Hey everyone! So I will be posting on my other blog now. I emailed the person in charge and they would rather have a blog specific to my travels than use my personal one. I'll still copy and paste the link to facebook- I don't expect you guys to remember but just in case you were going to it directly it will be now: http://falling2311.blogspot.com
Thanks for reading this and I plan on continuing to keep you updated on China!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Lonely and Unhappy
I know I only just got here and I have a lot of time to make friends but I'm just going to say it.
I'm lonely.
I'm acting more awkward than normal and I think it's rubbing everyone the wrong way. I might be even giving everyone the impression I want to be left alone but I don't.
I just needed to get that out there.
On another note, my teacher had us do an assignment at the end of class, asking about our opinions of China and Beijing so I thought I'd give my thoughts. After all, you may be reading this to learn about me but you really want to read about me and China. Or just China ;)
So let me begin by admitting I have a negative bias off the bat from my experience last year so if you notice an overly critical attitude and it upsets you I apologize in advance.
Anyway, I will say I like China but I don't want to live here yet. It's just too dirty. People just spit everyone (men and women), babies poop and pee in the street because their families can't afford diapers, and when the cleaning ladies come in to clean my dorm room they just take out the trash and weep the floor. They apparently change the sheets once a week but mine haven't been changed since I arrived. The bathroom I'm assuming is my responsibility however they are supposed to give us toilet paper but this is sporadic at best and I've had to use my own. Someone was mugged last weekend at the zoo and another was accused of beating a woman but thankfully the woman messed up her story to the police and there was a Chinese friend to back up the American's story.
This all being said, my personal encounters with Chinese people have been wonderful. I will never forget the Chinese family I stayed with in Datong and my Chinese teacher is adorable. The Chinese man, Han Bing, who's also in charge of the program took us personally to Tiananmen (This is the correct spelling, Spellcheck!!) Square and to an acrobatic show! I haven't met my language partner yet but I expect that to be a wonderful experience as well.
When I'm in a group in a tourist place everyone wants to take a picture with us and sometimes they don't ask and are just rude. When I'm by myself however away from tourists no one bothers me. I just walk around as another person. I try to talk to shop clerks every now and then and they've been receptive and friendly.
I'm not a fan of the "local" dialect because it's very harsh with an "r" sound thrown in everywhere but thankfully not everyone speaks that way. The driving here is pretty insane. There's just too many people walking around and driving and sometimes people don't listen to the street signs so you really have to be careful. I just pretend I'm crossing the street in Chicago where I shouldn't and I manage just fine. I usually wait until I walk with a crowd, or last time I waited for a pregnant woman to start walking. And the people here must be some kind of animal whisperers because the owners don't need leashes to make sure their dogs stay nearby. They just do. It's pretty miraculous to watch- I'll have to get it on camera.
The pollution really hurts the view but on a nice day, like today, you can see the blue sky a little, and the mountains in the far off distance, reminding you this place has beauty and it's not all this:
Or this:
I'm lonely.
I'm acting more awkward than normal and I think it's rubbing everyone the wrong way. I might be even giving everyone the impression I want to be left alone but I don't.
I just needed to get that out there.
On another note, my teacher had us do an assignment at the end of class, asking about our opinions of China and Beijing so I thought I'd give my thoughts. After all, you may be reading this to learn about me but you really want to read about me and China. Or just China ;)
So let me begin by admitting I have a negative bias off the bat from my experience last year so if you notice an overly critical attitude and it upsets you I apologize in advance.
Anyway, I will say I like China but I don't want to live here yet. It's just too dirty. People just spit everyone (men and women), babies poop and pee in the street because their families can't afford diapers, and when the cleaning ladies come in to clean my dorm room they just take out the trash and weep the floor. They apparently change the sheets once a week but mine haven't been changed since I arrived. The bathroom I'm assuming is my responsibility however they are supposed to give us toilet paper but this is sporadic at best and I've had to use my own. Someone was mugged last weekend at the zoo and another was accused of beating a woman but thankfully the woman messed up her story to the police and there was a Chinese friend to back up the American's story.
This all being said, my personal encounters with Chinese people have been wonderful. I will never forget the Chinese family I stayed with in Datong and my Chinese teacher is adorable. The Chinese man, Han Bing, who's also in charge of the program took us personally to Tiananmen (This is the correct spelling, Spellcheck!!) Square and to an acrobatic show! I haven't met my language partner yet but I expect that to be a wonderful experience as well.
