Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Back together after almost 5 years of 'separating'. More on that later. Kathy didn't want me to put this picture on, but I said, "Too bad, it's not like any expects you to look good after travelling around the world." She was too Gravolled out to put up a fight, so here is our first 'twin picture.' I'll change it for another one when I go pick her up from the apartment this afternoon. 
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Sunday Sleep is 10 times nicer!
I slept in till 11 am this morning. That really has to be a record, excluding when I'm sick or jetlagged. I think my body needed it, I've been stressed. So I got up, had a shower, took a brisk walk in the rainy cold weather to secure a grade decaf Americano and some lunch. Then I got home, was finishing off the end of my coffee and rereading Life of Pi, when I suddenly felt the urge to have a nap. And so I did! I think it's required for a cold, rainy, Sunday in February. I must be one of the few people who really enjoys this kind of weather.
I have nothing intelligent to write about - no social commentary or intellectual ramblings. Unless it's from the Cat in the Hat, I just watched the movie! Kathy comes tommorrow - craziness. I'll take airport pictures for ya'll.
I have nothing intelligent to write about - no social commentary or intellectual ramblings. Unless it's from the Cat in the Hat, I just watched the movie! Kathy comes tommorrow - craziness. I'll take airport pictures for ya'll.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Comparision Shopping Runs in the Family
I was ready to walk into Tesco today and pick a digital camera to buy. I just didn't have the inclination to wander all over Taipei comparing prices, and trying to bargain. I hate feeling like I'm paying a higher price because I don't speak Chinese. At Tesco, the prices are marked, and they look like Wal-Mart, with signs that say "Unbeatable Price" etc., that make me feel good about the amount I am paying.
But, I looked at the cameras and just couldn't do it. It goes against all of the genes from the Gilroy family. So I came home, and started doing my internet research. Turns out that each and every one of the cameras I was looked at are cheaper in Canada. And, after reading reviews on a few sites, I realized the ones I want aren't even at Tesco. Alas. I also ended up choosing one of the most expensive models, because I was reading all the reviews, without looking at the price.
My choice? The Pentax Optio 550. You can read another review here. It has exactly what I want- 5 megapixels, 5x optical zoom, it's image quality is among the best, it has a lightning fast start-up, and it's only about the size of a deck of cards.
So Mom, if you want to go out and buy one I'll pay you back! (=
But, I looked at the cameras and just couldn't do it. It goes against all of the genes from the Gilroy family. So I came home, and started doing my internet research. Turns out that each and every one of the cameras I was looked at are cheaper in Canada. And, after reading reviews on a few sites, I realized the ones I want aren't even at Tesco. Alas. I also ended up choosing one of the most expensive models, because I was reading all the reviews, without looking at the price.
My choice? The Pentax Optio 550. You can read another review here. It has exactly what I want- 5 megapixels, 5x optical zoom, it's image quality is among the best, it has a lightning fast start-up, and it's only about the size of a deck of cards.
So Mom, if you want to go out and buy one I'll pay you back! (=
Friday, February 18, 2005
Alright, I don't hate Picasa anymore
Well, I'm still not sure what went wrong, but now I've reinstalled Picasa and it works. So I've put the rest of my travel pictures onto the CNY 2005 website. Check it out.
Carole's CNY 2005 Photo Blog
I'll warn you, there's alot of pictures of flowers, but I think they're pretty. If you just want the highlights, I posted a few of my favorite photos on this blog.
Oh, and by the way, I was informed by my family that the comments on this page aren't working right, and the contrast should be stronger for the font colour. I'll work on those two things tonight. Anything else? I very much appreciate the suggestions.
Carole's CNY 2005 Photo Blog
I'll warn you, there's alot of pictures of flowers, but I think they're pretty. If you just want the highlights, I posted a few of my favorite photos on this blog.
Oh, and by the way, I was informed by my family that the comments on this page aren't working right, and the contrast should be stronger for the font colour. I'll work on those two things tonight. Anything else? I very much appreciate the suggestions.
Batu Ferringhi
A peaceful scene along the Batu Ferringhi beach, on the island of Penang, Malaysia. This is the exact beach where quite a few people died during the Tsunami.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Fourth Try's a Charm!
Well, I think this is my fourth blog skin in a week, but I've finally found a winner. I hope you agree, because I just spend 3 hours getting it fixed up. I've discovered I love working with HTML, it's along the lines of diagramming, "Hobbies for Structured People", I suppose. Today I was telling Jill today how much I enjoy working out all the pieces of HTML like a puzzle, and we had a fun talk about Myers-Briggs personality tests, and how super-structered I am, and how completely unstructured she is. That was pretty much the only really fun part of the day, the rest of the time I was proctoring Grade 6 tests, which is supremely boring, and squeezing in a lunch-time Spinning session, good for me, but not enjoyable. However, I have enjoyed my last three hours curled up on the couch with the laptop, watching "The Joy Luck Club" and then "Hearts of Atlantis." Do post a comment to let me know if you think this blog skin is a keeper, and if you have any trouble reading or seeing any of the text or links!
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
And for one moment...the world makes sense.
Good news all! My uncanny and almost scary ability to diagram sentences has finally come in handy. Yes, I had my doubts that life would ever thrown diagraming my way, after the massive amount of brain power I devoted to mastering it in high school. But, my tutee started at an American school this semester, and has been thrown into Grade 7 A Beka Curriculum. He-he. He has all the same textbooks I used to love, and since he's starting mid-year, he's been thrown into the deep end of DIAGRAMMING. So I'm helping him with it. And it's all coming back, the tricky slanted line for the predicate nominative, the illusive dotted line for adjective clauses! I do have a few things I can't remember, but overall, I have it deeply ingrained from studying it so much. Yes, it's obsolete in the North American education system, and really doesn't help students learn English, but, by golly, I love it. When I diagram, life makes sense.
Spring is here, or is it Summer?
My little weather pixie appears to be broken - she says it's 11 degrees and rainy when it's about 26 and sunny. But, the warm weather was actually very helpful for my grade 2 lesson today, we had to talk about spring, sing a song called "Spring is Coming" etc., and it was much more convincing that spring was coming when the sun was glaring in the window.
Today I had my grade 7 girls class, and they all cheered, loudly, when I told them Kathy was coming. I was a bit surprised! But everyone here seems excited for her to get here, and I am too. It will certainly be weird living together again, just like high school, but entirely different. I'm sure the benefits will far outweigh whatever reversion to childhood relations we'll have to work through!
Today I had my grade 7 girls class, and they all cheered, loudly, when I told them Kathy was coming. I was a bit surprised! But everyone here seems excited for her to get here, and I am too. It will certainly be weird living together again, just like high school, but entirely different. I'm sure the benefits will far outweigh whatever reversion to childhood relations we'll have to work through!
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Is it the weekend yet?
This week is dragging along, and I have very little patience while waiting for the weekend. Thankfully, I have a light class load this week because of some testing, so I'm just hanging in there, and putting off all the big planning until the weekend.
Oh, and much to my surprise, Spring is here. Of course, spring in Taipei is the equivalent of summer. It was a high of 27 today! Time to kick on the air conditioning. I have a small kindle of hope that this is only a temporary thaw and that winter will come back in full force for a month of two more. But hope is small. Time to pack up the sweaters, I'm afraid.
Tonight for dinner, I had a special treat - cheese! This is a rare treat indeed, because the good stuff (for me, really old white cheddar) is pricey. But twice I've just been craving cheese so bad I've gone to splurge on a block. Mmmm. Cheese is good.
