The end of the world… So far so good!!

So today is the last world, and speaking as someone who lives in the future, so far everything is great! One thing that this fateful day has brought is a great lesson! This afternoon I talked to both of my classes about this myth, and what they think about it. In my more advanced class, we did an activity where they had to pretend the world would be destroyed in a year ad say how they would spend that year. It is a pretty cool activity, there were a lot of creative activities. The Chinese students spend their whole school lives memorizing and regurgitating information, so when I ask them to give their opinions or use their imaginations, they all look at me with a look that is a mix of excitement, shock, and horror!! It’s pretty amusing. But after the 17th week of classes, they are getting more used to it.
It is still pretty cold, and one amazing fashion trend that I am totally behind is furry long johns! Here most of the long johns have this fuzzy lining, and that extra 1/4 inch of insulation makes a difference!!
The way I found out about fuzzy long johns and leggings is that the international office of my school asked me come to the office. I was pretty confused but I walked over and they said merry Christmas! We have a gift for you! I accepted the bag, said my thanks, and took it home. When I got home I unpacked it and it was purple fuzzy long johns. And they ALMOST fit! Things here are made for the Chinese body type, so when I put the whole ensemble on the legs and the sleeves were an inch too short, and there was an inch or two uncovered around my middle, but they still kept me much warmer than normal! I then went to the little shop down the street where the owner speaks some English, and she had a pair of fuzzy leggings that fits perfectly. I’m in heaven. Best invention ever!
Here, Christmas is not an official holiday. We still have school, and I’m actually giving an exam on both Christmas Eve and Christmas day. But they know about Christmas, and they Still give gifts to their friends and teachers. Its pretty nice! So far I have gotten the long johns, some Hershey’s kisses, a bottle of juice that I think might be cherry juice, and an apple. Apparently the most popular gift to give at Christmas is an orange or apple, and it comes in this special box!
I know Christmas this year will be very different, but it will definitely still be special!
Lots of love from the land of fuzzy leggings, Ashley