When I'm in a group in a tourist place everyone wants to take a picture with us and sometimes they don't ask and are just rude. When I'm by myself however away from tourists no one bothers me. I just walk around as another person. I try to talk to shop clerks every now and then and they've been receptive and friendly.
I'm not a fan of the "local" dialect because it's very harsh with an "r" sound thrown in everywhere but thankfully not everyone speaks that way. The driving here is pretty insane. There's just too many people walking around and driving and sometimes people don't listen to the street signs so you really have to be careful. I just pretend I'm crossing the street in Chicago where I shouldn't and I manage just fine. I usually wait until I walk with a crowd, or last time I waited for a pregnant woman to start walking. And the people here must be some kind of animal whisperers because the owners don't need leashes to make sure their dogs stay nearby. They just do. It's pretty miraculous to watch- I'll have to get it on camera.
The pollution really hurts the view but on a nice day, like today, you can see the blue sky a little, and the mountains in the far off distance, reminding you this place has beauty and it's not all this:
 |
| a store under renovation (i kid you not) |
Listening to everyone I get the feeling I would like Taiwan better because it's cleaner but I can't think about that right now. I'm in China and I'll be here for over three months so I need to get used to it. Hopefully I'll make friends soon.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Classes Begin
Okay, so Chinese class wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting. The little bit of previewing I did was just enough that I made it through the class. I managed to speak enough but I had the hardest time paying attention. I wasn't very focused at all. I seriously need to work on that- probably had something to do with the fact I was hungry. That and the class is almost 3 hours long and psychologists say that after 45 minutes the brain stops taking in information. I really like her teaching style- there's just enough emphasis on grammar and vocabulary that I feel like I'm seeing the whole picture. I love most of all how she writes the words on the board that we don't understand or know off the top of our heads so I can look them up later or at least practice them.
Afterward I was supposed to have an interview about an internship but Marketus, our Resident Director, mistook me for someone else so I was able to sit in our contemporary China class in its entirety. He's definitely a knowledgeable professor with a lot of experience (which he's happy to discuss with anyone and everyone). There's a lot of reading but we only meet once a week so I think I'll be able to manage.
I found out a couple people have been to the dining hall and the food is decent. The prices range from 5 to 13 kuai and rice comes with the meal. I'll have to make sure to eat there tomorrow.
Tonight all of those interested in the internships are meeting someone who's supposed to be in charge of us, I think. I don't know. I kind of hope it's quick because Chinese homework, plus I need to preview the lesson for tomorrow.
Afterward I was supposed to have an interview about an internship but Marketus, our Resident Director, mistook me for someone else so I was able to sit in our contemporary China class in its entirety. He's definitely a knowledgeable professor with a lot of experience (which he's happy to discuss with anyone and everyone). There's a lot of reading but we only meet once a week so I think I'll be able to manage.
I found out a couple people have been to the dining hall and the food is decent. The prices range from 5 to 13 kuai and rice comes with the meal. I'll have to make sure to eat there tomorrow.
Tonight all of those interested in the internships are meeting someone who's supposed to be in charge of us, I think. I don't know. I kind of hope it's quick because Chinese homework, plus I need to preview the lesson for tomorrow.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
I would, wouldn't I
So this year isn’t going to be as
cheap as I imagined. I have to pay for internet and food. Granted, both are
cheap but it’s a cost I wasn’t expecting. Oh well. I get a room all to myself!
I’m happy and sad about it, I’m happy because that means if for some reason I’m
awake at 3am (2pm Chicago time) then I can go on the internet and talk with
friends live! I’m sad because part of me wanted to live with a Chinese host
family to really improve my language skills. I looked at the schedule though
and we will have language classes every day for three hours so I feel a little
better. The test to determine our skills is in a couple days. The guy in
charge, I can’t pronounce his name completely, said not to study for it but you
know everyone is going to- no one wants to be placed too low and everyone
believes they’ve lost a lot over the summer. We’ll have Chinese mentors as well
that we’ll meet in a week or two. They’re Chinese students who are learning how
to teach Chinese… or was it English? No matter, I bought key chains to present
as gifts.
Anyway, so I was promptly picked up
at the airport and after waiting for the last girl we were off on a bus. The
ride wasn’t too long but that nausea I was feeling before came back ten-fold
and I nearly through up on the bus! They had me sit up front, holding a bag,
and the other guy mentioned some pressure point that is supposed to stop nausea
and you better believe I was pressing that for dear life. I’ve never really had
motion-sickness before- certainly not that bad but I also had more hours last
year to get over whatever I was feeling then after the plane ride. I’m just
glad I won’t be moving around much this time- that should help with
motion-sickness.