Oh, and good news. Teaching today reminded me why I love my job. One of my classes today was incredible, there was a real sense of give and take, the students were fully participating, and enjoying themselves while respecting my place as the teacher. It was a great feeling, that even my 'bad' class couldn't ruin. I have given in to the truth that teaching is 10 times better when it comes after coffee. Teaching takes more energy than I have naturally, but put a little cup of caffiene in me and I'm peppy and ready to go. Well, as ready as I can be for the first week back at work.
Oh, and much to my surprise, Spring is here. Of course, spring in Taipei is the equivalent of summer. It was a high of 27 today! Time to kick on the air conditioning. I have a small kindle of hope that this is only a temporary thaw and that winter will come back in full force for a month of two more. But hope is small. Time to pack up the sweaters, I'm afraid.
Tonight for dinner, I had a special treat - cheese! This is a rare treat indeed, because the good stuff (for me, really old white cheddar) is pricey. But twice I've just been craving cheese so bad I've gone to splurge on a block. Mmmm. Cheese is good.
Oh, and good news. Teaching today reminded me why I love my job. One of my classes today was incredible, there was a real sense of give and take, the students were fully participating, and enjoying themselves while respecting my place as the teacher. It was a great feeling, that even my 'bad' class couldn't ruin. I have given in to the truth that teaching is 10 times better when it comes after coffee. Teaching takes more energy than I have naturally, but put a little cup of caffiene in me and I'm peppy and ready to go. Well, as ready as I can be for the first week back at work.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Another Try
Okay, I'm not really admitting failure, because I think I can make a blog skin, but I just couldn't take that black and pink one anymore. This is a skin I've had for awhile, and I thought I would put it up, until I get the sage green one sorted out. I think a soft sage green is the easiest to read and most pleasing to the eye. It should be up next week. For now, enjoy some subtle orchids. I love orchids. I'm not sure what it looks like to you, because I used pretty fonts that I've downloaded off the net. If you want to download them, I can put on links, but I think for most of you it's more bother than it's worth, just read the boring fonts.
Oh, and the first day of school was okay - I didn't quite feel like I had my feet under me. I'm doing more planning tonight. Oh, and it's Valentines Day, and this will be the first year I can spend the day in peace instead of being bombarded with the extensive college girl esctasy or tragedy approach to the day. No melodrama here! I don't mind Valentine's Day, for people who have a 'Valentine' but I think it's absurd how single people torture themselves on a holiday that's just not for them.
Oh, and the first day of school was okay - I didn't quite feel like I had my feet under me. I'm doing more planning tonight. Oh, and it's Valentines Day, and this will be the first year I can spend the day in peace instead of being bombarded with the extensive college girl esctasy or tragedy approach to the day. No melodrama here! I don't mind Valentine's Day, for people who have a 'Valentine' but I think it's absurd how single people torture themselves on a holiday that's just not for them.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Half Way There
Okay, I should learn my lesson and put all my pictures on blogger when it works. Yup, I've tried multiple times today to put the rest of my pictures on, and no luck. So, I'll just link to the site where I put half the pictures. I was trying to go in order, so it starts half way through Kuala Lumpur, and then goes through the end.
The site is: CNY 2005
I'm still tired and feeling overwhelmed. I'm not very happy with my job right now, but I read a very enlightening article on people getting fired for complaining about their jobs on their blogs, even if they don't name the company or the people. So, precautionary lesson learned, save the job complaints for an email, right? I suppose it's better manners anyway.
The site is: CNY 2005
I'm still tired and feeling overwhelmed. I'm not very happy with my job right now, but I read a very enlightening article on people getting fired for complaining about their jobs on their blogs, even if they don't name the company or the people. So, precautionary lesson learned, save the job complaints for an email, right? I suppose it's better manners anyway.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
I don't think it suits me.
Uum, I don't think I like this skin -there's too much going one, it looks like an adolescent blog. Maybe I need to simplify the colour sceme to just one or two colours?
Oh, and I have my Chinese New Year photo blog page half done, I need to finish it tommorrow because I'm just too sleepy.
I did have one story to tell you about today. This morning I was sound asleep in my lovely bed (which by the way is as hard as a board, and I really missed it!) when suddenly the sound of gun fire filled my room! I sat up in bed, sure that the Chinese had invaded and this was the end. Another burst of fire, and I sprang to the window to see what was the matter. Well, the garage across the street was setting off firecrackers. Firecrackers! Early Saturday morning! Outside my window. WEll, once I ascertained that it was not in fact the end of the world, but only more New Year celebrations, I was able to lie back down. But I've been jumping all day as I was out about errands, as shop keepers all over seem to think that firecrackers on public streets is acceptable. Chinese New Year is not a one night celebration, no each day there is some sort of new form of party.
Oh, and I have my Chinese New Year photo blog page half done, I need to finish it tommorrow because I'm just too sleepy.
I did have one story to tell you about today. This morning I was sound asleep in my lovely bed (which by the way is as hard as a board, and I really missed it!) when suddenly the sound of gun fire filled my room! I sat up in bed, sure that the Chinese had invaded and this was the end. Another burst of fire, and I sprang to the window to see what was the matter. Well, the garage across the street was setting off firecrackers. Firecrackers! Early Saturday morning! Outside my window. WEll, once I ascertained that it was not in fact the end of the world, but only more New Year celebrations, I was able to lie back down. But I've been jumping all day as I was out about errands, as shop keepers all over seem to think that firecrackers on public streets is acceptable. Chinese New Year is not a one night celebration, no each day there is some sort of new form of party.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Company Party
Picasa / BloggerBot are working. I didn't do a thing different, who knows what the problem was last week. But this means I can put up the pictures from the Year-End Company Party last Friday. Then tommorrow, I'll weed through the digital photos from Singapore and Malaysia and put them on with stories.
This is Justin, Carolyn and I at the Shiang Garden, for the party. We did one picture right before this where Justin looked stonefaced, so we told him to smile. He did. (=
P.S. I LOVE the new Picasa 2 program, they have many more features for me to play with when editing - it's like being back at the photolab. I espeically like the "Warmify" feature which takes the icy skin tones of digital and warms them up. Did you notice the difference?
This is Justin, Carolyn and I at the Shiang Garden, for the party. We did one picture right before this where Justin looked stonefaced, so we told him to smile. He did. (=
P.S. I LOVE the new Picasa 2 program, they have many more features for me to play with when editing - it's like being back at the photolab. I espeically like the "Warmify" feature which takes the icy skin tones of digital and warms them up. Did you notice the difference?
Me and my Ang Bow! I think red envelopes of lucky money are a lovely tradition - throughout the week I encountered this wonderful cultural tradition often, at Subway, I picked an envelope and got a free coffee.
Oh, and wonderful news, my tutee was misinformed, the year of the Rooster is not bad luck for those born in the year of the Rooster, whewph! According to the newspaper article I read, this year, Roosters should hoard their money and stop spending it on unimportant things. Good advice for me any year!
Oh, and wonderful news, my tutee was misinformed, the year of the Rooster is not bad luck for those born in the year of the Rooster, whewph! According to the newspaper article I read, this year, Roosters should hoard their money and stop spending it on unimportant things. Good advice for me any year!
Carolyn's Prize
Carolyn didn't win any cash, but out of every person in the room, we can be quite sure she was the most excited to win a rice cooker. She's of the domestic ilk. Although nothing can take the place of winning cash, we had fun trying to keep her excited about her prize, by suggesting the multiple things that can be done with a rice cooker. (=
My Vending Machine Haircut.
