Adventures with Talia

Spring is finally here in Hong Kong!

2011-04-02T17:33:00.000-07:00

I am here! I assure you, no harm has come to me, I have not died....but, life was a little busy for a small while there in March.

The month was full of report cards, teaching observations, parent teacher conferences, GID trips, beauty and the beast rehearsals...but also a fabulous 5 day trip from my delightful parents, and then a second visit shortly after by a friend from Abu Dhabi! I was so blessed to have guest and visitors, and had a chance to go sightseeing again!

The thing about living in a place is that you are not having adventures all of the time, so it is less likely that I'll have anything to write now that I have my way around the city. But, random things do happen often here....really random, so, it keeps life interesting.

We'll start with the light topic of weather. It was cold for an entire month longer than it should have been. I was thoroughly disappointed by the fact that it simply wouldn't warm up! There would be one promising day, and then it would rain again, or just be icky and cold. Again, when I say cold...it's nothing like what Canadians put up with, but it is still uncomfortable. Praise the Lord that yesterday was a beautiful day....but then today is not as pretty actually, so, I'm not sure when spring or rather, summer (there is no spring, who am I kidding), will get here.

My parents came around the middle of the month as part of a huge month long excursion through austral-asia. It was great to see them, and I am blessed by having parents who ejoy travel, and following dreams. It is inspirational, and I hope to keep having adventures in every part of my life, just like they've been able to do.

We did all of the touristy things, enjoyed eating at my favourite places, and showing them a few new ones too, we went to one of the islands and saw a craft fair with some of the people from my plus group. We had a good time reconnecting in my teeny tiny living room, whose pull out couch served the purpose of being the sleeping quarters. We went up to the peak, and we enjoyed exploring TST and central. I attempted to take them to see the legendary Bobby Taylor, but, as things tend to work out for me, no matter how many times I clarified that it would be just him...he ended up not showing anyway and there was a different "special" band...one night only. So, it was a bust, but we meandered through the now familiar streets of Hong Kong and I impressed them with my directional skills.

Then, after they left I had three days to put things back together, and my friend Jen came to visit. The day that she came we also went to a "gangster" party. It was open to interpretation I think...it was a combined birthday party for two of the teachers at the school, and we rented a city trolley car and simply rode it through all of the tracks in the main city for two hours while listening to music, dancing, chatting, and enjoying the fresh air of the open windows. Of course, a gangster party brings with it costumes. Mine turned out to be more of a Russian maffia then any kind of gangster, but, It was really fun to put on a different look for a while.

Jen and I, during her visit, enjoyed going to the Peak again, and having fun here at home. Most of the days Jen would explore the city on her own, with some guidance from us, maps, and strangers, and then meet back at home or we'd go for dinner. Alicia took her to Macau for a day and they had a great time catching trams, seeing Cirque de Solei, and riding the boats. It was great to have another friend visit. And, in April, Alicia's boyfriend will be here too, so, my house is becoming a real guest house of sorts. It's fine by me!! You should ALL come visit!

Friday at school was April fools day, so I came dressed as "Granny Ritz" who is a character, based on my grandmother. She's quite funny, but the kids guessed right away...but, both my EA and myself, and several other teachers, kept the gag going for so long that many of the students were double guessing themselves. And I think a couple by the end had simply accepted that I was really a Granny.

I haven't been on Facebook for quite a while, as I am fasting from it for lent. It just felt like I needed to get a few other things done. So, I hope you check for this post!

I also can't figure out how to put pictures in the right places, so, bare with me....you'll have to match the picture to the correct story I guess.

Love you all, and I'll see you in July!

Talia

Hello March. How did you get here so fast?

2011-02-24T06:42:00.000-08:00

So February is nearly over...as I'm sure you can tell based on the fact that the entire world shares the same calendar, however, I'm working on winning the "queen obvious" award this year. Anyway, enough of that digression.

It is true though that this month seemed fast. Probably because I am so busy this week that I can't remember the start of February, therefore, it isn't in my scheme, and instead I am only thinking of this past week. Regardless, it was a good month.

The theme of the month has been love. I am indeed learning more and more about love. How to love, and how to prioritize myself so that love is included in my life. I think I've been pretty severely convicted about NOT showing enough love to those who need it. Passing people by when they're hungry or tired or simply if they need help. Or, not being generous enough with the gifts that I've been given. Or, simply getting myself into a panick over things that truly don't matter in the grand plan, but I feel like they make all the difference to my life.

It's time to change. How? I'm not quite sure, but I bet that God has a pretty good idea, and I'm equally sure that he'll let me know.

Other than focusing on love, I've been fairly busy with life in several other aspects as well. School being one of them. I know that I didn't want to teach in Canada because the expectation is much higher than anywhere on the planet...but I laugh at myself now. Ha ha ha Talia. Boy were you wrong. You are catching me right directly in the middle of report card season right now. So, I will likely be out of commission the next week and a bit. Not to mention my being involved with the high school musical, the upcoming GID trip to China and the several meetings per week that we are all used to going to, and finally, more kindergarten interviews coming up.

A teacher needs to be a very special individual to want to do all of these things. I am evidently not a teacher at heart, but merely in practice.

I would yet again love to tell you that there have been an infinite amount of random things to see and adventures to be had, but there really isn't. The cold lifted today though, Praise the Lord a million times! I don't hate anything today, and I had the energy to cook and clean. It's interesting what effect the cold has on me. I become this crazy hating lazy slothy gluttonous, dirty monster. I don't like people to see me like that. So, I am also antisocial. Thank heavens it's above 15 today!

I also got a thank-you gift of a camera from Alicia's boyfriend who is still in Alberta. So, my lost camera has been replaced by a snazzy orange fabulous canon! I would have done all of these things for him anyway, because they're for Alicia and I love Alicia, but, that doesn't mean I won't take a thank-you in the form of a new camera.

I will be having an adventure Saturday this week. Maybe something sweet will happen with that.

Oh yah, speaking of which, the other Saturday I went with my small group on a hike up one of the hills outside of the city. It was actually a nice walk. They paved all of the hiking trails up here, and even put stairs into the hills, so you always know where you are. It's a strange thing. And, frankly, I find climbing 300 steps more difficult than climbing a slanted hill or a mountain...so, I was a little pooped by the end of the 3 hour excursion. BUT, the part that was the best, was that is was so quiet. Not a sound except our breathing, the wind, and an occasional bird! The view was amazing, oceans and green hills. I felt like stopping right on the trail and pitching a tent and moving in. I simply belong in the country. Next year I think my friend and I are still going to try and move into a bit of a quieter area, so, I'm praying that we can. The issue is that one must take on a one year contract, and if I only sign from September when this lease is up, to June...that's ten months. So, we'd have to get special permission and have a ten month lease instead, and people don't always want that. So, it will take bit of a miracle...but, that's what God is in business to do. Miracles. Maybe not all the ones we want...so we're trusting in him.

Anyway, I feel as though I have nothing of value to say, as I am without adventures. I"m going to write a book. Basically the only thing I know anything about is being Single. So, my friend and I are writing a book about being single. I feel it is a fun venture. If it sells, it sells. If not, at least it's thoughts on paper.

Ok, enough jabber....I miss you all. See you in June.

Talia

Febuary time!

2011-02-08T03:03:00.000-08:00

Hong Kong is the place to be in february. It is warm now....well, warm is operative. It's not so cold now. The afternoons are a balmy 22 degrees, and the mornings are charming.

Since we last chatted, only a few things have happened.

My musical was cancelled. Well, "postponed" but no one knows what that means. It's good news for me because it was a fairly risky play, and I only went for it because I wanted to get my name out. Now, successfully, my name is out, and, I don't have to encourage men to strip on stage. Holla! And by "my name is out" I mean: people have asked me to sing at charity events and want to sing with me for musical reviews....yay!

Secondly, We finished those kindergarten interviews, pushing over 100 kids through over two weekends...I only put a star by 4 kids the second round...out of 60. So, if I have my way, I"ll get ten kids I like, and another random 8.

Thirdly, we just got back to work today from a nice ten day week off...thank the Lord for Chinese New Year, where people still celebrate the astrological signs of old...and apparently fight each other to be placed in a higher "lucky" category that their neighbours. Interesting. They also have decorative orange (tiny mandarin/tangerine) trees all over, perfectly uniform, and, cheery blossom trees which blossom right on Chinese New year! Amazing. Apparently young unmarried ladies are supposed to purchase these cherry blossom trees, and then walk around it "x" amount of times. If they do this for three consecutive years, they might find their true love. But for me, it didn't seem like it was worth the three year wait.

During the holiday I did some fabulous sight seeing of the island. I went to the North Western corner, Tseun Wan (pronounced Chun Whan). I got lost there in a graveyard with a friend of mine, as we were seeking the solice of a wide open grassy park land...ha ha ha is all I have to say to that. Hong Kong just does not understand "nature" or "parks".

I also went on to a "girls night" with several teaching colleagues. We enjoyed exploring a lovely little island off the airport called Ma Wan. I would very much like to live on this island next year, if at all possible! But convincing people that it's ok to travel for 45 minutes to work, and they've been living a 5 minute walk from work for the past year and a bit is no small task. And I don't know if I could live out there all alone.

Finally, I was invited back to the Sai Kung Area (which is heavenly) for a pig roast! It was lovely. Pig can be delicious! Not like a dry porkchop, but a moist pork neck...mmmmm.

Anyway, I feel much more rested than I have in a while, and that MAY just get me through to the next holiday which is in about 12 weeks.

Though I made promises to a couple of people to NOT make any life changing plans, it seems that I couldn't help myself, and have decided a couple of things.

#1: I want to get my international development masters degree at St. Mary's in Halifax.

#2: I am uncertain whether or not I can go there directly after this contract (fall 2012), OR, if I should work yet another two years before I go there, and thus be able to pay for the whole thing without any loans....

I am up for opinions, so leave a comment.

In not as nice news, I lost my camera. I am planning to get a new one soon, but until then, I once again will have to make lame entries....soon though I hope to be able to get back to photos again.

I am currently on a bit of a facebook fast, as I have so incredibly much work to get done by the end of Febraury. Therefore, I bid you adue, I should start on this "work".

Love you all.

At least I'll get an E...for effort

2011-01-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

So, here it is, the third blog update in the year 2011, and within the week from the last posting...which means I might and should expect a gold star from some of you who were previously disappointed with my track record the past few months! The little image above...makes me laugh. So I shall share it with you.

Since coming back from holidays, my life has returned full swing. Granted, not without a few fun adventures along the way!

I started working on a musical here, with a really fun community theatre group. I will be enjoying the participation in the show for the next couple of months! I just don't think that very many things make me as happy as when I'm in a show. I literally leave every rehearsal with a wide unstoppable grin. It is nice to have a hobby that one loves, when one does not LOVE ones job. I shall be thankful!

Speaking of work.....no, let's not. it'll kill the mood. Though, yesterday (yes, MY saturday!!), and the next week, we're doing a bit of an admission interview for next year. We, as a group of 6 teachers and kindergarten specialists, looked at over 45 4 year olds yesterday in a quick but rather smooth rotation...and we each gave them a different task....and I do have to say, it is pretty fun to pick these kids...and 4 year olds are quite a bit smaller than 5 year olds, it's intersting to see the difference in mine who are but one year ahead. I have put little stars on the rubric sheets of the kids that I'd hope to get in my class! Yes, not the academic ones, so much as the ones with a bit of personality. If they talked to me about random things, then yes... I liked them. However, if they didn't focus at all and couldn't stop talking in order to even begin the assigned task...then I'm not as interested. But one specific kid stole my heart and I will fight for her to be in my class. She is the child who began to tell me about how if she could do anything in the world, she would lasoo a spaceship and follow it into space, and the abduct the spacecraft....yes. she was a gem to be sure.

That is by far enough of work talking!!

Moving on. I have recently aquired the name of an agent from Hong Kong. I thought it might be fun to do a little extra work here in the city. I just got asked if I could do an Indian dance video....sweet is all I have to say to that, unfortunatley, teaching is about the world's worst job for film. How on earth can you take off a tuesday to shoot a video? That's right. You can't. This is when I wish to be back, working part time at a hotel...to pursue more random things, like Indian music videos....the specification was to be able to "dance a little"....well... I'm not even sure who is the judge of such things. But i feel I would have fit those criteria nicely. Anyway, I'll keep updating you on how things go. I'm working on updating my acting resume, and I"m working on taking new headshots. it has been almost ten years since my last ones! But, funnily enough, I still look the same. I could still use them. It's just that they're stuck in a packed up box somewhere in Canada.

I have not seen too many random things, though a friend of mine did show a picture of a "bag lady" which is not what you might picture when I give you that term. In fact there are two here in Hong Kong that we might want to take notice of.

BL#1: This lady wears a paper shopping bag on top of her head...fully covering her head, on days where there is no rain...much like you might use a hat...I'm just not sure why she doesn't want a hat, but prfers a bag. But, it was pink, and from a reputable store, so at least she shops well.

BL#2: This lady ties little plastic bags to her clothing. All over her clothing. It reminds me of one of those balloon covered dart boards, where you should be shooting the darts and popping the balloons for carnival prizes....ha ha, but it's on a person, and made of tightly tied plastic bags which she subsiquently collects.

Only in Hong Kong...new catch phrase!

I have two more weeks to teach this month and then we have a one week holiday, Chinese New Year. I feel like Christmas decorations just came down in malls and hotel lobby's and things, and now, as of two days ago, we're right into Red flowers and Chinese characters everywhere, and dragons. Infact, in our building entranceway, you would run into a dragon head if you didn't turn into the elevators. It is interesting. Part of me is sad to not be doing much on a holiday...but really, not much of me. I'm excited to see what is happening with stuff here in China, on Chinese New Year...even though Hong Kong is really not a good representation of what might be happening in China.

Speaking on which, I need to apply again for my chinese visa, as I've used two entries, and we're planning to take a trip up for this Chinese New year...shopping?? Nice. This is a place right by our border where we're supposed to get things made that we have ripped pictures of from magazines. So, I have to get looking at things I might wear...one must be prepared.

My house is still lovely and cockroach free, and though it is freezing (because Hong kong gets down to 6 degrees, but doesn't know what central heating is)...and I need to sleep with both a space heater and my hot water bottle, and then, I move my space heater to whichever spot I am sitting in...and the tile floor is sucky cold; I am happy to be in my little house....but I was looking at pictures of my house last year, and truly, a big kitchen makes a HUGE difference...because you don't hate being in there, so you actually cook nice and healthy things. I will take mental note of this particular preference of mine.

Anyway, much love to you all.

Lovely Singapore!

2011-01-10T06:58:00.000-08:00

This is sort of part two of my trip, but really should be listed as part one, as we went to Singapore first.

I would like to begin by saying that I absolutely love singapore! I love it. It is trendy, modern, has a bit of history, is completely urban, uses English as it's primary language...but best of all, and this is what I've been missing so dearly here in Hong Kong and last year in the desert... Singapore has trees and park land with real grass that you can touch!

Here you can't touch grass, but you can admire it on a cement walkway behind a fence. In Singapore, I saw dogs running and chasing balls, people on the grass with picnics and books, and children actually frolicking! It is a paradise. It is also the next place that I will be applying should I decide to continue teaching, and decide that I still can't afford to go back to school..etc.

Best of all, and most importantly, it is a city where my darling family is! The Schmidts, my mom's brother, his wife, and their two children, live in the city and have for over 6 years. Before this placement they were in Shanghi, but now for them, Singapore is home. I can see why. It is safe, clean, and has everything you'd ever need.

My three friends, Gloria, Rebecca, and Teresa (all from Toronto area, and all teaching at my school for this year and next at minimum) accompanied me and we spent a chalk full three days with these wonderful hosts. We were lucky enough to get to go to the banana leaf restaraunt, which is a MUST SEE to anyone who ever gets out to Singapore. We went to the zoo, the night safari (which are the best in the world by far), and we did a little extra sight seeing and touring around, and a wee bit of shopping! We (I ate one bite, but the girls tried more) ate sting ray, and saw little India, well, part of it. We enjoyed spending extra time with Christina and Garrett, whom I almost never get to see. Time flies sometimes.

My favorite part was Christmas dinner, which Lorne and Hiede were gracious enough to make a day or two early for us (we left for malaysia on the 24th). It was a full and gourmet Christmas dinner with all the fixings! Ham, glazed sweet potatoes, awesome salad...delicious!

my friends all came from a chinese background, and they maintain that their favourite part was breaking the crackers at the start of the meal! I guess it's not a Chinese tradition. They were the cause of some decent entertainment...those jokes; real knee slappers!

I hope that I can reply the hospitality someday...it was such a blessing to me to be with family over the holiday. I think I'll try to join them again next year, and, see Singapore (if they stay in asia that is...no pressure, do what your heart desires!)

Anyway, that was the holiday. It was a very merry, but humid and warm (over 25) season!!!

love you all.

Talia

Christmas on the beach

2011-01-10T06:23:00.000-08:00

So, this may make you all jealous. Or, maybe you'll be mature and truly feel happy for me, but, I am pleased to say that for the first time in all my life, I spent Christmas day on a lovely warm, relatively empty beach in Malaysia. Praise the Lord!

Yes, the water was warm, the air was clean and the landscape was unbelievable.

Christmas day evening we went on a bit of a tour where we saw live eagles feeding, swooping, diving for the chicken skin we fed them. We were able to go into some bat caves and see hundreds upon hundreds of small brown and black bats hanging upside down. Of course, it is pitch black, but you can hear them all....fluttering and squeeking, and then you shine a flashlight on the wall and you just see them all...the wall is cluttered with them...and you try not to make noise at all...incase them get restless and fly all over your head!!! Ahhh. Creepy. But, fantastic, and one of my favorite parts.

We stopped on a dock where a couple of us touched a stingray, and we also held a horse shoe crab (which Gloria may or may not have dropped). Creepy crawly things. We saw monkeys on the tour, and met some slovakian guys...one of whom went swimming in his clothes, which I thought was a terrible idea, as the sun was setting and it was about to get chilly. But, to each his own.

Christmas day I got a wonderfully horribly sun burn in the most random shapes and locations on my back and legs. I feel like after applying 45 sunscreen every hour and a half or so, one should really be protected from the sun...and yet, "not I" said the horrifically pale and currently splotchy little Talia.

Boxing day we hired a taxi driver to bring us around the island all day, he cost 150 Malaysian Ringet for an entire day...which is about 50 bucks, which we split 4 ways. I'd say we got a deal! He brought us wherever we wanted to go, which included waterfalls, monkey's, the enormous cable car overlooking the whole of the island Langkawi, which is where we were at this point). Breathtaking!

We left Langkawi near the end of the day, and flew back to Kuala Lampur for just a quick stopover for the night. We stayed at the backhome hostel, which I would truly suggest to anyone in the area. It's relatively inexpensive, has clean blankets and sheets (cleaner that our hotel in the next city!), and is both modern and urban in decor. I really enjoyed both the nights we spent there.

The next morning, left KL and flew to Kota Bahru. Once upon a time when we were booking flights, we all decided we'd like to see the Pherentian Islands...because, who wouldn't? However, what none of us knew was that it was indeed Monsoon season. We decided to book flights and then look into housing details afterward, which was a poor choice. It turns out that in monsoon season the entire set of pherentian islands completely shuts down. Nothing goes in or out. Therefore, we were stuck in the transfer town of Kota Bahru...which is super local, and super boring, and, obviously, as it was in a monsoony place, it was indeed, wet.

Our hotel was aweful. We had blood on a quilt, my sheets were dirty in BOTH beds, there were spiders in the first room, and ants in the second. We had a 3 bed room first (one double, two twin's) which was tiny, but would have been comfortable enough, however the window faced directly into the street where into the wee hours of the morning there was a market. Now, this is a market that reminded me so much of Abu Dhabi it wasn't even funny. Loud people, loud music, blaring islamic messages and incantations, children up at 2 and 3 in the morning, and hussle and bussle forever. Who knows why it is the cool thing to do...but it is.

We moved rooms to the opposite side of the building after complaining. We ended up getting two small rooms with two twins each. It worked out fine...though at the end i had to argue with the manager over the phone to have him honour our first price, as they were going to make us pay a higher price for switching rooms (even though we'd asked directly if that would happen). It's a good thing I've worked in hotels.

We did try to hire a driver in KB as well, but there was absolutely nothing to see. We took several long drives back and forth through the city looking for random things, including a hot springs that turned out to be a rather gross warm swimming pool. The best part was that we almost got lost in the jungle looking for it, and our poor taxi driver (who spoke zero english), was desperatley driving through deep muddy puddles and knocking on the doors of locals trying to find it...a lot of hype went in, and not very much came out.

We tried to see a "fishing villiage" which was some colourful boats tied to a dock. And we eventually just gave up.

The saving grace of KB was actually a tip from Lonely planet. Zacsman batique. I have his card if you'd like. He has a little shop over there where he teacher the art of batiking, and sells his own merchandise as well. He was friendly, spoke English well, and allowed us to try things as he taught the technique. The process takes roughly 4 or 5 hours (for 4 people). We went twice, just to kill time. We also enjoy the products that we came out with. Check out my Face book page for more pictures, as many were taken on my friend's cameras.

Anyway, I am thankful to never have to go back to KB.

We spent new years in Kuala Lampur again, one short night there before we flew back to HK. It was absolutely packed everywhere on the streets. We began our evening by taking a train to the "twin towers" buildings, which are impressive. We ate an italian meal there, delightful, and we looked around a bit. We were quite early, and since we weren't dressed for "raving" and since I wouldn't have been caught dead entering into a "rave" anyway, we took the train back to our hostel area. There was a nearby park where they had a second count down and concert. People were selling things all over the streets, cars weren't allowed to get in, it was madness!

Funny though, we were watching out clocks, and ready to go, the concert ended, and all of a sudden, fireworks....aka: no countdown. So, once we realized that they weren't going to do one, we did our own on a small video recoring that Rebecca made...just to feel the anticipation of the new year that we're all so accustomed to.

Now, this trip was fun, but I don't think I"ll be heading back to Malaysia anytime soon... much like the middle east, I just don't get it.

Signing off for now.

Talia

December? Are we going month to month now?

2010-12-10T16:05:00.000-08:00

So, I evidently did not hold up to my promise of writing every two weeks, as I feel it has been significantly longer than that since my last note.

Let me assure you to start that I am:

a) alive

b) healthy

c) still ok with being in Hong Kong.

phewph. Now that you're minds are all at ease, I shall express to you what the last month or so has been like.

Well, I'll start with REPORT CARDS! T'was the season, and I was not exactly thrilled to be a teacher at that time. I actually find report cards fairly simple as we do not mark very much in Kindy, so I go based on observations, and a few small and simple assessments. However, some of the things that we have to mark Kindergarten on seem to me like they're strange. I was talking to someone else about it, and we figured that by me teaching people to stand and walk nicely in a line, or to raise their hand, I'm teaching them really, only school skills. Not life skills. And it makes me sad, as if I let them run free I think I'd be "let go"! - potentially an overstatement FYI.

Anyway, The parent teacher conferences were fun, one parent almost cried because I told her that her daughter was doing very well and gaining skills in English and in reading...well, talk about bad news, ha ha. Actually, it was a relief to her and I found it fairly ridiculous that she would have been so worried. He daughter is lovely. It's cultural. I am lucky, as most of my parents were really just grateful and happy that their children like school....but many many parents here are obsessed with marks. Even in Kindergarten. They're all incredibly advanced right now, and based on my curriculum, not a soul will be left behind for grade one.

Other things that have been going on? Well, adventure Saturdays had to take a break. I am in a Christmas play at church, which has a dress rehearsal today and goes up tomorrow. It's a compliment that I got a lead role in a church I've been attending for approx. 7 weeks. I am happy to be able to have fun in small doses. Granted, due to the short time span, they did the whole show in 4 weeks, and I missed the 1st. AHHH!. So, it's a three week thing. I auditioned the first week, and had to have lines written (that I wrote myself) the past week, and this week is dress, tomorrow we do three performances as the church has three services.

The person who is the male lead is a comedian...it's interesting to work with someone who lives for improvisation and who never says the same thing twice...as if testing how funny the new phrases can be....but me, who is not strong in Improv, has to attempt to catch up, and respond to all of the things that he says...which can include but have not yet been limited at all to: WWIII, North Korea, being drafted, being strip searched at an airport, not having money and losing his job, not eating enough fruits and vegetables, and, we're having a baby girl. So, when we're supposed to be chatting about his fear of being a father and his lack of confidence as family provider and role model...and then he is pulling out these topics as a rate that defy's sound....I am sometimes as a loss. I do my best, but, I enjoy the challenge.

Not too long ago some friends of mine and I went to a place called STANLEY. It is only capitalized because I enjoy the name, and I want you to remember it....not for any other reason. The area is South of Kowloon, and you can reach it from central. It is a beach, pier, quiant small towny place....etc. Gorgeous and peaceful, really interesting shopping (a bunch of random junk...which some of you might recieve for christmas?? ha ha). I truly enjoy anytime I can leave the hectic city and go into the outter less-hectic city. Granted, there are always people all over. I can't help but wish I lived way further out, but, most people go for convinience over sound barriers and fresh air, so, I'd be living far away and no one would come over anymore...no more hosting. Lame. Anyway, there are several areas with a good view or nice trees that I'd be interested in going to. Just thinking. But to move again is going to cost more money. The goal is to find a room mate. We shall see.

Also, yesterday was a birthday of a colleague, and I was able to go and see her place, which is directly in front of a pier of small fishing boats. She's practically on the beach! I want to live where she is...the only problem is the airport is close by so #1: no one would come visit, it's way way too far #2: long commute #3: lonely. But, I'm wondering if I can deal with all that because it's so so far away from where anyone is. I could go run outside and everything.

I'm trying to think of funny news. I know my regular stories, though keeping you posted, are not that entertaining. We've been working so hard on a kindergarten musical at school that most of the kids are too tired to be funny. BUT, one kid, the "dinosaur kid" whom he shall be affectionately named, did literally try to follow through on his threats to eat me. I was talking to a different teacher, and I feel a little pulling behind my leg...and there he was. biting me. But, you have to know that he is absolutely one of my favorites, he is so so funny, and when caught, he didn't say anything, he just crawls backward, growling like a cat, and maintained slow motion eye contact.... brilliant moment. He is a joy for me. He writes "novels" about dinosaurs...I'll see if I can get his permission to show you!

Yesterday a huge ply-wood tree fell right on my head and cracked in two. I had a bump...needless to say, but, I'm feeling ok otherwise. Just soft and tender. However, the fun part was that people all said "you're head it so small, it's amazing that it hit you so directly!"....thanks guys. Thanks.

I have a little girl, and a janitor (who speaks zero english) who are now giving me a constant supply of fish skin. The one little girl gives it every other day in the form of small soft strips. She watches as I eat... that is one of the downsides to being a KG teacher... ha ha. You just can't break their tender little hearts yet. The janitor, wants to be my friend, and she talks with only gestures and cantonese, so I try pretty hard to keep up. We share the occasional word...and then she takes my arms and I walk her to the bus stop. She is much older than I, and I feel like she must need a friend so we go. Yesterday I had to stay late, so I was in the staff room eating dinner, and she saw me, commented on my food, and how big I was (even though she's clearly bigger than I), and then left for a few moments...coming back with deep fried, or sugar covered freeze dried fish skin in hard clumps. Mmmmm. I said thanks so much, and she too waited. So, I took a bite that wasn't really a bite and said , Oooo, thanks (in Chinese). She then walked out....praise the Lord! So I didn't have to finish it.

this Christmas season is going to be quick to come. We have 4 more teaching days left, and my evenings out of those are also taken. I am hosting a Love Actually party tomorrow. I am having my last choir rehearsal on Monday (which I find funny, as I can't actually sing at ANY of the concerts due to Christmas trips). But it's on Monday non-the-less. On Tuesday I have something...though I can't remember just what it is. On Wednesday, Kids Christmas show. Thursday, Happy Potter (yes, it's out on the 16th, and I'm going with a huge group of colleagues). And, finally, Friday we have PD, staff Christmas Party, and I leave for our next GID mission trip to China. We're going to a new town, and I'm getting up in the kid's case about being ready and being professional and being on top of things. I don't think any one has required this kind of preparation...but I think we need to aim for excellence. SO, they might not like me for very long. BUT, we'll have good work coming out of it. I hope anyway. Better than last time, which was less than prepared...and a little sloppy overall.