We arrive and I’m immediately given
my key and find myself in my own room! I’m still pretty amazed; I think I’m the
only girl who is in her own room. My only problem so far with this place is the
bed. I have to use the comforter as plush to make the bed a little softer which
leaves me without a blanket. I’m using a baby blanket and my winter coat right
now but I definitely need a blanket. That and some glade- the bathroom smells
terrible and the watered-down bleach I tried to use to clean it was way too
strong and smelled terrible. Thankfully I saw some at the market so I’ll buy
some later.
We’re setting up internet today so
I won’t be without internet for very long at all. He said he believes it costs
about 300 kuai which is a little over $50 for four months so that isn’t too bad
but he said the quality isn’t good. Too many people here have to share. I
learned that last year if I use the internet at off times I have a nice speed
so no matter what they say here I plan on trying to wake up super early- like
around 5am- to get the fast internet speed. I don’t plan on partying anyway.
Well, I’ll have more to say later.
Zai jian!
Oh I would forget my computer charger that I'm fairly certain I had to unplug from my computer in order to pack the computer. What a hassle. We actually received internet the day after I arrived but my computer died while I was trying to set it up and no one had a cord to borrow. That's not true- one guy did but he didn't have an adapter and was "enjoying life without technology."
I certainly didn't find it enjoyable. I have DVDs and knitting patterns all ready take waste time and had no computer to watch the DVDs on, nor look up knitting patterns. Add to that I hadn't informed everyone I arrived at the school yet and I was going stir-crazy!
Anyway, a lot has happened over the last couple days. They've really been packing in the week. We went to Tian-an men Square except we didn't- we got to go where all the officials stand to watch the parades that go on in the square which was really cool.
Today we were put in our Chinese classes. I'm in 101.... Fu Laoshi would not be pleased. I couldn't remember anything! It's also really hard to understand them. My teacher is super nice and there are only two other boys in my group so we'll get a lot of one-on-one attention. In fact, we'll get it once every week- it's designed in the schedule! It's going to be a lot of Chinese and really difficult but I think I'm up for it. I'm also having a meeting Monday with a fundraiser about an internship! Thank goodness Marketus (out Resident Director) took me to the Chinese "Sillicon Valley" and bargained for my charger.
So I'm going to bed because I am exhausted but it's possible I'll be on again around 2-3pm American time.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
China
I didn't start packing until 2am the night before and I finally fell asleep around 3am. Unfortunately for me, my aunt's dog, Duffie, realized something was up and decided to sleep with me. I would usually be fine with this except I'm sleeping on a smaller-than-twin-size bed. I managed to push her enough that I had all of my body on the mattress but sleep still avoided me.
I woke up sometime before 7:20 but fell back asleep and woke up twenty minutes later. I managed some cereal and then I rearranged some items and I was off. I learned there had been an elevator all along for me to take down to the L platform... would have appreciated knowing that last summer but whatever. A man was kind enough to tell me as he carried my 42 lb suitcase down the first flight of stairs. I took the elevator for the second.
I don't know why people complain about the security at the airports. I always breeze through. I must take airplanes at off times on off days. Otherwise, people are whiners (and the fact I'm saying that says something about them).
I hung around and played my computer while I waited. One thing better about China is that the airport has free wifi whereas O'Hare did not. I was pretty bored for two hours.
And exhausted. I couldn't wait to board just so I could sleep. When I got seated I immediately situated myself to fall asleep. I actually missed the take-off, and considering how badly my left ear hurt when we landed I'm fairly impressed. However, over time my hips and lower back began to hurt and sleep was difficult. Especially at the end, I started to vocally whimper as I tried to find a comfortable position.
I found out there is absolutely no need to bring anything on the plane to occupy your time. There were a ton of movies to choose from, including two Jerry had bought me specifically for the plane ride. I ended up watching Dumbo, just because I couldn't remember the storyline. I also watched two Chinese movies "Love" and "Lovesick." Boy, did I need tissues! They were both really good. I tried knitting on the plane but of course I didn't have the right size needles. The flight even had games, audio-books, TV shows, and a couple other things but I wasn't interested in them enough to remember.