So, I stumbled into my apartment, half frozen, around 8 pm tonight. A quick run for take-out, then I fell into the couch, laptop ready to keep my legs warm just like a cat. I was supposed to spend the evening blogging the rest of my trip, but I'm just so tired! So I spent the evening catching up on the blogs I read, since I had a whole week of posts I missed. It's so enjoyable to follow people's lives all around the world.
One thing I have to tell you about: I had a vending machine haircut today! No, I didn't stick my head into a machine, but I put my $10 Singapore bill (about $7 CND) into a vending machine, and it spit a ticket out at me. Then I waited in the queue for the stylist. The deal was $10 for a 10 minute haircut (it was at the airport). I needed a haircut and had been reticent to pay the big bucks to get an English-speaking hair stylist in Taiwan. So I told her what I wanted, she took out the scissors and got started. Now I'm sure I read in Brio ten years ago that if someone every tries to cut your hair dry you should run away screaming (or something like that). So I was worried when she just started in, but really, what can you expect in 10 minutes? After she was done, I had the very disconcerting experience of having my hair 'air-washed' which was the equivalent of having a vacuum cleaner sucking up all my hair. Overall it was a completely new hair cut experience, and they gave me the comb they used as a ...souvenier? It looks great though, of course the test will be when I wash it. I'm just happy to have it short again.
One thing I have to tell you about: I had a vending machine haircut today! No, I didn't stick my head into a machine, but I put my $10 Singapore bill (about $7 CND) into a vending machine, and it spit a ticket out at me. Then I waited in the queue for the stylist. The deal was $10 for a 10 minute haircut (it was at the airport). I needed a haircut and had been reticent to pay the big bucks to get an English-speaking hair stylist in Taiwan. So I told her what I wanted, she took out the scissors and got started. Now I'm sure I read in Brio ten years ago that if someone every tries to cut your hair dry you should run away screaming (or something like that). So I was worried when she just started in, but really, what can you expect in 10 minutes? After she was done, I had the very disconcerting experience of having my hair 'air-washed' which was the equivalent of having a vacuum cleaner sucking up all my hair. Overall it was a completely new hair cut experience, and they gave me the comb they used as a ...souvenier? It looks great though, of course the test will be when I wash it. I'm just happy to have it short again.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
A Day in Kuala Lumpur
Whew - another day of 'vacation' done. I think 'adventure journey' might be a better term - this is way to extreme to be a vacation! I'm loving it - though, the prevalence of English is marvelous for a traveler's confidence. Malaysia seems to be just like the travel literature said: a true mixture of Asia. So although there are lots of Chinese, East Indian, Malays, etc., English works out to be the common language. So that's made the logisitical side of travelling easier.
So, how was Kuala Lumpur, you ask? Well, first, I should tell you how I got here. Last night after I was at the interet cafe blogging to you, I went to have dinner, then to go to the train station, just in time to pick up my luggage and go through to get on the train and wait. Ha-ha. I had been worried because I was planning on going first class, but when I booked a few weeks back, all that was left was Second. But my worries were unfounded, it was a spacious, clean and airconditioned coach. We left Singapore around 10:30 pm and got into Kuala Lumpur around 6:30 am. I slept most of the way, and had a pretty good nights sleep, although it was certainly chilly. Don't you hate that feeling on trains or planes, when it's just a bit too chilly and you spend the night shivering?! I woke up 5:30, looked at my watch and thought it was 6:30 and started freaking out that I had slept through KL. I was quite a sight, whipping off my eye mask, taking off my extra socks, throwing on my shoes, generally scrambling. After a bit, I noticed the man in front of me was observing me, and I just asked him. But after that, I had trouble sleeping because I didn't want to miss my stop and end up in the Malaysian highlands by mistake!
Once I got off the train in KL, I felt awful. I hadn't showered or laid down since Taipei! The sun was just starting to rise, and I had no desire to see KL, all I wanted to do was sit down. So I decided to try something new - I walked to the proliferation of hotels outside the train station, and rented a room by the hour! I had to choose how many hours at the beginning - four. It was dirt cheap, so I was surprised to find a clean, airconditioned room. I had a shower, put on my pjs and had a wonderful nap. Afterwards, I repacked my bag and felt a good deal more ready to face the day. KL is worlds away from Singapore - although they are moving towards the affulence and opulence, it still feels much more SouthEast Asian poor. I really noticed the Muslim influence, perhaps because I haven't travelled to a Muslim country before (have I?) All the women have colourful head coverings, and while I was at the train station, I was wondering why all the men were going to this room by the washroom; it was a prayer room for them to wash their feet and say their prayers.
I started off my taking the MRT to the Petronas Towers, the tallest building in the world? Taipei 101 says it is now, so I don't know. Taipei's looks taller to me, but really, who am I to say! The Petronas Towers were famous in my mind because they are featured in the film Entrapment with Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta Jones. I did the prefunctory (correct word, anyone?) pictures of the towers, me in front of the towers, although I found it a great hardship to be travelling without a good camera. It's downright depressing to see beautiful things and not be able to capture the memory for 5 years from now when I won't be able to remember a thing.
After I wandered through another massive mall, but again, had no energy to 'shop'. Actually, I'm still not feeling up to speed, my cold is moderately better, I can taste things. But the lingering effects of being sick combined with the energy-sapping heat made me look at every little cafe, longing to sit down and read. I didn't let myself though, if I only have a day in KL, and I slept through the morning, I was going to see everything in the afternoon! So, I whipped myself into shape, and dragged myself all over KL. The heat and blinding sun were oppressive, but it was worth it. KL is certainly not my favorite city ever, it's horrible for pedestrians, but it does have it's charms. I particulary liked the Malaysian Supreme Court, and was again struck by the injustice - all the prettiest buildings have boring things inside. The building looked like a rose and pink castle, with all the trimmings. It reminded me a bit of the the Vanderbult mansion in North Carolina.
I went through Chinatown to see all the hustle and bustle getting ready for Chinese New Year's tonight. It didn't excite me much - it was a lot like Taiwan. And Chinese New Year seems repitious to me, deeply entrenched in my Western mindset as I am. Why would I want to get excited over a New Year, when it's the year of the Rooster, which is supposed to be bad for me because I was born in the year of the Rooster? No, I'll choose to largely ignore it. I might try to see the Dragon Dances tommorrow in Penang.
I wish I could put pictures on here with my stories, it would make it better. Alas. You'll have to wait. Kathy, are you reading this? I was thinking of you in Venice while I was in Singapore. I loved Singapore, but it doesn't hold a candle to Venice. Everyone else, in case I haven't mentioned it before, out of all my travels, Venice is my favorite place. I would say it's a must see before you die. If that's not morbid. (= Let's say it's a must-see before Venice dies, and sinks into the lagoon.
The reason this post is so long, is because I am all checked in for my flight, and have time to kill. Burger King sells Internet Access by the hour, so I thought I would write a small book, Carole Nickle's Solo Adventure Journey Day 3: Kuala Lumpur. Tonight I will be on the island of Penang, staying at what is hopefully a 4 star beach resort. I'll be there all day tommorrow, swimming in the ocean, and then tommorrow night as well. So, don't expect a post for two days, you can just assume it would say this: "Went swimming, read book on beach, drank fresh juice, had a nap."
