Wow, what a week! The last two days have been pretty meeting intensive and we haven't gotten out as much. However I've enjoyed some bonding time with ladies on my floor and attempted public transportation semi-alone. This afternoon my principal drove me over to the kindergarten campus and I met with the head teacher and my buddy/mentor Tina Wong. We had a great session and she answered the million questions I threw at her and of course I have a million more but I feel so much better. Then I had to get home so we took the train together but she let me lead and I did okay and then I had to get off by myself and walk home and of course I did just fine! Funny too but I ran into several other new teachers as soon as I crossed the street all in front of the Park n Shop. That was cool. We are already forming a community.
Living in a big city is a change. Living on the 7th floor of a building is a big change. Living in a school is so weird and cool. I can't even explain it. But I'm feeling more confident every day in the basics. I have also discovered that my previous school/district prepared me really well for the meetings and things on writing objectives and differentiated instruction and 6 traits writing. I think Ernie felt similarly that we were well prepared. So thank you Madison! And thanks most of all to the Lord. It's amazing when you can see each step that you have taken has meaning towards something bigger.
We practiced Cantonese phrases today. I know my bus stop. I know please/thank you/excuse me - Mm Goi. I kinda know how to say 7th floor. I'm learning fast. It's sooo cool! Ernie too and he's brave enough to use it. I said Mm Goi to the janitor lady today and she started talking to me in Cantonese and I had to say I don't know it! :) I really like the language. It's so interesting. Everything is so thrilling. And there's hand sanitizer everywhere here! What a clean and germ concious city!
Well, I don't really have much more to say. We have an ice cream social on our floor in about an hour. Tomorrow is Saturday and we get a day to ourselves. Not sure what we'll do yet. But we get our memory foam mattress pads - hurray! I don't think I've look forward to bedding more in my life! Then we'll attend church on Sunday at a church called ICA - Internation Christian Assembly and it's my birthday so maybe brunch. Then the cable/internet installer comes between two and three. Then it's back to work! Anyway, I'll post video after they install the internet and I can get on my personal laptop. I'm in the computer lab right now. Well, much love to you all and we're doing just fine.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Our Trip to Hong Kong and Life thereafter...
Day 2
As I write this I have no idea when I will be able to get on wireless to post this. But I wanted to write down my experiences before they slip my mind. We arrived on Sunday evening about 6:30 pm Hong Kong time. Our flight was 12 hours and 52 minutes exactly and it was a great flight. Smooth, hardly any turbulence and we each had our own screen on the seat in front of us with movies, music and games galore that kept us pretty entertained. We dozed on and off and got up on and off. They served a delicious lunch soon after we took off - I had penne pasta and Ernie had beef in a tomato sauce. We had yummy cheesecake and cookie too. A few hours before we landed we had dinner. Our flight attendent was very nice. We felt very spoiled! But as the end of our flight neared I was anxious to get off!
We arrived at the Hong Kong International airport and had to go through customs. I thought it was very thrilling to have my passport and visa stamped saying I was allowed to stay for employment! Then we went to get our bags - which thankfully arrived and no damage! While getting our bags we spotted the couple we'd been communicating with on facebook - Brad and Emily. So then the four of us walked out and there was our school waiting for us. Phew! They were great and collected us and our bags. We had to wait for one more couple to arrive so we went upstairs and hung out and drank water and got to know each other a bit. Then the other couple arrived so we journeyed out to the bus that was waiting for us and got loaded up. Then we took the drive from Lantau Island to the New Territories where our school is. It was so weird that the driver was on the wrong side! The freeway looked not unlike AZ in the dark only you could tell there were different plants. Then you began to notice water on both sides. That was when we went over our first major bridge - all lit up and looming as we approached it. It was so cool! There was a giant shipyard on the left and on the right we began to get our first glimpse of Hong Kong Island - all lit up just like on TV! We drove over another bridge and through several shiny new tunnels on our way to the school. As tired as we were it was fascinating!