I landed an hour later than expected but I'm being picked up at 5 so I had an hour and a half to write this. When we landed I took my time getting off just to avoid the push. It's funny. I've only done this once but everything was exactly as I remembered. The airport was completely empty again. I swear I got off at the same gate because I made the same turn at the same kiosk. And then it hit me.
The smell.
I had forgotten this smell and when it hit me I realized China has a smell. I can't really describe it, but after just getting off a plane and feeling nauseous it wasn't a good smell. I'm slowly starting to get used to it but still I feel a little sick.
I grabbed my suitcase and walked to exit the customs area and into the airport lobby. Right there is where we've been told we'll be picked up and right there is basically where everyone is picked up. It's almost like walking a red carpet how everyone is staring at you. I managed to get through the mass of people at the end of the runway and immediately started walking to find the wireless station.
I knew exactly where to go.
I kid you not I walked right over here and found the exact wireless kiosk I used last year and am now sitting close to where I sat last year (I sat against the wall last time because I needed to plug in... which reminds me I forgot my adapter.. crap!). Considering how I walked around this entire place for over an hour and didn't get to the wireless station until the very end of my journey through the airport I'm pretty proud of myself! I walked around here like I did this all the time!
Anyway, I got my wireless information and my VPN almost didn't work but finally did. Thank goodness too because that would be just like last year for a piece of technology to not work as expected (except last year it was my phone).
So I'm here! Arrived safe and sound! It's 3am in Chicago and 4am in Atlanta so I don't expect anyone to read this for a while. By the time anyone does I should (hopefully) be on my way to my new school!
I woke up sometime before 7:20 but fell back asleep and woke up twenty minutes later. I managed some cereal and then I rearranged some items and I was off. I learned there had been an elevator all along for me to take down to the L platform... would have appreciated knowing that last summer but whatever. A man was kind enough to tell me as he carried my 42 lb suitcase down the first flight of stairs. I took the elevator for the second.
I don't know why people complain about the security at the airports. I always breeze through. I must take airplanes at off times on off days. Otherwise, people are whiners (and the fact I'm saying that says something about them).
I hung around and played my computer while I waited. One thing better about China is that the airport has free wifi whereas O'Hare did not. I was pretty bored for two hours.
And exhausted. I couldn't wait to board just so I could sleep. When I got seated I immediately situated myself to fall asleep. I actually missed the take-off, and considering how badly my left ear hurt when we landed I'm fairly impressed. However, over time my hips and lower back began to hurt and sleep was difficult. Especially at the end, I started to vocally whimper as I tried to find a comfortable position.
I found out there is absolutely no need to bring anything on the plane to occupy your time. There were a ton of movies to choose from, including two Jerry had bought me specifically for the plane ride. I ended up watching Dumbo, just because I couldn't remember the storyline. I also watched two Chinese movies "Love" and "Lovesick." Boy, did I need tissues! They were both really good. I tried knitting on the plane but of course I didn't have the right size needles. The flight even had games, audio-books, TV shows, and a couple other things but I wasn't interested in them enough to remember.
I landed an hour later than expected but I'm being picked up at 5 so I had an hour and a half to write this. When we landed I took my time getting off just to avoid the push. It's funny. I've only done this once but everything was exactly as I remembered. The airport was completely empty again. I swear I got off at the same gate because I made the same turn at the same kiosk. And then it hit me.
The smell.
I had forgotten this smell and when it hit me I realized China has a smell. I can't really describe it, but after just getting off a plane and feeling nauseous it wasn't a good smell. I'm slowly starting to get used to it but still I feel a little sick.
I grabbed my suitcase and walked to exit the customs area and into the airport lobby. Right there is where we've been told we'll be picked up and right there is basically where everyone is picked up. It's almost like walking a red carpet how everyone is staring at you. I managed to get through the mass of people at the end of the runway and immediately started walking to find the wireless station.
I knew exactly where to go.
I kid you not I walked right over here and found the exact wireless kiosk I used last year and am now sitting close to where I sat last year (I sat against the wall last time because I needed to plug in... which reminds me I forgot my adapter.. crap!). Considering how I walked around this entire place for over an hour and didn't get to the wireless station until the very end of my journey through the airport I'm pretty proud of myself! I walked around here like I did this all the time!
Anyway, I got my wireless information and my VPN almost didn't work but finally did. Thank goodness too because that would be just like last year for a piece of technology to not work as expected (except last year it was my phone).
