Journeys by Karri

Saying Goodbye

2010-09-17T21:14:00.002+08:00

As, I believe my other half once said when shutting down his first blog, all good blogs must come to an end. And I think this has been a good one, chronicling my journeys from university student to teacher, from Canada to Europe to Asia, all in all four years of my life. I am moving on, and I hope moving up, but not away from the blogging world. After some trial and error, I have begun to settle in to some new online "homes": my main, personal blog at karrijustina.wordpress.com, and I have another - just one other - in the work-in-progress stage - you'll have to check in with Monologuing to find out more about this soon! If you are on Twitter, you can follow my continued journeys and stories here.

This blog will remain online and alive as long as Blogger allows it - for me, a personal record of four very interesting years of my life.

Thanks for reading!

Summer Lovin'

2010-07-23T00:50:00.002+08:00

Well, we made it home, if anyone hasn't been following my Twitter, Facebook, or new blogs. After some magic worked by our friends Li Shi and Erin, we mad-dashed our way to the Dalian airport Friday, July 2nd, ran Home-Alone-like through the Tokyo airport, and made our way to Vancouver one measly day late. Josh and I got our weekend in Vancouver, I flew home to PEI on Monday, and it's hard to believe but I've been here for more than two weeks and July is almost over.

I've decided not to close up this blog quite yet. Sometimes it's nice to have a place to vent, even if nobody's listening, or share what's on your mind. My other, newer, more structured blogs can be found at karrijustina.wordpress.com and fettleandfoodstuff.wordpress.com - the first being a "daily" photo/reflection blog about random things I see/think about/take photographs of, and the second being a blog tracking my food, fitness, and wellness journeys. While you're at it, check out my boy's biking-across-Canada blog at joshfinder.com.

Life right now involves spending as much time with family and friends as possible - the big Wilson and Pat Shea family reunion is this weekend in Tignish - apartment hunting, and generally getting ready for the fall. Being on vacation is nice, but I can't believe how quickly the time is passing!

Things China Has Taught Me (Sometimes Inadvertently)

2010-07-02T00:27:00.002+08:00

1. Any colour, pattern, and texture CAN go with any other colour, pattern, and texture, if you wish it hard enough when you get dressed in the morning.
2. Jiaozi (dumplings) rock my socks.
3. Only the worst aspects of Western culture tend to translate into Chinese culture (rampant commercialism, bad pop music...)
4. Blue eyes and curly hair draw huge crowds. Papa-paparazzi!
5. Popcorn can be sweet. Also, it can be made in a dry, covered pan on a hot plate.
6. Similarly, all sorts of baked goods can be made in a temperamental toaster oven, as long as you don't turn the top burner on.
7. There is no such thing as too cute. Or too many sequins.
8. Truly elegant hair styles involve epic, and painful, amounts of back-combing.
9. Elbows out!
10. Cold winter night? Hot pot for dinner, baby!
11. The Company is your family. It is also God.
12. Downloading your tv shows isn't cheeky, rebel behaviour – it's a necessary evil.
13. Cheap is good. But it also breaks easily.
14. Seeing Avatar in a Chinese movie theatre means all of the Na'vi language is going to be subtitled in Chinese – too bad for you, English-reader! You have to read body language!
15. You can bargain for anything – unless you're a laowai.
16. Smile! You're on everybody's camera! Occasionally holding their kid while they flash a peace sign!
17. Good coffee, good pizza, and good sandwiches are a real art, and a luxury when found.
18. McDonald's really has taken over the world, and it sucks. I'm seeing way too many fat Chinese kids.
19. Fireworks are always awesome, in the middle of the day, early in the morning, whenever! The louder, the better! Throw in some dragon dances and drummers, will you?
20. “You're getting fat” is not an insult, it's a simple statement of fact as they see it. Face it, you will never be as skinny as that Chinese chick. And you will never fit into her 5-inch heels, either.
21. Chinese tea ceremonies are awesome, elegant, and peaceful. And impossible to recreate at home.
22. If you have light brown hair, blue eyes and a beard you will be mistaken for an Indian man. If you have dark brown hair, blue eyes and a ponytail you will be mistaken for an Indian tennis star.
23. Kids are kids, no matter where they're from.
24. The world is your bathroom.
25. Impromptu ballroom dancing anywhere there's space is a wonderful thing.
26. Despite the frequent pushing and rushing about, random acts of kindness do exist here, and they've happened to me.

Two Years Ago...

2010-07-02T00:25:00.000+08:00

... I was still a student, and now I'm a teacher.
... I knew no Chinese, and now I can communicate basic ideas and understand a fair bit.
... I couldn't hike up a small mountain without fear of collapse, and now I can do an hour of intense kickboxing without losing my breath.
... I had never been a visible minority, and now many of my friends here are of Asian descent.
... I was probably far more easily grossed out than I am now.
... I'm sure I was far less patient than I can be now.
... I was broke, and now I have some savings.
... I had dreams of being a writer, and now – well, I'm working on it.
... I had never tried scorpion-on-a-stick – oh wait, I still haven't. :)

And We're Still Here

2010-07-02T00:20:00.000+08:00

We said goodbye – to friends, to coworkers, to acquaintances, to restaurants we frequented, to streets we walked or drove each day. We were ready to leave Dalian. We had moved on.

However, Dalian wasn't ready for us to leave. Shrouding itself in fog thicker than any I'd ever seen, it conspired, perhaps with the weather control centre in Beijing, perhaps as an “Act of God” like those cited in the JAL terms and conditions of flight cancellations, to keep us – and everyone else at the airport – right where we were. The airport shut down entirely – right down to its information screens –
no one was getting in or out.

It was surreal to come back, after six hours at the airport, beg our empty apartment back from our landlady, and go for Japanese yakatori and plum sake with friends we'd already hugged goodbye. To walk the streets, and continue to speak Chinese. This morning, we thought we were leaving this behind.

We still know nothing. Josh and I are confirmed to be flying out on the 18th of July, which of course is unacceptable to me, and I will pay the $1000 fee myself to book with another airline to make my Air Canada connection in Vancouver on the 5th. Josh has fewer commitments and is willing to see what happens – he'll just be doing less visiting on his bike trip. We are still on waiting lists for this weekend,
and our school is supposed to be trying to work something out for us. So much for a romantic weekend in Vancouver before Josh and I said goodbye for the summer.

Josh's photos kind of sum up the day today – check them out here. Updates when I know more – watch my Twitter/Facebook for info.

Happy Canada Day.

Announcement

2010-06-28T21:05:00.002+08:00

My life is changing, and so is my blog.

In the last two years, this blog has served primarily as a way for me to stay connected and keep people updated on my life in and thoughts on China. As I return home, the need or desire for constant updates on what I'm up to seems not so urgent - isn't that what Facebook and Twitter are for? So, with this in mind, I have made the decision to retire this blog of four years - every journey comes to an end.

But never fear - I am not leaving the world of blogging behind. I have begun a new blog, a new format, a new project: "A Moment Each Day" - an image and reflection upon just one moment every day that makes life meaningful for somebody. If you read between the lines, you'll find that the updates about my life and thoughts continue - just in a different way.

Bookmark it - A Moment Each Day begins upon my return home in July.

Glam Teaser

2010-06-28T19:54:00.005+08:00

Four Days Left

2010-06-27T07:39:00.003+08:00

It's Sunday, my last Sunday in China. The month of June has been filled with report cards, packing, field trips and last-minute socializing with coworkers and friends we will soon say goodbye to. The new China experiences aren't quite over yet, however, as this morning I'm about to head to my first China spa experience with Pamela and Kristine (and the thing about China spas is that nudity is the norm - segregated, of course). Tomorrow we pick up our China Glam photos (which I'll be sure to share online) and may go for a BBQ at the beach. Our last day of work is Wednesday, and we fly to Tokyo and then on to Vancouver Thursday, just in time to celebrate Canada Day on Canadian soil.

It's hard to believe that another school year is over and that we're saying goodbye to China for good. I have a few more planned blog posts coming reflecting on our time and experiences here - watch out for them in the next few days!

Four sleeps til Canada - eight til Prince Edward Island.

Shanghai Journal

2010-06-24T17:23:00.006+08:00

Friday, June 18th, 5:30pm - enroute: Dalian to Shanghai

It's our second last weekend in China, and I've decided to spend it in Shanghai with colleagues and friends Pamela, Kristine, Edgar and Shannon. We're planning to hit up the Expo and do some shopping - and I for one have made it a goal to do Element Fresh and Cold Stone Creamery before we leave. Just finished report cards and a concert so it has the makings of a fun weekend.

I had two distinct but unsettling "laowai" experiences today. The first was during a field trip, as I was ushering several students out of a mall and onto a busy sidewalk (an unsettling business in itself). A few local men started talking to the kids. When I attempted to reply in my limited Chinese, one man started to laugh and make fun of me, starting with the standard exaggerated "ting bu dong" (listen, no understand) and ending with "if you want to live in China, you need to speak Chinese."

I was so mad that all of the Chinese I did know went right out of my head and I was unable to reply. Instead, I gave my most incredulous, meanest look and hurried the kids away.

Technically, he's not wrong - I am ashamed my Chinese is not better after two years here. But the way he said it made it such a hurtful thing to say - I felt very much like he didn't want me in his country.

The second incident happened just now at the airport. Shannon and I were standing in line for security when a Chinese man blatantly pushed ahead of us - his second attempt. Feeling pushed around enough, I elbowed my way back in front of him with a firm "no!" Admittedly obnoxious, yes, but no more than he. My friends and I rolled our eyes a bit, and then another Chinese man spoke up in English - berating us for behaving rudely and then loudly muttering about the "laowais" - not the friendly term - to his Chinese friends.

What I wanted to say was this: "If I am pushy, it's because I learned to be pushy here!" I do feel bad about the eye rolling and about potentially misrepresenting Canadian culture overseas, but I feel like I shouldn't have to feel bad about asserting myself when I'm getting pushed around.

I think if I wasn't leaving in two weeks' time these incidents would bother me more. What I have to do is remember things like the time a few weeks ago when I was taking the bus to school with a heavy tote and the bus got snarled in traffic two stops away from mine. Already late, I disembarked and only had to struggle for a hundred metres or so before a lady guard from the hospital across from our school insisted on helping me to carry it. We hadn't limped another fifty metres before a man on a scooter stopped and offered to take the tote the rest of the way. A simple kindness, but it really meant a lot to this laowai.

Sunday, June 20th, 8:30am - Shanghai

We put in a full day yesterday at the 2010 Expo, and what a day it was. Leaving our hostel at 7am, we fueled up at Starbucks and took the subway down to the Expo site. After a relatvely short line to buy our tickets, we then made our way to a very long line to enter the park. Luckily we had purchased little China-style fold-up stools for just such an occasion. By 9:30 or so, we were finally inside the park after being coralled along like cattle for about an hour. After getting our bearings and gaping at things like the massive China pavillion and the already-five-hour-line for Saudi Arabia, we heading into India to see their "green" pavillion made of bamboo.

A couple of samosas and a yoga demonstration later, it was off to the elevated walkway to take a look at all the other Asian pavillions from the outsdie. We decided that we should venture into the idyllic North Korea pavillion, hilariously placed right next to Iran's.

With this, we returned to the elevated walkway (complete with much-needed misters!) to make our way to the B section, where the Southeast Asian and Oceanic countries were found. After a stop in Brunei for Pam, Edgar snuck us in the restaurant door to the Philippines. They had a lively pavillion complete with nightclub lighting, dancers and musicians. We stopped for lunch and to "ooh and ahh" at the misty, cloud-like MeteoWorld weather pavillion, then made our way to Europe in secion C.

After snubbing the long lines for France, Switzerland and Germany, we made our way to Happy Street, the Netherland's wacky, cartoonish and entirely outdoor pavillion. A stop in the warehouse-like African pavillion introduced us to all kinds of countries we never knew existed. We wandered into lineless Tunisia before finally making our way home to Canada. After taking far too many unsuccessful "jumping" pictures in front of the sign, we decided to try our luck at skipping the line via our Canadian passports - and it totally worked! (Canadians take note.) As soon as they heard we were Canadians, they ushered us in the side door and gave us a mini-tour of what to expect before leading us directly to the beginning of the display.

Let me tell you, this is where the party got started. The Cirque du Soleil designed the Canadian pavillion, and it had everything from wacky TV screens to water that changes colour when you play with it, to bicycle-run movies and more. We check out the souvenir shop, had some poutine and got some tips from one of the Canadian expo workers before heading back out into the rest of the world. It was good to be home.

From there, it was a whirlwind of ever-shortening lines:

the Carribean - lots of fun, colourful displays and Chinese people running around getting their passports stamped at each one before tearing off to the next without a glance
Chile - really neat upside-down apartment, high-rise optical illusion display, and a wine bar!
Austria - AMAZING six-man beatboxing band. AMAZING.
Turkey - Impressive displays of ancient civilizations, 360 degree screen.
Ireland - celtic harp, lots of Irish-y things

We called it a day at 11:30pm.

Thursday, June 24th, 7:15pm - Dalian

Sunday was spent checking off the rest of the list - shopping (jacket - check, purse - check, excessive LeSportSac bags - check), Element Fresh, and Cold Stone Creamery - the latter involving a 25 minute deadline, two taxis and a mad dash through a shopping area while Chinese tourists shouted "kwai! kwai! kwai!" - Pam's and my proudest moment.

Our weekend was complete.

Moment

2010-06-24T10:36:00.001+08:00

They'd just come from dinner - their favourite pseudo-Spanish date night restaurant - and he'd insisted on walking to their next destination. It was June, so the night was warm. Their walk took them past the usual China suspects - sidewalk markets, globs of spit, compost piles, tiny well-dressed dogs. As they drew near the plaza in front of the Big Vegetable (and many other things) Market, they noticed tinny music, and then a crowd. They paused, considered walking on, and then, with sheepish smiles at one another, they let the music draw them over.

It was dancing - ballroom dancing, slow-dancing, tai chi dancing, do-your-own-thing dancing. Couples of every age, friends practicing together, all coming together in a casual performance for the crowds the music drew. As they watched, an old man next to them, not one of the dancers but jigging along to the beat all the same, looked over and smiled in a welcoming way. They smiled back, and when they smiled at each other again, there just may have been tears in their eyes as they realized, for real, that they were leaving.

China Glam

2010-06-13T09:36:00.002+08:00

Yesterday Josh and I went with some friends to our very first professional China-style photo shoot - ten hours of hair, make-up, costumes, and posing that will result in 30 or so highly photoshopped photos to serve as a fun reminders of just how much nutsy fun China can be.

Scene 1: I wore a fantastic red dress and we went "shopping" on a "city street"
Scene 2: Full ancient China emperor fashion, complete with fans, umbrellas, and swords
Scene 3: Brown and gold jazzy park theme, we brought out the trumpet and clarinet!
Scene 4: Formal, black tie evening gown and tux, white faux piano, conducting shots
Scene 5: Cutesy white lacy China fashion for me, all white suit with fedora for Josh - pink and blue backgrounds

Every scene meant new hair and accesories for me, and plenty of uncomfortable heels. I was literally stuffed and pinned into dresses meant for tiny Chinese women. The photographer posed Josh and I in all kinds of romantic, nauseating and cutesy poses and then we got to take some fun ones with our friends. We go to pick out our 30 shots today, and when we get them back in a few weeks I'll be sure to post a few! It was possibly the longest Saturday of my life, but actually pretty fun, and we got to play divas and divos for a day. Now to see the results...

June

2010-05-26T19:04:00.001+08:00

My flights are booked. I'm currently scheduled to fly from Vancouver
to Ottawa to Charlottetown on July 5th, arriving at 11pm on Island
soil. I'm doing my best to get that changed to an earlier flight
arriving at 6pm, but we'll see how nice Head Office is feeling about
that.

The days have been flying like crazy. There are 22 school days left,
five weeks, six Thursdays, one month, however you want to count it, my
time in China is coming to a close. Starting this weekend, my calendar
is as full as it can get, and I can barely see through the fog to the
summer beyond, though I know it's there. Packing crates, selling off
our belongings, writing report cards, baby showers and stagettes,
photo shoots, trips to Shanghai, school concerts and graduations,
field trips... saying goodbye. Eating jiaozi and hot pot - that will
be my June.

Nothing to Ado About

2010-05-19T19:29:00.001+08:00

Things have been quiet round this blog lately, and I have to say that's likely because a) I haven't been travelling lately and b) the social calendar is getting pretty booked (not to mention the "moving back to Canada" to do list) which means that any spare time I do have is being spent with 1) my computer/TV 2) kickboxing and 3) the boyfriend I'm not going to see for four months this summer. In no particular order, babe!

I could bore all you sane people to tears with gushing about my new favourite couple to ship: "Huddy" (points if you know who I'm talking about!) or spoilers for upcoming episodes of everyone's favourite musical hour of television (except the Dalian branch of the "Glee" club would kill me). I could tell you all about my renewed love for Robert Downey Jr and the fact that I can't read my Sherlock Holmes book without picturing him under that famous cap. I could talk about how I started scrapbooking again. Or I could make a list of all the mildly interesting things I'm going to do in the next six weeks. Yes, six weeks.

In the upcoming weeks, beyond continuing to support Josh's renewed musical career at various local bars, I've got stagettes, baby showers, and Mandatory Beach Days (to replace the Mandatory Worst Day of My Life and Thank God it was Cancelled This Year, Maple Leaf Sports Day). I'm planning an "estate" (ha!) sale, and just decided I'm going to throw a musical together with my primary kids. I'm going to Shanghai in June with Pam, Edgar and Kristine to see what the heck an Expo is, anyway. And Josh and I are going to go get some hopefully hilarious and saucy China Glamour Photos done with a bunch of friends. You will have to see these to believe it. We're talking hair, make-up, costumes, photo shop, the works. Admist all this madness we will be assessing and writing term 3 report cards and packing our entire lives up to move and ship.

Then it's four days in Vancouver with Josh and honey, I'm home.

Rebellion (NOT Failure)

2010-05-04T20:11:00.001+08:00

Turns out a foodie such as myself can't even go a day and a half on the same bland rice and veggies diet. Girl needs a little cheese and chocolate! After stumbling (literally) through my day in a headachy, hungry, nauseated haze, I decided that no "detoxifying" benefits could be worth this, and I'll be perfectly happy keeping up an active lifestyle and eating healthy, well-rounded, and flavourful meals (and if coffee is my only vice, so be it!). And then I celebrated by stopping by MacDonald's and picking up a Big Mac, fries, and a hot fudge sundae, much to Josh's disgust. What a difference a day makes.

Cutting the Crap - Day 1

2010-05-03T19:00:00.001+08:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, this week along with returning to work I'm embarking on an experiment of sorts: cutting out all processed foods, chemicals, and even difficult things to digest like dairy, carbs, and most proteins from my diet - for seven days. It's called a detox diet, but a far more reasonable one than most liquid/fasting options. I'm interested to see what effect it will have on my body - how I feel, energy levels, etc. And like any good scientist, I'm going to make notes every day to keep a record of how things are going.

Here's the basic eating plan (based on this link, with my own adjustments):

Breakfast: 1 piece of fruit (banana) with 1.5 cups brown rice
Lunch: 4 cups of veggies (steamed, roasted or raw) with olive oil
Snack: 0.75 cups lentils
Dinner: 4 cups of veggies (steamed, roasted or raw) with olive oil
Beverages: water and ginger tea
Supplemented with multivitamins, vitamin E and vitamin C

And my fitness plan for the week:

Monday - Jog 30min, Dance (PE class!) 15min, Yoga/Strength 30min
Tuesday - Yoga/Strength 30 min, Kickboxing 50min
Wednesday - Jog 30min, Dance (PE class!) 15min, Yoga/Strength 30min
Thursday - Yoga/Strength 30 min, Kickboxing 50min
Friday - Jog 30min, Yoga/Strength 30min
Saturday - Yoga/Strength 30min, Cardio 30-50min (flexible)
Sunday - Yoga/Strength 30 min

And now, my thoughts from today:

I was surprised to find today that I haven't really been hungry, nor have I been suffering from caffeine withdrawal symptoms like headaches, tiredness, and crankiness. Today, my energy levels have been relatively good, despite some wildly inattentive classes. While the original plan calls for ALL of the lunches and dinners to be steamed, I have decided after just one soggy meal that I am going to open up my options to include roasted and raw, or else I definitely won't make the week. Boredom - and chocolate cravings - are likely to be the biggest roadblocks for me this week. I'm going to be drinking gallons of ginger tea in the evening to prevent my usual snack attacks.

