My Travels
I have met with such generous and delightful people, all of whom are trying to understand the concept of giving to our School each year, a school they are grateful for and say so.
Since my arrival on December 19th, I have taken eight trips, rarely a non-stop but am now quite accustomed to it. Seoul was a large group at the dinner, graciously provided by the Korean families. The fathers kept to a separate table for mutual comfort, but at one point I had them laughing uproariously over what it is to be a parent.
On December 22nd, I was on to Harbin, China -- way north of North Korea and a bit cold at 25 below zero. However, the city is preparing for its winter festival, and there are ice sculptures everywhere. I was shown the city at night and then the parklands and sculptures the next day. I was overwhelmed by the talent and the beauty.
Then to Taipei for Christmas, sadly without family, but wooed three more families to us whom David Flynn had asked to see me there. They were wonderful, funny, talented young men and women. One said she loves literature because you can think outside the box, and this is important to her. She and the others charmed me.
Tonight I am hosting a dinner with the help of one of our students, Sisy. Sisy and her fellow classmates Kaili and Ryan will be there with their families, as well as Owen's family, only without Owen as he is in NYC working at the main branch of the New York Public Libary, a wonderful opportunity, and a favorite haunt of mine.
I arrived in Beijing on December 29th where another one of our students, Diana, has been helping put the dinner together. Then on New Year's Day I am off to Shanghai where Allen has generously taken care of things for me.
My age reaped a delightful opportunity yesterday. Three elderly women, interested both in my age and my "white" face, circled me, we had not one word in common, and with great cheer took me to have tea with them. We used sign language and had a noisy, fun time together. I think they believe I have 130 children rather than students but that is fine with me!
The students are taking pictures as I cannot talk and host while taking photos, although I should have a few on my camera and I will try to post them shortly.
Helen Stevens Chinitz
Head of School