My posting motivation has diminished, but mostly because there is nothing of interest to write about. I figured I would get a few words down so my loyal followers don't get bored.
I am sure glad it's the weekend. It was a rather long week, and teaching at 8am on Saturday morning is not my favorite part of my schedule. Luckily, I put in a request to change my schedule a little. This is titled never ending surprises because I had one of those days where I kept scratching my head at Taiwanese society.
#1
Walking through the stadium after class on Friday, I saw the most bizarre sight - Groups of white trash bags spread around the area outside the stadium. They were arranged in groups of 3-5. I didn't dare look in them, but I was could only imagine...my guess was people dropped off belongings as donations and some organization would collect them...but it could be something much stranger.
#2
My day started out with the surprise that I prepared the wrong lesson for my second class today! They have just moved from Step Ahead 5 to Step Ahead 6 books and I forgot to change my books. So, instead of preparing lesson 4 for SA 6, I prepared lesson 4 for SA 5! My students sure told me when I started giving them the wrong spelling words for their quiz....that's one annoying thing about the students here - they ALWAYS catch my mistakes and point them out...I have to be on my toes at all times. For example, if I'm writing something on the board, and forget a comma they shout out "Teacher! Comma!" Luckily my CT had the SA 6 books, and let me use them. We're not supposed to use the teacher book while teaching (it's our guide for lesson planning), but I don't see why...I taught exactly the same as if I would have had a my own lesson plan.
#3
After class, I went to the Thai restaurant. I need to stop ordering new things there though because they always end up being too spicy for me to stomach, and I spend 3 times more than I could on lunch. Today I ordered basil chicken and spring rolls. The chicken was too hot, and so I filled up on the spring rolls and rice...and paid for it later, feeling nauseous for the rest of the day.
#4
I walked out of the restaurant and for about half a block, there were tables set up under red tents with all kinds of goods for sale...mostly packaged food. It looked like the start of some type of festival. I feel so ill informed because it was a hopping scene...old ladies decorating and arranging boxed goods. It didn't look like anything you couldn't find at most grocery stores though....there are so many things here that make me question people's excitement.
#5
My phone stopped working (was unable to call or text), so I stopped by the cell phone store on my way home. Apparently I had run out of "money" on my card, so I put $600NT on my "card." The girls told me that I already had an extra $200NT from when I first got my phone...but I could only activate that by calling a certain number. Since I had on of the CT's sign for my phone, I needed an ID number from her. One of the girls wrote a note in Chinese that I'm supposed to give to her that explains what I need....so much work just to get my cell phone to work.
#6
Lastly, I lay down to nap. Luckily I was dead-tired and slept for a good hour and a half. I was woken up to construction outside my window. There were trucks tearing up the alley that goes right by my apartment. In my opinion, it was a perfectly functioning road so I'm not sure what they thought needed fixed...but it must have been important enough to someone. It was smooth, there was no room to widen it, and I could think of plenty of other projects in the neighborhood that the construction
crews could improve.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Hsin Chu Weekend outing
The clearest day since I've been in Taiwan:
Here are some pictures from the afternoon I spent in Hsin Chu. I met up with Lara, a girl from South Africa who works with a friend of mine from Etown. She is leaving in a week and sold me her scooter. We didn't have much time, but we walked around Hsin Chu and hung out at her apartment. Hsin Chu isn't much different to Banciao, perhaps smaller. I like where I live better :)
The first church I've seen here, in Hsin Chu:
Lara on my "new scooter"
Waiting at the Hsin Chu train station for the high speed train
Here are some pictures from the afternoon I spent in Hsin Chu. I met up with Lara, a girl from South Africa who works with a friend of mine from Etown. She is leaving in a week and sold me her scooter. We didn't have much time, but we walked around Hsin Chu and hung out at her apartment. Hsin Chu isn't much different to Banciao, perhaps smaller. I like where I live better :)
The first church I've seen here, in Hsin Chu:
Lara on my "new scooter"
Waiting at the Hsin Chu train station for the high speed train
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Siiiiick Viral Infection
The sore throat that began on Monday developed into more than just a cold. I wasn't feeling too great on Wednesday at Kindy. I was easily growing impatient with the kids during fun time. We did a dinosaur hat project which turned out very cute (Coco is going to give me the group picture we took). I think one of their best English phrases is, "Teacher, I'm finished!" You can imagine 8 little ones repeating this, vying for my attention until I regard them.
Wednesday night I was feeling really congested and had a low-grade fever. Took meds, but couldn't sleep, and finally got up at 2:30 to put on some warmer clothes because I had goosebumps. At that point my temperature was hovering around 101.8F. I decided I wasn't going to Kindy, and would go to the doctors in the afternoon. The only problem was I had to turn in the Communication books to the parents on Thursday, so Coco told me to drop them off before my HLS classes that afternoon.
I got up to go to the doctors, but found that Thursday is their late-opening day. There are about 3 doctors within a 5 minute walk of my apartment, and the earliest one opened was 1pm. Feeling awful, I took the bus to my Kindy branch to hand in the Comm books and kill time. When I arrived, the lights were out for "nap time." All of the lively bodies that I teach in the morning were sound asleep in their Hess sleeping bags...I found this funny. Some of my friends who teach all-day Kindy say that they get to nap with the kids. Coco was in the corner of the classroom preparing for class by a small light. She offered me some of her pizza, but I wasn't hungry.
Going to the doctor's here is soooo much easier than at home. First of all, I can walk there in 2 minutes. There was only one other person in the waiting room, so I saw the doctor within 10 minutes, and I didn't even have an appointment. I'd wait 20 minutes at home for an appointment made 6 months in advance. The doctor spoke pretty good English, and understood my symptoms. He entered them into the computer and ordered my pills right in his office. The only thing I didn't like was the saline-type numbing solution he sprayed in my throat. My throat feels fine, but he said it was inflamed. Apparently I have a viral infection which is giving me head congestion. After I take the medicine for 3 days, I should be back to normal. He also said to stay home for 3 days, rest, and not to eat anything spicy or processed. I exited to the front desk and received 12 packets of pills, to be taken 4 times a day, along with a bottle of liquid medicine. I received a concoction of 6 different medications, an easy office visit, and with no health insurance, only paid the equivalent of $12US!
Wednesday night I was feeling really congested and had a low-grade fever. Took meds, but couldn't sleep, and finally got up at 2:30 to put on some warmer clothes because I had goosebumps. At that point my temperature was hovering around 101.8F. I decided I wasn't going to Kindy, and would go to the doctors in the afternoon. The only problem was I had to turn in the Communication books to the parents on Thursday, so Coco told me to drop them off before my HLS classes that afternoon.
I got up to go to the doctors, but found that Thursday is their late-opening day. There are about 3 doctors within a 5 minute walk of my apartment, and the earliest one opened was 1pm. Feeling awful, I took the bus to my Kindy branch to hand in the Comm books and kill time. When I arrived, the lights were out for "nap time." All of the lively bodies that I teach in the morning were sound asleep in their Hess sleeping bags...I found this funny. Some of my friends who teach all-day Kindy say that they get to nap with the kids. Coco was in the corner of the classroom preparing for class by a small light. She offered me some of her pizza, but I wasn't hungry.
Going to the doctor's here is soooo much easier than at home. First of all, I can walk there in 2 minutes. There was only one other person in the waiting room, so I saw the doctor within 10 minutes, and I didn't even have an appointment. I'd wait 20 minutes at home for an appointment made 6 months in advance. The doctor spoke pretty good English, and understood my symptoms. He entered them into the computer and ordered my pills right in his office. The only thing I didn't like was the saline-type numbing solution he sprayed in my throat. My throat feels fine, but he said it was inflamed. Apparently I have a viral infection which is giving me head congestion. After I take the medicine for 3 days, I should be back to normal. He also said to stay home for 3 days, rest, and not to eat anything spicy or processed. I exited to the front desk and received 12 packets of pills, to be taken 4 times a day, along with a bottle of liquid medicine. I received a concoction of 6 different medications, an easy office visit, and with no health insurance, only paid the equivalent of $12US!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Here's what's happening
I just finished eating what I think was a hybrid grapefruit-orange. Picked up 3 of these along with lunch at the market after Kindy. I went to a little buffet and filled a box with enough to split between lunch and dinner. I also bought a cute shirt. In a US store, it would sell for at least $40, but I got it for $100NT (that's $3!!). It's lacy at the top with pearls strung in, and the bottom is a sea green, silk material.