So I'm here! Arrived safe and sound! It's 3am in Chicago and 4am in Atlanta so I don't expect anyone to read this for a while. By the time anyone does I should (hopefully) be on my way to my new school!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Worry, worry, worry
Oh my goodness, I feel like my heart is going a mile a minute just thinking about how bad things can go if one thing doesn't go right today. I have to pick up my visa today and I really need to try and get the loan over and done with. I also need to pack and figuring out how to pack for almost four months is not easy. Add to all this I need to worry about walking my aunt's dogs so I have to plan when I leave and when I come back around their bathroom schedule and I'm practically reeling. I also need to get that VPN today. I have one more prescription I need to turn in as well.
God, the more I think about it the more anxious I become. It's not that it's a lot to do- it's that I need everything to get done today! I leave the house around 8am tomorrow and my flight leaves at 12:05pm. I really need everything to go well today and since I had planned to leave at 8am to get my visa and I'm still at my aunt's, it hasn't started every well.
God, the more I think about it the more anxious I become. It's not that it's a lot to do- it's that I need everything to get done today! I leave the house around 8am tomorrow and my flight leaves at 12:05pm. I really need everything to go well today and since I had planned to leave at 8am to get my visa and I'm still at my aunt's, it hasn't started every well.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Stocking Up
After I turned in my visa paperwork I returned home completely famished. I had left without much breakfast and waited until after lunch for my turn to submit my application. So when I got home I immediately started eating. All of a sudden my aunt says she's going to an estate sale and I can come with if I left right then. So, at her suggestion, I put my plate with pasta in the refrigerator, without a cover, a rushed out of the townhouse.
For those who don't know me, I can't wait to own my own place. I have been dreaming of buying, renovating, and decorating it for years. I've been told estate sales can have great finds for homes. Add to that I love shopping and there was no way I was missing my first estate sale.
We walked over there with a couple neighbors and it was a nice house. We couldn't see the entire home but it was probably a two, possibly three bedroom home with at least three bathrooms and a basement. Plus this awesome deck off the kitchen and a little yard below. The sale was actually held inside the house unlike garage sales which was cool. When you walked in there was this huge fireplace and an entire wall of bookshelves- there was actually a rolling ladder attached to help reach the higher shelves. I left with a movie for my mom, a book for me as well as a pair of earrings. When my aunt and I got back I decided to go back and look at the kitchen stuff.
I'll probably not have my own place for a while but someday I will. I had an apartment at one point so I already have some kitchen supplies just sitting in a box. Why not add a little more? It's not like I'll never have a kitchen. So I went back and returned with two wine bottles with tops connected and a clear milk jug. Both are made of glass and I have a couple ideas for their future uses. I bought all three for $11 so I feel like I didn't do too bad but I didn't bargain which I really regret. I seriously need to get over my fear of bargaining before going to China because there it's almost all bargaining.
For those who don't know me, I can't wait to own my own place. I have been dreaming of buying, renovating, and decorating it for years. I've been told estate sales can have great finds for homes. Add to that I love shopping and there was no way I was missing my first estate sale.
We walked over there with a couple neighbors and it was a nice house. We couldn't see the entire home but it was probably a two, possibly three bedroom home with at least three bathrooms and a basement. Plus this awesome deck off the kitchen and a little yard below. The sale was actually held inside the house unlike garage sales which was cool. When you walked in there was this huge fireplace and an entire wall of bookshelves- there was actually a rolling ladder attached to help reach the higher shelves. I left with a movie for my mom, a book for me as well as a pair of earrings. When my aunt and I got back I decided to go back and look at the kitchen stuff.
I'll probably not have my own place for a while but someday I will. I had an apartment at one point so I already have some kitchen supplies just sitting in a box. Why not add a little more? It's not like I'll never have a kitchen. So I went back and returned with two wine bottles with tops connected and a clear milk jug. Both are made of glass and I have a couple ideas for their future uses. I bought all three for $11 so I feel like I didn't do too bad but I didn't bargain which I really regret. I seriously need to get over my fear of bargaining before going to China because there it's almost all bargaining.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Coming Up
My aunt who I live with just realized I'm leaving this Tuesday. I have to admit, it came up fast- so fast I'm still getting ready. I still have to turn in my visa paperwork and secure my loan. I also have to pack, get enough medicine for four months, exchange currency, pay off credit cards, and a couple other things. It's turning out to be a really busy week and it almost didn't happen! Monday it rained and I was just exhausted- thinking about all the things I still needed to finish made me anxious enough that to relax I'd force myself to sleep. Thankfully, Tuesday afternoon I had, like, five dreams in a row of me "waking up" and trying to get things done only to realize I was still asleep. After that I finally woke up and got started. My loan is almost secured; I signed my promissory note and faxed in some paperwork. Now I'm just waiting to hear what I have to do next. All my visa paperwork is filled out, I have the picture- I just need to take the L to the embassy and turn it in (did you know a visa costs $140). Then this weekend Jerry has offered to chauffeur me around to finish all the little things I needed a car to do (I hate driving).