When I first calculated the calories for this plan, it came out at a perfectly acceptable 1262, but today I'm clocking in only at 985. Like I said before, I'm not actually hungry, but I am concerned about dipping into starvation mode levels. I may need to up the rice and lentil portions to make up for this!

As someone who LOVES good food and eating it, I know I could never do this long-term (nor should I) - or perhaps even more than once!

Projects

2010-05-01T12:59:00.001+08:00

As I wrote about in an earlier post, I set myself quite a few projects for this week off. Some have gone better than others - we're well on our way to being packed and organized for yard-sale-ing and moving, but the clarinet, for example, hasn't left its case. So, I guess I will just have to extend these projects into the next eight weeks, which is fine by me as perhaps they will prevent me from filling my time with copious amounts of Glee and House. One can hope.

Re: Project Organization. Time to hit up my cupboards at school to see what can be sent home early by way of crate, and what I will need to keep with me til the end, necessitating precious space in my two pieces of checked luggage. Otherwise I'm very nearly good to go. Oh yes, and we need to actually have that yard sale.

Re: Project Scrapbook. I've made an outline for my "Two Years in Asia" scrapbook, now I just need to print the pictures to go with it. This will involve swiping a bunch from Josh's school computer as well as the painful job of narrowing down my choices to a scant few per page.

Re: Project Health. I tried an interesting experiment this week in my quest for fitness: I stopped counting calories and exercising at all (after some initial jogging revivals). Sounds dangerous, I know, but hear me out: I had hit a serious plateau in terms of exercise and the scale. They say you need to shake your body up to get out of the plateau rut - so that's what I did (albeit in a more extreme fashion than your average bear)! Don't worry, I have every intention of getting back on the activity circuit starting Monday, and hope to mix things up a bit more by throwing jogging back into the mix, as well as ab and leg workouts. I'm also going to start a 7-day detoxing diet Monday that will hopefully clear out some of the processed junk in my system - no, no, not one of those silly lemonade-fasting things. If you know me at all, you know I like eating too much to do one of those (not to mention they're seriously unhealthy and ineffective). This eating plan simply pares things down to the basics - brown rice, lentils, fruit, olive oil, and LOTS of veggies - and accounts for a full 1200 calories a day (any less and you're talking starvation mode). While the coffee withdrawal may make me unbearable for a while, in the long run that can't possibly be a bad thing. I wonder how my body will run without chemicals and processed foods... it will be interesting to see!

Changes

2010-05-01T12:39:00.001+08:00

It's almost shocking to me that it's Saturday again, and we head back to school on Monday, and our vacation - which always seems so long when we spend it travelling - is coming to an end. Eight weeks of teaching to go before we pack up and head home, this time for good. My feelings are a mixed bag - excited to see my family and friends, sad to say goodbye to friends here. Looking forward to having the summer off, but sad to say goodbye to the school community - yes, even my students! - here. Anxious about finding a job for the fall, but strangely okay with the freedom of not having anything lined up yet. Proud of Josh for planning to achieve his dream of biking across Canada - but selfishly not wanting to say goodbye for the 3-4 month duration of his trip. Glad to know that I won't have to rush everything I want to do into a few weeks this summer - but uncertain if coming home already was the right decision to make for our careers and our lives.

The countdown to the next phase is on: nine weeks until I set foot on red soil again.

Happy Labour Day, China!

One Week Off

2010-04-24T05:59:00.003+08:00

It's been nearly a month since I've updated, and perhaps that's been because I feel like I don't have much to say. I'm sure I could come up with all kinds of mostly irrelevant chatter... but isn't that what Twitter's for?

Today is the first day of my May Day vacation (one week this time, think of it as a March break). I am up at the ungodly hour of 5:30, an hour I don't even see on weekdays when I need to go to work. There have been a few days this week that have hinted at spring, and I'm hoping for more on this week off (though it's looking suspiciously cloudy and greyish right now).

Josh and I, after looking at the exhorbitant costs of two round-trips to Tokyo (considering its proximity), have decided not to go to Japan after all. Like India, Tibet, and most of Southeast Asia, the Land of the Rising Sun will have to wait for our next trip to Asia - though not scheduled for the immediate future, we do hope to return someday.

Instead, we're staying put in Dalian for a good old-fashioned week off. Besides catching up on our rest before the final stretch (eight weeks of school left!), I've got quite a list of things to do with my time...

1) Turning this apartment inside out in preparation for a)moving home and b)selling off everything we possibly can. This involves total organization + cleanup and possibly some actual packing?
2) Printing some photos and putting my "Two Years in Asia" scrapbook together (I've got the stuff, it'll be smaller to take back if I actually use it!)
3) Getting the school guitar restringed and maybe practicing a bit? Ditto for the old clarinet - I've brought it home, it's time to get reacquainted.
4) Baking - I've promised friend Pamela to teach her my mom's chocolate chip cookie recipe... and peanut butter balls, of course. And she has the recipe to friend Kristine's amazing foccacia... gotta use up those baking supplies somehow!
5) Working on some writing projects - time and energy for this is a luxury!
6) Taking a mini-vacation for a night at the Kempinkski Hotel, a fancy schmancy sort of place where we've booked on the executive floor for all the perks... and it has a bathtub! :)
7) Getting outside (provided spring is really here!) to continue to be active, maybe exploring Dalian a bit more, going for jogs, walks, etc...
8) Hopefully getting on Skype to reconnect with family/friends once more and hear all the news!

I'm sure I'll think of more to do as the week goes on, but that sounds like enough to start with. So, happy Chinese May Day to you all!

Elbows... In?

2010-03-28T08:19:00.003+08:00

The early Saturday morning crowds at Tao Yuan Jie market and shopping centre are at best and in a word, cutthroat. The vast majority of early-morning shoppers have at least fifty years on this laowai and that equals to fifty years more practice at the "me-first" mentality so prevalent in this country (which you could psychoanalyze and blame on any number of factors from the recent and often horrendous history of China). Consequently, it is with a grim face and a brave heart that the twenty-something foreigner ventures in to buy 10 or so 250ml boxes of the only skim milk available (and of which she is fairly certain she is the sole customer) so that she can eat the Western breakfast cereal she paid too much for at the local import store.

The crowds in the grocery store are nearly impassable, and it's only because she has frequented this establishment for near on two years now that she is able to head straight for the aisles she needs, alternately shouldering, waiting, and squeezing her way between impossibly small gaps between carts. Her basket full of milk and veggies and beginning to weigh heavily in her grip, she makes her way slowly to the cashiers, anticipating the usual push-and-shove to the front and lines stretching into the clothing aisle. What a surprise, then, to find that most of the wrinklies are still shopping and the lines to pay are relatively short.

As she steps toward one line, struggling with the weight of her basket, an old man in the next line, leaning against his cart of rice and cans, gestures for her to stop. She does, looking a little bit incredulous, as he motions wildly for her to step in front of him and take his rightful place in the lineup. The incredulity quickly breaks into a wide smile, and she hopes that, along with a repeated "Xie xie, xie xie," is enough of a thank you for his unexpected kindness.

For the rest of the day, instead of hiding away from the stares that have always plagued her here, she waved at them, and smiled.

The Middle of March

2010-03-14T09:29:00.003+08:00

After spending six hours yesterday blasting through the bulk of my report card work, I feel like I'm beginning to see a light at the end of the March Madness tunnel. My at-home kickboxing video felt AWESOME after sitting all day - I don't think I've ever kicked so high! My apartment is (mostly) clean and I've got a few errands to do, but I GET TO TAKE THE DAY OFF! It's a good feeling.

Once we do get through the month of March it'll be time to turn our sights toward our next travels (believe it or not) - we've got nine days at the end of April and I think we've decided to spend them in Japan, a country we've passed through but never really explored during our time in Asia. It's hard to believe, but it will be our last Asia travel adventure, at least for a while, with our return to Canada in July. Originally, our plan was to multitask and use the convenient connecting flight in Tokyo on the way home in the summer to spend some time in Japan and use April for some other journey, but as the fates have it, there are too many reasons for us to fly home (or for Josh, at least as far as Vancouver) right away in July (weddings, cross-country bike trips, family visiting - the usual).

I've got three locations I'd like to hit, which may be JUST manageable over nine days: Tokyo (bright lights, big city), Kyoto (culture and history), and Hiroshima (memorials and hope for peace). Oh yes, and I think I'd like to stay in a ryokan at some point. That may seem like a lot, but after our slow-paced time in Southeast Asia, I'm ready for a little more exploring. The only hitch right now? Flights to Tokyo are EXPENSIVE, and most seem to take all day for some reason (connecting in Beijing, which is in the opposite direction), which doesn't really work for our nine-day plan. Maybe I'll wait it out and see if the prices drop.

As for the spring here in Dalian, once we have a little time on our hands, we'll be focusing on packing up and yard-saling as much of our accumulated stuff as we can (I'm simultaneously dreading and looking forward to this, much like the six-day EPIC REORGANIZATION of all my worldly belongings that I undertook two years ago at my mother's house). Isn't it funny (and slightly alarming) how many Things we can gather in only two short years? I may have to part with my espresso machine... but I'm keeping the Ikea garlic press.

Come summer, we've decided to spend a few days in Vancouver together before I head home around the 5th of July and Josh embarks on his great adventure across the country (you will be able to read about all his adventures here - bookmark it!). Then it will be time for reunions, beaches, weddings, family, friends, apartment hunting, job hunting, FOOD!, campfires, biking, summer, summer summer...

For now, the middle of March is okay with me.

On the Bus

2010-03-14T09:17:00.002+08:00

*Transcribed from a notebook, written yesterday.*

It's Saturday, the first Saturday I have ventured out of my apartment since we returned to Dalian three weeks ago, as hard as that may be to believe. The irony is that I am venturing out not to shop, or sight-see, or people-watch, but only to tackle and hopefully write the bulk of 22 report cards, at a Starbucks, sipping coffee, and only because the thought of working at home depresses me right now. And because I have four coupons for 12 oz coffees burning a hole in my pocket.

It's sunny at last, which helps to brighten my less than ecstatic mood as I make my Green Mile way to work. The girl next to me is wearing mittens shaped like teddy bears and her boyfriend's bag is covered in English-language Astro Boy comics. This also helps. I alternated between elbowing my way onto the bus and standing back to let others go first, my actions entirely dependent on the behaviour of the other passengers (you elbow me, I elbow you, lady). I'm going without a hat today and it almost - almost - might feel like spring.

Week Two

2010-03-07T08:19:00.002+08:00

It's March, second only to November in hell-month proportions, the sun is shining for the second time since we've returned to Dalian, and I've got a sore throat.

Life really is back to normal now, in a report-card-season-working-every-weekend kind of way. A series of shake-ups in terms of our class compositions are about the pull the rug out from underneath a few teachers at our school (including me), but we'll muddle through into April and term 3 with any luck. Josh's mom Sally arrived Thursday and has settled into her apartment in our building. Her arrival brought a few revelations about just how many things are wrong with our apartment, and now we happily have heat again - all it took was a little change of a filter or two in our AC unit, wow. She's a great guest as usual and we're leaving Josh at home tonight to check out a fancy banquet dinner-and-show-and-games at the Intercontinental Hotel in honour of Women's Day (my coworkers and I are anticipating over-the-top China-style ridiculousness).

Oh, and I think I've mastered the hook punch - and maybe the upper jab. :)

Til next time. I've got to keep this cold at bay.

Week One

2010-02-27T12:23:00.002+08:00

Whew. After five weeks of putting real life on standstill, real life sure does come back and hit you with full force.

It was back to work this week and that means gearing up for the second-busiest month of the school year. March means term 2 report cards, which means I'll be either working late nights or working weekends (and my sanity chooses the latter) for the next four weeks. I'm trying really hard to psych myself up for this, but I think the work part of my brain may have decomposed a bit over our vacation, and I'm finding it difficult. Hopefully that's just the first-week-back blues, and I'll be back into the swing of things soon.

I am on track with my food-and-fitness plans, despite internet setbacks (which have finally been resolved with Josh's purchase of a VPN server) and general exhaustion/feelings of busyness and stress. Josh has wondered if my lofty fitness goals have had something to do with the stress I've been feeling, but I feel great when I'm hooking and roundhouse-ing along to Body Combat, and I think I'd feel worse if I let that slide. Now that I am finally able to really track my food and fitness on the website, feel free to check out my trackers and fitness blog here.

So I'm back at 'er, with four months to go and lots to do. Today I'm hoping to burn through a lot of preemptive marking for work, as well as tidy up around the apartment so that I can take some time to relax tomorrow. It's snowing in Dalian but spring is around the corner.

Back Behind the Wall

2010-02-21T11:13:00.000+08:00

Fireworks outside our window at 9'o'clock in the morning - we must be back in China.

That would have been my Twitter/Facebook status if I could get either of those websites working properly - another sign that we're back behind the Great Firewall. That means that until either China lightens up or I find another alternative sneaky-sneaky way around it, this blog (which is imported into Facebook) is my only connection with the outside world - unless, of course, you send me an email.

(Of course as soon as I type these words I discover that my Twitter update did in fact work - it's an on-and-off kind of thing, it seems.)

All inconveniences aside, it is nice to be back at home. The weather may still be below zero, but we've got our cozy comforters and I've got my coffeemaker, so we'll make do until spring hits us (which at the moment, I don't really remember when that's supposed to happen around here). Tomorrow it's back to work, which means that today is a get-groceries-do-laundry-tidy-up-and-organize-do-some-blogging-mentally-prepare-yourself-for-being-a-teacher-again kind of day.

While in Boracay, I had time to think and plan out some goals for myself this spring (my Chinese New Year Resolutions, if you will). They do involve the cliched exercise-and-nutrition aims, and yes, I even have a weight-loss goal for myself. I usually try not to focus on that aspect of the getting healthy game, but being weighed to get on a tiny plane and then being asked by the smiling attendant "You're pregnant?" (to which I replied a vehement "NO!") only reaffirmed what I already knew: I've topped out the scales at my heaviest weight ever, and it's time to reverse that trend.

To that end, I've set up and updated my account with a website I've used before: the free and incredibly helpful sparkpeople.com. In addition to tons of articles and information, they provide food and fitness trackers that were the key to my 20 lb weight loss four years ago, and which will help keep me on track this time around. I have chosen to make my trackers public so that I'm accountable - I will fill them in honestly and if I lapse, I expect plenty of abuse/encouragement to get my butt in gear again! My sparkpeople page also includes a blog and status updates, which I will reserve solely for health-related entries (although I may duplicate some here if I feel they are relevant). If you are interested in getting healthy/fit, I really do recommend sparkpeople - I know from experience that it works and it's a great online community for support as well. Please, if you're interested, check out and bookmark my page at my.sparkpeople.com/KARRIJUSTINA .

My goals are not solely fitness-related, and also include picking up the clarinet again, learning more guitar, setting aside time for writing and setting up a website to serve as an online teaching portfolio (as I continue to job hunt from overseas - although as you know, now I'm looking in a different place!). I may write more on these later - I've found that blogging and journaling are a great way to check in with goals and stay motivated.

So it's back to reality, but one I'm looking forward to, busy but fulfilling. Four months left in China, and I hope to make the most of them.

Coming Home

2010-02-15T23:00:00.002+08:00

Over the past few weeks of our vacation, Josh and I have come to a decision about the next year of our lives: while we were originally thinking and planning and even applied for some teaching jobs in Europe, our hearts weren't really in it. It took a five-week vacation in Thailand and the Philippines, something many people only dream of doing, for us to realize how truly travel-weary we've become during our two years living in China. While we have enjoyed our time here in Southeast Asia, and indeed in China and our other travels, we're getting to the point where the thought of starting anew in another new and different culture is frankly, exhausting.

So, we're coming home. For a year, for now, and we will see how we feel after that. We do plan and hope to continue teaching internationally in the future, since it is such a wonderful opportunity to see the world and build our careers at the same time. The moment we realized, and decided, that this was truly what we wanted to do, I for one felt a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. Home is familiar, comfortable, easy, and beloved - I am ready to come back, reconnect with family and friends, and enjoy having a real kitchen and a bathtub again! (Let's not even talk about food.)

In the meantime, our vacation is coming to a close. I plan on spending the next three days soaking up some serious swim and sun time before we head back to chilly Dalian on Saturday and go back to work on Monday. Then it's four months to go before we fly back to Canada, and I've got plenty of goals to keep me busy (more on those later). I hope that knowing I'll be heading home soon will help me enjoy my last few months in China to the fullest.

Happy Islander Day, all you PEI-ers!

So Close and Yet So Far

2010-02-14T16:00:00.002+08:00

Well, we're still at the beach but now we're not allowed to use it! Go figure!

Short story: Josh and I have both developed the same weird skin infection. At the risk of grossing all my readers out, it's not as bad as it sounds. We went to the doctor yesterday and she thinks it's just normal acne that's been aggravated/infected thanks to the abundance of healthy bacteria that thrive here in tropical climates. Good to know. Anyway, we've both been put on antibiotics and as a result have been forbidden from swimming/sunning for at least three days. Boo!

So, I plan on spending the next few days interneting, shopping, reading, writing, Skyping, movie-ing... perhaps not what I'd first imagined, but at least I'll have a couple of days of beach time left before we head back to Manila on Friday.

Sigh... the best-laid plans...

Living the Beach Life

2010-02-10T20:43:00.003+08:00

Okay, this whole beach vacation thing is not SO bad, when you get right down to it. I've finally gotten myself, and even Josh, to the beach, and it's hard to wish you were anywhere else when you're floating along in clear, cool blue water with a tropical sun beaming at you and a mango shake waiting at your lounger. Or when there's a thermos of hot water and the makings of coffee waiting on your veranda when you wake up in the morning, even if you only wake up at 11. Or when you've got a smorgasboard of restaurants and culinary styles to choose from every day for dinner, and the exchange rate is 50 pesos to the dollar. There are the not-so-great parts, like the roosters that begin crowing at 1am and don't let up til afternoon, or the colony of ants living in our bathroom, but you've gotta love the Filipino people, their constant breaking into song, and being called "ma'am" everywhere you go.

Photos from Boracay here.

In Transit

2010-02-08T15:26:00.004+08:00

Well, we've arrived at our last destination of this vacation, Boracay Island in the Philippines. It's a beach, with countless restaurants and lots of beachy-type things to do. Today it's grey, so I fear we're not getting the full effect, but I'm hoping we'll settle in and get comfortable and just relax while we're here. I'll admit that visions of Railay's striking karst backdrops are too fresh in our minds for this beach to really impress - at the moment. But, we've got ten more days here, so hopefully it will grow on us!

When last I wrote, we had just experienced the Full Moon Party on Ko Pha Ngan. Since then, we've taken boats, buses, and planes, I've had food poisoning and my first street-side foot-and-shoulder massage, we spent one last night of fun in Bangkok with Josh's family before saying our goodbyes, and I've added several stamps to my passport, with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia before coming to our ultimate destination of the Philippines. We've also dined on tapas, paella and sangria and walked the evening streets of Spanish-influenced Manila and rode in the smallest propeller plane I have ever ridden in (19 people, two pilots, and not much else).

My plan for Boracay is to take it easy. Eat, sleep, swim, stroll, dance, write, read, shop, sounds good to me.

Pics from Ko Pha Ngan here, pics since then here. I apologize for the blurriness, my camera's screen quit so I'm taking pictures blind. Enjoy!

Til next time!