So, how was Kuala Lumpur, you ask? Well, first, I should tell you how I got here. Last night after I was at the interet cafe blogging to you, I went to have dinner, then to go to the train station, just in time to pick up my luggage and go through to get on the train and wait. Ha-ha. I had been worried because I was planning on going first class, but when I booked a few weeks back, all that was left was Second. But my worries were unfounded, it was a spacious, clean and airconditioned coach. We left Singapore around 10:30 pm and got into Kuala Lumpur around 6:30 am. I slept most of the way, and had a pretty good nights sleep, although it was certainly chilly. Don't you hate that feeling on trains or planes, when it's just a bit too chilly and you spend the night shivering?! I woke up 5:30, looked at my watch and thought it was 6:30 and started freaking out that I had slept through KL. I was quite a sight, whipping off my eye mask, taking off my extra socks, throwing on my shoes, generally scrambling. After a bit, I noticed the man in front of me was observing me, and I just asked him. But after that, I had trouble sleeping because I didn't want to miss my stop and end up in the Malaysian highlands by mistake!
Once I got off the train in KL, I felt awful. I hadn't showered or laid down since Taipei! The sun was just starting to rise, and I had no desire to see KL, all I wanted to do was sit down. So I decided to try something new - I walked to the proliferation of hotels outside the train station, and rented a room by the hour! I had to choose how many hours at the beginning - four. It was dirt cheap, so I was surprised to find a clean, airconditioned room. I had a shower, put on my pjs and had a wonderful nap. Afterwards, I repacked my bag and felt a good deal more ready to face the day. KL is worlds away from Singapore - although they are moving towards the affulence and opulence, it still feels much more SouthEast Asian poor. I really noticed the Muslim influence, perhaps because I haven't travelled to a Muslim country before (have I?) All the women have colourful head coverings, and while I was at the train station, I was wondering why all the men were going to this room by the washroom; it was a prayer room for them to wash their feet and say their prayers.
I started off my taking the MRT to the Petronas Towers, the tallest building in the world? Taipei 101 says it is now, so I don't know. Taipei's looks taller to me, but really, who am I to say! The Petronas Towers were famous in my mind because they are featured in the film Entrapment with Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta Jones. I did the prefunctory (correct word, anyone?) pictures of the towers, me in front of the towers, although I found it a great hardship to be travelling without a good camera. It's downright depressing to see beautiful things and not be able to capture the memory for 5 years from now when I won't be able to remember a thing.
After I wandered through another massive mall, but again, had no energy to 'shop'. Actually, I'm still not feeling up to speed, my cold is moderately better, I can taste things. But the lingering effects of being sick combined with the energy-sapping heat made me look at every little cafe, longing to sit down and read. I didn't let myself though, if I only have a day in KL, and I slept through the morning, I was going to see everything in the afternoon! So, I whipped myself into shape, and dragged myself all over KL. The heat and blinding sun were oppressive, but it was worth it. KL is certainly not my favorite city ever, it's horrible for pedestrians, but it does have it's charms. I particulary liked the Malaysian Supreme Court, and was again struck by the injustice - all the prettiest buildings have boring things inside. The building looked like a rose and pink castle, with all the trimmings. It reminded me a bit of the the Vanderbult mansion in North Carolina.
I went through Chinatown to see all the hustle and bustle getting ready for Chinese New Year's tonight. It didn't excite me much - it was a lot like Taiwan. And Chinese New Year seems repitious to me, deeply entrenched in my Western mindset as I am. Why would I want to get excited over a New Year, when it's the year of the Rooster, which is supposed to be bad for me because I was born in the year of the Rooster? No, I'll choose to largely ignore it. I might try to see the Dragon Dances tommorrow in Penang.
I wish I could put pictures on here with my stories, it would make it better. Alas. You'll have to wait. Kathy, are you reading this? I was thinking of you in Venice while I was in Singapore. I loved Singapore, but it doesn't hold a candle to Venice. Everyone else, in case I haven't mentioned it before, out of all my travels, Venice is my favorite place. I would say it's a must see before you die. If that's not morbid. (= Let's say it's a must-see before Venice dies, and sinks into the lagoon.
The reason this post is so long, is because I am all checked in for my flight, and have time to kill. Burger King sells Internet Access by the hour, so I thought I would write a small book, Carole Nickle's Solo Adventure Journey Day 3: Kuala Lumpur. Tonight I will be on the island of Penang, staying at what is hopefully a 4 star beach resort. I'll be there all day tommorrow, swimming in the ocean, and then tommorrow night as well. So, don't expect a post for two days, you can just assume it would say this: "Went swimming, read book on beach, drank fresh juice, had a nap."
Monday, February 07, 2005
Shopping
Well, good news - after the initial BIG bump in the road my journey has gone according to plan. I got another hour of sleep before I left the Singapore airport, and made the trek downtown to find the train station, where I left my luggage. Then I took a taxi up to the Royal Botanical Gardens. It was simply stunning. I was overwhelmed by how quickly I went from an urban center to a tropical jungle. I read that it's the only rainforest within city limits in any city, or something. I was glad to be by myself, and take my time. It is really hot and muggy, so I kept refilling my water bottle and walking slow. (I know - Carole Nickle, walking slow? But strolling was about all I had energy for). A highlight was the Orchid Gardens. Orchids are quickly becoming my favorite flowers, and this garden had all kinds. My favorite was a hybrid named after Margaret Thatcher. Another highlight of the garden was finding a dark, gazebo, hidden by swaying palm trees and orchids. I curled up on a bench, and had the most wonderful hour and a half nap. Every so often I'd roll over to look up at the sun trickling through the leafy branches and feel a humid breeze - ahhh.
The very sad news is that I could not take a picture of said favorite orchid because....I broke my camera!!! )= I am so mad at myself. See, I always take my SLR camera as a carry on, and this time I had it packed in my bag, because I was planning on taking the whole bag onto the plane as a carryon. It was too heavy, I forgot to take out the camera, and it got banged. The focus won't change, and there's a visible bend to the lense. I took it into a camera store, and he basically said there wasn't anything to be done. I toyed with just buying a new digital camera right then, but I was hot and tired and in no mood to be making a large ticket purchase. So the only pictures I'll have are on my little digital. Doesn't that stink? I think so. I'm trying to console myself with the fact that Kathy and I will for sure come back to Singapore sometime and I can take pictures at the gardens then.
After the gardens, I hit the main shopping drag, Orchard Rd. Now, I like shoppping. I have had my fair share of day long mega-trips with the four cousins hitting all the malls in the GTA. So I thought I would just leave today for two things, the Botanical Gardens and then Shopping for the day. But little did I realize the extent of Orchard Rd. Singapore shopping is shopping gone horribly bad. There are rows and rows of malls, not stores, so it takes hours to go a block. And each mall had stores I loved from the US and England. Ugh. It was busy because of Chinese New Year, and it was just so much sensory overload. Probably kept me from buying stuff, which is good. What I did buy was some bargins: new running shoes for about $10CND, a Harry Potter book for about $5CND, and WAY too much food from Marks and Spencers. It's an emotional attachment I have because of Kathy's time in Scotland and mine at Oxford. Ahh. Which reminds me - Kathy they have a topshop and an accessorize! Both priced like Britian plus imported, so too expensive, but fun to look at.
Now, I'm wrapping up Day 1 of vacation. I love Singapore, even though I haven't really seen it yet. I love how British it feels, while being tropical and relaxed, and I love that everyone speaks English! I don't know what to expect in Kuala Lumpur tommorrow, but I tell you, I can't wait to get to Penang and the beach tommorrow night. I'll keep in touch if possible.
The very sad news is that I could not take a picture of said favorite orchid because....I broke my camera!!! )= I am so mad at myself. See, I always take my SLR camera as a carry on, and this time I had it packed in my bag, because I was planning on taking the whole bag onto the plane as a carryon. It was too heavy, I forgot to take out the camera, and it got banged. The focus won't change, and there's a visible bend to the lense. I took it into a camera store, and he basically said there wasn't anything to be done. I toyed with just buying a new digital camera right then, but I was hot and tired and in no mood to be making a large ticket purchase. So the only pictures I'll have are on my little digital. Doesn't that stink? I think so. I'm trying to console myself with the fact that Kathy and I will for sure come back to Singapore sometime and I can take pictures at the gardens then.
