So, those familiar with the blog will know about Beitang Primary School. It’s the primary school that I teach at when I’m not teaching at Aston. Chinese primary schools are very different to their western counter parts. Firstly as the left-most photo shows. There are a lot of students. A lot. Each grade has 7-8 classes. Each class has 60-70 students. And that’s “small” class-sizes. Beitang is one of the best primary schools, it’s “proud” of that class size. Anyway, there are 6 grades in primary school, so conservatively thats 6*7*60 … more than 2,500 students! My primary school (Hayes Meadow Primary School, represent!) The other two pictures also highlight differences, read on for more…

So, after wrapping shooting of mine and Beryl’s post-engagement photos, we all headed to BBQ street for some much needed food and drink. Camera still in hand, I took some snaps. Above you can see oil being liberally applied with a paint brush…You’ll either have to trust me that it tastes great, or come out here and try for yourself…

Two blog posts in 24hrs!!! Get in! So far this is like all good new year’s resolutions: starts great…then… well, lets see how often you all are going to the gym in a few weeks, shall we? Anyway… back to the matter at hand. Lantern festival! It’s a festival that takes place 15 days after Chinese New Year and… well, I’m sure Wikipedia can tell you the boring stuff. These days people just set off LOADS of fireworks. It’s like bonfire night (if you’re in the UK) or the 4th of July (if you’re in the states) combined with new years. After a few hours of Lantern Festival, you have a good idea what it must have been like in Baghdad, circa 2003…

2012! Bang! That sounds like the future! “Twenty-twelve.” New years resolution? Get on with my blog. So, with no further wait: Every so often I use my photography / cinematography skills to help out the school. Last year this involved making some photos for use on a flier, and also making some testimonial videos that other potential teachers could check out. I’m quite happy with the results, it turns out my classrooms can be converted to makeshift studios quite easily…

So, back in March it was “Spring Festival” or as it’s more commonly known in the west; “Chinese New Year.” It is no doubt the biggest and most important holiday on the Chinese calendar, a time of year when everyone heads home to undertake several traditions and be with the family they probably haven’t seen all year. It’s like Christmas, New Years, Thanksgiving and your birthday all rolled into one. Long time readers will remember this from last year. Those with rusty memories can check out last years blog post; here. But, let’s get on with this year’s…

Couple portrait photography is pretty big in China. Usually after getting engaged, after getting married and after having a baby, portrait photos are taken. Anyway, me and B decided it was time to get our post-engagement shots done. Most people would head to a studio and throw down some money, but… I had lots of ideas, and I had the help of my good friend Winfred, we headed to the newly finished Chao Yang Park in Weinan and came away with these photos…

So, one of our (since departed) FTs Jim decided to buy a motorbike. I figured it had been a while since I took photos of a shiny new vehicle, so why not take some photos for him. We went up to the reservoir to the south of the city and took along some lights (and people) to help out. The reason I originally got into photography was for shooting vehicles (then cars) so it was interesting to go back to my roots so to speak. Anyway, I know you came for the pics, so here they are…

  
Following on from Part 1 and Part 2, here’s Part 3 of my holiday to Harbin. This final installment covers a visit to the Sofia Cathedral as well as the snow sculpture park. Enjoy!

Continuing on from Part 1, this post covers the trip to the Harbin Ice and Snow world. This is the place where the main bulk of the ice sculptures and activities were to be found. We even got to do some skiing, which I hadn’t done in about 10 years! There were some great buildings and sculptures made from ice. Let’s dive right in…

  
For a long time I’ve wanted to head to Harbin, especially in January for their annual winter festival. But, China is big. I live in pretty much the middle of China. Which, like when I lived in the middle of England is great – you’re equidistant from anywhere. Very convenient. But; I’ll say again; China is BIG. From Weinan to Harbin is 1190 miles as the crow (or Airbus) flies. In perspective, that’s from Stafford to Glasgow FIVE times. So, I had a few spare days and decided this year I’d go check it out. B was busy with work and couldn’t get out of it, so I asked Julian if he wanted to go. Plane tickets were a little pricey (around £220 return) but we thought “what the hell?” and went for it. Here are pics from the first few days…