Then, back for one day, and I leave again for Singapore, for just a couple of days to see the major sights, see the kids and family, and then off we go. We're actually leaving Christmas eve for Lankawi, in the morning, and get there near the evening. And on Christmas day, IN Langkawi, shall be trekking a rainforrest! It's a Muslim nation, so no one is closed. We did want to go to a different island as well, but didn't check on weather and it seems, t'is monsoon season and everything is closed. Too bad. Next time I guess!

I have now adjusted to living in the city, but I don't love it...there are smells wafting that vary completley every few minutes. Like, you'll smell cow stomach, then car oil (at a mechanic), then launndromat fumes, then hot pot, then wet dog, then diesel, thena touch of fresh air, then B.O., then flowers, then hot dogs...you just can't get away. It's gross really. The air is not ok. And it's always hussling and bussling. I am a country girl it seems.

Anyway, i've decided to do a surprise for Christmas...so, stay tuned and watch the mail.

Love.

The last little while

2010-11-15T23:32:00.000-08:00

So, I have recently formed a small weekly event entitled "adventure saturdays". I am fairly sure that it is exactly what you think it is. We get a group together and we embark on an adventure! We attempted to have one last week, however, no one was around on Saturday, and then on Sunday, after church, it wasn't realiztically in our time frame to have any adventures, so, we went up the peak and did a small walking trail. It was beautiful. Just not quite what I'd thought.

So, anyway, this past Saturday, Alicia and I had our first Adventure Saturday. We spent roughly two hours reaching the disembarking town of Sai Kung, and then had to grab lunch and spend a bit of time getting lost finding the right bus. Eventually, after figuring out where the bus was hiding, we got to ride up the winding, twisting narrow roads to our destination. Sai Kung Country Park (aka: Hong Kong geological park). The "hike" is listed on the outdoors guide. From the starting point, it is typically between one hour and 4 to the end, and then back to the start...it can make for a full day depending on how far you choose to travel.

The first thing that we were excited about was that there were cows. Right on the paved roadway, much like you would see a horse nibbling on grass on a farm. Just ignoring us and choming away. There was one part where we tried to touch some small ones and take their picture...mostly because they weren't running away. It almost, for a split second, made me feel like I was one with nature.

So, we continued forth, only getting a little lost before finding our path. What confused us is that we were looking for a path...a hiking trail, like you would find in Canada, where you leave the road and start meandering through brush and avoiding deer droppings, hopping over falled logs. You know. It's Canada. Well, unfortunately, our hiking trail was actually following the road. We were expected to walk along the road, most of the time on the side walk, passing by so much nature that we couldn't touch, and then we would 4 hours later, reach our final destination. There are many beautiful views to see, but you can't ever get close enough to be a part of them. It was really quite upsetting.

In good news, an hour and a half in, we found a dam of boulders built up and some treet. We had to jump the fence to sit on the boulders, but, praise the Lord we did. We touched the rocks, we touched the water, and we found a small cove of trees to take some lovely photos in. It was the most nature I'd seen in ages, and I was grateful for the experience, but, I'm still sad that you can't just go into the forrest. Apparently you can die by Cobra, or they don't want you polluting their land, so they just paved it all and fenced it off. Lovely. Anyway, just saying, there is no freedom like in Canada. Even hikes in the woods are man made here.

On that note, I do want to point out that the city life is no longer exciting. The nostaligia of convinience has all but faded away and left me with a bitterness towards noise and lack of peace. But, then, as I begin to complain...I remember that I can go outside without a jacket. And I shut right up. I can go back to see nature, but if I was stuck in -40 for several minutes, let alone several days, I'd be sad... far more sad.

Things at school are boring, but funny. I feel like it is odd to separate them that way, but it's true. I am bored with the job, but the kids themselves offer amusement. I have them call me Miss Awesome now, and they do it. And I tell them that anything at all is dangerous and their faces light up...example: "kids, this other teacher that you don't know is dangerous...he makes friends with tigers".... "Miss Awesome, reall? do you think he has weapons, can he be our teacher? Does he live in a cage? Does he turn into a monster at night? Does he play with the megladon?" Yes. These are all actual questions recieved, and yes, I answered them all correctly....yes. But, they are a hoot. One kid when he talks about himself, instead of pointing at his chest like normal people, he points to his nose! I absoltuely get a kick out of it.

The house is ok. No more sign of raoches...Warrior princess Talia took them all out. I'm proud, to say the least. I have most of the items of furniture that i need set up, and am thinking now about painting the walls and getting more linen for the guest rooms and accessories to primp it up. The whole thing might not be finshed this year, BUT, my guess is right around the time I'm ready to leave, it will finally be just right...and then I'll sell it all and start over with something else, somewhere else.

I am still enjoying the choir I'm in, and I hope to audition for their show in the spring. Also, I'm now in a theatre troupe at my new church, and am participating in the Christmas show there.

I just booked tickets to Singapore and Malaysia for Christmas, and will be enjoying another 3 day mission trip right before we fly for that. Basically Christmas is going to be awesome!

I had a couch surfer come and stay with me. He was 23 and on a huge epic finding himself travel journey. His feet were very smelly, but, he brought gifts of wine and such. Very kind overall. I'm not sure how often I'll be hosting...likely not much. Strangers make me weary, but, this guy had to sleep at McDonalds for two nights, which must have been horrible...and I was hosted when I needed a place, so, I felt bad for him. anyway, for the first experience, it was really positive.

Christmas is coming to our school..but it doesn't feel like it due to beautiful sunny days. So, we're decorating christmas tree's tomorrow in an attempt to bring the spirit of the season to the campus. I'm directing the kindergarten christmas show as well, and add that to GID (the missions trips) and the normal planning and the upcoming auditions for the spring high school musical (interestingly enough, it's beauty and the beast...and I'll be doing the acting direction for the show), I'm feeling a little busy. BUt, God is good...I could be BORED! That would never do.

All for now. I'll have some more advenutures, or maybe, just maybe, I'll finally get my pictures off my camera! And post them. But my internet is broken for a couple of days, we'll have to see.

Much love.

T

strange things to see

2010-10-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

So, I've recently been told, and fairly enough because it's nothing but truth, that I haven't been writing very much! I know! I am so sorry. You may be getting close to panic, thinking that I've been eaten by wild Panda bears, or perhaps that I had been kidnapped by a ninja. Luckily for all of us, none of these is the case. I am safe and sound.

Let's catch up with life first, and then I'll tell you about some of the unique and interesting things that go on here in Hong Kong.

So, for starters, it took 5 weeks, but I finally have internet installed in my home. That is a treasure that I don't take lightly. The first Saturday that I had it, I skyped with 5 different people. Since then, I've lightened up a bit, but, I was trying to play catch up. It's just nice to be able to skype or be able to post pictures, or enjoy looking things up without having to walk all the way to the school.

the last few weeks I have been incredibly busy. This job is much harder than my last one becaues they hold you accountable to everything, and rightfully so, but I have to make sure my plans are tip top and constantly in order, because they're handed in daily. Plus, for some reason, I am seen as being a pretty big resource in the kindergarten wing. I happen to know both alberta curriculum and have some experience, which seems to make me a guru on the subjects. So, I am now the designated "notes home" writer, and I'm directing the kindergarten christmas play, and sorting out parents and planning bit events, AND, attempting to help a couple of the other KG teachers to feel confident and give them some ideas.... way to much on my work plate. Plus, truth be told, I'm already a little bored of the monotony of kindergarten. I enjoy the kids, but I can't imagine at this point, being able to get through the rest of this year, let alone next....it's just all the same, and it's all so simple.

Alas, I have digressed into a state of complaint (rhyme), useless. Other than work being busy, life is good. My Christmas choir has had several rehearsals now, and I really like being a part of the group. The people are incredibly serious about their music, and I often laugh at the situation. Heaven forbid if you forget your starting note, or if you don't pronounce the word endings with excessive force. I laugh a lot, but mostly at the people. I mean, we're carol singers... and don't get me wrong. I take music and skill fairly seriously, and I enjoy knowing I'm doing a good job, but, this is way over the top....like something you'd find in a mockumentary.

Recently we went to a swing dancing Italian restaurant. Well, the restaurant didn't dance, per say...but we did. After eating delicious and overpriced Italian food. They have a beginners lesson around 8pm for a half hour, and then, it's free dance time!!! I did have a great time. Part of me wants to become a regular attender, but another part of me just doesn't have the energy. I am really having a hard time being productive. I think it stems from not having everything in my house organized, which stems from not having the money to furnish it all at once, so not everything has a home, and then it gets messy....blah blah, but, it's draining. I don't have energy to get to the gym in the morning, or to do any school work in the evenings, not totally like me. I'm typically a fair bit more ambitious than I have been, but, I also know that it'll come together soon. I think.

So, tomorrow, I leave on a trip. Some might call it a missions trip, though, I feel the need to be careful with how I say it. Therefore, I will call it a school trip. We are going to a place in China (me, 4 other teachers, and a group of 30 high schoolers), called Kai Ping. Here we will minister to those who are in a legal church (there are steps to legalize churches now). We will teach English lessons at several schools, and we will visit the homes of believers. I am thrilled to be going as a chaperone. I get to see cool things, and watch these kids develop relationships with kids in China who haven't heard of Jesus. I am preparing myself to be blessed. The trip is 4 days long, and there is another in December, before Christmas.

I have also planned to take a couple friends with me to Singapore for the actual Christmas season, where I will eat and make merry with the Schmidt family, and then we are debating a trip to Indonesia or Vietnam for a week of post Christmas adventure.

So, now that I've caught you up on the ongoings of my recent past, do let me tell you a few of the crazy things that you can see here... most of which I find endearing.

1. Stomachs and full birds hanging from restaurant windows. Yes, that is correct. Stomachs...of cows presumably hang on hooks in the window, displayed for you to select your favorite size, shape, and texture. Also, they eat chicken, duck, and pigeon in full form over here. So, to describe it to you in a nice way, in a window you will see a bird who has died, and all of his feathers "fell out"...but you can still see the WHOLE bird....eyes, ears, beak, neck, feet...and then if you order it, you just get a bird on a platter that you can dig through. And, the meat is most often steamed, so it still looks raw...and the skin is so thick.... But, it's an experience to be able to look your food in the eye.

2. Elderly people. I guess that might not sound that interesting, but it's more a matter of what the elderly people do than it is that they are around. In the morning, between 5 and 10am, you can see an assortment of elderly people on the sidewalk and in small parks doing Tai Chi. Some are very impressive, they all have matching silk outfits. Some do the exercise with swords, which others dance with fans. Regardless, their movements are in sync, and they do look relaxing. Some of the seniors participating must be over 90 years old. It's brilliant. Also, there are men who stop at parks, or on sidewalks where they have preset boards, and they'll play majong together, or other board games. There are three men who come and play just outside our school gates everyday. It reminds me of men who play chess at central park in New York. It's the same endearing and peaceful feeling. The only other thing to say about elderly people is that when you are in a hurry, and you're behind one, watch out! They veer in snake-like patters on the sidewalk, and you think maybe you can pass on the left...but then they start walking left. Then, it's ok, because you'll go around the right side. Lies. There goes that senior...plowing to the right. It's a bit irritating. But when you stop and think about it, there is certainly humor there.

3. Dogs. NOT as in dog meat. That is saved for lower China. But, the people of Hong Kong absolutely love their dogs. Even in the smallest apartment, where a family has two kids, they might also have two or three dogs. Always matching in breed. If you have a pug, you'll have two or three pugs....never mix and match. The dogs are always immaculately groomed. I have seen puffy golden retrievers! And puffy border collies. Let's not even get started on poodles. They will walk the dogs around, complete with booties so they don't get their tender paws dirty, and then carry newspaper with them. When the dog needs to have a toilet break, the owner bends down, puts the newspaper right under their bums, and catches their dogs feces. Then, they wipe their bum with a tissue. No one wants a dirty bum on a dog. I can't quite get over the hilarity of the way they treat their dogs, but I do know, if I was a dog, I would want it to be here.

4. Outrageous shopping. Well, that isn't really a shocker. I mean, things here are over the top in a lot of ways. Your gucci, louis v, chanel, coach. Almost always right in the same are so that they can compete. But, if you wanted to spend money, you most certainly could. They have these crazy boutiques as well, with amazing clothes, nothing like chain brands, BUT, they cost an arm and a leg. My favorite thing though is that many of the boutiques are in amongst weird places. I know that I can walk down a smelly busy, very "local" street, and between the three Chinese food restaurants and the car parts salon or the snack shop, I can find a posh, high class boutique shop. But, shopping and where to go has never been of interest to me. My favorite thing is how they advertise! A few weeks ago, in the center of a mall, live models stood holding bags from a specific store, in that store's clothes, and then would stand very still and only move every one in a while. Another time, passing by a Calvin Klein store, I saw live mannequins. They would freeze in the window, and every 30 seconds or so would find a new pose. It's all very interesting and splendidly fun to watch. My new favorite phrase, which me and a couple of friends use is : "only in Hong Kong". And it's true. But, there were other random things in Abu Dhabi, and more different ones in New York, and plenty of other places I've been...but, Hong Kong, like many other cities, has a feel all it's own.

The other day I went to a new district of HK, at least new to me. It was the "dollar store" district. It had a store for party gifts. A store for halloween costumes. A store for bulk school prizes. There was an individual store for everything. Good bye Wal mart! Hello 15 stop shopping. Not nearly as convnient, but, I find it interesting. I ended up buying erasers that were shaped like foods as prizes for my kids. There were also erasers shaped like tools. Excellent. Pretty much, if you can imagine it, you can find it...or get it made. That goes for just about anything. You can walk into a shop and say...well, I like what you have BUT, I'd really like THIS. And they'll whip it up for you.

In the grocery stores you can purchase all of your alcohol, and you can drink it, like a can of pop. Of course, I don't. But you can. That is a far cry from Abu Dhabi.

My favorite part of the city is being able to just get on a bus and go somewhere. Not needing to share a car. Just, freedom. I enjoy freedom.

I had a fever yesterday. It hit really quick, and left as well fairly quick, but I'm so thankful for this day off because I am literally sitting on the couch in my pajamas and it's almost 1pm. It's ok to rest when you're sick. So, I'm resting.

Later today, I will go to my favorite sandwich shop. It costs between 5 and 8 Canadian so true smoked salmon, plus a side, plus a drink, and it's an enormous sandwich. Or, the same for a duck sandwich with seafood sauce...cooked to perfection. mmmmm. Gotta love cheap eating.

Anyway,

I'll think of more random things and post them. I will also do my best to bi-weekly write. Routine will set in.

Love you all..
T

People...whom I love and don't love, and think are strange, and some who I have to mention!!!

2010-10-15T23:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, the people chapter begins before the "weird things to see" chapter. I'll get to that. But, I wanted to introduce some of you to the wonderful people in my life...and the other people too.

The thing is, I also want to be really careful of privacy, so I may use code names for a few. Anyway, I digress.

Friends at school:

I have met a ton of really sweet people at school. THe people here are completely real, they don't gossip, they are genuine, they try and put in an effort to get to know the newbies, I love it. Most are girls, and it's about half and half married and single. Many have lived in Hong Kong for years, and others were born here, and then left, and then returned. A few are like me. One cool lady has been here for 5 years, another has been here three, and both have decided that it's home to them and they're going to stay for a long time.

Gloria is a good friend of mine. She loves Hong Kong, and speaks Cantonese, but, she is going to end up in a crazy place I'm sure. We'll be spending Christmas together with the Schmidts and then travelling for a week afterward.

Sarah is really cool, she's charming, funny, outrageous, and likeable. Blond and blue eyed, she does not fit in with the locals, but she has learned many cantonese phrases and often surprises people.

Alicia and Tawnie, from home, have been completely supportive and wonderful and we're all learning things together. Wicked.

Rececca, new this year, from Toronto. Grew up in a chinese home and so has a good understanding of Chinese. She is an athlete, through and through.

Teresa and Kat: Two lovely girls who have been teaching here for a year. Kat used to teach at the alberta school in Macau, she's married and she and her husband are really nice people, just ready forlife's adventures. And Teresa, she's all class. I feel like a slob compared to her sometimes. ha ha.

Maria: one of the KG teachers here. It's her first year teaching after being an EA for years and raising her family.

Helen: Best Faith I've seen. She did volunteering for the last 5 years and never went hungry.

Catherine: The senior kindergarten teacher, not by age, but by experience. Helen Maria and I, this is our first or second year teaching...and also teaching Kindergarten. Catherine has taught KG at this school for 16 years. She's the boss.

Linda: my boss, lovely though, and she's really helpful with getting things we need.

this guy won't want me to post his name...he's cautious like that but... he: Reminds me of Eli. Very serious, but still funny, and only talks when he has to, not a sentimental bone... it's quite funny.

Daniel: Chamer, athlete, and thinks I'm a weirdo for eating organic when I can.

Sue: my mentor.

Jed: my EA. She is a professional musician. I think she's doing this job for financial stability, but, her boyfriend is also a musician and he works with Bobby ____ (brown?) , so old famous Mo Town singer/producer. I'm trying to get a back-up gig with them, just to say I met this guy...I guess it would work better if I could remember his name...

Ok, so, don't even worry about remember those names. This is the fun part. No names included, but, these are SOME of the kids in my class by personality:

Kid #1: very serious, but completely obsessed with dinosaurs. He often signs his name ______________ _____________ dinosaur. And once he got upset because his name didn't fit on the line. He recently decorated a fish which he called a megladon, and he can draw and spell the names of over 20 actual dinosaurs. Incredible. And funny.

kid #2: sweet as Candy. Answers questions correctly, sits still, does his work to the best of his ability, and then tells me that he misses school even as he's waiting to go home on the bus..... every teacher should be so lucky.

Kis #3: very Japanese...she loves to say (in her perfect japanese accent) " I love Japanese dance"....and other cute phrases. She is probably one of my favorites for being so cute. I'll give you a demo if you ever skype me.

Kid #4: Sneaky little thing....like a minx. She pretends to be sweet as candy, kissing my hands and giving me hugs and saying "I love you Miss Ritz" and then you look in her bag, and she's stolen a bag of decorative beads.... but she'll smile at you and say..." I thought they had been forgotten"... ha ha

Kid #5: complete trouble maker. He breaks about every rule there is from spitting on other kids, to punching them, to talking when he shouldn't, to sticking his hands in his pants, oh dear.... I'm glad I have kid #2, or this one would be too much!!!

Kid#6: day dreamer. She rolls around on the carpet, even when she gets in trouble for it, she never participates, she never follows directions...but she is always humming a little song or laughing out loud to herself....almost like a crazy person...but not quite. She's pretty hillarious.

Kid #7: computer guru. He is very excited to tell me that he plays two hours of computer games every day and when he sees me log into an email he said "g mail, I have a g mail" or "facebook, yep. that's where you put your password" or " what is this website for? He recently made me a calculator out of paper, telling me that I can just write in the numbers and when I need to clear it, I just erase them...and write again.... I think he missed the fact that paper can't actually do a calculation...but I won't tell him. :)

These kids and 9 others make up my current life at work. They're priceless. Hillarious, and keep me on my toes. And though I don't see myself teaching kindergarten forever, because I get rather bored of monotony... at least I'm well entertained.

Outside:

I haven't made any friends outside yet...some aquointinces, but no friends. I plan to join a small group at my new church and we'll see if I can build some relationships there.

I joined a choir where we learn Christmas music. My one almost friend there is penny. She is probably about 35, she used to sing, but then got busy in university, got married, travelled, and then moved to hong kong with her husband, and decided to try again by joining the choir. The people here are funny, at least to me they are. They are incredibly serious about this music. We've had two rehearsals and they are just about to jump out of their seats with excitment over the framatas and decresendo's and phrases in the songs, and we do all 12 verses of some of the oldest hymns....man, I'm going to have to learn a lot of words to these songs. But, penny is like me, so we're just thinking its' ridiculous. we'll get it....give me a few more weeks!! ha ha.

Randoms:

The ladies at my organic shop. They know what kinds of food I like, and they know how many times I've come in and what days.

The man in the wife beater tank top...he scuffles his feet along the side walk, wears a facemask (as many people here do), and wears the same cothes everyday. He may or may not be blind, but he is stiff as a board. I see him so often, it's almost a familiarity.

The security gards, and the janitors at the school...they cally ou "missy" and they can't speak any other enligh so they just keep saying it...and you keep saying hello...and on and on.

I'm sure I'll come up with more.

Otherwise, it's just me and JC, so, I'm glad I have so many fabulous people all around.

I'm blessed.

Ta ta for now.

Food - so far

2010-09-21T23:07:00.001-07:00

So, I know that there are many people out there who love to hear about crazy and random foods that people eat. I am the kind of person who loves trying new foods and then attampting to describe them. Let's not kid ourselves...often the foods I try are not completely appetising to my personal palet and I've been told a number of times how picky of an eater I am...BUT, the most important point here, is that I try them in the first place. So, without further adue...let me tell you about the crazy things I've eaten already.

Ta Siu Bow (phoenetic): Which is a bbq pork bun...and incredible. Some countries, like Japan and Canada do beef well.. Many do Chicken well, but the Chinese do pork well...it's tender, sweet and juicy. So, these pork buns are covered in a gentle bbq sauce and crammed into a bun, which is not baked...but rather steamed, keeping is soft and fluffy. I will make you all eat one, unless you can claim celiac disease!

Tripe: Essentially, the lining of one of the seven stomachs of a cow. It is textured much like a rubber thimble were you to put it in your mouth....and it also feels rubbery. The taste is forgettable, really nothing exciting...like wet undercooked chicken skin or something... which sounds much grosser than it is. It's just meh to me.

Cow stomach: Yep, a full on stomach (a different one than the tripe lining). It is spongy and I can imagine the word "bouncy" as well when I think about it, though we'd have to imagine that one, as it doesn't literally bounce. The way that it is textured reminds me vaguely of a soft coral...many little holes, you can feel them all, and the walls are smooshy and squishy. The food can be bought from the window of your local meat shop or chinese restaurant, and turns bright orange upon being cooked.

Pigeon: Wee small bird it is. Not much to talk about...there are a lot of bones to dig through and after eating it, you're still hungry. But, the way that they serve both pigeon and duck is to keep the bird fully intact...including the head and sometimes limbs, no bonelss skinless anything over here. And then, they lay it on a platter and garnish it. The pigeon that we had was a pigeon head standing straight up in the center of the plate, mouth agape, and the wings and legs surrounding it... truly picturesque... lol

Duck Feet: Yes. in fact, those same feet that I just mentioned can be eaten...well,at least you can eat around the bones. I found it to be like eating chicken skin without any meant on it...mmmmm, chicken skin... (not)

waffels with lard: On the street, you can get some meat, scewers, noodles, buns of all sorts, and there are, on occasion, these hillarious waffel shops. They make you a waffel (not quite the same in deliciousness as those I"m used to, but it's still good), and they then proceed to put on pure lard, and then peanut butter, and then sugar/cinnamon mix. Very strange. And if you tell them, no thank-you, they shove it in your face, trying to convince you that it is crucial to the overall experience...in cantonese of course, and so, you end up getting it anyway just to they stop shoving canisters of lard in your face. But, overall, both funny and good to the palet.

Assortment of sushi: So, I know you're all saying "I LOVE SUSHI!!!!" But I don't. I don't love raw fish...I don't love any fish. Me eating fish is like someone getting a haircut after sleeping in gum....you just have to do it because it's the best thing for you. Unfortunately, that doesn't work out well here, because there is fish, and more importantly, shrimp, in oodles of different foods....so, I'm in the process of making myself enjoy fish. Slow and steady. I have tried salmon and tuna, seaweed (of which I actually do enjoy kelp), calimarie, cuttlefish, crab (not bad), and lobster. When you all come visit....(that's right...I'm expecting you!), I will take you out to some really interesting seafood places.

Durian: Fruit? Or enemy? Not sure. It smells, not badly, but very strong...so most would say it is indeed, "stinky"...however, I don't know about that. The taste though is incredibly destinct...and sometimes I think I like it, but then I don't think so...It has been known to make people lose their lunches...just saying.

Miso: delicious japanese soup...basically a broth with tofu and kelp in it...can't go wrong with miso!

Green tea ice cream with coconut flavoured frothy ice shavings, and cheerio's on top: we went to a wonderfully fancy desert place, and it was fabulous. I ordered this ice cream, covered in ice (they call it ice, but when I say ice shavings, I don't think you'll get the right idea...it's almost like a really light ice cream...but made of ice, so it's way better for you?) Anyway, it was bigger than my head and contained fruitsbits for garnish, but the best part was that they showered cheerio's on top...what a delicacy.... it made me laugh out loud.

sesame soup: another desert, made of black sesame seeds, crushed into a liquid and served hot. It takes like drinking milk might if it were sesame seed flavoured... I guess.

moon cakes: made from Lotus seed paste and filled with an egg yolk as your center, the moon cake is the way to celebrate the Mid-Autumn festival here in Hong Kong. I guess it's been a tradition for centuries. I have eaten pieces of a few, and got one from a student again just today. Really, they're interesting. I think people love them or hate them...I can't tell yet which. I can certainly get through it, but don't know if I"d want to buy them on my own.

egg tart: jsut that. it's a tart, filled with egg pudding...tastes like egg, but is the consistency of pudding... it's a real treat here...not for me, but for some people.

Green tea ice cream: enough said.

choy sam: my new favorite vegitable...right up there with baby bok choy. It's stalky like asparagus, but leafy on top like celery...and tastes like a mix of the two. Steam it and serve it with every meal...I'm pretty sure that it has negative calories...so, I can eat it forever!!!

stinky tofu: ok ok, I haven't actually had it yet...it has the same kind of predictable smell that Durian has, and apparently it smells horrible...BUT, I guess it's the best kind of tofu to eat...so, I'm going to have to try it pretty soon.

I can't think of anything else...we've been to dim sum a bunch of times and get a whole bunch of different dishes, most covered in thin rice wraps, and stuffed with meat or shrimp... but, it's all delicious.

Anyway, that concludes the "food" chapter....soon to come "weird things to see"

Yours,

Talia

Hello Hong Kong! Here comes Talia!

2010-09-17T01:40:00.000-07:00

well, because I've been here for over a month, I guess I should have had a ton of time to figure out what I was going to say...but so much has already happened I might have a loss or words, or miss a story, due to being overwhelmed by what could possibly be vital information....however, I rarely have a loss of words, so let's give this a try shall we?

Arriving at the airport was simple. The flight was easy, and we were greated by the vice principal of the school I'm working at who got us onto a shuttle to our hotel. That first night my friend Tawnie, who was travelling with me, and I simply went to bed. It was dark anyway, so all I could have told you about the city was that it has a lot of lights.

That first day, we took a tour of some houses that they had hoped would be suitable for Tawnie, Alicia and myself to share. Of course we were assuming some pretty big things as we'd pooled our resources, so how could we not end up with something fabulous. Well, I fell off my high horse pretty fast when I saw the size of the rooms. Oh heavens were they small. Not small as in, "quiant" but small as in..."could a bed of any size truly fit in there?" or "where do you put your feet when you're head is in the room" or "dog house??" I mean literally, you could put one item of furniture in there...so you choose...clothes or a bed. You can't have both. It was insanity!