After the gardens, I hit the main shopping drag, Orchard Rd. Now, I like shoppping. I have had my fair share of day long mega-trips with the four cousins hitting all the malls in the GTA. So I thought I would just leave today for two things, the Botanical Gardens and then Shopping for the day. But little did I realize the extent of Orchard Rd. Singapore shopping is shopping gone horribly bad. There are rows and rows of malls, not stores, so it takes hours to go a block. And each mall had stores I loved from the US and England. Ugh. It was busy because of Chinese New Year, and it was just so much sensory overload. Probably kept me from buying stuff, which is good. What I did buy was some bargins: new running shoes for about $10CND, a Harry Potter book for about $5CND, and WAY too much food from Marks and Spencers. It's an emotional attachment I have because of Kathy's time in Scotland and mine at Oxford. Ahh. Which reminds me - Kathy they have a topshop and an accessorize! Both priced like Britian plus imported, so too expensive, but fun to look at.
Now, I'm wrapping up Day 1 of vacation. I love Singapore, even though I haven't really seen it yet. I love how British it feels, while being tropical and relaxed, and I love that everyone speaks English! I don't know what to expect in Kuala Lumpur tommorrow, but I tell you, I can't wait to get to Penang and the beach tommorrow night. I'll keep in touch if possible.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
in Singapore
Hi everyone - I just landed in Singapore. It is almost 6 am. I just spend 10 hours WAITING in the Taipei Airport. Part of me isn't surprised, reading that last blog entry makes me think I would have to eat my words about planning. There's always the unexpected. In this case - massive amounts of fog. Who knew - Taipei is foggy?
Anyway, it worked out to be fine, I had a good book to read, a trolley to sit on, and peace of mind, because my plans were flexible enough to change. I had my cellphone to call the hostel, which was willing to cancel last minute. And I slept the entire 4.5 hours on the plane.
Now I'm in Singapore, and so far, it looks like the airport lives up to it's best in the world reputation. I'm going to go through immigration, get my bag, and find a corner to get a few more hours sleep!
Talk to you soon.
Anyway, it worked out to be fine, I had a good book to read, a trolley to sit on, and peace of mind, because my plans were flexible enough to change. I had my cellphone to call the hostel, which was willing to cancel last minute. And I slept the entire 4.5 hours on the plane.
Now I'm in Singapore, and so far, it looks like the airport lives up to it's best in the world reputation. I'm going to go through immigration, get my bag, and find a corner to get a few more hours sleep!
Talk to you soon.
AHHHHH! How many hours have I wasted trying to get those pictures onto my blog instead of getting ready for my trip? Too many! Now I have less than 2 hours before I have to catch the bus to the airport, and I'm giving up. I'll just have to describe it better to make up for the lack of images. I'll figure out what the problem with the program is when I come back from my trip.
Okay, so Friday night was our Company's Year End Party. Supposed to be a big deal, a 'mandatory' event for us, dress code in effect. I was excited about it at first, but I was quite sick on Friday night, and didn't relish getting out of bed. However, I made it, wearing my favorite pink / purple dress I bought in England. (I realized I have worn the same dress and shoes for the past four occasions I had to get dressed up for: "Romeo and Juliet" at Stratford-upon-Avon, England, "Rigoletto" in Indianapolis, Graduation at Huntington, and then this Company Party. I think since each event was with different people it's okay to rewear the dress, right?)
The food was okay, the speeches were nice. But the real highlight of the evening was the prizes. I did not understand the extent until I got there. They had 25 prizes for the 25 full-time employees, and then they drew names to see who got what prize. In the first round, I won a $1000NT ($40 CND) Starbucks gift card, which is exactly what I was hoping to win, because I would use it much more than an appliance or a thermos, which was what most of the other foreign teacher's won. We all wanted the first prize, a mini-Ipod, until our boss came over and said we would have to give it back if we won it, and then we were all aiming for the second prize!
Anyway, after round one of prizes, and more speeches and games (one which my name was drawn to play - but I won't relive it, it was embarassing, I lost, because they would say the instructions in Chinese, my competitior would run off to do it, and I would have to wait for them to translate it into English for me. Oh well, I was a good sport about running around and looking foolish - trying to gather 10 watches, three business cards, etc). The second round of prizes came up, this one was mostly Hung Bo, or red envelopes of lucky money. I've never before understood the joy of this concept, until I was sitting in the room on the edge of my seat waiting for them to draw my name. This time there were only a few, so not everyone would get an envelope. They kept calling names, and I kept hoping. I felt for sure it would be one of those times when you keep hoping and hoping, and then the last name is called and you get nothing! But this time, I kept hoping, and hoping, and then the last and biggest envelope's name was called: "Car..ole?" He-He!! I won! I was excited, and excepted my envelope from the President of our Company and the CEO of Singapore Airlines. And I didn't have to give it back.
Now, in our culture, it would be impolite to look at how much was in the envelope right away, but I think Taiwanese culture is different - everyone at the table was asking me "How much is it?" So I checked: $8000 NT, or about $325 CND! I was so excited. Carolyn asking "You've won $8000 dollars, what are you going to do?" The correct answer being "I'm going to Singapore!" Don't worry, I'm not going to blow it in Singapore - most of it will go in the bank. But I might just buy a little something special in Singapore. Overall the night was exciting, but I didn't like the lottery prize system. I felt guilty that Carolyn only got a $1000 gift certificate and a rice cooker. (Although out of everyone she was probably the only person that would squeal when they learned they won a rice cooker - she has a very strong domestic / cooking side). I think that year end rewards would be better handed out fairly based on salary and performance or something, but maybe that's just my Canadian mindset at work. And who am I to complain, I came away the winner!
So I leave for Singapore and Malaysia in 2 hours. I'm feeling a little better, although not all better. I'm excited about the trip, and everything is planned within an inch of perfection, so it should be a nice relaxing time. That's my secret to travel, plan, plan, plan beforehand (when planning is a fun way of thinking about your trip to come), and then when you're abroad, you can enjoy every moment without any stress or confusion.
Let's see if it works for me. I'll be back on the evening of February 11th, and will do my best to get photos online!
Happy Chinese New Year to you all!
Okay, so Friday night was our Company's Year End Party. Supposed to be a big deal, a 'mandatory' event for us, dress code in effect. I was excited about it at first, but I was quite sick on Friday night, and didn't relish getting out of bed. However, I made it, wearing my favorite pink / purple dress I bought in England. (I realized I have worn the same dress and shoes for the past four occasions I had to get dressed up for: "Romeo and Juliet" at Stratford-upon-Avon, England, "Rigoletto" in Indianapolis, Graduation at Huntington, and then this Company Party. I think since each event was with different people it's okay to rewear the dress, right?)
The food was okay, the speeches were nice. But the real highlight of the evening was the prizes. I did not understand the extent until I got there. They had 25 prizes for the 25 full-time employees, and then they drew names to see who got what prize. In the first round, I won a $1000NT ($40 CND) Starbucks gift card, which is exactly what I was hoping to win, because I would use it much more than an appliance or a thermos, which was what most of the other foreign teacher's won. We all wanted the first prize, a mini-Ipod, until our boss came over and said we would have to give it back if we won it, and then we were all aiming for the second prize!
