Yesterday, we met a kid who lives across the street from the school. When we asked him questions, he would often say "Obama this, Obama that." I asked him, "Kid, do you know who Obama is?" He says, "Sure. He's the American president." Oh good, so he knows. But then he continued to use Obama's name, like "Obama took me out to dinner for my birthday. Obama got my favorite dish." I said, "Kid, are you sure you mean Obama, the American president, is buying you dinner?" He says, "Not Obama. Wo Ba Ma." (Translation? "My Mom and Dad.")
=)
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Hong Kong
The Yale-China Teaching Fellows had a 10-day orientation in Hong Kong. Colin, who teaches in Guangzhou, was rather sick during the orientation, so we joked that he had swine flu... though it's not really a joking matter!
We began with a week of TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) training, followed by three days of general orientation. I met up with Chris, with whom I spent a lot of time at Yale, which helped ease the transition to a different culture.
Chris and I taught a practice lesson together during TEFL training. The "students" (our fellow Fellows) interrupted our lesson plan several times with legitimate questions, like the difference between "aloud" and "allowed," or the definition of "eavesdropping." The most important thing I learned from that session was not to be too obsessive-compulsive about sticking to my lesson plan, as unexpected issues will come up in class regardless. As a teacher, it is important to address the needs of your students, but you can't answer everyone's questions during class--I will have to find a delicate balance between the two!
In Hong Kong, we went to a few popular downtown spots. We went to TST, which is across the harbor from the business district of Hong Kong. From TST, you can see its beautiful skyline, which puts even New York to shame.
The business district, called Central, is also a great destination for shopping and tourists. Walking around, one of the first things we all noticed was that couture shopping and labels were a big part of Hong Kong life. While in California, I've never even seen a Tiffany's or Louis Vuitton. In Hong Kong alone, there were several of each. It's so strange to think that in one city, there is enough of a wealthy community to demand more than five Rolex stores!
One of the Yale-China alumni, Drake Pike, took us out to dinner on "Lamma Island." We had pigeon's head as a sort of rite-of-passage into the fellowship (shh! I didn't eat one!).
One interesting development was that I didn't get bitten by mosquitoes. In Norfolk, I got a mosquito bite probably once a day. So far, I've only gotten maybe two or three. Hopefully as a result, I will not get malaria (or Japanese Encephalitis, or anything else deadly that I was supposed to get shots for).
On our last day in Hong Kong, we had a mystery activity for dinner. Turns out, Chrissy and Katie had gotten us a private trolley ride through downtown Hong Kong, complete with dinner catering! It was a fun two-hour ride, and it was an exciting way to view the city in the evening.
Our medical fellow has a two-year-old, so she joined us at meals and outings occasionally. She was quite charming!
The Batman building from The Dark Knight!
Sogo is now in Hong Kong!
These are the four Xiuning Fellows. Zoe, me, Brendan, and Michael. Stay tuned for an update from Xiuning very soon!
Peace.
We began with a week of TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) training, followed by three days of general orientation. I met up with Chris, with whom I spent a lot of time at Yale, which helped ease the transition to a different culture.
Chris and I taught a practice lesson together during TEFL training. The "students" (our fellow Fellows) interrupted our lesson plan several times with legitimate questions, like the difference between "aloud" and "allowed," or the definition of "eavesdropping." The most important thing I learned from that session was not to be too obsessive-compulsive about sticking to my lesson plan, as unexpected issues will come up in class regardless. As a teacher, it is important to address the needs of your students, but you can't answer everyone's questions during class--I will have to find a delicate balance between the two!In Hong Kong, we went to a few popular downtown spots. We went to TST, which is across the harbor from the business district of Hong Kong. From TST, you can see its beautiful skyline, which puts even New York to shame.
The business district, called Central, is also a great destination for shopping and tourists. Walking around, one of the first things we all noticed was that couture shopping and labels were a big part of Hong Kong life. While in California, I've never even seen a Tiffany's or Louis Vuitton. In Hong Kong alone, there were several of each. It's so strange to think that in one city, there is enough of a wealthy community to demand more than five Rolex stores!
One of the Yale-China alumni, Drake Pike, took us out to dinner on "Lamma Island." We had pigeon's head as a sort of rite-of-passage into the fellowship (shh! I didn't eat one!).
One interesting development was that I didn't get bitten by mosquitoes. In Norfolk, I got a mosquito bite probably once a day. So far, I've only gotten maybe two or three. Hopefully as a result, I will not get malaria (or Japanese Encephalitis, or anything else deadly that I was supposed to get shots for).
