Good Fortune, and the Feast of the Full Moon
09/13/2008
I am a VERY fortunate person, for many reasons. Another Fulbrighter, a recently graduated college student who is part of the English Teaching Assistant Program, is already stationed at Nha Trang University. She'll be there for the entire year, and will have scoped everything out by the time I arrive. She is adventuresome and sociable, and posts lots of pictures. Here, for example, is an image of a Nha Trang University dormitory where foreign visitors are housed. It looks quite nice, doesn't it?
The trip is beginning to seem more real all of the time. I learned this week that I can have business cards made while I am in Ho Chi Minh City for my orientation. I'm hoping we'll also have some basic instruction in language, since my study of manuals, attempts to use flash cards, and listening to recordings just isn't proving satisfactory.
This past week I added to my list of things to take, and am beginning to wonder how I will get everything into two suitcases and a backpack. I also began assembling the books I plan to ship via the diplomatic pouch. Everything has to be wrapped and packed to withstand rough handling. Next week I'm off to Bloomington for more vaccinations, plus it's time to see about having a spare pair of glasses made, taking care of my will (just in case), and prepping for the classes I'll be teaching at Nha Trang University. My host asked this week if I would prepare workshops for English faculty plus teach three courses: American literature, American culture, and British literature. While I'm comfortable with American culture, and can do some aspects of American literature, British literature is out of the question!
There's another reason that I'm very fortunate. Years ago when I was on the faculty of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at IU Bloomington, I had the great fortune to teach a number of students from China and Taiwan. I've wanted to visit China ever since my freshman year in college when I took a course called China and the Far East. One of my former students has offered to accompany me on my trip through China (more on this as the itinerary becomes firmer). It will be wonderful to travel there with someone who knows the area and people so well. Naturally, that means more planning, another Visa, etc., but it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I plan to enjoy every minute!
By the way, I believe it is now the Feast of the Full Moon (also known as the Chinese Moon) Festival. If we were there, you could join me in celebrating the harvest with moon cakes and tea!
