Mandarin lessons resumed

Mark and I decided to make another effort to learn this difficult language while we are here. Both of us listen to the conversations around us and we don't recognize one single word sometimes. So if we can't beat them, we will try to join them. Our teacher comes to our apartment twice a week for 2 hours each time. Mark and I are taking them together this time. Takes the pressure off me for 50% of the time. Our teachers American name is Victor, but we call him Xiao Wong...or Mr. Wong...sounds more Chinese to us. He speaks English well but sometimes needs a little help with the translation. He works full time during the day and does this for extra RMB's in the evening and weekend. That is about all of the personal information we know about him at this time. Seems like a nice guy and hopefully has a lot of patience.