Over the weekend, some friends from training met up in Ximen which is a few MRT stations away, towards Taipei. Daniel and I left Banciao together and met the others in Ximen square, where the MRT stops.
We waited for about 10 minutes and then saw our tall Western, blond friends walking (and then running) towards us. It was one of the most joyful feelings I've had since I've been here...reuniting. 10 days felt like an eternity, and we all had new and exhausting first weeks of teaching stories to share.
I thought living in Banciao was affordable until I heard how cheap it is to live in Southern or Northern (coastal) Taiwan. Although Lynn was confined to her apartment for 3 days due to Morakot, she get's a lot more for her money. A two bedroom place with separate living room, dining room, and kitchen. Others have dance studios, pools, gyms, and tennis courts in their apartment complexes for the same rent I'm paying...none of which I have. They do live in more remote areas however. I have the convenience living in Banciao (Taipei County's government head quarters) with all the amenities of Taipei just a walk or MRT ride (hopefully soon to be scooter ride!) away.
Procedures at our branches differ as well. I think Taipei County branches have the strictest dress code (or at least they try to impose it on the new NSTs). Rachel and Brian are discouraged from wearing the Hess Polos that I wear everyday because their head NSTs are too afraid of government checks. I bought several knee-length skirts before I came, thinking they were professional enough, but my branches would rather I wear jeans to teach. They don't mind casual looks, but would prefer our legs be covered.
During our cab ride tim started telling of the hiking adventures he has had. He and Shoshanna live in the same area which is a walk away from a beach, mountains and waterfalls. It sounds more remote, and a different experience than Banciao, but also a great place to be with lower cost of living. We are planning a trip up North to Keelung. It's only a 40 minute train ride from Taipei main station. We were ambitiously thinking about doing it the next day, but decided we needed our day of rest. Shoshanna got a really cute haircut and said it was quite the experience. She was there for a 2 hour haircut...they even gave her neck and shoulder massage. She said that for $120NT (about $4US), you can get your hair washed, styled, a massage. She talked to a girl who does it a few nights a week to treat herself before a night out on the town. All of the sudden we arrived at The People's Restaurant (I was definitely a follower during this outing...I had no idea where or what we were doing...I was just glad to be with everyone).
The People's Restaurant, as Tim put it was, "Ballin'...Bad Ass!" It really was a great place. It was modern, chic, and naturally styled. Our group of about 12 sat down on couches around a low table and ordered drinks and snacks. After about an hour, Lynn's roommate, Delight, joined us. I knew that name sounded familiar....it was the same girl that Steven Downing said he flew over for training with in May. Little did I know I would meet the elusive Delight!
We settled up our $4,000NT bill at 10:45 and hopped in cabs for the next destination...Luxy. If you arrive before 11, there's no cover charge (otherwise, it's $600). Luckily, our speedy cab driver dropped us off with seconds to spare, but others unfortunately had to pay. Luxy was the craziest dance club I've ever experienced. Two huge rooms, decked out with crystal chandeliers, insane lights, great music (one room was hip hop, one was techno), two bars, live hip hop performances, flame throwers, dancing girls, full food and dessert service, tons of seating, and private alcoves. One of the funniest parts of the night was when Delight and I were bombarded by these Taiwanese girls who took a million pictures with us. They would not let us leave them, and kept hugging us and saying, "You are so beautiful!"
I got a cab home at around 2:30. The MRT stops running at midnight, and a 20 minute taxi to Banciao is only $10.
Sunday was spent sleeping in, lesson planning, and a night market outing. I got my first kebab of Taiwan. It was a chicken one, and quite different from what I've had in Germany and Australia. It was more like the German one because it was served in a roll, not a wrap. The sauce that she put on it was great..also different from either country's kebabs. I'm getting to know the alleys and roads around the night market better now. You can actually cut through department stores and end up on the other side of the market...you really can not escape consumerism here.
Today Tara told me that she is planning on leaving for home! It's just not working out for her here. She's not happy and her immune system can't handle contract B (early mornings, long days, and kindy). She wanted to know if I'd like to move into her apartment....poor timing. Had the offer come 3 weeks ago, I'd have jumped on it. Her location is optimal and rent the same as what I'm paying. I turned it down because I'm too settled in and feel at home in my place (I've also signed a year lease, so it would be hard to get around that).
I love my kindy HRT (Chinese Home Room Teacher), Coco. This morning, she brought me a box of pastries from her weekend travels! She said they were a thank you for being so sweet and good with the kids my first week :) As much as I despise getting up at 7:15 everyday, I'm glad I'm doing contract B. Kindy is pretty easy. I love my little 5 year olds already. They each have their own personalities. I really only have to plan an hour of teaching for that class, aside from a "fun time" activity. The rest of the time is filled with group trips to the bathroom, exercise time, and snack time. During snack time, Coco and I have time to talk. Today she was telling me the best beaches and mountains. She showed me pictures on her camera from her weekend trip to Ilan beach. The beach was huge and looked like a popular place to be. She said that guys were surfing but she was too scared to try haha. I'd love to go there one of these weekends. Coco's family has a place there. She also tole me about Yaming Shan Mountain where there are hot springs and a hotel at the top. There's a bus from Banciao that goes directly to Yaming Shan, or I could take the MRT.
Keelung (where Shoshana and Tim are) is home to the Ghost Festiva of September. They say decorations are already being hung. Highlights include folk-art performances, the opening of the gates of hell and the release of burning water lanterns. September 20th is the International Swimming festival at Sun Moon Lake (Western Taiwan). Normally swimming is not permitted in the lake, except for this one day in September when around 10,000 people attempt to swim the 3km to the opposite shore. In the evening, people gather at the lakeside for a party and firework display. This coming weekend I'm going to Hsin Chu to visit with Ashely Kneafsey, her friend Lara whose scooter I'm "looking at" (....) and possibly Steve Downing! Looks like I've got enough activities to keep me busy between teaching. Travel around the island is super affordable, and with the number of hours I'm working, budgeting travel shouldn't be a problem.
Over the weekend, some friends from training met up in Ximen which is a few MRT stations away, towards Taipei. Daniel and I left Banciao together and met the others in Ximen square, where the MRT stops.
We waited for about 10 minutes and then saw our tall Western, blond friends walking (and then running) towards us. It was one of the most joyful feelings I've had since I've been here...reuniting. 10 days felt like an eternity, and we all had new and exhausting first weeks of teaching stories to share.
I thought living in Banciao was affordable until I heard how cheap it is to live in Southern or Northern (coastal) Taiwan. Although Lynn was confined to her apartment for 3 days due to Morakot, she get's a lot more for her money. A two bedroom place with separate living room, dining room, and kitchen. Others have dance studios, pools, gyms, and tennis courts in their apartment complexes for the same rent I'm paying...none of which I have. They do live in more remote areas however. I have the convenience living in Banciao (Taipei County's government head quarters) with all the amenities of Taipei just a walk or MRT ride (hopefully soon to be scooter ride!) away.
Procedures at our branches differ as well. I think Taipei County branches have the strictest dress code (or at least they try to impose it on the new NSTs). Rachel and Brian are discouraged from wearing the Hess Polos that I wear everyday because their head NSTs are too afraid of government checks. I bought several knee-length skirts before I came, thinking they were professional enough, but my branches would rather I wear jeans to teach. They don't mind casual looks, but would prefer our legs be covered.
During our cab ride tim started telling of the hiking adventures he has had. He and Shoshanna live in the same area which is a walk away from a beach, mountains and waterfalls. It sounds more remote, and a different experience than Banciao, but also a great place to be with lower cost of living. We are planning a trip up North to Keelung. It's only a 40 minute train ride from Taipei main station. We were ambitiously thinking about doing it the next day, but decided we needed our day of rest. Shoshanna got a really cute haircut and said it was quite the experience. She was there for a 2 hour haircut...they even gave her neck and shoulder massage. She said that for $120NT (about $4US), you can get your hair washed, styled, a massage. She talked to a girl who does it a few nights a week to treat herself before a night out on the town. All of the sudden we arrived at The People's Restaurant (I was definitely a follower during this outing...I had no idea where or what we were doing...I was just glad to be with everyone).
The People's Restaurant, as Tim put it was, "Ballin'...Bad Ass!" It really was a great place. It was modern, chic, and naturally styled. Our group of about 12 sat down on couches around a low table and ordered drinks and snacks. After about an hour, Lynn's roommate, Delight, joined us. I knew that name sounded familiar....it was the same girl that Steven Downing said he flew over for training with in May. Little did I know I would meet the elusive Delight!