So, immediatley we knew we would kill each other if we were sharing that kind of space, because the living space was about the size of a normal bedroom, and the kitchen was the size of a small 1/2 bath, and the bathroom was the size of a small 1/2 bath as well...So, when all was said and done, we really couldn't share.

So, we split our view points and began looking for other options over the next couple of days. It was really a shame that we had to work so hard to do it all....but regardless, Tawnie found one early on, and she was able to get into her place on the 31st...which was the day after school began for me. Alicia found one that cost more than the budget...but it's really really nice, still small, but the owners took out some walls to make the space much more modern and liveable. Plus it's furnished....and I - well, I didn't find anything. However, I didn't give up.... well I told my self I wasn't giving up.

Anyway,, somewhere around the beginning of September, I finally found a place. I wasn't able to give it a good look because while I was viewing the house, the tenant and her small baby were pulling on my leg and yelling at each other, and there were telletubbies playing in the background... I wasn't exactly comfortable with digging through to see if drawers were working properly, or lights, or if the black stuff around the tub was mould or not.... BUT, I saw the view. The most beautiful view. The whole city, the water, the hills and mountains...I can see it all from my 42nd floor balcony...but, at night, when the lights are all on and the rest of the scene is black...it's amazing. peaceful (as much peace as you can find in the dead of the city), and scerene... It makes me forget where I am and how I have no furniture and am still living out of a suitcase.

Anyway. On the 11th of September, I got to move in. I have a key and a smile and a bunch of blankets and suitcases and really, I couldn't be happier...but now I'm starting to wish for things, like a bed, dinner table, chairs, coffe table, bed side tables, matresses, garbage cans, cosmetics basket, ironing board, deck table and chairs, dresser, wardrobe, lamps, candles, pillows...you know. Stuff. Im wishing for stuff. But, to everything there is a season, and with me paying off school and junk, I might have to forgo a few of those items...but really, a wardrobe is crucial. As long as it fits into my bedroom!!!

That is the "housing" chapter.

stay tuned for the "people" and "food" and "weird things to see" chapters.

SUmmer 2010. Epic (sort of)

2010-09-17T01:27:00.001-07:00

So, strange being home. For one, I was freezing when ever I wasn't directly in the sun light. I did not get in trouble for wearing a tank top or shorts, and I could drive where ever I wanted without having to check back in to the house to make sure that no one else needed the car! Glorious freedom!

One problem with Canada though is that it's so curvy!!! The roads are terribly curvy and for a while I had trouble getting into the swing of things. I would drive and look down and then all of a sudden I'd be in the middle of the oncoming lane and my own because of the crazy curve in the road...they just sneak up on you! But, thank heavens I was protected from my own ridiculous problem with curves. Running was also an issue. I remember running for 12 or more kilometers without an issue. NOW, I run for three, even two, and I'm tuckered right out. My confusion is easily corrected by these explanations #1: I can no longer constantly see my goal location...even if it is 12 K away, I could always see it...now, you can't see it until the very last moment when you round the bend! #2: Hills. need I say more? Anyway, long story short, being in shape in Canada and being in Shape in the middle east may be two different things....

The food is something that I can't take for granted. Smokies, PORK, gluten free and dairy free places, yogen fruz. booster juice, farmers markets....oh glorious Canada and it's glorious food.

Scenery. I can't tell you how peaceful and calming and wonderful it is to be put in the mountains with rich colours, rolling rocks, wild life, fresh air, crystal clear (yet freezing) water.... Or, what it's like to go to the country...with golden yellow's different green's and browns and hue's of all kinds and nothing around but quiet. Oh, I know that Katie Perry has that ridiculous song about how California is the prettiest place ever...but I don't think she's been to Canada. We have a million different kinds of beauty, and most within a 4 hour drive! Granted, that being said, I do need a solid Canadian road trip. And I need to see the East Coast. But that's for another day.

I enjoyed many days with friends and family. It is really cool to be at home and have nothing to do but spend time with people. that part of teaching is pretty nice. I may need to aquire a master's degree sooner than later...then I'll get even longer summers!!!! BUt seriously, the people made my vacation home wonderful.

I bought all the things I thought i'd need and shipped off...saying good-bye to the newley wed's Andrew and Kara Lise Forrest who put up with me for many a night....good-bye to my friends Kirsten and Ashley, Bethany and Melissa, who are some of the greatest ladies in history. I said good-bye to funny people, quiet people, loud people, crazy people, interesting people, and familiar people... and part of me sometimes wonders how I did/do that every time. BUT, on with the adventures!!!!

Wrap it up and onward ho! (this is dated for now...but it's really from June!)

2010-09-17T01:20:00.000-07:00

OK, so the last couple of weeks in Abu Dhabi were filled with fun. I went salsa dancing again, I went to Wild Wadi, I went to the Burge Khalifa (the world's largest and tallest building!!! ) I did everything I would have wanted and more, with the exception of trying that fake skydiving tunnel thing...

Anyway, I was a little sad to see some of my friends go, because likely it would be the last time I would ever see them. BUT, I was so excited to go home and see my famliy and friends there, that it trumped my feelings of sorrow for leaving a country that I didn't really like very much. :)

The plane ride home was filled with tears for Alana, but Alicia and I were stoaked. We were tired...but stoaked, and after 36 some hours of travel and being awake, and after another 8 or so hours of keeping myself awake to beat jet lag...I got to sleep in a bed. Granted, not "my" bed...as I don't really have a bedroom or a place to live at home anymore...so it was in fact a davenport...BUT, it was a bed, and it was in a safe place, with safe familiar people, sounds, smells, and food.

My adventure to the middle east was done, and should I return, I know quite a bit better what I'd be getting myself into...now, look forward to the summer and look forward to the next adventure - Asia!

love.

T

2010-06-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

Salsa festival was a bit of a bust. Typically I really enjoy salsa dancing and I want to get better and learn more, because it's a totally non-sleasy way of dancing. But, this particular time, We arrived in Dubai and parked the car and were at the right place at 10 (which is when it was supposed to begin). We know that things here don't typically start on real time, but more on Arabic time, so I was not that surprised when it hadn't begun yet. We went for some appies. At quarter to 11 we return ready to dance, and unfortunatley for us, No music is playing yet. Still. So, we go outside and wait for another half hour, good thing my dancing buddy was a good chatter. She and I have a lot of fun war stories to share that are similar. Anyway, we went back again at about quarter past 11 and it STILL hadn't started, so, we left. And then we laughed about the fact that we had dressed up in pretty dresses with pretty make-up and costumes (it was a costume party), and then we came all the way to Dubai, just for appies. lol, but we were both so tired, because 9 is pretty much my bed time...so, after the drive home, and dropping her off again, I still wasn't home until nearly 2, so I'm glad we left when we did... silly Dubai, they don't start their nightlife until about 11, which means that you really need to be able to stay up late, even to enjoy it in small doses...and truth be told, I don't enjoy parties that start at 11...I'm tired! And, it doesn't sound like fun to force yourself awake with loud noise and jumping up and down until the sun comes up...but maybe that's just me.

Wild Wadi, is a totally different story. We got there and took some pictures, and did a scope around. In true Arab fashion, they went all out with decorations. The place looked very much like a tropical oasis with lazy rivers floating by and tall rocks in various places that make walls.. and sun chair and eateries all over (which we didn't partake in). When you pay to get in you get a watch. The watch is charged with money for your locker and food depending on how much you paid. Of course, we paid only for ONE locker and so we basically didn't have a lot of money on our watches, BUT, the concept was cool. Not only can you just swipe your watch to buy food, your watch can lock and unlock your locker through a magnetic code...it is very modern, and really sweet. The water slide is hard to explain...and I say slide literally. It is one continuous loop around the park. You begin at a set of jets..and a slide facing up, and literally, the jets push you up the hill, and then you slow down and meander, and a lifeguard will push you to the next up hill jets. It's really fun, until you get around the top area, in the opposite corner or the park, and then the slides start going back down. They twist and turn as all slides should. All platform zones (where one slide ends) there are several different options for slides to begin again. You choose your own adventure basically. All slides end off in one final place, and you meander down a "lazy river" for quite some time before getting back to the start. The neat thing is that along the river are all the eateries, so you can just hop off, eat, and hope back on...or simply walk through the park to the beginning again. I think that West Ed needs to take a note from these guys...but in fairness, They need to take a note regarding their wave pool from West Ed....it was pretty lame. There is a huge place for families, a huge and warm swimming pool. There is a surfing area and a knee boarding area where the water flows in such a way, that you can surf on it. I have been told to avoid it because my swimsuit would be pushed off....gross. NO one wants to see that! lol. Then, there is also a "Jemeirah Scairah" which essentially is a sky screamer. I avoided it to try and protect myself from wedgies. It was awesome. Awesome awesome awesome.

The ice cafe was the really run part of the day. http://www.chilloutatdubai.com/ Basically it is a cafe/bar totally made of ice. We had metal cups, but there are glasses and bowls made of ice if you're going to get ice cream or cold drinks. The tables are ice, with a glass plate on top, and the chairs are carved of ice, but they have some sheepskin covering on them. You have to pay a cover, but with it, you get one free hot chocolate (or tea), and you get a free snowsuit,,,kind of. It's a coat (which is made for -10 maybe) and a thin pair of those cheap tiny gloves, and a sweet russian type hat which is really the creme de la creme of warmth. But too big for my head so it often sliped down into my eyes. Anyway, there are beautiful ice carvings all over, and the lighting is colourful and deep. It was fabulous. The hot chocolate was VERY Hot though. WE were also going to stay for food, but no one came to take our order, and eventually we just got too cold to consider eating, and we left. I just want to finish by saying that the temp in the cafe is about -6...and we almost died!!! I must have adjusted to -47? Ha ha. Too much fun!

And that's about it. Great weekend. This week we have been packing up bags and boxes and sorting which things are going to HK and which things are coming back to Canada, and which things are ours and which are the schools, and what needs to be left anyway... so it's busy. I tool a personal day to get things done. I am going to be excited when the shipping is over...but then I'll have to work really hard at the final week of school, including parent recognition, getting DVD"s up and running, and all sorts of other things. It's a huge ordeal. BUT, When the ordeal is over, it means I would have completed my first year of teaching with success! My parents have all picthed in to get my hair done, which is really nice, so look out for a hottie when I come home :).

This coming weekend, We have Harold the shipper coming to ship all of our belongings to HK, the good part is that He's packing it up...but the bad part is that he's packing it up too...because without boxes, stuff is all over our house in disaray. On Saturday we have Burj day, which includes a trip up the world's tallest tower, Burj Khalifa, and also dinner at the world's only 7 star hotel. Burj Al Arab. I figure, there will be plenty of pictures, so heads up.

so, until then... (oh and 13 day countdown)

counting down the days

2010-05-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

So, I'm down to about 24 days in the country of Abu Dhabi. Part of me feels like I've finally found out how to live here comfortably, and so it's bitter sweet as I know that next year, I'll have to go through the turmoil of not knowing how to get there, not knowing what to eat or where to shop, making new friends, finding new hobbies, and this time, also finding a house and some furniture...I'm daunted, and so leaving here feels bittersweet.

On the "sweet" side though, I am going to see the beautiful smiling faces of my beloved friends and family, and nothing that ABu Dhabi or Dubai has to offer is better than that.

Anyway, This past couple of weeks I've been kept busy with school, obviously report cards, assessments, packing up the classroom/and home for our shippers, who will bring everything to Hong Kong, and an assortment of other things, however, this business did not detract me from having fun!

So Friday of Last weekend, I was able to sing in a concert with my sweet Accepella choir. Voices of Harmony (the groups name) sang about a thurd of the music from a 4 group concert...all of whom sang sans music. Congrats to everyone who pulled off such a brilliant night of harmonies and true form singing. I am proud to be able to stand alongside such fabulous musicians.

Also last weekend, directly after the concert... several of the girls form beauty and the beast were invited to the Rugby Ball! It was basically an occasion to dress up in style and dance! Of course, events like there here are always very high end, and so the 5 course meal was only the tip of the ice berg. There were people there wearing the most fabulous of gowns (not like Arabic wedding gowns, which are by far the most extravagant things you've ever seen), they were full of sequens, some wer tight, some were belled out at the bottom. It was smashing! The DJ was fantastic and played song after song that we could all sing to. As the Rugby team is made up of several New Zealanders, they even did a special show just for them. The best part about the night, aside from the Batak game (which is conceptually a lot like whack-a-mole), the 5 course meal, the dancing, and the company, was that I got in free! A friend of mine and I had been singing in the concert and came late as a result. Walking in late was awesome, because everyone thought we'd always been there, and no one asked us to buy a ticket...hence, a 400dhs (125 CAN) evening was FREE!

Well, that night went on right until 4am, and I laid my head in my pillow as the 4:15 call to prayer began waking people up to pray for that new day.

The following week left me with very little to do, except go out for movies...which I love! I watched Robin Hood and Iron Man II, both really sweet films. I haven't been to a good film in a long while and so I'm glad I had a chance to do it.

This past weekend Alicia and Sherry (my bootcamp buddy) and I went on an adventure through Dubai. WE began at the Madinat Jumeriah resort...where there is a really nice souk, with fairly high end but pricey stuff...and I bought you ALL local chocolates there...called Pacci, and they are by far (other than lindor truffles) some of the best chocolates that you'll have. Made right in Dubai!

Second stop, a shopping/,arket district called Kamara. In this area (and I don't know why I didn't know before), there are stores that sell high end bags, and watches and wallets...of course, they're all knockoffs...BUT, if you ask them if they have "more", they'll take you either upstairs in some other random shop or they'll take you to a secret location in some parkade, and you think you might be running into something sketchy and under the table (which you are). But, then loe and behold...there will be fabulous bags!!! All set up nicely in the midst of gross chaos. There are more bags and brands and styles than you know what to do with, and all are full names. Granted, they're still all fake. BUT, they are really nice fakes! Like the best ever. I am seriously considering buying a chloe bag...but it's still expensive for a bag. However, significantly less than the real thing, and by far the best knockoffs I've ever seen. It's like bag heaven. IF you like bags, and want one...let me know!

Finally, we came to the blue souk. It's an older souk, in an emirate called Sharja which is basically joined with Dubai. Sharja is the most traditional emirate, and the only dry one. In Sharja they do random checks to see if two unwed people are living together, and if you're caught without a marriage certificate, it's off to jail with you!!!

Anyway, in this souk, we have a pashmina guy, and we have a jewelery guy, and we have a knick knack guy. Because I bought everyone stuff for Christmas, I didn't really get anything for the folks at home, except the sweet pacci Chocolate! but, I wish you had all come to visit because you can get some ridiculously great scarves for ridiculously great prices. And our guy is really honest, so he'll tell you if it'll run (colours), or if it'll hold, and where the qulity comes in, and what the prices are straight up...no bartering needed. But, if you buy a bunch, he'll just drop the price anyway. Nice guy that pashmina guy.

Anyway, in the upcoming weekend I have the salsa festival planned in Dubai, hopefully I'll have a chance to go to Wild Wadi, the Ice cafe, and a couple other spots, and then there is a group trip to Hatta (which is a beautiful part of the Abu Dhabi emirate, right by oman.) I'm thinking i'll be a full weekend, and I can't wait to take part!

Anyway, that's it from me. Catch you sooner than later!!

That's a wrap!

2010-05-12T06:08:00.000-07:00

So, for the last month of my life, I have been CONSUMED with rehearsals, dancing, singing, putting on hillarious faces, and saying my ONE important line for the Broadway musical Beauty and the Beast as preformed by the Abu Dhabi choral group. It was a fabulous experience, and I'm so glad that I was able to be a part of it. Theatre is a part of who I am, and likely, it'll carry me through to many other places in life. Anyway, I met many new friends there, and hope to keep some of them into the future. "Bless them".

I have a few pictures for you if you're interested.

In other news, I've been trying to "eat right by my bloodtype" and being a type A, that esentially means that I can no longer partake in meat, and most dairy, or wheat (so, gluten free/dairy free is a good idea). I am now trying to figure out different ways to cook tofu, soy, and aduki beans, while keeping them a positive option to my fickle pallet. It's not an easy task. Recently Alicia and I both have purchased a vast new variety of vegetables, some of which we'd never even heard of before. Turnips, Parsnips, and Broccoli, Spinach, cherries, and pineapple are all foods that I oguth to be consuming. The whole thing is fairly daunting, and I'm not sure that I'll be able to stick to it, to make it beneficial, but it is the goal. So, here goes nothin'.

now that the show is done, there isn't much more to report. My adventures here in the middle east will last another 6 weeks exactly from today.....42 day countdown. Then I'll be home for roughly 6 weeks, and then...off to Hong Kong for new adventures. Stay tuned for that I guess...but don't give up on this adventure yet. There is still a ways to go...and more things to do and see before I leave.

Cheers

Let's look in the bright side.

2010-04-06T01:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, So I've now been informed that my blog is too negative, so I thought I'd take this opportunity to talk about the really good things that happen here in the UAE.

I guess the first would be that there are far more outlets than I thought there would be. For instance, I'm in the sweet musical Beauty and the Beast, and I also have had the new opportunity to join in an all female barbershop chorus. It's called Voices of harmony, and I joined quite late, so I'm now working really hard at picking up on the music. I've convinced Alicia to join as well.

On top of that, there are plenty of fun groups to join on-line, and meeting people is always interesting. Most people here when in a one on one setting are really quite kind, and always interesting.

I have run into more random adventures in the last couple of months than perhaps in three years at home.

This week alone, I've painted a set for a play, had a chance to sing barbershop, found a polo game to watch (which will be on Friday and I can't wait!), I have attempted a shooting range, hopefully gone atv'ing in the desert, and gone kayaking down some mangroves. There is a lot to do...

I also was lucky enough to find a university fair at the very last minute, and from there, Alicia and I wound up taking a ride in a car with some random locals...which certainly would never even be a considered option at home. Strange.

I am getting involved with dancing and have decided that I shall continue with some dance lessons over the summer if I'm able. ballroom dancing... who would have thought it was so much fun!

The weather in the UAE is fabulous! I like it hot, and that's what I'm getting. It's pretty standardly like 38 degrees in the afternoon now. Awesome!

I've had opportunities to go desert camping, eat at luxurious places, see Korean drum shows, join an athletic group, go ten pin bowling, twice! Paintball. There are many things that I've enjoyed in the UAE and part of me is thinking that I may have decided to rush off to Hong Kong a little too quickly, as I'm finally getting settled here and making some really good friends.

Salsa festival at the end of this month...things are certainly becoming way more fun than they used to be!

So anyway, please don't think that everything here is bad and I hate it...it's just that the things that don't make sense and are different tend to air on the negative side, but I will try and put a more positive spin on some things.

Where did I leave off last time?

i don't remember, so some of this might be repeats.

I have been loving doing the play, Beauty and the Beast which is preforming MAy 5-8! buy buy buy! Anyway, it's been a hoot! Some of the people from the show have turned out to be really good friends. We went out to brunch one day, which for those who don't know is basically a really big buffet with fabulous food, and it's all you can eat and drink for one base price. you can go alcoholic or non...I went non for those who wonder :). But, it was a really good time!

After that brunch, we did a long drive into Al Ain, (like 1.5? hours) And we went paintballing!! I don't know why I haven't done that yet, but it is really fun! The adrenaline is so high because you're thinking about the pain of when you get hit...and it does sting. but, it's really quite fun and I had a great time. Came away with two welts, not to shabby.

I have been out dancing twice to Dubai. They teach some lessons to get you started, and then you have pay to keep it going. If I had my own car to get to Dubai whenever I wished, I may have just signed up for lessons. It's not in Abu Dhabi, too bad. But, I've also been through a little more of Dubai. I'm still hoping to have dinner at the burge Al Arab...but, it's in the works.

I've been watching plenty of movies, and working on my beautiful golden brown tan...which I am still proud of.

Otherwise, I'm planning which Masters programs to apply to, and I'm still trying to get my paperwork sorted for Hong Kong which is a process.

So, that's what I'm up to these days. Plus, this week is a vacation week, and then I'm down to ten teaching weeks (starting sunday) and then after that, have like 4 days to do nothing. Things are going well.

I love and miss you all tons.

Talia

other strange things

2010-03-13T19:49:00.000-08:00

1. it is not unusual to pass someone on a higway exit
2. it is not ususual to recieve a proposal of marriage while grocery shopping.
3. It is not ususual to sneak into a back room to purchase pork products including poptarts, beans, and hot dogs, and chips with bacon flavour.
4. It is not unusual for people to blame their behaviour, the behaviour of the weather, or everyone else, and of the government on the will of Allah....hence, EnshAllah.
5. It no longer surprises me to see that there are no garbage bins in a park, but, there are men in orange suits all ready to take your trash instead.
6. I no longer think it strange to see people having a conference, family reunion, or picnic on the edge of the highway.
7. Signs that say women only often have obiyah's in the picture.
8. billiards are found in fun houses, but not in bars.
9. smoking is not taboo over here. It makes me ill...I love the idea of going back to Canada sometime and knowing that there will not be clouds of smoke in every eatery.
10. it's very common to have a construction detour, but no signs to tell you where to go to get back to where you wanted to be going.
11. round-a-bouts/traffic circles CAN replace left hand turns, but in my opinion it's silly to backtrack as much as we must.
12. going dancing here pretty much means you'll be doing the salsa...there aren't many other options that people know.
13. Roads do not have to be paved... or even flat.

I'll think of more later. I think I may start keeping a list...there is some pretty funny stuff that goes on over here.

Camping Camping Camping

2010-03-06T06:44:00.000-08:00

Most of you who know me, know that I love...or better yet, that I adore camping. Mountains, flatlands, bbq, grill, jiffy pop, extra socks. (Granted, I don't like rain days much - because they're cold and there isn't much that I hate more than being cold). Anyway. Here I've had the opportunity to join with a group of couch surfers and go camping in the desert! I had an experience with camping while galavanting around Egypt this past June, however this time was different because there was no guide, and no one cooked my dinner for me and set up my camp.

I met the couch surfers, most of whom I'd never met, and some of whom I had enjoyed the company of only once, in a parking lot of a local grocery store. After final shopping and grabbing of supplies, and, waiting for people who were late; our two o'clock departure finally got going around 3pm. I drove with a guy who is the acting department head for couch durfing in Abu Dhabi group, so, I think I was in good hands as we led the 13 car caravan. Unfortunatley, with as many people as we had, we ended up stopping numerous times and didn't actually reach camp until roughly 6pm (let me tell you, the distance was not that far! It could have taken an hour and a half).

Anyway, we got to camp and I didn't have a tent so, I asked a person randomly if there was room in his tent, and luckily there was. Unfortunatley, I was the only other person in his tent. It could have made for an awkward night. Good thing I'm pretty stand-off-ish when needed. I don't think he got the "go" message from me as he didn't try anything (and I was told afterwards that his typical behaviour is indeed to enjoy female company to the enth degree). My parents taught me well! Anyway, I was glad to have been in a tent at all because though I might have enjoyed looking at the stars all night, the biggest problem was that in March it still gets really cold at night, and I needed all of the shelter I could get.

The group turned out to be most friendly and accomodating, and my favorite characteristic - accepting. It didn't matter how annoying someone was, or where they were from, or what strange techniques they might have learned for cooking things, they were accepted no matter what by the whole group. I can really respect this group of people because of that and I hope to spend more time with them in the future. They do have plenty more camping trips planned, but no longer to the desert. Possibly to the beach near where the dolphins roll, and possibly to the mountains of Oman, which I may or may not beable to partake in depending on their verdict about my Isralie passport stamp. Anyway, I'm looking forward to future events.

As far as the camping went. It was lovely. The fire was hot, the food was good (though, when in the desert, it's almost impossible to keep food sand-free) and I ended up eating a great deal of sand throughout the evening. Everyone just set up a tent wherever in the desert, and we all ended up peeing wherever there was a space where no one could see you. It was partially barbaric, and mostly wonderful. I specifically enjoyed when a small group of men from India brought out congas and a guitar and we had a sing-a-long. The funniest part was that no on knew the same songs because of all of our backgrounds and we resorted at times to melodies such as twinkle twinkle little star and happy birthday. Sad. Otherwise, it went very well with a few harmonies, and a few classics thrown in. There was even a little salsa dancing.

The desert itself is lovely. Full of soft, rolling sand dunes. The sand is white for the most part, with some lighter weight red sand all the way from Oman resting on the top in waves. It made a really nice two tone effect. At the beginning of the evening, the stars were out in full, but the moon wasn't visable yet. I told a couple of guys that the moon will come in the middle of the night and it will take over the sky. They laughed at me like I was crazy (which I guess if the roles were reversed, I may have too). Anyway sure enough, around 1am, all of a sudden you could see the moon high in the sky. I did get a few humbled appologies afterward.

It was a really nice event overall. I think everyone should get a chance to camp in a desert, it's so peaceful, still and quiet.

Other than that, my life has set into a bit of a healthy routine. I enjoy weekly volleyball on the beach by the gulf. I do Beauty and the Beast rehearsal twice a week, which I look forward to. I do bootcamp before work three days a week, and they've just added a Friday morning class so i'll do that as well. And, Belly dancing twice a week. Belly dancing is a new addition, and involves using muscles I didn't know I was supposed to use for anything. It's mostly just for fun, however, I think the art of belly dancing could come in handy someday...it's amazing how random skills come back when you need them.

I've all but given up on learning Arabic as it's so senseless because I can get around so well without it, and with all of my activity, plus having energy to teach little Kids and plan for school, and with this month being for assessments and report cards, I just don't see how I can have the energy. So, maybe I'll pick it up again sometime. I'm getting random words all the time anyway.

We have been in contact with our housing agent from Hong Kong and it looks fairly promising that we'll get everything we are hoping for with our new place. I'm excited about it all. To make home sweet home once again. We plan to ship all of our stuff from here on the 10th of June, and then I"ll probably ship a few things from home that I didn't have this year as well. I guess everything is getting solidified.

Back to Abu Dhabi: I was thinking the other day about how things here are now totally normal for me if I don't think to carefully about them. Like, how a magazine costs 20CAN dollars, or how we don't recycle anymore. How I have to purchase water in bottles. How cars are pink and if you are in the way, people honk or flash their brights at you. I am used to the impatience, though I still hate it. I just let everyone go ahead...it doesn't upset me anymore. I don't realize when I see a pink car, or a police officer not doing anything, or a man walking around with a sheet wrapped around his waist like a skirt. Blocked websites, links, screened calls and emails. small motorcycles with thermos boxes on the back with take-out orders zipping through the already hectic traffic. internet not working. Not having anything convinient closer than a 20 minute car ride. Realizing a difference in my cost/value ratio system. It's really unusual how I find nothing unusual anymore. I wonder if I'll be shocked by anything in Hong Kong, or if I'll realize how weird things have been in my life when I get back home...or if I"ll find weird things at home too.

While, I will consider my new life perspective some more. Enjoy your day, be blessed, and go camping!!!

Missing you all.

Talia

RAK 1/2 marathon

2010-02-20T07:56:00.000-08:00

So, I know that I was supposed to write last weekend, because I had a long weekend, and I thought I would do something fun. It turns out, I had practically zero dollars, and therefore, I couldn't do very much. So, I ended up staying home and working. I worked on planning, made some centers. It was awfully lame seeing as several of my friends went into Dubai to fancy hotels, or, went to Istanbul for the weekend. I did however get to sunbath at a friends house..she lives in a compound with a heated pool, so that was really nice.