Under the Full Moon

2010-01-31T17:10:00.003+08:00

Here I am in Ko Pha Ngan, home of countless scooters, foreigners, and the infamous Full Moon Party held every month at Haat Rim Beach. Last night being the full moon, I have survived to tell the tale, and don't worry Mom and Dad, I'm just being dramatic, and it's not as bad as it might sound. :)

Let's start at the beginning. We left Krabi on a three-hour but thankfully air-conditioned and relatively comfortable bus ride to Suratthani, a town not exactly on the opposite coast of Thailand. We then transferred to another bus for an hour or so that took us to a dock filled with hundreds and hundreds of backpackers - with left us all with a slight sense of unease and "wow, we're really just a big human travelling disease" kind of feelings. All of these hundreds of people, ourselves included, were then packed onto a seemingly far too small boat - we lucked out and managed to sit just on the side deck, dangling our feet over the water for what turned out to be quite a lovely three-hour boat ride - we even got to watch the tropical sunset sink below the horizon. Upon arrival at the port town on Ko Pha Ngan, it took some wandering but we eventually found accomodation that wasn't crazily overpriced, and finally ate our first real meal of the day (best pizza I've had in Thailand) after a solid 10 hours or so of travel.

The next day was full moon day, and we spent most of it indoors in air conditioned comfort, playing cards and analysing Asian music videos on the TV. Come evening, Josh rented and subsequently learned to drive a bright red scooter (complete with pink helmet), and ferried our group of five the 13km to Haat Rim Beach for the big event. A twisty, hilly road combined with rainfall made for an adventurous ride, but we're all just fine, so once again, no worrying, please!

And then for the party. Okay. Imagine 10 000 people. All on the same beach. Most of them are covered in glow in the dark paint and are quite intoxicated. There are giant skipping ropes coated in gasoline and lit on fire for not-so-bright foreigners to burn themselves attempting to jump in. There are also fiery limbo sticks. And giant slides with mattresses at the bottom and people throwing buckets of water down them. There are fireworks, and fiery signs welcoming you to the party, and all along the beach clubs are pumping out eardrum-damaging music and people are dancing. If you look out at the water all you see is a line of guys with their backs turned to pee. The town that leads to the beach is just as full of people, and there are stands selling street food and buckets of liquor. People from all over, most young and beautiful. It's hard to really describe with words the craziness of this event - it's reached almost mythical status among backpackers, and really when you think about it, it's a self-perpetuating myth - the people come because they hear it's huge, and it's huge because the people come!

Josh and I called it an "early" night around 4am after soaking up the atmosphere and having some fun - we danced, watched the fiery skipping rope for awhile, waded in the water a bit. We scootered ourselves back to our hotel and awoke only to let the boys in to get their things when they arrived back in town around 9 this morning - then it was straight back to sleep and a very late breakfast for us today. We haven't had a chance to discuss travel plans with the boys yet, but Josh and I are thinking of heading back to Bangkok within the next day or two, we might be able to do a boat-and-train thing, which would be much nicer than the boat-and-bus combo.

No pictures for you yet, maybe once I'm in Bangkok I'll be able to get my USB working again. My camera itself has actually decided that its screen is broken, so I've been taking pictures blind but they seem to be working - so far. Hope to have some up soon (and before I get back to no-Facebook China)!

Til next time!

Cooling Down in Krabi

2010-01-28T15:48:00.002+08:00

Well, I'm sunburnt and planning on spending an indoor day today, catching up on some writing and internet and enjoying the AC in our comparatively cheap hotel room back in Krabi Town. We decided to leave Railay behind after five beautiful beach days. I got my beach back on after that one day of too-much-sun-and-bugs = cranky Karri, and had a great time.

After two nights at the less-than-stellar Yaya "Resort," Josh and I were kicked out due to a lack of vacancy and moved on up to the definitely nicer and *bonus!* complete-with-pool Viewpoint. So, both beach-weary, we recovered by lounging in the shade next to the pool and going for falafels, pitas and hummus at a nearby spot. The next day we felt recovered enough to climb our way up to the real viewpoint for a great view of the beaches from on high. It wasn't really rock-climbing, more like rock-and-tree climbing, but quite enough for me - I'm still a little sore today. After our climb, we found our way to a different beach where the boys did some cliff-jumping and I tried to avoid being stung by what are apparently "sea lice" in the otherwise beautiful water.

Just as Sally and I were leaving the beach, Josh and Mitch having gone off to swim out to a nearby island, we came across a whole gaggle of monkeys who showed up for the free bananas and pineapples some other tourists were handing out. Everybody from the grandpas to the mommas with newborn babies clinging to their stomachs was there, and we got up close and personal with a few - very cool. We enjoyed one last evening on the beach and one last swim the next day before deciding to pack up and take the boat back to Krabi to prepare for the next leg of our journey.

We've walked around Krabi a bit last night and today, it's a small town with a beachy feel despite the lack of beach, and random elephants walking down the street (a little one, but still an elephant! He came right up to us and was sniffing around Josh with his trunk!). We're staying another night and then have plans to take the bus and boat tomorrow to the island of Ko Pha Ngan - whether or not we end up at its infamous Full Moon Party remains to be seen. Josh and I need to be back in Bangkok by the 5th of February for our flight to the Philippines, so we'll probably end up back there with a few days to spare.

We're definitely taking it easy this time around, and that's totally okay with me! Now back to my hotel room for a nap!

Pics from Railay Beach will be up here as soon as I can find a computer that doesn't think my USB is a virus.

Til next time!

Beating the Heat at Railay Beach

2010-01-24T17:42:00.002+08:00

So we've finally made it to the reason many people come to this part of the world - the beaches. We're in Railay Beach, in the south near Krabi, and it is simply breathtaking. Stark karst cliffs rise up out of clear blue-green water, it's sunny and beautiful and all seems at peace when you're sitting on white sand watching the remnants of a sunset fade away...

I had a little too much sun today, so I've escaped indoors to an air-conditioned internet cafe. Josh is off exploring with his brother Mitch, after his first experience rock climbing this morning (he loved it). We've got some time over the next 10 days or so to spend with Mitch, Josh's mom Sally, and Mitch's travel companions Jordan and Jeremie before Josh and I head over to the Philippines and more beach time in Boracay. I don't know if it's the sun, or the abundance of wildlife co-habitating with us in our last few hotel rooms, but I'll admit to feeling a little travel-weary. This is a little worrisome as we are only a week into our five weeks of travelling (and we booked ourselves in for the the full five weeks this time around), but hopefully that's a temporary thing and I'll be feeling more excited about our travels soon. It certainly beats working full time in the dead cold of winter!

There may not be any new pics from me for a bit, somewhere between Krabi town and the boat that took us to Railay, my camera decided to quit again. I'll have to hijack some of Josh's photos for you!

So, in summary, white sand, blue water, hot sun, pineapple shakes, lots of bamboo and loungers at every bar. Not too shabby, Thailand!

Til next time.

One (Four?) Nights in Bangkok

2010-01-20T15:28:00.006+08:00

Sa-wat-dee-ka from Bangkok in beautiful Thailand!

We are on day... four?... here in the city, enjoying the heat, the ice cream, the fresh fruits and juices, the friendly people... I for one am definitely in vacation mode, perfectly content to sleep in, take time over breakfast, chill barefoot in an air-conditioned internet cafe. I have a total of one thing on my to-do list today: buy more sundresses (widely available here). Pretty good life, no?

We spent a very long day flying and in-between flights from Dalian-Guangzhou-Bangkok. After our flight to Bangkok was delayed by a few hours, we spent a really long time in the not-so-exciting Guangzhou airport (although I did discover the best chocolate ice cream I've had since Canada). When we finally made it to our hotel in Bangkok, we immediately crashed despite the fact that it was only 9:30pm...

... and the next morning were greeted by coworker Suzanne and daughter Kina, with whom we had a delightful vegetarian breakfast and wandered around the Banglamphu area. We discovered fresh squeezed juice everywhere we went, along with happy smiling Thais and oodles of foreigners. Josh and I retired for an afternoon nap before meeting up with Suzanne, Kina, and other coworker Jeff for dinner. I'd been feeling under the weather since our flight, so I headed home for an early night while Josh went out to discover the nightlife on Khao San Road.

Monday we kept missing our friends, now numbering five, in our hotel, and so Josh and I struck out on our own. We decided to go adventuring, which means that we struck out without a real plan and did spontaneous things like hop on random buses without really knowing where they were going. The buses here, by the way, have wooden floors, occasionally benches complete with sleeping children, and a plethora of decor of the plastic-y variety, which I only have to assume is courtesy of the driver. We eventually found our way to a tuk-tuk driver, encouraged by a monk-to-be, which was actually a dirt-cheap price thanks to the fact that the ride came complete with numerous scams to attempt to get our money. We - or, technically, I really should say Josh - only fell for one, but hey, he's getting a tailor-made suit out of it. A tuk-tuk, by the way, is a three-wheeled open-air vechicle whose name exactly matches the sound it makes. We did see a lot of Buddhas, and temples, and cats. (Stray cats and dogs are everywhere here, and the funniest part is that half the cats are actually Siamese cats - worth hundreds back home.)

After our last temple and saying goodbye to the tuk-tuk driver, we saw a river taxi and made the split-second decision to hop on. The river taxis are wooden boats complete with collapsible roofs for going under bridges and plastic tarps as splash-guards and monkey-like people who climb all over it to take your money (and never slip). Once again, we had no idea where we would end up, but then Josh recognized a sign for the "Joe Thompson House", the former home of a famous and mysteriously disappeared American, and knew it was near the shopping mecca of Siam Square... this eventually led to ice cream sundaes and a 3D-screening of Avatar (yes, I've succumbed to the hype, it's just a great movie). Our day wasn't over yet, after scamming taxi drivers tried to charge too much for a ride back to Banglamphu, we hopped the bus again, found ourselves on the leafy and atmospheric Rambuttri Soi, ate some pizza, and finally headed back to our hotel after a full day's worth of exploring.

Tuesday we finally met up with Pam, Shannon, and Kari, other co-workers staying in our hotel. We wandered down to infamous Khao San Road, sat in a very posh Starbucks, and eventually made our way back to Siam Square, where we ate Mexican and drank Margaritas at the food court, and then went to see Sherlock Holmes in an even more posh theatre (apparently there are three complexes at this one square) while the girls went to see - you guessed it - Avatar. The theatres in Bangkok are quite interesting - plush reclining seats = lots of comfort, and you have to stand while the national anthem is played and images of the King (every Thai's favourite guy) are flashed across the screen before the movie begins. Pam, Josh and I sat on Khao San Road for some drinks before calling it a night. The place is hopping, even on a Tuesday, but 100% foreigners - definitely a tourist trap, and one I'll confess I'm a little wary of.

This morning we had a leisurely breakfast, learned of all the ways we might get scammed here from the restaurant owner's Dutch husband, and headed to the internet cafe to reconnect with the real world (in a sense). Pictures from our time so far in Bangkok can be found here.

Future plans? Well, Josh and I have made the decision NOT to go to Cambodia to see Angkor Wat - not this time. Josh vetoed the overly expensive plane tickets and I vetoed the scam-filled two days of travelling it would take to go overland. So what does that mean? Josh's mom, brother and companions are arriving in Bangkok late Thursday night. So, we're planning to meet up with them and see what they want to do... I think I hear a beach somewhere calling my name. We have until the 5th of February (Daddy's birthday!) to hang out in Thailand, and then we head across to the Philippines and our cottage in Boracay.

Til next time.

Off to Warmer Places...

2010-01-15T23:14:00.000+08:00

... and I am so ready! Early in the morning, Josh and I take off for Bangkok and 30 degree weather! We're packed and (mostly) ready to go. I will try and update my blog and possibly even post some pictures along the way. Stay tuned!

How to Contact Me (and have me reply)

2010-01-07T16:47:00.000+08:00

While that is a very self-centered blog post title, I mean it in the most practical of senses. Despite the fact that this blog is being imported into Facebook, the fact remains that I cannot get onto the website (nor my Twitter anymore, which was responsible for my not infrequent status updates until recently).

So here's what you need to know, if in fact you would like me to reply to any comment/message you may send (wherever that may be). The situation may change again soon, but this is how China internet currently stands for me:

1) I DO receive all messages, wall posts, comments, etc, you send me via Facebook, Twitter, or my blog. They all go to my email, which, thank goodness, I can access.

2) I CANNOT reply to any messages, wall posts, or comments via Facebook, Twitter, or my blog (unless I write a brand new blog post).

3) The ONLY means of two-way communication I have right now is my email.

4) I am not going to post my email on a public blog, so here's how to get in touch with me: if you have my email, email me.

5) If you don't, send me a message via Facebook with YOUR email - that way I can reply! Remember, I can't even get on the site to look for people's emails anymore - I am B-L-O-C-K-E-D. If I don't know your email already, I can't reply at all.

6) I am sorry this is so difficult. And I am sorry for the complete lack of response to any messages, comments, or wall posts of late. I am not ignoring anyone! I swear! I am simply incapable of replying. Thank you, once again, China.

And thank you, for reading. The internet, as sparse as it may be over here, is my lifeline to home. It means a lot.

Long-lost Photos - Qingdao

2010-01-05T20:34:00.001+08:00

And from the trip that killed my camera, I present to you, Qingdao. Or all that I have of it.

1. Window view #1 - Qingdao
2. Window view #2 - Qingdao
3. Surprise China wedding! With dragons!
4. And finally, flowers in the toliet. Now that's a classy hotel.

Note to self: buy new camera before Thailand.

Long-lost Photos - Halloween

2010-01-05T20:32:00.001+08:00

From the memory card that's been languishing away in my dead camera since November: theoretically in order, here are the captions (posting via email, excuse any formatting issues please).

1. School Halloween Costume - Miss Hermione Jean Granger
2. Nighttime Halloween Costume - Goth Princess (with my pal Scary Spider Goth)
3. Josh as Robert Pattinson for the staff Halloween party (kudos if you get it)
4. Tapanyaki = awesomeness.

Happy 2010

2010-01-03T16:21:00.000+08:00

Finally enjoying some peaceful, relaxing time at home after two fun weeks of travel and company. Josh and I arrived in Dalian off the overnight train this morning, headed home, I poured myself several bowls of cereal and we curled up to watch a movie before catching a few zzz's after a not-so-restful night on the train. Josh is still asleep, I'm browsing foodie websites (a hobby I haven't indulged in months) and planning to attempt my first pie crust tonight in order to try a camembert tart recipe. I thought I would update via my blog since neither Facebook NOR my twitter status NOR my blog comments appear to be working (if they are, please let me know).

We have really enjoyed having Josh's family here (and I'm including all of our guests, John, Patricia, Mitch, Jordan and Jeremy, in that). It's been a lot of fun despite our rampant exhaustion, capped off with a day of slipping and sliding down the slopes of the Great Wall at Badaling itself yesterday (slightly dangerous but quite exhilarating, even if I opted for the kiddie version of sliding down safely planted on my bottom rather than my feet). I believe John and Patricia really enjoyed themselves, and we'll be meeting up with the boys again in warm and beautiful Thailand in a few weeks' time.

Speaking of which, our plans are beginning to really solidify for our upcoming five-week winter holiday, and I'm really pleased with them so far. We are trying something different this year: rather than cramming seven or eight countries or cities or must-see tourist locations into our limited time, we've opted for a total of three main locations: Starting off in Bangkok, Thailand, we will then travel to Siem Reap in Cambodia with some friends to visit the incomparable (so we're told) Angkor Wat for the cultural aspect of our holiday. Then it's back to Thailand to meet up with Mitch & co in Chiang Mai, everybody-we-know's favourite Thai city, for possibilities of elephants and cooking classes and vegetarian cafes. We may try and hit up a Thai beach, possibly Ko Chang, before Josh and I pack up and move on to the Philippines and two glorious weeks of nothing but Boracay paradise. Sounds like a vacation unlike any we've had before - but I'm willing to give it a shot. ;)

And all of this is happening - in less than two weeks. Time to start pulling out the bikinis, sun dresses, shorts and tees, methinks? Try not to hate me. I've never been anywhere tropical before. And it's cold here. I'm just excited. Expect more and colourful posts coming in January and February - and if I can get myself a new camera, pictures with any luck.

Happy 2010, everyone. May your resolutions be acheivable, and may you make it your best year yet.

Snow for Christmas

2009-12-27T09:56:00.000+08:00

Made it through Christmas, and once again, it's a big build-up to an event that was actually okay (instead of devastating). The simple fact that I am not home makes it not really feel like Christmas despite the tree and the presents, and that in turn makes it easier for me to cope with the fact that I am not likely to be for at least another year (though I certainly will be trying next year).

I have been unable to get online since Christmas morning, and am currently still unable to get directly on Facebook or update my Twitter status, so thank you to those of you who sent Christmas wishes, Merry Christmas and love to you all.

Mom and Dad, I will call as soon as I can get Skype to work!

I am enjoying a little quiet time, as it has been a very busy week between going to Beijing last weekend and showing our company around Dalian in between work days this week. My body let me know just how much it didn't enjoy the overexertion (it being a busy week at work too) by getting sick on Christmas Eve to the point where I had to leave school early after upchucking my lunch into the girls' bathroom toliet. (Charming, I know.)

I was feeling better by later that evening, so the boys came over to watch a movie and I opened up my mom's Christmas eve gift. Christmas morning I woke to very nearly a miracle - China snowed for Christmas! Or, at least Dalian did. Our first snow of the year, big, thick snowman flakes the likes of which I've never seen here. So, with a big smile on my face, I Skyped and opened presents with Mom, Dad, and Hilary. In the afternoon, Josh's family came over and we opened their presents, I made cheese dip, and eventually we made our way downtown to our favourite Western restaurant for turkey dinner. It was a nice day, with a Christmas-y feel even if it wasn't the same as being home.

Tomorrow it's back to school for another four day week, and after that, who knows. We haven't got that figured out yet.

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-24T11:09:00.000+08:00

The tree is trimmed, the presents are (mostly) wrapped, the food is piling up. It's Christmas Eve here in China, and yes, I'm at work. This afternoon we'll be decorating cookies, exchanging gifts, and watching that Christmas classic "Home Alone" with our kids, and after school, it's off to a staff get-together/open house for Christmas Eve (but not before I open my traditional Christmas eve present from my mom). Tomorrow morning I'll be skyping with my family while opening gifts, making appies and treats to share with our company, and finally heading to our favourite Western restaurant, Brooklyn, for turkey dinner in the evening. Not exactly like, home, but not so bad either.

Merry Christmas to everyone at home and wherever else in the world you are. Peace and love!

On Christmas

2009-12-16T10:13:00.001+08:00

The holidays are here, or at least they are for those of you back home, where school and work finishes early and friends and family come together to sing, laugh, give, and enjoy each other's company.

For me, Christmas is one of my favourite times of year. I don't know why, but I just love the decorations, and the smells, and the trees, and the twinkling lights, the music and the gatherings, the giving (and the getting!). For me, peacefulness is sitting next to a crackling fire and the red twinkling tree in the darkness, sipping apple cider or eggnog, snacking on seasonal treats that become tradition. I love the celebrations and the parties, the get-togethers, the turkey dinners, the caroling parties, driving around to look at the Christmas lights, heading out to the candlelit church to sing and play at Midnight Mass, one of the more magical church moments for me. Waiting through Christmas Eve with my sister, still having trouble sleeping through that long, long night even as a "grown-up." Savouring the unwrapping of gifts with family, counting presents under the tree. And did I mention the food?

I'm not getting any of that, not really. It's surprising that Christmas is present in China at all, but it's here, in the plastic Santas and tacky decorations most businesses put up this time of year (and occasionally forget to take down again - there has been a Christmas tree in the window of the bank near my apartment since last year). Our school is giving us Christmas Day off, so we get a three day weekend. While candy canes are nowhere to be found, fake Christmas trees (in all sizes) are not difficult to get, along with the cheapest of plastic decorations. So it's here, although I don't even know why it should be, in a non-religious and non-"Western" country. I think it's just a cool trend, a foreign thing to try. And I understand that. I'm not at home.

