I Enjoy Being a Girl

I love Sunny


Girl time

I am just in a girly mood this evening. I just finished trying on a couple different dresses, trying to decide on my MC ensemble for Saturday's festival show. I am debating between my classic black, form-fitting dress and my black, blue, and pink floral print dress that I bought at a vintage shop in Rome this summer. Hmmm. If anyone knows the dresses of which I speak, feel free to add in your two cents!

I apologize for the lack of photos as of late. I have more pictures of my kids that I could be posting, I just haven't. Don't worry, there will definitely be photos from festival.

This just in: the venue has given us a maximum time allowance of two and a half hours for festival. THIS IS SUCH GREAT NEWS!!! I seriously thought the show was going to go on for four. Tony and I have a killer script. Who knows if the parents will really be able to understand it all...I suppose it's more for our amusement than anything. Tony and I jive well and have very similar humour, so we feed off each other well. The snippets that Karen has heard have caused her to burst out laughing and say things like, "This is going to be funnier than Billy Crystal at the Oscars!" Well, we'll see. Lots of silly jokes, Korean and Canadian stereotype comments, and references to the kids' acts.

I am not sure if I have mentioned this before, but I adore Tony. He reminds me so much of Mike it feels like I am working with my brother. Ok. Enough gushy, mushy stuff.

I have to say that my Barcelona coat is a huge hit. I can't go out without at least a couple people commenting on it. I swear it's the reason people talk to me and I have friends...by association with my coat. Boys and girls alike, it gets everyone talking.

When I went to Happidus last Friday, I stepped into the elevator with three Korean men. They insisted I get in first. Then they all started speaking amongst themselves, in Korean. Then I heard the word "pretty" and they all just turned to face me. Then one asked where I was from. Anyways, they all got out at my floor (it wasn't where they needed to get out) to walk me to the door of the bar and hold it for me. It was a strange experience, to say the least.

I met up with Ashley, my airplane friend, for coffee last evening. We ended up meeting up with a couple of my coworkers at the Dugout (another popular expat bar) to watch the Asia Cup qualifying football match for the World Cup. It was Korea versus Japan. Sadly, Japan won. The game went into overtime and then a shoot-out as well! Intense. It was a fun night out...it's good to changes things up during the week a little. Ashley and I met some other girls there and ended up playing cards with them. Friends everywhere you go here, I swear. It's great!

That's enough out of me. Tea and reading time, and then off to bed! Happy Wednesday.

6 Days a Week!

Karen, watching rehearsal


Shana teacher, telling Mercury who's boss


Jupiter and Venus, Nanta routine (Mamma Mia)

Grace, my newest students (she's not yet 3-years old)

Six days of work for this week, that is. One down! Four more plus a very full Saturday, jam-packed with festival dress-rehearsal, the show itself, and then a dinner. Tony and I are MC-ing the event, so to me that means best seats in the house (versus helping out backstage). Weee!

I'm happy to announce that I have running hot water again, after a week without. Yes, my pipes froze. Thank goodness I've been showering at the gym, so my routine wasn't too affected. Washing dishes with ice water isn't the most joyful of ventures, however.

Once again, had a relaxing weekend with friends and me-time: Happidus, coffee and dinner dates with friends, book shopping, reading, errands.

Julian. Let me tell you about Julian...or should I say Julian teacher. This kid pays SO much attention to detail, it's incredible. He knows how to tell time and knows how long each lesson/period is supposed to last. If I say "Mercury, we'll clean up in 3 minutes", Julian will say, "no, 8 minutes" because he knows when the class ends. What he doesn't know is that it always takes longer and so a teacher must account for that. Alternatively, he'll look at the clock and say, "Leah teacher, morning speech!" if I haven't started morning speech yet, and it's what we're supposed to be doing. A couple times last week when he finished his milk first (he always finishes first) I commented on how fast he is: "Wow, Julian, you're fast!" Then he says, "No, Leah teacher, fastest". Smart cookie.