We noticed there were no houses anywhere. Just high rise after high rise of what appears to be apartments. And no Walmarts, CVS, Walgreens, Blockbusters on every corner. Really the stores are tucked away and not easy to see. It's neat. Then we were there! Our new home! Down in the parking garage we were assigned our keys and then taken to our apartments. Our apartment is great! We ended up with a mountain view which also gave us a huge kitchen! Our kitchen and bathroom are both bigger then the one we had in our house in the U.S. believe it or not! They are off the short hallway once you enter the apartment. Then we have our dining/living area with a fake leather sofa bed couch and cute TV stand with small flat screen and cubby shelves (it's totally Ikea). Also a nice table and four chairs and a desk with a rolling chair (where I'm sitting now enjoying a cup of coffee). Everything is clean cut and new and nice. We have a fridge that is not quite full size and a convection oven and range top in our kitchen. Plenty of counter space and cupboards too! More then we could ever use. In the bedroom we have a queen bed with drawers and a small dresser and a large wardrobe with a full length mirror and PLENTY of storage. Across the whole end of the apartment is a large balcony patio that looks over the freeway and to the mountain. When we woke up yesterday we went outside as the sun was rising and the sounds of the little rainforest came alive. All the plants are so green and foreign looking to me. It's so neat!
Now let me tell you about the air conditioning. It puts Arizona so entirely to shame. They are these small panasonic wall units - one in the living room and one in the bedroom with vents throughout. They blow the coldest air I have ever felt! No air was on when we arrived so Ernie turned it way down and within a short time I was shivering! They are so quiet they sound like fans on low and our apartment says cool and doesn't feel too damp. It is definitely moist here but I think I'm adapting well. I don't think it feels that hot. We were out all day yesterday and it was sunny and I was fine. It's in the 80's and there is a hint of a cooler breeze that makes all the difference.
After arriving at the apartment we were given our temporary cell phones, our relocation allowance part in cash and part in check and our badges and all our check in and orientation forms in a folder. So organized! Then we partially unpacked and started to determine what we needed. Yes, there were sheets and pillowcases and two pillows but no blankets! Anyone that knows me knows I need a real blanket! Luckily I had my fleece one I took on the plane. We realized we needed things like dish soap, laundry detergent, garbage bags, cleaners, bath mats etc. I felt a little freaked out knowing I couldn't just jump in the car and run to Walmart but that was easily remedied the first day. We went to bed about 11pm and woke up about 5 am. Not too bad. Then we got ready,explored our campus a bit and then we met the headmaster in the parking garage. What a neat guy! He asked what I thought of the bed. I said it was too hard and couldn't wait to go get a mattress pad. Turns out now the guy in charge of facilities is getting us all one! We soon discovered where the Park n Shop was (but it was like 7:30 so it was closed) and we wandered a bit and then came back for breakfast at 8:15. That's where I had another neat experience. We were served eggs and english muffins and sausage and there there was a bowl of fruit with what literally looked like dice in it. Little white squares with black dots. I was like Whoa! It was dragonfruit. I guess that's common here and hard to get in the U.S. So cool! It was cut up with kiwi, watermelon and served with a yogurt sauce. We ate and mingled and I got to meet my principal. Then they had a leadership retreat. Gostick, our HR guru who is so awesome, had on the board our itinerary for the day. We had to go get our Hong Kong Identity cards, then lunch and then set up our bank accounts. That sounds simple but it took all day.
Okay, for new teachers there are: Me and Ernie, Brad and Emily, Melanie and Russ, Jennifer and Joshua (they have two small children). Then there's Kath from New Zealand, Fabien and Rinata. Along with Cathy - a veteran teacher along to help us out and Ada and Gostick from HR we set out. Everyone is in their 20's and 30's - it' so neat! We were soon a bonded group as we navigated the New Territories. We first went to the Jubilee Shopping Court which is where we got our indentity cards. It's also where my campus is. First half of us got our I.D.s. It's just like going to the motor vehicle dept. We were walked through the process, fingerprinted, photographed and given a temporary paper I.D. In September we can pick up our card. I thought that was just thrilling! Then I got to go upstairs and see the kindergarten which is on the 7th floor!!! In between are shops and restaurants - so cool! I got to peek at my classroom but a summer program was going on in there. Then I got to watch the 4 and 5 year old class in summer school do an activity while waiting. They are SO CUTE! I met some of the personnel and they were SO NICE! We had lunch together. After everyone was done we went and ate dim sum in this large chinese restaurant. We had two large tables in our own room with the thing that spins in the middle. I tried everything and it was soooo delicious. Everything had great flavor and nothing was bad. Even Ernie was trying everything. It was just pork and chicken and beef and shrimp and vegetable stuff. Gostick chose the dishes and kept it fairly safe!