But I'll try. Red lights twinkle on our four-foot tree at home, decorated with beautiful homemade balls from home alongside the cheap China ones. There are peanut butter balls and shortbread cookies in my pantry, and I've got half a dozen recipes for eggnog to test out. My classroom is covered in handmade decorations courtesy of my students, and we've organized a Secret Santa alongside decorating sugar cookies and a screening of that classic Home Alone on Christmas Eve for the kids (and the teachers, I'll admit it). I'm organizing the school holiday concert and introducing my younger music students to the Nutcracker ballet (they were enthralled). I downloaded my childhood favourite Christmas music and have AccuHoliday.com on standby. I'll Skype with family to unwrap presents and to say hello at the family gathering this week. We'll even have some of Josh's family here this year. It will be okay. I'll spend my Christmas Eve at a smoky Chinese jazz bar, watching Josh play and the confetti fall as Santa dances out to "Jingle Bells" at midnight. And I'll appreciate Christmas at home even more when I finally get to come home for one.

It's going to be a busy week ahead, so, Merry Christmas, everyone.

Brief Update, My Life this December

2009-12-05T11:30:00.000+08:00

Told you it would be December. I have been nothing but a teacher for the past month, and I am ready to become a person again - I think. Yesterday we put up our little Christmas tree, and I'm planning to camp out at the Post Office at some point this weekend to send my Christmas packages home to Canada. We've got some of Josh's family coming to visit over Christmas, and a job hunt to get back on, and five weeks of vacation to plan, so there's no shortage of things to do! We did go to Qingdao last weekend, and I'll try to get an entry up for that. I apologize for the lack of updates, but I promise come January things will become much more exciting with our planned trip to Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philiphines, Indonesia, Singapore...).

Til next time!

Life or Something Like It

2009-11-07T09:07:00.000+08:00

It's been awhile, I know. Work, combined with birthdays and a slew of health issues this week (ranging from the stomach flu to serious lower back pain) has left my blog unattended for too long. I don't have much to report, which may be another reason - the last few weeks have zoomed by and it's suddenly well into November, with report card deadlines looming shockingly fast. The countdown's on until December 4th, the day report cards go out and the day work might finally return to a normal-ish load. On that note, Josh and I decided to take a mini-vacation, a weekend in the seaside German-built city of Qingdao, at the end of November - just to get away from it all for a few days.

It's a working weekend again, my overviews may be done but the assessment stuff is just beginning, and there's a lot that needs to happen in the next three weeks, compounded by our ongoing job hunt for next year (which I'm planning to get serious about this weekend). At the moment, the only nearly-European schools with jobs that might suit us are in Scotland, Turkey, and Morocco (the only actual music position being in Morocco). Could be interesting. Parking ourselves at the local Starbucks (coffee and wifi, baby) is our plan to get 'er done today (and possibly take tomorrow off?). Anyone who says that teachers have it easy has no - freaking - idea.

On the non-work front, I have three new vegetarian cookbooks to peruse and have succeeding in recruiting several of the "girls" here into the Glee-obsessed camp - we had a girls' night last night, complete with homemade BBQ chicken nachos, to catch a few of the others up so that we can start holding regular Glee-watching parties when new episodes come back on next week. I have also read the first four of five Percy Jackson and the Olympians books - yes, they're for kids - and I may be slightly obsessed (I ordered them from our Scholastic book order with the intention of putting them in my classroom library). I ordered the fifth one, too, but stupid Scholastic didn't send it... I may just go crazy waiting for the back order... although I was pleased to learn that there's a movie coming out in the spring! Kickboxing is another new hobby - a slightly painful one - as some of the teachers have organized a kickboxing "club" twice a week after school, in which we work out to killer but fun videos meant for instructors... it's all good!

I got my first Christmas present in the mail this week - thanks, Aunt Patsy! No, I haven't opened it! - and that put me in a bit of a Christmassy mood... already looking forward to December when I can sanely put up my little tree with the hard-won red lights...

So, there, in a nutshell, is my life right now. I may not surface again until December. Til then.

Learning to Speak Mac

2009-10-26T20:23:00.001+08:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, Josh has soldified his position as "best boyfriend ever" by buying me the craziest birthday/Christmas gift - a brand spanking new MacBook, soon to be covered in luminous yellow and looking distinctively svelte and sports car-like next to my clunky, 4-year-old silver Dell, with its lack of battery, "R" key, or disc space. The next challenge is this: learning the lingo of Mac.

It's a cult, I know it, and Josh is a little disdainful, but all I know is that I've heard they're pretty solid machines and once you get to know them, pretty user friendly. Plus, it's got a built-in webcam and the DVD player is bound to be better than the dangerous whirring sound that would emit from the Dell's... at any rate, I'm going to dive in and give it my best shot (though the conversation round our place tonight more or less consists of "Josh! How do I do..." or "Josh! Where do I find..." and his unchanging "I don't know, I'm a Linux user!" response.) We'll get there, I'm sure, but it does feel a bit like groping in the dark after a solid 14-15 years of being a PC user.

Take the mousepad, for example. There's no right-click! No right-click! What a useful feature that right-click button is. I never realized it, really, until I didn't have it anymore (though that middle finger of mine sure is trying). Just now, I was stuck in a word document with one of those red squiggly lines... "Josh," I said. "How do you spell persuing?" He spelled it just like I thought it should be spelled, and yet that red line persevered. An no right-click to show me what the computer thought it should be! Still haven't figured that one out. I'm sure I'll get there.

The menu/dashboard/dock/whatever the correct term is is actually quite straight-forward, and I've now got Firefox, Skype, Open Office, my movie player, and most of the basics to get me going. The next step is to move over my files and see how they convert... what a technological adventure I'm having!

The MacBook is beautiful, and little, and cute, and powerful, and yes, I do love it. It has a freaking battery! And an "R" key! And yes, I am bragging. Sorry.

Birthday Cheer

2009-10-25T21:42:00.003+08:00

First of all, thanks for all the many many birthday wishes I've received over the course of the weekend (Facebook's good for that, isn't it?).

I haven't been writing much lately because I've been kind of insanely busy, and any downtime I've had has been spent mindlessly laughing/groaning over episodes of Glee or the Office in an effort to turn my brain off completely. What I have been doing is running in the mornings thrice a week with my new running "club" (co-president Pam and new recruits Kristine and Edgar) and doing a yoga video in the evenings. Writing mad overviews for every course I teach. Parent teacher interviews and staff meetings and starting brand-new classroom programs and performing at assemblies and keeping up with the day-to-day business of being a teacher. Planning my weekly menus and trying out new recipes. Trying to fit some creative writing time in. There's some semblance of balance in there, and that's a good thing.

I took the weekend off, the first since I've arrived, and did nothing but enjoy myself. Friday night we had a nearly-impromptu girls' night, some of the other lady teachers came over, we cooked up a stir-fry, ate some McDonald's hot fudge sundaes, and watched a chick flick. Saturday was lovely and relaxing, we tried out some of my coupons/gift certificates for the Shangri-La Hotel buffet (amazing amounts of food there), and then I Skyped with two of my girls, Jenn and Amy! This morning I Skyped my family, opened some lovely gifts from home, and then Josh and I headed out motorbike-style for the local I-55 breakfast buffet. Josh left me at Starbucks for awhile to run a "mysterious errand" - upon his return he was bearing - wait for it - a freaking MacBook (which was given to me over the counter by the puzzled Starbucks attendant)! I KNOW! My good ol' Dell has about run its course, but I can't say I wasn't completely stunned (and still am). A brand new Mac!!!! :O

After I got over the shock, we went for a walk around Bing Hai Lu, the ocean-front, mountain-side road running around the south of Dalian. Beautiful. Cliffs, crashing waves, changing colour trees, the smell of nature. Loved it. Loved it. I miss nature. (Definitely not a city girl.)

We came home and got ready for our travelling dinner, a fun tradition in which the teachers in our apartment building (and just down the road) go from place to place for the various courses of a stupendous meal (capped off with sparkler-filled donuts tonight!).

It's been just lovely. Hello, 24.

China-net Update

2009-10-17T22:08:00.000+08:00

The current status of China-net is this: while I am still, at the moment, able to post on this blog and my Twitter by proxies, (both of which are automatically imported to Facebook, which is probably where you're reading this), Facebook access, beyond being able to LOOK at it, is a no go. I haven't been able to reply to comments, wall posts or messages in a few days. Rest assured, all of those things do get sent to my email, so I can read them. But, if you want a reply to anything, the easiest way to communicate with me right now is via old-fashioned email.

I can't even look at YouTube by proxy anymore (annoying when I wanted to show some Whose Line is it Anyway clips for drama class Friday). China-net just keeps getting worse and worse.

Any ideas from fellow laowais having better luck would be much appreciated.

Sigh. I forgot how awesome uncensored internet is. Korea reminded me. Boo.

Hints

2009-10-17T22:05:00.001+08:00

Okay, I know it's early, but I'm already deep into my own Christmas shopping this year, so I thought, for those close friends and family who were planning to send a little something this way anyway, I could help you out by giving a few ideas for good laowai-in-China gifts (see? Entirely selfless motives!).

I'm so subtle.

Here we go:

Coffee - I particularly like flavoured coffees, like vanilla or Christmas-y flavours, that I just can't get here. I don't have a grinder, so whole beans may not be the best option...

Quality dark chocolate - available but pricey and difficult to find. Hot chocolate mix is also prohibitively expensive here.

Breakfast cereal - don't roll your eyes at me. For a cereal girl like me, endless cardboard-y Corn Flakes and Crisp Rice just doesn't cut it. I know these are large, but maybe out of the box it would ship okay? No? My faves are Frosted Mini-Wheats and Crispix, to name a few. Just sayin'.

Instant oatmeal packets - easy breakfasts for rushed mornings. Any flavour will do!

Chocolate chips for baking chocolate chip cookies!

A few boxes of that old familiar stand-by, KD, wouldn't go amiss either...

English language books and magazines - Books are difficult to find, magazines are impossible. Magazines about health and fitness, travel, or cooking interest me... books are more difficult, I'm normally a picky reader. Over here, though, my only requirement is that it's in English!

And finally... just a simple Christmas card! Nothing makes me happier on a blah school day than finding mail in my school mailbox! Especially Christmas-related mail! I'm not gonna lie, the holidays are tough. All the thoughtful and beautiful Christmas cards we received last year (which remained proudly on display until recently) really helped us through the season!

Okay, no more Christmas talk for awhile. The tree isn't going up til December. Really, I promise. :)

Korea Photos Up!

2009-10-11T08:46:00.000+08:00

It's been non-stop go go go since we returned from Korea a week ago today. This is the long haul, which I now know from experience - October and November are just going to be nothing but work, and boy does December feel a long way away from this side of things. With ProD (I am on the planning committee) and PT interviews this week, year overviews for each subject (that is eight subjects for me) coming up fast, and report cards right on their heels, it's going to be a working weekend every weekend until at least the end of November (yes, even on my birthday weekend). Yes, I think I'm a little bit in danger of teacher burnout right now (and I'm only in my second year of teaching!) However, I also know that I can, have, and will survive it, and that everything after that is easy-peasy in comparison. Right?

There will be a few extra projects added to the plate this fall: one, planning for a five-week tour around Southeast Asia (which involves much more planning than our China tour - visas and plane tickets, for one), and two, looking for a job for next year, wherever that may end up being. We've made it no secret that we intend to move on from Dalian once our two-year contract is up - we like the school, the staff, the kids, the music program that we began - but it's time to go. It's a big world out there - we've got a lot left to see! I know, I know, looking already? But when it comes right down to it, international hiring is done early, and we really need to nail something down before our winter break - especially since we are unable to attend any of the international hiring fairs where interviews usually take place (remember, we got our job here through the education fair in Charlottetown - no such events in Dalian!).

We're also expecting a few more visitors this year, which is always exciting, with some of Josh's family coming for Christmas, and more later on. I'm starting my Christmas shopping list myself, with hopes of getting gifts mailed home by early November (just in case). Expect smaller (re: lighter) gifts this year, folks - those shipping fees are killer. I may shortly post a list of Western items that are difficult to find over here, in case anyone's looking for gift ideas for yours truly! (I'll make sure they're light, too.)

My exercise plan has veered waaay off track since coming back from Korea, though you could say I earned a week off after those punishing two days on the bike (I don't think it works that way, though). After school just isn't going to work, though I've tried with a few other staff members (and we are doing a Thursday kickbox/dance class via video in the drama room at school which is a good excuse to work out). I think I'm going to have to go back to morning runs, as much as I like sleeping all the way to 6:50, I never feel as good as when I start the day with a good workout. Another teacher, Kristine, and I have been discussing - possibly - maybe - sort of - about doing the Great Wall half-marathon in Beijing in the spring. That would certainly be a motivator. Hmmm.

And it's Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend, of course! Happy turkey day to everyone at home, tonight I will be dining on a bucket o'KFC (with a side of mashed potatoes) with the other staff in our building, doing things China-style. Holidays tend to be the hardest times for me, the times I wonder what I'm doing way over here anyway, but we've made some good friends here, and that makes things better. Enjoy your turkey feasts, and I'm certainly thankful that I actually got a "Christmas in July" turkey this summer (thanks Mom!).

And the point of this post - pictures! I have finally managed to upload my Korea pictures to Facebook, which by the way is incredibly frustrating and difficult thanks to China's wonderful internet system. That is why I no longer add captions or tag people (or even select a cover photo), which is unfortunate, because captions go a long way in explaining what you're seeing. Nonetheless, they are there, and here are the links (no fancy linking tricks here, also thanks to China internet):

Seoul - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2027164&id=183600690&l=4960adbb62
The DMZ - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2027198&id=183600690&l=14ec2cbc6d
Jeju Island - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2027242&id=183600690&l=5071d290a5

These links, if China lets me, will also be added to my Photos links in my blog's sidebar.

That's all, folks! Happy Thanksgiving!

Glued to the Screen

2009-10-06T20:29:00.000+08:00

Now, I've always liked to think I'm not much of a TV watcher... during university I certainly didn't have the time and was rarely home in the evenings anyway. Now that I'm a working woman I do tend to have a little more time in the evenings - or at least, Josh and I try to make time when we need to unwind. When I owned a TV I would occasionally use it as an easy procrastination tool - it's easy to watch the boob tube even when there's "nothing on." Our apartment in Dalian came with one, but we gave it back - any TV we watch now is via computer/internet and completely controlled by us - we have to really want to watch a show to actually find it and do it.

Fall being the time when shows begin, we've found ourselves accidentally following a number of fairly entertaining shows, a bit of a new phenomenon for us (if you recall, last year was the year of the Battlestar Galactica, with four seasons to catch up on for me).

Here's what's on the docket this fall:

Dollhouse - a very well-executed show with an interesting if a bit wacky sci-fi concept, we've finished season one and are now getting up to date with season two. It's one of those ones that hooks you in, so it's probably a good thing that we can only get one at a time now. Helo from Battlestar is in this one, and kicks a lot of ass.

Glee - I loved the first episode. I didn't enjoy the second. But I stuck with it. And five eps in, I love it again. It's about teaching music, and musicals, and all around wackiness - but it's fun.

Eastwick - Okay, the truth is this show is not very good. At all. But I'm sticking with it to see episode three when Darren Criss (of AVPM fame) makes his television debut. After that it's up in the air. :)

Family Guy - A bit of a classic, rarely fails to make me laugh. I've decided to keep up with the new season. Eppys 1 and 2 on the old download as we speak!

The Office - I have never watched this show but sparingly, I simply wasn't able to be in front of my TV during my university years every Thursday night without fail to keep up with the plotlines, but anytime I managed to see it, I'm laughing. Season six has begun and I'm going to give sequential watching a try... even if Michael still annoys the hell out of me.

The first season of True Blood is also languishing away on my hard drive, but we watched the first two episodes and it just isn't doing much for me. Perhaps the oversaturation of vampires on the market is having an effect...

Any recommendations for good TV this fall?

Jeju Island: Strong Wind, Strong Rocks, Strong Women

2009-10-04T19:03:00.000+08:00

Wednesday, Sept 30th - Jeju Si, Jeju Do

We find ourselves in the seafront city of Jeju Si, in a cheap but comfortable hotel with a comfortable bed and a bathtub - even if we have to fill it with kettle-boiled water since the tap water won't get hot enough. Jeju Do is Korea's holiday island, its Hawaii, with beaches and mountains and all kinds of wonderful outdoorsy activities - and it's raining.

During our travels, Josh and I have discovered the merits of the "hotel day," a day on which we choose to stay in, read, have baths, etc, venturing out only for meals, if there's no delivery available. We are on vacation, after all, and occasionally when spending time in foreign countries where the language, customs, and even food are so different, you just feel the need to escape it all.

So here we are.

Friday, October 2nd - Jeju Si Again

I say "again" because we actually have left and come back again, after two of the most punishing days of my life. "Let's rent bikes and cycle around the island for four days!" says I. "Sure!" says my cyclist boyfriend. And so our adventure began.

Now, don't get me wrong, during the last few days we've seen two of Jeju Do's most striking sights - the lava tube caves and the eastern Ilchubong crater - but not without a hefty, hefty price.

To begin our epic journey, it was raining - again. Figuring we didn't fly to Jeju just to stay in our hotel room, we rented two bikes from a shop across from our hotel, bungee-corded our bags to the backs, and set off. My initial rainjacket attempt at keeping dry soon gave way to accepting the fact that we would be spending the day soaked through.

We ate microwave spaghetti at a convenience store, walked along a black sand beach, and saw some spectacular ocean/mountain views - yes, all in the rain. 5 hours and 22km in, we stopped at the Manjeong Caves, touted as the largest lava tubes in the world. Another eerie underground experience, this time cold and wet as well. As soon as we approached the staircase descending into the great black cave, we felt a discernible drop in temperature of at least 10 degrees, not very pleasant for two already-drowned rats such as ourselves.

The cave itself was huge, damp and dark, lit sparingly by floodlights to help us navigate the uneven, lava flow floor. The occasional display educated us about geological features such as lava rafts and mini-stalactites while frigid water dripped on us from above. The whole thing could have easily passed as a movie set for Lord of the Rings.

Back on the road again (and slightly warmer but just as wet) it was another 18km and 3 hours before we reached our destination of Samseong Ilchudong. Along the way, I was nearly blinded by rain and headlight glare and lost my glam China sunglasses, but we made it, checked into the first hotel we saw and ate a steaming bowl of deliciously spicy but decidedly non-vegetarian bean sprout stew. Day 1 complete.

Saturday, October 3rd - Still Jeju-Si

We awoke on Friday to a hesitant but glorious sun. Snacking on Jeju's deliciously tart tangerines, we made our way up to the reason for coming all that way: Ilchudong itself, reaching starkly into the sky - a leftover crater from Jeju's more volcanic days. We met up with a friendly fellow Canadian named Andy, and Josh and he chatted while I panted my way up the steep steps to the summit.

The views were beautiful - the crater itself, green with jarring edges, the blue blue water, black cliffs, the nearby island of Udo - certainly worth a look. Now I felt like I had really found Jeju Island.

That, of course, was the easy part, and we still had to bike the 40km back to Jeju-Si. If you have never cycled 40km, you cannot truly appreciate how far that really is (especially when you're already aching from the day before). At least we stayed dry this time, and got to appreciate the scenery, no longer shrouded in mist: lush green fields outlined by ramshackle black rock walls, the occasional roadside tomb, more blue water, mountains in the distance. But pain on top of pain made itself distracting, and it was a long, long six hour trek - with very few breaks. I couldn't even believe it when we finally, finally, made it back to our Jeju-Si hotel.

***

This, and the post on the DMZ were taken from my travel diary - I do keep one when we're on the road, and find it extremely helpful when the stretches between internet access get too long.

Saturday was spent strolling the waterfront and cooling down in the only air-conditioned spot that was open on this Korean Thanksgiving day - McDonald's. A flight back to Seoul, a lovely dinner at a Greek restaurant named, appropriately, Santorini (ah, memories), and one last scoop of Cold Stone ice cream, and we called it a vacation.

