10/30 is the day I went out and got stabbed, though i guess it happened early on the 31st.
I just got home from work, and carried the batteries up from my scooter. Each is about the size of a car battery. Not a major feat, but this is the first day I was able to do that without the left arm dropping it or it hurting a lot. So the damaged muscles are apparently healing.
My boss suggested I'd be paid, which is good. he also approached a friend and offered him my job behind my back, which is...also good. I want out of here. My friend turned it down, and the school apparently plans on not telling me anything until a replacement has been found. I plan on being gone soon, though I may wait until after the Chinese New Year. I guess I'd rather they pay me for the few weeks off.
Last night was my debut as a bartender at Friends. went well, largely because I don't do much other than talk to people and put beer in buckets. I have a lot of practice talking, and taking beer out of buckets.
oh i received an apology and money from the guy responible for the stabbing. i don't believe he's sincere, and the amount was less than half of what i'm out after medical bills and suspensions. others are working on his deportation and getting him fired. I'm not spiteful, but would prefer the next attempted murder not be in my city. I'd like him to just leave, but apparently he wants to be driven out. I am not involved in what they're doing. people look out for me (and the other injured ones).
November sucked.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Continuing the nonsense
I am still struggling with my employer. I am back at work, but they do not intend to pay me for the time I was off, most of which I missed because they would not allow me to return. Their reasoning is:
1. My contract promises me 15 days paid sick leave. i was not sick. i was injured. I do not have injury leave. This is the first time anyone I have spoken with here has heard that argument.
2. I did nothing to arrange for my classes to be covered when injured, so they had to hire someone else. Again, i am unaware of any other company which requires an ill or injured person to find their own replacement.
3. It isn't fair they have to pay me when I'm not working. Admittedly, they wrote a contract and signed it, saying they would, but only a truly depraved man would expect them to do such a thing.
4. i haven't had the decency to apologize for what i did, and seem unremorseful. One would almost think I don't regret trying to save someone's life, and might do it again in a similar situation
So, at the moment i'm back. The school had pressured me into not trying to force the police to do anything about an attempted murder that scarred me for life because someof their teachers do not have the proper work visas. They are now enraged that I am planning to go to arbitration for half a month's salary, as this is far more likely to lead to the discovery of their illegal workers. It's not inconceivable that I'll mention it in my written complaint. I'd hate to think of people who are uninvolved being deported over this, but I get more offended each day. Cooperating with the police led to my punishment. They felt i was putting them at risk. But they will risk it to save under $900.
Otherwise, the job hasn't been too bad, so it is likely I won't ask for a release in arbitration. i kind of like the thought of forcing them to pay me while they are fined hundreds of thousands of reminbi, then continuing my job as though nothing happened. I could probably get a release and more more money, but this is much more fun
1. My contract promises me 15 days paid sick leave. i was not sick. i was injured. I do not have injury leave. This is the first time anyone I have spoken with here has heard that argument.
2. I did nothing to arrange for my classes to be covered when injured, so they had to hire someone else. Again, i am unaware of any other company which requires an ill or injured person to find their own replacement.
3. It isn't fair they have to pay me when I'm not working. Admittedly, they wrote a contract and signed it, saying they would, but only a truly depraved man would expect them to do such a thing.
4. i haven't had the decency to apologize for what i did, and seem unremorseful. One would almost think I don't regret trying to save someone's life, and might do it again in a similar situation
So, at the moment i'm back. The school had pressured me into not trying to force the police to do anything about an attempted murder that scarred me for life because someof their teachers do not have the proper work visas. They are now enraged that I am planning to go to arbitration for half a month's salary, as this is far more likely to lead to the discovery of their illegal workers. It's not inconceivable that I'll mention it in my written complaint. I'd hate to think of people who are uninvolved being deported over this, but I get more offended each day. Cooperating with the police led to my punishment. They felt i was putting them at risk. But they will risk it to save under $900.
Otherwise, the job hasn't been too bad, so it is likely I won't ask for a release in arbitration. i kind of like the thought of forcing them to pay me while they are fined hundreds of thousands of reminbi, then continuing my job as though nothing happened. I could probably get a release and more more money, but this is much more fun
Monday, November 16, 2009
prices paid and benefits earned
Saying that things have been strange lately is an understatement. Living in China as an expat is different than I imagine it would be living as an immigrant in America. Can't say for sure, but I believe we feel safer.
a bit over 10 years ago, i arrived in Zhongshan, and in my first week, I was directed to the Friends Bar. It was (and is) a fairly unassuming place. I've been in other expat bars here and elsehwere, and they tend to be a bit dark, with flags from all over, a bunch of Chinese people, and classic rock playing. Friends wasn't really any different. Nothing wrong with it. just a comfortable bar.
