Saturday, January 3, 2009
Beijing preparing for the Olympics
I found this to be really interesting having just visited Beijing and seeing the final product of all of the hard work that was done in preparation for the Olympics. My friends and I often commented on how people must have been given specific phrases to say in English, because EVERYBODY said the same things to us, yet didn't know any other English. My lonely planet said that prior to the Olympics one day a week was designated as a "queuing" day. Everybody in the city had to line up correctly, and they were checked throughout the day by the police. So interesting to think about all of the behaviors we take for granted in our society.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
I heart Beijing (1 of 2)
I spent exactly a week in Beijing, and I absolutely loved it. The only thing I didn't like is the cold. It was very cold in Beijing this time of year, especially because everything to see was outdoors. So, you find yourself walking several kilometers(I use kilometers and celcius now - lol!) everyday in the freezing cold. I do have to say that I have been really fortunate in that the weather has been mostly clear here. The first day was really smoggy, and I could see why people made such a big deal about the pollution for the Olympics. But, honestly, the air seems worse in Korea some days than it has been here in Beijing this week.
I arrived on Saturday afternoon, and I met up with my friends from Korea - Jenna and Josh - at the hostel. We went to the Silk Market - a huge indoor market with stalls selling the things that China is known for fake everything. Purses, watches, coats, souvenirs...the list goes on. I was really surprised when we entered the market and immediately we were surrounded by people trying to sell their goods to us. They are quite overwhelming, grabbing onto our clothes and even our arms to keep us from moving onto another stall. They always give you their "best price, lady" - about 100 times more than what you should pay. It is fun, though. I kept this trip to mostly just traveling, so I didn't buy much. I did return later in the week to get a few more things, but I would love to come back here and spend a lot of money! Looking is fun though - and there is soooo much to see. The bargaining here is more drastic than anywhere I have been, and they always say "no joke price" when you give them a reasonable offer. So funny!
On Sunday, Jenna, Josh, and I went on a tour of The Forbidden City, Tiananmen square, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven. The Forbidden City is absolutely amazing. It was a long, cold day, but so worth it. At the end of the day we went and ate at a little restaurant around the corner from our hostel - and the food was soooo good. I am not really a huge fan of chinese food - american style. But, the food I ate the entire time in Beijing was wonderful!
Before I go further, I have to comment on the hostel. I love hostels. I have stayed in so many, and have such wonderful memories from those times. This hostel, while it could have been decent, was so disappointing. (Note: I still has a great time while staying at this hostel, it was just a slight bump in the road of a perfect vacation) Jenna, Josh and I were the only people there practically - which if you have ever stayed at a hostel, you know that is a let down. The greatest thing about hostels is getting to meet and hang out with really interesting people. The real deal breaker for me though, was that the hostel was freezing!! Freezing as in the only way to get warm was to take a shower until the hot water ran out. When you are outside and freezing all day, it is the prospect of returning to someplace warm and comfy that gets you through the say. So...I was really excited to move to the hostel I had already booked for the rest of the week. The second hostel really made the rest of my time in Beijing! It was so great! If you ever go to Beijing - stay at Sitting on the City Walls! The people I met were wonderful - some are becoming good friends since Beijing, the location was great, it was warm, and the beds were great! So, with a nice place to stay, the rest of the week just got better and better.
On Monday, I was fighting off a cold and really needed a day to relax, so that is what I did. I slept in, hung around at the hostel, had some ginger honey tea, and got to know some of the people in the hostel. I did get out for a bit in the afternoon. It was nice to be able to have a lazy day, but still feel as though I was taking in the culture of the city.
I am going to finish this later - because I have been working on this much for 2 weeks now. Too busy these days! So, I will be posting more later about the trip.
I arrived on Saturday afternoon, and I met up with my friends from Korea - Jenna and Josh - at the hostel. We went to the Silk Market - a huge indoor market with stalls selling the things that China is known for fake everything. Purses, watches, coats, souvenirs...the list goes on. I was really surprised when we entered the market and immediately we were surrounded by people trying to sell their goods to us. They are quite overwhelming, grabbing onto our clothes and even our arms to keep us from moving onto another stall. They always give you their "best price, lady" - about 100 times more than what you should pay. It is fun, though. I kept this trip to mostly just traveling, so I didn't buy much. I did return later in the week to get a few more things, but I would love to come back here and spend a lot of money! Looking is fun though - and there is soooo much to see. The bargaining here is more drastic than anywhere I have been, and they always say "no joke price" when you give them a reasonable offer. So funny!
On Sunday, Jenna, Josh, and I went on a tour of The Forbidden City, Tiananmen square, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven. The Forbidden City is absolutely amazing. It was a long, cold day, but so worth it. At the end of the day we went and ate at a little restaurant around the corner from our hostel - and the food was soooo good. I am not really a huge fan of chinese food - american style. But, the food I ate the entire time in Beijing was wonderful!