"In Front of Them All"

2009-10-04T15:22:00.000+08:00

Tuesday, Sept 29th 2009 - en route, Seoul to Jeju

We've made it to our flight with a little time to spare, and are awaiting take-off for Jeju. We don't have any accommodation booked for tonight, but this seems to be our style for the week - normally we are able to get away with this, but what we didn't know when we packed up and headed for Korea was that this weekend is only the biggest holiday on the Korean calendar - so we'll see how that goes.

Seoul has been very cool, very chic, and yet still very Asian. We met up with an old friend from home, Erin, who is living and teaching in Seoul, and had dinner in Itaewon, Seoul's most international district (more "laowai" than I have seen since Canada!). It was funny that many of the things she mentioned about Seoul - that it's dirty, that people stare, that the traffic is bad - were things we'd noticed a massive improvement in upon our arrival in Korea. I guess it's all about perpective!

In four days, we've done a lot of Seoul, but I've a feeling we've only scratched the surface. Today was DMZ day, so at 2am this morning, as the garbage trucks were doing their thing just outside our hanok windows, with heavy hearts we set our new, cheapie but overpriced alarm clock for 5:45 and went to bed. Morning came and we groggily stepped out into surprisingly fresh morning mist to make our sub-terrainian way to the USO headquarters for our US Army hosted tour of the most heavily fortified border in the world.

What a fascinating, thought-provoking day. The tour was not cheap - $70 a pop - but included the JSA (joint-service area), an observation tower that allowed a hazy glimpse into the Hermit Kingdom, and a terrifying walk down the third tunnel, one of four those sneaky-sneaky North Koreans have been building into Southern territory (the four that they've found, anyway).

The US base camp was an odd experience - we were debriefed with military efficiency on the history and current border situation before signing our lives away in case of death or injury (yup, there was a waiver). The US soldiers were everything you'd expect - intimidating, patriotic, and Southern, while their South Korean counterparts simply stood motionless and silent in the Tae Kwon Do "ready" pose, terrifying behind dark aviator glasses.

We were brought by bus to the joint area - two large buildings facing each other like the soldiers beneath them - North and South, facing off in an endless battle of intimidation. After looking (but not pointing) curiously at the lone North Korea soldier across the way, we were ushered into the room where any and all potential meetings between the two forces take place - a room into which the North also takes its tourists and both sides monitor constantly by microphone. Technically, as our friendly Army guide said, once we crossed the table in the middle of the room, we were actually in North Korea. Something to check off the old to-do list?

At the observation deck we had the opportunity to look at but not photograph the lands beyond the border, including an empty propaganda village and two opposing flags, another case of "Mine is bigger than yours!", with the North's being the biggest flag in the world at 33m in length and 160m high.

The tunnel walk was an amazingly cool experience, but I can't say I wasn't petrified. We were given hard hats to wear and marched 500m down into the claustrophobia-inducing, rocky tunnel shaft. Incredible? Yes. Frightening? Definitely. Ghostly and eerie and echo-ey and damp and chill and very, very cool.

Our day at the border certainly helped us learn more about the situation in the Koreas, but it raised many many more questions and made me wonder just what does go on over there... and how much longer the stalemate will last.

Playing Tourists in Seoul

2009-09-28T15:33:00.003+08:00

Day 3 in Seoul, our last full day here before tomorrow's tour of the DMZ and our flight to Jeju Island (which, I must say, I am looking forward to - I've had enough of cities for awhile).

Yesterday we woke up in our traditional hanok, itchy and red from the mosquito bites we acquired over the night. The idea of a hanok is nice, but practically... let's just say we didn't get a lot of sleep that night (not to mention we were put in separate rooms - which meant we were charged double the price!). Last night we moved over to a different guesthouse, still hanok style, but this one had a sealed door/window screens to keep out any bloodsucking guests, and was much less money since we only have one room. A much nicer sleep! I guess it all just depends where you go. In both places we slept on mats on the raised floor, after leaving our shoes in the courtyard outside. Atmospheric? Yes.

After switching hanoks we made our way over to the palace of Chandeokgung, where we embarked on our first guided tour (the only option) and wandered the likes of "Crown Prince-Making Place" and the "Secret Garden." It was a nice walk around the sprawling grounds, trees and buildings and all. I was suprised to see how similar the Korean architecture was to Chinese style - it was even red! I suspect the palace grounds will be even more beautiful come spring, when the lotus trees are in bloom. The whole way along the tour, a Korean couple posed for wedding photos in a variety of different traditional outfits - a fitting background for it, I suppose.

In the afternoon we wandered down toward Myeongdong area, where neon lights and shopping reign supreme, although the area also plays host to Korea's oldest and most important Catholic cathedral. It being Sunday, there was actually mass (in Korean) happening when we were there, and the place was packed. We sat outside, people-watching and listening to a heavenly-sounding choir practicing next door. After soaking in our fill of churchly ambience, we plunged back into the chaos of Myeongdong and made our way toward the cable car that would take us up Namsan mountain to N Seoul Tower for some stunning, 360 degree nighttime views of the city - it's a big one.

Today we've been taking it easy, browsing and discussing reunification ideas at an English bookstore, wandering through Insadong and pouring through Korean souvenir shops. Our general plan is to make our way to Namdaemun Market, and then perhaps to Itaewon to explore the most international part of the city (so we're told).

It's an early, early start tomorrow for our tour to the de-militarized zone, where we're meeting up with another teacher from school and her fiance. Then, with any luck, it's off to Jeju and some fresh, volcanic air!

Seoul in Brief

2009-09-26T21:37:00.003+08:00

Well, we've been here about twelve hours, two of which were spent on subways, another two searching for a place to stay (apparently holiday in China = no vacancies anywhere!), a good chunk eating ice cream and other entirely non-Korean delicacies, and a bit more time in this here "PC Bar", booking flights to Jeju Island and such.

In this time, I have learned this: how to say hello in Korean ("Annyong Hasseyo") - but I can only think of it after the fact. That it is indeed quite difficult to get around, get help, and get services when you don't speak or read the local language (although there are a lot of English-speakers here). I have also learned that Koreans are extremely helpful people (especially the ones who want to practice their English!). I've learned that Seoul has every "modern," or perhaps "Western" convenience that Shanghai, or perhaps even Hong Kong has. I've learned what a "hanok" is (and I'm sleeping in one tonight!). I have learned that exchanging your Korean money to Chinese instead of Canadian in your head is a bad idea (1000 won = 1 dollar, but not 1 RMB). I've learned that Seoul's Insadong and area are incredibly fun and touristy, but bright and lit and beautiful and even calm in places. I've learned that the landscape on the way from Incheon to Gimpo is a little mountainous, very green, and occasionally covered in the most ethereal, purple-moss covered mud flats. I've learned that people wait in lines and follow traffic lights! I'm trying to learn not to accidentally speak Chinese to all these Koreans. I've learned that so far, I like Korea - a lot!

A vague sketch of our week:
Tomorrow (Sunday) - tour of the palace and "Secret Garden" near our hanok.
Tuesday - tour of the DMZ (ooh! Scary!) and evening flight to Jeju Island
Wednesday - Saturday - Biking around and enjoying the volcanic scenery of Jeju.
Saturday night - Flight back to Seoul
Sunday morning - Flight back to Dalian!

Look for more updates when I can!

A Walk on the Wild Side...

2009-09-22T19:46:00.000+08:00

Sunday afternoon. Josh and I were both a little cranky after spending far too much time indoors. So we headed out, thinking we'd get some groceries and then head for dinner. Then Josh says, "Why don't we go for a walk?" I say, "Okay." Adventure time!

We take a walk up through the streets behind our apartments, winding up close to the "mountain" just behind us - the one we've never figured out how to access. Lo and behold, a path! Granted, it was closed off with a gate and a guardhouse, but the gate was open and the guard said "Sure!" so we went in. The path took us in through woods, black-eyed Susans, crumbling stone walls scattered among the trees, ashes of ancestor fires. The scent of rain was still in the air from the morning's downpour. I had no idea there was no much nature - or fresh air, for that matter - in Dalian.

The path itself was not very long, and we came out upon a few ramshackle buildings crawling with the aforementioned flowers. Another guard came out, this one not so friendly: "No!" is all he said, in English, so we said "Okay, okay!" and indicated we were leaving anyway.

We stopped short at the sound of frenzied, ferocious barking. If anyone wonders why I am not really a dog person, it's because of dogs like this: fierce, growling, tense, and quite capable of tearing me to pieces if so inclined. This one appeared to be so inclined. It was chained only feet from the gate through which we had to pass, and I wasn't so sure about those chains. Somehow, we gathered the courage to walk quickly through the gate, and didn't stop until we felt relatively sure it wasn't coming after us. The barking followed us all the way down the road, though, and it was a little while before I was breathing easily again.

Immediately we found ourselves in something I've never seen before: a Chinese cemetary. I wasn't even sure they existed, but there wasn't anything else it could be: rows of engraved stones, flanked by Chinese lions wearing red cloth, lined with expertly groomed trees and covering the hills around us for acres, I'm sure. Stone staircases allowed us to explore, a little. The plots were tiny, perhaps big enough for an urn. I'm not sure what the Chinese do with their deceased. Never thought to ask.

We continued along the graveyard road until we came to a horse track - home and training grounds of the famous Dalian horse-riding police women! Quite a tourist attraction, I'm told. No horses or policewomen in sight.

Feeling more like we were back in the city now, we came to the main road, very far from where we began, and caught a bus we'd never taken before to Zhongshan Square (really a circle), where we walked to our favourite "date" restaurant, Tapas. Marinated olives and peppers, creamed asparagus soup, grilled mushrooms, garlic potatoes and a little sangria later, we were feeling like it had been a pretty good day after all...

Travel Tips?

2009-09-14T20:49:00.000+08:00

So we've decided to spend our September break (I know, what a concept) in Korea - Seoul, Jeju Island, and maybe a tour to the DMZ to look across at the scary North Korean soldiers... any recommendations or suggestions from anyone who's been/lives there?

And thinking ahead to January, which yes, we are, we need to decide our plan for the big five-week vacation. Here are the options/thoughts: India, and/or Southeast Asia. Obviously not all of it. My idea is to spend two weeks hitting the highlights of India, and three in strategically chosen Southeast hotspots - Bangkok, Hanoi, Singapore, Boracai for the beach... I know it's a lot but I don't know when we'll be in Asia again and I'm willing to be somewhat reasonable... Josh thinks we should choose EITHER India OR Southeast Asia. Weigh in time... we need some opinions, people! Am I crazy? What are the must-sees? Where would you go?

Our original idea was to do Japan during our May holiday, but it's been suggested we should go in July, as our flights will be stopping there anyway, and use May for some other purpose... perhaps a costly tour to Tibet?

I think I've been reading too much Lonely Planet. Help!

Saturday Morning at Tao Yuan Market

2009-09-12T10:12:00.000+08:00

It's a sunny Saturday morning, the markets up and buzzing long before I wake today, as they are every day in the plaza outside Tao Yuan Shopping Centre. I am sunglasses-less and iPod-less this morning as I make the short walk from my apartment, but if the locals are staring, it isn't bothering me today. The strong scent of paint with a slight tinge of urine hits me like a wall as I walk down the covered ramp to the main section of the plaza. Elderly Chinese are sitting crouched on the steps, sharing snacks while I sidestep to avoid the zooming babies in their electric Fisher Price cars, parents frantically padding along behind them. To my left, a sea of covered tents, red, blue, green, houses more vegetables, fruit, fish, breads, second-hand clothing and odds and ends than you could imagine, and I know it extends far beyond what I can see from here. The aisles of the makeshift market are crushed with people, a colourful array of China's most creative fashion choices - old, young, mothers with their babies, children everywhere. Shouts, some advertising wares, some arguing price, drift across the plaza over the not-too-distant sounds of traffic. I shop at the market too, but not this morning. To my right is the shopping centre, not as busy but still a rest haven for some. Groups of middle-agers are gathered around tables outside McDonald's, smoking and playing Mah Jong and other games I haven't the patience to learn. Later tonight, when the market is packed away for tomorrow, they will play hacky-sack and dance Tai-Chi style to badly-piped pop music in the cooling air. The girl at the McDonald's counter drops my change, blushes, and apologizes in English, once, twice. I say, also in English, "It's okay!", smile, and take my coffee. If there's a niche for me in this strange, bustling, wonderful, life-filled world, I haven't yet - quite - figured it out. But I'm getting there.

Happy Teacher's Day!

2009-09-10T20:21:00.000+08:00

It's Teacher's Day today in China, and no I didn't get the day off school, but I did get several cards and two chocolates from my students! They really need to instate one of these in Canada! (According to Wikipedia, there isn't one - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teachers_Day ) Still, when in China...

快乐教师节 everybody!

Really deep ponderings on teaching 'n stuff

2009-09-08T19:56:00.001+08:00

Ms. S is a happy teacher this year.

Maybe it's the assignment - no more math anything, regular program grade 5/6 LA, SS, Drama and PE (three subjects I love and one I'm trying to), and the primary (PreK-4) music program (my specialty, of course!)

Maybe it's my class - somehow we lucked out in avoiding the majority of you know, those kids, and ended up with a very international group of mostly sweet and hard-working ones. So far. ;)

Maybe it's the fact that I'm no longer a first-year teacher and feel like I have an inkling of what I'm doing, even with a slew of new grades and subjects. I know how to write an overview, I know how to manage a classroom and I know how to sequence a lesson. I'm not the Ultimate Master of Teaching Awesomeness, but I'm not a noob anymore, either. Ha!

Just a dose of cheery Karri before the doldrums reappear... as they are sometimes wont to do. G'night!

Cooking with Karri - Year Two Edition!

2009-09-05T13:31:00.001+08:00

So once again I am attempting to a) cook at home and b) learn something about vegetarian/Asian cooking, only this time I'm better armed, with a myriad of vegetarian cookbooks and quality cooking utensils straight from the local Ikea. Last weekend I went through some of said cookbooks and pulled some recipes to try for the week's menu (with mixed results), among them, Welsh Rarebit (thumbs up!), Curried Vegetables (I've had - and made - better), Tofu, Peanut and Noodle Stir-Fry (good but need better/thinner noodles next time) and Cream of Cauliflower Soup with Cheese Bread for school lunches (my first attempt at bread - a little on the heavy side). This week I've a mind to try TVP (textured vegetable protein) fajitas and some of our bought curry sauces, along with a Broccoli and Tomato Cheesecake recipe for lunches - mixing up the gourmet with the shortcuts. I'll keep you posted if I discover any amazing tastebud masterpieces!

The photos document my Cheese Bread and Tofu, Peanut and Noodle Stir-Fry process... mmm, I'm hungry!

Mindless entertainment suggestions?

2009-09-05T12:53:00.000+08:00

Hello again, just wondering if anyone has any suggestions for movies or tv shows I can stock up on this year... you know, just for those days when work leaves your brain too fried to do anything productive. (We don't own a TV, so mindless channel surfing is out... this needs to be planned, people!)

Here's what's on the docket so far:

Cowboy Bebop - Josh and I are currently watching this classic anime series that, from what I hear, redefined a lot of what anime thought it could be. Sweet jazz, too. I am totally shipping Jet/Faye, if anyone's curious (don't laugh at me, it's what I do). Thanks for the eps, Justin!
Dollhouse, season one - I've heard mixed reviews, but it's got Helo from Battlestar Galactica in it.
True Blood, season one - Vampires, vampires, vampires! I read the first few pages of the book, and thought it was terrible. But a lot of people watch the show...
Glee, pilot episode - I've heard good things about this one, and I'm a bit of a musical theatre nerd, so...
And just for fun, Kim Possible, season four - I got hooked on this incredibly fun and smart Disney show a few years ago. Season four is my favourite, because - you guessed it! - I'm a Kim/Ron shipper!

These are all TV shows, but movies are also good for weekends when we're staying in... you can probably guess from this list that we tend towards the nerdier genres...

Recommendations?

Back Online...

2009-09-04T20:28:00.000+08:00

The first of many blog updates this weekend, most likely... just a quick recap of my current internet situation.

Thanks to a new proxy, I can now access facebook and do most of the things I used to be able to do... uploading pictures doesn't seem to be one of them, but I can reply to wall posts, comments and messages now, which helps a lot. Bear in mind that the MOST reliable way of getting in touch with me is still email... I should theoretically always be able to access that, even if the proxy goes down or facebook goes all wonky for me again. Email is also the easiest and quickest way for me to reply, as getting onto facebook requires a series of proxies and websites and copying and pasting URLs, etc etc etc.... but the situation has improved.

In terms of my blog, the same proxy also allows me to update from the site itself, which is much easier and means I can once again add tags to my posts! Hurrah!

More to come this weekend...

Portrait of a Laowai

2009-08-30T13:44:00.001+08:00

Yesterday I went on a typical laowai expedition out to Ikea and Metro (the bulk import store) to stock up on some "necessities." While I was somewhat atypical in that I took public transit (including buses, the trolley, and the Qingway train) to get around, I thought I would share with you how ridiculously well I fit with every other possible foreigner cliche. First, let me just stress that I have nothing against Chinese people, or talking to them normally. I have simply learned that on a four-hour solo expedition such as this, I need to take every precaution not to suffer a complete breakdown or what we term a "bad China day" before making it back home. It works - I felt great yesterday, even as a walking bundle of cliches!

Laowai Cliches - Please note the following in the photo below:

Giant backpacker's backpack for carrying overly heavy loads of imported items (notice how bent over my top half is).
Headband and sporty clothes, just so you look more like a backpacker.
20 yuan LeSportSac tote bag - no female laowai is complete without one! Or two! Or three!
Glam China sunglasses for avoiding, or pretending to avoid, the gawkers.
Ipod - see sunglasses, with the added benefit of allowing you to pretend you didn't hear all the "Hellooooooooooo!"'s directed your way.
Requisite Starbucks Frappucino - the reward at the end of your long trek, just for surviving.

All this just for groceries? Welcome to laowai living!

Jet-lagged and Blogging

2009-08-26T06:37:00.001+08:00

It's six am, I've been up for over an hour, and it's my fourth day back in Dalian. Our kitchen and bathroom in our apartment are finally organized (new tolietries, food, shelves, containers, yay!) and then we've got to tackle the living room and bedroom (I haven't even unpacked my clothes yet, and the living room is a disastrous catch-all). Yes, we've been doing most of this cleaning/organizing in the mornings. The internet is finally back on at our apartment, though for how long who can say, and I'm sitting down with some coffee, dragonfruit and yogurt to blog a little before diving back into the cleanup and heading out to school.

The journey here was long and tiring, but hey, I got to watch Wolverine (hello Hugh Jackman!) and Taken (Liam Neelson kicking some serious a**) on the in-flight entertainment systems and get a really good night's sleep in Japan (no sight-seeing for me this time). We arrived in Dalian Sunday and went out for sushi that night with the current tenants of Tao Yuan Jie apartments - some old, some new. Monday we started work, met the rest of the new coworkers and dove right in. Since then, it's been go go go between setting up classrooms at school and setting up our apartment again at home.

Thankfully, I still have the same teaching assignment I did when I left in June: primary music and a grade 5/6 homeroom, shared with my friend and running buddy Pam. The kinks and little details of scheduling and subjects are still being worked out, but barring any major developments, that seems pretty set. This year, my homeroom class is what we call a "regular" class, as opposed to foundations, which means that my students will be English speakers (if not first language English speakers), and between Pam and I we will be teaching the full grade 5/6 BC curriculum. This will be a bit of a switch for me, but one I'm excited about, as it's an experience that will likely benefit me more upon my return to Canada (whenever that may be). I've set up both my music room and my homeroom class, and am really pleased that a) I'll be able to run a much better music program now that I've got my own room for it and b) I get my own classroom space as well... the organizational Nazi in me really enjoys that part. :)

The previously ranted-about internet situation has been incredibly frustrating, particularly in regards to Facebook. Because most of the people I know (including myself, previously) have turned to Facebook messaging and walls as the main source of their communication, it's very limiting to be unable to do so myself. Once again, I'll state that if you need to get in touch with me, you need to email me. My gmail can be found on the info section of my profile page on Facebook. I can see most of what people say to me on Facebook, but I cannot reply in any way, nor comment on anything, nor "like" anything, nor add new friends. This is it, people. And it sucks.

