Saturday, December 23, 2023

The tea ceremony

The tea ceremony, also known as the Chinese tea culture, is a long-standing tradition in China that dates back to ancient times. This ceremony involves the preparation and serving of tea in a particular manner that emphasizes harmony, respect, and tranquility.

In China, the tea ceremony is usually held in a teahouse or a traditional Chinese garden, which is typically decorated with elegant and calming elements like bamboo, rocks, and flowers. Before the ceremony begins, guests are greeted with a cup of tea and seated in a specific order that reflects their social status.

Tea Ceremony video

The host of the ceremony is responsible for preparing the tea, which involves a series of precise and deliberate movements. The tea leaves are rinsed with hot water to remove any impurities, and then placed in a teapot with fresh hot water. The tea is then poured into small teacups in a specific order, with the cups being filled to a specific level that reflects the guest's status.

Once the tea has been served, guests are expected to hold the cup with both hands and take a small sip, appreciating the tea's aroma and flavor. After the first sip, the guests will then engage in a conversation about the tea, discussing its quality, origin, and other related topics.

Throughout the ceremony, the host will continue to pour tea, keeping the guests' cups filled and ensuring that everyone is comfortable and relaxed. The tea ceremony is a time-honored tradition in China that emphasizes hospitality, respect, and mindfulness, making it a unique and memorable experience for both locals and visitors.

Article by Marcelo Gameiro
Published 22 Apr 2023

Saturday, December 16, 2023

The Power of Language Learning: Making Lifelong Connections Through English Corner in Jiujiang

Tecky and I met at the English corner in Jiujiang, and she quickly became a close friend. We would spend hours chatting about all sorts of topics, and we even started having dinner together at the canteen from time to time. Through Tecky, I discovered new activities and places that I never would have known about otherwise. As a teacher, I found that English corner was not just a way to improve students language skills, but as for as a teacher also a great way to make lasting connections with people.

YouTube Video

Recently, Tecky shared a video she made as part of her latest English class project, showcasing the beauty of Jiujiang. Her video highlighted the stunning Lushan Mountain, a place that I had visited many times during my time living there. I was amazed by her creativity and talent in putting together such a beautiful and informative video.

Tecky's video reminded me of the many wonderful experiences I had during my time in Jiujiang, and I am grateful to have had such a wonderful friend to share them with. Our friendship is a testament to the power of language learning to bring people from different cultures and backgrounds together.

My Chinese Experience. (4 years illustrate story of my stay in China as a University teacher)

Saturday, December 9, 2023

The biggest looser or the greatest enjoyment?

As I stepped into the sprawling playground, my heart pounding with excitement, I was dressed to the nines in my formal suit and tie for the opening ceremony of the sports meet. Along with other teachers, I took in the lively atmosphere, soaking in the buzz of anticipation that seemed to electrify the air.

As the day wore on, my formal attire seemed to chafe against my skin, and I yearned to participate in the events that lay before me. So, I dashed back to my home and slipped into my comfy casuals. With renewed vigor, I plunged headlong into the fray, taking part in everything from running to jumping.

As I stumbled through the last lap of the relay, my team was in first place, but I trailed far behind, feeling like the biggest loser. However, that didn't dampen my spirits, as I was there to have the greatest fun. Besides, my team was understanding and supportive, not focusing on winning alone but on the joy of participating with one another.

It wasn't just the sporting activities that made my time at the meet so memorable, though. On the second day, I took my trusty camera along, hoping to capture some great shots of the event. As I snapped away from a distance, I was struck by the friendly camaraderie that seemed to imbue everyone I met. I chatted with students, teachers, and other camera enthusiasts, swapping tips and stories. It was a wonderful opportunity to forge new friendships and connections.

In the end, the Henan University of Engineering sports meet turned out to be a fantastic experience, brimming with excitement, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.

RED / ORANGE

Saturday, November 25, 2023

She knows where she is going to.

Today, I want to share a story about a girl who is doing well in her studies, pursuing two majors simultaneously. Despite her busy schedule, she recognizes the importance of finding the right partner to bring happiness and fulfillment into her life.

I met her at a university activity where she offered to help me navigate the various activities. During our time together, we talked about various aspects of life, including personal relationships. I've noticed a trend among many young women who prioritize their careers over marriage. While it's admirable to focus on building a successful career, it's important to remember that true fulfillment comes from meaningful relationships. Marriage can be a significant part of that.

Many people approach marriage with skepticism, thinking that it's not as good as it used to be. However, I believe that marrying the right person can make a huge difference in someone's life. It's essential to approach it with the right expectations and the understanding that a successful marriage can bring immense joy.

The girl I met has found a balance between her career aspirations and her plans for a family. She met her boyfriend in college and is in love with him. Together, they have plans for the future while working on their careers. It's crucial to recognize that having a fulfilling life goes beyond just having a successful career. While money can make life easier, it doesn't necessarily make us happier.

I want to encourage students to consider the possibility that they may regret not pursuing relationships in the future. While it's important to focus on building a career, it's equally important not to exclude the possibility of marriage from their plans. A balanced approach is key.

I was happy to meet this girl who has a well-thought-out plan for her future, including a balance between her career and personal life. While nothing is guaranteed, having a plan increases our chances of success. I wish her all the best in her endeavors, and I hope she finds happiness in her future with her boyfriend.