During the last week two weeks of school we went on two field trips with the kids. The first was to a place called Kids Park. It was really cool, the kids got to run around feeding animals. The guy running it was a bit of a dipstick. He thought he was pretty great with kids...but he wasn't. That became a bit of a thorn in my side for that trip, however, the kids enjoyed themselves, and overall, it was nice.

The second trip was to a musical that the city put on, it was Cinderella, and the picture on the brochure was the actual picture of Disneys cinderella, so, I was unsure of whether it would be the Roger's and Hammerstein version, or a disney version...well, it was neither. It was a low budget version that the company made up on their own...the music was ok, and they tried to implement some modern songs into it...like one from high School Musical, and also one from the radio as of late (which might not have been the most suitable for a young audience). Anyways, it was fun, really really interactive...like, the children didn't stop screaming (and there were 2000 children there). I was not happy with the ticket company. They were contracted seperatley just to sell tickets for the theatre, but, they oversold the shows, so there weren't enough seats for everyone. It was a big problem. There were kids sitting on steps and parents were standing...not well planned. It wasn't very organized, and the company, british that they were, said a few bad words like idiot and damn...which again, isn't really child appropriate...but again, the kids loved it...no one died or got lost in the shuffle of thousands of kids, and, the students had a theatre experience, which was the goal.

This weekend, I ran in the Ras Al Kamar (RAK) half marathon. I did it with three other girls...in a relay style, which was an option for the event. Each of my three colleagues ran 5Km, and then I ran the last 6Km back to the finish line. the event was well organized and well planned (which doesn't happen often in this country). I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the other runners. Because a lot of teams were running for charity and weren't as gung hoe as the full half marthon runners, they were all fun to chat with, and meet, and run alongside. The last stretch took me 43 minutes to do...which for me isn't bad...but because all three of the other girls were done in wicked times, the whole thing took us 2:06, which I'd say is pretty good considering we had to switch bands at every trade off. The whole thing inspired me once again to work towards a full half marathon. Not to do a lot, but just to do one and add it to my list of life accomplishment. I think I'm going to try getting back into running a bit on non-bootcamp days. Getting through to the finish line, though you're body doesn't know whether to laugh or cry or sit, or fall, or rush to the bathroom...it's invigorating! I suggest you all do one.

This coming week should be a short week for students as Thursday (our Friday in the week), we have a PD day of all things. I haven't heard what the PD will be on, or, if it'll be legit. or not...maybe we'll just get the day off...who knows. Regardless, they seem to be planning something finally to help us with our teaching! Ha ha, it's the only one scheduled for the whole year, so i'm not holding my breath.

We also have Alberta Accreditation coming to observe us and read through our planning books and our assessment things. I recently went on a rampage to make sure all was in order...which it is...now. :) I don't know what they're looking for, but, I hope for the sakes of the first year teachers who are staying...those from Alberta anyway, that it does get a full accreditation, because that means that we're one stop closer to being able to go for the permanent certificate.

Anyway. Other than that, I'm still going strong with bootcamp. This past week was Hell week, which means that they basically that the things that you thought were so difficult that first week, and they double them!!! So, you never stop moving. I wanted to fall over by the end of leg day. and I hurt for the entire week afterward. Luckily, today I'm not so sore, and I cleaned my house from top to bottom, so i don't feel so much like a dirt mongrol anymore.

I'm still in rehearsal for Beauty and the beast, and loving every moment of it...it's my favorite thing. I think I might go and get my masters in theatre afterall...I just love it so very much.

I can't think of anything more to tell you. Enjoy your days and evenings. Blessings and love to you!

Tchuss.

Al Dafra Camel festival!!!

2010-02-06T21:03:00.000-08:00

So, I was blessed enough the other day to be invited to the Al dafra camel festival where they select the world's prettiest camel, and also where hundreds of thousands of dollars change hands every day for the purpose of buying and selling various camels. I had no idea there were so many types of different camel...but are there three varieties based on purpose (some for milk, some for meat, some for working/riding, and some for racing!); then there are different camels based on there they come from. Sudanese camels are typically an orangish brown colour and very beautiful. there are your standars camel browns, more like sand, and then there are black camels who are enormous and remind me far more of dinosaurs than of a modern creature. Almost all of the camels are femals, and males are typically castrated to keep them under control. I heard that cow farmers in Canada castrate their male cows because testosterone makes the meat tough...I'm assuming the same is true for camels - though it's only an assumption.
I certainly learned a lot about the camels...like, the male leader will always be castrated to keep his temperment, and because he's so well tempered, they hope that the rest of the camels will take his expample. I learned that camels when angry, will sit on their enemies, and one must be very careful around an acgry camel, and also that when a camel is mad at you, or you hurt it...it will remember forever, and you'll never ever be away from it's vengeful eye. They foam at the mouth when their overheated, and also when they're angry. Many camels at the festival were very angry indeed.
We met a few very friendly and affectionate camels, who reminded me of puppies...only wanting a little love. But most of them seemed snarly and they were bleating...which sounded again, like a dinosaur...or like a disgusting burp that went on for ever.
While we were driving down the road, attempting to pick up a lady who we had brought, but who refused to sit in our vehicle as she prefered to walk down the road and take a picture of Every single camel she saw (did i mention how many hundreds there were?), we saw a huge caravan of cars all honking and cheering, and men running beside, and basically, there was one poor camel stuck in the middle of all the cars, running along with them, and hating life (I knew from the foam). Anyway, we swooped around and asked someone what was going on, and they said "one million, yaaaah!!" (see photo above) So, evidently, this camel had one the 1 million dirham prize (which is like 350000 CAN) and had also won several beautiful vehicles (cars are always given as prizes), and the whole crew were running beside it cheering! So, we joined into the camel parade and started honking right along with everyone else! it was a wonderful experience, and though the camel may have hated it, I loved every moment. I got several pictures of the worlds prettiest camel of the year 2010, and I'll be sure to post them soon.
On the way back we tried desperatley to find the camel burgers that had been advertised on the internet site of the event, however, we couldn't find anything of the sort...only falafel wraps. So, we let that idea go. I have now added camel to the list of meats I'd like to try while here, the other one being shark meat.
I don't know yet what I'll be doing next weekend, but it is a long weekend, so something fun should happen!!!
Stay tuned.

love.

Participaction!

2010-01-29T05:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I was sick two weeks ago during my last post, I had one healthy week, and I'm sick again today! ha ha, I just can't shake it. Jordan Majeau says it's because the "vermin" that I work with carry too much "disease". With slightly differing terminology, I might be willing to agree.

Anyway, being sick always makes me lazy, so instead of dusting the house and cleaning the floor, I sat around on the couch for a while, did some kindergarten stuff (so I wasn't completely useless), and I then created a delicious cinnimon sugar gluten free bread/dessert cake. I am pretty sure that it is about the best gluten free thing that can be made...though, I'm looking for a good gluten free cinnamon bun recipe too. Basically, my room mate has celiac's disease, and I've been doing plenty of research on a lot of things and decided to try being gluten free. I actually want to do the entire "hormone" diet to find things that most doctors and even natural paths may have trouble discovering, however, I can't do it until the summer. If I order it now, there is no guarantee that it'll be here by June! Ha ha.

So, this half of the year is the half where I really delve into life here in the middle east. Though it will cost me a bit more money, I've decided that since I already have a new job lined up (which I'll discuss in a moment), and it's almost impossible to pay anything off from here anyway, as we make squat all, I figured that I'd just sent smaller installments home, and at least enjoy a bit of my time. So, I am involved in a weekly volleyball team, we play other commuity teams, and it's a great way to meet other expats, and just have recreational fun. I start a bootcamp on Monday that will be three days a week, and, the best news...I JOINED A MUSICAL! I'm going to be in beauty and the beast. Most of the people are expats...in fact, I don't think anyone is local...even local to the middle east. many are from UK, and the states. maybe a few Canadians, but I'm really not sure, I only went once, so I have to break into the community. I'm so excited! I missed the big auditions, by about two weeks, so I'm going to be in the chorus, which should be a great time. Aiming for the role of napkin during the "be our guest" number.

One of my co-workers is also in the show, and we're both really looking forward to the experience. This is way way out of her comfort zone, so it's a fun mix. The director is here teaching school, but he's also trained in New York as a stage director...it's funny where life takes some people.

So, Basically, time should fly, I'll be busy, active, and hopefully, I'll be healthy (fingers crossed!).

In other news, I have decided to for sure go to Hong Kong for a two year contract. The offer is a good one for someone with my limited experience, and the job is guaranteed as one at home might not be. It was a difficult decision, but, now that it's made, I feel good about it, and I think it will be a great life experience. Plus, I"ll only be 26 when I get home again, that's not super old. Likely I'll be able to pay off my debt (though, I'm also hoping to take a two year master's degree via correspondence, meaning I might put money into that too)...but, with no debt, and a masters, even if I don't have a great deal of savings, I can get ahead. Who knows what'll happen? Only time will tell.

As per usual, I'm frustrated with things not working here, and people not coming to fix them. We have been having trouble with our internet wire...no kidding, and, also, I recently found out that not only are flicker, and eharmony illegal, but so is SKYPE! Ha ha, but they can't do anything about it, so when you use it...sometimes they just turn off your connection. I guess I'm not allowed to say dirty, rude, or inappropriate things, or swear. Some others who have boyfriends at home and their messages get a little graphic have been having a lot of trouble.

They are sensoring this very blog message. I could talk about how I really wish I had my own privacy in regards to my own belongings, however, then they'll stop my internet connection for badmouthing the government, so I won't do that...but, it does force people to go under the table for a lot of things. But I guess to the public eye, pornography isn't a problem here. lol.

Anyway, other than that, I'm just chilling. The weather is not yet nice enough to start up beach days again, so that'll have to wait, though the afternoon's are pretty nice. just mornings and nights are cold.

I got my drivers' licence. It's written in Arabic, and it's awesome. I'll keep it as a trinket for when I go home.

Miss you all dearly, keep in touch!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Camel Racing!!!

2010-01-18T01:23:00.000-08:00

Woah! For the frst two weeks of this year, things were just pretty much getting back into the swing of things. I've been teaching again for not yet one and a half weeks, and I'm already tired. Mostly because I'd forgotten how much energy the Kindergarteners are. We need a new seating plan, and we need a new set of activities...these kids are too smart now! So, that's certainly been keeping me busy.

I haven't been running since before I left. Shame. I have a half marathon (run by 4 girls in a relay) in February, and I'm going to have to get myself in gear...granted it's only 5Km. Hopefully tonight I'll have the energy to go again. I'm still training for that half!

The other thing that has constantly been on my mind is work next year. I have had an interview with a Christian International school in Hong Kong, and today I'm feeling like it's a pretty promising thing to do...yesterday I was thinking I could never do it, and it would be too hard to leave everyone...and I'm so up and down i'm getting dizzy. Who knows what will happen. There are some serious pro's and con's to each for sure. If not, I'd really like to come back home and plant some roots, but maybe in Calgary so i still feel like it's a new place.

Well, this past weekend, a couple of the girls and I decided to go find out what all of this Camel racing is all about. It's certainly not like horse racing, as no one can take bets on another...however, there is donated prize money...and it's BIG! Like, for a small, off season race it'd be about 15oo CAN. So, that's good money, but for a race that's coming up in the fall, the prize is 500 000DHs! That's roughly 150000bucks. Just for having a camel who can run around a track, and what's more, they will also recieve a herd of 50 Brand new cars!

So, it's a pretty big UAE past time, but when we went, it was still off season, so the races were small, and other than the camel owners, there were no other emiraties. But, when we got there, we were greeted by a very kind and helpful man, who worked at the stadium. he told us where to stand so we wouldn't die. you see, there are no bleachers, no stands to speak of. You simply line up along the edge of the track, and wait. The reason you wait is that these tracks are miles long. It takes the camels a full 15 minutes to run the track...it's nothing like our horse tracks. So, you watch them take off from the start! you clap and cheer for your favorite, but because there is no better, you don't have any emotions attached to any of them, and then you wait in the dirt, grab a cup of coffee or tea (which is both Arabic and free - how kind), and then you mosy along to the finish line, where you watch them come in! Hurrah!

The kind and helpful man who told us how not to die did so because behind the fence, on the far side of the fence, there is a road, and on the road (so you and the fence are in the middle), there are tons of cars! All of the vehicles are driven by the owners of the camels. So, they drive along the track and follow their camels around and around. If you get in their way...likely you will die because they are paying attention to their camels, and not to you. We were able to jump into one owners vehicle and he took us around the track so we could watch an entire race. They do happen every 15 minutes, so we saw a ton of starts and finishes. We also met several other expats who were working in either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but most were well beyond my years. one guy though, worked for the UN, and I wanted to ask him how he snagged his job, but, his tour left before i could. Shoot.

On top of the camels, are not jockeys like at home. I guess they used to use small children, but when that became to dangerous and OCHS came in (ha ha, just kidding, the UN stepped in is that happened). Since then, instead of small children, they are using remote controlled robot boxes. The boxes are essentially dressed like jockey's, with striped clothing and little hats, and they carry small solid whips. Well, the robot jockey is controlled by the driver who has an ear bud in the camels ear, and yells at him from the drivers seat, and tells the robot jockey to hit the camel and make him faster. I very much enjoyed watching this process, of little robots whacking camels and the stupid camel runs as if it's a real person up there.

Also, camel racing, unlike horse racing, is hillarious even if you don't have a clue about any of it, because camels are NOT graceful animals. They clump clump around up and down, there is nothing smooth. Think of old cartoons where 4 legged animals would trip over their legs. That's what I thought might happen the whole time. It's very risky business - though, i've been told, the camels never do fall over themselves.

After the races, and a check mark of the list of experiences that I'm supposed to complete while I'm here, we went into Al Ain (a near by town) and saw their zoo. It reminded me a lot of Edmonton zoo as far as size and the types of exhibits. They did have different animals though, including my new favorite...a rhino (they are just so much stranger to see in person than otherwise). The day was a huge success.

my next goal is to do kayak down the mangroves....i'll let you know how it goes.

Hey, if you have an in-put into this decision, let me know!

peace.

Hello and Good-bye

2010-01-11T00:18:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess it's been a long long time since I've last put in a post. Mostly this is because of the holidays. The last week of work was pretty normal, in the "last week before Christmas, with 5 year-olds" kind of way. They were all bouncing a full 5 days before the end, and though we did not celebrate "Christmas" but instead it was "Winter holidays" or the "holiday break", most of my students come from places that DO celebrate Christmas, and trying to keep them from discussing Santa was about as easy as forgetting your own name. So, trying not to get myself into trouble, every single time Christmas or Santa was mentioned, we also spoke about Eid. Whewph.
For Christmas from the students (or there moms?) body products were the biggest hit. I do wonder if it's a hint, and if I typically smell poorly... anyway, different body shop sets, soaps, and some scented candles, and a scarf were in the mix. But as my first year being a teacher, getting things for Christmas from small people was fun...like an initiation or something. Now I know I'm a teacher.

What else? We ended school on a Wednesday evening, the Thursday was off for Arabic New year, and I boarded a plane that same night. Because it was also pay day, I took a whole bunch of money with me, which I was going to try and put directly into my bank here, and thus save the service charge from my monthly money wiring. Well, I was given bad advice on two counts. #1. When in Frankfuhrt airport...DO NOT try and change your Dirhams to Canadian dollars. They first change it to euro's and then to dollars, and in the process of all the fees, I lost 600 canadian...which I made the guy refund.
#2. Your Canadian bank DOES NOT want your Dirhams. So, I didn't get anything exchanged, and ended up taking it all back home with me. Shoot. Therefore, I didn't have as much as I'd hoped for to spend, nor to give to people, but I'll just have to wire it into my bank from here, like I should have done in the first place. It's not a big deal though, as I had zero room, and ended up paying excess baggage as it was due to new flight restrictions. So, next time I know. Bring nothing to Canada, including clothes, so that you can bring everything back with you...though, to be fair, most of the stuff I brought was in the form of gifts for others.

So, Canada was smashing. I had no idea how desperatley lonley and sad I'd become until I saw all of the lovely people who make my day everytime I see them. Thanks to the dozens of friends and family who made my trip fantastic. Though I don't know for sure what next year holds, the goal is to get back to Canada for a while, and figure out what I want to do next, and, I KNOW, I won't be here another year. I can't take the lack of accountability.
While in Canada, I we had Christmas in Airdrie, and were graced with the presence of the Schmidt family from Singapore, and Duran flew up, and Victoria (my darling cousin) came from Ottawa. A lot of travelling was had to make the day possible, and it was indeed as hoped.
Some good friends of mine and I all went up to Panorama for a few days over new years, to ski, and to enjoy the beauty of the mountains. After seeing so much desert, and such a lack of colour for months and months, I was almost in visual overload. Thanks to the Gelinas for donating the space, I know you could have put paying people in there...you ROCK! Skiing was pretty much fun. It took me a while to get back into the groove of the cross country skiing, and I also had to learn how to wax and cork my ski's. When we all went together as a family when I was younger, I think this skill was neglected. Ha ha! Also, I feel that as a downhill skiier, I am pretty much set. Bring on the double blacks!!! Well, perhaps I'll stick to the greens' for a while yet, but, it's actually pretty fun.
I enjoyed many other winter sports as well over the break. And, honestly, if you know it's only 3 weeks long, the cold isn't so insufferable after all.
I am still waiting for a Christmas package here in the UAE that was sent by my parents in early October. My guess is that it'll be here roughly March the 5th...though it's just a guess. How silly things are. Guaranteed it's sitting at the boarder, just for fun, and someone will send it when they're good and ready. Or, I could bribe them..... Anyway, dispite that, I still got a pretty good take this year - not that that's the reason I came home or anything... :) Thanks everyone for that too.
Anyway, flight home was perfect. Though long, and for the first time ever, on BOTH ends of my flying, I was affected by Jet lag. The difference from 23 to 24 is very noticable indeed. Though I arrived back home nearly two days ago, I'm exhausted, and today I had a headache! I never get headaches! GROSS. And, on the flight from Frankfuhrt to Dubai, as well as the flight from Dubai to Frankfuhrt on the way there, the plane had no TV's. Ridiculous. That's 7 hours of reading your book in the dark.
When I got home, things were just as i'd left them. Alicia had even made my bed for me...what a dear. And back at school, I think I'm into the swing of things again, though, feeling the crunch, how on earth do you fit things in to one small year??

Anyway, that's all from me. Not that exciting, but at least you know I'm alive and well.
When I have an adventure, I'll be sure to tell you about it!

Talia

Eyebrows??

2009-12-13T07:12:00.000-08:00

So, one of the other things that you should have been told ages ago, but I kept on forgetting, is that here...the more unified, thick, and dark your eyebrows are, the better. Some women even draw in lines between their eyebrows to "connect" them. My shaped and thinned eyebrows are not the most attractive thing, however, as a "westerner" they find it acceptable for ME to do it...just not them. Ha ha!

The other thing to mention is that yesterday and today it rained and rained...or rather, it poured! The streets are completely flooded, there is no drainage system at all. We almost filled up the car at a few traffic circles...it was deep, and we were going really really slow. Havoc. It's absolute havoc on the roads. Plenty of cars on the highway continue to rush around at speeds well above 180KM/hr, and hydroplaning is also a problem. I've seen quite a few accidents this week. Silly people. At least I have the benefit of knowing that I can drive in snow, and therefore, I can drive in rain. I shouldn't die from this. Anyway, fields are flooded, and roofs are all leaking (because you can't test houses for water seals in the summer), and it's pretty much awesome. The real news is that now that it's rained for three days in a row, it's unlikely that it will rain again until next year at this time. can't complain about the weather when the "rough stuff" lasts but a half of a week.

That's all for today!

ok, two of the things I was trying to remember

2009-12-10T01:13:00.000-08:00

Just as I promised, I remembered a few of the funny things that go on here.

#1. We hear absolutely nothing about the Dubai problems. I know that you guys are getting heaps of news about how Dubai is crashing hard...it turns out that the people in power here...or person rather, wants to keep us in the dark about it. We don't get it in the paper, we don't get it on the radio, we don't get it in the local news, and they filter it out of BBC and CNN. Fairly funny actually. So, you know more than I do. All I know is that from the people I've talked to, most people are leaving Dubai and coming to Abu Dhabi, and if you ARE working in Dubai, and looking for work, chances are...you're overqualified, because only those who can't read will take as low a wage as they'll offer right now. So, FYI.

#2. The cars and houses here seem to be light colours, colours like tan, white, and ugly sand...mostly because the sun fades things, and to avoid the heat. Some though, trying to stand out, choose random colours, like bright orange, purple, or lime green...but the best one, by far the most popular, is the absurd number of pink cars/vehicles that you'll see. I'm not talking about soft pastel pink...but bright, deep pinks, sometimes fushias. I thought you'd like it. I certainly do. They're everywhere. 1of 20 I'd say.

That's all for now. Cheers.

The Dust came

2009-12-08T08:44:00.001-08:00

So, today we had our first dust storm. It's pretty intense to watch. The sand and dust begin swarming up in a big wall and all of a sudden, you can't see the buildings across the road! Dust will get in your eyes just by opening a door, kids were playing out on the field for recess in goggles to protect them. And, you have to keep your mouth closed too, or the dust will get inbedded in your teeth...which is gritty and gross and you can't find it all for a long time, the pieces are so small they can keep hiding no matter how many times you rinse out your mouth. Our friend Joy drove home during a spare to close windows, she closed ours, thank heavens. One other girl didn't have her's closed...and there is sand all over her house. it blows right to the far end, covering the kitchen, living room, furniture. Woah.

In other news. I keep remembering ridiculous things that pass for logic here, and then I forget to write them down, so I can't blog them. But, maybe by publically declaring that I will, I might remember.

Anyway, I'm going to be back in 8 days...and in Edmonton in just 10. Can you all wait?? I'll bet your not even breathing from excitment. I'll try and remember the cool points before I go home, that way, I'll have some neat things to show and tell.

that's all, short and sweet.

T

Eid Mubarak to all, and happy National Day UAE!

2009-12-05T02:50:00.000-08:00

This one is really long (a lot has been happening) so take it in stride if you need to :)

It's truly been a great couple of weeks for us here in Abu Dhabi. Near the end of the month of November the Arabic holiday of Eid Adah (it's the second Eid in a year) began. Eid Ahad marks the end of the year on the Arabic lunar calendar. Therefore, the date is set based on the moon. Now, the story from the qurran is that Ibrahim was told by God to sacrifice his only son Ishmael. Upon the actual sacrifice time, Allah (God) stopped Ibrahim and told him to sacrifice a lamb in Ishmael's place. And now, in remembrance of God's provision, the Arabic people slaughter a lamb/goat offering. So, Eid Adah is very much like Christmas here, a really big deal, and everyone goes out and slaughters their animals in the street and they all go to the mosque to pray and then celebrate. I'm a little sad to say that I did not witness any of the “blood flowing in the streets” as I'd been promised. Our neighbourhood is full of richy riches and they clearly didn't want to damage or stain their sidewalks. In town, there weren't any goats hanging from trees or anything. Bummer. Also, they made a rule here that a person is “supposed” to get their animals done by a butcher to keep things cleaner and more sanitary...clearly people followed through with the suggestion. Alas, perhaps it's something that I can imagine better that it would really have been anyway.

For Eid, along with National day, we were given an entire week off, totalling ten days of bliss. Alicia's parents flew in on the first day of Eid, so we didn't have a lot of time to rest. I ended up being driver, mostly because Sarah (who shares with us) was in Jordan, and Alicia, due to our passport stamps, and visa paperwork, and now we need UAE licences, was not actually registered to drive on the car yet...she's still working on it. So, I was the only possible insured driver...though it was just as illegal for me to drive, because I couldn't get my UAE licence until after Eid and once your resident visa comes through (which mine finally did!!!), you need a UAE licence for any driving that you do. Thank heavens though that no test is involved, and instead, you simply pay some money and sign a form and take a picture...and they photocopy the license from your country of origin...the fact that there is not immigrant test might be a reason for the high volume of accidents in this country.,..I'm just saying.

Anyway, we had a full week with Manfred and Angela...I also want to note here that once upon a time, when I was about as small as they come, I'm fairly sure that I had a cat named Manfred who was hit by a car...
So, they came in on a Thursday evening, and we enjoyed doing a quick catch up. They had brought several extremely important provisions...for Alicia, a bunch of Celiac stuff..as would be expected, and some teaching supplies that we can't get. But for me...DILL! You can't get dill here, and being that I basically only cook with two spices (garlic and dill), I was short half of my recipes. So hurrah. They also brought me genuine, PC brand marshmallows. It was such a happy day!
Early the next morning we got all set up in the car and went to church. That was the first day of the Eid holiday, also the day to look for the dead animals...none were found. So, church was nice. I think it was good for them to see that we were involved in a church, and though it's a church way different from home, it is a church that holds the same beliefs and values as we do. They have a mix of worship songs, from modern to hymns, and most are from within the last 10 years...though some do a dive from the 80's. Overall, they try and make a place where believers from every country and many denomenations can identify. The pastor does talk...a lot. Three messages every single week. He may think he's giving three points, but in reality, it's three separate messages.
We basically then went to the mall. Alicia's dad bought us lunch (which was trend for the week :) )
That evening we just hung out, rested, I think we made them taco's for dinner? I don't remember.

So, Saturday we went into a new city. I'd never been there. It's called Al Ain, and it's the other main city in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Most big cities here are actually emirates themselves. Dubai for instance, is basically summed up within the city that everyone knows about. You enter Dubai from Abu Dhabi, drive directly through, and near the end of the city (not even after you've exited), you end up in the next emirate (Sharja). You honestly can't tell which part is Dubai and Which part is Sharja. This is how most of the UAE is...excect Abu Dhabi. The emirate of Abu Dhabi, where I take residence, is like 80% of the country, and it has two major cities, and several smaller cities. It is also the emirate with all the money, oil, and the Shiek (who I'm still working on meeting).

Blah blah blah, so, we're in Al Ain, which, p.s. Is way prettier than anything that the other emirates have to offer so far. It's got trees and pretty gardens, beautiful one or two story buildings, plenty of character, brick streets...way nicer. While there we were looking for the camel market, which we didn't find. Instead, we ended up going to a sweet fort, built by the first Sheik in the late 19th century. It was pretty neat, and I learned a few things via a photo gallery, however, I would have rather hung out at the camel market. (Alicia's dad is a farmer, so he might have liked to go to the market too, and talk about farming, as they farm camels here like cows at home). I climbed up some posts sticking out of a wall in one of the towers and made it almost to the top. The top post was cracked and loose, I wasn't about to put my weight on a 100 year old loose, cracked, post in a sod tower. We went to the Al Ain museum, which is about 4 rooms large (but is one of the best museums in the country)! Then for lunch we went to the oasis. To get to Al Ain you have to drive through about an hour and a half of desert, like the sahara kind, and then you get to the beautiful city, which is built on an oasis. We ended up having a lovely picnic, right in the midst of orange, mango, and date trees. I tried to pick an orange from a tree...it wasn't good. I also climbed up a date palm. They're suprisingly easy to get up, but getting down is a bit trecherous. Basically that ended the day, except that we got lost looking for the camel market, and we found a payless shoes in a mall there!! We've planned a second trip to the town around the middle of December so everyone get get cheap winter boots before going home for the season!

Sunday (which should have been the start of our work week... but wasn't thanks to Ibrahim/Eid) we went into Dubai, and Sharja actually. We were lucky enough to follow another teacher and his family into Sharja, and we were able to explore the blue souq. It's basically like a posh bazaar, but not as fancy as most of them here. Nothing like those in Thailand or Turkey, but, a nice place to get some decent deals on jewlery and pashmina's. If anyone wants any bridal gifts/wear...let me know!
After the souq, and getting harassed by shop owners, we drove all the way through Dubai yet again and went to a really neat mall...Ibn Battuta. It's one of my favorites. Well laid out and has good stores in it. From there we grabbed lunch, and took a taxi to Mdinat Jumerah, which is a resort in Dubai. Really nice, and inside there is a super fancy souq, as well as several other nice shops, a mall, an ampitheatre, and a fabulous view of the berge. If you're not going to pay for high tea, it's not worth it to go there, so the Jumerah is about as close as you can get without going inside. Nice pictures too.