And I just found out I'm babysitting tomorrow! More money but that leaves only Friday to turn in my visa... This is going to be tight.
And I just found out I'm babysitting tomorrow! More money but that leaves only Friday to turn in my visa... This is going to be tight.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
The Home-Stretch
I finished my paper and my visa paperwork! I also tried to apply for my student loan but it didn't work for some reason so I'm going to have to do it over the phone on Monday. I still need to actually get my visa and my VPN as well as pack, (if anyone thinks of anything else feel free to remind me).
I'm really, incredibly bored. I usually spend time with Jerry on weekends but his friend Dan is on leave from California (or is it Nevada?) and so they're hanging out tonight. Which leaves me on this gorgeous day in Chicago with nothing else to do. And of course it would be the most beautiful day of the summer today while I sit inside. I did some work outside but eventually I needed to plug in my computer.
However, my aunt paid for lunch and a Starbucks drink so it isn't a total bust!
I'm really, incredibly bored. I usually spend time with Jerry on weekends but his friend Dan is on leave from California (or is it Nevada?) and so they're hanging out tonight. Which leaves me on this gorgeous day in Chicago with nothing else to do. And of course it would be the most beautiful day of the summer today while I sit inside. I did some work outside but eventually I needed to plug in my computer.
However, my aunt paid for lunch and a Starbucks drink so it isn't a total bust!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
So Fly by Elle Varner
Where was this song when I was a kid? I uploaded the video/song so you can listen while you read. It's the acoustic version which I think is better. Lyrics in the video! :D
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Two Weeks
It is exactly two weeks until I leave for China and all the major stuff I haven't accomplished yet. I haven't applied from my private loan for school (actually I did but I didn't have all of my information to complete it), I haven't finished the visa process, I don't have a VPN, and I haven't finished my paper from Spring semester (trimester, whatever). Add to this I'm recovering from what looks to be just a cold and something wrong with my eye. I was supposed to go to the doctor today for that but I didn't because I had to take Duffie to the vet and I haven't gotten my visa because last year I needed a doctor's note saying I was okay to travel and my doctor's out of town.
Pretty much the only thing I can do is my VPN and finish the paper....
I wonder how much a VPN costs...
Pretty much the only thing I can do is my VPN and finish the paper....
I wonder how much a VPN costs...
Friday, August 3, 2012
Classics
So I decided I need to get back into reading, especially if I plan to be a writer. I need to study the best and mature my voice. So I turned to Google and found a number of lists of books that must be read before 30. Why before 30 I have no idea but most, if not all, of my friends are younger than thirty so I thought I'd share the link that refers to the first list I found and creates its own list.
I don't know about you but when I think of the classics I think of books that everyone has heard of and at least knows the title, or perhaps the author. Some of the books on these lists I've never heard of either.
For this reason, I'd add the Mary Poppins series and Alice in Wonderland, Sherlock Holmes, and The Phantom of the Opera which is also a book. These are stories we all know or at least recognize and have been altered and duplicated many times. So much so I feel like the source is a classic worth reading. Then there are books that we don't necessarily know the story but know the book like War and Peace and Anna Karenina (although that one is being made into a movie with Jude Law and Keira Knightly so the story will be known shortly). David Copperfield and Wuthering Heights also come to mind.
Just a thought.
I don't know about you but when I think of the classics I think of books that everyone has heard of and at least knows the title, or perhaps the author. Some of the books on these lists I've never heard of either.
For this reason, I'd add the Mary Poppins series and Alice in Wonderland, Sherlock Holmes, and The Phantom of the Opera which is also a book. These are stories we all know or at least recognize and have been altered and duplicated many times. So much so I feel like the source is a classic worth reading. Then there are books that we don't necessarily know the story but know the book like War and Peace and Anna Karenina (although that one is being made into a movie with Jude Law and Keira Knightly so the story will be known shortly). David Copperfield and Wuthering Heights also come to mind.
Just a thought.
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