke to what sounded like a gunshot outside...nope major storm!  Everyone knew it would storm today, but we were not expecting that.  It literally sounded like the lightning hit my building, that's how loud it was.  No worries though, I am okay!  I ended up getting back to sleep for a while longer.  Finally it was time to get up and break into the day, at 11:30 am!  It was nice sleeping in! 

At 12:30 I had to meet a friend and at 1:15 my friend, roommate and some colleagues from the school (who graciously drove us) headed out to the Mastercard Center for the Cirque Du Soleil Michael Jackson The Immortal show.  As you can remember from my last post, I somehow managed to score some tickets.  The show was AMAZING!  Some of you may not like MJ, but you can NOT say he wasn't an amazing artist!  His music transcends time, his dance moves ignites people all over the world, even still today!  This show was a true tribute to MJ.  It was touching at times, harsh at times, funny and just plain awesome!  As I have said many times to many people, the performers at Cirque are astounding!  The physicality that they possess is some, if not THE best in the world.  With all this being said, this was a much different show than any other Cirque show I have seen.  This show is much more heavy on dance, where I find the other shows to be much more aerialists, acrobatics and more circus/trapeze type performances.  But I do not at all want anyone to think this was any less athletic!  I have danced before (plenty of weddings, and if you don't believe me Aunt Diane has the videos or the pictures!) so what they were doing is every bit as athletic as any other sport I have ever seen!  Truly amazing.  Okay, so enough praise-but if you ever get the opportunity to see a Cirque Du Soleil show, DO NOT PASS IT UP!!!

The show was over...but we were not done there.  My friends and I were actually able to go backstage to see the stage setup, props, costumes and even some of the performers.  Being that I am an ATC and I was talking to their ATC, I got to see his set up, the Athletic Training Room as well as meet the Physiotherapist that tours with the group as well.  It is so interesting to see how other professionals in my field do their job.  As a wise woman once told me "There is more than one way to skin a cat!" (Thanks Mrs. G.)  It seems as though they have a pretty tight ship and it seems to work!  After talking to the staff there, we had to leave.  But on the way out of the arena, we were walking through the main level and we passed a picture of a basketball player on the wall.  As I looked at the picture, I knew the guy looked familiar but just didn't place him immediately.  It finally hit me who it was, and I yelled "Y'all!" and pointed to the picture.  The others just looked and one of the guys that was with me said "No, that not Yao!"  I then said "Not Yao, that is Shaan! And I said 'Y'all,' Steve!"  Everyone then said "Ah, it is him!"  So Shaan is one of the coaches at my school.  Everyone in the group knows him, but it was just neat to see him "immortalized" on the wall of this major venue!  So we had to take a picture with his picture, and at tomorrow's staff meeting, I will rag Shaan about it!

Finally, we left the arena and where heading home and Steve asked if we wanted to eat at Home Plate. He had told me that this was a BBQ place, american BBQ and that it was pretty good.  Amy, being a kiwi had never had America BBQ and Charlie being from Washington state was basically in the same position.  So we all agreed that it would be where we ate at.  On the way there, I jokingly asked "If this is a real BBQ place, they must serve sweet tea?"  YEP!  They do!  I was so happy to hear that!  It has been 3 weeks since I have had sweet tea!  I mean the day could have ended there and still been an awesome day, but nope-it continued!  We got there and I ordered my sweet tea, and it was good!  Not as good as momma's or the Sonic, but still good!  (And man I do miss the Sonic Sweet Tea!!!) I got the pulled pork BBQ platter with fries and beans.  The beans were not good, but the fries were perfect and the BBQ was very texas, but still good.  We introduced Amy to fried Pickles and she loved them, as well as cornbread, hushpuppies and corndogs.  Dinner hit the spot!  And though I'm still not homesick, I know where I will go when I do get homesick!

So we got home and I actually got in touch with some of my colleagues in Shanghai and Guangzhou via skype/facetime and we came up with some ideas for an upcoming project.  I will speak more on that  later.  After that discussion, I reached out to the a member of the NATA International Committee via Skype and we discussed a few things professionally and personally.  I really enjoy the networking that comes with this great profession.  I have found that ATC's all over just want to network and make our profession known, understood and appreciated.  Talking to him was interesting and actually motivating; as he had some ideas that I had not had before.  He is definitely someone I look forward to building a stronger network/relationship with.  