A few hours later i understood why I had been told to go there. A group of other foreigners discovered there were a few new people, and came over and introduced themselves. The welcome was fairly overwhelming.
Over time, I'd be in and out of that group, as i developed close friendships with many locals, but there was always a feeling of welcome there. It sounds cliched to say we tended to act like a family, but that's what my memory assures me was the case.
So ten years have gone by, and there are about 20 times the foreigners there were then. There are 3 foreign bars in ZS, and another on the way. There are also those who prefer different Chinese clubs, more who stay home, and plenty of people I have never met. There are a lot of advantages to living in a place with a larger foreign population. Can buy better cheese. better restaurants (I need to stop blogging before I eat). There are chances to do things other than sit in the same bar with the same people and hear the same stories. Generally, it's better to be here now instead of in 99.
Then this happened. I'm only aware of one crime this serious involving a foreigner in Zhongshan. There has been violence, but nothing near this. What makes it worse is that one of us called guys to kill another one of us, and they did it in a place we always called home.
So there are two conflicting things happening now. There is a fear now that wasn't here a month ago. There are definitely some people who want to sit at home for a bit, and wait to make sure this is over (I do believe it is, but no one is sure). there are people who go out, but avoid Friends, or all the foreign bars. It feels at times like I'm in a long story, and the narrator is saying "Things were never quite the same. It was hard to get back to normal, and people began to move on to other places. last i heard, Bill had moved on to Sri Lanka, where he runs a fish and chip stand near the beach. Shame the man hates seafood with a passion."
At the same time, there is a certain closeness and concern that had disappeared. One of us was attacked, and the four foreigners there leapt to his defense. thirty seconds later, the staff was there, helping those of us who were bleeding. We ran out without telling them where we were going, so they called other staff members, until one was found with my nuumber. So when this happened, the intended victim wasn't alone. Everyone nearby tried to help. One of the few good things I saw at that time was that there was no hesitation on anyone's part. Chris was attacked, and 4 moved at once to help. When i got hurt, a few 18-20 year old waitresses ran towards me with towels instead of running in the office and locking the door, or heading out the front door. There is a peculiar comfort you can take in that.
The instinct people had was to help. I can certainly attest that the impulse extended to others. I got a lot of phone calls from people. Some were trying to learn what happened, but almost everyone asked the same questions: Can I help Chris? and Can I help you? People have been supportive, offering time, money, food, encouragement, advice, and whatever else i needed.
Robert, the young guy in the fight, has had a few more experienced guys take an interest in him, offering to teach him more about international trade and sales. It's partially a way to thank him, and partially, I think, a desire to help a newer guy out. people are going beyond what they need to do, in a way they might not have done a few months ago.
I certainly do not believe that what happened is for the best. I sincerely hope that the responsible party is either deported or imprisoned. A lot of people are harmed, and the potential closeness wasn't worth it. Just noting what I see
a bit over 10 years ago, i arrived in Zhongshan, and in my first week, I was directed to the Friends Bar. It was (and is) a fairly unassuming place. I've been in other expat bars here and elsehwere, and they tend to be a bit dark, with flags from all over, a bunch of Chinese people, and classic rock playing. Friends wasn't really any different. Nothing wrong with it. just a comfortable bar.
A few hours later i understood why I had been told to go there. A group of other foreigners discovered there were a few new people, and came over and introduced themselves. The welcome was fairly overwhelming.
Over time, I'd be in and out of that group, as i developed close friendships with many locals, but there was always a feeling of welcome there. It sounds cliched to say we tended to act like a family, but that's what my memory assures me was the case.
So ten years have gone by, and there are about 20 times the foreigners there were then. There are 3 foreign bars in ZS, and another on the way. There are also those who prefer different Chinese clubs, more who stay home, and plenty of people I have never met. There are a lot of advantages to living in a place with a larger foreign population. Can buy better cheese. better restaurants (I need to stop blogging before I eat). There are chances to do things other than sit in the same bar with the same people and hear the same stories. Generally, it's better to be here now instead of in 99.
