I started out my week on a 6 am zoom call with my kids to celebrate my son’s birthday. It was technically mother’s day in the US and his birthday with me here in China. Becca bought him a cheesecake and candles to deliver to him in advance. It was a great start to the week!
We already practiced school for the last two weeks but starting this week we now have 6 grades on campus. We have about 70% of some of the classes back but not that percentage of teachers. They hired substitutes while the teachers that are gone continued online teaching. Those of us that are back are also covering classes.
Elementary start next week with a few grades with more added a week later.
The infrared cameras detect temperature. If it shows above 37.3 C (just over 99F), someone else takes your temperature to double check. There is a station where everyone must use alcohol gel before entering. Buses still take your temp too.
Both of my classes were combined in one. I planned a lab that was videoed and live. Kids can’t work together so I needed a set up for every student. A bit flustering. There was actually more students who showed up for testing and for school than they originally planned on from family surveys. As a result my class was split between two adjacent rooms and a monitor watched the other room. Only about 8 of my students were still online elsewhere.
Besides that class, I monitor three others. It means setting up zoom calls with the teacher and making sure they are on task and following rules.
Lunch is different as they cannot sit closer to each other. Individual chairs are set up for them to sit at. I think this would be the hardest for the students.
Phys Ed classes are combined and because there is a large number, they use blankets to mark off social distancing but there is lots of room to spread them out for activities.
It was a very tiring week but the students were so happy to see one another and it went well. We have been receiving a lot of press for the proactive work we have done. We are done with school on June 9th as scheduled as we started online learning immediately at the start of February. Only a few more weeks to go!
I worked for four days and after my seniors were finished I did not need to return until May 11 when the rest of the high school and middle school returns. Only the 8th graders were there and having extra personnel on site when they are not needed was not recommended. I was still teaching online to my 9th graders and grading make up work for my seniors.
Groups in the city that hold events here have suspended these but people were still chatting. Claire in Internations posted about hiking so we agreed to meet at a mountain park I had not been to. It was a lot of fun and happy to hike for 5 hours. I was whipped since it is hot and humid now.
The view after you get to the top is fantastic.
Huolo mountain, Tianhe
We actually thought we were at the top but then found the stairs. It was a lot of stairs…
After this picture was taken, the woman who took it for us wanted me to stay there so she could get a picture with me too. That has actually happened several times.
Picnicking along the river
Buying snacks
I know I need to stop but I love to snack…. These are hawthorns. They look like little apples. They are cooked in a syrup and they are so good. Hawthorn alone is a bit sour without the sugar coating. It is it addictive.
Running
I am back to running. Slowly as I’m trying to retrain my running and save my hamstring. It lets me get out and get fresh air in different places. When running you don’t need to wear a mask but it needs to be carried with you and you may have to put it on in a crowded area. I have avoided those crowded areas and times to not have to wear it. It is also really warm now and humid so getting out early helps with both. And I do a lot of walking.
Stopped to visit a friend and have some carrot and apple juice.
Eating out in Cantonese restaurants
I also started going out to eat, though not often and only recently since Guangzhou and the rest of China has been downgraded with no new cases. Still concerning to me after my last bout of quarantine however. They still require restaurants to have servers tested and must display a certificate. They also record the names, IDs and phone numbers of patrons for contact tracing.
A recent holiday allowed people to move between provinces and so far so good. Hopefully this summer maybe I can go to view some places in China. We will have to see. But I won’t be able to go home. I don’t see travel opening up between countries for casual travel for awhile.
Elaine, Killian and I. It is Killian’s birthday.Bijou. This stuff is nasty.Tofu.Dried squid.Eggs with fresh crab meat.Oysters with garlic crumb topping.
First day of school today for me. I have had lots of questions from friends in the States about how this can happen and thought I would chronicle the day. I must tell you that this level of keeping track is throughout much of society here. Each community may have a breakdown in policy but then it is identified very early and corrected.