Basically that summed up Dubai. I hadn't driven there yet, nor had I driven in Al Ain before, and therefore I was two for two in the driving in new cities department!

Monday was a short day. We started off the day at the grand mosque. It's in Abu Dhabi and we actually pass it going in and out of the city. It's a beautiful building, and the grounds are fabulous. You can walk around the outside grounds as long as you're fully covered, but to go inside the courtyard or the mosque itself, women must wear Obiyas, and men must have their legs covered...no shorts. Poor Alicia wore a skirt that was down to her knees, but not past, and we actually had to cross the grounds, get her obiyah just outside of the courtyard, and then bring it down to her because she couldn't walk around at all without her legs fully covered. I thought it was pretty funny. That morning was a perfect time for a photoshoot...I'm thinking my next resume shot?? Dad? What do you think? Next we went to the fruit and veggie market which is the best place to get produce, and you get to barter with different guys to find the best price, and they'll let you sample for sweetness etc...always a good time. We also found the fish market, gross..and took some pictures of sharks. I told Alicia we should buy one to eat (as part of the experience). I don't have her convinced yet, but it's coming!
Later, we found a killer restaurant (thanks to a recommendation from Steve and Caitlin Stahl) and Alicia's parents both ordered the fish byriani...which ended up being whole fish...gross. So we got a few good pictures once they were picked clean of skeletal remains!

I took myself to the internet cafe that evening, and enjoyed a relaxing evening chatting with some friends. I am looking forward to getting internet in our place. I think that we'll get it within the week as I put in a request a couple of days ago. I'll keep you posted, but, it could happen soon!

The next day we went into the school to show the parents around the place we call “our second home”...(we don't actually call it that.). Anyway, we got a little bit of work done (though neither of us was in the mood for working), and then I took her parents to a taxi stop, and took a my friends Alana and Justin to the mall for an evening with dinner and a movie. It was really good to see some friends outside of school whom I don't share accomodation with. Most of my neighbours you just see so often, it's nice to know there are other people in the world still. Alicia took her parents to the Shangri La for dinner, the buffet, which costs like 200 Dirhams/head (or roughly 70bucks), without drinks, but it is for sure the very best buffet you'll ever see. It's worth the money if you're visiting.

Wednesday was the parent's last day here (6 days just isn't quite enough for those who are planning on visiting). Plus, it was national day!!!

I put on my best National day dress, which was basically a flag. It's red on top, by the chest and cleaves, and then has three vertical stripes from there in black, white, and green. I was essentially a walking flag, and it's the absolute ugliest dress I've ever seen in my life! But as we walked down the cornishe (like the boardwalk all the way along the beach coast), i got a lot of stares and glances. We went to the beach that day, because one must have a beach day in December if you're from Canada and you are in a place there that is possible. So, we did, but it wasn't the best day. The water temp has dropped since early November, and now it's actually really cold. Perhaps not like anything in Canada, and you might laugh at me now, but, it's really really cold. Then, the sun doesn't beat down so much anymore, and with so much wind off the water (in Winter, the dust storm season is supposed to happen), it's actually really chilly for those who only two weeks ago were enjoying temps of 35 and up, now we're at 20-25...quick drop. And I don't like it. I might die of shock when I come to Canada. Anyway, National day happens every December 2nd, and is like Canada day but a million times bigger. There are fireworks involved, but also, people deck out their cars in ways you wouldn't imaginge, with the Sheik's face, and flags, and spray paint, stickers, everyone is dressed up, wearing UAE scarves, touques, and waiving flags...the cornishe road is jam packed...completely. Kids are hanging out of car windows and running in the streets, and everyone can purchase silly string and soap foam to spray at those who aren't so patriotic...we took a full two hours to get out of the area (and it was only 4:30). The fireworks didn't start until 10 and havoc was already in hot demand. We got a few silly sting attacks, but mostly people liked my dress, so we got away unscathed.

Alicia's parents left that night. I had also been driving people to the airport early in the morning or late at night all week, so that was my last trip there for a while. Goodbye Angela and Manfred Gross! Thanks for the memories!

The next day was nothing special We hung out at home most of the day, but in the evening, we were going to go to a movie (thinking that National day would only be one day!)...alas, we drove into town and half way in and were crammed into traffic all trying to get to the cornishe road core so they could cause rukus...apparently the idea of National day should really be National days....as it went on the next several. WE had left one hour early for our movie...we left at 8:15 and should have arrived by 9pm...the movie was at 9:15. It took us two and a half hours to pull in, so we made it by 11, and went for the 11:15 movie instead (Christmas Carol in case you're wondering, and the one before was 2012, and I also saw New moon earlier in the week...so I think I'm caught up on movies – at least the ones that play here!).

On top of being in traffic for forever...I ended up hanging out my window for a bit, just because we can, and then some boys came and attacked me with silly string as I was getting back into the car. All in good fun of course. Well, the car was covered in the stuff, and so we reopened the window to throw it outside and get it off the car, when the boys came back! They'd been following us! This time, I got foam in the eye! Right in the eye! It's basically soap in a can and it sprays and explodes into snow like puffs...anyway, from point blank into my eye, it did not seem so awesome. The driver Sherry also got a face full of silly string, and from then on we kept our windows closed...the boys tailed us for quite some time. It was evidently very easy, as we were moving a foot every two or three minutes.

Anyway, all in all it's been a great week. In the evenings we invite friends over for movies (right now I”m watching “Army of Darkness” which is a pretty big contender for the worst movie I've seen since I've been here...maybe ever. I'd say Eli, Duran, and Jaylon had better watch it to see if it's worse than war birds II), and I'm getting really good at baking, because I like to have something nice to offer my guests. I'm also still doing well in the cleaning department. Hurrah!

We have one more day of break, and I will be laying on my fold out lounge chair (which was the very best purchase I've made in this country) on my roof reading in the warm sun, sipping water and enjoying my last day of freedom...of course, there are only 9 school days to get through until Christmas. I've already begun packing! Can't wait.

Eid Mubarak to you all, and happy national day!

Cheers.

Talia

So, the party.

2009-11-15T01:49:00.000-08:00

Well, our little party was really fun! I was able to buy most people's christmas gifts, and I enjoyed making healthy cookies and queso for everyone. of course, i burned two rounds of queso, so we ended up having chips and salsa, nothing else, however, the cookies turned out really well and I was even asked for the recipe! That almost never happens with my cooking!

I enjoyed hostessing. I also enjoyed how clean our house looked, though, to be fair, it looks clean a lot, we're really careful to put things away, my mom would be proud...though, she might not believe it..but I still make my bed almost every day!

On Tuesday last week we took the children to the kid city science park for a field trip. We were supposed to have a workshop about the 5 senses (which we did have) but I have to say it was the absolute worst puppet show i've ever seen. Imagine a lady who talks very very quickly with an arabic accent and is saying "oh my God" to 5 year olds every other phrase. now, imagine her talking quickly with two puppets on her hands, and the puppets are using even more high pitched voices, but to make sure that the kids don't think that she is the puppeteer, she puts the "speaking" puppet right in front of her mouth...and speeds up her talking even more. I have to say, that if you can't imagine it, you're all the better off. it was horrible.

The actual park was really cool though. it's like the telus world of science, but better because it's was more hands on. The kids really loved that part. no one had an accident, and overall, it was a good first field trip.

We also had a party in our classroom, after working for over 6 weeks on good behaviour. The kids basically ate more junkfood than they may have in the combination of their entire lives to date. I have never seen kids that full of sugar. We had kids who were sick, kids who were under tables and rolling on the floor, screamers. I can't say I loved the experience, but, they enjoyed themselves and that's what matters, afterall, it was THEIR party.

So, this week, I ran 11K. I also ran it a second time which tells me that I didn't just fluke it out and that i actually can run that far. it made me happy. I will continue to try and up my speed on the 10/11K and then once I can do it in an hour or so (right now i'm at 1.15), I'll try and up my route. I think that my plan is to train for a half marathon, though, I never in my life have thought i could do it, but i'm halfway there already and i'm just going runnign liesurly. so, it might just be possible.

Our second Eid break is coming up. That means that we'll have more time to sit around and chill while everyone takes a vacation. Alicia's parents are coming at that time and we'll do some sight seeing. there is also rumor of camping on the beach....I love camping! So we teach this week, then we teach sunday monday next week, have two weeks of parent teacher interviews (as report cards are out at the end of the week...what fun report cards are when you're having parties all the time). Then, we take from thursday until the following monday off, have to work one day (mid week) on december 1st. Then we take the rest of the week and weekend off.
We teach two weeks (only two) and then there is christmas holiday. So, basically after this week it's all sunshine and roses until I see you all!

Life is good.

hugs and kisses, and we'll chat after eid break....also, i've been doing skype dates on Monday mornings, (Canada time), though I can change that around if it's helpful for others. let me know.

t

The weekend

2009-11-07T22:29:00.000-08:00

So, I've been hearing al sorts of horror stories about what is going on at home...rumors of snow, ice, storms, and sub zero temperatures have me being very thankful that I'm experiencing a year where those things aren't part of my daily life. I went for the 5th weekend in a row to the beach to chill and watch the pristine water, take naps in the sun, play with the fish that swim into our cove, and read. I am currently sporting darker skinned look that only is accomplishable when away from Canada. I do like it. The pasty pale "winter time" Talia will not be showing her face this year! Hurah! Maybe next year.

So, on Wednesday this week one of the families who lives in our building found two 11week old saluki puppies in a box while they were taking their own dog for a walk. Of course, their dog didn't like the puppies, and so, they needed a place to keep them, not to mention, they are a family of 4 in a suite the same size as the one Alicia and I share, so space was an issue. So, after the family took them to the vet to make sure they weren't carrying some crazy diseases, and getting them their puupy shots, they found a very nice family for both pups in another emirate (Ras Al Kamer). So, for the remainder of the weekend, the wee babes needed a home, which Alicia and I were more than happy to provide. They were so soft and small and adorable, I had a hard time not asking to keep one. But, when you think of the fact that you'd have to pay for them to have shots, and you'd have to get them vet checked here, plus get permission to take them into Canada, and have them vet checked there, and then quarentined, and then there are licences and all sorts of things, it seemed like an effort that wasn't worth it. Also, they wined for a goo chunk of the evening, and though we did get several hours of sleep, the little things woudl wake up hungry at around 5 am. Now, I get up at 5am on weekdays, but weekends, that's just not ok. then, there was the pee on the floor. There was plenty of it. All the time...and our tiles are tan coloured, so you don't even always see it...i had to wash a pair of socks, and pajama bottoms, plus, the bottoms of my feet a couple of times. So, all in all, I've learned that a puppy is as much work as a baby (maybe not quite) and I'm in no place to have one...though, when I get home and settle in a bit....

This weekend one of our collegues held a wine and cheese party, and included a scavenger hunt where there was a secret message on the table that included mostly blank spaces. You had to secretly saunter around the room and find hidden clues (but it's all very secret). Each clue is a riddle which must be solved and then it will be the answer to one of the blanks. I am happy to say that I found all of the clues, but Steve Stahl found 8 of the 9 (but was able to solve the puzzle) and won before I had a chance to follow through. So, I sort of won, but only in theory. Anyway, it was really a good time, which was followed by eating heaps of new cheeses and then dancing and singing along with U tube videos. Good nite! I also learned that I am not very sneaky...and I feel as though I should not take up a career in espionage as several times I would go for a clue, and someone else would find that same clue directly behind me...so, I'll cancel that off of my possible career paths box.

Apart from the puppies, and the beach, and the party, not a lot happened this week. Still have an upcoming party on friday for pashminas and jewlery, and, my class is taking their first field trip on Tuesday which may or may not be a complete disaster, but, it should be an adventure regardless.

I'm fairly sold on the fact that though it makes a great deal of sense for me to stay, I'm going to try and either teach in Alberta next year, or get a different job. I know that this coming summer will be out, but I still really want to try and get a job on a fire tower! We shall see where to Lord leads.

also, for those who are concerned, I have not seen the dogs since that one day last week...I hope someone hit all 9 of them with their car! but chances are, they'll be back.

Thank you as well to those who have sent me recipes, I've been trying to get back some of the good ol' home cooking. Debbie, can you send me the one for lazy cabbage roles?

love you all.

Talia

two teaching months down...8 to go

2009-11-03T19:48:00.000-08:00

It's November now. Man, time flies...but then, I feel like I've been here for a really long time, so perhaps time keeps an even pace after all. Anyway, since the last time I wrote, I had a really good week at school, the kids are starting to finally figure out the reward systems, and that they work, and are behaving much better. I suppose it took them a little while because of the inconsistency with Ramadan, days off, new students, and other things. We are on the right track now though, for last week and for this one as well. Hurrah! I can thank all of the many lectures on classroom management I guess, or, the creativity given to me by my parents, but whomever is to be thanked, it's making my life a lot easier. Things are still frustrating in a lot of ways, I'm still working on getting basic resources to fulfill my teaching needs, and this week I almost had to argue with my principal, which would have been ridiculous, over payment for my support class, however, thankfully that has all been worked out. Whatever, overall, it's been a good year, and it's certainly still a great place to teach for a first year. I have a lot of support from other teachers, and I'm feeling accepted by all. We had a huge party on the 30th to celebrate the birth of one of our staff's wife's new grand daughters. It was really fun, and we had an impromptu danceathon, and I made popcorn balls, which went over really well. This Friday there is a wine and cheese evening to attend, and next Friday, which coincidentally is the 13th, Alicia and I are hosting a party, much like a Tupperware, or Mary Kay party, but instead it's all hand made bedding, beautiful jewelry, and pashmina scarves in every colour under the sun. I'm planning to make some healthy cookies, and my mom sent me a chicken recipe that I'm craving, so I'll whip that up and make it into finger food somehow. Really, I'm excited, and keeping busy, while still trying to save my money.

Money though is ultimately going to make me go crazy. There just is never enough is there? I either don't' do anything, or go anywhere, and not eat, OR, I spend money and can't pay it all back, PLUS, as long as the Canadian dollar is doing better, than my money here doesn't go as far to the debt. I converted an entire budget on a 3 to 1 ratio...and it's really closer to 3.5 to 1, which changes the number a great deal. Alas. But I know I”m preaching to the choir on this one, and I'm not the first to realize what a sacrifice it is to pay off debt...once I'm out of this, I think I'll never take debt again if I can help it. Screw a mortgage and car payments. I'll save till I've got it. (aren't I the idealist?)

Anyway. I'm still going running. I plan to take some video footage of my route, just so you can all see how terribly boring it is. Desert, desert and more desert. Though, for over a month now there have been reports from other runners (almost my whole building does some type of walking or running, but we're the only house in the entire neighbourhood that does :) ) that there has been a large pack of wild dogs running around. Of course, normally the size of the dogs and how scrawny they are would not be an issue, but when there are nine hungry dogs, and it's dark, and all you have to run to is the desert, it's a little frightening...what if they turned on you one day? So, every time I go running, whether 5am or in the evening, I bring a can of Raid with me. I know it's stupid and it might not do very much, but it is more for a mental piece of mind. So, for the last couple of weeks that I'd finally begun running again, I haven't seen the dogs. And then yesterday morning, the first day I forgot my raid, is the day I see them. There are about nine, and they're skinny, and lanky, like small grey hounds. They did not attack, but a couple of them followed me for a while, I stopped running so I didn't look like a fun game, and eventually they left me alone. But, now, I'm very careful to bring along the raid...if the spray doesn't scare them, then I can whack them with the metal can!

The other evening, I got a call from my old friend Vik, who I had met at our little hero's pub when we lived back at the Crystal hotel. Vik had purchased tickets to the F1 races, which were about 600 Canadian dollars, so there was no way I was going. The tickets to the races were accompanied by some really good concerts, namely Kings of Leon, and Aerosmith, and, Beyonce. He called and said, “if you can get to Yas Island by 6 (it was 5 when I got this call), then you can have a free ticket!” Well, that was exciting. So, I ran to the nearest traffic circle to grab a cab. Now, you have to realize that I live out in the middle of the desert, and we often don't get cab's coming around. I waited about 15 minutes and saw two pass by, but they were both full. So, finally a third comes. It pulls over and I say in my “Arabic-English”, “YAS ISLAND” and he said “what?” so I said “Yas Island” and he had no idea. The thing is that Yas Island is just opened up for the F1, so not all of the taxi's know it yet, even though there is an enormous amount of advertisement on all of the roads. But, lucky (I think) for me, a second empty cab pulled up just then, and he said he knew where the island was, so I got in. The problem was, that he was lying. He got lost right away, in the first two minutes and had to ask for directions before turning around. The thing is to turn around, you have to drive to the nearest round about and do a full loop. Then, he had to get petrol...and after work is the absolute busiest time. (So, remember that I have one hour to make it, and I've taken at least a half hour to get a taxi, and get lost.) So, we're getting petrol, which takes another fifteen minutes. What's worse is that he tried to keep the meter running, so I made him turn it off and start fresh. He was a tool. So, after the gas up, we drove about ten more minutes in the wrong direction, and then he pulled over once more to speak to another cabby. This guy though wanted to chat, so still another five minutes go by for the two cab drivers to catch up...how fabulous. So, we're driving the right direction finally, but I'm already ten minutes late, and then we get onto the island which has the most crowded streets I've seen since I've been here, probably only because of the concert. The taxi driver was not impressed with the wait, and Iwas not impressed with the idea that I would have to pay him for the wait, so, I rolled down my window and got the attention of the car beside me, waiting in the same line up of cars. The car was full of three philippeno women. I asked them if they were going to Beyonce, and they said “yes” and then I asked if they had room for a fourth because my cab driver was being impatient, and they said “yes” again! So, I got out of my taxi, chucked the guy some undeserved money (though, he does need it more than I do regardless) and got in with the ladies. Apparently they were from Dubai and were just here for the concert, and had received tickets from their boss. We had a good chat, for the last half hour which was entirely spent in traffic jams. Eventually we parked and went out separate ways, I met up with Vik who had my ticket, and we waited for the concert to begin.

It ended up being a really great show. I honestly am not that good at knowing things abotu pop culture and some of the songs she sang her older songs especially, I didn't know she actually sang. It was really great. A lot of bumping and grinding and sex at the beginning, which I think for this country was incredibly scandalous, however, things tamed up for the second half, and I enjoyed every moment of the show. I wish there were seats though. For such a brand new venue where they're planning to have tons of concerts and things, they made this enormous stadium, standing room only, and what's worse is you're standing on pebbles! On top of that, they didn't have anywhere to buy food, so if you were planning to eat, you had better have brought something. But, that's how things work in this country, they're a little behind the times in some ways, and way way far ahead in others.

This week, nothing big and exciting has happened. I did end up buying some runners, but it killed me to spend the money. My knees had better thank me. I also bought some nice work sandals for the same reason. I don't want to damage my legs for good because I'm too cheap. I thought I'd put at least an effort in.

For those who are still wondering. I will be in Edmonton from the 19th of December until the 6th or 7th of January. I will have family Christmas, and a few days in panorama (fingers crossed), and I've been booked for a wedding, as well as to help make some wedding invitations. Otherwise, I'm free. You will need to facebook me though, as I won't have a cell phone. I'll try and check it everyday.

Love you lots. Kisses and hugs, and I'll let you know how our party goes!

Oh you know...

2009-10-26T04:21:00.003-07:00

So, things here are alright. I am fully into routine, starting to miss home every once in a while, particular people especially...you probably know who you are!

Anyway, I've been trying to get out and do things around the city. Up until the 17th there was the film festival, which was super cool, and then this past weekend was the grand opening of the Cornishe (which is the entire beach side of the island). It had been under construction for a long time and now was finally open, meaning we can finally enjoy another beach, not that ours isn't awesome, but this one includes showers, lounge chairs, cols stone creamery, and several other food and beverage estabilshments, as well as a tented lounge, really modern looking, and it's all right on the beach. So, for the grand opening, and also a promotion for the upcoming F1 races, there were some movies on the beach. They played Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and each evening they played two features. the first was always a family film, and the second slightly more racey. They played taledega nights for one of them, which I missed. I did get to watch Chitty Chitty bang bang one of the nights though, which was awesome. My toes were burried under the sand and I listened to the fabulous waves rolling onto the shore, and then there was the fact that you were part of a big community, and all watching the same movie, having the same romantic experience...wonderful. it was simply wonderful.

next weekend I'm looking forward to the free concerts on the beach...one of whom is Bob Marley's band! ha ha, and timberland is coming too, which is AWESOME! (that's sarcasm, but, it might be fun) There is also the HUGE F1 races coming, and they have awesome concerts for that, of course, only ticket holders can go to the concerts, and they cost like a third of my salary...so that's not gonna happen. However, I think a friend may give me tickets to jemiriquoi, or kings of Leon...but he's said "not a chance" to beyonce and Aerosmith. Worst case though, we can try and sneak around the area and catch the concert from a nearby hill? Perhaps, we shall see. Regardless, I'm loving all of the free stuff that goes on around here.

I am back into running, a little...still worried about my knee, but I've been using my keds instead of my other shoes and my jsut bite the bullet and get some come pay day. I hate spending money on clothes though. URG.

Some of you know and some of you don't know that I'll be coming home for Christmas. I'll be arriving in Calgary on the 17th, hanging with my dear friend Melissa for a few days, then she'll take me home. I plan to see as many people as possible, and I'm truly excited about the trip. 10 months is a long time. Too long as the case has proven to be. however, there is a season for everything.

This coming weekend we also have fall festival (of course it's not halloween) where the kids can dress up and have fun and games, and get candy...funny how it's so different. Anyway, the kids are truly excited. i picked up a few treats too from the grocery store and we'll be having a bit of a candy hunt on Thursday, which I know they'll be thrilled about. I now have 15 kids, I had a few weeks where I would get a new student every single week. Thankfully, we seem to have stabalized for a while, and I am enjoying my class. I still dont' think teaching is the thing for me in the long term, I'm still pretty much a humanitarian. But we shall see where the good Lord takes me. I know it'll be somewhere fabulous.

Apart from doing the free stuff, I don't do a lot. We do pilates after school now every day, and Alicia and I have been watching a ton of series shows. In particular, GLEE! Which is my new favorite show, and perhaps is the show that I've like the most out of any in my life. It's hillarious and wonderful and reminds me completely of my high school days. because I'm lame, and I don't do a lot, except for devo's, and reading (which I've been doing a lot of as well) and running, I basically sleep and eat. I can't work on my business, I can't spend any money, so, i chill...but its' a good thing. i've not had a chill year or even week for a while (backpacking doesnt' count) and so this is very fun. I love having full weekends, and enjoying going to bed at 9 if I want. For now, this is the life I guess.

Chat soon.

T

Happy Thanksgiving all!!!

2009-10-13T03:22:00.000-07:00

Greetings all and Happy Thanksgiving!

It’s a bit of a bummer to know that you’re all feasting on fabulous dinners and desserts, while I’m eating rice cakes and lettuce, but, last night, I did get to go to a really fancy Thanksgiving day function put on by the Canadian Club, and the Canadian Business Council here in Abu Dhabi. Basically they are really fancy clubs with really fancy people, and so the event was, as expected, really really fancy. We all got dressed up (I left most of my dresses at home, so I was not looking as fabulous as I should have), and we schmoozed. We enjoyed wine, champagne, juice, and various pop’s in the hallways as we waited for the doors to open. Served by waiters with cloths draped over their arms. Suave. Then, when we got in, the ballroom looked wonderful. The layout of food was divine. So, first they sang O Canada…as it should be. Next, we were all given a speal about the rich and famous people of the council, and we were all thinking “common already, get to the food!” Thirdly, we ate. And boy did we eat! There were about 500 of us Canadians all eating Turkey (which they had to bring in from somewhere as they don’t really have Turkey here…) and stuffing (weird though, shaped like a hockey puck (totally traditional), and then a ton of salads, and the mashed potatoes were fabulous…
The best part of this short and uneventful story though is the pie. There was pecan pie, lemon mirangue, and pumpkin, as well as some tart dessert, and then some rich and fluffy chocolate mousse in shot glasses (which is clearly the best and maybe only way to eat chocolate mousse). Anyway, here’s the verdict…because I did try some of almost everything…like a wee small piggy. The pecan pie was decent, but more pecans than pie, which made for a crunchy event. The lemon pie was actually the best in the pie category, not being as white and fluffy on top as ours, but certainly had the best flavor and was the most like home. The third runner up for the evening, in pie division, was the pumpkin. Fairly disappointing. It was only about 2 or 3 cm thick, and was very dark, like a huge pumpkin tart all cut into pieces instead of a delicious and full pie, and there was no whipping cream. I know. It’s terrible. Anyway, I never ended up tasting the little fruity tart, but was told that it was excellent, and perhaps I should have forwent the pecan for some… oops. And last but certainly not least, was the mousse. By this time I was so full that I could have burst! But, I had to sample the mousse, which is becoming one of my favorite treats. It was very nice. No complaints, and better than one from a Dr. oetker box. I do have to say, that after all of the sampling, the best dessert of the evening, was the marshmallow. It was a garnish on the pumpkin pie which I stole, and it was the best thing!!! So sweet and full of refined sugar!! I’ve not seen one here yet, as they are hidden away in the secret “pork room” at only one of the grocery stores in the city because of their gelatinous content. It’s all very strange.

Anyway, I’m sure your food was better than mine, but let me tell you, mine cost more!!! I’m glad the school bought us tickets.

So, what else is new? Alicia and I went to the only young adults event at our new church. It was really nice. The young adults actually vary from about 20 to 40sih, and is led by a couple of missionaries who are in their early 60s’, which creates a really neat dynamic. The group is made up of a whole bunch of ethnicities, though there weren’t any other Canadians but us that day, quite a few Americans though. It was really nice. The hosts cook dinner in their home (for all 25 people), and then we have a bible study after. Truly enjoyable, but driving there is tricky, and because it’s on a weekend evening and we car share with so many, we might not be able to be regular attendees. We shall see.

Our new routine though for Friday is to go to church in the morning, grab a quick lunch at a mall food court, and then go to the beach for several hours in the afternoon. I have to say that living half hour from a warm beach, and lying in the sand with a book, are better ways to spend October than those you are trying up in Canada. Someone said that in Edmonton right now there are like 5cm of snow?!!! Ridiculous! So far, the best thing about this country is the “no winter” factor.

Otherwise, things are starting to rub me the wrong way here. Number one, I’m sick again. Yes, two weeks ago I was sick, and then I got better and slept a lot last week, and this week I’m sick again. I’m getting puffy, and stuffy, my throat is raw (that’s the source this time around). I’ll wait out the week and rest... I hope it goes away without med’s though. I really hate this whole “new bugs” thing. My body can’t handle it. Maybe November will be sick free because I’ve been sick twice this month. Anyway, I wake up every morning right now sounding like the oldest and wisest of men.

Also, I’m getting a wee tiny bit fed up with the school itself. Plenty of things were promised to us during interviews that haven’t come to pass, but also, they are restricting our materials to the point of hindering our jobs. In Kindy, we get 500 sheets of paper a month, but if you’re photocopying crafts, parent letters, writing paper, tracing letters, number sheets, activities for kids who are done early, not to mention the monthly calendar, and things to be shared between all 4 teachers, 500 is simply not enough. So that’s frustrating. And a few other things are frustrating along the same lines, however, I still really really like the people who work at the school. And the kids are great. I’ve met almost all of my parents now too, and I have some fantastic parents, and all of them are concerned about their children. Woo hoo! So, that’ll be helpful throughout the year.