We settled up our $4,000NT bill at 10:45 and hopped in cabs for the next destination...Luxy. If you arrive before 11, there's no cover charge (otherwise, it's $600). Luckily, our speedy cab driver dropped us off with seconds to spare, but others unfortunately had to pay. Luxy was the craziest dance club I've ever experienced. Two huge rooms, decked out with crystal chandeliers, insane lights, great music (one room was hip hop, one was techno), two bars, live hip hop performances, flame throwers, dancing girls, full food and dessert service, tons of seating, and private alcoves. One of the funniest parts of the night was when Delight and I were bombarded by these Taiwanese girls who took a million pictures with us. They would not let us leave them, and kept hugging us and saying, "You are so beautiful!"
I got a cab home at around 2:30. The MRT stops running at midnight, and a 20 minute taxi to Banciao is only $10.
Sunday was spent sleeping in, lesson planning, and a night market outing. I got my first kebab of Taiwan. It was a chicken one, and quite different from what I've had in Germany and Australia. It was more like the German one because it was served in a roll, not a wrap. The sauce that she put on it was great..also different from either country's kebabs. I'm getting to know the alleys and roads around the night market better now. You can actually cut through department stores and end up on the other side of the market...you really can not escape consumerism here.
Today Tara told me that she is planning on leaving for home! It's just not working out for her here. She's not happy and her immune system can't handle contract B (early mornings, long days, and kindy). She wanted to know if I'd like to move into her apartment....poor timing. Had the offer come 3 weeks ago, I'd have jumped on it. Her location is optimal and rent the same as what I'm paying. I turned it down because I'm too settled in and feel at home in my place (I've also signed a year lease, so it would be hard to get around that).
I love my kindy HRT (Chinese Home Room Teacher), Coco. This morning, she brought me a box of pastries from her weekend travels! She said they were a thank you for being so sweet and good with the kids my first week :) As much as I despise getting up at 7:15 everyday, I'm glad I'm doing contract B. Kindy is pretty easy. I love my little 5 year olds already. They each have their own personalities. I really only have to plan an hour of teaching for that class, aside from a "fun time" activity. The rest of the time is filled with group trips to the bathroom, exercise time, and snack time. During snack time, Coco and I have time to talk. Today she was telling me the best beaches and mountains. She showed me pictures on her camera from her weekend trip to Ilan beach. The beach was huge and looked like a popular place to be. She said that guys were surfing but she was too scared to try haha. I'd love to go there one of these weekends. Coco's family has a place there. She also tole me about Yaming Shan Mountain where there are hot springs and a hotel at the top. There's a bus from Banciao that goes directly to Yaming Shan, or I could take the MRT.
Keelung (where Shoshana and Tim are) is home to the Ghost Festiva of September. They say decorations are already being hung. Highlights include folk-art performances, the opening of the gates of hell and the release of burning water lanterns. September 20th is the International Swimming festival at Sun Moon Lake (Western Taiwan). Normally swimming is not permitted in the lake, except for this one day in September when around 10,000 people attempt to swim the 3km to the opposite shore. In the evening, people gather at the lakeside for a party and firework display. This coming weekend I'm going to Hsin Chu to visit with Ashely Kneafsey, her friend Lara whose scooter I'm "looking at" (....) and possibly Steve Downing! Looks like I've got enough activities to keep me busy between teaching. Travel around the island is super affordable, and with the number of hours I'm working, budgeting travel shouldn't be a problem.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Finding My Way
Taiwanese people are so kind! I've been helped by more strangers in the last few days than ever in America, despite the language barrier.
Yesterday was the first day Tara's been at Kindy. She's still feeling sick, and wore a mask at school around the kids. I'm settling into the Kindy routine already, and like having control of my own class, as well as collaborating with my HRT (Chinese Teacher...aid). Tara and I went out for sushi after Kindy at a place near her apartment. It was an Express Sushi place where you just grab a plate off of a revolving counter. Each plate is only $30NT ($1US), so I tried a few different things, and liked it all. They also served some really nice tea. Tara lives near a huge fruit market, so I got some apples to take home. I haven't really had any fruit since I've been in Pan Chiao, so it was a treat.
I was growing impatient with taking the bus to and from work. Although they run frequently, I was convinced that if I found the way to walk "as the bird flies," I could do it faster (and spend my $60NT/day on an iced coffee) than the 15-20 minute bus commute. Last night, I walked home with my half Chinese/half English map of Pan Chiao. I asked a middle aged couple for help, and they directed me to the intersection I was looking for. I discovered that the walk is much different than the bus ride because it cuts through a market (with everything from clothes, shoes, to bread and fruit) food stands, and small alleys, whereas the bus goes by all the stores, restaurants, and government buildings. I did the walk in 15 minutes, but I'm sure I can do it faster once I practice a few times. I also found a more direct route from Daniel/Amy/Tara's apartment complex. There are some funny English store names that I see on the bus. Some of the best are "Pants Kingdom" (a large man's store) "Mamaway" (a maternity clothing store) and my personal favorite, "Easy Way" (Taiwan's version of Victoria's Secret).
Last night I observed a class which had a performance, marking the end of their level. Only one parent turned out for it! (apparently this was unusual, as parents are typically very supportive and involved with the child's academics) The kids sang some songs, performed conversations, and chants. Then, the CT gave a spiel about the books for the next level.
Tonight was my first night of teaching HLS (cram school). I gave an oral exam to my first class. A Kid's Club level 1 class (age 7-8). They are pretty timid, and their English isn't as good as I expected it would be. I already know who the strong ones in the class will be. I graded their homework during the break, and wrote in the communication books. It's strange for me being the teacher and writing comments like, "Cherry participates well in class, but needs to practice saying her phone number. Keep up the good work, Cherry"...yes there is a girl in my class named Cherry. The second class I taught was Step Ahead 9 (ages 11-13). They are at that in-between stage, so I have to remember not to treat them like kids as much. There English is superb! I can have full conversations with them, and they understand a lot of what I'm teaching. Although, my CT still have pointers to tell me at the end of the lesson...*constructive criticism is always helpful* One precocious girl came up to me after class and said, "You have 3 holes." She was referring to my earrings. She said, "Didn't they hurt?" My students, and even kids in other classes say, "Hi Teacher! I'm Denny" during our breaks or between classes. Good to know they are so eager to be my friend.
The last two mornings/mid days have been beautiful, sunny, and clearer. Whenever I have to leave around 3:45, it's been pouring rain. When I come out of class around 9 it's cooled down and dry. I'm looking forward to my walk to Kindy tomorrow. Apparently the market I walk through is a "morning market" and I've only ever seen it at night and mid day, so I'm sure it will be bustling more at 8:15am.
Below is a picture of me before my walk home from work today. There was a concert at the stadium across from my school tonight. People were camped under their umbrellas from at least 11am.
Yesterday was the first day Tara's been at Kindy. She's still feeling sick, and wore a mask at school around the kids. I'm settling into the Kindy routine already, and like having control of my own class, as well as collaborating with my HRT (Chinese Teacher...aid). Tara and I went out for sushi after Kindy at a place near her apartment. It was an Express Sushi place where you just grab a plate off of a revolving counter. Each plate is only $30NT ($1US), so I tried a few different things, and liked it all. They also served some really nice tea. Tara lives near a huge fruit market, so I got some apples to take home. I haven't really had any fruit since I've been in Pan Chiao, so it was a treat.
I was growing impatient with taking the bus to and from work. Although they run frequently, I was convinced that if I found the way to walk "as the bird flies," I could do it faster (and spend my $60NT/day on an iced coffee) than the 15-20 minute bus commute. Last night, I walked home with my half Chinese/half English map of Pan Chiao. I asked a middle aged couple for help, and they directed me to the intersection I was looking for. I discovered that the walk is much different than the bus ride because it cuts through a market (with everything from clothes, shoes, to bread and fruit) food stands, and small alleys, whereas the bus goes by all the stores, restaurants, and government buildings. I did the walk in 15 minutes, but I'm sure I can do it faster once I practice a few times. I also found a more direct route from Daniel/Amy/Tara's apartment complex. There are some funny English store names that I see on the bus. Some of the best are "Pants Kingdom" (a large man's store) "Mamaway" (a maternity clothing store) and my personal favorite, "Easy Way" (Taiwan's version of Victoria's Secret).