Other than that, I'm feeling pretty positive about the upcoming year. We've got a good staff, I'm pleased with my teaching assignment, and looking forward to the travels and visitors ahead. Now if only I could get on a normal sleep schedule...

When China Killed Facebook

2009-08-23T15:36:00.001+08:00

My worst fears have materialized... just kidding. But, some really annoying ones have.

I knew that China blocked Facebook shortly after we left China in June. I tried to set up a third-party application to get around this, but it appears not to be working. I can use air-proxy.com to look at Facebook, but... I can't do anything on it. So, here's how things stand:

If you send me a message, I can read it but not reply.
If you write on my wall, I can read it but not reply.
If you comment on this note on Facebook, I will see the comment, but be unable to reply. Etc, etc.

I can change my status - via my Twitter application.
I can write these notes - via my blog, which is via my email.
I can upload pictures one at a time, through email. They will show up in an album called "Mobile Uploads."

If you want me to reply to you, give me your email address OR I can alternately reply in my status or blog/notes, I guess! You can also send me an email, which I will get. You should find my email address on the "Info" section of my Facebook profile page - it's the gmail one.

Oh, China. Welcome back.

By the way, Josh and I have safely arrived in Dalian and are now looking at the raging mess that is our apartment. Work starts tomorrow!

And here we go.

25 Reasons Why I Love Summer

2009-08-20T19:25:00.001+08:00

Counting at least six space stations at a campfire with Dad and Hil
Mom's turkey dinner - Christmas in August!
HP6 in Imax with Sally Ann
Taking over the dance floor with the entire Gaudet clan at Chuckie and Michelle's wedding
Dressing up with Hil for HP6
Girls' night at Jenn's camper... even if it was crashed by the boys!
Canada's Wonderland and Toronto with Dad, Brendan and Kramer
Moncton shopping and dinner with Mom and Hil!
Any shopping with Mom! :)
Treating all of my girls to their "birthday" dinners
Swimming with Dad and Hil at Cavendish - not a jellyfish to be seen!
Hanging out on the deck at mom's
Canoeing with Josh's family down east
Eating seafood chowder with the Shea's up west!
Visiting and walking the beach with Nanny and Papa
Spending a Saturday with Jess and Amanda
Converting everyone I know to being AVPM fans ("FIND!")
Swimming with Josh's family in Cornwall
Rocking out to the Sidewalks twice (and seeing Jackie there once!)
Chinese food with Beth & co.
Shopping for "teacher clothes" with Jenn
Nearly killing myself with Amy's Wii!
Vada's birthday party... getting to meet my "niece" again after a year.
Food! All the food!
Fantastic campfire gathering with nearly all of my friends - well, all of my friends who could make it. Guitars, frisbees, s'mores... good times.

Testing, testing

2009-08-18T20:55:00.001+08:00

Anticipating my return to internet blockage in a few days, I'm just going to do some testing to see what posting from my email account can really do...

This line should be bold.
This line should be italic.
This line should be underlined.
This line should be in a different font.
This line should be purple!
This line should be highlighted!
This line should be surrounded by music notes.
This line should link you to... my blog!

This
Should
Be
A
Numbered
List

This Should Be
Bullets

This should be centered.

AND! I have attached a photo. With any luck, you should be able to see that too! Let's see what happens!

A Few Days in the Big City

2009-08-09T22:58:00.002+08:00

Just got back from a quick but fun trip to Toronto with Dad and two of my Shea cousins, Brendan and Cramer. We did the CN Tower, a Jays game, and Canada's Wonderland all within the span of three days. I can now say that I've been upside down on a roller coaster - and discovered that I can, in fact, hold my cookies while doing so. The Behemoth, the terrifying monster that it is, provided views of the whole city, and the Bat turned us upside down AND backwards. I also got wet on the Timberwolf Falls, jostled by the wooden Great Canadian Minebuster, and dizzy on Flight Deck, among other things. Quite a day!

It was a great trip, and I was really glad to get to spend the time with my dad. And the boys were pretty fun to have around, too! Check out my pictures here.

From the "Webmistress"

2009-08-04T02:51:00.003+08:00

A few blog updates:

New colours, this time a China-inspired palate. Too much? Let me know, preferably before I leave the country and am unable to change it. The picture at the top I took at the corner outside of the Forbidden Palace in Beijing, on my way to the North Gate.

I've finally decided to start importing my blog to Facebook, in anticipation of being unable to access this oh-so-useful site upon my return to China. If Facebook is still blocked, this will likely be my only way of communicating with most of my Facebook "friends". If you are reading my blog on Facebook and would like to comment on one of my posts, please follow the link at the bottom to "view original post" and post your comment on my actual blog - it's the only way to guarantee I'll get it once I'm actually in China.

Once again, thanks to everyone for reading, it means a lot to me and helps me feel connected with the people I leave behind - and helps me get through the rough times. I love love love comments, because they let me know you're there!

Halfway

2009-07-28T12:19:00.002+08:00

I'm just about at the halfway point of my vacation home in PEI.

Really? I had to read that sentence a few times before it made sense. I have been non-stop on the go, visiting, shopping, eating, all good, non-work things, but boy has the time been passing. People are starting to remind me of it, too - "You must be heading back soon, eh?" - etc. Not yet! Cry I. Not yet!

I've been to the beach (though not as often as you'd think), I've shopped til I've dropped, I've eaten Lebanese, garlic fingers, Mini-Wheats, and all those other foods I've been salivating over. I've spent time with my family, my friends (mostly, still a few to go, but we'll remedy that this week!), and caught up with others I haven't seen in awhile. I've started to think ahead to our trips this year, daydreaming about beaches in Thailand and gamelan in Bali. I've recorded some chord progressions and Disney covers on my laptop. I've bought my first ipod and am loading it up. I've listened to a lot of people complain about the weather (and obligatorily joined in). I've had campfires and peaceful nights and dewy mornings and heard the birds for once and counted six "space stations" stream across the night sky. I've heard local music and eaten ice cream, real, delicious ice cream. I've had raspberries and Aero bars and drank milk from a cup. I've played Wii with friends and made t-shirts and waved wands with sister. I've driven cars. I haven't written much, but I've brainstormed.

It's been pretty wonderful.

Blocked

2009-07-19T04:32:00.002+08:00

What I may be facing upon my return to China next month. Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Blogspot, Wordpress, Flickr, Amazon, even Wikipedia. Gone, blocked, removed. Inobtainable. Thank you, China, once again.

I'm not counting on these websites becoming available again. With any luck, I'll still be able to post here by email, and with Facebook gone, that's likely to be my only means of communication with the rest of the world. Just, please, China, don't take my Gmail.

Expect a longer summer update soon!

I'm Hoooooooooooooooooooooooome!

2009-07-06T03:59:00.002+08:00

So far, I've eaten two delicious meals (thanks Mom and Dad), hung out with family, enjoyed uninhibited internet access (hello blogger!), marveled at the green scenery, and enjoyed the quiet of PEI countryside. It's just beginning, and it's shaping up to be a great summer.

I'm Coming Home

2009-07-02T11:31:00.002+08:00

As I write, it's Thursday, July 2nd, my second last day of work for the 2008-2009 school year. My foundations and math classroom has been transformed into a brand-new second (!) music room - we just happened to have an extra classroom this year, and Josh and I advocated for the space ("We are running two very different programs out of one room..." etc). I now have a lesson and singing area, a xylophone area, and a movement/percussion area, instead of attempting to do all of these things in one small corner of the music room. My primary music program is expanding into grade 4 this year - so I will actually have seven music classes (twice a week) instead of five! And Josh's bands will now get to stretch their legs a bit. Two very happy music teachers here! Now just to nail down our budget requests... we've just learned that we're getting about half the budget we anticipated - not so happy music teachers.

I've also "moved in" to my new homeroom class (which I can talk about now - it's a grade 5/6 regular program class, or at least that's the plan for now!). This consisted of dragging a few scanty armloads of books/supplies down the hall and putting them in a cupboard. I'll worry about arranging the classroom come August when I know more for sure about my assignment. All in all, things are organized, and I think we'll be in a good place come September - important, because I do NOT want to have to think about school this summer! After tomorrow, I'm not Ms. Shea anymore! Not til next year!

The day is now so close at hand that I can scarcely believe it. I'm almost starting to get nervous, and I can't figure it out - maybe it's the flights (all four of them)? Maybe it's the fact that I've never been away from home for so long. What has changed? What hasn't? Have I been gone too long? Have people forgotten me? Will I not really fit in anymore? I know my family and friends love me but I have been out of their lives for nearly a year (yes, I know, voluntarily). I think these are the sorts of things running through my subconscious. I know they might be silly. But maybe not.

I'm also just excited - to see my friends and family, to walk down familiar streets, to drive again, to go to a sandy beach, to speak English again, to not be stared at everywhere I go, to eat food I've missed, to relax and spend precious time with those I love. I'll be back in Dalian soon enough.

This may be the last blog before I leave China (for now). Our first flight leaves Saturday at 1pm and will have us arriving home in Charlottetown around 11:30pm after nearly 24 hours of travel (thank you, time zones). I'm coming home. TWO MORE SLEEPS!

Toliet Humour

2009-06-27T10:48:00.002+08:00

Yes, it is time, for a long-overdue post on going to the bathroom in China. Be forewarned: this post is not for the faint of heart - or stomach.

There are certain things I was warned about by numerous websites and people I knew that had been to this country before I left last summer: one was bathrooms. Carry toilet paper with you at all times, they said. Avoid public bathrooms if at all possible. Good advice, and good ideas. But sometimes you just get the urge to go when you're in the middle of some random place on the day you happened to forget your little travel pack of scented Kleenex. (It's all scented here, not that your arse knows the difference.) And that can lead to a world of bathroom-related adventures.

Most toliets in China are squatters. Elongated porcelain holes in the ground that you crouch over as you attempt to keep the bottoms of your pants off the (often filthy) ground. Once you get used to the crouching part, it's not so bad, although there is a decided danger of splattering. Holding your breath is a requirement, however, of surviving the experience. Get in, get 'er done, get out. No hand-washing necessary, or usually available (yes, that is probably the worst, and most unsanitary part about the whole thing).

Places frequented by Westerners will often have an optional Western toliet, which luckily is usually scorned by all the Chinese and left free for me. That being said, in a public place, I never actually sit on it. It's just a less strenuous crouch and I don't feel quite so close to everybody else's.... business.

The strangest thing to get used to, besides the BYOTP, is that we're not allowed to toss said toliet paper into the toliet when finished. Plumbing can't handle it (I know this- I have tested it at home, not on purpose of course, but out of habit). So once you train yourself out of the automatic toss, you've still got to deal with the garbage bin from hell, usually undersized and overflowing. Try not to look too closely. But do look, because you (and everyone else after you) want to get it in the basket.

Most, but not all, of my more interesting bathroom experiences have occured while on the road, far from my lovely clean Western toliet at home where we change the garbage bin as often as possible. If I am in Dalian, I will generally hold it until I get home, or see a relatively clean/Western looking place worth a try (fast food restaurant chains are good for this). Public bathrooms are a terror, with unspeakable smells and far too many old women who don't see the need to close the stall door while they do their business. But, sometimes, you just gotta go.

One of my first bathroom experiences in China involved peeing in a cup for the required medical exam we had to take upon entry into the country. It was my first squatter, and I was absolutely inexperienced in how to go about using it - I can laugh now, but then... oh boy. My felllow female first year teachers all were going through the same thing. It was certainly a bonding experience for us.

Train bathrooms, squatters of course, are another matter. Anything less than 8-10 hours, I don't use them unless strictly necessary. But oh, that 15-hour overnight train with no seat, let alone a bunk - crammed into the sink and hot water area with all our bags and about a dozen migrant workers (all smoking, of course), Josh and I had a front-row seat to all the joys of train bathrooms that night. While the train was moving, it was fine, but when it stopped - as it did every twenty minutes or so, for increments of at least fifteen minutes at a place - our delicate nostrils were assailed with the most ungodly, nausea-inducing smells you'd never wish to experience. I hope you never do.

On the way to the Great Wall, where as far as we knew they hadn't installed any bathrooms, we asked our driver to stop along the way so we could go. Little did we know we were about to have our most memorable bathroom experience (which has, since then, been duplicated a few times). Next to a gas station, on a long, lonely highway near Beijing, we found a cement structure with crudely marked "Nuren" and "Nanren" symbols on two separate entrances. Clasping each other's hands, we screwed up our courage and went into our respective openings (no doors).

There was no ceiling. Above me was the grey Chinese sky, and below me, well, a hole. More like a trough, really. A long, rectangular chunk cut out of the cement floor, certainly wide enough to topple into if you weren't careful. Beneath the trough was simply a ditch, open onto the field behind the gas station. The room was quite long enough for four or five people to go at once, but thankfully I was alone. Let's not even mention the smell here.

China has been a world of adventures during the past year, from language to culture to music and travel and food... and of course, the most human of experiences, going to the toliet. It's been fun.

Oh No They Di-n’t: HP the Musical

2009-06-25T18:44:00.002+08:00

This one is for all you Harry fans out there.

Burning up the YouTube charts this week is something no one really wanted to ever happen: Harry Potter, the Musical. Completely unofficial, though a semi-professional looking production and full length at well over two hours, its very existence astounded me (hence the title of this post). And then I sat down, my to-do list checked off for the evening and Josh out at his class, and clicked my way through all 23 parts (Act I has 14, Act II has 9). Purely because if someone (namely, students at the University of Michigan) was/were ballsy enough to write and produce the thing, then I had to at least check it out.

Here's the disclaimer: it's a spoof. Normally I detest Potter spoofs, because they over-generalize and generally are written by and for people who know only the basics about the series (Lindsay Lohan on SNL, anyone?). Accessibility, right? And though my initial reaction to Parts 1 and 2 of Act I was "Ick, really?", most likely stemming from the over-eager laughs of the audience, I persevered, and boy am I glad I did.

It's hilarious. The characters, and the actors playing them, are fabulous. The songs are surprisingly decent (some quite good, really). And they somehow managed to combine seven immensely complicated books into one twisted raucous story, from Quirrel-mort to the Yule Ball to Horcruxes and Snape's betrayal. I think the only way they managed was by acknowledging how absurd a task it was: as Dumbledore says in one scene, "Voldemort made six Horcruxes… but I've conveniently destroyed five of them for you." Hey, it works for me!

The best part about this musical, spoof though it may be, is that it's clear that both the writers and the actors know and love the Potter books very well. Though all the characters are greatly exaggerated, they are firmly rooted in Rowling's, and the convoluted plot is surprisingly true to the original (if greatly compacted). Many in-jokes are there for the knowing fans as well… but this one is definitely not for the kiddies, there's plenty of cursing (of the non-magical kind) and sexual innuendo – well, it was made by university students. You've been warned.

Highlights:

- Draco (who is played by a girl) inexplicably rolling around on the floor at every available opportunity.

- Snape's voice, and the way he moves across the stage. Priceless.

- "I'm Cho Chang, y'all!" – case of mistaken identity (Act 1 Part 2)

- Voldemort and Quirrell as the Odd Couple. "Hey, you."

- Ron (and Draco) realize their feelings for Hermione at the Yule Ball with "Granger Danger." (Act 1 Part 11) – fantastic song!

- "Floo Powder Power!" (Act 1 Part 1)

- "RUMBLEROAR!" (Act 1 Part 4)

- The overabundance of Zac Efron references.

- Harry's song for Cho Chang – in which every word rhymes with Ginny (Act 1 Part 6) – "I'll take you up to Winnipeg – that's in Canada!"

- Imperio tap dancing. (Act 1 Part 13)

- Anything and everything Ron says and does.

Watch it. You know you want to.

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=464C6B6D83E45245

The Last Week of School

2009-06-22T20:50:00.002+08:00

Four more school days left in my first year as a teacher. I've learned more this year than in my entire five-year degree, possibly, and I've got a ways to go, but I feel that I've grown exponentially through my experience at DMLFNS. I've certainly exercised some muscles that haven't moved in years, most particularly my math ones, and learned a lot about teaching English. I feel like I have grown and started to develop my own "style" as a music educator as well, though I do wish I could focus on the aspect of my job more than I have been able to. Just today, I learned my tentative teaching assignment for next year - it's still hush-hush, but it's quite a different portfolio from this year. I will certainly be a well-rounded teacher by the time I leave this school, I daresay! I will say this: at least I'm not teaching grade 9 math anymore. :) More info when I am allowed to share!

Today we took our homeroom to the beach for our end-of-the-year field trip. It was my first trip to a Dalian beach, and I was surprised at how nice it actually was (I was expecting the worst, we are in a big city and this is China). We had fun, watching the kids throw each other into the waves and bury each other in the sand. I got a lovely little sunburn, as well, that malady so abhorred by all the parasol-toting Asian girls (including my students, who would reapply sunscreen every five seconds or so - perhaps I should learn from them). It was a nice afternoon, and just a nice change to actually let the kids have fun for once!

Tomorrow is graduation rehearsal and Wednesday the actual ceremony - I'm involved in the music and as a grade 9 teacher, with certificates and the like. Josh will be giving a short speech. My grade 2's and 3's have risen marvelously to the last-minute occasion with a cute, inspirational-type song called "Dreamer." Nine of our homeroom students will be graduating and moving on from the school. I wonder if I'll get teary.

Then two more days of clean-up, and we're off - well, they're off, teachers have another week to go, but at least we can wear jeans. Now that I know my teaching assignment, I imagine there will be a lot to do before heading home (and it's so very, very close it almost feels real now!). And then I finally get to be just Karri for awhile... instead of Ms. Shea!

China Lit

2009-06-21T13:40:00.002+08:00

In the time we've been here, Josh and I have managed to accumulate the beginnings of quite a little collection of China-based literature – and I'm not talking travel guides (although of course we have those too). Being in this curious country makes me want to try to understand it a little better, and one way to do it is through its literature – especially the banned literature.

My tastes tend to run to banned books written by Chinese women – either translated from the Chinese or written originally in English. The feminist perspective doesn't get out much here, so it's been quite revealing.

Banned books you'd think would be hard to find – and of course, they are around here. But venture into Hong Kong or Shanghai – the most westernized of China's westernizing cities – and it's surprisingly easy.

Here are three that I've picked up along the way:

Wild Swans, by Jung Chang, is a combination of family history and a first-hand account of how the politics and policies of China in the last century have affected the people. It was incredibly informative for me, not knowing a lot of the details of Mao's reign, but far more affecting than any history book could attempt to be. Chang lives in England now, and recently wrote a controversial and even more vehemently banned biography of Chairman Mao, which I have not yet read. But her story really drove home the reality of what happened in this country, only a few short decades ago. It's far too easy for me to forget what China would have been like not so long before I arrived here.

Shanghai Baby, by Wei Hui, is the sometimes shockingly frank story of a Shanghai girl who has an affair with a foreign businessman. Along the way, she makes some poignant observations about life and love. The book is billed as a novel, but the main character, also an aspiring writer, resembles the author so much that you're left to wonder just how auto-biographical the story is. I read this book while in Shanghai, and it was a little eerie to venture into the haunts of characters I'd just read about – the Cotton Club jazz bar and the Bund among them.

A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers, by Xiaolu Guo, is a fascinating look at language and the cultural differences it can reveal. The book is written from the start with the kind of broken English I associate with my lower level English students, but as time, and the story, goes on, you realize that the narrator's English is improving, along with her own growth as a woman and as an independent person. The novel tells the story of a young Chinese woman who travels to England to study English. Once there, she meets and falls in love with an older, troubled man. The love scenes were quite explicit, which surprised me, but the ideas about language and life within are definitely worth thinking about.