Anyway, after round one of prizes, and more speeches and games (one which my name was drawn to play - but I won't relive it, it was embarassing, I lost, because they would say the instructions in Chinese, my competitior would run off to do it, and I would have to wait for them to translate it into English for me. Oh well, I was a good sport about running around and looking foolish - trying to gather 10 watches, three business cards, etc). The second round of prizes came up, this one was mostly Hung Bo, or red envelopes of lucky money. I've never before understood the joy of this concept, until I was sitting in the room on the edge of my seat waiting for them to draw my name. This time there were only a few, so not everyone would get an envelope. They kept calling names, and I kept hoping. I felt for sure it would be one of those times when you keep hoping and hoping, and then the last name is called and you get nothing! But this time, I kept hoping, and hoping, and then the last and biggest envelope's name was called: "Car..ole?" He-He!! I won! I was excited, and excepted my envelope from the President of our Company and the CEO of Singapore Airlines. And I didn't have to give it back.
Now, in our culture, it would be impolite to look at how much was in the envelope right away, but I think Taiwanese culture is different - everyone at the table was asking me "How much is it?" So I checked: $8000 NT, or about $325 CND! I was so excited. Carolyn asking "You've won $8000 dollars, what are you going to do?" The correct answer being "I'm going to Singapore!" Don't worry, I'm not going to blow it in Singapore - most of it will go in the bank. But I might just buy a little something special in Singapore. Overall the night was exciting, but I didn't like the lottery prize system. I felt guilty that Carolyn only got a $1000 gift certificate and a rice cooker. (Although out of everyone she was probably the only person that would squeal when they learned they won a rice cooker - she has a very strong domestic / cooking side). I think that year end rewards would be better handed out fairly based on salary and performance or something, but maybe that's just my Canadian mindset at work. And who am I to complain, I came away the winner!
So I leave for Singapore and Malaysia in 2 hours. I'm feeling a little better, although not all better. I'm excited about the trip, and everything is planned within an inch of perfection, so it should be a nice relaxing time. That's my secret to travel, plan, plan, plan beforehand (when planning is a fun way of thinking about your trip to come), and then when you're abroad, you can enjoy every moment without any stress or confusion.
Let's see if it works for me. I'll be back on the evening of February 11th, and will do my best to get photos online!
Happy Chinese New Year to you all!
Friday, February 04, 2005
oops
I've spent all morning on the internet, and I was supposed to do two things: catch up on emails and write an intelligent blog entry. I did neither, and instead read other people's blogs. So addictive. I have to stop now, I need a nap. Perhaps after I will feel like blogging. If not, there will be photos of me looking surprisingly fetching for being sick as a dog (HA! get it?) at the Year-End company party tonight.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
sick, again.
I hate to be a whiner, but just as I was getting better, I got sick again. Yucky. This morning I woke up with chills and a fever, and still have my cough and sinus problems. It was a rather miserable day of singing children's songs. However, I have to share my favorite song. It's to the tune of "Are you sleeping" or "Frerenjaka"
Never, never, play with matches
If you do, if you do,
You might burn your house down
You might burn your house down
That won't do, that won't do.
Yup - you might burn your house down, and of course, that won't do! It was the only song we sang that we actually messed up because we were laughing.
By the end of the day, I was in quite a state, and the other teachers (Taiwanese) were quite insistent that I should go to the doctor. It goes against my Mom's training to never go to the doctor and never take medicine. However, I'm leaving for Singapore on Sunday - I don't have time to wait it out. So I went. Wow, Taiwan has a great medical system. The whole process was quick, efficient, and in English. I got a wide variety of medicine to take care of everything - I think the doctor was horrified that I didn't come in earlier.
I realise that my trip to the doctor is far from interesting news, and frankly doesn't make this blog very intellectual or entertaining. Heh, the drugs haven't worked yet. Expect a wonderfully lucid and thought provoking post tommorrow.
Never, never, play with matches
If you do, if you do,
You might burn your house down
You might burn your house down
That won't do, that won't do.
Yup - you might burn your house down, and of course, that won't do! It was the only song we sang that we actually messed up because we were laughing.
By the end of the day, I was in quite a state, and the other teachers (Taiwanese) were quite insistent that I should go to the doctor. It goes against my Mom's training to never go to the doctor and never take medicine. However, I'm leaving for Singapore on Sunday - I don't have time to wait it out. So I went. Wow, Taiwan has a great medical system. The whole process was quick, efficient, and in English. I got a wide variety of medicine to take care of everything - I think the doctor was horrified that I didn't come in earlier.
I realise that my trip to the doctor is far from interesting news, and frankly doesn't make this blog very intellectual or entertaining. Heh, the drugs haven't worked yet. Expect a wonderfully lucid and thought provoking post tommorrow.
Monday, January 31, 2005
This is the poster I bought at the Chinese New Year Sale at Ikea. I had my eye on it from before - I love it because it is exactly like the little pier I liked to sit on at the Muskoka Woods Sports Resort - the same two docks, the same kind of view, the same purply morning light ( I got up early to go out and sit before quizzing competitions).
A Day off
Hi folks.
You'll never guess what! It's 8:30 am on Monday morning and I'm sitting on the couch. No, I didn't run crying out of the classroom and call it quits. Actually, I have a day off, after 7 days of working. I wasn't supposed to have the day off, we were supposed to go on a field trip with our winter camp students to the Taiwan equivalent of Canada's Wonderland. I was kinda excited, sounds like fun. The tickets are expensive, and it was all paid for, and we didn't have to watch kids, we could go off by ourselves. Well, why didn't we get to go? I mentioned to my boss a few nights ago a simple question about overtime. See, working for the then planned 12 days straight does warrant overtime, no? Well, the threat of overtime was all he needed. Then, he came in the next day, and told us that the field trip was 'optional'. I wanted it spelled out: "So if it's optional you're not going to let us count it as teaching hours so it won't be overtime, right?" No beating around the bush. It stinks because that was the only fun part of the camp, and I did sort of want to go. But I knew I needed a day off a lot more, by the end of camp yesterday (Sunday) I was ready to scream, literally. Some of the kids annoy me to no end.
Anyway, I could keep venting about the camp and my company. However, I have no desire to get dooced (new word, means get fired for what you write about your job on your blog) so I shall use restrait.
Summary:
Still love Taiwan, still love my school FuHsing, it's teachers, administration and students.
Very much dislike: the 'company', the boss, the winter camp structure, small children (just at the moment).
I'll post more tonight - I should have pictures of a newly designed bedroom!
You'll never guess what! It's 8:30 am on Monday morning and I'm sitting on the couch. No, I didn't run crying out of the classroom and call it quits. Actually, I have a day off, after 7 days of working. I wasn't supposed to have the day off, we were supposed to go on a field trip with our winter camp students to the Taiwan equivalent of Canada's Wonderland. I was kinda excited, sounds like fun. The tickets are expensive, and it was all paid for, and we didn't have to watch kids, we could go off by ourselves. Well, why didn't we get to go? I mentioned to my boss a few nights ago a simple question about overtime. See, working for the then planned 12 days straight does warrant overtime, no? Well, the threat of overtime was all he needed. Then, he came in the next day, and told us that the field trip was 'optional'. I wanted it spelled out: "So if it's optional you're not going to let us count it as teaching hours so it won't be overtime, right?" No beating around the bush. It stinks because that was the only fun part of the camp, and I did sort of want to go. But I knew I needed a day off a lot more, by the end of camp yesterday (Sunday) I was ready to scream, literally. Some of the kids annoy me to no end.
Anyway, I could keep venting about the camp and my company. However, I have no desire to get dooced (new word, means get fired for what you write about your job on your blog) so I shall use restrait.