Last night I observed a class which had a performance, marking the end of their level. Only one parent turned out for it! (apparently this was unusual, as parents are typically very supportive and involved with the child's academics) The kids sang some songs, performed conversations, and chants. Then, the CT gave a spiel about the books for the next level.
Tonight was my first night of teaching HLS (cram school). I gave an oral exam to my first class. A Kid's Club level 1 class (age 7-8). They are pretty timid, and their English isn't as good as I expected it would be. I already know who the strong ones in the class will be. I graded their homework during the break, and wrote in the communication books. It's strange for me being the teacher and writing comments like, "Cherry participates well in class, but needs to practice saying her phone number. Keep up the good work, Cherry"...yes there is a girl in my class named Cherry. The second class I taught was Step Ahead 9 (ages 11-13). They are at that in-between stage, so I have to remember not to treat them like kids as much. There English is superb! I can have full conversations with them, and they understand a lot of what I'm teaching. Although, my CT still have pointers to tell me at the end of the lesson...*constructive criticism is always helpful* One precocious girl came up to me after class and said, "You have 3 holes." She was referring to my earrings. She said, "Didn't they hurt?" My students, and even kids in other classes say, "Hi Teacher! I'm Denny" during our breaks or between classes. Good to know they are so eager to be my friend.
The last two mornings/mid days have been beautiful, sunny, and clearer. Whenever I have to leave around 3:45, it's been pouring rain. When I come out of class around 9 it's cooled down and dry. I'm looking forward to my walk to Kindy tomorrow. Apparently the market I walk through is a "morning market" and I've only ever seen it at night and mid day, so I'm sure it will be bustling more at 8:15am.
Below is a picture of me before my walk home from work today. There was a concert at the stadium across from my school tonight. People were camped under their umbrellas from at least 11am.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Milk Choices
I made a trip to the grocery store this evening after my observations. I found familiar cereal, but when I looked in the dairy case...the milk choices were baffling. Good thing there are pictures on them. The strangest one was apple milk. I just wanted plain, cow's milk...I didn't even care if it was whole. I found a small carton that had a cow on it and said "I <3 Milk" at the top. I tried it on my cereal when I got home, and it does taste funny. I think they add sugar to it. It reminds me of "milk tea" that I've had here. It was okay for cereal, but I'm going to have to ask another NST for help next time.
Tara was sick again today, so Katannya filled in for her. She is a wealth of information, but it's getting to be information overload for me. I'm sure she doesn't expect me to be perfect, and to have a lots of questions, but she also has a lot of expectations for me. I met Adam, a native Taiwanese who has been an NST for 3 years. He's really cool and said I could call him anytime I need a translator. I'm meeting more NSTs at my branch when I observe, and am ready to have my own classes. I observed another one of Carole's classes. It was the last lesson of the level so they played games the whole time. During one of the games, they were practicing the prepositions, "on," "under," and "in." A child would have to use it in a sentence and another draw a picture on the board (like pictionary). Most of the examples were normal, but one kid said, "Zelda is under the poo poo" and the other kid had to draw this. It was funny, and the teacher allowed it.
My second observation was taught by an Aussie guy who's been here for 10 years, and it showed. He was very in command and strict. He also knew how to teach grammar very well, having the kids recite objects and subjects by memory. One of the examples in the Patterns book was about Jackie Chan...the kids didn't know who this was! They learned out how sound out the word "recycle" (re-cy-cle). The drill is to repeat each part of the word three times. The class was giggling when they said "cy cy cy"...the CT whispered to me that that means "shit" in Taiwanese.
I bought a blank CD and chose a few songs from my itunes in case I have to do exercise time tomorrow. We are supposed to come up with dance/exercise routines to rock/hip hop English music, and then use Hess songs (rhymes, kids songs) that they know. From my itunes library, I chose some Postal Service for stretch, Mika and Hellogoodbye for active/dance...we'll see how it goes over if I have to do exercise time.
I'm really enjoying my mid-day naps (only about an hour) after Kindy. I bought some lunch type food at the grocery because I won't have time to get lunch after Kindy and lesson plan for my HLS classes if I want to keep up the naps!
Tara was sick again today, so Katannya filled in for her. She is a wealth of information, but it's getting to be information overload for me. I'm sure she doesn't expect me to be perfect, and to have a lots of questions, but she also has a lot of expectations for me. I met Adam, a native Taiwanese who has been an NST for 3 years. He's really cool and said I could call him anytime I need a translator. I'm meeting more NSTs at my branch when I observe, and am ready to have my own classes. I observed another one of Carole's classes. It was the last lesson of the level so they played games the whole time. During one of the games, they were practicing the prepositions, "on," "under," and "in." A child would have to use it in a sentence and another draw a picture on the board (like pictionary). Most of the examples were normal, but one kid said, "Zelda is under the poo poo" and the other kid had to draw this. It was funny, and the teacher allowed it.
My second observation was taught by an Aussie guy who's been here for 10 years, and it showed. He was very in command and strict. He also knew how to teach grammar very well, having the kids recite objects and subjects by memory. One of the examples in the Patterns book was about Jackie Chan...the kids didn't know who this was! They learned out how sound out the word "recycle" (re-cy-cle). The drill is to repeat each part of the word three times. The class was giggling when they said "cy cy cy"...the CT whispered to me that that means "shit" in Taiwanese.
I bought a blank CD and chose a few songs from my itunes in case I have to do exercise time tomorrow. We are supposed to come up with dance/exercise routines to rock/hip hop English music, and then use Hess songs (rhymes, kids songs) that they know. From my itunes library, I chose some Postal Service for stretch, Mika and Hellogoodbye for active/dance...we'll see how it goes over if I have to do exercise time.
I'm really enjoying my mid-day naps (only about an hour) after Kindy. I bought some lunch type food at the grocery because I won't have time to get lunch after Kindy and lesson plan for my HLS classes if I want to keep up the naps!
Monday, August 10, 2009
First Day of teaching
Well today was my first Kindy class. I couldn't fall asleep until 2am last night and had to be up at 7:15, so this is going to be short and sweet.
The Kindy class went well. I am going to have to be on top of the fun time activities because I have to order supplies 1-2 weeks in advance if there's anything I don't have in my classroom. I have my OWN classroom! There were only 7 kids there today, and the CT, Coco, was a great help. Tomorrow will be pretty much the same lesson plan, but with some added songs and vocab. Tara was sick, so Katannya filled in for her and lead everyone in Exercise time. I may have to do this tomorrow.
The Kindy theme this week is "summertime fun"...the semester doesn't officially begin until September, so next week will also be a "preparation week"...the theme is "dinosaurs." The most important thing is that the kids listened to me. They do a lot of mimicking, and I'm not sure how much they actually comprehend. They know the chants that we use to refocus them, so I used them a lot. They really enjoyed the new games we did, and we had extra time at the end, so I taught them "duck duck goose"...they were laughing and running around. Really having fun. There is one really shy girl, Jennifer, who doesn't like to participate, and Coco or I literally have to hold her hand. Katannya kept me afterwards to tell me about some of the procedural things, and that was a little bit of overload. I was dying of hunger and feeling really dragged down.
My favorite le sportsac backpack that I've been using is about to break, so I bought a pleather bag on my way home from Kindy.I got dumplings to bring back home, ate them when I got in the door, then collapse on my bed for an hour and a half until I had to leave for HLS observation....back to the branch...back to the bus stop. I'm going to have to figure out a better eating pattern, because I was starving during the observations. One of the classes I observed, I'm taking over for teacher Carole (a Kentucky native). I'm taking over a few of her classes, and I think we are a lot of like (in character and teaching style). There will be 18 kids in that class (about age 11)...and 11 of them are boys...and there are two girls named Candy. I wrote down a seating chart so I would be ready for next Monday when they're mine!
Hess's books incorporate a lot of American history. For instance, in their Phonics book today there was an illustration about the Wright brothers and the kids had to read, "Wilbur tells Orville Wright to wrap the wings right with no wrinkles." There was also a matching section in their student book which included a picture of Babe Ruth.
On the way home, I got off a few stops early to eat/shop/night market. I took just a few steps into the night market and found a really "healthy" dinner...(at 8:45). It was similar to a crepe. A huge thin pancake with half peanut butter/half chocolate and sliced bananas. Mmmm, finished off with an iced latte. Perfect.
The Kindy class went well. I am going to have to be on top of the fun time activities because I have to order supplies 1-2 weeks in advance if there's anything I don't have in my classroom. I have my OWN classroom! There were only 7 kids there today, and the CT, Coco, was a great help. Tomorrow will be pretty much the same lesson plan, but with some added songs and vocab. Tara was sick, so Katannya filled in for her and lead everyone in Exercise time. I may have to do this tomorrow.