Then this happened. I'm only aware of one crime this serious involving a foreigner in Zhongshan. There has been violence, but nothing near this. What makes it worse is that one of us called guys to kill another one of us, and they did it in a place we always called home.
So there are two conflicting things happening now. There is a fear now that wasn't here a month ago. There are definitely some people who want to sit at home for a bit, and wait to make sure this is over (I do believe it is, but no one is sure). there are people who go out, but avoid Friends, or all the foreign bars. It feels at times like I'm in a long story, and the narrator is saying "Things were never quite the same. It was hard to get back to normal, and people began to move on to other places. last i heard, Bill had moved on to Sri Lanka, where he runs a fish and chip stand near the beach. Shame the man hates seafood with a passion."
At the same time, there is a certain closeness and concern that had disappeared. One of us was attacked, and the four foreigners there leapt to his defense. thirty seconds later, the staff was there, helping those of us who were bleeding. We ran out without telling them where we were going, so they called other staff members, until one was found with my nuumber. So when this happened, the intended victim wasn't alone. Everyone nearby tried to help. One of the few good things I saw at that time was that there was no hesitation on anyone's part. Chris was attacked, and 4 moved at once to help. When i got hurt, a few 18-20 year old waitresses ran towards me with towels instead of running in the office and locking the door, or heading out the front door. There is a peculiar comfort you can take in that.
The instinct people had was to help. I can certainly attest that the impulse extended to others. I got a lot of phone calls from people. Some were trying to learn what happened, but almost everyone asked the same questions: Can I help Chris? and Can I help you? People have been supportive, offering time, money, food, encouragement, advice, and whatever else i needed.
Robert, the young guy in the fight, has had a few more experienced guys take an interest in him, offering to teach him more about international trade and sales. It's partially a way to thank him, and partially, I think, a desire to help a newer guy out. people are going beyond what they need to do, in a way they might not have done a few months ago.
I certainly do not believe that what happened is for the best. I sincerely hope that the responsible party is either deported or imprisoned. A lot of people are harmed, and the potential closeness wasn't worth it. Just noting what I see
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Update
Got the stitches out. Ugly scar, but looks much better than expected. It looked like some sort of zombie arm at first. A benefit of being a hairy guy is that it may hide the scar, at least somewhat.
Most of the physical problems are gone. My blood levels are getting back to normal. I'm off antibiotics, so I can drink again, and I can drink very cheaply, as less blood means you get wasted on a few beers. hey, do i mock your silver linings?
Still suspended. I asked for a release from my contract. they threatened to cancel my visa immediately. I threatened to turn in my colleagues who don't have proper work visas. they agreed to pay me for next week and to allow me to return after that. I have a sneaking suspicion I will not be employee of the month.
I have a friend who is trying to hook me up with a dream job in Sichuan, and if not, I have multiple offers here. What i don't have is a good internet connection, so I'll end this while I still have some access
Most of the physical problems are gone. My blood levels are getting back to normal. I'm off antibiotics, so I can drink again, and I can drink very cheaply, as less blood means you get wasted on a few beers. hey, do i mock your silver linings?
Still suspended. I asked for a release from my contract. they threatened to cancel my visa immediately. I threatened to turn in my colleagues who don't have proper work visas. they agreed to pay me for next week and to allow me to return after that. I have a sneaking suspicion I will not be employee of the month.
I have a friend who is trying to hook me up with a dream job in Sichuan, and if not, I have multiple offers here. What i don't have is a good internet connection, so I'll end this while I still have some access
Monday, November 9, 2009
Things I learned
Don't tell your friends about your imminent departure to begin teaching in Japan until you see that the contract you are sent reflects the deal you negotiated. otherwise, you spend the whole day texting clarification
Saturday, November 7, 2009
start again
It seems I'll be able to post again, at least for a while.
Things are not terribly different than they were 5 months ago. Switched schools, to a place that treats me much better. not necessarily good, but better.
My students are much worse than before. basically, I am teaching in a program for rich students who have flunked out of or been kicked out of other schools. their parents want them to go to university, but they have no chance of passing the exams. So a back door is being created. If they can pass an English exam, they can attend a university to study business and English. So I need to get them ready for the IELTS exam. None speak English well, most speak it very poorly, and a few can't communicate simple ideas in English. One can't answer questions like "what's your name?" but all are taking an exam to see if they can begin studying accounting or finance next year in univeristy classes taught in English. They frequently refuse to do assignments or open their book. The school will not allow most rewards or punishments. Everyone agrees I will fail in my task, but not much that can be done. Since they come from important, rich families, they will be fine. At least until they take over the family business and destroy it, but that's years away.