To open school meant having precautions in place, complying with cleaning and regulations to follow, an inspection, testing of students and teachers, PD on proper procedures… We are doing this now to see how it works and as a practice run. The plan, if all goes well, to add 9, 10, 11 on May 11th. If there are issues or infections, then we close again (just like businesses). And this is a practice run of how next year might be running. Every school is going to have to start thinking how this will look like for the next year.***Quick aside here: Which brings me to the low numbers China has currently. When there is a case noted, they crack down on it immediately (I can attest to this as that was the reason for my last quarantine.) Talking to my Chinese friends who have been here the whole time is eye opening. When the government tells them what must be done, they do it. When there is, the message from the government it is clear and consistent. They are aware that what they do affects the health of others. Even rural areas blocked roads so that people from neighboring villages were not getting in. Is the system perfect? No. But they are doing a lot better (and so are some other countries) than many other places.***
Entering school.
There are two tents set up to enter. There are lanes to follow. You must have updated your Suikang code. Only blue or green can enter. Red cannot, and CDC will be notified. You pass through a thermal camera and have your temp checked using skin. If you have an elevated temp of 37.3 C (99.1 F), you are isolated and the nurse evaluates (see below). Pacing through this step is such that maintains the 1-2 meter between students. There is only one direction into the school.
Classroom set-up and non-negotiable requirements (while teaching science)
Windows and doors must be open. No air conditioning.
Everyone must wear a mask at all times.
Maintain social distancing of 1 meter apart.
Students have to sit one per table. One can sit at a lab table but they must be facing forward. Group work is non-existent but they can confer talking across distances to each other. I have to choose experiences that they can do by themselves to share the results.
Antibacterial gel is available in halls and in rooms.
Temperature checks are taken on the students and teachers twice a day – once at 8:15 and another right before lunch. They must be stored on a spreadsheet. The teacher takes and records the temp.
If students have a fever, the nurse is called and the student is placed outside or in an empty room.
Depending on low risk (student sent home and other students/teacher is reassessed) or high risk (all students and teacher are removed to another room for isolation. CDC is called and they determine the next steps including quarantine).
There is a dedicated isolation room on campus. No one enters unless it is to be used to isolate someone by the nurse.
At the start of every new block (we have 4 blocks a day and you see the same students every other day), an ayi (“auntie” in Chinese, meaning maid or housecleaner) comes in to wipe down every desk a student and teacher is at. That means for me, moving my computer and cleaning every surface. My desk has never been so clean!
There is an investigator on campus checking for compliance.
Temperature check live spreadsheet
The good news
It is good to see my students. I still have to plan for students who are not here. I have series of online assignments and also simulations that are already on OneNote and Teams. For the students who are here they are doing the same thing, but I felt we could reinforce a concept from back in February when we were all online and that is the concept of blood pressure. I had them write what they remembered about blood pressure then they conferred with a member of the class while maintaining distance between them. Yes it was noisy. Then they practiced taking blood pressure on themselves. With a stethoscope it is difficult, but some managed to do it. We also have a handful of electronic cuffs which made it easier. We then explored exercise changes and also what happens when you plunge your arm in ice cold water (because your extremity is cold, the arteries constrict to not lose too much heat to the environment. The heart is still pumping the same, but the pipes that carry the blood are narrower and therefore there is more pressure.)
Moving through campus
Arrows direct kids through the entrance to the school and also going into the lunch room. Students were given the directions on wearing a mask, washing hands, maintaining distance, how to walk through the hallways, etc. before coming to school.
Lunch
There is one way in to the cafeteria and another way to exit. (BTW, that is how it is in many places – one door to go in to monitor temperatures and another place to leave to maintain distance.) They are allowed in one at a time to maintain distance and sit one per table. All food is pre-ordered and pre-packaged with utensils so there is no possible cross-contamination.
Leaving campus
Students leave shortly after 3 pm. Teachers leave a half hour later. As we get on the bus we have to check out name on the list to maintain records. We also have to sit with distance between us.
Fun thing to share
The PE department had step challenges and other activities to boost wellness. One was a Padlet used for gratitude.It was great to read them all.I posted a thank you to the HR staff and admin for going above and beyond to help us. So did many others. Everywhere we were stopped or were having trouble, they were available on phone. When I had problem with the Suikang app, they worked hard with government and CDC officials for a solution. Given that they are currently working on on-boarding new faculty for next year which is a considerable process (and dealing with border closings that may change where they come in from!) They also have faculty that are not here right now who are leaving to another country next year but may not make it back to pack everything up! I don’t know how they do it!It was an interesting day. I was happy to see colleagues and students. I was actually very worried about the day but it was just fine and seemed like any other except less kids, more distance, and masks….