We made turkey crafts to celebrate Thanksgiving!! They had to create patterns out of the feathers. Yellow and Red tissue paper. It was pretty much amazing.
The only other thing that I have to chat about is that this week they have the International film festival of Abu Dhabi going on. I saw a premier of “The Informant” with Matt Damon – and a surprisingly all star cast. The girl who plays his wife is a New Zealand actress who plays “Rose” on two and half men. I really like her work for the most part, and she came in person to represent the premier. Which, btw, was held in the palace, and was awesome! I also saw Oprah’s pick, which is a movie called “Precious” about a black girl who has just about the worst life you could ever fathom. In fact, it’s not even fathomable. But, it was based on reality, so there are people out there who live that way…I cried a lot in that one. The world is cruel. We also saw the first in a trilogy called Red Riding. The trilogy is basically three independent films, by three different directors, that are all about crime in England and corruption in the law enforcement. Ours was set in 1974, but there is a second set in 1980, and then one later…maybe early 90’s? I forget. It was also very well done, great sound, decent plot, but completely worthy of a film festival in that it was as disheartening and morbid as it could be. At the end it’s like you wanted to hate life. And there was no good guy. Very odd. On Saturday we will see Micheal Moores newest film, “Capitalism ___” I forget the title, but you can guess what it’s about, and the one sided spin that will be placed on the once ideals of Adam Smith. We could have seen the premier of that one too, but instead we picked the one in the regular theatre…why? I don’t know. My mistake though. Hopefully it’s good. I also wanted to see Food Inc. which is playing at the festival and I wanted to see for the whole summer, and it sold out before I could get tickets. Bummer. Anyway, it’ll be there too, and there is a new Disney/anime movie called “poncho” or “Ponyo” or something, that is supposed to be really great, but again, no bad or good guy, so it’s hard to call it a clear children’s film.

I feel all lucky to be a part of the culture here. There are some great concerts happening, for which I cannot afford tickets, the killers, and then the F1 races with Beyonce, Kings of Leon, Aerosmith, and someone else. Too bad, but I hear that there will be free concerts on the beach coming in November, and also, that the New York philharmonic will be coming and will offer some free shows too. There is always something cool going on in this city.

That, friends, wraps up the thanksgiving edition. I know it’s long, take it in strides.

As per usual, cheers, and I love you.

Talia

I'm feeling much better thank-you.

2009-10-06T04:23:00.000-07:00

Hello Blogger friends!

So, last week, when I was saying that I was coming down with something...well, it turns out that I had none other than the full on flu. Who knew? So, anyway, I felt just awful on the second day of school, Monday, and I couldn't even deal. Got through the day, and I feel like I went right to bed. Then, the next morning, we didn't have classes because it was parent teacher interviews, which I thought was going to be an easier day. And it was. Actually, all of my parents are really chill and down to earth. No one pelted me with questions that were unnecessary. A lot of potential things were looked at, and because it's so early in the year, I didn't have a lot in terms of assessment to work with, so, I had written some basic casual write-up's just so I didn't lose my train of thought. So, anyway, in the end, the day wasn't too bad, but I was sniffling, coughing, feverish, had the chills, and all I wanted to do was lay in bed and moan...but, I am a Kindergarten teacher...and the show must go on! So, I got through all of the parents for that day – which went until about 7:30 in the evening. Shortly after my last parent, I felt so ill, that I just laid down on my kiddy carpet for about an hour as everyone else was finishing up. Before I left, I had a moment of nausea, and I was dizzy, and I almost fell right over. I was sweating, and pale, and the vice principle saw me and basically told me not to come in the next day. I almost went to the hospital, but the usual one I go to is only open during day time hours. So, I just got home and went right to bed. Thankfully that night was the worst. I woke up feeling quite a bit better, and took the day to do to rest and go to the doctor. I did miss a few parent teacher interviews that day as well, and, what's more, is that I had to go to the embassy that afternoon but didn't end up making it. So, I am not sure when that will happen, but it'll have to eventually.

Anyway, aside from that crazy sick day, it wasn't all that bad, and now I'm feeling much better. I can't say I'm 100% yet, but I can say that I don't feel like I want to die anymore, which is nice.

I've been driving a wee bit more. I had thought that having a car would provide ultimate freedom, and it generally does, except that driving here makes me so nervous. I appreciate how I don't even think about driving when I'm home, and how easy it is when everyone follows the rules. I do not appreciate driving in this country, where no matter how common sense a rule really is, it isn't generally followed at all. Traffic circles are all over here because people are afraid of left hand turns (ha ha ha is all I have to say to that). Anyway, it's one thing to have a traffic circle where there are two lanes, and the outside lanes mean you take the first exit, and the inside lanes mean you take any other...well, here, the circles enter with three lanes, and exit with two. What do you think that means? And, there are people who frequently stop right in the middle of them to hang out on the side of the road, which is complete idiocy, and completely common. Speed here is relative. I feel like I'm going fast at 120...well, that's just baby steps compared to some, and for tickets, you just pay them all when you re register your car, so you have no way of knowing what you owe in the immediate. Cops never pull you over, and you can go at least 20 K over the speed limit without any penalty at all. As far as paying tickets. Something that might seem expensive to you or I, is piddly change for some of these guys, and so, it is good practice to look in your rear view mirror all the time. If you miss a couple of seconds, someone could be speeding up on your tail. And they get so very close to your rear, you might as well be dating.

Well, driving is certainly something that I'm working on, and every once in a while I get a burst of bravery and feel like I can go just a little further. I still have yet to drive directly in Abu Dhabi, let alone Dubai. But, I guess I'll have to eventually so that I don't miss out on doing cool stuff.

Caitlin, Steve, Alicia, and myself have started going to the only Evangelical church here. It's called ECC, and so far it's pretty cool. The people are really organized. We went to a new person luncheon, and they had packets of information ready for every new person. I'm guessing that there are new people every single Sunday, and a lot of turnover in ministry. There is a young adult group, but I'm nervous about going to it because I'd have to drive far into the middle of downtown in the dark. Perhaps I'll try getting there during the day sometime, and then soon enough I can make it there in the dark. Baby steps. Baby steps in deed. Anyway, I said I may like to volunteer with singing, and other areas, and there were people getting back to me within days. I'm really impressed with their organization, and with the way that they are focused on helping people get settled and fit in – to their church, and into Abu Dhabi. The church has a whole huge mix of people groups, and ethnicities which is awesome, and tons of the people there will greet you with “I would like to greet you today in the name of Christ my sister”. Which is nice. The song selection from worship is about a 20 year range. From as the deer to indescribable. They cover it all so no one feels left out, as everyone is coming from a different background. Most of the songs I know, but not all, but almost everything is fairly old to me. Minimum 5 years. They are really into small groups, and fellowship, and are also willing to try new things. This past Sunday they did a break up of the service where the pastor would give a point, then we'd sing a song, then another point, and another song, and so on. I thought it was good that they were breaking out of the conventional, even in that basic way. Regardless of my thoughts though, there is only one church that isn't Catholic or Anglican, and so, I will go to it. I'd really like to make it to young adults though.

I wish I could think of a funny story that happened today, but, alas, my students aren't always very funny. They're not really that type, which is strange that they ended up as my class. I do have two that are planning to get married when they grow up, and one who cannot, no matter what understand the concept of a question, and instead, when put on the spot, after holding up his hand forever, will proceed to tell me about how he has super powers. It's all very interesting. Another child often says the phrase “uh oh” which, when we see it, is truly hilarious, but you really have to be there. Another often mis phrases words. When you say to another child “you may read a book now”, this one will pipe in “yep, and even me!”. Which makes no sense at all. Anyway, mostly, we're just doing regular classroom stuff, though, I am attempting paper mache this week which is either a horrible idea, or a brilliant idea, and I will let you know of the progress.

So, that is all for this update. I hope you feel like you're here with me, and you didn't miss any of my fun adventure. As always I miss everyone dearly. Hoping to see you all soon.

Kisses and hugs.

Talia

2009-09-23T20:51:00.000-07:00

After Eid

2009-09-23T20:47:00.001-07:00

So, Eid came and went. It's a five day vacation. Huge, like Christmas for Muslims, and everyone gets gifts, and money and such. For me, though it was a relaxing five days. I watched an entire season of the True blood series from HBO...which is really a lot of vampire sex...terribly scandelous, but fun to fit it all into a day.

We had a dinner party, with stir fry, and a bunch of teachers came over and we all ate, and were merry, and Erin, a really nice grade five teacher from Westlock Alberta baked the most scrumptious chocolate cake, with the most delicious icing...couldn't be beat.

on the Sunday the grade 6 teacher, from Calgary AB, Cameron, took Alicia and I into Dubai and we had the grand tour. Seeing Aquariums, the world biggest mall (sorry West Ed, you've got to beat Dubai mall out, and build a third floor!), the indoor ski hill at the Mall of the Emirates, the Burge al Arab (which we could go inside because of the cost), and the burge dubai, which is the world's largest building...we saw the worlds highest dancing fountain, and the world largest indoor waterfall...what a day. Finishing everything off with a trip to the beach to walk in the "cool" water just after sunset. fabulous time.

i did get a little sick at the end. I'm fairly queasy right now too, I have to watch out though, because swine flu is such a big scare here, that if I tell people I'm sick, they'll practically quarentine me!

Plans for today include reading a book, and getting parent teacher conference things together. I feel like I am having way to easy of a time doing all of this. I wonder if it's supposed to be harder? Maybe I'm missing something? Anyway, I do have probably the greatest set up that a first year teacher could possibly imagine, and for that I'm truly greatful.

our home.

2009-09-23T03:42:00.000-07:00

This is a tour of our little house.

just before eid.

2009-09-22T20:48:00.000-07:00

Before Eid.\

So, now that we have a car, it's like life opened up! We no longer have to wait to go get groceries or go to a movie...though, the driving here is dangerous and you never know what's going to happen. So, defensive driving is the only way to go, and we haven't yet tried getting to a movie, but we may this week...as we have the whole thing off.Alicia and I had a dinner party yesterday, which turned into a sort of birthday party for myself, and for Steve Stahl (who shares my birthday) and his wife Caitlin, whose birthday is on the 22nd...all so close! And all three of us are the youngest ones here, and we've all been through schooling at SCA. How improbable. But it's nice to be around familiar people, and the stir fry was fantastic...and Erin, who is a native of Westlock AB, made a chocolate cake from scratch, with scratch icing, which was maybe the best thing around.Most of you should have my cell phone number now. It's country code 971, area code 050 and the number 1767597, so text me when you miss me!For this week, since we have a 5 day Eid (Eeed break), and we celebrate the end of Ramadan, FINALLY, we are just playing it chill. We may go into Dubai to some waterslides tomorrow if we can find the way, and we plan to watch movies on the tv...being that no satillite has been set up yet for us. Otherwise, just playing it chill.Nothing else though is new. Teaching, hanging out, building relationships, hearing funny stories, and living life. I hope the same for you, and I hope al is well.With lots of love, this instalment of talia's life is over.Peace.
Cheers.So, this is just a glance at my home. I quite like it. I hope you do to. When the internet works a little better, I think I'll add in the ones from Crystal Hotel, and I may make a movie of the city too!
So, now that we have a car, it's like life opened up! We no longer have to wait to go get groceries or go to a movie...though, the driving here is dangerous and you never know what's going to happen. So, defensive driving is the only way to go, and we haven't yet tried getting to a movie, but we may this week...as we have the whole thing off.Alicia and I had a dinner party yesterday, which turned into a sort of birthday party for myself, and for Steve Stahl (who shares my birthday) and his wife Caitlin, whose birthday is on the 22nd...all so close! And all three of us are the youngest ones here, and we've all been through schooling at SCA. How improbable. But it's nice to be around familiar people, and the stir fry was fantastic...and Erin, who is a native of Westlock AB, made a chocolate cake from scratch, with scratch icing, which was maybe the best thing around.
Most of you should have my cell phone number now. It's country code 971, area code 050 and the number 1767597, so text me when you miss me!For this week, since we have a 5 day Eid (Eeed break), and we celebrate the end of Ramadan, FINALLY, we are just playing it chill. We may go into Dubai to some waterslides tomorrow if we can find the way, and we plan to watch movies on the tv...being that no satillite has been set up yet for us. Otherwise, just playing it chill.
Nothing else though is new. Teaching, hanging out, building relationships, hearing funny stories, and living life. I hope the same for you, and I hope al is well.With lots of love, this instalment of talia's life is over.Peace.Cheers.

Two weeks in the desert and counting

2009-09-12T21:05:00.001-07:00

So, we've almost been in our new places a full two weeks...and I love them!! We don't have internet out there, and I certainly don't have a lot of time with the itnernet when I'm at school, so notes tend to be short and sweet. The desert is a fairly uneventful place overall. In fact, nothing happens at all...unless you make it happen. We all have lovely apartments. Alicia and I are sharing a two bedroom place. We've each got our very own large spacious room, and then we also have a bothroom, and share the kitchen and living space. The ceilings are quite high, and because neither of us have a lot of stuff, the house does seem rather empty...but in good news, it's also relatively easy to keep clean... You'll be happy to hear that Alicia calls me immaculate (for being clean) and I have made my bed every morning with the exception of yesterday and the day before...as they were the weekend, and I was a little depressed and lazy.

The things that we do here are limited without a vehicle. Mostly, we walk across a short patch of sand/desert around our complex and then cross a very dangerous highway, and make it to the otherside where there are stripmalls to greet us. The stripmalls always have an abundance of pigeon feathers...but no pigeons...strange...
They also have a couple of fabulous fruit and veggie markets, some bare minimum markets for water or toilet paper should the emergency arise, and a kick butt shisha and shwarmas. A shwarma is much like a kabob...with chicken, tahini, tomato, lettuce, and garlic, and french fries all wrapped up in a flat bread. It's pretty much amazing. But the real fun is in the drinks. They create these milkshake type things that are jsut the tastiest ever! Better than any I've ever had. My claim to fame was the creation of a drink, which I like to call "the fantastic" and it includes banana, and avacado mixed together, and add milk I think. Whatever they do, it's like heaven.

We have eaten out quite a few times, there is no shortage of really decent food to try. Indian food is readily available, as well as fast food. There is a huge population of diabetics here in the Emirates, because they feed their kids absolutely anything they want. This means that there si also a lot of sugar free food in most supermarkets. Nice for the dieters. There are quite a few wthin my group. Almost all of the teachers here are healthy eaters, and they al exercise. It's great.

I myself have found a great work out buddy. She is very kind, her name is Sarah, and we run at 5:30am, before the sun comes out, so it's not unbearably warm. If you wait until 6:30, the sun is up, and it's like running in a sauna. Or, like doing really active bikram yoga. The winter is already coming though, apparently we should have a full six months of to die for weather this year. Woot Woot! We tend to run often, perhaps out of boredom, but my knee is still giving me trouble, so I'm taking it easy when I can.

A group of 4 of us have all decided to go in together to get a car, which we pick up today. It's fairly exciting to be able to get out, and we have plans to go to the mall and such. Of course, malls are open only until two and then not until after 8 again. We are all very excited to see the end of Ramadan, it's pretty tricky to never be allowed to eat or drink in public, and things aren't open when it's convinient. Too bad. But, next week, it's break time!!! I mean, we've already put in three full weeks of work, we're clearly due for a week long break (at least in this country that's how it seems to be.)

The classroom is pretty great. I like my kids. All 12 of them. I'm still waiting for the last 5. Frustrating though because they'll clearly be behind, and we'll have to work hard at catching them up, and it'll take a week to get the old routine turned into the new routine. I also don't know if I'll be getting all 5 or not. No one knows. Most I'm assuming are being held at home either for swime flu, which is a big deal here, or for Ramadan, which is a bigger deal. Several of them are arabic, so my money is on Ramadan, so perhaps most will come the week after next.

There isn't much else. Mostly I've been spending time getting to know the staff, which is almost entirely from canada, but a good mix from coast to coast. Now that we're in the desert, hero's pub is out for options, so we've been meeting in different people's places to play games, have a bevy, or just hang out.

I'm having so much fun here, I'm trying to figure out if I want to make it more long term, and how that looks in the grand scheme of life, and business.

Anyway, I do miss you all, terribly. I want you all to come visit, come see me, and hopefully I can get set up on the internet again, because I'd love to skype date you all!!
Anyway, hugs, kisses, and the whole nine yards, and fingers crossed I get to share again soon!

T

Transitions

2009-08-31T12:21:00.000-07:00

So. I've had two days of school and tomorrow is my third. Staggered entry, so I've actually only met 8 of my 17 children. Some are pretty well on par, and some, are not. It's going to be an interesting year for my students. One of them is the tiniest 5 year old alive. Seriously. And, a couple of them are not ready for learning yet, and still only want to play, so we'll have to make fun lessons for them! Who knows.

Parents all seem really ok for now. Obviously, from now on, talk of parents and students alike will remain positive, as this is an internet website. But, from what I can tell, it'll actually be ok.

So, the first day of school was a little shaky. I knew what I was doing, but I didn't do it very well. I was one step behind on a lot of things, like washing hands before we ate, as opposed to after, and figuring out where the line up started. I wondered for a moment how I was to finish a whole ten month school year. It wasn't a disaster, but the group of children were less interested in the functions of the classroom as well. However, day two, the second group of students came in, and I was right on top of things, I said things well, I was a step ahead, and I feel like the routine was properly set out (now, just for the practicing of said routine). One student cried today. I felt kind of bad. But, it's not the worst thing that can happen after a whole summer at home with just mummy and he.

So, after work, it's nice to go home and take a short nap before the evening begins. It's so hot here that you almost need to nap to make it through, except that today, instead of napping, I was busy packing my bags...yes, tomorrow we are leaving this blessed hotel, and heading into the middle of the hot, sandy, empty desert, effectionatley known my locals as the "sand pit".

Some of the new apartments are singles, and others doubles. I'll be sharing with Alicia, who was in my teaching program, and I think we're both excited about being able to be comfortable with each other before we start sharing a home. We went to IKEA today to look for decorating ideas.

So, out in the "sand pit", we will have no internet...at least not for a while. We need a VISA to get it started, plus, weeks and weeks for them to actually get the work done. A few of us figure that we can "borrow" the wireless signals from the returning teachers, who have graciously agreed to the arrangement, though, we can't promise anything. Last year, the net wasn't set up until February! We do have some at the school, but it's not like you can do all of your catching up there. Short emails maybe. But nothing big.

Anyway, we also won't have addresses, and no access to buses, though, taxi's can be called. A few of us are on the lookout for a good car rental place here, with a good insurance policy (vital!). We'll all pitch in, so hopefully sooner than later we'll have wheels. Otherwise, we'll have to wait until someone wants to drive us into town to do anything fun. Within walking distance there is....desert. That's all. A ten minute drive brings you to a gas station. Sweet!!! At least there is a lot of room to run, so when the weather cools off, it'll be sweet.

Speaking of running, assuming my knee finally feels rested ( I've rested it, but every time I try and run, it get's tired really quickly, so it's not fully healed yet), some of the other girls and myself are joining a half marathon relay! So, I'll run 5 of the 20 or so K and then pass the baton to the next girl. I have no plan to win, but finish I shall! I'm excited about it. It should be in February or March I think.

Anyway, I just thought I'd let you all know I will try my best to be on, but no promises for a while. Cheers all. Love you dearly.

I'm feeling Hot Hot Hot!

2009-08-29T02:54:00.000-07:00

So, I am still living in the beautiful hotel. It's lovely. I can't even bare to think about leaving, though, I know for a fact that several of the units are ready, so we're all going to be leaving in the near future, and It'll be staggered entry I'm sure, so, fingers crossed I don't go first. Being out there basically means that I need to get a car, won't have internet set up in my place for months, and will not be within walking distance from anywhere....also, i'll have no address...so mail things to the school

p.s. school address is: p.o. box 3976, Abu Dhabi, UAE (note the lack of postal code...it's all good.)

So, part of being pampered is to be able to get decent food most of the time. So, with it being Ramadan right now, most food shops are closed, but some offer take out, until roughtly 7pm when the whole world begins rushing out places. So, at night, for what we call Iftar (breaking of the fast) often people go out to eat. Then, breakfast is free here, so that leaves lunch. Somtimes lunch is hard to come by. For the most part I have some fruit and nuts to get me through the day, but sometimes it's fun to have something different. What they do still have open, are delivery places. Great! So, one day, I decided to try it.
The first attempt was at a place called Hardee's...much like Carl's jr. in the states...in fact, they use the same logo. SO, I placed my order, and within half hour, they were at the hotel. Great. But, they had sent the wrong food. All the wrong food, and they didn't even ask me what I wanted to drink, because the assumption is made that I love pepsi, along with the rest of the world. Shoot. So, I ate a few bites of my mushroom/swiss burger (that was supposed to be bacon/cheese) and bascially gave up, dissipointed.
Second location to try...KFC! They deliver everywhere, so how could they possibly mess it up?
Well, let me tell you.
I made my order, and waited an hour. Then I phoned and asked where it was. They told me, it's on it's way, the driver has left....so I wait another hour. This time, I told them when I phoned, that they should just cancel the order because it had been too long. Ridiculous...and once again, they told me, the driver was coming. Once again I waited...I waited for another half hour. Then I called and yet again said, "just cancel it, it's no big deal". This time, the guy put me on hold and made a call to see where the stuff was...and, it turns out that it was miss ordered, so he told me he would tranfer the order, and then I'd have it in no more than ten minutes...and I told him to cancel it, and he told me it would come. Ha ha, they won't take no. So, then, I waited yet another half hour, and the food finally came. The order was almost all right, with a few changes, but I was fairly annoyed with the process...three hours?! That's a long time to wait for lunch. Apparently, that's just how it is here, and so I decided not to order delivery anymore. It's not worth it.

Other than that, I've not done very much this week except for get my room in order. I've sorted out my books, everything is clean and organized, I have work for my T.A. to do, and a plan for the first week. With it being Ramadan, we have to leave the classroom by 1:30 every day, so we won't have our afternoons to prep and plan for a couple more weeks. Hopefully I can stay ahead until then, and after then, I'll have a few hours every day to stay ahead! Hurrah! For all of you teachers, it seems that having many many preps is a theme in this school. It's a great place, and a great job! I am loving it so much here!

It's good to be an expat.

Anyway, school begins tomorrow, and I'm really excited to get it going. I'm also nervous, which I'm assuming is typical. But, ensh Allah (which is God Willing in Arabic), things will work out fine.

Eli told me to keep it shorter, so that's all you get for now. Questions? ask.

TR

p.s.

2009-08-23T03:35:00.001-07:00

The fact that nothing is ready, is solely because I'm in this country. The school is doing everything in their power, and it's truly a great school, and every teacher is in the same boat...just so you don't blame anyone for poor treatment. It's not anyone's fault....just a fact of life here.

Work....hard work

2009-08-23T03:27:00.000-07:00

So, my fairy tale has ended, I am now freaking out about the fact that I have three half days to make sure everything is prepped, and colourful, and set up for the first day of school, however, I do not have everything ready at all. I have no white board, no carpet, no hangers for my pocket charts, no where to print pictures or otherwise, my furniture isn't all here, my bins and cubby's aren't all here, my room isn't fully decorated, I'm out of sticky tac, I don't have enough math resources, and I'm basically freaking out! I don't even have a T.A. yet! So, I'm getting all of this ready, but not getting anything ready at the same time.

I've done some basic planning, but I've not done my prepping, yet because all of the KG teachers plan together, so I'm not sure yet what outcomes I will be starting with, and therefore, I don't know what units to pull together. It's all very nerve wracking. Last week, was chill because it was out of our control. This week it still is, but it's literally 3 half days, because we don't stay past 1 during Ramadan, and there isn't any session for teachers on Thursday. Eeek!

On a separate note, everything here at the hotel is grand. They said that sometime late this week 4 out of the 15 apartments will be ready. I'm hoping that mine are the last to be done. It's so great here, and all of my friends are here, and it's easy to get around...it'll be harder to go without a car once I'm in the boom docks.

On yet another separate note, I did want to let everyone know that I'm not an alcoholic. Apparently I wasn't clear on that point. I go to the pub, which is legal and made for mostly ex-pats, but I don't drink a ton. One drink, if that, and most often it's a coke. Incase you all had decided I was a bad seed or something. Ha ha, I just was told that it might not be clear...so, amended.

So, I hope to get some video clips up of my classroom and hotel room for you later in the week.

Otherwise, cheers.

One more thing...

2009-08-21T02:03:00.000-07:00

I forgot to let you all know that I got my bag back. The morning of Day 6 of being here. The night before, I phoned the place around midnight, and I was so annoyed at them. And they said they had my bag with them. So, they sent it out right then. I waited up until 2 in the morning, and it still hadn't come, so I went to bed and phoned front desk to tell them to bring it up in the morning if it comes.

Then, the next morning, with my wake up call, they said "we have a bag for you!" And, all was well with the world once again. Hurrah!

Hello High life!

2009-08-21T01:50:00.001-07:00

Well. It's day 6. Six days that have been incredible! I never have to clean up after myself. I get a lovely wake up call every morning. The worlds coziest bed on earth, with as many pillows as I can fit on the bed. I have a turn down service that puts my slippers right beside my bed, refills my water, and engages in pleasant conversation. I never need to worry about toilet paper running low, not to mention running out. I get shampoo and body wash replaced after every use. I have a free gym and swimming pool. I have two flat screen HD tv's and a collection of DVD's. I can play a CD in my room and the speakers carry into the bathroom, incase I am having a shower and am not finished with my music yet. I never vaccuum, dust, or clean a toilet. I am brought irons on demand, and they are taken away on demand. I get a paper at my door daily, and it's taken away when I don't need it anymore. We have a laundry service too. Just send if out, and it comes back folded or pressed, and smelling like I don't even do my own dishes! Can you beat this life? It's incredible!!! Lack of space perhaps, if you have two kids (like one of our teachers does)...but it's far to big for just little ol' me on my own.

Anyway, the set up here is pretty great. I'd be ok to stay for a long time. Just moments ago, the room service people brought me up a fresh fruit bowl because I'm a VIP! Me! Talia! A VIP! It's ridiculous! I hope they don't finish the units for a good month and a half or so. The only downside, other than storage space (as most of my things are in suitcases on the floor), is that we have to buy dinner every day. We can't cook healthy meals for ourselves, or buy veggies or fruit in bulk. Plus, it gets expensive. But, breakfast is free, so if you're smart, and you take some reserves, it'll last the day. But it's mostly pastry. If you take the fruit, you have to steal utensils and plates, and it's a big thing. ANyway, we're here for a quote of another two or three weeks, but, by the way things seem to be going with building, I'm going to try and get comfortable!

So, our dream 5 star hotel is about a fourty minute drive to the school. The hotel is directly down town, and the school is in a suburb called Khalifa A. The suburb is full of big school and business buildings, but they're all surrounded by dirt and desert. There is one small strip mall, near the school, and a few shops relatively close on the way back into Abu Dhabi, but for the most part, there isn't much out there to do...only work, and then leave. The area where they're bulilding our houses is in Khalifa B. Basically it's about twenty minutes South West of our school, and it's even more in the "middle of nowhere" than the school is. In fact, there is absloultely nothing out there except for dirt....dirt...and more dirt. Some companies, like our schools are building homes and such, but it's really not going to be a place to hang out, only sleep I expect. I guess the Khalifa A area will be the next hang out...within ten years it'll be completely developed, and everyone will want to be there. Everyone will want to live in Khalifa B...but, we're at the start of the change over, so, I'm probably gonna have to come back in ten years and see what happened to it.