After lunch we took the train (the MTR) and got to use our Octopus card. It has a chip so you can just scan your purse and go. We jumped on and jumped off. It's so true, there are taxi's, mini buses and the train right there were we are that will take us anywhere! We got off at this HUGE mall and half the group went to the bank to start their accounts and the rest of us looked at cell phone plans and went to a drugstore in the mall. But it's really nothing like our malls. A little crazy really. I found a nail place but yes, much more expensive! EVERYONE is asian. I know that seems like an obvious statement but in AZ we see so much diversity that seeing such a homogenous culture is noticeable. And after having a little girl gawk at me I realized I look different! Again, seems obvious, but it wasn't. Cathy was our guide and it was good because she's American so she could advise us and see things from our point of view.
Then it was our turn to open the bank accounts. That took forever! We just got simple accounts that our paychecks can be direct-deposited into and we got atm cards to take cash out. In 3 months we can upgrade. So how cool! In one day I got an I.D. and bank account. I felt so - I don't know - ready to go! Then we spotted a Starbucks in the mall and we had to go. You know, I'm all about having new experiences but when you are somewhere where everything is so different a touch of home is nice. Then we decided we had to go to Ikea. We just needed stuff and that was the place to go so Cathy got us there and then told us how to get home and left. So we made a plan to meet up at 5:30 (that was in an hour) and we began shopping. Course we all ran into each other all over the place. We got a quilt and a duvet cover and bath mats, pillows, and dish rags and stuff like that. We also priced a few other things. Then we checked out and five of us took our first taxi cab home and split it. That was cool. It was very clean and nice. Then we checked out each other's apartments and went to the Park n Shop to get cleaning supplies and some food. It's funny, I told Ernie everything is just a little funky. There's all the same stuff but it's a little different. Does that make sense? Then we all set about cleaning and setting up our places for the rest of the night.
Some observations: It was a crazy, busy, fast paced day. I kept smelling this awful smell and I asked what it was. It was Durien fruit. Any of you watch Andrew Zimmern or Anthony Bourdain? Heard of that fruit that's supposed to stink so bad but people love it? Yeah, it smells like the worst garbage. I was thrilled to finally know - as weird as that sounds. Hong Kong just has it's own smell. It's humid, smoggy, breezy, balmy, sweet and slighly like mothballs. But I don't mind it. I have been pleased with how smoothly everything has gone so far. We feel confident enough to at least take care of our basic needs so far. I think today we are going to go to City One which is about a 10 minute walk and go to the "Target-like" store for a DVD player, a fan and a coffee pot after our meetings all day. We have to make sure we can carry whatever we buy. That's different but so far it's been okay. We put our bags in the trunk of the taxi which is not called a trunk but a boot. The elevator is called a lift and the bathroom is called the toilet. Everything is in English and Chinese so we managed just fine. Everyone who lives there says it's very safe - not that I am going to be any less careful or aware but it WAS different. We didn't see any police when we were out and about but lots of security. In the airport the police walked around with berets and machine guns. That was crazy! Well, I guess that is all for now. We have a full day of meetings today and tomorrow we spend the day touring Hong Kong and we get to go up Victoria's Peak and have lunch at the Bubba Gump restaurant! So cool! I am already starting to understand Hong Kong dollars and centigrade. Amazing what happens when you have to! Also Mm goi sai is thank you! Well, that's all for now. I know it's alot but the first few days there is so much to share! If you stuck with me to the end of this right on! Until next time....
Day 4
Well, yesterday was a day of meetings, IT, procedures, stuff like that. We had lunch with our principals and then spent the afternoon with them. I have a great boss. They treat you like the professional you are here. Everyone is so nice and understanding and I am excited about this job. It was a long day and I kind of hit the wall yesterday night. I didn't want to eat or anything. I just zoned and then went to sleep. I'm better today. Everything has been an adjustment but my worst complaint is the bed. On Saturday we get the mattress pads. Hallelujah! My body is sore from that bed! But other then that things are moving right along. Ernie seems to be figuring out his job here and is diving right in.