So, there it is-just another normal Sunday, capped off with a big glass of sweet tea!  Good night, y'all!

Vertigo...

Wow!  That is the only way to describe the past few days.  As you may notice, I have not posted for a few days.  Way too much has been going on; but that's a great thing.  

Let me start off by putting an end to the situation that I last spoke of;  I went to bed that night thinking that when I awake mom, aunt and brother will be gone and all will be back to normal.  Well not quiet the case.  Roommate was gone, but family was still there.  I went into work and called my roommate and asked what happened, and he told me that he just let them stay in his room, and he went to a hotel.  Later that day, I found out the security ended up coming over and telling the family to leave-that the apartment was property of the school and that they were not welcomed to stay there.  Needless to say, they finally went home.  Roommate is still with the girlfriend, and family is back home-so for now on the outside, things are okay there.  

Later that day, I received an email from my boss.  I really can't talk about the email, due to HIPPA and such, but after a few emails to him as well as some other parties-I was introduced to the Cirque Du Soleil Medical Director as well as the Athletic Trainer traveling with the troop here in Beijing this weekend.  Long story-short I had drinks with the ATC and some of the performers Thursday evening.  The show that is in town is The Michael Jackson "Immortal" Tour.  Well if you know me, you know I do love Michael Jackson ("cause this is Thriller!...") Anyway, I ended up with 4 tickets to the show on Sunday as well as a backstage tour after the show!  What?!?!  Word of this got around school, and the communications and alumni relations department wants to do a story on me being and ATC, but only being here for all of two weeks and already making connections.  In Chinese this is "Guan xi."  I am charged with getting photos of my with some of the performers for the article.  Four free tickets to the show, who do I give them to?  Well first off, Charlie, my new roommate gets one.  He just got here like 5 days ago and has never been out of America before and has never seen a Cirque show, so he is definitely in.  That leaves two left-since I have been here and the other new staff at the school got here, this one teacher and I have gotten close and really hit it off.  Amy, from New Zealand, is wild, crazy, fun, outgoing, sweet, caring and just a cool person.  When the new staff was organizing the possibility of going to the show, she really got excited.  I really wanted her to go, so I asked and of course she was super excited about getting to go.  That left one ticket left...we couldn't really find someone that wasn't attached to someone that could and wanted to go.  So I was talking to our "Tour guide" for the new staff orientation about having a ticket left and he jumped!  So, he is meeting us there.  I am so excited that he gets to go because this whole past 10 days, he has been touring all the new staff around Beijing, and is just a wonderful person.  He deserves this, more-so than I do, so I am happy to give it to him.  Anyway, we are off to that tomorrow!

Today...Today was AMAZING!  I can't explain the emotion that today brought.  I am reminiscent of my trip last summer to Europe.  The emotion of finally getting to do something I  have dreamed of for so long was coming true.  Today was much like that.  The new staff went to Mutianyu to go to the Great Wall.  I walked on The Great Wall of China today!  What a surreal experience to be on one of the 7 wonders of the world.  Not to sound all that sappy, but it was emotional.  I realized today just how blessed I was!  I am working at an amazing school, meeting folks from all walks of this world, seeing some amazing sites, visiting amazing places, making connections that wouldn't have been made back home, as well having a great family and wonderful friends all supporting me back home.  (You guys are awesome!  I love you all!!!)  To get up to the wall, we had to ride a chairlift to the top.  There we departed and took a group photo.  We were then left to wander the wall for about an hour and a half.  To get down you could do one of two things:  take the chairlift back down, or take the toboggan down.    What do I choose? Well of course the toboggan!  This was such a fun little ride down.  We were put in a little cart and rode down the mountain for like 10 minutes.  (These photos are on my phone and will be added as soon as I can get them off my phone and onto this computer.)  

Tonight's dinner marked the end of the new staff orientation.  I will miss being with the new folks all the time, but I will like meeting the returning staff as well.  

This past few days have been a whirlwind of emotions as well just a whirlwind...I feel like I should have Vertigo!  Once I get my computer equipped with iPhoto, pictures will be posted-I promise. (Actually was able to get a couple on here.)  Otherwise, check out my Facebook page for some that I did post today.  Thanks for your support everyone!  Good night!