On our last day in Hong Kong, we had a mystery activity for dinner. Turns out, Chrissy and Katie had gotten us a private trolley ride through downtown Hong Kong, complete with dinner catering! It was a fun two-hour ride, and it was an exciting way to view the city in the evening.
Our medical fellow has a two-year-old, so she joined us at meals and outings occasionally. She was quite charming!
The Batman building from The Dark Knight!
Sogo is now in Hong Kong!
These are the four Xiuning Fellows. Zoe, me, Brendan, and Michael. Stay tuned for an update from Xiuning very soon!
Peace.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Friends at Norfolk
Finally! Here are the fun pictures the Norfolk girls and Jason took in our last week together! Enjoy!
Ken (who was the chef at Stiles) and his wife!
The Shed crew!!
The puzzle crew, who stayed up until 7 am working on a rather difficult puzzle.
More puzzling! A Tigger mosaic puzzle!
Stylish.
Annie in her natural work environment.
The staff (minus Emily and Deanne!) in the beautiful reception room at Whitehouse.
The staff (for realsies)! I will miss you all!
Ken (who was the chef at Stiles) and his wife!
The Shed crew!!
The puzzle crew, who stayed up until 7 am working on a rather difficult puzzle.
More puzzling! A Tigger mosaic puzzle!
Stylish.
Annie in her natural work environment.
The staff (minus Emily and Deanne!) in the beautiful reception room at Whitehouse.
The staff (for realsies)! I will miss you all!
Friday, August 7, 2009
NYC
This past weekend, I went to New York to visit Sam J. A few major things happened.
1. We saw The Little Mermaid on Broadway, as it is set to close in less than a month. There were several new actors in the lead roles, so we were able to see a familiar musical with new interpretations. Faith Prince as Ursula was really not the same as Sherie Rene Scott, who I liked more. They both had a very unique and solid interpretation of the role, but Sherie Rene Scott was, simply put, just much more fabulous.
2. I met up with Mike and James and had a delicious lunch at a place called Chai. Three of us had Pad Thai and the fourth had some sort of red curry dish. We were clearly being very adventurous!
<3 friends
3. Sam J and I also ate, for the first time, at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company! The only restaurant inspired by the classic Oscar-winning movie, Forrest Gump. It was quite delicious! I got chicken tenders and Sam J got--what else--shrimp!
4. I got stun by a mosquito on the eye, so my eyelid swelled up to the size of unnatural proportions! I couldn't open my right eye for a good few hours. Luckily, it assuaged to the size of Quasimodo's eye, just in time to meet up with Mike and James. The same night, I was bitten in two other places. I caught the mosquito after a few hours of not being able to sleep. Let's hope that never happens again... [Translation: Queens sucks!]
Overall, it was a much anticipated trip that fulfilled the expectations that I so highly held for it. I got to see a Broadway show, got to see friends, and spent time with family. Thanks Mike, James, and Sam J!! I had a wonderful time.
1. We saw The Little Mermaid on Broadway, as it is set to close in less than a month. There were several new actors in the lead roles, so we were able to see a familiar musical with new interpretations. Faith Prince as Ursula was really not the same as Sherie Rene Scott, who I liked more. They both had a very unique and solid interpretation of the role, but Sherie Rene Scott was, simply put, just much more fabulous.
2. I met up with Mike and James and had a delicious lunch at a place called Chai. Three of us had Pad Thai and the fourth had some sort of red curry dish. We were clearly being very adventurous!
<3 friends 3. Sam J and I also ate, for the first time, at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company! The only restaurant inspired by the classic Oscar-winning movie, Forrest Gump. It was quite delicious! I got chicken tenders and Sam J got--what else--shrimp!
4. I got stun by a mosquito on the eye, so my eyelid swelled up to the size of unnatural proportions! I couldn't open my right eye for a good few hours. Luckily, it assuaged to the size of Quasimodo's eye, just in time to meet up with Mike and James. The same night, I was bitten in two other places. I caught the mosquito after a few hours of not being able to sleep. Let's hope that never happens again... [Translation: Queens sucks!]
Overall, it was a much anticipated trip that fulfilled the expectations that I so highly held for it. I got to see a Broadway show, got to see friends, and spent time with family. Thanks Mike, James, and Sam J!! I had a wonderful time.
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