The Kindy theme this week is "summertime fun"...the semester doesn't officially begin until September, so next week will also be a "preparation week"...the theme is "dinosaurs." The most important thing is that the kids listened to me. They do a lot of mimicking, and I'm not sure how much they actually comprehend. They know the chants that we use to refocus them, so I used them a lot. They really enjoyed the new games we did, and we had extra time at the end, so I taught them "duck duck goose"...they were laughing and running around. Really having fun. There is one really shy girl, Jennifer, who doesn't like to participate, and Coco or I literally have to hold her hand. Katannya kept me afterwards to tell me about some of the procedural things, and that was a little bit of overload. I was dying of hunger and feeling really dragged down.
My favorite le sportsac backpack that I've been using is about to break, so I bought a pleather bag on my way home from Kindy.I got dumplings to bring back home, ate them when I got in the door, then collapse on my bed for an hour and a half until I had to leave for HLS observation....back to the branch...back to the bus stop. I'm going to have to figure out a better eating pattern, because I was starving during the observations. One of the classes I observed, I'm taking over for teacher Carole (a Kentucky native). I'm taking over a few of her classes, and I think we are a lot of like (in character and teaching style). There will be 18 kids in that class (about age 11)...and 11 of them are boys...and there are two girls named Candy. I wrote down a seating chart so I would be ready for next Monday when they're mine!
Hess's books incorporate a lot of American history. For instance, in their Phonics book today there was an illustration about the Wright brothers and the kids had to read, "Wilbur tells Orville Wright to wrap the wings right with no wrinkles." There was also a matching section in their student book which included a picture of Babe Ruth.
On the way home, I got off a few stops early to eat/shop/night market. I took just a few steps into the night market and found a really "healthy" dinner...(at 8:45). It was similar to a crepe. A huge thin pancake with half peanut butter/half chocolate and sliced bananas. Mmmm, finished off with an iced latte. Perfect.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Birds and Bunny
Not much to report on today. I slept in till noon(ish...), did some laundry, and got a slow start to the day. I called Joyce to tell her my hot water pot doesn't work so she could contact my land lady. I didn't want to wait on this because I didn't want the land lady to think I broke it. I still couldn't figure out the functions on my washing machine, so I thought they could help me with that too. My second bit of laundry I've done here wasn't as successful as the first. For some reason, there was no spin cycle this time. I know this because when I hung the clothes, they were dripping wet, and still aren't dry. A second towel was on my list of things to get anyways, so my outing for the day was to the global mall, as directed by Jenny. Before my outing, I wrote my lesson plan for tomorrow's Kindy and called Tara. Our classes are going to do Fun Time together since it's my first day, and really don't have any crafts set up yet. She was planning on doing an obstacle course with the vocab flashcards...sounds good to me.
Since the Global Mall is near the branch I have to get to tomorrow to for Kindy, I figured it would be a good "test run" on the bus. The first time I went there, I didn't know what bus stop to get off at to get home (well, I knew what store to look for, but everything starts to look the same when it's in Chinese). I ended up passing a $39NT store (like a dollar store) before I got to the global mall, so I got everything I needed there. Odds and ends like bag sealers, paper clips, post it notes, and an Arnold Palmer towel (apparently that's a good name brand here...There's an Arnold Palmer store in Pan Chiao). I successfully got off at my bus stop. I can see myself getting off at earlier ones though because there are sooooo many great stores that I pass by on the bus. Since I have a break from noon-4, I could easily spend that along the strip of stores. There are so many...I don't think I could actually see them all. That is, if I get my lesson planning for HLS classes done the night before. There are also tons of restaurants where I could get lunch. However, there's also the option to spend that time resting in my air conditioned apartment brushing up on my Mandarin with the CD that Hess gave each of us. Below are bird cages that were outside a pet shop near my bus stop. There was also a lone, caged bunny.
There are super deluxe, brand new apartment buildings across the street from my branch with rent for $7,000,000NT per month (about $215,000USD per month!), so I had to take a picture of them.
The next picture is a Taipei County Stadium. I've only seen it from above at the 16th story of Daniel's apartment. It's very colorful inside. There's a track, so if I ever feel like running between classes, I guess I can use that....when it get's cooler/less rainy and humid.
The branch is also near Taipei County High School. I took a picture of some artwork on the side of the school.
The last picture is where I got dinner, conveniently located between my bus stop and my apartment. When I got home, I poured the contents of my choice bento box onto my one and only plate and enjoyed :)
A few hours later, my video phone started ringing and I unlocked the doors for my land lady and friend. Apparently Joyce made contact with them and sent them over. They were so excited to see how I decorated. They were eager to look at all of my pictures and inquisitive about who everyone was. They kept saying how "beautiful" everyone was. My closet was open, so the land lady's friend marveled over some of my dresses haha. She also put my rings on my fingers and wanted to know how I used my makeup haha. They were so sweet and showed me exactly what buttons to push on my washer to make the clothes dry. They thought the problem with my water boiler was that it needed to be filled with water (I knew this wasn't the issue, but I let them try anyway.) They wanted to use a pitcher to fill the machine, and I didn't have one, so they went to the store and bought me one, along with new dish soap and a pot I can use on my hot plate. I think they like visiting me. They asked if I got my rain boots in Taiwan or America. I can just imagine the land lady telling her friend, "Hey the English girl needs some help, want to come?" haha. Maybe I entertain them haha. The land lady told me, when they were leaving, that her friend likes me. Very friendly ladies!
I'm gonna go check to see if my clothes are properly machine dried. I have to be at my branch at 8:30 for my first day of teaching Kindy tomorrow...better get to bed.
Since the Global Mall is near the branch I have to get to tomorrow to for Kindy, I figured it would be a good "test run" on the bus. The first time I went there, I didn't know what bus stop to get off at to get home (well, I knew what store to look for, but everything starts to look the same when it's in Chinese). I ended up passing a $39NT store (like a dollar store) before I got to the global mall, so I got everything I needed there. Odds and ends like bag sealers, paper clips, post it notes, and an Arnold Palmer towel (apparently that's a good name brand here...There's an Arnold Palmer store in Pan Chiao). I successfully got off at my bus stop. I can see myself getting off at earlier ones though because there are sooooo many great stores that I pass by on the bus. Since I have a break from noon-4, I could easily spend that along the strip of stores. There are so many...I don't think I could actually see them all. That is, if I get my lesson planning for HLS classes done the night before. There are also tons of restaurants where I could get lunch. However, there's also the option to spend that time resting in my air conditioned apartment brushing up on my Mandarin with the CD that Hess gave each of us. Below are bird cages that were outside a pet shop near my bus stop. There was also a lone, caged bunny.
There are super deluxe, brand new apartment buildings across the street from my branch with rent for $7,000,000NT per month (about $215,000USD per month!), so I had to take a picture of them.
The next picture is a Taipei County Stadium. I've only seen it from above at the 16th story of Daniel's apartment. It's very colorful inside. There's a track, so if I ever feel like running between classes, I guess I can use that....when it get's cooler/less rainy and humid.
The branch is also near Taipei County High School. I took a picture of some artwork on the side of the school.
The last picture is where I got dinner, conveniently located between my bus stop and my apartment. When I got home, I poured the contents of my choice bento box onto my one and only plate and enjoyed :)
A few hours later, my video phone started ringing and I unlocked the doors for my land lady and friend. Apparently Joyce made contact with them and sent them over. They were so excited to see how I decorated. They were eager to look at all of my pictures and inquisitive about who everyone was. They kept saying how "beautiful" everyone was. My closet was open, so the land lady's friend marveled over some of my dresses haha. She also put my rings on my fingers and wanted to know how I used my makeup haha. They were so sweet and showed me exactly what buttons to push on my washer to make the clothes dry. They thought the problem with my water boiler was that it needed to be filled with water (I knew this wasn't the issue, but I let them try anyway.) They wanted to use a pitcher to fill the machine, and I didn't have one, so they went to the store and bought me one, along with new dish soap and a pot I can use on my hot plate. I think they like visiting me. They asked if I got my rain boots in Taiwan or America. I can just imagine the land lady telling her friend, "Hey the English girl needs some help, want to come?" haha. Maybe I entertain them haha. The land lady told me, when they were leaving, that her friend likes me. Very friendly ladies!