I'm tired. Sorry this is so short. I guess I'm into a bit of a hibernation/taking it easy kind of routine, so unfortunately there is not a whole lot to report! I'm looking forward to the new school year starting (beginning of March) just to shake things up again. I did find out though that I'll get to continue teaching my current Mercury students, except come March, they'll be Venus! I'm really happy about that. I'll end on a "stay warm!" note! xo

Monday morning girl

January birthday boys, Liang and Julian


LIANG GOT A PERM!


PEACE, Alvin

We all need silly time. The kids are tired. They have to get out their energy. Today in class, instead of rehearsing for festival yet AGAIN, I just led my Mercury students through some stretches and yoga, and then we danced. They were laughing and smiling and having fun. Hopefully less tears this week! Tomorrow we are going to have a rehearsal on site where the final performance will be. It’s coming up quickly…January 29! My kids are ready. They know their stuff. Plus they’re the youngest so it’s cute if they make a mistake (remember dance recitals?).

Bless Sunny and Scarlet, my class role models (aside from John and Charlie). Scarlet is ALWAYS using English to communicate. Last week when I was having a difficult day with Julian, I asked him (not expecting an answer) why he doesn’t sit down when I say sit down, because all the other kids sit down. I said it very gently. Scarlet, on the other hand, was a little more heated and passionate about it:
“JULIAN! Why you no sit down? Leah teachers says ‘sit down’ and everyone sit down but you no sit down. Everyone listen and you no listen. Why?”She was really pleading with him, trying to get through. Another point during the week, when everyone was getting restless and many students had shed tears, I told the class I was sad to see them sad. Then I showed them my sad face. Then Sunny pipes up and asks, “Leah teacher, heart broken?” Love.

I’m not typically a winter wuss but I am just not dressed for the weather here. I miss my long red wool coat. I wasn’t expecting it to get so cold here! -19 this morning! At times my apartment feels colder than the great outdoors, because my building is so old. The heating system is super inefficient: the floors get heated but nothing else does. What good does that do me when I’m sitting on or sleeping in my bed? Thank goodness for my space heater.

The weather kept me pretty cooped up this weekend. I still went out Friday, coffee first with a friend, then on to Happidus. Yey for darts and pool and good company! Saturday, after Korean lunch and some errands, I stay huddled inside all day. In the evening I decided to dress up and take myself out for coffee, to try and beat the cold…brought my book and journal to keep me occupied. I thought moving around would feel better than staying stationery. Ended up meeting up with a friend later on in the evening as well, so that was good. Sunday was another lazy day. I just can’t bring myself to do much in the cold! It’s nice to relax though. I’ve never been good at it but I’m getting better!

Forgot to mention that last Sunday when I went to my local Korean lunch spot I brought my journal. The owners (the cute elderly couple) were amused that I was writing. They eventually had to say “Sunday, we go home” and kick me out. I was the only one there and didn’t realize they were waiting for me. I hope they didn’t wait long! They are such a sweet couple. I do love my neighbourhood. There is a food vendor that I always pass, and we always say “hello” (in Korean), even if I go and come within a few minutes. He always has a big smile on his face. It’s really sweet. Went to a movie last Thursday with Jennifer. We saw Love and Other Drugs. I watched New York, I Love You this weekend. The latter wins.

Life is good. Weee!

My 7-year old beat me at Tic-Tac-Toe...

...twice.

Ashley and me

2011 is off to a good start. I’m already learning some key lessons. Karen, my coworker, brought me back a Reese Peanut Butter Bar from her trip to Canada for Christmas. I’m a huge fan of the peanut butter and chocolate duet. Reese Cups are an example of the perfect ratio, as are Reese’s Pieces. The Bar, on the other hand, isn’t quite right. Though the concept is great, the imbalance tastes too sweet. Two wonderful ingredients, but not the right balance. That’s how I feel about it anyways…and it’s important for me to listen to that.