The school itself is really nice. I like it alot. Some of the classrooms seem small, like they don't have enough room for all of their desks, let alone having a reading corner or storage space, but it's all good. My Kindergarten room is fabulous! It is separated into two sides. I have one for quite table work, pencils and pens, crafts, and tables, and one for fun play...like Carpet time, reading corner, play/imagination centers. It's lovely. Plus, I have bathrooms!!! And the bathrooms have windows in them, at adult hight so I can see if anyone is playing in there instead of doing their business! Ha ha. It's perfect. We have some supplies, but really not enough to do a whole year. I hear some stuff is coming, so let's cross our fingers. For now, I can get through the first and second month. There are whiteboards, desks, computers, and toys, and books all ordered, but being in an Arabic country, you learn that nothing happens when it's supposed to, and nothing comes in when it should. The houses should have been done in May, the white boards put up last Saturday, the desks in last week...nothing happens when it should. I'm hoping that things come in before school begins on the 30th, but who really knows?

I've been doing decorating in the classroom, and I moved all of my furniture around, so now it's all in a place that I like. It's neat and sorted too...and because I don't have much stuff, it looks really clean! Ha ha. We'll see how long that lasts I guess.

I wrecked my knee the other day whilst running on the tredmill, and I got to go to the doctor...which was so fun! It's quick and efficient. One other teacher, Ally, from pennsylvania came along as well. We took a taxi in, and apparently we were in the "rich people's hostpital" And, it was fantastic service. After a long wait, we got in. Ally went first, she popped her head back out within 5 minutes and said they'd sent her for some tests, which I thought was going to take forever, but I went in while she went to do that. Meeting the dr was hillarious! Everything he asked you was said in the most excited way, and when you answered him, you may as well have told him he'd one a trip to Diney land with his response!

"Miss Ritz, did you do this while running!

"Yes"

"Ah! Yes! Hmmm, and do you have a family history of any diseases?!

"Diabetes?"

"hooo Hooo! Yes! Ok....."

Basically, you can't tell how hillarious this was with the dialogue, but let me tell you...i've never been to a more enthusiastic doctor, and probably never will again. And, what's more, he sent me for x-rays, which I had taken and brought back to him within ten minutes! After looking at them I was given a perscription for pain and some ointment for the muscle, and he told me to get a knee brace...and then it was done! The pharmacy was done within a minute with my order...The only downside was that I had to pay upfront. Too bad I guess because I don't have a lot of Durhams. Normally I guess health care covers it, but I don't have my card yet, so for now I'll have to wait to get reimbursed.

Looking for my knee brace was fun too. I couldn't find a size that fit in the price range that I wanted, and they showed me every product in the store, and tried to get me to buy it, even though it didn't fit, and they could see that. It would be a small, and I'd try it on, and it wouldn't fit, and then they'd bring me another small!!! The same one!! And it still wouldn't fit... funny. I finally did find one, but, man, they wanted that sale! Ha ha.

The malls here are sweet...as are most of the builidings. They are mostly standard with regular stores, the rich malls have stores like Banana republic, and the poorer malls have tacky barter shops...there is a huge range. Prices on clothing is compareable, if not a bit higher, but prices on food is comparable but a bit lower. There is a store here called Lu lu's, which is like Wal-Mart. It carries everything. In fact, the Lu lu's that we went to was in the basement of the Al Wahad mall, and it took up the entire floor! Like a super wal mart I guess. Almost to big for my tastes, but it's one of the only places to get some of the American things. There is also a grocery/multipurpose store called Spinny's, but it's expensive. However, I'll go there to get specialty items if I need them....but I know me. I won't need them. I'm too cheap. Ha ha.

Some of the buildings look like spaceships. one new tower that they're building is leaning completely. But they're the way their building it. Very strange, and also, super cool. Construction workers here are almost all Egyption or East indian. And they never wear hard hats, vests, harnesses, goggles, or work boots. They hang off of the 18th floor of new buildings, grabbing on to only the rebar hanging out the side, and do some work with the other hand! They are all gonna die!!! Or at least they have a death wish! Strange mentality for workers at home, who live in saftey town and get sent home if they don't have their boots or choose not to wear work glasses. It's amusing, but I am worried everytime I watch them.

Other than looking around at buildings and going to the mall, I also have a favorite night time hang out. Ten minutes away there is the Crown Plaza hotel, and underneath them is a pub called Hero's. It's fantastic. Like a cozy pub at home. Joy and I go often...in fact, they know our orders. She walks in and they say "good evening mam...stella?" And Joy justs laughs, and nods as we are brought to our table. I of course order a Malibu with pineapple juice, or a diet coke depending on the evening. There was a quiz night there, where we met some other expats who we now hang out with as well. They are all men, all in their late twenties to early thirties, and evey one met at Hero's and works at different jobs. It's an interesting mix. Some of them work in accounting, some with HR, some with financial planning, and some with contract negotiations...and then the teachers! I guess everyone knew we were teachers after finding out we were from Canada without asking what we did because almost all of the Canadians here are teachers. I for one and not sure about that, but it's funny anyway that they guessed so quickly.

The hero's pub is one of the only places to drink in public. Most of them are in the basements of hotels. Otherwise, there are a few night clubs around, and some alcohol stores as well. Most of the alcohol purchased has to be bought with a licence, which none of us have, but there is a store in the basement of a hotel on the road from Khalifa to Abu Dhabi that sells it without a licence, so, everyone did a stop there and stocked up on some things. I plan to get some when I get paid, and after Ramadan. I seem to have missed the boat for this time. Our new friends names are Vic, Lance (long A), Sandy, Nathan, and Chris. Funny guys. All from somewhere in Britian. I think one is Scottish, and one is from Whales, the others might be from London. I think our group and their group will bond. They're good fun.

In fact, last night, we all went to a fancy place called Shangi-la. We met some of their other girl friends, there, and another guy who is married to one of the girls...I think they're names are Adam, Kaitlyn, and Tamera. Really nice people for sure. So, we dressed up, put on heels, and went out. The Shangri-la is a district with many fancy hotels in it. Each hotel has different stuff in it, like restaurants, night clubs, and more. Out the back, there is the most crazy fabulous view, and it's right on the water which is lovely. You can see the grand mosque all lit up...hey, side note, small piece of trivia...the largest piece of carpet in the world is located on the floor of the grand mosque, Abu Dhabi. Nice. Anyway, we went in to the restaurant in this place, and first of all, it's super swaky. People walk around all the time with bottles of Wine for you to taste, and then they'll pour you some if it's up to your standard. People pull out chairs for you, and set your napkin on your lap. The food...oh the food! It's a buffet. When you walk into the area, it's as if magic has happened. They have raw meat and sea food and you choose what you'd like and how you'd like it, and they cook it for you. Roast, steak, chicken. They have indian food, asian food, pizza, salads, sauces, all types of potatoes. It was amazing! And one step up from any buffet i'd been to previous. Then, the desserts which are right in the middle. They make fresh Crepes, and put lovely ice cream in side them...they have chocolate fountains in dark, milk, and white chocolate. You can dip whatever you'd imagine into them. Dainty cakes, and pastry's, layerd things in shot glasses. Ah! I ordered my Malibu and pineapple juice for my drink, and the people brought me a shot of malibu in a glass, pineapple juice in a tiny jug on the side, and ice cubes with a serving spoon so I could make my own cocktail as strong as I would have liked it...amazing! It cost about 100 bucks for the night though, which I did not anticipate when we were invited, so now i'm back to strict budget for the rest of the week. We do get paid though on the 1st for a couple weeks of work, so I'm sure things will be just fine.

What else? Hmmm, I don't even know. Today is Friday, and right out my window there is a loud speaker shouting out the sermon for the day. People are in the mosque getting the sermon in person, but for whatever reason, it's important to broadcast it to the world as well....I hope it doesn't go on forever, but I'm planning for about 4 hours of it. Ha ha, I'll have to turn my movie way way up!

Tomorrow is the start of Ramadan. The whole city is gearing up for it. Grocery shopping, and getting everything ready. Tonight, everyone will eat a huge meal for the kick off, around 4 in the morning before the sun comes up. Then, tomorrow, all of the places where you can eat food will have heavy curtains put up. No one can see inside. Also, if I eat, drink, chew gum, sing, dance, or put on lip chap, I could get in trouble with the police. I have to dress way modestly. Not in a berka per say, but long sleaves., high necklines, and zero shorts or tanks. No big deal, except that it is 45-50 degree's outside. The humidity is what does it though. It's kind of gross how wet you feel at any given moment while outside. But it's not a big deal in the heat, everything is air conditioned, and you're almost always inside. I doubt if I'll get a tan for a long while, and I will feel more cold than hot most of the time. The air con is usually freezing!

Stores will be closed all day until about 7. If I want food or anything else, I have to buy it late. That is ok with me, except that all of the Muslims go out at 7 as well to party with their friends, because restaurants all open as well, and so unforunately, taxi's will be hard to get, so I might not get to go out very often at all. We shall see. I'm sure I'll be fine.

School's here, locally won't even open until After Ramadan, which ends on the 17th. Our school, being international will, but we only work half days! Ha ha, this job is great! Also, Ramadan ends on the 17th, and that evening, and into the next day there will be big parties! I figure, I'll just join in and party with them for my birthday. Actually, we've decided to book a boat for my birthday, eat dinner on it down the river and then it takes you to a sweet man made island where they have some cool stuff to do and see. Some of my closer teacher friends will come, and it should be a fun night.

I believe I have left you with enough to think about. Ha ha, Please, have a super few days and we'll catch you again later!

Cheers. Talia.

Teacher Talia goes to school

2009-08-15T22:24:00.000-07:00

Well. At noon on Friday August 14th, I flew out of YEG, feeling not quite ready for my next adventure, but knowing that it was imminent regardless of how I felt.

My good friend from school, Alicia Gross, and myself, first had to start by paying tons of extra baggage...my totaly cost coming to 325.00. Ouch! But, what can you do when you need to take school books, clothes for a year and other essentials? So, we paid, bit the bullet, and flew away with Candian Airlines.

our first stop, in Montreal, was quite smooth. That flight, 4.5 hours was a good starter to the day.

Secondly, we did another 7 hours on a flight, and wound up in London Hethrow. That flight was fairly comfortable in size (we even got seats with extra leg room), but it was freezing. Plus, it was only like 5 or 6 in the evening for us, but with the time changing, it ended up being an overnight flight, so it was mostly dark. My tv broke. Man....

Finally, after running around Hethrow to get finial boarding passes and be sure everything was connecting, we made it on to our last 7 hour flight. Now, it was more like 4 in morning for us...so on this flight, even though it was "daytime", I popped some graval and slept it through.

Then, we arrived in Abu Dhabi....the airport is amazing! I have no way to describe it, other than there is a tiled vortex (decorative) in the middle of the room... yep. I know, that makes no sense. But it was awsome.

We had to go through passport control. We were worried about telling them we had or didn't have work visa's but, they didnt' even ask, and just sent us through. Then, we found out some bad news. Alicia and I had both lost one bag. We had two, lost one. Unfortunately the one we lost was full of useful items. The ones we had were mostly teacher stuff. Lame. Regardless, they'll be dropped off sometime today I'm sure.

So, after about another hour in the airport, getting things settled, we made it out into the open, where we met Micheline, our contact....a very very kind lady who is taking care of us, and about 5 other teachers. One whom I feel is a kindred spirit. Her name fittingly enough, is Joy. And, four others who seem really cool. 4 out of the 7 of us are K or JK teachers, Alicia is grade 1, One of the girls Gr. 4/5 split, and Joy, my friend, is a 7/8/9! So, clearly, the population of the school is very very young.

As was predicted by several people. our housing complexes are not finished. So, we took a van to down town Abu Dhabi (the school and houses are way out by the airport), and ended up chacking into the Cristal Hotel. Of course, the school is paying. I expected we'd be in normal rooms sharing, trying to make all 6 suitcases and 4 carryon's between the two fit...however, I was wrong. WE have huge suites. When we came in, there were cakes, candies, fruit bowls, and sandwhiches waiting for us. and letter that was personalized. We got tour books as well which was nice. The sitting room in huge, includes a desk and beautiful fla screen HD tv, and some lovely couches. That's where the food is. Around the corner is the bed room. A lovely King sized bed was waiting for me, another flat screen, and like 100 pillows!

In the hallway there are slippers, bath robes, and the usual. And the bathroom, has a beday!!! I don't know how that should be spelt...i'm not rich enough yet to need to know that stuff, but there is one in my bathroom, right beside the toilet. And a bowl sink...which I love.

I feel very well taken care of, though, part of me woudl like to unpack at my place so I can organize my life.

By the time we got all settled, it was after ten Abu Dhabi time. So, basically I went to bed after running around in a bathrobe, and eating some free fruit! Today we have a free day, so I'll try and get a cell phone, and maybe some food. Alicia, being celiac, needs to find food today for sure,as she won't be able to eat most hotel food.

So, that's it for now. Tomorrow, we see the school for the first time. Not that I'm here, I feel totally at ease. I know I'm still missing out on things at home, but ultimately, I'm excited to be here, and I know that I'll make the best of my time here as well.

I'll be keeping this blog I'm guessing every couple of weeks, so feel free to stop in and see what is going on. I look forward to hearing from you all as well.

Talia

Forgive me.

2009-08-15T22:21:00.001-07:00

After being home for a week, I never did go back and finish up the information from my last trip.

As a summary...Tel Aviv was sweet. A ton of beaches, and certainly more modern. It was a different atmosphere, but one that we all enjoyed. And, spending three days on the beach was a perfect way to end the trip before revisiting reality.

The flight home worked out for Bethany and I, but bradley ended up on a later flight (much like the first flight we had from edmonton at the beginning, however, thsi time, we couldn't change it.)
Luckliy for him, as he sat sadly in the Chicago airport, knowing that we were home, and he was not, Tash came up...she ended up being on his flight. Hurrah!

So, that concludes the story of Adventure 09'. It was good...but after, I was so very thankful to be living in Canada, and I knew I wouldn't be ready to leave for a good long time...too bad I didn't have a long time.

Thanks for tuning in.

Next entry, teacher talia goes to school.

Ol' Jerusalem Town

2009-06-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

Ao, I feel once again behind in this whole blogging game. Especially because only mooments ago I was writing the finishing touches, and then one touch of the wrong button, lost the whole stinkin' thing...so once again, I will begin. However, I do have to fit 5 days in, so I will try and keep it to the point...as much as someone who tends to ramble can do.

After arriving in Israel, and finally meeting Ellen, and sleeping a night, we were feeling pretty much rested and well enough to see the sights of Israel. Ellen, her husband Fadi, his parents, and his brother and sister in law plus their two kids all live in One house in Beit Jala, Palestine (one road away from Bethlehem). It seems like a rather full house, and with Fadi's other brother and sister-in-law coming over often, they might as well be counted as living here too...so, actually, adding three new members to the family was almost not noticed, except that we don't speak Arabic, so, we don't tend to join in the conversation a lot.

The morning that we woke up, as soon as we stepped into the kitched, we were greeted by a table, full of the most delicious looking largest breakfast I'd ever seen. I remember when my mom used to host continentals and she'd pull out all the stops for breakfast too, like bagles AND toast AND cereal, and eggs of course, and other things, like meat and cheese and fruit. This was much the same idea. A huge amount of food all laid out so the guests had their choice, however, unlike at home where the expectation is to take a few things that you like, the expectation here was that you take soem of everything. And you'd better. So, we tried flat bread with about a thousand different types of cheese topping, a couple that you dip into oil and then dip into this mixture of basil and sesame seeds, and then there was the apricot jam. MMMMMmmmm! I don't know how to describe it. Here in Beit Jala, they produce a very specific type of Apricot, whose name I forget (something majestic or mystical I think), and you can only find them here, in this little city. They are amazing. I have to say, I've eaten about a kilo all on my own, and I could eat them exclusively for a good long time before I got tired of them. They are so very sweet and full of flavour. And every morning, we get to have jam, made from these heavely fruits!

After we ate our fill (and by fill I mean, we ate more at breakfast than we had been eating in a whole day for the last two weeks), we were going to go to the beach. Ellen had mentioned that we'd be going, and that the family was going to come, so naturally we pictured the 11 in the house, plus the other brother and his wife, making the total 13 people with us included. A big group, but you know, whatever.....well, this is not the way that Arabic families work I guess. It seems that by "that family is coming" we were bringing a whole lot more people than just those in the house...in fact, on our hour and a bit long drive, we constantly would pull over and stop at a meeting point while an additional car would add itself to the train. By the end, our caravan was six or seven cars large, and we had more than 30 people coming to the beach. I thought it was so funny how I had misjudged the situation, but I was more than happy to meet all of the people that came. They were so very friendly, and, above all, hospitable. Throughout the day, they woudl introduce themselves and ask why you weren't eating something, and how you liked the trip, and their home ect...

As for the food. There was enough to go around a thousand times! Everyone offered you food all the time. And, when you couldn't eat anymore, they'd get worried and ask if you wre sick and if you needed a remedy of some falafel or something...quite funny. Often, you would just swallow down the last bite of some flat bread or a cucumber, and then you'd take a sip of water, and look down at your hand, and miraculously, it would be full of a piece of cake or potato pastry...and you never even knew what hit you. It was very fun.

Another big fun part of the day was the beach itself. We ended up going to a beach on the mediterranean, in an area called the white sea. The day had to have been about 39 C, but you couldn't tell because the breeze was so cool and nice. The sand was smooth and clean, and the water was beautiful. Unlike Greece, where the water was chilly and you had to will youself to get all wet and splash around a bit before the feeling came back into your feet, this water was so very warm. Comparable to the water in the caribean, and far more fun. The waves on the day that we'd gone were so high, most of them up to our chests, and crashing into them, or jumping over them reminded me of happy times with youth groups at West Edmonton Mall water park. There were also jelly fish, a few of which stung us, but they were so tiny they just left wee marks on us, that faded the next day, but we saw some bigger ones, the size of a fist i suppose, and being that they were more dangerous, we often would retreat to the beach or the edge of the water for a while until they cleared out. All in all, it was a fantastic beach time, and we all renewed most of the tan that had been lost while we were all covered up in Egypt and Jordan. So, back to the gold again!

After the beach, the whole family wanted to go to the mall to shoop around a little bit. I can't imagine our family at a gathering all going to the mall together...maybe the ladies, but this was grandma, grandpa, the kids, the teens, the boys, and girls...and the foreign canadian visitors!! It was so funny. But we searched through the mall for deals and enjoyed seeing the fashions of the area. The cost of clothes here is quite high, especially for good quality, and so, no one really ended up getting anything at all. Beth and I bought hair dye though. You see, the bottom of my hair is super dark still, much like when I left, though, the top of my head, my bangs and such, are quite blond from the sun. So, the dye is a lighter colour, to try and even things all out a bit...I hope.

The next day was Jerusalem day. The thing about staying in Palestine is that you get to see the real story behind the Israel/Palestine debate. I mean, there are check points everywhere...and often the Israeli's will stop cars, or search them for no reason, mostly of the time they don't even look, they just want to flaunt their power. Sometimes, they will reject people if they have a West Bank day pass, and if you are from West Bank, you most certainly will have a struggle getting to the other side. There are special licence plates and id cards, and you can tell an Arab from a Jew every time. They are in the process of building a huge thick cement wall with barbed wire at the top to keep the west bankers in. The wall is for sure in progress, and we passed through several check points with the wall finished. Really, its horrible. I understand that the Israeli's are currently occupying the Palestinian land, but they are really bullies. Today, they pulled us over and searched through all of our bags and wallets, checked our passports, and the car, and it was ridiculous. The reasons they serached us is because when they asked us if we were doing illegal things, Fadi smirked when we said no...which is stupid, because it's a dumb question. Anyway, the whole controversy is far more real to me now that I've seen it.

Anyway, we went through the checkpoints and into Jerusalem. At first, we thought we might need two days or more in the city that had so many landmarks, but we ended up seeing everything we'd wanted to in a matter of hours. There was the infamous wailing wall, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of the holy seplucar, and some extra's like the Greek Orthodox church where the stoning point of Stephen was found, and the rock in Gethsemane where Jesus prayed his famous "take this cup: prayer", mary's tomb, and in the church of the seplucar, there was the concrete slab where Jesus's body was laid, and the stone on which he was whipped. We saw the mount of olives, which is actually a selection of moutains surrounding the old city, and conpletely built on and inhabited so it looks like any of the other moutains in the area...with the exception of the terraced graveyard which graces a half of one of the hill faces. Mt. Zion too is simply a big hill that houses people in the area. I always pictured it being a big place where you can go and worship and where crazy things might happen later on in history, however, it was just an ordinary mountain. Overall, I can't say that any of us were really impressed by Jerusalem. Anything thatJesus actually touched is all covered over and rebuilt, and anything that they say he touched is questionable. And, you can literally do it in two hours. All of it, except for the underground tunnels, which would have been cool to see, but you need to make a reservation in advance via internet or phone...who knew? There is also a free walking tour, from the same group that offeres them all over Europe, and I'm fairly sure that we'll go on that later in the week...they might offer some stories and insight on the places that we saw already.

The shops in the Old city are much like those everywhere else, with people trying to barter with you. We all throught you could get killer Jesus sandals here...you can't. Leather sandals yes, but the stylized "Jesus" sandal, you should get in Greece...again, Who knew? So, we did a little shopping, all of us are almost done buying gifts and trinkets and clothes and we're also out of money, and so, we didn't get a ton of things....but we did enjoy ourselves. Each city always has a specialty. Cereamica are big here, and we haven't seen a ton elsewhere, so that is maybe something to keep in mind for those who are coming to visit. At the peak of the day, around 2 or 3, the heat creeps up to 40 or 45, and because it's so hot, you often lose your gusto. So, we finished up and went back home for a delicious lunch/dinner. That's another interesting thing. They eat at 4 here, and then they don't eat after. So, it's like breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, and bed. Works for me. Especially when at mid day all you want to eat is water or fruit that is filled with water.

We dyed our hair that evening. It didn't work.

So, our next day in Jerusalem was a tuesday and we were on our way out to Nazareth. We ended up running around the old city and buying last purchases before we took a bus to the main bus station and boarded. The bus ride was short. Around two hours, which was appreciated. We didn't stop during the ride, and the air conditioning worked...all of which are things to be grateful for. We had taken a later bus so we arrived in Nazareth around 7pm. At taht point, everything is already closed, and we didn't know how we'd find our hostel...with convoluted directions from our beloved hostel world, we were simply getting our barings when some guy approached us. He was the only other guy who got off at our stop, and came right up and said "are you guys looking for the Fauzi Azar inn?" And of course, we were. (in fact, I think that's the only budget hostel in Nazareth at all). Well, thank the Lord, this guy worked there and took us all the way without even a question. I guess that there is a rule where you can volunteer for the hostel for three hours a day, doing check in's or clean up's or tour's or whatever, and then you get free board. So people come and stay for three to six weeks at a time, and really just enjoy getting to know the area. We thought this would have been a great idea, with the exception that there is NOTHING to do there. Nothing. There is one big church...that is all.

The evening we arrived was too late to do much so we found our token bakery and fruit shop and then just went to bed. The heat has been getting to everyone a little bit, and often the evenings have a few arguments in them, and so, bed is a good place for us to be.

The next morning, we took the first few hours to look around Nazareth. We saw the big church, including the very house where Mary was told she would concieve by the Angel Gabriel...right. And, there were two churches in the building, one of the main floor, and the other on the second...which I thought was cool. The best part of the church was that there have been huge murals designed and donated by tons of countires around the world, all portracying Jesus, or mother and child in a different way...often its a Madonna and Child, with different colours, or symbols on top, but sometimes, you'd get cool ones. Like an asian mother and child from both Japan and Thailand, or a picture of a family from Slovenia, or a picture of the pope with Jesus from the vatican (go figure).

Once we'd seen that church, we were out of ideas. We walked around shops a bit, but the shops in Nazareth are exactly like dollar stores, with a huge selection of random, poorly made stuff. Literally. SO, we didn't buy anything, and had nothing left to do. The big plan from Nazareth was going to be to taking a bus to the Sea of Galilee and going on a canoe ride there. The sea is currently located in Tiberious, an hour bus ride from Nazareth. It seems though that we were given wrong bus information. We were told to catch the bus at 11:15am, bus number 341. Well, we waited at that stop for a long long time. An hour and a half later, we began asking bus drivers where the bus was, and they (unlike Edmonton drivers who can and will tell you about almost any route) didn't know ANYTHING, except that to get to Tiberious I needed bus 431. Well, we knew that. "What time?" We'd ask as we pointed to our imaginary watches...and they would shrug and drive off. Ridiculous.

Two and a half hours after we'd started waiting, a man came out of his office and asked what we were waiting for...and He, graciouly enough told us that the bus comes irregularly, and the next one wouldn't be until 315...and we could take the 28 or the 22 to a special church outside the city and the 431 would pick us up from there if we'd like...well, we had nothign else to do, so we waited another half hour for the 22 or the 28, and, loe and behold, neither one came. So, fed up, tired of the heat (which must have been 40 or more), and completely frustrated with the incompetance of the city and it's transportation, we left, bought fruit and had a ciesta. We laid in bed, ate things, drank things, and read books for the rest of the day. What a waste.

The next morning we caught a bus back to Jerusalem. Luckily this bus did come. Hurrah! I think now, in retrospect, we should have done the Jesus trail instead. There is a free trail all throughout the region, that basically travels the places that Jesus would have, and from our hostel, there is a daily tour that goes through 18 km of it before you get to take a bus back. I feel as though having limited time, and not knowing the buses, that would have been a better option, and I actually am interested to do the whole thing. I believe it's about 60 Km, and you can do it over 3 or 4 days...stopping here or there with a tent, or in a nearby town. most natural stopping points have daily tours so you can just catch the tour for that day to the next point, and the whole thing is free, and probably inspirational...yet another goal to put on my list I guess.

When we arrived back in Jerusalem, Fadi and Ellen were waited for us. We had to go to Ramalah for some errands. Fadi and Ellen are coming back to Canada on the 5th of July, so they are getting a ton of things organized to go. Fadi, works in a huge theatre doing lights in Ramalah (about 45 minutes from Bete jala). He has an Israeli passport because when he was a kid, he lived in Jerusalem, so passing through checkpoints is fairly easy...ha ha ha which is an operative word. So, in Ramalah, he goes to get his final check (which he's been telling them for two whole months he wanted on this particular day) and it wasn't ready...which tells you a little bit about the society. So, defeated and frustrated, we all went to get some fresh juice...which is something we're missing in Canada. Most of the places we've been you can buy fresh juice....from vegitables and fuits that they have right in front of them, that become pressed and sqashed and turn into juice right before your eyes...in Canada, booster juice is as close as we get (but I'm not dissin' booster juice...I really like it still).

We ate lunch at this place called Dollars. It was quite funny going with Ellen and Fadi.. They have a standard order, that they get evertime, so, they know how much it costs, but just incase we didn't all want that (which we did anyway) they brought us English menus...and the english prices were like 5 or 6 sheckels higher than those from the arabic menu...strange. So, we ordered "Arabic sandwhiches" and told them the english ones cost too much...but Fadi was fairly angry that they even tried to pull the trick at all.

This afternoon we went to the dead sea. It was hillarious! First of all, I'm not sure if the water is always this warm, or if it's because it was like 47 degrees outside (literally), but the water was practically hot. And you walk in, and the sand beneath you is gross squishy mud...and you keep going in, being careful not to slip in the mud, because you don't want to fall, because you don't want to get this stuff in your eyes...it's way to salty, and if you try to run out the salt in your eye with a salty hand...well, you get the picture. So, once we were in far enough (to your knees) you get down and lay on your back and you just float. You can't help but float. It's like there is a force holding you up and no matter what you do, you're going to float. swimming is difficult as well, because you're too high in the water to use your arms and legs effectively for speed and distance. Very strange. We small and floated and took our "dead sea floating pictures" and then we went to where the gross sloshy think mud was, and covered our bodies from head to toe with the stuff. The mud explolitates, for one, and for two is supposed to have healing propertites because of the salt, and it's also very oily, so our skin was super soft, and also slippery when we finally washed it off, but not until we got some killer pictures or being mud people!