For the Pensieve

2009-06-16T18:38:00.002+08:00

Another round of randoms comin' at ya:

First, to answer your question, Jackie (since I can't seem to access my comments either), China has one time zone. China is the same size as the United States. It should have four or five. But no, the Chinese do things their own way, none of this daylight savings/time zones stuff for them. So, we're all on Beijing time. What that means for us East Coasters (Chinese East coast, that is), the sun rises at 4:30 these days (and sets at 7:30). I can't imagine how messed up the days must be for the poor buggers who live way over on the West border - we're pretty close to Beijing here in Dalian. Also - yay for reaquaint-ing this summer! I'm glad you're looking at things positively.

Band concert is tomorrow. While Josh is in charge of the band program, three groups of students from my grade 8/9 general music program are also performing songs they've arranged themselves (with rather motley groups of instruments). Um, they're not ready. But, I'm hoping for the best. Though slightly nervous. Okay, pretty nervous. But I'm keeping a glass-half-full perspective on this one!

Lots and lots happening at school as we count down the last few days (eight). Report cards were in yesterday, field trip is organized, music star prizes bought, etc etc etc.... I'm starting to check things off the ol' list, and it feels pretty good. Non-stop action, though - talent show Friday, graduation (I'm on the planning committee) next week, I've got my students doing a Reader's Theatre for the grade 1's, lots of stuff on the go. Our new principal is also visiting China this week, there's a big welcome dinner (Chinese feast style) tomorrow night and he's been popping into classrooms all over the place. He's quite young, but seems nice. Pretty gung-ho, if his website is anything to go by. He's already earned himself the affectionate nickname "Dot Com" for that one. Okay, enough school talk.

Er, what else is happening? I went running in the damp by myself today. Then I went to McDonald's. Counterproductive, I know. But I did order water, and only a small burger (with fries). So there! I've got an awful lot of organizing and packing and that sort of thing to do before I head HOME(!), but I'm kind of putting it out of my mind for now. It'll get done.

I guess that's all for now, still counting the days, still getting 'er done. Less than three weeks to go now.

Three Weeks

2009-06-13T22:15:00.002+08:00

Three weeks until I get to hug my family.
Three weeks until girls nights/days out/in whatever!
Three weeks until I drive a car for the first time in almost a year.
Three weeks until clothes and shoes that fit!
Three weeks until Harry Potter reading marathon can begin.
Three weeks until real breakfasts.
Three weeks until barbeques!
Three weeks until beach.
Three weeks until I'm not a visible minority.
Three weeks until bicycle and trails.
Three weeks until real ice cream.
Three weeks until Lebanese, curry chips, garlic cheese rolls, and real pizza.
Three weeks until donuts and ice caps!
Three weeks until the potential for sleeping in.
Three weeks until fresh air and no traffic.
Three weeks until coffee with french vanilla creamer and Mini-Wheats for breakfast.
Three weeks until sitting out on the deck with a book.
Three weeks until I speak the same language as everybody else!
Three weeks until Victoria Row and Peake's Quay.
Three weeks until movies in English.
Three weeks until the Atlantic Superstore and all the food potential within.
Three weeks until the Farmer's Market, goat cheese, red pepper jelly, and rosemary Triscuits.
Three weeks until good times with friends.
Three weeks until serious girl talk.
Three weeks until family gatherings.
Three weeks until I can go shopping!
Three weeks until a normal sunrise/sunset time.
Three weeks until UNLIMITED INTERNET!
Three weeks until Frosty Treat and the drive-in.
Three weeks until camping and bonfires, s'mores and hot dogs.
Three weeks until trips to Hali and cousins' weddings.
Three weeks until HBP midnight showing!
Three weeks until SISTAH TIME!
Three weeks until PEI.
Three weeks until home.
Three weeks until SUMMAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More for the Pensieve

2009-06-07T14:56:00.002+08:00

I fail at homemade french fries. And I miss real ketchup.

Somehow, the kind of ugly native kid with the awful hair (aka Jacob) from the first Twilight film has turned into a real hottie in the trailer for the new one. Someone gave him a haircut (thank God!), several inches of height, and a whole bunch of muscles. How/when did this happen? Sorry, RPatz, I think I'm going to have to join Team Jacob.

Officially "finished" our nine-week running plan today. However, we do plan to continue. Gotta do something to balance out everything I plan to eat this summer!

Checking out now. Definitely ready for PEI.

Walking on "Air"...

2009-06-04T18:28:00.002+08:00

... air proxy, that is.

Apparently there is a website that allows you to access many of the blocked sites from here in China: I can now see YouTube, my blog, and who knows what else, though I am still posting from my email since the proxy still doesn't allow me to log in to my blogger account (or Twitter, for that matter). My only question is, WHY didn't I know about this before? It's SO easy! If you ever find yourself in need, check out air-proxy.com

The big fuss about the internet these days is that they've blocked sites such as Twitter, Flickr, and Hotmail in advance of the big 20-year anniversary of Tiananmen Square- a complete non-event here in China, so much so that I didn't even realize it was happening until they blocked my Twitter. Irony. Outside of China, they call it a massacre. Inside, it was an unlawful and dangerous rebellion that had to be stopped. What really happened? I guess only the people who were there really know.

It's cherry season here in Dalian, as every other street vendor has them aplenty. They're nice, not too tart, not too sour. I'm just crossing my fingers for a raspberry season... though I expect I'll have to wait for PEI for that. Mmm.

A Korean film crew was in the school today, for a promotional video for our school - they absolutely tore apart my poor music room to make way for their cameras and lights and rolling things... they took a lot of footage of Josh's grade 6 band, so if I knew anyone in Korea, I'd say to keep an eye out on TV! Of course, they couldn't be bothered to put back all my instruments and chairs and stands... :)

We're on the last week of our nine-week running program, me and running buddy Pam. We figure we should have a celebration of some sort, although we do plan to continue. We now run a full 30 minutes non-stop, and it feels great. Even if the scale isn't showing much difference, I know I'm fitter than I was nine weeks ago - I wouldn't have been able to even attempt 30 minutes. I definitely want to keep it up this summer too - especially with all the food I plan to consume!

Just sitting down now to a veggilicious stir-fry, and maybe I'll make myself a mocha-cino for dessert. Three weeks of classes left with the kids, a week of prep, and then.... I'M HOME!

Random thoughts for the Pensieve...

2009-06-01T20:14:00.002+08:00

A few random thoughts not coherent enough to warrant full blogs...

It's a blistering 28 degrees today, which is fine when you have a beach or something, but not so much in the middle of the city. At least we have AC!

Battlestar music, especially, "Wander my Friends" and "The Shape of Things to Come", oh, and of course, "Roslin and Adama", still has the potential to make me cry... perhaps it's because right now I'm wandering too...

I looked in the mirror today and realized I was definitely channeling Lavender Brown - if you've seen previews for the new HP movie - braids and frizz and headbands, oh my! But Josh liked it. Huh. Wonder what that means.

Do not push me, pushy older China ladies. I will push you back. Especially after waiting twenty minutes in the bus line. (I have noticed that they seem to target me, the white girl, as the most-pushable candidate - ha! Not after ten months in this country!)

Oh my god, I've lived in this country for ten months. And I'll be coming back for ten more next year. That's a good chunk of my life, isn't it?

Um, North Korea? Can you just hold in the whole missile-launch-for-no-reason-other-than-to-piss-off-the-States vendetta until I'm safely back on the other side of the world? Thanks. (Don't worry, Mom and Dad, they won't actually attack China, we're their only friend.)

I have somehow voluntarily signed up to give up a Friday night to babysit for my students' movie night end of the year party. How did that happen?

I've been having some majorly wonderful musical moments lately. My 8's and 9's are actually arranging/composing/forming their own bands/teaching each other brand new instruments as part of our performance unit. It's not without setbacks and frustrations, but for the most part I'm bursting with pride... although I should be terrified - the band concert is only two weeks away!

Summer summer summer summer! It's all I can think about. Not really much more coherently than that. Summer summer summer summer summer!

Oh, and Sports Day. I survived. Somehow. Can I just pretend that waste of my weekend never happened? Thanks, Maple Leaf.

33 days.

I Want my Weekend Back!

2009-05-29T19:44:00.002+08:00

It's Friday, and it sure doesn't feel like it.

Maybe that's because Josh's Chinese class was rescheduled to tonight. Maybe it's because I know I'm getting up far too early tomorrow to attend our company's annual Sports Day. Actually, I'm pretty sure that has a lot to do with it. I may be running now, but that doesn't mean I'm athletic - sports required coordination, and a knowledge of rules, and all those cool sorts of things I've never been able to do. I fear flashbacks of forced junior high athletic activity nightmares - I opted out of gym class as soon as I could for a reason. I signed up for the Tug of War tomorrow. I'll do my part. But really - if they're going to force us to be sporty, can't they do it on a school day? I'm sure I'll have a very colourful report tomorrow - stay tuned.

June is upon us, and it seems like my longing for PEI is just getting worse... I don't know what to do except keep counting down (36 days!). I can almost taste the barbecue - feel the sand beneath my toes - ugh, I've got to stop or I'll drive myself bonkers.

We do have a lead on a place to live for the summer - I won't say any more now, but it looks promising!

I guess this is going to be a nothing sort of pointless update entry. I'm too tired to be clever and it's odd writing into my email browser instead of blogger. Oh, China net nannies! I'll try and be more interesting next time.

Til then.

Substitute Blog Entry - May 24th - Not Quite a City Girl

2009-05-26T21:09:00.002+08:00

Today I took the no. 2 bus downtown to Mykal (a highly overpriced import store) to pick up a few essential non-essentials, such as cereal and cheese. As I sat, watching my transplanted home go by, I realized that I was feeling very city-weary. As an Islander, used to open spaces and having a personal bubble, the pushy crowds and claustrophobic nature of city life sometimes get to me. So many people, crammed into a small area - variations on the same convenience store on every corner, bus routes snaking through the streets, dilapidated apartment complexes everywhere while new ones spring up around them. What's the point? Convenience? City traffic slows down your ability to get anywhere. Every city I've seen in this country is expanding rapidly to accommodate the steady stream of migrant workers and continued population explosion. I wonder if the whole thing will just be a big grey concrete mass someday, covered in haze and bustling with the sounds of continued construction... one big China-shaped city.

Of course, I don't doubt the rest of the world is close behind.

Substitute Blog Entry - May 23rd - My Favourite Day of the Week

2009-05-26T21:08:00.002+08:00

Karri is in a good mood today - it's been a productive Saturday, and it's still Saturday - which means I still have another day left in my weekend!

Firstly, I woke up at 6:30. That sucks, but my internal clock just doesn't want to sleep in anymore. So, I finished reading the last Twilight book, and can officially put the series on my "done" list. What did I think? Well, Ms. Meyer probably should have stopped at three. Yup, the fourth book really is as bad as everyone says! Talk about tacking on a happily ever after to a complete non-resolution. Oh- and really not for kids. So, the final verdict: the HP throne is safe. Fo' sure.

So, by the time I finished it was 8:30 or so. I did a bunch of laundry, sorted clothes, and stacked dishes. I tried out my new espresso maker! After Josh got up, we went out for lunch at a Korean place across the street. On the way, we ran into our landlady, and on a whim asked if the cleaning lady was available for the next hour - she was! Poof! Clean dishes! (Sometimes I do love China.)

After lunch, Josh headed to school to get some work done, and I went for my run. This week it's 25 minutes, and today for the first time, it wasn't the tortuous experience it has been. In fact, it felt awesome! I pumped up the Killers and Blink-182 and didn't even look at my watch until I was 22 minutes in. I really felt like I'd run a marathon, I was so pleased with myself! Maybe that'll be the next goal...

Then, I imposed my sweaty self (did I mention the weather is beautiful?) on the good people at YouHome and picked up some much-needed groceries. I still need to make a trip to one of the import stores for cereal, cheese, etc, but I figure I'll save that trip for tomorrow. Since I got home, I've caught up on emails, done the correcting I brought home for the weekend (marks due in 2 weeks!), and done a page in my oft-neglected scrapbook.

Today, five weeks of school (six until PEI!) doesn't seem so long, what with the field trips, sports days, band concert, talent show, academic fair, PD day and graduation coming up... visions of PEI summer, family and friends are swimming in my head, and we're getting there!

I'd apologize for the far too upbeat tone of this entry, except that it's probably a refreshing change from my usual moaning and groaning...

Substitute Blog Entry - May 21st - Unhappy Expat

2009-05-26T21:07:00.002+08:00

FYI: About a week or two ago, something I'd been dreading came to pass - China refused to allow me access to blogger. So, feeling a little powerless, I wrote a few substitute blogs on facebook until friend and fellow blogger Jackie (rankin-inlet.blogspot.com) offered to help me set up the "post by email" function I didn't know existed - cheers, Jackie! I still can't access any of the blog settings or functions - but at least I can post!

This is the first of three:

My blog has served as a great outlet for me to feel a little less disconnected this year - even if only a few of my friends and family are reading, it still gave me a voice.

That voice has been silenced - with any luck, temporarily. Thank you, China.

I whined a little when YouTube disappeared. I didn't even notice half the other things they block. But my blog? Come on, net nanny. What have I ever done to you?

So, expect a little more traffic from me on Facebook until things get back up and running on the blog front (note the optimistic tone - YouTube has been gone since early April).

Unless, of course, Facebook is next. (Dun-dun-dun!)

Summer To Do List

2009-05-14T19:48:00.002+08:00

In no particular order...

Eat mom's breakfasts and dad's barbecue!
Sister time!
Clothes shopping with mom (and anyone else who will take me... China doesn't have a lot of options for an elephant such as myself).
Girls' nights (and days) with Amy and Jenn.
BEACH!!!!
Bonfires (even better if they're on the beach!)
Seafood that doesn't scare me.
Trip to NS to see Sally and Candice!
Trip to Hali for the first Gaudet family Next Generation wedding!
Tim Hortons!
Curry chips at the Churchhill Arms!
Sip drinks on Victoria Row...
CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM!!!!
Reconnect with old friends... I'm just so far away.
BEACH!!!
Midnight showing for HP6! Yeah baby!
Visit family in Tignish.
Get back on my bike.
Keep running!
Forget the calorie tracker!
Pat and Willy's, 42nd Street, Pizza Delight... oh my, real pizza!
Cap't Sub!
Wendy's!
Root beer!
Drive a car!
Enjoy every minute of my beloved island.

I love summer.

Thoughts on "Twilight" and "New Moon" - Now I'm Allowed!

2009-05-13T19:14:00.001+08:00

I’ve been meaning to get around to reading the infamous Twilight books for awhile now. I first heard about them last spring, from my high school students in Souris. I saw posters for midnight release parties at bookstores this summer and witnessed furious online battles between Twilight and Harry Potter fans. This year, it’s been everyone from my students to my coworkers to my mother and sister to my friend Sally Ann – a fellow Potterhead – so I’ve finally borrowed them and given them a go. I’m two books in, two to go.

The main reason I wanted to read these books was so that I could have an opinion. People tend to feel very strongly about these books – either they’re obsessed with Edward or they think that Twilight will singlehandedly undermine everything the next generation should learn about feminism. I also wanted to back up my yet-to-be-changed opinion that four books, written in three years, about a vampire love story (been there, done that) could not possibly compare to the epic tome that is Harry Potter, seventeen years and seven books in the making.
But- I did blast through two 500 page books in three days, so don’t think that I’m going to tear it to pieces now.

The books are not horribly written, and make up for a lack of original voice with an incredible passion. Passion is what they (so far) are all about – Bella’s passion for Edward and his for her, the passion and excitement of mythical animalistic creatures like vampires and werewolves, it’s all high-intensity emotion and feeling rather than sense. It’s Romeo and Juliet. Now, I hated Romeo and Juliet. But Meyers, for all her Mormonism, takes the archaic language of Shakespeare and translates it into a high school – but mature high school – dialect that is difficult to resist. The passion is easy to get caught up in. Yes, Bella’s devotion to Edward is a trait we probably don’t want to see replicated in our children, and unfortunately they’re probably not going to be able to see that it’s the vampire, the mythical part of the story that feeds this and makes it – in the context of the story – almost okay. In a very, very, dark way. (I don’t know much about the ending of the series, but if she did things the way I would have done them, there would have been a very, very dark ending come out of all this obsession/devotion. Don’t tell me- I will find out soon.) But I can see that it’s all part of the mythos, and so I can enjoy (for the most part) the story without getting my inner feminist’s back up.

Edward is a fantasy. That’s all there is to it. Meyers did what you’re not supposed to do, and created the perfect not-quite-man. Beautiful, godlike, terrifying, strong, dangerous, and somehow madly in love with you? Who wouldn’t find all that appealing? That’s why every girl and woman who picks up these books can’t put them down. Bella, probably the least interesting character, is probably so bland just so eager female readers can simply project themselves into her place – and enjoy the fantasy. It’s genius – from the marketing side of things.

I’ll reserve any further judgement until I’ve read the series, but I thought I’d get some thoughts out there while I was thinking them.

Oh – and as for Potter? No comparison.

Diary of a Shanghai... Tourist?

2009-05-11T22:09:00.003+08:00

Transcribed from my China travel journal... here you go! Finally!

Sunday, April 26th

Spring is here. May is coming, and only two months to go until our first year in China comes to a close and we head home for our eagerly anticipated summer in PEI.

This week is another National holiday week, and we're off school and in the bustling city of Shanghai to relax, explore, shop... we arrived yesterday and had some time to explore the massive pedestrian shopping street Nanjing Lu. A little overwhelming, extremely commercial, right down to the shifty picture-bearing purse/watch sellers who seem to materialize out of nowhere. We found a Dunkin Donuts and had our first donuts since Canada.

Coming upon the famous Bund along the river, our views were somewhat obscured by the construction barriers in the middle of the road- we did get to see the brightly lit, modern side of Shanghai's skyline, but only once we had crossed a makeshift pedestrian bridge and peered over shoulders.

Today we took the Metro to the French Concession area, a beautiful tree-lined section of the city rife with even more high-end shopping opportunities. I did buy a white fedora at H&M, so I feel as though I've fulfilled some sort of duty. We spent our first few hours in the area stuck in the tourist maze of Xintiandi, where I saw the most laowai I have ever seen in my life, and also my first peanut butter cup (found atop my ice cream, I was absolutely delighted).

So we've spent the day wandering, shopping, enjoying the pleasant temperature, and now we're sitting in the Shanghai Music Conservatory, waiting for a free, traditional music performance to begin. We were told that it was a half an hour performance that started at 7. I don't think anybody told the old guy (the performer???) that's currently talking... as he has been for the past 35 minutes. My Chinese just isn't up to scratch for this.

Tuesday, April 28th

Believe it or not, that old guy went on for a full hour and ten minutes before the concert managers managed to persuade him to move to the instrument, and even then we only got a total of about 7 minutes of music over the next 50 minutes before the concert ended.

Deciding that wasn't quite enough music for the evening, we decided to walk to one of Shanghai's many well-known jazz bars, the Cotton Club. We sat in the plush surroundings, sipping overpriced drinks and listening to well-played jazz played mostly by laowai, including a rare and striking black lady named Sugar Mama, who sang as though she was the Queen of Soul, which she may well have been.

The whole experience at the jazz bar was just a little surreal, as the characters in the book I was reading had just visited themselves. I was on high alert for lewd-looking foreigners. Lewd or not, we did see Da Shan - the most famous Canadian in China. His Chinese is so good that the Chinese themselves wouldn't know he was a laowai if they just heard him speak. Josh recognized him from the Chinese New Year TV special, but we were a little too shy to actually approach him. Every cabbie who finds out we're Canadian asks us if we know "Da Shan" - now I guess we can say we do!