It rained yesterday and we learned how it is to walk somewhere in the pouring wind and rain. Tip - don't wear jeans! It's been WET since yesterday. We had some great thunderstorms this morning. I haven't seen rain in so long that I don't mind it right now. We had to buy umbrellas yesterday. Hee hee! Big giant ones
Ernie found a DVD player that plays CD's as well through the TV so we are loving that because until next week we only get a few channels and they are mostly in chinese. But Joyce Meyer does come on the world channel at 6:30 so that's been nice. Being able to play our movies and CD's has helped a lot. It's the coolest looking machine and for what it does it was cheap. Most of the cheap shopping is across the border in China. It's pretty comparable here to the U.S. for the most part. We have to get Visa's to go to China so we'll work on that.
We're learning our way around this giant building and that's good. I've never seen such an amazing school! Well, I've got to go if I'm going to post this!
As I write this I have no idea when I will be able to get on wireless to post this. But I wanted to write down my experiences before they slip my mind. We arrived on Sunday evening about 6:30 pm Hong Kong time. Our flight was 12 hours and 52 minutes exactly and it was a great flight. Smooth, hardly any turbulence and we each had our own screen on the seat in front of us with movies, music and games galore that kept us pretty entertained. We dozed on and off and got up on and off. They served a delicious lunch soon after we took off - I had penne pasta and Ernie had beef in a tomato sauce. We had yummy cheesecake and cookie too. A few hours before we landed we had dinner. Our flight attendent was very nice. We felt very spoiled! But as the end of our flight neared I was anxious to get off!
We arrived at the Hong Kong International airport and had to go through customs. I thought it was very thrilling to have my passport and visa stamped saying I was allowed to stay for employment! Then we went to get our bags - which thankfully arrived and no damage! While getting our bags we spotted the couple we'd been communicating with on facebook - Brad and Emily. So then the four of us walked out and there was our school waiting for us. Phew! They were great and collected us and our bags. We had to wait for one more couple to arrive so we went upstairs and hung out and drank water and got to know each other a bit. Then the other couple arrived so we journeyed out to the bus that was waiting for us and got loaded up. Then we took the drive from Lantau Island to the New Territories where our school is. It was so weird that the driver was on the wrong side! The freeway looked not unlike AZ in the dark only you could tell there were different plants. Then you began to notice water on both sides. That was when we went over our first major bridge - all lit up and looming as we approached it. It was so cool! There was a giant shipyard on the left and on the right we began to get our first glimpse of Hong Kong Island - all lit up just like on TV! We drove over another bridge and through several shiny new tunnels on our way to the school. As tired as we were it was fascinating!
We noticed there were no houses anywhere. Just high rise after high rise of what appears to be apartments. And no Walmarts, CVS, Walgreens, Blockbusters on every corner. Really the stores are tucked away and not easy to see. It's neat. Then we were there! Our new home! Down in the parking garage we were assigned our keys and then taken to our apartments. Our apartment is great! We ended up with a mountain view which also gave us a huge kitchen! Our kitchen and bathroom are both bigger then the one we had in our house in the U.S. believe it or not! They are off the short hallway once you enter the apartment. Then we have our dining/living area with a fake leather sofa bed couch and cute TV stand with small flat screen and cubby shelves (it's totally Ikea). Also a nice table and four chairs and a desk with a rolling chair (where I'm sitting now enjoying a cup of coffee). Everything is clean cut and new and nice. We have a fridge that is not quite full size and a convection oven and range top in our kitchen. Plenty of counter space and cupboards too! More then we could ever use. In the bedroom we have a queen bed with drawers and a small dresser and a large wardrobe with a full length mirror and PLENTY of storage. Across the whole end of the apartment is a large balcony patio that looks over the freeway and to the mountain. When we woke up yesterday we went outside as the sun was rising and the sounds of the little rainforest came alive. All the plants are so green and foreign looking to me. It's so neat!
