Friday, September 27, 2013

Lights, Cameras, Philippines!

"The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house, on that cold, cold, wet day." - Dr. Seuss.
Taiwan, Formosa, leaving for Philippines.
Instead of a house, it was Eagle Point Resort in Mabini, Anilao, Batangas. Now it is quite depressing to see the pictures on their website of all they have to offer when the sun is shining and there is not a typhoon named USAGI hanging around for three days. 
Iron Man & I at the airport ^_^

Nonetheless, the girls and I really enjoyed our stay, but it was nothing like we predicted. 
We left Taichung early on Thursday morning on the infamous Ubus that runs 24 hours all the way from Taipei (North) to Kaohsiung/Kenting (South). It took two hours to get to the airport, followed by a two hour flight to Manila, the capitol of the Philippines. We had wanted to fly to another island, but because of the time we had we decided to stay on the same island. We had previously been warned by former teachers of the dangers in Manila, so we headed as far south as we could until we hit ocean.


We were provided a shuttle service from Manila to our resort. This was a 3+ hour ride by a Filipino man who may or may not have been driving for the first time in his life! Went a bit like this, acceleration- break - foot on the gas, off, on, off, on, break, acceleration. We were all nauseated. 

I was however fascinated with everything I saw around me. Philippines is always thought of, or advertised as, white sand beaches, scuba diving, gorgeous woman, etc.  And while the resort offered this and more. I would have never predicted the state of the country we drove through. What looked to be scraps of old fashioned cars made into public transportation buses covered the muddy streets. There were also 'tricycles,' which consisted of one man riding a bike with a cargo-like seat attached for one or two more persons. 
 
We were driving through Batangas during what I would assume to be rush hour. Hundreds of working men poured out into the streets. I peeked my head out of the window a few times and the looks on their faces were priceless! There were children with no shirts on, some with no shoes, junk yards, shack like shops, run down schools, and random chickens. The buildings were painted bright colors, perhaps to make up for all the mud that consumed the area. Instantly, we all had a much greater appreciation for all we have in Taiwan.  

 
We finally made it to Eagle Point. After almost 12 hours of traveling we refreshed ourselves and headed to dinner. Inevitably, the day we had just spent traveling also happened to be the best weather we would see in the Philippines.


Raymond






Throughout the weekend I heard the phrase, "Yes, Ma'am" and "Yes Maddam" more times then I have in my entire life.  The staff was exceptionally nice and the group of us quickly took one of the resort's staff, Raymond, under our wing. Along with other greetings we had a spider in our room that was almost the size of my palm. 

The resort offered four different pools. Of course we all decided our favorite was the one furthest from our room. We went for a late night swim and rested up. 

Happy in the storm ^-^

Friday morning (Happy 3 Months in Taiwan) the Typhoon was well underway. The hotel provides kayaking, a ferry ride over to a secluded white island, scuba diving training, and snorkeling. All of which we could not partake in because of USAGI! However we DID get to snorkel in their ginormous salt water pool. There were tons of fish and even cooler, SHARKS! My personal favorite was the sea turtle. After a quick lunch, we each received a relaxing 1 hour massage. 
Later Friday night, the resort set up videokee, basically karaoke, for the guests. Overall the guests included us, a handful of others, and what we soon would find out, a whole cast and crew of a Filipino reality T.V. series. The resort also provided a 'Make Your own Cocktail' for 280 Philippino Pisos. (1,000 Php = $22, 1,000TWD = $33). We sang, we danced, we made friends. Ended the night with another late night swim and adventures on the rocks. This was not a great ideas with the high tides coming in. 

Our 3rd day, and still a no go on any ocean activities, we decided to get the good times rolling early. On our way to the pool we were asked to compete against each other in a videokee contest. We agreed, signed our names, and headed into the Bay View Room where it would all take place. 
Camera setting up.
Shortly after we began practicing our beautiful voices, a swarm of camera crews, light technicians, mentors, and a director came into the room. They "asked" us to be extras in their T.V. series Pantaxa, which means fantasy. 
Pantaxa is a series where 7 girls are put up to a variety of challenges, which they are eliminated from, until there is one overall winner!  
Kelly, Steph & I with JayCee the mentor and 4 of the Pantaxa girls.
We watched and conversed with the mentors of the show as the 7 girls performed their videokee songs and tried to impress the judges.  Later that night we had a wonderful time hanging out with the cast and crew of the show while listening to live music. A huge plus to going to the Philippines is that they all speak English very well. As a whole, much better then in Taiwan.
The language of the Philippines is called Tagalog. It is spoken by most, but not all. It sounds very similar to Spanish, but one of the ladies I met said it's very different. Mah-gen-dah means Beautiful. Salameth means Thank you. Plah-cen-cha means Sorry.  

