Day Ten -- Jingzhou - Viking School - Wednesday - 19 March 2014

We had quite the night on the Yangtze -- a disabled ship blocked a narrow channel so no other ships could pass -- then later on we hit a smaller boat or it hit us -- because of wind -- but all is well no damage was done.   All this while we were sleeping.
  
After my morning routine of:  treadmill -- Tai Chi -- breakfast -- we have extra time since we are behind schedule do the overnight activities.    So I observe the Yangtze River goings on.   The terrain on this section of the river is totally different -- barren and flat -- no mountains. It is also very busy -- so many vessels carrying coal, sand and other commodities.  We also just heard that the vessels do not have to pay to go through any of the locks -- it is all free.  This certainly encourages transportation on the river -- especially now that the larger freighters can go further into China.


Today we are visiting an elementary (6 to 12 year old students) -- one of three Chinese schools that Viking sponsors.  The school is located in Jingzhou a town with population of 700,000 -- it is considered a small city in China.   We first pass through some very poor areas with structures not much more than huts.  Once we get onto the Main Street of Jingzhou -- there are apartment buildings and shops -- one can see that it a vibrant place.  

There is a Normal School here which educates students to become teachers. Tuition is free in China for anyone studying a profession which is deemed necessary by the government:  teaching, mining, fishing, engineering and others. However if you want to study Liberal Arts -- you must pay tuition which is about $2,000 per year.

The children are so excited to see us -- they are lined up on each side of the pathway -- saying "hello" and wanting to shake our hands.  We are ushered to an outdoor stage where there is singing and dancing.  These kids are so adorable with energy and a liveliness that won't quit.   

After the show we split into groups to spend time in a classroom.  Our classroom has forty-six 8-year olds -- 28 boys and 18 girls.   One little girl takes my hand and brings me to her desk motioning for me to sit in her chair -- this happens to several passengers.   We sing a song for them --they sing a song for us -- we teach them to count to 10 in English -- everyone has a good time.

On the way back to the boat -- Jimmie gives us a good explanation of the complicated Chinese Family Planning System -- apparently the projection is that in 2033 Chinese population will reach its peak of 1.5 billion people -- after that it starts to go down.

Back on board -- an afternoon at leisure -- which means sleeping since the rocking of the boat is like a drug -- we are all so relaxed. Or -- maybe they're putting something in the food.

After dinner -- there is line dancing but more time is spent explaining it than doing it so get impatient and go to bed.

Thanks For Reading!

Pat