Hmmm?!?!

"Today is brought to you by the word Predicament!"

I am in one right now...I like to think that I am a nice guy.  I mean, people generally like me, and those that don't, well there must be something wrong with them!  (Right?)  

Today started of nicely-I woke up late, lounged a bit, took the bus to the mall, met up with the other new folks, had dinner then headed back to apartment.  What I haven't mentioned is that my roommate's girlfriend came in from Jakarta a couple nights ago.  She is as sweet as tea and she and my roommate actually look good together.  

So what's the predicament?  The title of this post should be "True Chinese Culture," because this is exactly what I am getting a taste of.  Roommate is Chinese, but girlfriend is Taiwanese.  What I have come to understand, is that the Chinese very much want their children to marry within the village they come from...and definitely not marry outside of China.  So, while at dinner my phone is blowing up with calls and texts from both parties stating that my roommates parents are in my apartment and won't leave.  Both are asking me that when I come to prove I live there and ask them to leave.  One problem, I don't speak Chinese (yet)!  So, reluctantly I agree that I will try to help, but will only do so to a certain point.  I get home and as I open the door mom is sitting leaning against the door; she practically falls backwards.  I walk in and set my things down and ask my roommate what is going on.  He tells me the whole situation again.  Because the family doesn't speak English, we are talking in front of them.  So I tell my roommate to basically tell them what he wants and to tell me what he wants me to say/do to get them to leave.  This is where the culture comes in...He can't do it!  Out of respect for his parents and family, he just can't put his foot down.  I sympathize with this guy so badly!  I feel for him that he is in this situation. 

Basically he asks me to get stern with them.  So, reluctantly I do.  I open the door, grab moms purse (which is on the other side of the room) and place it outside in the stairwell.  I also walk to where I put my umbrella and grab it and offer it to the family and sternly say "Get out!"  They got the point, but didn't leave.  Multiple times of this doesn't work.  {Sidebar-tempers aren't flaring, it is all relatively calm.  My roommate isn't really saying much and mom and aunt really don't understand anything I say.}  Mom then looks at me and says, in Chinese, "This is my son, and her nephew! I am his mother! You can't treat me this way!"  (Oddly enough, I actually partially understood exactly what she was saying!)  Can you even imagine the pain I felt at that statement?!  To be outright cold-blooded like that is just not me, and it truly broke my heart to hear her say that.  Anyway, she stayed in her seat, staunch, and was speaking.  I asked my roommate to translate, "Foreigners are so rude and mean!"  Ouch!  I asked my roommate what next?  He stated that he then wanted them to stay the night.  By this time, I really don't care what they do, but I know that the best thing is for the family to leave, cool off and discuss later.  I begin to tell my roommate that they really do need to leave or we will have to get authorities involved.  He says no because it is his family, but I say "well at some point you have to grow up!  The good thing about (most) mom's are, they love you unconditionally.  She will come around."

So by now it is 11 pm, and I have to be at work by 8 am-we are getting no where.  My roommate convinces me that it is okay, that I should go to bed.  Reluctantly I agree and close myself up in my room.  I come into my room and begin to think about what to write tonight, and actually hate to write someone else's business, but there is some learning to be done here.  So since being in here and creating this post, my roommate is texting me that he is sorry, and that it will all be taken care of.  I reply with "You do realize this was all just an act? You asked me to do that?"  He agreed and said he owed me a nice meal (not noodles) for my support.  

So the lesson learned, don't get involved in a Chinese family dispute (or any family for that matter); and although it is very important to have respect for family, but it is also important to respect yourself.  Parents, while we love you and know that you love us, please let us live!  Let us make mistakes!  Let us  be happy, so long as it doesn't hurt someone else.  I realize that is hard to do, it is hard to not cushion the fall, but sometimes the fall has to hurt to learn the lesson.  For those of us who are followers (of Christ), He only gives us as much as we can handle.  Take solace in knowing that the hardest of hard times proves that God's hand is upon everything.  When all else fails, thank Him you are not Job!

This was a completely random post tonight, and I am sorry if any of it was/is offensive, but I hope there is something there to take away.  I hope all goes well with my roommate, I have decided to refrain from any further discussion tonight, but it will not duplicate itself again tomorrow evening.  

Good night from Beijing!