Before I go further, I have to comment on the hostel. I love hostels. I have stayed in so many, and have such wonderful memories from those times. This hostel, while it could have been decent, was so disappointing. (Note: I still has a great time while staying at this hostel, it was just a slight bump in the road of a perfect vacation) Jenna, Josh and I were the only people there practically - which if you have ever stayed at a hostel, you know that is a let down. The greatest thing about hostels is getting to meet and hang out with really interesting people. The real deal breaker for me though, was that the hostel was freezing!! Freezing as in the only way to get warm was to take a shower until the hot water ran out. When you are outside and freezing all day, it is the prospect of returning to someplace warm and comfy that gets you through the say. So...I was really excited to move to the hostel I had already booked for the rest of the week. The second hostel really made the rest of my time in Beijing! It was so great! If you ever go to Beijing - stay at Sitting on the City Walls! The people I met were wonderful - some are becoming good friends since Beijing, the location was great, it was warm, and the beds were great! So, with a nice place to stay, the rest of the week just got better and better.
On Monday, I was fighting off a cold and really needed a day to relax, so that is what I did. I slept in, hung around at the hostel, had some ginger honey tea, and got to know some of the people in the hostel. I did get out for a bit in the afternoon. It was nice to be able to have a lazy day, but still feel as though I was taking in the culture of the city.
I am going to finish this later - because I have been working on this much for 2 weeks now. Too busy these days! So, I will be posting more later about the trip.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Time Flies...
I cannot believe how quickly time has been passing lately. I am so busy, which would account for almost an entire month since my last post. I have finally adjusted to my schedule, and am happy to be getting up early and working a more normal day. I feel like I do not ever have enough time to get everything done, but such is life! :-) The last month I have not done a whole lot on the weekends, mostly because I am beat by the time Friday comes around. Last weekend I did go to my vice director's baby's birthday party. She just turned one, and it is a really big deal here in Korea. I did get some Christmas shopping done, but I will be saving most of my gift buying for when I actually come home. With the won so weak still, I am keeping most purchases to a minimum for now.
I have exactly one week until I go to Beijing, and as excited as I am to go, I have not done any planning at all. I reserved a room in a hostel near the Forbidden City, and that is about all I know right now. I am excited to go somewhere new though!!
It is strange being here for Christmas. Even though we are doing a Christmas program at school (which, by the way, my class is sooooo cute in their costumes! They are little candles - I will post pictures later), it doesn't really feel like Christmas to me - mostly because I won't be spending time with family. Most of my friends will be leaving on Christmas day to either travel or go back home for the break.
At the end of this month I will begin my downhill slide towards the end of my year here. I am trying to figure out what I will be doing next year, and I change my mind pretty much on a daily basis. :-) (Not too surprising to those of you who know me well...) I am considering coming home to Colorado, going to Montana, coming back to Korea, going someplace totally different (like Spain or the UAE) to teach at an international school...who knows?!? Any ideas? I am pretty open right now! lol! :-)
I hope that the holidays are a joyful time for everyone reading this, and I look forward to hearing from everyone! xoxoxo!!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Cirque Du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil was such a great time! It really made me envious of the fabulous job all of the acrobats and dancers have! Must be tough touring around the world jumping and twisting around! I am sure it is VERY difficult, but it looks like so much fun! So, now I am on the lookout for every Cirque du Soleil show! We went to Alegria this time and it was so amazing!
Posted with LifeCast
My Pre-school Class
These are my adorable little ones! They are so wonderful! I love teaching them!!
The girl in the pink is my Korean teacher, Rachel. She is absolutely wonderful and such a sweet person! I spend the entire morning with these guys! It is really fun, and I am learning so much - it takes a lot to keep up with them!
Posted with LifeCast
Posted with LifeCast
I am actually getting my hair done right now - and am able to make this post with my iPod touch. I love it! I don't know how I managed bofore! LOL!
Things have been really busy the last few weeks. I changed my teaching schedule 3 weeks ago and I have just barely been keeping things together. Hopefully things will calm down in the next week or so, but being so busy does make time go by fast. I LOVE my little preschoolers. They are precious and so much fun to teach. I am learning a lot! I have never taught such young kids before, and it is not easy! Totally worth it though.
The weather here has gotten much colder in the last week or so, and it even snowed a bit on Wednesday. Just a dusting, but winter has definitely made it's presence known! The fall has been really beautiful here, and now I am looking forward to a ski trip soon! There are several ski resorts a short distance from Seoul, and I am really excited to check them out.
My next big activity here will be my trip to Beijing. I am so excited to see such an ancient city! I am also going to visit Xi'an to see the Terracotta soldiers! I have some friends who will also be going, and we are going to take the overnight train there and back - should be interesting. :)
As the holidays approach, I have definitely been missing everyone at home! Things are great here, but of course, a little harder to be away right now. I am amazed at how quickly time is passing though! I have been here just shy of 5 months now, and I know that my cotract will be up before I know it. I will be VERY ready for some time at home by that point.