Summary:
Still love Taiwan, still love my school FuHsing, it's teachers, administration and students.
Very much dislike: the 'company', the boss, the winter camp structure, small children (just at the moment).
I'll post more tonight - I should have pictures of a newly designed bedroom!
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Friday, January 28, 2005
quickie
There's so much that I want to say, but prudence tells me I should go to bed - now. So briefly,
Today was my first day teaching at a Winter Camp, a different school, different kids. I didn't want to, but it's part of my contract with Foresight. I took over the class, that's been going all week, and I just met the kids today. Then, at 2pm, I was informed that we would need to stay for the evening for Parents Night. I had to cancel my tutoring, and do the rounds, meeting parents of kids I didn't really know. I did a pretty good job of lying through my teeth, first i'd check the kids name tag, then say "Oh, yes, Sarah is a wonderful part of our class - she tries very hard!). But being social in such an odd situation, and making up so much stuff - it was a long night.
Now to bed. Tommorrow morning we're taking them to the Astronomilogical Museum, which will be interesting. Then making pinatas in the afternoon...hmm. I just keep reminding myself that it's only a few days more and then vacation, but boy, it's alot of work on little sleep. I will remidy that now by stopping blogging and starting sleeping.
Today was my first day teaching at a Winter Camp, a different school, different kids. I didn't want to, but it's part of my contract with Foresight. I took over the class, that's been going all week, and I just met the kids today. Then, at 2pm, I was informed that we would need to stay for the evening for Parents Night. I had to cancel my tutoring, and do the rounds, meeting parents of kids I didn't really know. I did a pretty good job of lying through my teeth, first i'd check the kids name tag, then say "Oh, yes, Sarah is a wonderful part of our class - she tries very hard!). But being social in such an odd situation, and making up so much stuff - it was a long night.
Now to bed. Tommorrow morning we're taking them to the Astronomilogical Museum, which will be interesting. Then making pinatas in the afternoon...hmm. I just keep reminding myself that it's only a few days more and then vacation, but boy, it's alot of work on little sleep. I will remidy that now by stopping blogging and starting sleeping.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
relational
Quick Update:
1. My cough is worse, and I've been coughing so hard that now everytime I do, pain shoots through my head. Thank goodness for Advil Liqui-Gels.
2. My sunburn is much less painful - I could sleep on my side last night for the first time (although I still didn't sleep well because I kept coughing). Some of my skin is peeling, and some of it is all bubbly and blistery. Eew. I'd put a picture on, but it grosses me out so I doubt you'd want to see it. I was trying to think about how to describe what it looked like, when at lunch I looked down and realized - "my skin looks just like these french fries!" C. thought that was gross, but it's true.
3. Mental state - much better, for two reasons: first, we didn't have to sing today, they are going to wait till next week. So instead, C. and I made flashcards all day, one of the most fun parts of my job (don't worry, I'll leave some for you, K.)
Second, I was sitting down at the computer to fill in some time between finishing my flashcards and when S. is supposed to come for tutoring, and I was so tired and yucky feeling, I felt like I was going to start crying (remember tired = emotional). Then I opened up my email inbox and had the nicest letters from my two closest friends, and they made me cry in a good way! I'm soooo fortunate to have such incredible friends. For an introvert with relational problems (due to a case of identical twinship), I am so lucky that I found such great friends, I often feel unworthy. Thanks C. and H. for being so great! (That's actually rather ambigious because I have an abnormally large percentage of friends with a name starting with C., however this C. knows who she is!)
Finally, switching back from the "I'm so Lucky" mindset to the "Woe is Me" mindset, I'm in the middle of a 12 day work week. Seriously! This is made worse by the aforementioned illnesses and my evening tutoring sessions. We started with 4 days at FuHsing recording the dialogues and songs, then 5 days teaching a winter camp at another school called Wesley (the camp runs through the weekend), then the final 3 days back at Fu Hsing, finishing up all the songs we didn't do. However, there is a huge neon light glaring at the end of the tunnel, which is the promise of one fabulous vacation I have planned in Singapore and Malaysia. Only 8 more days to make it through.
1. My cough is worse, and I've been coughing so hard that now everytime I do, pain shoots through my head. Thank goodness for Advil Liqui-Gels.
2. My sunburn is much less painful - I could sleep on my side last night for the first time (although I still didn't sleep well because I kept coughing). Some of my skin is peeling, and some of it is all bubbly and blistery. Eew. I'd put a picture on, but it grosses me out so I doubt you'd want to see it. I was trying to think about how to describe what it looked like, when at lunch I looked down and realized - "my skin looks just like these french fries!" C. thought that was gross, but it's true.
3. Mental state - much better, for two reasons: first, we didn't have to sing today, they are going to wait till next week. So instead, C. and I made flashcards all day, one of the most fun parts of my job (don't worry, I'll leave some for you, K.)
Second, I was sitting down at the computer to fill in some time between finishing my flashcards and when S. is supposed to come for tutoring, and I was so tired and yucky feeling, I felt like I was going to start crying (remember tired = emotional). Then I opened up my email inbox and had the nicest letters from my two closest friends, and they made me cry in a good way! I'm soooo fortunate to have such incredible friends. For an introvert with relational problems (due to a case of identical twinship), I am so lucky that I found such great friends, I often feel unworthy. Thanks C. and H. for being so great! (That's actually rather ambigious because I have an abnormally large percentage of friends with a name starting with C., however this C. knows who she is!)
Finally, switching back from the "I'm so Lucky" mindset to the "Woe is Me" mindset, I'm in the middle of a 12 day work week. Seriously! This is made worse by the aforementioned illnesses and my evening tutoring sessions. We started with 4 days at FuHsing recording the dialogues and songs, then 5 days teaching a winter camp at another school called Wesley (the camp runs through the weekend), then the final 3 days back at Fu Hsing, finishing up all the songs we didn't do. However, there is a huge neon light glaring at the end of the tunnel, which is the promise of one fabulous vacation I have planned in Singapore and Malaysia. Only 8 more days to make it through.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Somebody Shoot Me!
Oh dear! I've officially hit the 'somebody shoot me' stage of being sick. I can handle a painful sunburn, I can handle a horrible cough, I can handle a bad night's sleep. The three together is too much! Well, woe is me. This is the only place I will complain about it, because one of my pet peeves is people who can't handle being sick and have to moan to everyone. I'll just moan to all of you who aren't sitting around listening to me hack up flem. (Lovely picture, eh?)
Well, given the description of my physical condition, can you guess what I did all day? Yes, sleep in bed should be the correct answer, but you'll never guess what I really did....
Started my career as a recording artist. Yes, very soon, you too can hear a very scratchy and sick voice singing such classics as "The Wheels on the Bus" and "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" on the Fu Hsing CD. "Oh, my!" is right! If you've ever heard me sing, you realise how preposterous this is. I mean, I can sing on key, but I can never find the right pitch for an alto, and I'm very breathy.
Well, that, and a horrible cough and sore throat didn't stop me. We did almost all of the kindergarten songs today (about 4o songs), and although it's not going to win any Grammys, it is surprisingly on-key and listenable. I had Carolyn singing all the songs with me, and we both sing low, so those little kindies are going to have a surprise when they sing along! WE have all the grade 1 and grade 2 songs still to do, but our 'bosses' took pity on us, and suggested we wait till next week to give our voices a rest. Will do, my voice and me need a rest!
On the plus side, I had tutoring tonight with S., and I was less than adequately prepared. But he brought in interview questions, and it ending up being one of those evenings when I look at my watch an hour and a half later and realize the time has flown. It's a two hour session, and when we're both tired, it can seem like forever. But tonight was quick and painless, he's fun to talk to.