I'm gonna go check to see if my clothes are properly machine dried. I have to be at my branch at 8:30 for my first day of teaching Kindy tomorrow...better get to bed.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Happy in the Rain!
I'm sitting here drinking "Health Energy," a delicious juice box drink (except I poured it into one of my new glasses...more about that later) and listening to the Across the Universe soundtrack. I can tell this juice is packed with antioxidants, similar to V8 splash.
Where do I start? I love the area where I live. It's really the hub of the whole island. High Speed rail station, main Taipei area bus station, and 3 metro stations. I'm a ten minute walk from one of them. Katannya texted me this morning, offering to take me to IKEA today, so I jumped on that opportunity and got out of bed earlier than I would have liked...but I'm so glad I did. I love seeing Banciao via scooter. I think that I will eventually get one after my first paycheck. I think I would learn the area much better because you can actually see the stores and buildings rather than walking under them. We took about a 20 minute scooter ride (with stops at 7-11 and gas station...these places seems so much less glamorous when I think of them in US terms, but they really are an experience here, and the 7-11s are so nice!). We made a stop on the way there to "suit up" when we noticed other scooters pulling over when it started to rain. Katannya was prepared with gear for me to use. I should have taken a picture...I looked like I should be at a ski mountain (I was wearing baggy, water-proof black pants on...reminded me of my dad's ski pants, and a waterproof zip up XXL jacket). I still don't think my body has adjusted to the climate here. I'm fine as long as I stay in my air conditioned apartment, but after being in the polluted air (or worse, riding on the highway on a scooter) I come home tired with a headache and stuffy sinuses. Here's a picture from when we stopped at 7-11 before it started raining...
I've only ever been to IKEAs outside the US. There was so much there that I would have liked to furnish my apartment with if I had a bottomless bank account. I even saw bedding that I liked better than mine, but oh well, mine was the best choice at the time, and I needed it for the first night. I did get a thin mattress to go between my hard mattress and fitted sheet for extra cushioning. I finally got a SHOWER CURTAIN...hallelujah! I can't wait to shower tonight and not have a wet bathroom floor :)
I also had to buy a shower curtain rod, assemble and hang it...which I was quite proud of. I got a set of glasses which I absolutely love! I decided to go with blue and lime green for my kitchen and bathroom stuff since everything else is red/maroon/yellow. I plan on doing more damage there at a later date. I have my eye on a rug and some large scale art which I can envision above my sofa. Here are my kitchen purchases:
I just got back from walking my training roomie back to the MRT station. She is also in Banciao (it's technically Pan Chiao), and living with 2 Hess teachers whose apartment she will be taking in a few days when they leave to travel and go back to the States. We decided to do dinner, so I took her to the Thai place near one of my branches. I had green curry chicken and pineapple fried rice.
It was fun to hear how she's been living during the days since training. She came back to my place and we continued to chit chatted for a bit and brainstormed travel plans. I got side tracked and decided to do some shopping at the night market and streets between the MRT station and my branch after I dropped her off. I keep lusting after sneakers and shoes...I haven't tempted myself with clothing yet. There are just too many choices everywhere I look. Consumer self-control sure needs to be applied around her. All I ended up buying were a new umbrella and some pastries from a street vendor for breakfast. The lady I bought them from had her daughter with her. The 4-year old was riding her little trike down the sidewalk near the stand. Even though I couldn't understand the Chinese, I could tell the mother was telling her, "Don't go too far...stay where I can see you." It was too cute for words. On my way back I was already thinking of the things that I will miss whenever I decide to leave...smell of incense at the shrine that I pass right before my apartment, the safe, suburban feel that I get from the people in my area (even though it's a city to me), my crippled security guy who doesn't speak English, the cheesy decor hanging on people's doors in my hall, even the awkward stares I get entering any store or restaurant.
Tara said that she and a friend are going hiking tomorrow depending on the weather, and invited me to go along. It would be nice to get out of the city, but I'll probably stay in Pan Chiao. Jenny said she might come back to go to the stationary store I went to. She told me how to get to "Global Mall" where she found some homegoods. Turns out it's right down the street from one of my branches, so I'll be checking that out some time this week. I also want to relax and plan for my first day of Kindy before my 6-day work week begins.
Where do I start? I love the area where I live. It's really the hub of the whole island. High Speed rail station, main Taipei area bus station, and 3 metro stations. I'm a ten minute walk from one of them. Katannya texted me this morning, offering to take me to IKEA today, so I jumped on that opportunity and got out of bed earlier than I would have liked...but I'm so glad I did. I love seeing Banciao via scooter. I think that I will eventually get one after my first paycheck. I think I would learn the area much better because you can actually see the stores and buildings rather than walking under them. We took about a 20 minute scooter ride (with stops at 7-11 and gas station...these places seems so much less glamorous when I think of them in US terms, but they really are an experience here, and the 7-11s are so nice!). We made a stop on the way there to "suit up" when we noticed other scooters pulling over when it started to rain. Katannya was prepared with gear for me to use. I should have taken a picture...I looked like I should be at a ski mountain (I was wearing baggy, water-proof black pants on...reminded me of my dad's ski pants, and a waterproof zip up XXL jacket). I still don't think my body has adjusted to the climate here. I'm fine as long as I stay in my air conditioned apartment, but after being in the polluted air (or worse, riding on the highway on a scooter) I come home tired with a headache and stuffy sinuses. Here's a picture from when we stopped at 7-11 before it started raining...
I've only ever been to IKEAs outside the US. There was so much there that I would have liked to furnish my apartment with if I had a bottomless bank account. I even saw bedding that I liked better than mine, but oh well, mine was the best choice at the time, and I needed it for the first night. I did get a thin mattress to go between my hard mattress and fitted sheet for extra cushioning. I finally got a SHOWER CURTAIN...hallelujah! I can't wait to shower tonight and not have a wet bathroom floor :)
I also had to buy a shower curtain rod, assemble and hang it...which I was quite proud of. I got a set of glasses which I absolutely love! I decided to go with blue and lime green for my kitchen and bathroom stuff since everything else is red/maroon/yellow. I plan on doing more damage there at a later date. I have my eye on a rug and some large scale art which I can envision above my sofa. Here are my kitchen purchases:
I just got back from walking my training roomie back to the MRT station. She is also in Banciao (it's technically Pan Chiao), and living with 2 Hess teachers whose apartment she will be taking in a few days when they leave to travel and go back to the States. We decided to do dinner, so I took her to the Thai place near one of my branches. I had green curry chicken and pineapple fried rice.
It was fun to hear how she's been living during the days since training. She came back to my place and we continued to chit chatted for a bit and brainstormed travel plans. I got side tracked and decided to do some shopping at the night market and streets between the MRT station and my branch after I dropped her off. I keep lusting after sneakers and shoes...I haven't tempted myself with clothing yet. There are just too many choices everywhere I look. Consumer self-control sure needs to be applied around her. All I ended up buying were a new umbrella and some pastries from a street vendor for breakfast. The lady I bought them from had her daughter with her. The 4-year old was riding her little trike down the sidewalk near the stand. Even though I couldn't understand the Chinese, I could tell the mother was telling her, "Don't go too far...stay where I can see you." It was too cute for words. On my way back I was already thinking of the things that I will miss whenever I decide to leave...smell of incense at the shrine that I pass right before my apartment, the safe, suburban feel that I get from the people in my area (even though it's a city to me), my crippled security guy who doesn't speak English, the cheesy decor hanging on people's doors in my hall, even the awkward stares I get entering any store or restaurant.
Tara said that she and a friend are going hiking tomorrow depending on the weather, and invited me to go along. It would be nice to get out of the city, but I'll probably stay in Pan Chiao. Jenny said she might come back to go to the stationary store I went to. She told me how to get to "Global Mall" where she found some homegoods. Turns out it's right down the street from one of my branches, so I'll be checking that out some time this week. I also want to relax and plan for my first day of Kindy before my 6-day work week begins.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Happy Father's Day
Yes...Tomorrow is Father's Day in Taiwan, as I learned yesterday during my first Kindy observation. I observed the class I will be taking over which only has 8 kids, most of whom are age 5. A wonderful NST, Katannya from Canada has had them for the last week, and I will take over on Monday!