Well, I am about to get the color washed out of my hair, so I need to go! The iPod touch has changed my life!! :-)
Posted with LifeCast
Things have been really busy the last few weeks. I changed my teaching schedule 3 weeks ago and I have just barely been keeping things together. Hopefully things will calm down in the next week or so, but being so busy does make time go by fast. I LOVE my little preschoolers. They are precious and so much fun to teach. I am learning a lot! I have never taught such young kids before, and it is not easy! Totally worth it though.
The weather here has gotten much colder in the last week or so, and it even snowed a bit on Wednesday. Just a dusting, but winter has definitely made it's presence known! The fall has been really beautiful here, and now I am looking forward to a ski trip soon! There are several ski resorts a short distance from Seoul, and I am really excited to check them out.
My next big activity here will be my trip to Beijing. I am so excited to see such an ancient city! I am also going to visit Xi'an to see the Terracotta soldiers! I have some friends who will also be going, and we are going to take the overnight train there and back - should be interesting. :)
As the holidays approach, I have definitely been missing everyone at home! Things are great here, but of course, a little harder to be away right now. I am amazed at how quickly time is passing though! I have been here just shy of 5 months now, and I know that my cotract will be up before I know it. I will be VERY ready for some time at home by that point.
Well, I am about to get the color washed out of my hair, so I need to go! The iPod touch has changed my life!! :-)
Posted with LifeCast
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
New schedule means ... wiped out!
So, this week I started a new schedule at work. I am teaching at one campus in the mornings from 9-12:30, and then at my campus from 1:30-7:30. Yeah - gone are the days of 7-2:30 back at Trail Ridge! This is bit difficult - especially since my morning class is 8 4 year-olds!! I feel like I have worked a full day when I get done at 12:30! lol! They are sweet and adorable though, and I love them already! Hopefully I will be able to get some pictures soon, because you all will love them too! Directly after work I go to yoga, and then get home at 9ish. It is a long day, and today was only my second day! Oh, well. The way I see it, I don't really do anything during the week anyhow, so I might as well be making some more money.
This weekend I am going to Cirque Du Soleil here in Seoul. I am SO excited - I have wanted to go see a performance for forever! Next weekend I am going to see Mr. Piano Man himself - the one and only Billy Joel! Pretty sure nothing beats a concert where you can sing along to all of the songs! lol! Since I won't be home for Thanksgiving, some friends and I are going onto the military base to have a Thanksgiving Dinner American-style on the 23rd. That should be fun - it isn't really that easy to get on base if you aren't military, so I am interested to see what it is like. I have never been on a base other than the Air Forces football games - and I don't think that really counts. :)
The big news for me right now, though, is that I am going to Beijing for my Christmas break. I am really excited to check out the Great Wall, the new Olympics buildings, and all of the other amazing sites Beijing has to offer. The downside is that it will be freaking freezing. I am not thinking about that though - I am just going to pretend that it will be beautiful, warm, spring-like weather...maybe that will work! haha - I will be wrapped up in my ski coat hiking up the Great Wall - Nice!
Tonight (today at home) is the big vote. When I wake up, at least we will all be able to envision the future a bit more clearly with whichever president we end up with. I know the media says that Obama has this in the bag, but I'm not really one to trust the media much. I am interested to see if it will really be the landslide that Obama thinks it will be. I hope St. Vrain's mill levy passes, although that seems highly unlikely with the current financial situation.
Miss you all back home, and I hope you all go vote! xoxo
This weekend I am going to Cirque Du Soleil here in Seoul. I am SO excited - I have wanted to go see a performance for forever! Next weekend I am going to see Mr. Piano Man himself - the one and only Billy Joel! Pretty sure nothing beats a concert where you can sing along to all of the songs! lol! Since I won't be home for Thanksgiving, some friends and I are going onto the military base to have a Thanksgiving Dinner American-style on the 23rd. That should be fun - it isn't really that easy to get on base if you aren't military, so I am interested to see what it is like. I have never been on a base other than the Air Forces football games - and I don't think that really counts. :)
The big news for me right now, though, is that I am going to Beijing for my Christmas break. I am really excited to check out the Great Wall, the new Olympics buildings, and all of the other amazing sites Beijing has to offer. The downside is that it will be freaking freezing. I am not thinking about that though - I am just going to pretend that it will be beautiful, warm, spring-like weather...maybe that will work! haha - I will be wrapped up in my ski coat hiking up the Great Wall - Nice!
Tonight (today at home) is the big vote. When I wake up, at least we will all be able to envision the future a bit more clearly with whichever president we end up with. I know the media says that Obama has this in the bag, but I'm not really one to trust the media much. I am interested to see if it will really be the landslide that Obama thinks it will be. I hope St. Vrain's mill levy passes, although that seems highly unlikely with the current financial situation.
Miss you all back home, and I hope you all go vote! xoxo
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