It's important to note that postponing marriage for too long may not always be the best decision for a girl. While it's important to focus on one's career and aspirations, it's also important to keep in mind that as one gets older, it may become more difficult to find a suitable partner. Often, when a girl is younger, there are more prospective candidates for marriage, and it can be easier to find someone who will support her in her aspirations. It's a common misconception that marriage means giving up everything else, but that's not the case. In fact, a supportive partner can help a woman achieve her goals and make her life more fulfilling. Ultimately, the decision to get married or not should be based on the individual's desires and goals in life, but it's important to consider all factors, including the potential challenges of finding a partner later in life.

Finally, I want to emphasize that finding the right partner is a significant decision, and it's important not to let go of someone special when you find them. The girl I met is a catch, and I hope her boyfriend recognizes that.

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Discover the World's Hidden Gems: 10 Surprising Facts About Countries You Never Knew Before

Are you ready to be amazed by some surprising facts about countries around the world? As someone who loves to learn about different cultures and histories, I am always on the lookout for new and interesting information about the world we live in. That's why I am excited to share with you some of the most fascinating facts about countries that you may have never known before!

Did you know that Iceland is one of the most peaceful countries in the world? It has no standing army, and the police don't carry guns.
The small country of Bhutan measures its success in terms of Gross National Happiness, rather than Gross Domestic Product.
In Japan, it is considered rude to blow your nose in public.
The African country of Angola is home to the world's largest population of giant sable antelope.
In Saudi Arabia, there are no movie theaters, and public cinemas were only recently allowed to operate.
The capital of Greenland, Nuuk, is the smallest capital city in the world by population.
The national symbol of Scotland, the unicorn, is often depicted with a chain around its neck, which is said to represent its untameable nature.
In Ukraine, it is customary to bring an odd number of flowers to someone's home, as even numbers are associated with funerals.
The island country of Dominica has more rivers per square kilometer than any other country in the world.
The national dish of South Africa, bobotie, is a sweet and savory dish made with spiced minced meat and topped with a custard-like topping.

Buy it here

These are just a few of the many surprising and interesting facts about countries around the world. If you are interested in learning even more about the fascinating cultures and histories of different nations, my book "The World in Your Hands: A Guide to Every Nation" is the perfect resource for you. With information on the history, language, nature, and more of every country in the world, it is an engaging and informative way to take a world tour from the comfort of your own home.

If you want to get your hands on a copy of my book, you can purchase it through this link [https://yellowcornbooks.blogspot.com/2023/03/collection-world-in-your-hands.html]. Don't miss out on the opportunity to expand your knowledge and explore the incredible diversity of our world!

See more posts like this:

https://yellowcornbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/travel-world-from-your-living-room-with.html

https://mgameirobookdeals.wordpress.com/2023/04/10/uncover-the-hidden-gems-of-the-world-with-the-world-in-your-hands-a-guide-to-every-nation/

https://tesol103-pedagogyii-mgg.blogspot.com/2023/04/unlock-world-power-of-language-and.html

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Importance of Paying Attention in English Language Class

Today, I had a surprise class I had promise to the students do to their bad behavior last class, but many students were absent (I don’t know, maybe they were afraid of what I was going to do). Instead of conducting a regular class, I wrote the answers on the blackboard and provided sound clips so they could study independently since they weren't paying attention during the previous class. Next, I called one student from each group and interviewed them individually about the homework. If students were proficient in English, I wouldn't mind them not paying attention, but since many were struggling, it was apparent that their lack of attention was a problem. They couldn't hold a good conversation with me about their homework, which reflected in their low grades. I admit that I was tough on them.

At the end of the class, I asked them if they preferred continuing with today's approach or going back to the old method. Previously, I would give them maximum points for attempting the homework, but today they received poor grades because of their performance. While it isn't their fault if they don't speak English well, it is their responsibility to pay attention in class. They promised to behave better during the next class, so I agreed to return to the old method.

YouTube

During the second half of the class, we used music to practice pronunciation and had fun singing together. I hoped that they understood that I wasn't their enemy and that I only wanted what was best for them, which in this case meant learning English well.

Saturday, November 4, 2023

Accepting the Good with the Bad: Learning to Appreciate Life's Ups and Downs

Life is full of ups and downs. There are times when everything seems to go well, and then there are times when everything seems to go wrong. We often focus on the negative aspects of life and forget to appreciate the good. Accepting the good with the bad is a crucial part of life. It is about accepting the fact that there will be both good and bad things in life, and we need to learn to deal with both.

One of the most common examples of accepting the good with the bad is relationships. Relationships are not always perfect, and there will be times when things get tough. But it is important to remember that there are also good times. Accepting the bad times and working through them with your partner is crucial for a healthy relationship. Recognizing and appreciating the good times can also help to strengthen the bond between partners.

Another example is work. Work can be stressful and challenging at times, but it can also be fulfilling and rewarding. Accepting the fact that there will be difficult days and challenging tasks is important. Learning to deal with them and not letting them overshadow the good aspects of work is crucial for job satisfaction.

Health is another aspect of life where accepting the good with the bad is essential. There will be times when we get sick or injured, and we have to accept that it is part of life. However, it is also important to focus on the good aspects of health, such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, to prevent illness and stay healthy.

Finally, in life in general, we need to accept that there will be good and bad experiences. It is important to learn from the bad experiences and use them to grow and improve. But we also need to recognize and appreciate the good experiences, as they help us to find joy and happiness in life.

In conclusion, accepting the good with the bad is an essential part of life. It is about recognizing that there will be both good and bad experiences, and learning to deal with both. By focusing on the good aspects of life and learning from the bad, we can find joy and happiness in every moment.

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