Now let me tell you about the air conditioning. It puts Arizona so entirely to shame. They are these small panasonic wall units - one in the living room and one in the bedroom with vents throughout. They blow the coldest air I have ever felt! No air was on when we arrived so Ernie turned it way down and within a short time I was shivering! They are so quiet they sound like fans on low and our apartment says cool and doesn't feel too damp. It is definitely moist here but I think I'm adapting well. I don't think it feels that hot. We were out all day yesterday and it was sunny and I was fine. It's in the 80's and there is a hint of a cooler breeze that makes all the difference.
After arriving at the apartment we were given our temporary cell phones, our relocation allowance part in cash and part in check and our badges and all our check in and orientation forms in a folder. So organized! Then we partially unpacked and started to determine what we needed. Yes, there were sheets and pillowcases and two pillows but no blankets! Anyone that knows me knows I need a real blanket! Luckily I had my fleece one I took on the plane. We realized we needed things like dish soap, laundry detergent, garbage bags, cleaners, bath mats etc. I felt a little freaked out knowing I couldn't just jump in the car and run to Walmart but that was easily remedied the first day. We went to bed about 11pm and woke up about 5 am. Not too bad. Then we got ready,explored our campus a bit and then we met the headmaster in the parking garage. What a neat guy! He asked what I thought of the bed. I said it was too hard and couldn't wait to go get a mattress pad. Turns out now the guy in charge of facilities is getting us all one! We soon discovered where the Park n Shop was (but it was like 7:30 so it was closed) and we wandered a bit and then came back for breakfast at 8:15. That's where I had another neat experience. We were served eggs and english muffins and sausage and there there was a bowl of fruit with what literally looked like dice in it. Little white squares with black dots. I was like Whoa! It was dragonfruit. I guess that's common here and hard to get in the U.S. So cool! It was cut up with kiwi, watermelon and served with a yogurt sauce. We ate and mingled and I got to meet my principal. Then they had a leadership retreat. Gostick, our HR guru who is so awesome, had on the board our itinerary for the day. We had to go get our Hong Kong Identity cards, then lunch and then set up our bank accounts. That sounds simple but it took all day.
Okay, for new teachers there are: Me and Ernie, Brad and Emily, Melanie and Russ, Jennifer and Joshua (they have two small children). Then there's Kath from New Zealand, Fabien and Rinata. Along with Cathy - a veteran teacher along to help us out and Ada and Gostick from HR we set out. Everyone is in their 20's and 30's - it' so neat! We were soon a bonded group as we navigated the New Territories. We first went to the Jubilee Shopping Court which is where we got our indentity cards. It's also where my campus is. First half of us got our I.D.s. It's just like going to the motor vehicle dept. We were walked through the process, fingerprinted, photographed and given a temporary paper I.D. In September we can pick up our card. I thought that was just thrilling! Then I got to go upstairs and see the kindergarten which is on the 7th floor!!! In between are shops and restaurants - so cool! I got to peek at my classroom but a summer program was going on in there. Then I got to watch the 4 and 5 year old class in summer school do an activity while waiting. They are SO CUTE! I met some of the personnel and they were SO NICE! We had lunch together. After everyone was done we went and ate dim sum in this large chinese restaurant. We had two large tables in our own room with the thing that spins in the middle. I tried everything and it was soooo delicious. Everything had great flavor and nothing was bad. Even Ernie was trying everything. It was just pork and chicken and beef and shrimp and vegetable stuff. Gostick chose the dishes and kept it fairly safe!
After lunch we took the train (the MTR) and got to use our Octopus card. It has a chip so you can just scan your purse and go. We jumped on and jumped off. It's so true, there are taxi's, mini buses and the train right there were we are that will take us anywhere! We got off at this HUGE mall and half the group went to the bank to start their accounts and the rest of us looked at cell phone plans and went to a drugstore in the mall. But it's really nothing like our malls. A little crazy really. I found a nail place but yes, much more expensive! EVERYONE is asian. I know that seems like an obvious statement but in AZ we see so much diversity that seeing such a homogenous culture is noticeable. And after having a little girl gawk at me I realized I look different! Again, seems obvious, but it wasn't. Cathy was our guide and it was good because she's American so she could advise us and see things from our point of view.