Little changes regarding friends and the town as a whole. Zhongshan changes, but only slightly it seems.
Last weekend, a friend was attacked by a group of knife wielding gangsters. a few friends and I intervened, and were stabbed. Their original target was stabbed multiple times in the chest and back. One guy was stabbed in the leg, and another in the hand. I had my arm sliced open and was stabbed in ...uh...the posterior. All of us are out of the hospital, and everyone will recover completely. In that regard, we were very lucky.
Why the stabbing? Another foreigner was mad at my friend over a pool game. So he called thugs to scare him, and they instead decided to remove him. So my feelings regarding Chinese haven't changed, just my contempt for Canadians.
My employer is insisting I take a few weeks off to recover. My wounds aren't that big a deal, but the blood loss left me a wreck. One week later, I'm almost back to normal. I think they just want this kept quiet. It's really cool that they are telling me to rest and recover. It's not so cool they are saying I should have run off and called the cops, as a teacher getting into a fight will give the school a bad reputation. Put simply, they are saying i should have let my friend die. There is little doubt that would have been the outcome. I may be replaced due to this, but the other foreign teachers have made it clear that they will resign immediately, and no other foreigners will take my place. At least not from Zhongshan.
Turns out I'm pretty well liked here. I spend a lot of time at home resting, but trek out ot the hospital every day to have the bandages changed. friends are doing a good job of making sure i'm fed, translating for me with doctorsm and generally keeping me happy. Which reminds me that I'm meeting some xiolan friends soon. Finally convinced them to come here to see me. All it took was some blood loss.
To those who heard before and have been sending support, it is appreciated. This is the worst time I've had in China, and I can't wait to move on.
Things are not terribly different than they were 5 months ago. Switched schools, to a place that treats me much better. not necessarily good, but better.
My students are much worse than before. basically, I am teaching in a program for rich students who have flunked out of or been kicked out of other schools. their parents want them to go to university, but they have no chance of passing the exams. So a back door is being created. If they can pass an English exam, they can attend a university to study business and English. So I need to get them ready for the IELTS exam. None speak English well, most speak it very poorly, and a few can't communicate simple ideas in English. One can't answer questions like "what's your name?" but all are taking an exam to see if they can begin studying accounting or finance next year in univeristy classes taught in English. They frequently refuse to do assignments or open their book. The school will not allow most rewards or punishments. Everyone agrees I will fail in my task, but not much that can be done. Since they come from important, rich families, they will be fine. At least until they take over the family business and destroy it, but that's years away.
Little changes regarding friends and the town as a whole. Zhongshan changes, but only slightly it seems.
Last weekend, a friend was attacked by a group of knife wielding gangsters. a few friends and I intervened, and were stabbed. Their original target was stabbed multiple times in the chest and back. One guy was stabbed in the leg, and another in the hand. I had my arm sliced open and was stabbed in ...uh...the posterior. All of us are out of the hospital, and everyone will recover completely. In that regard, we were very lucky.
Why the stabbing? Another foreigner was mad at my friend over a pool game. So he called thugs to scare him, and they instead decided to remove him. So my feelings regarding Chinese haven't changed, just my contempt for Canadians.
My employer is insisting I take a few weeks off to recover. My wounds aren't that big a deal, but the blood loss left me a wreck. One week later, I'm almost back to normal. I think they just want this kept quiet. It's really cool that they are telling me to rest and recover. It's not so cool they are saying I should have run off and called the cops, as a teacher getting into a fight will give the school a bad reputation. Put simply, they are saying i should have let my friend die. There is little doubt that would have been the outcome. I may be replaced due to this, but the other foreign teachers have made it clear that they will resign immediately, and no other foreigners will take my place. At least not from Zhongshan.
Turns out I'm pretty well liked here. I spend a lot of time at home resting, but trek out ot the hospital every day to have the bandages changed. friends are doing a good job of making sure i'm fed, translating for me with doctorsm and generally keeping me happy. Which reminds me that I'm meeting some xiolan friends soon. Finally convinced them to come here to see me. All it took was some blood loss.
To those who heard before and have been sending support, it is appreciated. This is the worst time I've had in China, and I can't wait to move on.
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