Reflection - last nite's event

In my Teaching blog I talked about the Student Talent nite we foreign teachers attended and were invited to particpate in. One interesting thing that happened to me is worthy of note since it's related to travel and culture.

Last nite we (Tyler, Serg, Katy and I) walked into the bustling student union and as we entered the large auditorium a student walked up to us and said, "Welcome, are you ready with your song or skit?"

For nearly 10 seconds I thought to myself, "How did he know we were the teachers who were going to particpate in this event?" It may sound stupid, but clearly I had totally forgotten we were the only 4 Westerners there and, therefore, we were easy to pick out of a crowd. The thing that's interesting is, I didn't feel out of place. Because of the warm welcome, inclusion, appreciation and continuous dialog and rapport that has grown through my time here with the staff and students I didn't feel like an "foreigner". I think that best describes the hospitality of the Chinese hosts here at the International Education Department at Wuhan University of Technology.

:)