[Janez]

I have gone to Aurora for 5 visits now for a root canal.  They have been FANTASTIC every time!  My doctor is Dr. Huang, from Taiwan, and his manner is so professional, so gentle, so competent.  He says, “Thank you,” “Sorry,” “You’re a good patient,” “Your problem is my problem” – all with utmost sincerity.  He talks about the relationship that develops between doctor and patient, and how he can sense our emotions as well as our dental needs.  I actually gave Dr. Huang a hug today after the procedure (of using a high-speed drill to cut off a large outer chunk of my molar to prep it for getting a crown next visit), because he was so nice to me!

The English-speakers, Jay and Bruce, are both so friendly and concerned.  They do their best to make me feel welcome, allaying my fears, answering my endless questions, haha.

All in all, I’ve actually had nothing to worry about by going to Aurora.  I highly recommend them to any and all in Chengdu.  Their prices are very comparable to Huaxi, which is also some great dentists, but the atmosphere is so relaxing, appointments to professional, staff so amazing, technology up-to-date!

Most importantly, GO TO THE DENTIST to get your teeth checked regularly.  It is so important to prevent extensive tooth damage, like I had.

Jane

[Janez]

I went to Aurora, too, and am getting a root canal I needed.  (Note to people: DON’T EVER LET 2 YEARS GO BY WITHOUT GETTING A TOOTH CLEANING/EXAM!)

Aurora’s staff are awesome, you can make appointments (vs. Huaxi with its lining up), has wifi, videos of the procedures they’re going to do, digital X-rays they’ll copy onto your thumb/USB drive, a good X-ray machine, delicious free coffee, and if you need pain killer they’ll give you free milk and little snack breads so you have something in your belly.

The only thing was that the pain killer went up to my eye, affecting it for about 45 minutes or more!  At the beginning was the worst, as couldn’t blink my eye; rather, it took lots of effort to do so, so I was manually closing my eye.  It was so weird.  I asked around on my FB, and a few others in the U.S. had experienced that too, but it’s not common.  The guy got the nerve that goes up to the eye.

Jane

[Janez]

Alan, good call on the December 26 holiday! Indeed, sigh, I will be looking for other cheap days to fly that still work within my timeframe.

[Janez]

What? I was just going to get pre-sale tix now! Can we still get them, or be put on a waitlist or something?

[Janez]

Thanks, I did, talked with Nick from Shan Shui, and am slowly getting clear.

[Janez]

Oh, it was Iona whom I met – Hi, Iona! 🙂

[Janez]

Gary – It was a trip going to that concert tonight, and I want to thank you for the free tix!

First, there were many little children in the audience. Two of my kids came with me, so it was a comfortable atmosphere for them. Then, about 70 3rd graders all dressed in white fancy outfits marched up on stage with, get this, fake, paper or tape-made or something orchestral instruments. The ensemble sang instead of playing the instruments.

Then, the real Symphony came onstage, and performed well-known Italian and French songs, with about 5 different soloist opera singers in the first half. The second half of the concert was Chinese songs, from minority to very popular classical operatic-style music.

The house kept the lights on during the whole evening. The whole atmosphere was very casual and very accessible. Towards the end of the show, one of the soloists invited us all to clap along with the solo – it seemed spontaneous on his part. At any given moment, at least 30 people in the crowd of about 800 were videotaping the performance. I did some videotaping too! Our seats in the 5th row were great. Nobody was talking on their cell phones, that I could tell, which I also appreciated.

So, all in all, a unique experience. The Chengdu Symphony has only been around since 2002, they said. They could definitely use some improvement, but who cares, it was great that we could access this kind of culture right here in Chengdu.

Also, I met – sorry, was it Victor and Ivona? from this forum. Nice to meet you.

Thanks again!
Jane

[Janez]

Does anybody know how to surf the Net in Chinese to find out what the program is? And how much tickets normally are for this Sunday?

And it’s this Sunday the 19th, right? (not the 17th, as posted)

Will you be at Underground with the tickets tonight around 9:00?

[Janez]

Maybe I can go. Sounds like fun.

[Janez]

Thanks, just pm’ed you.

🙂

[Janez]

Which symphony orchestra? Could I get 4 tickets, if you have that many?

[Janez]

Let’s see if uploading one book at a time works.

[Janez]

I’m ready to revive this thread and start an NVC practice group. I had 3 people respond saying they’re interested, but new forum format deleted where I’d stored who the 3rd person was! Please feel free to email me privately if you’re interested, or here on this thread. It’s best if we can have at least 5 people in the group.

For whoever is interested, you will need to read the book Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, by Marshall Rosenberg (I can email it to you).

At the first meeting, I can go over structures and practices the group can have, based upon the attached workbook, we can do introductions, and we can set up more about the group.

How does a Saturday or Sunday sound? The meeting will take about 2.5 hours. Convenient places might be at the Starbucks at Renmin nan lu/Lingshi guan lu, or at Lantown or another restaurant near Jiuyanqiao, or you can suggest someplace. I cannot offer my home, but if somebody else can, that might work out nicely.

Hoping to meet some of you soon!

Jane

[Janez]

Yes, thanks for asking, as in stones. I have seen a few general gifty places in the Tibetan district, they mostly had turquoise and other stones from west of here. I’m looking for any kinds of stones, rocks, gems, from nothing special and not so expensive, to rare and exquisite (although that’s not the kind I’d buy – ha!)

I went to Songxiangqiao several years ago, can’t remember specifically seeing rocks then (I wasn’t looking for them), but it seems like the kind of place that would sell that kind of thing. Can anyone confirm?

[Janez]

Brendan – that does sound frightening! Glad you and everybody in Chengdu is safe, if mentally shaken.

Jane

[Janez]

Or if there is role-playing in Lesson 1, we could cut that out, I can’t remember what it says, actually. 🙂

[Janez]

Just look at the second link I provided, Lesson 1. No role-playing necessary. I’m running out the door, sorry not more time to reply.

[Janez]

Funny answers, I’m surprised. Yeah, all the suckers I wish I could castrate – haha! Here’s a link about the practice groups:

http://www.nvcworld.com/nvc-practice-groups

Basically, I’m interested in developing awareness, intentionality and presence in my life (not so unlike meditation can help one do). Also, it’s about communicating with more empathy towards others’ feelings and needs, and more self-awareness of my own feelings and needs. I want to express appreciation for others in this method, express regrets, and recognize wins, so I can celebrate more instead of suffering.

This sounds so serious, I’m realizing, and I guess it is to some extent. I’m just looking for some kind-hearted good folks to hang with and practice NVC with. 🙂

Jane

[Janez]

This sounds great. Turns out I might not be available for the next 3 weeks. But if this Sunday works, I will come. I am very happy that this group is forming; it’s very comforting to know there are like-minded folks. Thanks, Nele, for offering to host!

[Janez]

Thanks, all. I ended up going to Nijiaquiao stop of the Metro, just west of the NW corner there’s an office.

Actually, I have been mystified by the South Railway station, it appears to be a big bus terminal, but no actual trains go from there? Anybody know anything about the place?

[Author]

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