I’ve been anxiously counting the days. In under 40 days this is my second quarantine. First in my apartment then in the government hotel. When you have cameras watching you and you cannot go outside at all it can mess with you quite a bit. Violating can land you somewhere else…
People were getting testy in the WeChat quarantine chat. There were some heated exchanges between people (inmates) and the medical team (wardens). Regardless at some points they gave us gifts.
A rose to add to the flowers I had.Health tea, sir freshener herbs, lotion, thermometer, masks, and green liquid which really takes the itch seat from mosquito bites. We also received exercise gadgets. A hand strengthener, a foot roller, and a band to exercise.
I won’t complain. They didn’t charge me for the stay. They fed me three times a day though you never knew what you would get. They did give me vegetarian even though they said they would not do anything special. The food was good and again I won’t complain. Honestly, I’ll eat almost anything so not generally picky.
Many of the meals were exactly the same and it was easy to be tired of it. My favorite for breakfast was steamed buns with a nut filling inside but I only had it twice.
The last full day I had to be tested for the third time. I am tired of being tested but just wanting to get out of here. Of course it was a nasal swab. They use the cotton swabs with the long handles because they have to get all the way to the top right near your eyes. I hate that test. I was waiting to see the CDC van pull up and then paced until they made it to my room.
I had been packing for the last few days and the last morning I packed up the rest, cleaned up a bit, and then easier for the phone call for me to go downstairs. There they have to check you out with the paperwork, give you test results, and update the app. The app is used to keep track of entry dates, quarantined, etc. You cannot go to appointments, work, airports, or get into your apartment building without it.
This will get you denied entry to everywhere. Being checked out of quarantine by the CDC means getting this updated.
Updating mine took almost two hours. There was another person in a different school who had the same trouble. It was difficult to find who could help with whatever problem was with the app. Eventually they fixed it.
Much better!
My cats were so glad to see me. I unpacked and cleaned. I played with them a bit. Then I went to run errands. Specifically to pick up my new passport, and see the doctor for an appointment I had to reschedule. It is a couple mile walk to get there.
I stopped to pick up a salad to eat and then sat by the river to enjoy the outdoors and sunshine.
It was so nice to be out. I walked back home and grabbed a few groceries along the way. Afterwards, time to relax at home and cuddle with kitties!
So government quarantine for Covid-19 is tolerable. I am at the Long Hui hotel in tianhe. To get here I was greeted at my apartment by a person in full containment gear. I’m glad I had an opportunity to pack things in advance. So what did I pack?
Only about 4 days of clothes. They can all be washed in the sink it shower and I’m really getting multiple days out of them as I don’t get dirty
Two pairs of workout clothes with foam roller and exercise bands
A caftan I bought in Egypt. I seriously understand why my mom longer in them all those years
Pajamas
Travel underwear. My quick drying ones I travel with.
My bag of travel essentials, toothpaste, etc. I always keep that packed
Extra lotion. Most hotels in Asia don’t supply it.
Detergent to wash
A fan as the AC is not turned on. It would spread the virus if someone has it
A mug and instant coffee. It is not supplied at all. I always grab extras from hotels just in case.
Computer, SD card with workouts
All chargers
My diary. I’m behind on writing things down. Not that life is exciting. I don’t even know what day it is.
My asthma inhaler. My nightguard.
A container of leftover food as I was sure I would miss the dinner they served (I was right).
All the raw veggies and fruit I had left in my frig. (Spinach, 2 zucchini, tomato, 2 cucumber, 3 plums, 1 Asian pear)
Yam chips and protein muffins I had just made.
A knife
Others have been in government quarantine when they arrived in the airport so I had already heard some of the recommendations of what to pack.
The worst part was the walk from the apartment to the ambulance. I’m not sure what the guy was saying but it wasn’t the standard coming through greeting. Once they saw him and me and whatever he said, people would look terrified with some running to get out of the way. Because the ambulance could not park outside my complex, we walked further than we should have and I felt like crying by the time I was in the ambulance.