I was spoiled for my quarter-century milestone. Besides hearing from many wonderful people electronically, I was taken care of by my friends here too. Hunter came to town last evening and he treated to a delicious Indian meal. Friday evening Tony took me out for a lovely Italian dinner. We feasted and it was great. A perfect way to start a night out with friends at my usual Friday-night hangout. It was an informal gathering…I was mostly excited to see some familiar faces, after the holidays and whatnot. It was a fun crowd, and a bit of an airport reunion. Ashley came, as well as Barry (he was on the flight back from Bangkok with us and all three of us took the bus from the Seoul airport back to Anyang together). Even Steve was there! Steve and I met outgoing in business class…he helped me with my crossword. We still don’t have each other’s contact information, it was just a fluke. An obligatory sing-along session took place, as it does on Fridays, saw some of my favourite regulars, and even Christian came. Yey! Oh! And my coworkers surprised me with a cake on work on Tuesday, the actual day. So sweet!

Out with friends

My weekend was totally lazy, and it was exactly what I needed. Catching up with people on Skype, laundry, groceries, cleaning, doing nothing.

It’s snowing really beautifully right now. Very melancholic, but still cozy. The soothing evening hush of a fresh snowfall. Today was a day of tears in Mercury class. Sometimes my kids can be so sensitive. We have been practicing LOTS with the festival performance date looming nearer. John used to be cast as an ant in the play, but now he is a grasshopper (simply because he knew the lines for the ENTIRE play and is smart enough to handle it). Now, every time we practice, he cries and is sad because he wants to be an ant again. I have a new student too, and her name is Grace. She is not yet three years old, so naturally she cries for unknown reasons too. Half of my kids cried today though, for no reason at all. I guess it’s just one of those days! A good night’s sleep and a fresh new day should fix it!

More Elephant Pictures

A morning's harvest...dinner for two


June's beautiful smile


Me and June

Poop and scoop...filling truckloads then spreading the manure for new land

Chopping banana trees with a machete

Poop duty

NYE fun with Natasha

Andy, my mentor

The Elephant Episodes: Thailand

I really don't know where to begin talking about my experience. It certainly was a memorable one, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Never have I felt so completely present doing something, and so completely removed from anything else taking place. It really was surreal, and I found it hard to believe that time was passing elsewhere. It felt like I was gone for about a month, as each day was so full with activity.

One evening there were a few of us chatting about creative writing. We were talking about describing something in terms of the five senses, so it got me thinking about the highlights of my trip that way.

Sight - the sunrise every morning, rising over the lake, the mountains silhouetted in the background, as seen from the volunteer center breakfast table

Sound - hearing a friendly "Hello!" EVERY time I walk by the parrot, en route between the food house and the elephants

Smell - all the amazing spices wafting from the Thai staff kitchen, as they prepare our daily meals

Taste - the fresh coconut water that Andy bought (and so graciously shared with me) from the market in Cha'am

Touch - feeding June and Bua (the "old ladies") and having their elephant tongues and mouths completely envelope my hand, ever so gently

A bit about the center: Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand is an organization that runs mainly by the help of volunteers. There are about 400 animals at the center (a GIANT space), five of which are elephants (currently anyways). They have tons of gibbons and macaques, Malaysian sun bears, many bird species, dogs, a tiger, a crocodile, a horse, primates and nocturnal animals that I had never even heard of (e.g. loris, langur), and a partridge in a pear tree. All of the animals have some sort of physical or mental disability for various reasons, and the aim is to rehabilitate them such that they can return to the wild. The bears and monkeys are very promising cases, however, the elephants and Meow the tiger, not so much. Meow had damage to his nervous system so his hind legs drag behind him as he walks. It's quite amazing to watch. He's so gorgeous!

We are basically located in the middle of nowhere. It's about three hours south of Bangkok, and the next closest city to us is Cha'am, about an hour away to drive. The town has a few corner stores, a pharmacy, and an Esso. My first day there I went to the Sunday market that takes place.

