This article describes the authors' experience of teaching conversational English to students in Baotou in Inner Mongolia. Teaching in Baotou confirmed that students do not need to be entertained through the use of computers or theatrics. Intrinsic motivation, particularly that which comes from understanding the value of an education in changing one's life, is perhaps the most powerful learning fuel. Despite the prevalence of the Internet at "wangbas" (Internet bars), the authors' students were accustomed to a low-tech method of teaching. The author's experience in Baotou showed her the value of teaching as learning, that the best teaching method of all was conversation, not just language, but also understanding. Myths students and teacher had of their respective countries and cultures were dispelled. The author reports things she learned from observation, such as that Chinese students are used to tests, long hours, and manual as well as intellectual labor. The authors' students possessed an irrepressible craving for self-improvement, showing by example that the distinction between teaching and learning no longer existed.