We drove lights and air horn but not complete sirens. Once there they checked your information, checked to be sure they knew the countries you had visited and how long you had been back, took my temperature and gave me a room card. I then went to the front desk where they made copies of the passport and double checked info and room. From there I went to the room myself.
This is an older hotel but nicer than most old chinese hotels. It is larger.
The rooms have a chair outside that they put water and food on. There is a waste basket for my trash and another for medical waste. There are video cameras in the halls, etc.
The room is a bit stuffy. I have allergies and there is an old musty smell but not too bad. I opened the windows anyway. If there are mosquitoes I’ll have someone bring me an electronic zapper.
I knew the wifi was slow but I was having trouble with everything. I was frustrated and talking to Ryan on WeChat when he suggested using my US sim card. Since I use Google fi I only pay for the first 6 GB and the rest is free. That is about $80 but worth it. It is so fast and I can use my phone as a hotspot. Not only can I work on the free PD with the state of PA for certification but can also watch Netflix as a reward!
As I arrived after dinner I was sure I would not get tested until the next day.
That next morning I think they forgot about me as it was a new crew. I messaged a person who reached out to me when they knew I would be arriving. He is a friend of one of my friends and had been here a few days already. He was able to contact the office here and they brought me breakfast. Steamed buns are the best! One of them had a nut filling that was amazing.
I was tested after breakfast and temp checks are at 10 am and 4 pm. I will not be given the results of the test unless it is positive and they take me to the hospital for 20 days instead.
I was finally given the WeChat group info so if we need anything we can message and get a response. My school is in continuing contact with me as well as many friends and I’m grateful. I’m glad to talk to family often.
Though they don’t do requests for meals, one of the office admin had been calling them often about me and told them I require vegetarian. They have done this for me so I don’t complain about anything about the meals.
Lunch of shredded potatoes and carrots with Chinese broccoli underneath and rice.Egg drop soup, tofu with mushrooms and Chinese broccoli with rice.Congi (rice porridge) with a hard boiled egg, donut, and steamed bun.
I’ve had 4 meals and they have been pretty decent and normal Chinese fare. In the second wechat group just among foreigners here they order from international restaurants. It is possible because the contact I mentioned above is the owner of one of them. I was going to order if they could not get me vegetarian but now many restaurants are being forced to close. Not because of anything specific but more anti-international sentiment. Many Chinese places are packed routinely so hopefully they are closing some of those down too.
Regardless, some people are really asking too much. Having things delivered that are non-essential. I really feel they will stop delivering everything if people don’t start thinking. They will only deliver at two times a day. Some people were ordering bottles of wine. A waiver is to be signed for being able to drink and there was quite a tirade of messages. I know it is tough to be in here but I just think differently than most people. Not that I’m right but just think differently. There are many things we don’t need and life does not have to be that complicated.
I can live on the food I’m given. I could have lived without my phone being a hotspot. I had books I could read on my computer, etc. I was prepared for no internet if need be. I am grateful I have the ability to take this extra time and work on PD when I don’t have the pull and demands of being at school. I finished a 10 hour class the first day!
So a day and a half has gone by and they have not dragged me off to the hospital…. So the result must be negative!!!! That is great news.
If I’m here until the 26th (that is what is on my paperwork) and that last test can’t be used to go back to school (all teachers and students just be tested), then I won’t start school with the others on the 27th as it will take time to go get the testing and get the results back.
While I was writing this my friend brought me the bug zapper which is good since I am getting bit. The fan would be good but would just blow around hot air. We were able to wave and yell to each other with thumbs up. He just wants a beer for payment. Most definitely!!!
My friend Bill who came all this way to bring me a zapper and use apps to translate. What a good guy!
While I was traveling at the start of the covid-19 mess, I was well aware of a few things.
It might be better to stay in one place and hunker down
I still wanted to see the part of the world I was in so I thought of what I needed to do to stay away from people
Since the rest of the world wasn’t concerned, I played it safe and planned to move closer to China to re-enter when it was safe. I kept waiting for a full travel ban world wide but it didn’t happen.