There are two groups of volunteers - the wildlife team and the elephant team. There is a hands-off policy with the animals, save the elephants. It quite the opposite with them actually, as it is very hands on. Work started at 6:30am, which meant 6am wake-up. I had no trouble going to bed at 9 each night, as we were working 10-12 hour days. I also figured, hey, this is my vacation. I don't want to return to work with the kids even MORE exhausted. I definitely savoured my sleep.

Each day you are assigned to specific elephants, and work with one or two other volunteers to care for those elephants that day. I had the chance to work with all of them. Khan Kluey is the youngest at 6 years old, and is a very spirited and playful boy. We actually can't be in the enclosure with him, because his playfulness is dangerous to us, though he doesn't know it. He shares a space with Somboon, who acts as a good calming presense for him. She is in her 30s. Pai Lin has her own space and likes to follow me around. June and Bua are together, and are both in their 70s. I came to favour them, as they were the first ones I worked with, and worked with the most. The instant trust that develops between us (the volunteers and the elephants, or that I felt anyways) is phenomenal.

Each set of elephants had their own routine. Basic duties included preparing their food and feeding them. For June, this involved a LOT of fruit slicing and banana ball making. She has to be hand-fed, and has to eat every hour. For the others this was chopping up banana trees (I totally used a machete). We had to clean their enclosures - picking up poop and scraps from the banana trees - and unloading the wheelbarrows full in their respective places. For some we prepared "enrichments", different toys, like fruit in tires, to amuse the elephants. We walked the elephants, and washed them with hoses and scrub brushes. With Bua and June we had to assist with the vet. Every morning and afternoon we had a special project. Sometimes this was a harvest: riding in the back of the pick-up truck with the Thai staff to a banana tree farm; they cut, we load and unload, and repeat. Sometimes this was loading and unloading composted banana tree leaves or elephant poop to and from the truck. Sitting on top of a huge pile of elephant poo in the back of a pick-up truck was a serious highlight for me. We planted trees, we dug ditches. I have never been so dirty in my life. I loved it. The elephant crew always jokes around how our days are much more physically demanding than the wildlife folks. It's true though! I was so sore after the first day. It's no wonder I slept so well all the time!

My last day was really awesome, in that I had some great interaction time with Bua and June. I loved singing to June "Hey June" (as opposed to "Hey Jude") and whatever else was in my head. When it was time to walk them, Den, a Thai staff, just tossed me a bunch of bananas and said "you take Bua". So she just happily follows me. I know I have food in my hands, but it feels like they are listening, and they know to come with you. I got to take June back, and she came along with me, no problem, even though I didn't have food! I also kept her well distracted as the vet did her work, and kept her away when it was Bua's turn.

Such beautiful, trusting, gentle animals. I swear they are always smiling. They look so happy.

I met some amazing people, of course - people from all over the world. Most of the volunteers are in their 20s and 30s, but there were a few in their 40s and 50s as well. What's fascinating is that many people return year after year. Some stay on for 6 months even. I think that says a lot about the success of the program. For New Year's we stayed at the center. Pizza was ordered, people brought drinks, and we danced and socialized. It was low-key and relaxing, just what everyone needed. I went to bed shortly after midnight - we still had to work the next day! In anticipation of hangovers, the Thai staff didn't prepare any special projects for New Years day, which was nice of them. I only had a couple cans of beer, and wasn't even tired the next day, but it was a relaxing last day of work, which was nice. Gave me time to sneak some final pictures in.

The food was fantastic. I think I could eat Thai every day. So many wonderful flavours. DELICIOUS. The kitchen was stocked with bread and produce and eggs and spreads of all sorts, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, so breakfast and snacks were on our watch. The rooms were basic, and I ended up having a room to myself for most of the time. My bathroom was mosquito-infested, but that was the most I saw of the buggers. There was no hot water, but I really didn't mind after a day's work!

As much as I loved my experience and would be happy to do it again, I also felt a great appreciation for what I do, my teaching, and it confirmed even more than I already know, that teaching and working with kids is my passion.