I arrived in Pan Chiao City at my apartment on Wednesday and got bed linens, pillow, and other necessities for my apartment. I was exhausted by the time we had to be back at the branch with Daniel at 4pm. Athena, our head CT went over our class schedules with us. I will be teaching 8 different classes total...sounds like a lot to me. This includes a 5 day/wk Kindy class and a 3 day/wk Treehouse HLS class. That night, Daniel and I went to a Thai restaurant near the branch. It was wonderful...it was new and clean inside, barely anyone else there, fast service, and the CARPENTERS album was playing the whole time! haha. Dan had green curry and I had Pad Thai w/chicken...both were superb and only $3US.
Tara is the other female NST who lives nearby (in Daniel's apartment building) and is a really cool girl. She actually hails from Hervey Bay in Australia where I left for some of the best days of my life...on Frasier Island! She's been here since May, so can show me the ropes and around Pan Chiao. She works at both the branches I do, and we'll work together during the "Exercise Time" of Kindy. We rode the bus back to our respective bus stops, and she told me about a trip she's organizing for our first national holiday (October 10) which I jumped on board for. I don't even know where in Taiwan we're going...somewhere that's a 4 hour train ride away and mountainous haha. I'm so thankful for Tara!
Appliances:
I have everything I need, but my hot water boiler doesn't work. I successfully ran a load of laundry (although I haven't figured out the dryer setting). I'm not sure what my electric bill will be so I've been only running my AC when I'm home (and not coming home off the sticky streets to a cool apartment...). I've also been only using the lights that I need most of the time. I have to make sure that if I have the AC on, the windows on the porch are open because the AC blows out hot air, but when it's raining, I hesitate to keep the porch windows open...but I'd rather be cool, even if it means I might hear the street below. I have no shower curtain, and my shower nozzle doesn't stay in place so I've had to modify the way I shower. It's more of a bath/hose myself off. If I make it to IKEA, a shower curtain/rod would be nice (though I wouldn't be "living like a local"). I also need a decent cup and a fork/knife/spoon. I've been eating out mostly though and not cooking, so this hasn't posed much of a problem yet.
I needed a organizational teaching supplies (scissors, notebooks, folders, pens, etc.) So one of the CTs took Daniel and I to a stationary store nearby...man I could have spent hours in there! So much to look at; so many choices...it was like a Hallmark/Staples/Scrapbooking store in one.
We were told yesterday that there would be no classes tomorrow because it was going to be a "typhoon day." This means we had the day off, many shops and restaurants are closed, except for 7-11 and DVD shops. It wasn't too bad today. Just windy and drizzly. Only about half of the shops that I passed by on the way to the DVD store were closed. People were still out, driving their scooters and cars. I'm glad I had my rainboots though. I may invest in a better, bigger umbrella...they are sold on every street corner. I spent the day hanging pictures and decorating my place. I also tried out all the snacks I bought at the grocery store. Penotti spread on bread is a sweet treat as are crown cakes. I also had some snack bars and cheese toast sandwich. There are oodles of beverages here...from teas, to juices, smoothies, and canned coffee drinks...more brands too! I also watched The Curious Case of Benjamin Bunton...beautifully filmed movie, kind of depressing and sad though. I used my video security phone to let my first visitors in this afternoon. The internet guys came to get me connected. I asked them to program my tv while they were at it...the language barrier was there, but manageable enough to communicate the billing system and how to use my little internet box. They were so nice and their shoes off outside my door (they had toe socks on as part of their gray and red uniforms which made me laugh).
I got to talk to Mom, Eva, and Stefan (briefly) today. Their computer kept freezing though, but I showed them part of my apartment. Mom sent me a nice message about advice for fighting isolation from experience living in France and when she had to stay at home to care for her first born (me!). I am going to pass it along: "Every day pick something or someone you want to make contact with and you will have to take steps to do it and reach out to make things happen. [In France] I found touristy things I wanted to do, put it on my calendar and made plans to get there, either alone or I called someone I knew to do it with me. As you know, most people don't take the initiative to make things happen and us Weldys usually end up doing it!"
Well my power has gone out (and come back on, thank goodness) on me twice (from the wind), and I have an early morning. I have to be at the branch at 7:50 to observe 2 morning HLS classes tomorrow. I've posted pics on facebook of my apartment and last few days of training. Goodnight!
I arrived in Pan Chiao City at my apartment on Wednesday and got bed linens, pillow, and other necessities for my apartment. I was exhausted by the time we had to be back at the branch with Daniel at 4pm. Athena, our head CT went over our class schedules with us. I will be teaching 8 different classes total...sounds like a lot to me. This includes a 5 day/wk Kindy class and a 3 day/wk Treehouse HLS class. That night, Daniel and I went to a Thai restaurant near the branch. It was wonderful...it was new and clean inside, barely anyone else there, fast service, and the CARPENTERS album was playing the whole time! haha. Dan had green curry and I had Pad Thai w/chicken...both were superb and only $3US.
Tara is the other female NST who lives nearby (in Daniel's apartment building) and is a really cool girl. She actually hails from Hervey Bay in Australia where I left for some of the best days of my life...on Frasier Island! She's been here since May, so can show me the ropes and around Pan Chiao. She works at both the branches I do, and we'll work together during the "Exercise Time" of Kindy. We rode the bus back to our respective bus stops, and she told me about a trip she's organizing for our first national holiday (October 10) which I jumped on board for. I don't even know where in Taiwan we're going...somewhere that's a 4 hour train ride away and mountainous haha. I'm so thankful for Tara!
Appliances:
I have everything I need, but my hot water boiler doesn't work. I successfully ran a load of laundry (although I haven't figured out the dryer setting). I'm not sure what my electric bill will be so I've been only running my AC when I'm home (and not coming home off the sticky streets to a cool apartment...). I've also been only using the lights that I need most of the time. I have to make sure that if I have the AC on, the windows on the porch are open because the AC blows out hot air, but when it's raining, I hesitate to keep the porch windows open...but I'd rather be cool, even if it means I might hear the street below. I have no shower curtain, and my shower nozzle doesn't stay in place so I've had to modify the way I shower. It's more of a bath/hose myself off. If I make it to IKEA, a shower curtain/rod would be nice (though I wouldn't be "living like a local"). I also need a decent cup and a fork/knife/spoon. I've been eating out mostly though and not cooking, so this hasn't posed much of a problem yet.
I needed a organizational teaching supplies (scissors, notebooks, folders, pens, etc.) So one of the CTs took Daniel and I to a stationary store nearby...man I could have spent hours in there! So much to look at; so many choices...it was like a Hallmark/Staples/Scrapbooking store in one.
We were told yesterday that there would be no classes tomorrow because it was going to be a "typhoon day." This means we had the day off, many shops and restaurants are closed, except for 7-11 and DVD shops. It wasn't too bad today. Just windy and drizzly. Only about half of the shops that I passed by on the way to the DVD store were closed. People were still out, driving their scooters and cars. I'm glad I had my rainboots though. I may invest in a better, bigger umbrella...they are sold on every street corner. I spent the day hanging pictures and decorating my place. I also tried out all the snacks I bought at the grocery store. Penotti spread on bread is a sweet treat as are crown cakes. I also had some snack bars and cheese toast sandwich. There are oodles of beverages here...from teas, to juices, smoothies, and canned coffee drinks...more brands too! I also watched The Curious Case of Benjamin Bunton...beautifully filmed movie, kind of depressing and sad though. I used my video security phone to let my first visitors in this afternoon. The internet guys came to get me connected. I asked them to program my tv while they were at it...the language barrier was there, but manageable enough to communicate the billing system and how to use my little internet box. They were so nice and their shoes off outside my door (they had toe socks on as part of their gray and red uniforms which made me laugh).
I got to talk to Mom, Eva, and Stefan (briefly) today. Their computer kept freezing though, but I showed them part of my apartment. Mom sent me a nice message about advice for fighting isolation from experience living in France and when she had to stay at home to care for her first born (me!). I am going to pass it along: "Every day pick something or someone you want to make contact with and you will have to take steps to do it and reach out to make things happen. [In France] I found touristy things I wanted to do, put it on my calendar and made plans to get there, either alone or I called someone I knew to do it with me. As you know, most people don't take the initiative to make things happen and us Weldys usually end up doing it!"
Well my power has gone out (and come back on, thank goodness) on me twice (from the wind), and I have an early morning. I have to be at the branch at 7:50 to observe 2 morning HLS classes tomorrow. I've posted pics on facebook of my apartment and last few days of training. Goodnight!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Breather Time
Hmm. Not much has happened in the last few days. The dogs here are so complacent. I saw a yellow lab riding at the feet of its owner on a scooter while it's tail was dragging along the road. It was as happy as could be. There are dogs laying on the sidewalks outside of restaurants. They obviously belong to the restaurant owners because they're there everyday and no one has any qualms about it. The dogs are also really tame...I don't think I've heard a Taiwan dog bark yet.
