Avatar! (May 2018) — Brigg + Janet

Nov 17

Nov 17 Avatar! (May 2018)

Brigg and Janet

Our former BYU China Teacher colleagues and neighbors, John and Kathy Sandberg, came back to China for a visit — just couldn’t stay away (which we understand will happen to us as well!) We jumped at the invitation to join them on a trip to Zhangjiajie National Forest in Hunan province. In fact, when the Forsyths heard about our plans, they decided to join us — the more the merrier, right? The natural wonders of this park provided the inspiration for the scenery in the movie Avatar, as you may note while looking at the photos.

Pretty spectacular, right? I still can’t believe we were there! We flew into Zhangjiajie city on the afternoon of Thursday, May 3, and settled into the Emperor Hotel. Bright and early the next morning, after one of those oh-so-satisfying Chinese hotel breakfasts (NOT), we drove the 32 kilometers to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where we first took the cable car to Huangshi Village, which provided the largest sightseeing platform from which to view the park. The saying goes, “He who does not reach Huangshi Village does not pay a true visit to Zhangjiajie.” Later, we descended to the Golden Whip Brook area and walked along the 7.5 km trail through the valleys (which, FYI, are overrun with wild monkeys — we literally had to watch each other’s backs).

Think that little one above us has the right idea? Not a problem — plenty of rickshaws around (and I’m thinking this job description should include the word boring . . . )

On Saturday, May 5, we took the Bailong elevator up to Yuanjiajie, where we saw all the Avatar-inspiring peaks, including the “Hallelujah” mountain. From there we took a bus to Tianzi Mountain—more spectacular scenery, including the “Sea of Clouds,” “Radiance of the Moonlight,” “Rays of Sunshine,” and “Snow in Winter.” We were able to do some great hiking along the “trails” that clung to the sides of the mountains.

We learned of an interesting superstition—using sticks to prop up the rocks is supposed to ensure the continuing strength of your mother’s back. Brigg thoughtfully participated . . . just in case . . . — “You’re welcome, Mom!”

Sunday, May 6—our last day here. The weather “turned,” and we drove up to Tianmen Mountain through the fog and rain. Once there, we experienced the longest cableway in Asia, gliding through the “Avenue Toward Heaven”—a full 7200 meters and 99 turns through the tops of the peaks. What a day to enjoy the cliff-hanging walkway and the glass sky walk, as we strolled above the clouds, gazing DOWN at the peaks we had strained our necks looking up at just the day before!

Yes, Brigg is over there on that bridge—which seemed at times to be detached and floating 1500 meters above sea level while the fog rolled in and out—VERY eerie feeling!! Once we were safely down the mountain, we enjoyed one last look up, hoping the sun would peek through the “hole” in the mountain.

What an ENORMOUS national forest! But, luckily, we were never in danger of getting lost because the signs were so easy to follow:

Yes . . . even the restrooms were clearly marked . . . no danger of entering the wrong side here!

As fabulous as the sightseeing was, as always, our favorite part was exploring Zhangjiajie city, where Brigg and I spent several mornings and evenings strolling around, discovering fun places and meeting new friends. This is China!

Ahhhhhhhh . . . Zhangjiajie! (Didn’t even mind being stuck in the airport overnight because of bad weather . . . . )

We’re Back!!

I can’t believe it, but at the invitation of PKU and with the encouragement of BYU, we returned to Beijing for the 2018-2019 teaching year.

Brigg continues to teach some of the most popular classes on campus — this, at least, according to many of my students who are hooked into PKU social media during registration time. It seems that there is continuous chatter about how to get into one of Mr. Steele’s Business English classes. The students have an allotment of “points” they can use to “bid” for priority in registration, and many students report using ALL of their points just to get into one of Brigg’s classes! He teaches these Business English classes on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and again on Wednesdays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

I continue to teach four sections of Critical Thinking/Academic Writing — Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and again on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Both Brigg and I teach a section of Oral English for English Majors on Tuesday mornings at 8 a.m. We enjoy teaching the same course, although in different buildings, and have even switched things up on occasion, sharing our “expertise” with each other’s classes.

We were asked this year if we would teach an additional children’s oral English class, available only to those affiliated with PKU. We were told that this was a request from parents who wanted to enroll their children, but only if we were going to be the teachers. I know! Flattering! How could we refuse?? So we’re teaching the same Grade 2 class we taught last year (with a few new faces) on Wednesday evenings, but we’re also teaching a group of “beginners” (mostly 6-year-olds) on Monday evenings. We’ve had a lot of fun sharing American culture with them, including the carving of Halloween jack-o-lanterns in October and the decorating of various holiday-themed treats.

I continue to tutor my 9-year-old Thomas as well, sometimes twice a week. He loves to come to our apartment even when not having a formal lesson just to play games or read stories. Brigg has to hide his treats, though, because Thomas eats EVERYTHING he can find!

We love our continuing relationships with our former students and friends, especially our BYU China Teacher colleagues, who are our “family” while we’re so far from home!

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