Graduation

Today was the graduation ceremony for the May session and my third session overall. It's usually a very formal affair with too many speeches that are mostly Chinese, but it's also a time for goodbyes and plenty of pictures. This country is really good for my ego, because I feel like I have my own personal paparazzi during ceremonies like this. Usually a dozen or so Chinese students will bump and jostle each other to take pictures and then try to crowd in to take a picture with me or have me sign something. My class also gave me a very nice gift. A large tapestry, about five feet high, and 18 inches wide with a traditional painting in the center of a serene landscape. Very ornate and very expensive. I was most appreciative. Some of the students have expressed interest in coming back for future sessions as administrative assistants to help out us facilitators and we would definitely appreciate their help and their company once more.

In other news, on Saturday, I fly down to Korea and hopefully end this whole visa saga.