Yesterday we slept in, having a nice, slow start to the day and a delicious and healthy lunch at a place called "Element Fresh" - juice bar/bistro, I wish we had one in Dalian! We eventually made our way through the area below our hotel that's called "Old Town", being the oldest and most "Chinese" part of the city. At first it seemed authentic- dirty, cheap, colourful shops along a road where silent electric scooters zoomed dangerously by. Babies with their bums out and scraggly kittens, this was the real deal. Unfortunately, this all quickly gave way to the Mother Gauntlet of all Gauntlets, tourist shops hawking their similar wares, sketchy men flashing cards of "copy bags, watches", and unabashedly new "Chinese style" buildings. A McDonald's hidden under all the traditional razzle dazzle signaled our entry into the pedestrian maze and sea of people that would eventually take us to Yuyuan Gardens and the famous floating teahouse- but not before buying a DQ blizzard and passing through several hundred more tourist shops.

The garden itself was slightly less overrun, as you had to pay to get in. It was truly beautiful, incredibly aesthetic, as Chinese gardens aim to be. Rock formations, pavillions, bridges, and koi-filled ponds contributed to the maze that (almost) helped us forget the mass of human insanity just outside the walls.

We called it an early night, and Josh went to check his email while I luxuriated in my first real bath since last summer, then enjoyed the rather stunning view through our room's floor-to-ceiling windows. Shanghai at night is as dazzling as all big cities are, and our room, on the top floor of our hotel, faces the river and its glittering skyline- the only thing missing is the iconic Pearl TV tower, blocked from our view by the only other tallish building in our area.

Today Josh has been window shopping for musical instruments, and I've headed up to Renmin Guangchang. Got a Frappucino, wandered into the No. 1 Dept Store, took a high-tech tour of the Urban Planning Centre, including a massive model of the city and several inspirational videos about Expo 2010. After sitting in the nearby park for awhile, being accosted by not one but two pairs of Chinese girls trying to get me to accompany them to a tea festival, a beggar, and a trio of girls who asked me questions about my opinion on beggars, I met up with Josh and his new piccolo trumpet, and we headed to a vegetarian restaurant for lunch.

Thursday, April 30th

It's really amazing how quickly time is passing- here we are at Thursday and the last day of April, ready for May and the promise of summer it brings. It's been really nice to just be able to sleep in, take our time, shop, and still get to see the big sights of the city. Being able to soak in a bath every night is not so bad, either.

After our vegetarian dinner on Tuesday, we decided to take the Metro across to the Pudong side of the water for city views from the tops of the towers, 100 kwai observation decks be damned, we are nothing is not cheap, so we skipped the uber-touristy TV Pearl tower and boldly walked right into the lobbies of the Grand Hyatt and the Park Hyatt, at the 54th and 87th floors, respectively, of the two tallest buildings in Shanghai. The staff were kind enough not to notice the two mooching foreigners ogling the views they hadn't paid for... sadly, the colour of our skin was probably the reason why.

After these sky-high adventures, we headed for the waterfront for romantic views of the Bund, but not before stopping at what was simultaneously the best and worst store I've been to in China. Mars Bars, Nerds, Pop Tarts, root beer, and oh, the cereal... a home-starved laowai's dream, but oh-so-bad for my wallet. I contented myself with two exorbitantly priced boxes of my favourite cereals to take back to Dalian- and some root beer... and Mars Bars. Can you blame me?

We picked up some bread and cheese as well, and took our mini-picnic to the waterfront, where we ignored the hawkers as best we could, although Josh did give some bread to a beggar woman. We then moved our picnic back to the room where our floor-to-ceiling views made for not such a bad substitute.

Yesterday we went shopping, together, believe it or not, on Sichuan Road, which is apparently where savvy locals in-the-know shop for bargains. I fell in love with, and kept returning to, a beautiful yellow(!) purse, which I eventually caved and bought, and Josh actually managed to buy some clothing on the cheap as well. I am somewhat of an elephant in this country, so though I tried, none of the cute shoes I liked could be found in sizes big enough for my feet. WE did find a cool little culture street, where we bought some old Mao badges and pictures.

Our shopping street eventually took our tired feet once again to the ever-busy Nanjing Lu, where we met up with coworkers Edgar, Pam and her friend Tony and went for dinner in overpriced but very atmospheric Xintiandi.

Sunday, May 3rd

Heading home to Dalian today- presumably. Josh woke up with a fever and China belly, and the fog is so thick I'm wondering if any planes will get off the ground. It's been a nice week away, although like most vacations it's had its highs and lows. Upon our return we've got eight teaching weeks plus one PD week until we fly home to PEI- sometimes that seems like forever, but sometimes it doesn't seem like long at all!

Friday was the actual May holiday, and I went out with the intention of checking out the Shanghai Museum- apparently the best in China. An overly long line deterred me from actually getting in, so I wandered around Renmin Guangchang for awhile before I met up with Josh. We ended up going to the cinema in hopes of finding Star Trek or Wolverine there (a little prematurely). So we asked for something with English subtitles- and got the multi-lingual, and truly disturbing "Nanjing! Nanjing!" - made all the more so that it's based on true events.

On Saturday we stayed in, even ordered in some Element Fresh, and watched the rain fall on the city from above. We did venture out in the evening to a Carribean dinner. The food and music were great, and the people very interesting: at our table alone sat a Swede, a Nigerian, a real New Yorker, a Chinese Jamaican, her French husband, and, of all people, the Jamaican ambassador to China and his lovely wife!

As I finish this entry we have finally made our way home to Dalian. Josh is still under the weather, and had a difficult journey today. Our last big China trip of this school year is done- and now we look forward to the real vacation- summer in beautiful PEI!

Scattered

2009-05-10T12:44:00.002+08:00

Some random thoughts I don't have time to develop into full posts...

I am the only person in Dalian who doesn't own an umbrella. Therefore, on rainy days like today, I get to watch everyone prance around nice and dry, while I shuffle around trying to see through splotchy glasses. Also, people with umbrellas don't seem to realize that holding an umbrella causes them to be about two feet wider than usual - they just barge along as if nothing has changed, and I am left to dodge the menacing eye-poking contraptions.

I am abnormally excited about the new HP movie out in July. Images of the trio filming on location in London (Hermione in a red dress! Ron in a sparkly tux!) and even the shortest new TV spots have me practically salivating. Is it because it has been so long since the last one? Or perhaps because since the books are done, the movies are all we have left? Some analysis may be required.

At least I will be home for the release- as we discovered this weekend, just because a movie is "out" in China- surprisingly quickly- it doesn't mean it is out in English. Sigh. I guess Wolverine and "Interspace Disorientation" (don't you love the translations here? They are an endless source of amusement) will just have to wait. I don't much fancy watching Kirk and Spock duke it out in badly dubbed Chinese.

And now it is time for me to go - expect a new installment of "Cooking with Karri" soon- we are having one of our soon to be famous "traveling dinners" today, and I am making my specialty... Eggplant Parmagiano! I will also be trying my hand at homemade hummus and pita bread... we'll see how they turn out!

I promise to write about Shanghai... soon.

Temperatures, Missing Principals, and Operation: Fit

2009-05-06T18:57:00.005+08:00

It's been quite a week.

Josh woke up quite sick Sunday morning in Shanghai. Getting him home was one thing. Then, he had to miss two days of school. That, along with the fact that our principal is currently stuck in Manila trying to replace her stolen passport, sent the staff into a bit of a turmoil, as we have no subs and have to cover classes when we have a prep. Then, we're informed, the school has to start checking each student's temperature every morning as a government-issued precaution against the swine flu. And today we learn that next week we have student-led parent conferences, and two weeks after that an academic fair, not to mention the company's required Sports Day- which, of course, is on a Saturday. Whatever relaxation we felt on vacation is long gone!

Josh is mostly better, by the way, and I don't envy him the last few days. At all. We figure it was something he ate.

So that's why I haven't posted about Shanghai, or called home yet (sorry Mom and Dad!), or even gotten ahead with school stuff, or started scrapbooking, or had much time for myself. It's been gogogo for three days, and I'm very tired.

Aside from the drama, the actual teaching part has been good, and I feel positively about what I'm doing in the classroom and my interaction with the kids. I'm happy with my job- it's just really tiring at the moment!

One thing I have been doing, and this is for myself, is something I'm calling Operation: Fit. My goal is to be able to climb the eight flights of stairs to my apartment without getting out of breath. I want to be healthy, it's not really about the weight or the looks for me. So, I have been carefully tracking my food intake, continuing my running program with Pam, and started a strength training program on non-running days, all with the help of a very useful website called Sparkpeople.

Here's how you can help me with this goal: by keeping me accountable. I have set up a public Sparkpage where everything I track is available to see... so if I cheat, I'm caught! I hope that it will be the motivation I need to keep on track. Check out my progress here - click on "View my food and exercise log" - and thanks for the support!

And once again, I promise, Shanghai reports coming soon!

Blog Redecorating Time!

2009-05-05T21:59:00.001+08:00

Spring is here- time for a new look? What do you think?

I'll take colour suggestions!

Photos from Shanghai

2009-05-05T21:38:00.001+08:00

Photos from Shanghai are up on my Facebook here.

Expect stories to go with them... when I actually have time to think.

Enjoy!

We're (Really!) Famous (in PEI)

2009-05-03T18:53:00.002+08:00

Back in Dalian, back to work...

A much longer, more interesting, and factual article about our penpal program is now online at the Guardian. Apparently the print version even contained a picture of Josh and I with our class!

Updates, pics, thoughts, etc, from Shanghai when I get the chance!

Off to Shanghai!

2009-04-24T16:19:00.002+08:00

It's Friday, the bell has rung, the kids are gone, we're packing up and getting ready to go! We'll be leaving for Shanghai in the morning. I may be online sporadically between now and when we get back on May 3rd, but you can expect a deluge of posts and photos upon my return. Yay for vacation!

Looking for a house to sit...

2009-04-22T22:05:00.001+08:00

Posted from my Facebook account:

Hello friends! Josh and I will be home on PEI for the summer (and very much looking forward to it!) and are interested in doing some house-sitting while we are there. I thought that Facebook would be as good a place as any to get the word out! If anyone happens to know of something or someone we could get in touch with, that would be wonderful!

Here is the spiel:

We are an easy-going, professional couple, both international teachers who will be in Prince Edward Island for seven weeks this summer. We are especially interested in living in or near the Charlottetown area. We are non-smokers, responsible, clean, and will take excellent care of your home. We arrive in PEI on July 4th, and will be leaving to return to our positions in China on August 21st. We can be contacted by email at: karri.shea@gmail.com

Three Days, then Nine Weeks

2009-04-21T17:38:00.003+08:00

The first-year-teacher/living-in-a-new-country bug has got me again, and I'm sick. I've got no voice, a horrific-sounding cough, a runny nose and no substitute teachers. Yup, it sucks. But, I'll get through it. Just wanted to get the whining out of the way.

Next week is another holiday (another National Day possibly?) - at any rate, it gets us a week off school! We're heading to Shanghai and surrounding areas for the week, to relax and hang out and explore and shop, and I'm really starting to look forward to it at this point. After we get back, we will have eight more weeks of teaching and one extra week of working before PEI! Now THAT, I really can't wait for!

They Don't Make 'Em Like This Anymore

2009-04-18T08:35:00.002+08:00

So last night, while waiting for Josh to get his workaholic self home, I sat down and watched Raiders of the Lost Ark for the first time in a year or two, and was reaffirmed in my belief that they just don't make movies like this anymore. Everything is over the top, yet awesome, everything is now classic, from the rolling ball to the silhouetted hat.

Fave moments:

The elaborately drawn out "reveal" of the mysterious man in the fedora at the beginning.

The college students gazing dreamily at bumbling professor Jones.

The history between Indy and Marion, which takes several conversations to piece together but explains their strong connection. (Also, Marion wins hands down for Best Indy Girl over Blondie Bar Singer and Blondie Nazi Chick. Just sayin'.)

When Indy just shoots the elaborate sword-twirling guy. You know the one I mean. That is a classic and defining Indy moment.

Indy's despair at Marion's "death", and his tearful reunion with her (romantic sigh here).

The snake pit. Of course.

The plane fight with the big shirtless guy who just seemed to really want to fight. I always look away even though I know they don't actually show what the propeller does to him...

The climbing-under-the-car classic Indy move during the 1930's car chase.

Bazooka Indy and "I just want the girl." Sigh again.

I tell you, movies don't get much better than this.

What's the deal, M. N.?

2009-04-15T20:53:00.003+08:00

So, I've been bragging about the beautiful, summer-like, 20 degree weather, right? I guess Mother Nature didn't like that - so this morning, she was all like, BAM! How bout a snowstorm, Ms. S? How would you like that? Seriously, I was absolutely stunned when we opened the curtains this morning to the most snow I have seen since I've been here. I'll admit I was hoping it'd be enough for a little school cancellation (just one in a year, is that too much to ask?), but alas, it was just a joke, because by 11am it was sunny again and there wasn't a flake to be seen, on the ground or in the air. Apparently it'll be back up to 20 by Friday.

Whatever, M.N. The joke's on me, you let it be summer whenever you darn well please.

But a snowstorm? Wasn't that a little excessive?

In other news, this week is flying by and I'm totally okay with that, as it means that soon I'll be saying "one week to Shanghai and eleven to PEI"! The entire staff seems to be sick with a cold and Josh and I are getting dangerously close to exhibiting symptoms ourselves, but I'm thinking positively and hoping to skirt the worst of it. On the bright side, tomorrow is PD afternoon, which means we only have to look at those bright, shiny little faces for half of the day...

Strawberry Fields Forever

2009-04-12T21:58:00.003+08:00

Beautiful, summer-like weather here in Dalian today, thoroughly enjoyed during a morning run, a motorcycle trip through town and a long, leisurely lunch with friends on the deck of the I-55 restaurant near Renmin Square. A few chocolate bunnies and some homemade blueberry muffins made our Easter today, holidays are just not quite the same when you're so far from home. Saturday morning we rose early to head off with Josh's Mandarin school for a field trip- a whole five minutes "out" of the city to some strawberry farms to pick all we could eat - and no more, a very fishy lunch, and a return trip to UFO mountain, the terrain we conquered way back on our second day in Dalian in August. A few good phone calls with my family rounded out a lovely weekend - but I'm afraid that doesn't make it any easier to go back to work tomorrow!

On the go this week: starting my new assignment as a one-on-one resource teacher for some new no-English-yet students, a PD afternoon (no kids!) on Thursday, week four in Pam and Karri's running "club", continuing to work on my scrapbook (I've actually done/started three pages!), continuing to enjoy the lovely (20 degree???) weather...

... and the countdown can begin. Two weeks to Shanghai - twelve to PEI!

Licorice and Long Lustful Gazes: A Twilight Review

2009-04-11T19:16:00.003+08:00

So last night Josh and I finally got around to watching Twilight, the big-screen version of Stephanie Myers' incredibly popular book series. The phenomena surrounding the Twilight series can be compared somewhat to that of the Harry Potter series, but can the books themselves? A Potterhead like myself has to be a skeptic for sure. I have every intention of reading the books myself so that I can make up my own mind, but as my copy is on the other side of the world I'll content myself with the movie for now. Here was my perspective going in: having read much literary and feminist criticism regarding the series, I'll admit I was a little predisposed to hatin'. And, my fervent Potterism was riled up at this upstart trying to take the crown. But, I've seen many, many intelligent, independent women that I know and respect (my mom, my sister, some of my friends, most of the female teachers at my school) fall head over heels for Edward's charms and get obsessively sucked in to the four-book romance - it's not just my giggly junior high students (though it's them too!). So I thought I'd give it a chance.

Here we go, my thoughts in points:

Edward- played by HP alumni Robert Pattison- is creepily pale and glimmery-eyed for at least the first thirty minutes of the movie. After that, either they toned it down or I got used to it, but he only started getting hot about halfway in. Until then, I was hard-pressed to see the appeal.

Are high school students really that welcoming and nice to a new girl? She may have been pretty, but she was awfully rude most of the time. Why did they try so hard? That wasn't the high school I went to.

Edward and Bella's first conversation was the most awkard/boring one I've ever heard, and the scene was at least five minutes long. Were we supposed to be overwhelmed by the undercurrents of teen lust? Sorry, love?

Josh thought it was hilarious that a bunch of teenagers went for a party at the beach in a hippie van and were passing around the... licorice.

Vampires don't burn in sunlight, they GLITTER!

So, I was starting to think Edward and Bella would never ACTUALLY kiss, after several missed opportunities (their first confession of feelings for each other, dancing in his bedroom, climbing around the top of a very tall tree...). I really thought they would just lay around giving each other long, lustful gazes forever. The scene when they finally do is one I thought played really well, after all the unresolved tension. Almost got a little risque in that one!

Vampires. Baseball. Whyyyyyyyyyyy?

The "main plot" using James the hunter vampire and sidekicks, to me, seemed extremely contrived- as in, a way to create drama and a big climax at the end. We didn't learn enough about James or his companions for there to be any real motivation behind their actions. Much more interesting to me would have been to explore all those extra vampires in the Cullen family, who barely got any lines (though they did a lot of looking with glimmery creepy eyes). Perhaps they are explored more in the book? Or will be in future movies? I will give the benefit of the doubt here that this was a movie faux pas rather than a book one.

Why introduce the wolf-vs-vampire thing with nothing coming of it? I have read enough to know that this story will come into play later, but movie-wise, it feels cheap and unnecessary. This sort of thing works better in books.

And oh-my-god. The feminist critics have a point when it comes to our heroine, Bella. She was fine, a little self-absorbed, but fine until the hospital scene at the end when Edward suggests that perhaps they shouldn't be together- for her safety. She FREAKS. "Oh my g- no- you can't- we- oh my-" [hyperventilation] "You can't- you can't EVER say things like that to me." Hmm. These sound like the words of a desperate, insecure, dependent non-role-model type heroine to me. A more promising reply might have been, "Edward, I love you and I don't care about the danger- I just want to be with you as long as I can." Still gets the point across, but sounds a little less... obsessive-psycho? I have heard that this character goes from bad to worse, from a feminist perspective.

My verdict on Edward? Okay, after he finally got hot, I understood the appeal. But his attraction to Bella? Inexplicable.

So, finally, I will reserve true judgement until I read the books, but unless they introduce some serious character development, a more convincing plot, and a less annoying heroine, I think that Harry Potter's crown will be safe for awhile.

Hobbies are Fun!

2009-04-10T19:21:00.004+08:00

So, I've taken up scrapbooking.

Well, not officially. Once I actually make my first page, I think I can call myself a scrapbooker. But I've got the album, the cardstock, the embellishments, the alphabet stickers, all thanks to my mom. And I just summoned up the courage to get my photos printed at the Kodak place next door, and they came out well. I think a professional scrapbooker would be aghast at just how many pictures I plan on putting per page, but oh, well, it's my book. I've planned the thing out to exactly 24 pages (the number of cardstock pages I have), but then realized that although I did think ahead to our Shanghai trip, I didn't factor in the possibility of weekend trips between now and July (Qingdao? Dandong?) and may have to rethink. Is it a scrapbooking faux-pas to use both sides of the cardstock to get double the value? I have a feeling it is... on the bright side, I've just discovered that there is an actual scrapbooking store in Shanghai - probably the only one in China - so if I need to buy extra pages I should be all set. I'm going to have to put my shopping hat on for this trip, methinks...

My other new hobby, running, is going well- my running buddy Pamela and I haven't missed one yet, although the challenge is getting steeper with every week. Running with someone is great, it helps the time pass as you chat, and it's harder to skip out... I highly recommend it! I always feel really good and energized after a run, which yes, I know is very cliche to say, but it's really true, and I really hope I can keep it up for myself!

Oh, and it's Easter! What a bizarre Easter for me- no time off teaching, no church all weekend, no playing beautiful Easter tunes at mass. No Easter bunny bringing chocolate and bras (which, by the way, are REALLY hard to find in my size here)! :( The younger kids did decorate eggs at school today, and we all got to wear colours (read: jeans) instead of the standard uniform. Josh has signed us up to go strawberry picking with his Mandarin school tomorrow, which should be interesting (and yield lots of berries to take with us?) and a nice trip out of the city. Sunday morning I think we're going to do Easter brunch with some of the other teachers. That'll be Easter this year, I guess!

Two weeks til Shanghai, twelve til PEI! Can't believe it.