When you know more you do better. I had thought through a lot but not everything. We needed to learn more about the virus to determine the precautions to take. I didn’t wear a mask at the beginning and forgot about all the little things you touch and especially your face. The more I thought, the more actions I took.
I tried not to take long flights.
At times I felt I was irresponsible but also knew I could take measures to protect myself and others.
Then I was in quarantine. Being in my apartment was great.
I was appalled by the lack of care and concern in most countries as I was traveling. I was glad not to go back to the US. There was total lack of concern at the top.
Since then I’ve thought about discrimination of Chinese when I was in Australia in February. I also heard it was going on elsewhere. Fear makes people do stupid things. I made sure to visit Chinese restaurants and also talk to those I met when I was traveling.
Now that more cases are coming in from overseas, international people are subjected to discrimination here in China. There is a smaller number of cases in the international community than there are in Chinese students returning from overseas. However we are now refused service in restaurants and other establishments. We have had people step out of their way to get further away from us. And though this is unsettling I do understand their fear. And it is not everyone. I have had Chinese nationals stop to talk to me and let me pet their dogs! I’ve been pretty good at not going many places. I don’t want people to be uneasy, restaurants to not be patronized because I was there, etc. And the discrimination is not as bad as those who are African American or South African are experiencing.
I’ve eaten at a total of 4 places since leaving quarantine. The last one was an international restaurant on Monday. The day after I went there, it was learned that there was a potential positive Covid-19 person who had been there a few days before I went. They contacted everyone that has been there since. The original person tested negative (if rumours are correct). However, a server tested positive.
What does that mean? I’m now going to government quarantine. I have no choice. Right now I’m waiting in my apartment to get picked up. It is concerning because I could have been exposed. I’m a little worried as I haven’t been tested yet but will know in a day or two.
If the original person they were tracking was not positive then where did the server get it? She is Chinese. And therein lies what I don’t know. International people have been tested like crazy but we don’t know how Chinese nationals are handled. I would hope it is equal. The server has been quarantined and I would hope everyone else is as well.
So the lesson is:
When other countries go back to normal, unless you have a way to track people, test them, and isolate them, you will have continual outbreaks. And isolating them does not mean telling them to go home and social distance unless you put a video monitor or alarm on their door, etc.
The restaurant I went to takes your temp, has you write down your contact info, your temp, etc. From there, the CDC now has ways of going backwards to find people. All restaurants here are required to do the same. If I test positive, there will be more inquiries into other places I have been and who I have been in contact with.
I had originally planned a much more informative post but my mind is racing a bit at the moment. I’m thinking of what else I need to pack in my bag to take with me. I will update when I can, when I have information, and especially reliable wifi.
On a lighter mood, some pictures I took of my cats and walking around Guangzhou in my free time.
I needed to go for a really long walk after days of little activity. The botanic garden is beautiful.
Swan lake
Ginger garden
In the center of the garden.
Fifty wings
Evolution garden focused on how plants shaped the world for animals. Plants have been around much longer and or histories are wound together.
I went back for a swim to cool down and to do some more work. Later I went out to find the legendary Raffles hotel and the Long Bar to drink their original Singapore sling. This drink was made for women as they were not allowed to drink in 1915 in public. The bartender made a drink that looked like fruit punch but with alcohol so they could!
This hotel costs $700 Singapore dollars a night. Looking at the cars, I can see that. The people who work there are dressed in turn off the century uniforms.
Inside the Raffles Long Bar.
This machine will shake 6 Singapore slings at the same time (including my drink in the bar!!!!)
I spent 3 hours there talking to the gentleman beside me. He is from Ohio and a professor that worked in Guangzhou (near where I live might I add) and then on Macao. He was here for a job interview. It was nice talking to him. We had a lot of similar experiences and life histories except he is younger.
Sri Mahariamman templePassed by on the walk home.
Many of the places had sings about having symptoms or having been in countries of concern should not visit tourist spots. I did not go inside out of respect. I have no symptoms but have been in those countries.
Coming to Singapore and leaving Singapore to Thailand I have had the most extensive screening due to my US passport and China visa. I am now set to leave for Bangkok and my appointment before moving back to China. As the coronavirus numbers have declined dramatically there but are increasing around the world, it is looking safer there.