Well, given the description of my physical condition, can you guess what I did all day? Yes, sleep in bed should be the correct answer, but you'll never guess what I really did....
Started my career as a recording artist. Yes, very soon, you too can hear a very scratchy and sick voice singing such classics as "The Wheels on the Bus" and "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" on the Fu Hsing CD. "Oh, my!" is right! If you've ever heard me sing, you realise how preposterous this is. I mean, I can sing on key, but I can never find the right pitch for an alto, and I'm very breathy.
Well, that, and a horrible cough and sore throat didn't stop me. We did almost all of the kindergarten songs today (about 4o songs), and although it's not going to win any Grammys, it is surprisingly on-key and listenable. I had Carolyn singing all the songs with me, and we both sing low, so those little kindies are going to have a surprise when they sing along! WE have all the grade 1 and grade 2 songs still to do, but our 'bosses' took pity on us, and suggested we wait till next week to give our voices a rest. Will do, my voice and me need a rest!
On the plus side, I had tutoring tonight with S., and I was less than adequately prepared. But he brought in interview questions, and it ending up being one of those evenings when I look at my watch an hour and a half later and realize the time has flown. It's a two hour session, and when we're both tired, it can seem like forever. But tonight was quick and painless, he's fun to talk to.
A hot January
It's January 25 and I have my air conditioning on. At 10 pm at night! Wonders never cease. I have every hope that this is simply a little mid-winter heat wave and does not signal the beginning of spring quite yet. I'm not ready to pack up my sweaters and go back to being a sweat bucket.
Which reminds me, I got a new sweatshirt today! And a bunch of other great stuff. Kathy's birthday present was waiting for me at work today, and it couldn't have come at a better time. I'm absolutely miserable with a hacking cough and an incredibly painful sunburn and three nights of little sleep because I can't lie in any other position than straight on my back, arms at my side. Anyway, I usually have a pretty high pain tolerance, but I have no tolerance for not getting enough sleep. None at all. As some as you know, as soon as I sleep much below 7 hours a night I start getting very emotional. So I've been feeling depressed, for no good reason. But Kathy's gift made everything okay - I got a new Roots Sweatshirt, which is exactly what I've been craving (I didn’t bring any sweatshirts with me). I got the new Tim Hughes cd I bought and had shipped to Taiwan but never got, I have a new leather Roots GB wallet / passport holder. Maple candies, and Misty mints. Yum. Mulled Cider from second cup, which I am keeping until it gets nice and chilly again, I know it will. Anyway, I'm saving some to open tomorrow - spread the joy and all, but as I walked home tonight in my new sweatshirt, snacking on misty mints, and awaiting my cd, I was so happy to have a twin sister whose love language is gifts too!
Tonight I went to see "A Series of Unfortunate Events" and greatly enjoyed it, right up till the end, when it had a happy ending. If you've read the books, you'll know what I mean. The whole point is that it's NOT a happy ending. Oh well, it was still worth seeing. I agree with Claire - Jim Carrey is not right for the role - It was too much jim carrey and not enough Count Olaf. The children were perfect though.
On the walk home from the movie, the weather was so nice, it reminded me of May nights in Huntington, when I'd be walking and want to just go around the block one more time, because the weather was so perfect. And so I did. However, I ended up getting exhaust blown in my face from the 7-eleven truck, having two scooters screech by me, and looking up to see a purply / orange haze in the sky instead of the Indiana stars. Not quite the same relaxing walk. I did however pass the two florists on my block, whose store fronts are full of orchids of every sort. The truck was parked in the street and loaded down, so I stopped to admire. I believe that everyone gives gifts for Chinese new year- and Orchids are good luck. So they are everywhere. Lovely.
Which reminds me, I got a new sweatshirt today! And a bunch of other great stuff. Kathy's birthday present was waiting for me at work today, and it couldn't have come at a better time. I'm absolutely miserable with a hacking cough and an incredibly painful sunburn and three nights of little sleep because I can't lie in any other position than straight on my back, arms at my side. Anyway, I usually have a pretty high pain tolerance, but I have no tolerance for not getting enough sleep. None at all. As some as you know, as soon as I sleep much below 7 hours a night I start getting very emotional. So I've been feeling depressed, for no good reason. But Kathy's gift made everything okay - I got a new Roots Sweatshirt, which is exactly what I've been craving (I didn’t bring any sweatshirts with me). I got the new Tim Hughes cd I bought and had shipped to Taiwan but never got, I have a new leather Roots GB wallet / passport holder. Maple candies, and Misty mints. Yum. Mulled Cider from second cup, which I am keeping until it gets nice and chilly again, I know it will. Anyway, I'm saving some to open tomorrow - spread the joy and all, but as I walked home tonight in my new sweatshirt, snacking on misty mints, and awaiting my cd, I was so happy to have a twin sister whose love language is gifts too!
Tonight I went to see "A Series of Unfortunate Events" and greatly enjoyed it, right up till the end, when it had a happy ending. If you've read the books, you'll know what I mean. The whole point is that it's NOT a happy ending. Oh well, it was still worth seeing. I agree with Claire - Jim Carrey is not right for the role - It was too much jim carrey and not enough Count Olaf. The children were perfect though.
On the walk home from the movie, the weather was so nice, it reminded me of May nights in Huntington, when I'd be walking and want to just go around the block one more time, because the weather was so perfect. And so I did. However, I ended up getting exhaust blown in my face from the 7-eleven truck, having two scooters screech by me, and looking up to see a purply / orange haze in the sky instead of the Indiana stars. Not quite the same relaxing walk. I did however pass the two florists on my block, whose store fronts are full of orchids of every sort. The truck was parked in the street and loaded down, so I stopped to admire. I believe that everyone gives gifts for Chinese new year- and Orchids are good luck. So they are everywhere. Lovely.
Monday, January 24, 2005
Tourist Attraction
Hualien was a fairly good-sized city that is about half way down the island of Taiwan. There are however, very few foreigners there, and I got stared at everywhere I went, walking down the street, eating, etc. Here I was having lunch in Starbucks, when two women came up to me and asked to take my picture. I laughed and agreed, and after got them to take one with my camera, for the record.
The final strech
This was the very end of the bike path, the last pavillion I stopped in. I saw the end, and food in sight, so I took some time to enjoy the view. It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm, and the air was fresh. But now I have a nasty sunburn, I'll save you the details.
The ocean
This was the view of the ocean from the beginning of the bike path, where the taxi dropped me off. I had my little McDonalds coffee an bagel listening to the waves.
Self-Portrait
I have learned the importance of self-portraits when travelling alone - otherwise you have no proof that you've really been there. Here is my little picture set up along the bike path, at the beginning of the day, when I was still gloriously white. (P.S. I do know the dangers of the sun, I hate sunburns, and I would have done anything to prevent this one, but I was in the middle of nowhere - no taxis, no buses, no stores, and the only option was to walk back to town. Just so you know, so I don't need a reminder of the dangerous of skin cancer).
My feet
Following the bike path along the ocean was relatively straightforward, there were lots of signs. Every so often there was a pavillion like this to sit in and relax while enjoying the sound of the ocean. I took this opportunity to sit in the shade, and take of my shoes!
Tarako Gorge
A typical view of the gorge - it is considered the number 1 tourist attraction in Taiwan, and is beautiful indeed. It was an interesting mini-break for me, since a spa getaway is a good deal more my style than trekking, however. I was still blown away by how lovely it was, this picture doesn't really capture it.
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