Early Sunday morning we took the shuttle back to the Manila Airport. Kelly and I would be leaving while the other girls stayed an extra night in Manila. Our flight was postponed 4 hours. I was so revealed to be back in Taiwan! It never felt more like home. 

Update on school: Grade reports are due this week, I hope the parents don't get angry with me. Reading comprehension overall was brutal. I have gotten my students to produce one good piece of writing so far and I am working on creating my first bulletin board, which I must say is looking pretty darn good so far!
So much to do, so little time!
Haiku poems my students wrote about Fall.
My rambunctious twins had their 10th birthday on Wednesday. I have a new student in my grad class who studied for over 3+ years in England. He is quite the character! 





Now that I have health insurance, I officially bought MY scooter! 
In other fabulous news: I purchased 2 headbands, 2 scarves, a long skirt, an orange jean vest, and earrings all for $35!
--Thanks for the love! - K

 


Sunday, September 15, 2013

"Be the most Brilliant COLOR in the box!"

Last weekend I took a sporadic trip to Kaohsiung with another teacher, Michelle. It was completely a last minute decision, however it was another incredible experience. Earlier in the day I was at a Rock Music Festival at one of the larger parks in Taichung, Wexin Park. They had two stages of music and another amphitheater with the bigger bands. 
Taiwan lady rockin' it- holding a rainbow flag!

I spent most of my time looking at all the art, jewelry, and random assortment of knick knacks all throughout the park. I bought a pair Taiwan flag earrings, a necklace with Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc, two scrunchies (oh yes, I'm bringing those back), and some postcards. 
 
When I finally stopped to enjoy the music with the others, that is when Michelle presented me with the opportunity to go to a ColorPlay concert in Kaohsiung. 

We took the HSR, High Speed Rail, to Kaohsiung. By bus the trip takes 3 hours, by HSR it takes 50 minutes. Then we took the MRT, a subway, to Dream Mall. Dream Mall is the largest mall in Taiwan, it has a miniature amusement park on top of it which includes a Ferris wheel!  Of course we took the time to ride the Ferris wheel. 
View from the top of Ferris wheel at Dream Mall.

Afterwards we met Michelle's childhood friend, Tessa, as well as her roommate Ria. (It is quite amazing to me that four of the new teacher's know someone who lives in Taiwan. Crazy considering how most people in the U.S. don't even know Taiwan is an island.) We went to a local spot called Brickyard. Brickyard had some great live Latin and reggae music combined with an assortment of people I have never seen before in one place. We met people from Japan, El Salvador, South Africa, China, and Russia- and I'm positive there were many other ethnicities mixed in. I danced with some real Latin men and women and met quite a few other colorful people who had me smiling ear to ear. I really enjoyed my time there.
One of the many harbors surrounding Kaohsiung.
We left early to prepare for the fun-filled festivities of the next day. Sunday morning we met some of Tessa's friends outside of the University where the Color Play would take place. Tessa has been living in Taiwan for two years. I was in shock and awe at how well she could speak Chinese. She communicated very well with the taxi drivers, restaurant owners, scooter shop people, and even the locals at the concert! We were with a group of about 6-9 people. YouMing and his sister Ria (2nd Ria), Show, and James all spoke very good English and just as predicted, beyond nice and welcoming to Michelle and I. 


Upon arriving at Color Play, which took place on a beach, you receive 3 bags of powdered color, two tattoos, eye glasses, and a mask for protection.  They also greeted you by tossing color on you as you walked through the main entrance.  We arrived JUST before the first "color-off." We ran up into the main action where we reciprocated throwing color at everyone, balloons full of color exploded, they shot color off the stage, had people in the crowd with color guns shooting people all over the place. Complete colorful madness. 


D.J.'s took control of the music throughout the day while the fun continued. They had a "bubble party," also known as a foam pit, going on for awhile. Half way through the day we went for a swim in the ocean, which led to us getting clean. I decided to venture off on my own to get colorful again, take some pictures with locals, and dance next to the stage. I wore my glasses the entire time, unfortunately not my mask which I'd later regret. 


