...where we are going...

To learn more about where we are going, Ben and I have attended lectures at University of Kentucky, extensively questioned anyone we meet who is from or has been to China (who have generously shared their experiences, insights and advice) and we have frequented branches of the Lexington Public Library and one of our favorite bookstores, Joseph Beth Booksellers. 




http://www.josephbeth.com/
Last summer @ Joseph Beth.  The Bronte Bistro Cafe inside
has creative lunches and good coffee.



Lonely Planet's latest edition of Discover China and the Visual Mandarin Chinese English Bilingual Dictionary (published by Dorling Kindersley Limited) are certainly going in our backpacks! 

Qi, a friend of ours who is also a doctoral student here at UK suggested Deborah Fallows' Dreaming in Chinese, which proved to be an excellent recommendation.  As people who are interested in languages, Ben and I found Fallows' approach to the Chinese language and society to be fascinating and revealing.  A New York Times review reflects our impression of this book.  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/books/review/Downer-t.html

One of the guest lecturers included Leslie Chang's Factory Girls in his references and I certainly feel it was worthwhile to read.  Admittedly, it is a bit laborious at the beginning, but I was glad I plowed through the intial chapters and continued to follow the lives of 2 young migrant workers the author met during her time in the factory district.  The author's intention is to provide a dynamic understanding of the life of migrant workers in China and she includes a great deal of history in the process.  

When a book's title includes the phrase, "everything you need to know", it is wise to recognize the hyperbole.  Nevertheless, if anyone is going to China or wants to know about its culture and customs, I would definitely say it is worth your while to check out a copy of China A to Z: Everything you Need to Know to Understand Chinese Customs and Culture by May-Lee Chai and Winberg Chai.  This is one of the first books we found at the library and after we read it, we noticed that many of the items mentioned in the book were verified during our conversations with our Chinese friends and acquaintances. 

...where we are from...

Throughout our lives, Ben and I have been "at home" in many places.  Currently, we live in Lexington, Kentucky. As you can see by this sign, we are not the only ones who think it is a great place to live!

For a quick overview of our city: http://www.lexingtonky.gov/


And, of course, Lexington is the home of the University of Kentucky Wildcats! We are not huge sports fans, but it is hard to not get a little excited about UK's basketball team.  Ben has also worked in the CATS tutoring center and has been very impressed with the commitment UK makes to support the academic success of its dedicated, hardworking athletes.

For a breath of fresh air, we enjoy hiking at nearby Raven Run Nature Santuary, http://www.lexingtonky.gov/index.aspx?page=277, which has trails leading to an overlook of the Kentucky River.



Another one of our favorite outdoor spots is the Arboretum, State Botanical Gardens which is right across the street from UK's Stadium.  Native plants are displayed in a way that is impossible to describe in words or even photos--you need to go there yourself! http://www.ca.uky.edu/arboretum/



The Kentucky Horse Park is one of the most well known attractions in Lexington and we especially like the Arabian display.  http://kyhorsepark.com/

...from Bluegrass' Stone Fences to Beijing's Great Wall...

This blog, Signs of Discovery, is intended to journal highlights of our journey from Kentucky to China. My husband, Ben, will be among the group of student teachers from the University of Kentucky that will be teaching in Xi'an this Spring. I have long been interested in visiting China, and I am delighted to be joining this group.  The Confucius Institute at the University of Kentucky is a significant partner in arranging this opportunity. 




November 2011--Chinese Scholars and Students
@ our house--we look forward to more visits in the future!



Kelly, Dr. Maske, Ben

 

Bi Lao Shi, my first Chinese teacher.  She is very pleasant and patient!

 

January 2012: Chinese New Year Celebration @ UK's Singletary Center.
Sophie is a Chinese teacher who was in a class Ben took last summer.

February 2012: Xi'an Crew with Flat Stanley dolls from a local elementary school.
L-R: Dr. Henry (she is the UK faculty who will be in Xi'an with the student teachers the entire length of the program), Joe (local high school faculty who will be in Xi'an for 2 weeks), Dr. Huajing Maske (director of the Confucius Institute @ UK), Dr. Fawson (he will be visiting us in Xi'an and has been very instrumental in this entire program), Carrie, Kevin, Kathryn (GA who is helping to organize this program--the "go-to" person for all the minute details of this trip), Ben, Kelly, Barry, Stacey.