A very worthwhile Christmas vacation. (More pictures to come!)

Christmas Fun

Happy New Year!

The remainder of the week leading up to Christmas/my departure was crazy awesome fun. Tony's party was a blast and everyone had a good time. I ended up with a super soft and comfy pair of pajama pants from the gift swap game. I am very pleased about that. Some of Tony's neighbours showed up and turns out I know them! I AM SO PUMPED TO MOVE INTO HIS PLACE! (Sorry to see Tony go, though.)

Friday at school was fun with the kids. Christmas carols and crafts, dancing and laughing. Before lunch we had a dance party...Karen and I ended up free-styling to "All I Want for Christmas is You" in the middle of all the kids. We busted out the macarena, the hand jive, and some moves from the kids' festival routines. It was great. Some of those kindy students really love to boogey. It was so adorable to see!

Friday evening was packing and Skype dates. It was nice to finally see my floor again, once all was said and done.

Considering Christmas day was a travel day, I'd say it couldn't have gone any better. I got to the airport in plenty of time to poke around and relax. I found these travel packs of tissue that I got way too excited about and just had to buy. I had clementines and shortbread cookies for breakfast. It was Christmas, after all!

Next. I met a really cool girl at the Incheon/Seoul airport. Ashley is from Nova Scotia and lives in Anyang like me (we recognized each other from Happidus). We chatted a bunch and spent the four-hour layover in Beijing together - dinner and more chatting. She is awesome (maybe because we're so much alike haha) and I know we will hang out more. We discovered we were on the same return flight, so it was something to look forward to!

The first flight got delayed an hour due to military drills or something. I did not mind at all because I was in business class!!! That's right. Apparently when I was asked "window or aisle seat?" at the check-in I was also getting business class? Not really sure how that happened. I walked right by it, looking for my seat, because I clearly never fly anything but economy. The best part was that everyone else sitting in the area seemed equally confused. We all agreed it made for a great Christmas. Thank you Santa/travel gods! So I reclined my chair (fully horizontally) and had an awesome nap. Let me tell you I am the last person that needs THAT much leg room. There were no crosswords to be found in the in-flight magazines. I expressed my disappointment and the man sitting behind me passed me a newspaper with one. Yey! By the end of the plane ride it became a group activity with the people sitting around me. haha One of the guys was also from Anyang! Nuts eh?

The time at the Beijing airport passed quickly in Ashley's company. By the second flight I was exhausted. Thank goodness I kept moving back time zones, so my night was longer and therefore I could sleep more. I went to my seat, and a girl was asking if I would switch seats with her, as I had the seat beside her boyfriend. Of course, no big deal. I'm happy to help out and never mind trading seats with people. So I sacrificed my window seat for a double middle seat - i.e. middle section, middle seat. The man beside me, however, asked if I would mind sitting in business class. You see, he bought the seat for his daughter but she was scared and wanted to sit with her dad. BUSINESS CLASS ON BOTH FLIGHTS! So for dinner I had a delicious smoked salmon salad and shrimp dumpling soup. And then I slept for four hours. Ahhh. Customs took a while at the airport in Bangkok, and it's now 3am Seoul time. Eeesh. Once I was through though, my luggage was out and it was easy to find my ride to the hotel. (Santa was at the airport, too!) There was a man also getting picked up for our hotel and we got to chatting - lovely guy from Ukraine, travelling with some friends, doing yoga and meditation, and deep-sea diving. I had an amazing sleep in my queen-sized bed. The next morning I showered, felt fresh, had breakfast, and was ready to get picked up by the wildlife rescue center... ready to go! Yup, pretty darn good Christmas.

Side note: I travelled with Flat Sophie. If you have been following this blog for some time, you will know that I had (and lost) Flat Stanley in Poland. You should be happy to know Flat Sophie survived the trip!

ELEPHANTS ELEPHANTS ELEPHANTS!