Relaxing; Top: Tessa, Show, Ria. Bottom: Me, YouMing, James, Ria
The group of us relaxed for a bit on the beach, watched the sunset, ate, and had a conversation about the war in Syria. It was during this time that Michelle's bag was hijacked by a very...let's say.. whacked out individual. Luckily, I put the pieces together and realized who took the bag about ten minutes later and retrieved it. (This comes into play later.) 
All those boxes full of Color!!


Michelle and I had not left with much money and by Sunday night we were both out. We were relying on her credit card to get us HSR tickets back home to Taichung. Since the HSR ran until 11 P.M. We decided to stay for at least one hour of the live music, 8-9. 
The last hour was by far the best hour of the whole day. New arrivals had shown up in white clothing, however they had no color yet. I suggested we go 'attack' them with color and it was on after that. Five of us ran around throwing color on anyone who looked too clean, then we ran across the front line throwing color. The reactions were what made it so thrilling. Everyone had just been waiting for the color tossing to start again. We got everyone riled up, throwing and attacking with color all over again! 

About to get hit with some yellow.
Michelle and I sadly said our goodbyes just after 9 o'clock and headed to the MRT to take to the HSR. The walk would have taken 30-40 minutes to the MRT, but by some guardian miracle, or just the dumbfounding consideration of the Taiwanese, two young men who spoke zero English offered us to scoot us. It was after that we realized that her entire wallet, with the credit card, was missing. We had just enough NT to get to the HSR. Arrived at 10:55, as the last train for Taichung left at 11:00. We considered ourselves stranded. Luckily, we were saved by the Taiwanese friend I made a few weeks back, Sam. He had a friend in Kaohsiung who gave us enough to get to the bus station that ran all night. At 12:45 we boarded the bus, arriving home at 3:50 A.M. QUITE the experience back home.  School on Monday was a bit rough. 

Evening Stars
Speaking of school, my schedule changed slightly. I now only have my 3rd graders, split into two classes, Stars and Evening Stars. Then I also teach a Grad class twice a week. The Grad class is 13 year old boys, getting them to crack a smile or share anything is a challenge in itself. Baby steps. 
Stars

I really enjoy my 3rd graders. We work on a lot of spelling, vocabulary, listening, reading, writing, and comprehension. We had a birthday this past week. Birthday's are a big deal. A triple layered cake is always provided for the entire class, denying the cake is not acceptable. 


I now have a Visa Card for Taiwan, as well as a Taiwan cell phone! 
Michelle and YouMing wearing their masks!
Sadly, I have not felt 100% and have had quite a bad cough since not wearing the mask at the Color Play party. I assume my lungs were coated with powder and the lack of sleep led to my sickness. Almost 3 months living here and still no health insurance, even though going to the doctor here takes 15-20 minutes tops and even without insurance is so inexpensive, it makes me a little sick to think what we pay in America for a doctor to tell us to take some Ibuprofen. 


I have been scooting on my own, finding my way across town and not getting lost! So proud ^_^  However, one evening the scooter I am borrowing died and I had to walk it home. (Just a few blocks.)

Mooncake.jpgThis weekend was the Mid-Autumn Festival, also called the Moon Festival. Mooncakes are a big deal! Huge tents were set up outside of our apartment for the surrounding community to enjoy a supper together on Saturday night. The festival is to celebrate gathering, thanksgiving, and praying. 
Supper for Moon festival, RIGHT outside of our apartment.


Random fact that makes me happy: Here, Buddha is considered a God and his big belly represents all of our sins he takes and how he is full of forgiveness. Buddha reminds you to BE TRUE TO YOU!

Kelly, Brittany, Stephanie, Amy, and I leave for the Philippines in 3 days!!!!

--Thanks for reading ^_^ K 


 


Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Travel is the Only Thing You Buy that Makes You Richer.



Just as I had predicted, completing blogs weekly would only last for so long.


On the other hand, there is quite a lot to share. 







After 11 weeks we finally received our ARC, Alien Resident Cards, which means we are now legal to live and work in Taiwan. We also have a bank account set up. Still waiting on health insurance. An abundance amount of patience is definitely a trait one must have to teach and travel. :)

 
We get a four day weekend for a Taiwan Government Holiday, Mid-Autumn Festival, coming up in two weeks. Four other girls and I booked a short trip to the Philippines. The flight is just over an hour and the round trip tickets were cheaper than most tickets you buy flying state to state in the U.S. I am very excited. I hope to snorkel! However, because of the four day weekend, we have to work the previous Saturday. 