I had scheduled an appointment at a hospital in Bangkok and it was easier to come to Singapore first rather than the layovers traveling from Malaysia. Over three days I took a few breaks from online grading mostly to find food but one night light tour.
Singapore has it together. It is a beautiful city and amazing. Its response to coronavirus is to temperature sensor everyone everywhere. Hand sanitizer was available everywhere too.
Chinatown.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. While I was in Singapore I was temperature checked everywhere I went including breakfast.
Buddha Tooth Relic TempleAvocado ice cream in Chinatown.Another view in Chinatown.There is a shop dedicated to Tin Tin.
Walking down towards the marina.
Down at the marina. Behind me is the marina sands hotel and casino.The center has an infinity swimming pool looking over Singapore.The Merlion statue.Down by the arts complex a band was warming up for the nights show.On the way back I walked through the esplanade park. This is front of the Asia museum.Along the riverfront.Near the Fullerton hotel.Asian museum.
Night light tour.
In the mask attached to the marina sands you can take a boat. Crazy.
After Koh Adang, Thailand I came back to Langkawi. I could stay here forever. It is beautiful and laid back. I swam in the pool between working online. I did not spend much time in the sun after some unfortunate kayaking which left my shins incredibly burnt. I used the time to plan even further ahead in my classes.
I will come back here. It is worth the stay and maybe next time I won’t be teaching online.
Some really beautiful lizards here.Macaque family.Dusky leaf with baby. At breakfast one young monkey scaled the patio and while I was fending him off my fruit with my fork, he stole my croissant! Not this one, but same type.My favourite lunch at the Berjaya resort. Veggie wrap. They include mango in the wrap and it is delicious. Yes, at the swim up bar where I could cool of my sunburnt legs while I ate.Last sunrise. It is so beautiful here.Sunset the night before as I went to dinner with a new friend, Olga. She is from Holland and delightful.Berjaya resort lobby.
At the airport I ate breakfast. French toast with kaya spread. It is coconut and egg whipped together in a spread. Delicious!
While at Langkawi I found that there is some good snorkeling at Koh Lipe/Koh Adang. These are islands just a ferry ride away.
Actually, it is a ferry to Koh Lipe then a bike taxi ride across the island then a long tail boat ride to Koh Adang.
A long tail boat is a long thin boat that has a pole with the motor at the top and fans at the base. It can lift the fans out of the water which is good as coral is not too far below the surface. Also, the pole is used as a rudder to steer.
Koh Adang is bigger but less developed. You can camp here and there is one small resort. No stores and a nice restaurant in the resort that takes care of you. The Adang resort is amazing. The best part is I went barefoot most of the time.
There is only a few activities here. They play a movie on a large screen at night. The kitchen is only open from 8 am to 9 pm. This is a place purely for relaxation. It was a little as I had some if the best sleep I’ve had in months. Of course I did a lot of online school work.
Snorkeling was fun even though the coral was right below the surface of the water. I did find Nemo and his friend. They were very photogenic. I also found a giant purple clam.
Hiking on some trails through the jungle was fun. I never made it to the waterfall as a large tree blocked the path near the end and uprooted much of the ground.
Food here is amazing. My favourite is Pad Thai which I had twice. I also had this amazing sea bass in a lime sauce. Very light and flavorful.
Kayaking is not my favourite activity especially if it is long. I thought I could make it around the island but I couldn’t and ran out of water and received a nasty sunburn. But it was gorgeous and snapped at least one picture.
I saw this crab on one of the beaches I stopped at.
I posted a thank you to the HR staff and admin for going above and beyond to help us. So did many others. Everywhere we were stopped or were having trouble, they were available on phone. When I had problem with the Suikang app, they worked hard with government and CDC officials for a solution. Given that they are currently working on on-boarding new faculty for next year which is a considerable process (and dealing with border closings that may change where they come in from!) They also have faculty that are not here right now who are leaving to another country next year but may not make it back to pack everything up! I don’t know how they do it!
It was an interesting day. I was happy to see colleagues and students. I was actually very worried about the day but it was just fine and seemed like any other except less kids, more distance, and masks….