On Saturday, the next group of trainees arrived at the hotel so we're no longer the "Hess Newbies" haha. They must have been freaked out because we were all furiously preparing for our final demos that night. They were all full of questions about training and we probably gave the impression that it was really stressful and hard. Overall though, it's been fun. The best part has been exploring the city with friends. I feel like I know everyone really well and as though I've been in Taipei forever when, in reality, it's only been just over a week.
Training lightened up after our last demos on Sunday. We finished up the last of the curricula today. (I just learned I've been using the incorrect plural of curriculum all along). The curricula are Kindy (yo yo, small, middle, and big), Treehouse, Clubhouse, Kids Club, Young Scholars, and Honors. Tomorrow we have a test on all of them. I'm not very worried though because they're a compilation of the information from our daily quizzes which haven't been too difficult. Today we learned how to grade homework, expectations of us from the CTs, Hess, Parents, other NSTs, classroom management and tomorrow we're doing policy.
Last night I went to dinner by myself. I was tired of being with the group so I found a really interesting place where there were no pictures to point at on the menu. It looked like a used bookstore from the outside, but it turned out to be place where families go after school and work. Everyone was either looking at comic books, reading the newspaper, or doing work on their laptops while being served. The decor was rustic and reminded me of a tavern with family style tables. The bookstore part was downstairs along with some tables. As you go upstairs, there is a waterfall along a spiral staircase. I sat upstairs and ordered chicken curry, rice, veg. It came with a salad, soup, dessert, and a drink. I took the milk tea and dessert back to my room. I didn't have anything to read while I was waiting for my food except my Mandarin phrase book, so I looked through that and people watched a little. The upstairs was decorated with teddy bears painted on the wood walls...cute.
At 8, a few of us girls met in the hotel lobby to get massages. We went to a place that we pass by everyday on the way to training. The slogan written on the building is "a Damo a day keeps the sick away." I guess Damo is the name of the company. Nina, Rachel and I got 60 min body massages, and 15 min foot spa/shoulder massages for $990NT (apx $30 US). This place operates 24/7 (we think they offer "other services" late night...). It was quite a hopping place. All of the masseuses were very professional and dressed in doctor scrub-type uniforms. There had to have been at least 30 employees there when we went and the building was 3 or 4 stories. Each of the foot spas had personal tvs in front of them, but I listened to my ipod. Then the three of us were led to the 3rd floor into a dark room with three massage table. On each table was a little smock and capri pant type things that we changed into. In came our three ladies and we each got face down on the tables for them to begin. My favorite parts were the head massage and when my masseuse got on my back and started rocking on her knees and crawling upwards starting from my bum. I was picturing what it must have looked like while she was doing it and laughed to myself. She also stretched out my limbs and moved all of my joints around. About 60% of the time I was uncomfortable because she hurt my muscles, poking her fingers in, but it was still the best massage I've ever had.
Every night I look at the pictures of my apartment and get more anxious to move in and get settled, while at the same time, it will be bittersweet saying goodbye to some of the people I've met. Luckily Jenny and Katie will be an MRT ride away, and I can walk to Daniel's apartment. Other friends who will be around Taipei are close enough for day trips (Katie and Brian), and others in Taichung (Alan and Panda..they're going to have a "Cribs" bachelor pad) and Keelong (Lynn...near a national park) give me a reason to visit other parts of Taiwan. Tim and Shoshanna are the farthest north and right by beaches.
Tomorrow after training we have Graduation and are signing our contracts with our Branch Area Managers. We're the first Hess training group to actually get to sign our contracts with the BAMs which shows a lot of respect/face from them. Our trainers asked if there was anyone who plays the piano. I raised my hand, but not very high. Luckily Gavin called on Emyln (South African friend) because he was cheered on by his girlfriend, Ingrid. There is a baby grand on the 12th floor where we'll have our graduation event/reception. I mentioned earlier that the CEO lives on the 11th and 12th floor in a penthouse apartment, complete with a bakery. The CEO has a friend who, when he comes to town, bakes banana, cranberry and fruit breads for the building....well he happens to be in town, so I'm looking forward to some good American banana bread and after graduation, we're all going out for kareokee with our traininers :)
On Saturday, the next group of trainees arrived at the hotel so we're no longer the "Hess Newbies" haha. They must have been freaked out because we were all furiously preparing for our final demos that night. They were all full of questions about training and we probably gave the impression that it was really stressful and hard. Overall though, it's been fun. The best part has been exploring the city with friends. I feel like I know everyone really well and as though I've been in Taipei forever when, in reality, it's only been just over a week.
Training lightened up after our last demos on Sunday. We finished up the last of the curricula today. (I just learned I've been using the incorrect plural of curriculum all along). The curricula are Kindy (yo yo, small, middle, and big), Treehouse, Clubhouse, Kids Club, Young Scholars, and Honors. Tomorrow we have a test on all of them. I'm not very worried though because they're a compilation of the information from our daily quizzes which haven't been too difficult. Today we learned how to grade homework, expectations of us from the CTs, Hess, Parents, other NSTs, classroom management and tomorrow we're doing policy.
Last night I went to dinner by myself. I was tired of being with the group so I found a really interesting place where there were no pictures to point at on the menu. It looked like a used bookstore from the outside, but it turned out to be place where families go after school and work. Everyone was either looking at comic books, reading the newspaper, or doing work on their laptops while being served. The decor was rustic and reminded me of a tavern with family style tables. The bookstore part was downstairs along with some tables. As you go upstairs, there is a waterfall along a spiral staircase. I sat upstairs and ordered chicken curry, rice, veg. It came with a salad, soup, dessert, and a drink. I took the milk tea and dessert back to my room. I didn't have anything to read while I was waiting for my food except my Mandarin phrase book, so I looked through that and people watched a little. The upstairs was decorated with teddy bears painted on the wood walls...cute.
At 8, a few of us girls met in the hotel lobby to get massages. We went to a place that we pass by everyday on the way to training. The slogan written on the building is "a Damo a day keeps the sick away." I guess Damo is the name of the company. Nina, Rachel and I got 60 min body massages, and 15 min foot spa/shoulder massages for $990NT (apx $30 US). This place operates 24/7 (we think they offer "other services" late night...). It was quite a hopping place. All of the masseuses were very professional and dressed in doctor scrub-type uniforms. There had to have been at least 30 employees there when we went and the building was 3 or 4 stories. Each of the foot spas had personal tvs in front of them, but I listened to my ipod. Then the three of us were led to the 3rd floor into a dark room with three massage table. On each table was a little smock and capri pant type things that we changed into. In came our three ladies and we each got face down on the tables for them to begin. My favorite parts were the head massage and when my masseuse got on my back and started rocking on her knees and crawling upwards starting from my bum. I was picturing what it must have looked like while she was doing it and laughed to myself. She also stretched out my limbs and moved all of my joints around. About 60% of the time I was uncomfortable because she hurt my muscles, poking her fingers in, but it was still the best massage I've ever had.
Every night I look at the pictures of my apartment and get more anxious to move in and get settled, while at the same time, it will be bittersweet saying goodbye to some of the people I've met. Luckily Jenny and Katie will be an MRT ride away, and I can walk to Daniel's apartment. Other friends who will be around Taipei are close enough for day trips (Katie and Brian), and others in Taichung (Alan and Panda..they're going to have a "Cribs" bachelor pad) and Keelong (Lynn...near a national park) give me a reason to visit other parts of Taiwan. Tim and Shoshanna are the farthest north and right by beaches.
Tomorrow after training we have Graduation and are signing our contracts with our Branch Area Managers. We're the first Hess training group to actually get to sign our contracts with the BAMs which shows a lot of respect/face from them. Our trainers asked if there was anyone who plays the piano. I raised my hand, but not very high. Luckily Gavin called on Emyln (South African friend) because he was cheered on by his girlfriend, Ingrid. There is a baby grand on the 12th floor where we'll have our graduation event/reception. I mentioned earlier that the CEO lives on the 11th and 12th floor in a penthouse apartment, complete with a bakery. The CEO has a friend who, when he comes to town, bakes banana, cranberry and fruit breads for the building....well he happens to be in town, so I'm looking forward to some good American banana bread and after graduation, we're all going out for kareokee with our traininers :)
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