The "old" teachers have returned from there two month visit back to their home states/countries. We all went to eat at a BBQ joint called Joe John's. Joe John's has to be some of the best food I've had here! They had broccoli, corn, green peppers, mushrooms wrapped in pork, another veggie similar to green beans also wrapped in pork all BBQ'd {very light BBQ :)}as cabobs. Sounds simple, but it was delicious! Then we tried some frozen mango at Costco, not even close to fresh mango. :( Till Next Season, Mango!
https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&ik=18b045453d&view=att&th=140d370e70f2208c&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P9au86DtRH-Vehf0mmlfbxB&sadet=1378303017925&sads=wsdZSkLNDZcX3v6uECu4QLVwKDs&sadssc=1Some BIG news: I drove my first scooter. I am still waiting on getting my scooter (aka health insurance). However, in the mean time, I am borrowing a former teacher's old scooter. I Love Scooting! It's so quick, smart, cheap, fun, and exhilarating to me. I am considering getting one in the states, although I would quickly get a ticket considering here I can drive how and where I want. I have slowly been learning my way around. For me, landmarks work better than the street signs that all seem to start with H, X, or Z. 


I went to my first thrift shop, found a purse and a top, 50 NT each! Tried an egg tart on our way back from a night market, where we had tried a tea egg. A tea egg is an egg hard boiled in tea. They love their tea here, I unfortunately taste soap no matter what flavor I try.





Finally made it back to the Jade Market. This is a market just for selling authentic jewelry, art, and sculptures by the Taiwanese. I have been wanting to return since my first week here. It seems to be the best place for souvenirs and gifts. As I finished bargaining for a jade ring I had my eyes on, I was persuaded by the same women to buy a chess set for 500NT ($15). Now it seems like a random purchase, however when she pulled it out to show me I had two great memories come into mind. When I was much, much younger I was taught how to play chess in my uncle's apartment in Denver. I also used to play house with the chess pieces at an even younger age. Along with the ring and chess set, I bought two bracelets and three pairs of earrings. 




Three other great restaurants we've tried. KiKi: Thai Restuarant, a bit spicy for me, but it was very good. Le Blu Dor, which serves German beer and delicious food. And, Early Bird, which is a complete foreign joint, but when they play football on the t.v., serve a special on wings on Wednesday and Tequila on Tuesday's it stands to show they know what American's want. We ate there the night before Jodi and Erin left for the teaching adventure in China.




My walls are still pretty bare in my room, but I am very proud of my travel wall I decorated.


 




The BIGGEST news of all is I FINALLY started teaching MY 3rd grade class!!!! :-D First, I have to say I am blessed. My kids are so smart! Currently, I teach 16 students for three hours on Monday and another 4 for one hour after that. On Tuesday I teach the same 4 kids again for two hours. Wednesday I teach all 20 for three hours and after I teach a Grad Class. Thursday's I teach a Public Speaking class. Friday I only teach the Grad Class. This will most likely be changing again, but not by much. My teaching doesn't begin until 1:50 P.M. on Monday and Wednesday. 5 P.M. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Needless to say, I will need a day hobby. Although, as much free time as I seem to have I am actually enjoying spending many hours planning and prepping.

I have not taken any pictures of my students yet, nor my classroom because it is a work in progress. I am stoked to create my own classroom, my own behavior management system, my own rules, expectations, assignments, etc. We have four rules in my class; Courtesy, Always prepared, Respect, and Effort, acronym C.A.R.E. because my 3rd grade Stars CARE! This is something I am reinforcing daily with my Stars, by the end of the year they'll have reviewed, discussed, and practiced these rules so many times that they'll have no choice but to continue to apply them to their daily lives! Fingers crossed. They have individual goals, as well as a classroom reward of a party when their class jar is filled. I had the students vote on an attention getter, so when I say "Macaroni and Cheese," they say, "Everybody Freeze." It works amazingly. They got through the testing required in the first week of school and now we are getting into the real meat of the curriculum. Again, I've only been at it with them for three days, there is much more to come. I can not even think of the correct word to describe just how happy and perfect it feels when I am with these kids. As much as I loved my Summer Unicorn's and my Kindergarten Little Critter's, this is exactly where my talents can best be used and it excites me to such an extreme that it's just begun! 

I'll end my rant.   

Thanks for reading! - K