Then it was our turn to open the bank accounts. That took forever! We just got simple accounts that our paychecks can be direct-deposited into and we got atm cards to take cash out. In 3 months we can upgrade. So how cool! In one day I got an I.D. and bank account. I felt so - I don't know - ready to go! Then we spotted a Starbucks in the mall and we had to go. You know, I'm all about having new experiences but when you are somewhere where everything is so different a touch of home is nice. Then we decided we had to go to Ikea. We just needed stuff and that was the place to go so Cathy got us there and then told us how to get home and left. So we made a plan to meet up at 5:30 (that was in an hour) and we began shopping. Course we all ran into each other all over the place. We got a quilt and a duvet cover and bath mats, pillows, and dish rags and stuff like that. We also priced a few other things. Then we checked out and five of us took our first taxi cab home and split it. That was cool. It was very clean and nice. Then we checked out each other's apartments and went to the Park n Shop to get cleaning supplies and some food. It's funny, I told Ernie everything is just a little funky. There's all the same stuff but it's a little different. Does that make sense? Then we all set about cleaning and setting up our places for the rest of the night.
Some observations: It was a crazy, busy, fast paced day. I kept smelling this awful smell and I asked what it was. It was Durien fruit. Any of you watch Andrew Zimmern or Anthony Bourdain? Heard of that fruit that's supposed to stink so bad but people love it? Yeah, it smells like the worst garbage. I was thrilled to finally know - as weird as that sounds. Hong Kong just has it's own smell. It's humid, smoggy, breezy, balmy, sweet and slighly like mothballs. But I don't mind it. I have been pleased with how smoothly everything has gone so far. We feel confident enough to at least take care of our basic needs so far. I think today we are going to go to City One which is about a 10 minute walk and go to the "Target-like" store for a DVD player, a fan and a coffee pot after our meetings all day. We have to make sure we can carry whatever we buy. That's different but so far it's been okay. We put our bags in the trunk of the taxi which is not called a trunk but a boot. The elevator is called a lift and the bathroom is called the toilet. Everything is in English and Chinese so we managed just fine. Everyone who lives there says it's very safe - not that I am going to be any less careful or aware but it WAS different. We didn't see any police when we were out and about but lots of security. In the airport the police walked around with berets and machine guns. That was crazy! Well, I guess that is all for now. We have a full day of meetings today and tomorrow we spend the day touring Hong Kong and we get to go up Victoria's Peak and have lunch at the Bubba Gump restaurant! So cool! I am already starting to understand Hong Kong dollars and centigrade. Amazing what happens when you have to! Also Mm goi sai is thank you! Well, that's all for now. I know it's alot but the first few days there is so much to share! If you stuck with me to the end of this right on! Until next time....
Day 4
Well, yesterday was a day of meetings, IT, procedures, stuff like that. We had lunch with our principals and then spent the afternoon with them. I have a great boss. They treat you like the professional you are here. Everyone is so nice and understanding and I am excited about this job. It was a long day and I kind of hit the wall yesterday night. I didn't want to eat or anything. I just zoned and then went to sleep. I'm better today. Everything has been an adjustment but my worst complaint is the bed. On Saturday we get the mattress pads. Hallelujah! My body is sore from that bed! But other then that things are moving right along. Ernie seems to be figuring out his job here and is diving right in.
It rained yesterday and we learned how it is to walk somewhere in the pouring wind and rain. Tip - don't wear jeans! It's been WET since yesterday. We had some great thunderstorms this morning. I haven't seen rain in so long that I don't mind it right now. We had to buy umbrellas yesterday. Hee hee! Big giant ones
Ernie found a DVD player that plays CD's as well through the TV so we are loving that because until next week we only get a few channels and they are mostly in chinese. But Joyce Meyer does come on the world channel at 6:30 so that's been nice. Being able to play our movies and CD's has helped a lot. It's the coolest looking machine and for what it does it was cheap. Most of the cheap shopping is across the border in China. It's pretty comparable here to the U.S. for the most part. We have to get Visa's to go to China so we'll work on that.
We're learning our way around this giant building and that's good. I've never seen such an amazing school! Well, I've got to go if I'm going to post this!
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