What a day. I am told that tomorrow I am going to be eating fried tongue. This is such an adventure! I'm glad that I'll be home in just under a week, but boy o boy, I'm lucky to have done and seen all that I have these last two months!

Sinai, Petra, and the fun that comes with it!

2009-06-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

Well, it has certainly been a long time since I've updated, or at least it feels like a long time, mostly because we have been so incredibly busy with adventures. When I last wrote you, I think that I was terribly upset about the insanely high numbers of creepers in Egypt. It's true, that I would tell most people not to go there if they could but there are also some adventures that I could have never had anywhere else. SO, IF you want to risk the men with no morals, then I can give you a suggested route to follow that will keep you relativley safe from harm, and will get you to the big ticket items.

One such big ticket item, is a coastal town called Dahab. It's right on the Red Sea, and it's basically a diver's village. People come from all over the world to go diving there, and it's really cool. WE ended up arriving there early in the morning, because we had a 6am flight. So, we woke up still in Cairo around 3:30, and then took our leave from Cairo...hopefully never to return. When we got to Dahab, basically we were driven directly to our hostel and were given a room (it was only a day room), where we slept for a few hours out of pure exhaustion. That evening we were planning to go to Mt. Sinai and St. Catherines, and we knew our tour would start late. So, we figured we had the whole day to chill. However, at around noon, someone started banging on the door and yelling at us to get ready. It wasn't even "excuse me, are you interested in some sight seeeing??" NO, it was "Get up. ARe you ready?" Of course, we had no idea what we were supposed to be getting ready for, because all we had done in Dahab was sleep! So, we all chatted for a moment, trying to figure out what they wanted...maybe our tour started way earlier than we thought? Or maybe they wanted to feed us? we had NO idea.

So, we struggled to put a few things together that might be needed on a mystery day, and crawled out into the reception area. There were several men, hostel employees, who were waiting for us, and one, after eyeing us up, said, "are you ready to go?" Well, I was frustrated that no one had told me what I was supposed to be doing and said, a little sharply I'm afraid, "What are we supposed to be doing?" And the other man, said, as if he had no idea we didn't hear the big news "to go snorkelling!" "No!" I replied. " NO one told us anything about this or anything else yet!" SO, the one who spoke looked at some other guy in a cowboy hat, and cowboy realized, clearly, that he hadn't spoken to us yet, and decided to save face by making up lame excuses for getting us out of bed. "OH, we let you sleep because we knew you were tired, that is why we let you sleep the morning, but it's your only day in Dahab, so we wake you up to do some things here." Ha. I can only imagine if I did the same thing at Matrix. I'd be fired so fast....

Anyway, we opted to save our money and not snorkel, as it wasn't included, and instead, found a lovely Sea Side restaurant, they kind where you sit on coushions, with low tables, and we just watched the water, drank some cold drinks, and smoked some shisha. We ended up spending about three, almost four hours there, and then did just a little walking around before we went back to the room to have a little nap before our tour left...which was at 11pm (far later than noon!)

So, after unsuccessful napping in a room with a gecko and huge flying beetles, we grabbed our gear, said good-bye to Dahab (which I'd like to see again (the only part of Egypt I'd see again), when I get my advanced divers...which I will someday), and jumped onto a van headed for St. Catherines monestary. The two hour drive was long, because it was so late, and when we reached the area, we were unsure that we'd make it, we wre all feeling groggy, and I was downright ill. Count on me to be sick and uncomfortable on the days when we climb moutains...it seems to be a trend!

We found a guide to take us up the moutain. Often these guides don't speak much english, and are only there to show you the route, as it's dark. I suppose that we could have taken camels, but how can you really say that YOU climbed the moutain, when it was clearly the Camel who did the climbing? SO, we said no to the furry friends (not to mention having little to no Egyptian pounds left!) and walked up a few steps. The guide turned back and said "you have flashlights?" I'm assuming that if there were any at the bottom to be purchased, that would have been the time for him to mention them, however, he didn't and we didn't have any and told him so accordingly. He laughed at us for not being prepared, and then shrugged his shoulders and said, |ok, let's go"...I sure wish that someone had suggested flashlights!

The climb at the beginning is jsut fine. Nothing major, the incline isn't steep, and the path trails along at a good pace...but there are rocks to kick when there isn't light, and depth perception is out of whack too, so you think a rock is yay big, and it turns out to be tiwce that size! So, you step on it funny. The climb started out really easy too, but with the exhaustion from such an early morning, and the not sleeping, and the instense climb, it actually got really tiring, and we had to take frequent breaks. Interestingly enough, Bethany had a friend that we were supposed to run into in Egypt sometime, and we never figured it out, or, he never replied when he had too, and loe and behold, who should greet us at one of the rest points, but Justin! Bethany's friend. So, we had a few getting to know you conversations, and this guy and Beth caught up a bit, and it was nice to have someone to chat with at the top.

After about 3/4 of the walk, the rest turns into a stairway. After a few of the stairs, I was so tired, and still feeling really really sick, and in a lot of pain in my stomach, I had a moment of shame...and began to cry. I was starting to get really dizzy and didn't know if I'd make it to the top, and I was fairly embarassed by the whole thing. After a moment to sit, and a little prayer for strength, we kept on going and eventually reached the top of the set of stairs, and therefore the summit of Mt. Sinai! At the top there are people selling blankets and thin matresses to try and make your visit comfortable. We wre basically out of egypt money, and so opted out of those, much like the camels before them, and for the next two hours resented the fact that we couldn't afford blakets. It was chilly up there, at 4 in the morning, at the top of a moutain, when your skin is so used to plus 40! But, other than the cold, I coudln't think of a cooler place to be in the middle of the night. And, better yet, after a few hours, sitting on a perch on the wall facing East, we watched the sun gradually peak it's way up over the surrounding moutains and into the sky, The image rivaled most of the sunsets that I've seen (which is unusual for a sunrise). It was colourful, bright, beautiful, and most welcome. It began to get warmer as soon as some of the hues of colour rose up, and for that we were also grateful. It was one of those moments that you wish could last forever, and though you know it can't, you are grateful for the time you did have.

Lovely.

So, the way back down was much easier, and after the long rest, I was no longer feeling as ill - thank heaven. On the way down I was amazed to see the terrain and couldn't help but wonder how on earth we managed to do the climb in the pictch black only hours earlier. I was in awe of my own abilities!

We grabbed breakfast at a buffet that had nothing you would have dreamed a buffet would have, unless you're dreaming of stewed vegitables and beans...and then we had our van driver take us to the Border of Egypt. Talba I think. From Egypt (after we shook the dust from our feet when we left), we crossed the border on foot to Israel, had an intense interrogation, then took a cab to the Jordan/Israel border, and crossed it on foot as well. So, several possport stamps and baggage searches later, we wound up in Aqaba Jordan, where we took a fairly reasonable 1 1/2 cab ride to Petra for 90 American. We actually felt like, as steep as it was, this was a good prices for a cab ride for that long, split three ways. And with us having not really slept in a long time, and having had a strenuous night, we took what we could get.

We stayed at the Orient Gate Hotel in Petra which was at first a real trial, mostly because the poeple that worked there spoke 0 english and had no idea where the closest bank machine was, how to get into Petra, or how to settle a bill. However, later in the evening, we met a man named Mohommad who worked there, maybe the owner? He was awesome!! The had a whole deal with making these huge instensley awesome packed lunches, they had movies to watch, he explained everything about Petra, like admission and hours, and how to get there, and he invited us to have a beer with him. Really nice guy. So, all of a sudden, the hostel was really cool. Man, those lunches had everything from 3 pieces of fruit, veggies, to bread, to cake, and a chocolate bar!!! We almost never have chocolate these days!!!

Early the next morning, we had a driver bring us to Petra. When we first arrived at the city, we found some shops which we browsed in...and they had really cheap goods (or so we thought at the time) so we bought a few things. In fact, throughout our time there, we kept finding super great deals on goods, so we bought a ton whilst in Petra...but, that story will change.

The actual city was amazing!! it's just like dad told me when I was a little girl...how you walk down a long passageway, with only a few hints as to what is around the area, like a temple or tomb here or there. Finally, you get to a thinning of the passage, and then a crack in the wall, and as soon as you turn around the corner and go through the crack, there is a huge temple, known as the treasury, right in front of you, carved directly out of the stone, so it's all still attached to the wall. From then on, you are in a place of imagination. The main city is basically a valley, with two big sides of the mountain, all carved out with little caves and small buildings. It's fun to imagine the people who lived there, some still do, and it was mostly populated right up until the 1980's. There is a woman who wrote a book which I'm now very interested to read called "Married to a Bedewan". I guess a lady came to visit Petra, or work there or something, from New Zealand, ended up falling in love with a local, and married him. She lived with him in Petra for years and years, and set up a life with her family living in a cave. She still lives in JOrdan, in the Bedewan Village just to the side of the Ancient city. But, it's an interesting life.

We did a lot of climing, hiking, went to the peak of the moutain passage, met a few locals, including a little girl who tried to sell us post cards and ended up getting part of our lunch...

The day was hot though. After a big climb to the top, we ended up sitting up on some rocks for ages, because there was no energy left to get out of the sun, or to climb down. Luckily though, we had some water with us, and no one got heat exhaustion. We did decide to go home a bit earlier than we had planned, around 5 instead of when the sun set. But, over all, I'd say I have seen a good chunk of the city.

That night though, when we paid for our hostel, it seems we had budgeted around 143 JD, and the cost was only 43. This was very interesting. And with all of the fun purchases we'd already made, we decided to check on the conversion rate, which was wrong. Instead of the Jordinian Donar being .5 of the Canadian, it was 1.5! We were paying almost a full dollar value more for everything than we'd thought...no wonder we were loved by all the vendors! So, obviously we all had bought more than we needed mostly because we thought it was so cheap, so now, we were also all even more out of money. I was scared I woudln't make it through Israel...though, after looking things over, it seems I'll be just fine afterall.

Anyway, early the next morning, we grabbed a cab, which Mohammad had set up for us, and was a far cheaper rate than the last one. It took us back to the Jordinian border at Aqaba, and then we once again crossed by foot to the Israeli side. Then we had to take a cab into the downtown area of Elat (the border town) and buy a bus to get to Jerusalem. Because it was saturday, not a lot was open, and the busses didn't run until 4:30...so we had a long long wait. We also had to call Ellen, and it took a long time to track down a phone card,. and we ended up using some gas jockey's cell, but, at least we got through to her.

We finally got on a bus, and though it was cramped, at least it had air conditioning, and we pulled up in Jerusalem around 9pm. It took a little while to Find Ellen and her husband Fadi, but once we did, we were really relieved to be in friendly company once again. Once at her house, we just chatted a bit, and then jumped into a long awaited slumber.

Really...was that necessary?

2009-06-16T06:12:00.000-07:00

So, the last two days here have been frustrating to say the least. We ended up doing a little shopping, which was fun. At least fun in the areas that are a bit more expensive. Of course, the women's clothing here is abismal, and even though they have killer brands and awesome new styles for men's clothes (yes, Bradley cashed in!), the ladies selection reminds me of Hangers or Saan. So, we didn't have too much luck, but we did actually find asome really classy tunics!

Anyway, later in the day, we decided to go to the BAzaar, which we were told was best to do at night. We were given horrible directions from not only one, but two people, and instead of finding what we were looking for, we got really deep into a "local zone" which is bad news for us ladies. I totally understand why the women don't speak up, on top of their husbands beating them, the local men will embarass and humiliate them into submission! For instance, Beth and I had things thrown at us, we were whistled at, called gross names (and that's only what we understood in english), had our bumbs pinched (that was actually jsut me, but it's the second time), people never look "up", they honk, they are just so very rude. No one else told them that it's rude to stare, or to assume that women find you attractive when you hiss at them. t's really too bad, but I came out of that hour of being lost wishing very strongly that I had no female anatomy that would let them all know what I really was. I HATE it here. mostly because of the men.

Finally we found the bazaar (after a diamond in the rough type man led us all the way (about 1/2 hour out of his way) to the actual location we were supposed to find, and didn't even take any money!). We were tired, and I hated everything, and I certainly was frazzled, because, of course, I didnt' feel safe. How could I feel safe there?

so, we did some shopping but it wasn't as fun, mostly because they didn't really like to barter. They'd say a price, and that was it. And you'd leave, and they'd let you. So, we might have got jipped when we finally did start buying things. Who knows. They wouldn't budge.

We took a taxi home, and I was glad because I was at the point of wanting to hide away in my hostel room until we left, rather than walk around with those extreme creepers any longer.

Today, we tried to find the post office. Another bad time. First, surprise of all surprises, we got hopelessly lost, we even took a cab, and they got lost! So, when we finally found it, and got to the right department, we were annoyed, but at least we figured it all out. We were able to ship our package, which should arrive in a month (so no one expect any gifts until then), but the worst part was that we couldn't ship everything We'd brought some alcohol from Greece, and we had hoped to ship it home, as well as a knife bought here in the bazaar, but these are restricted items! So, we shipped all we could, and then were told that the only place to ship these "restricted items" was at the DHL. So, again, we had some men, who felt obligated I suppose, lead us for fifteen mintues through the city to find it, and finally we got there, and they wouldn't ship it either! Well, they would ship the alcohol, for about 200 CAN dollars which is 10 times the cost of the drink itself. And they wouldn't ship the knife. I guess we needed a purchase invoice. BUt, we bought it at an antique shop at the bazaar, and though the man knew we needed the invoice, he never offered it, and we didn't know we needed it, and there was literally no way for us to find his booth again except for spending hours trying to remember which pathway we went through and when....so, we were sunk.

We decided to go then to the Egyptian museum, which was a joke in and of itself. First of all, we were in a bad mood, so keep that in mind. Secondly, we went up with our student cards, and ever though there are student and adult prices listed, they told us that the cards were no good there!! THey'd worked everywhere else in Egypt!! i wanted to strangle someone!

Then, we had to go through not one, but two metal detectors, and then they sent me back out because I had a camera...but no where did they say that you couldn't have a camera. Why they dont' post things to make it easy, I'll never know. So I had to go all the way back out, and then check my camera into a "safe room" (yah right - is anythign here really safe) and then go all the way back through the ticket thing, and into the metal detector. Well, by the time we could actually look at stuff we were all so very pissed off we couldn't talk to each other. Nothing here makes sense, and not just "you don't know the system" sense, but common sense! They don't have any!

Looking around the museum, I just felt more angry. They have tons of cool things to see, and it really should be a cool time and a cool visit, but they have no air conditioning, and they just throw all of these priceless artifacts into corners, and all over. SOmeone of them are so blocked by other exhibits, you can't even read the little inscription, which brings me to another point...most of the artifiacts didn't even have a lable, a date, and inscription at all, but those that did were written on looseleaf, or type written on yellow cards. Nothing looked official. It was all garbage. I mean, if we in Edmonton were in the posession of such valuable things, we would have them encased in highly shatterproof glass, and with a plaque, and all laid out in it's own room so that you could see it from all angles. It was truly a waste, and ridiculous!

So, basically I will never come back here. I'm glad that I haven't been called as a missionary here, or I would be liable to snap and go on a spree of hatred.

There are so many things that they do that don't make sense...like, for instance, stores.

You look outside and window shop at the things that you think you might like, then, you go into the store (which appears to be empty) and you sit and wait. Then, in a somewhat take a number system (though as white people, you always wait longer), they take you outside, one by one, and look at what you were thinking of, and then they'll bring it for you. It is the least efficient system I've ever seen.

Safe with the bakery. same with so many things here.

I'm not even sure that the truly beautiful and unforgettable moments actually make up for the garbage that we've been though. One cabby would charge us 20 EP and the next 5 EP and you never know what you're going to get. It's super lame. I really really hope that Jordan and Israel are better. Tomorrow, we're flying to the coast of the Red sea, and then we'll spend a night climbing mt. Sinai and st. catherines, before heading to JOrdan and then catchign up with ellend in Isreal for a while.

Stay tuned.

You gotta see it to believe it. Cairo and the Oasis

2009-06-15T01:06:00.000-07:00

So, last time I wrote, I was really annoyed at the grossness of the men in Egypt. I do want to retract some of it. Not everywhere is gross, and in fact, the smaller the town, the better it all is. We were just in the wrong place at the wrong time...

Truthfully, there are a few beautiful things here, like The River Nile. In Cairo it's quite dirty, but that's only beacause of the size of the city. In Luxor, the Nile was peaceful and beautiful. Not clean enough to swim in, but certainly not coated with floating garbage like in Cairo. Making it look more like a freshwater lake than anything else. It is quite wide in a lot of places. Everyone hears about the Nile and how it's an important source of water for people here and blah blah blah, but seriously, you can see a clear cut line from where the water stretches underground to where it cuts off. There is Tropical Palm tree jungle..and there there is desert. No small shrubs in between. Like Night and Day. It's really cool to see. From high places, you can see the far desert, the valley of the Nile, and the next desert, and the Nile part looks more like a green road with a river in the middle than anything else.

While in Luxor, when we went to Banana Island, we were able to float back down the Nile and watch the sun set, and it was a really lovely time. We were really glad we'd come to Luxor, just for that. So, no, not all is bad.

anyway, We got back to Cairo from Luxor on an overnight train, and everyone was sick. Hurrah! Bradley and Bethany were super queasy. I was mostly ok. It was off and on queasy for me, but I came out rather unscathed in retrospect. Bethany was the worst. We had planned to maybe see the Egyptian Museum that afternoon, but we actually spent the whole day in Bed with Beth throwing up anything she took in, and Bradley sleeping a lot, and I just read a book, all day. By the evening we'd turned on the tv and started watching tv movies as our only source of entertainment. However, it was really important that we took that day to rest, and not just fight it off because the next day, early early in the morning, we had a bus which was heading to Barrea (Bah-ray-ah).

Barrea is an Oasis. So in the middle of the desert, you will find a nartural lake, and some channels to spread the water. so, basically there are tons of plants and palm (date palms) trees all over. Very interesting. but just as soon as the foliage starts, it ends, abruptly and there is nothing left but desert.

So, we arrived and were escorted to our Hostel, I think it was called the Ahmet Safari..and seriously it was the greatest place we've been in Egypt so far. The man in charge, whose name I forget, was really quite nice, and told us all of the costs way ahead of time, and then our schedule. He included that for a day in the desert we had to tell him in advance how much water we'd like and that we could order pop and the like but it was an extra charge (water and meals were all included in the fee). He told us right away what the important things to buy were, so that we didn't have to figure out what was a good deal (and we did get a few things, like Camel socks!!! and olive oil). And was really honest. We appreciated his honesty, mostly because there is so much corruption so far in this country. OUr rooms were really funny. WE got our own building, with a sitting room that you enter when you get into the door, and then on either side, a bed room with two beds in each, and an attached bathroom in each. The beds though, were covered with bug nets suspended from the ceiling, but they were bright pink. So, the room looked a lot like a princess style bedroom for a little girl than one for three young adult backpackers. WE loved it!

Anyway, day one was basically a tour around the city. We went with a driver who spoke little english and he took us to some of the main sights. Included were a hot springs and a cool springs, so Beth and I wore bathing suits...but we were fairly ignorant I guess because the hot springs were really just a place where the hot water came, and they keep the water contained in a high walled tub, and then it is channeled out, because they need all the water they can get. So, we touched the water (and it was quite warm indeed, especially when outside is 38 degrees), and then we got back in the car and drove away. You wouldn't have wanted to swim there. Next, the cool springs, which was actually the lake. It was a little dirty though, and so we didn't swim there either. Although we might have been able to, we didn't think it was what we were suposed to do. So, mostly we took a bunch of pictures. We then went off roading in the desert that surrounmded the oasis. It was awesome. Up and down hills and scidding around stone hills...super fun! We stopped at a high hill that overlooked the whole desert valley and then you could see the oasis and the trees beyond that, and it was marvellous, plus the sand was so very soft and thick, and we really should have thought to bring tobbaggans for such a hill....ohwell.

On the way back, we stopped at our owners house and he invited us in for tea...which is what anyone will invite you in for. WE enjoyed meeting his small family and his little boys, and they taught us how to say 1-10 in Arabic. I remembered how to read them from my lessons, but couldn't for the life of me remember what they sounded like, so now, that I do know, I"m feeling pretty good. It was Friday (therefore holy day) and so there were frequently sermons coming from loudspeakers all over the city (these same loudspeaker/towers that they sing the cool to prayer on every day several times). The sermons (which were also going on the WHOLE 5 hour Bus ride) sounded like two things. 1. A man singing in all sorts of notes, that didn't sound like a melody at all, and had no background music....the way that someone who is pretending to sing and you know they can't might sound. and 2. Someone shouting. Sounding an awful lot like someone shouting propaganga would be. Secretly it reminded us of what Hitler might have sounded like, based on the insensity, but obviously, it couldn't be more than someone telling people to do what Allah says and be faithful.

That day we got to watch the sun set again. Watching it set in a desert setting is that much more peaceful than anywhere else, mostly because there isn't any sound anywhere. NO animals, no cars, no generators, no lights, nothing. It's perfect quiet except for you and your friends.

That night we slept in the hostel and were ready to go bright and early for our trip into the desert.

We began the journey with a new guide, named Mohammad, who drove us right out into the black desert. Our first stop, was a large hill. fairly high compared to some of the hills covering the landscape, and he pointed to it and without even getting out of the car told us to go climb it. Of course, thinking that he was supposed to be a guide and then was making us do things all alone, we were a bit confused, but it's not like we couldn't handle it. The drive out took wuite a while, so when we arrived, it was about noon, and therefore, quite hot. NOt the hottest yet, but I"m thinking about 36 degrees. So we climbed straight up this hill, and were really sweaty and gross when we finally reached the top, not to mention that our lungs were burning because of the intense heat adn the dryness in every breath. But, when we caught your breath a bit, and your body relaxed and you looked around you....the view was breathtaking! It was the entire black desert. For miles you could see nothing but desert. The black desert is basically a bunch of hills made of basalt, that are covered in smatterings of sand that has blown in, making it look very two-toned.

Fnally when we were had taken in the awe enough, we went back down and joined our guide who took us then to a realy Bedawan village. Of course, most of the people in Barrea are Bedawa, so the village looked a great deal like the town itself, but there was a second hot spring inside, and a few of the typical buildings that you'd see, they are made of qhite brick, with dark gray cement grout, and none of them are finished. Most of the streets have small piles of white brick to finish projects with, but there are so many piles of brick, it makes you wonder if they ever will finish them at all. Anyway, another thing that they do both in the town and the city is use thick reeds from the oasis, and pieces of both trees and grain to make bundles and create thatched roofs and also fully thatched buildings. The thached buildings are used as what we like to call "nap shacks". The hours of 2-5 are just so hot that people can do little else but relax and sleep. We ate lunch in the nap shack and ended up staying there playing cards and dozing right up until5. Of course, we did not know that a 3 hour break was part of the tour and were a little confused at first, but we realized that it was probably so common sense to them, that they expected us to know that we don't do anything at that time. The people in the village use the natural hot spring water, when cooled as their water, mostly because they live quite a ways from the actual oasis. Though, now there are so many shops with bottled water, I'm sure most of them use that, and then just use the natural water for their animals (everyone and their dog has a conkey and cart here) and their gardens. It seemed like Onions and dates were the big ticket items here.

Stop number three, once the sun was a little cooler, was the white desert. This desert, again, covered in white stones and rocks, and then a topping of some golden sand was huge and for ever you could see the stones. much like a never ending garden. The black desert had hills like small mountains, but the white desert, in stead had little thin hills that looked like triangles with slightly rounded tips, or else like big random stones and skilny bases, much like the look of a mushroom. But enormous and made of rock. We didn't find out what the white rock was called, but it was fairly chalky and so I called it chalk rock.

We took some pictures, and then drove through to the "new desert" and it looked quite similar to the white desert, but the stones may have been a little different, and then the "old desert". I could not tell you the difference between the new and old. In fact, I didn't know that we'd switched deserts at all. But, in the old desert, we were setting up camp. So that's how I knew we'd arrived.

WE stopped the car and unloaded everything. Making camp was quite fun. They have a huge colourful fabric tarp with sticks attached to it. The sticks stab into the ground, but the funny part is that the other side of the stick is attached to the land cruiser (almost every vehicle here is a Toyota land cruiser or a motorbike), and then when you've covered the length of the vehicle, you turn it away from the car and stick a few more sicks in so basically, you've got a right angle of wall. That small corner is your wall. They they lay a carpet down that fits the dimension and then mats and a table so you can eat. Mohammad made a fire and once the fire burned down, used the coals as our cooking surface. We cooked potatoes, made rice and soup and "chicken on the fire" which is just checken wrapped in tin foil with a marinade. Cudos to the company though, no canned food. All of it was fresh and cut up in front of us, and the food was really really nice. They have a ton of soups here, and I have enjoyed each of them thougougly, and I'm a little picky, so that's a big thing.

Anyway, during dinner, the sun set, and little desert foxes began coming out to play. I have never seen these creatures except in elementary research things on animals, and so it was awesome to see them so close. They have bldies like cats, tails like dogs and tiny dog faces, but huge oversized ears that make them look disproportioned. At first they were really sciddish, but we gave them some bones from our chicken and they started getting really close. In fact, they offered us entertainment the whole night.

After dinner we walked a ways into the desert night, and the sun had set so it was dark now. With nothing but the small light from our camp attached to the battery of the car. We layed in the sand, (after I'd done a thorough bug check with my little flashlight (thanks Jordan)) and we star gazed. I could have sat there for hours. In fact, I'm sure we almost did. There is nothing like lookingt up at a sky filled with stars having No sound but silence around you. The sky as a background was so black it was frightning, and the amount of stars was about twenty times the amount we'd see at home. Even in the Elk Island light sanctuary...this was amazing! They even trinkled (finally giving meaning to the song!). We could see very clearly the musky waves of the milky way and we were in awe. We picked out the little and big dippers, and orion's belt (but the NOrth star was surprisingly dim), and enjoyed looking at how they had moved around in the sky from home. We also couldn't find the moon yet, and I knew it was supposed to be about half way full, and it turned out to have come up far later at night for some reason. I was glad the moon didn't come out though, bceause it was so bright when it did come, that it took away the light from the stars. So, it is better to star gazwe without them. We did see severl shooting stars and I may have made a wish or two.

We slept under those same beautiful stars and I couldnt' even tell you how awesome it was. Though I was a little scared of scorpions so I didn't sleep a lot. And in the morning, packed up and left back to Cairo. It was incredible. And it is the reason why we travel. It makes all the bad fall away as you see something so beautiful, you won't even forget it.

Egypt - the first impression

2009-06-11T01:45:00.000-07:00

Ok. So, day one in Cairo, we are picked up early in the morning by our tour guide. He seems really nice and speaks English rather well so we head with him to our first stop. To Bank. This time, the bank machines work. It turns out that Beth can only get money from certain banks here, and for me, I can only take out egyptian pounds a day. Ha ha, I have a 1000 dollar limit at home, but I didn't thnk it would transfew all the way over here. Good thing I'm not in Japan!!

Anwyay, we have a little money now, we pay Bradley back, and we go right to the pyramids of Giza. WE stop at the stables so we can rent a camel...though again, they were more expensive than we'd planned on.

We walked aorund the sphynx for a while, which was awesome. It's really neat to be in the place where art that big was done so very long ago. And afterward, we got on our Camels (which is an experience in itself, getting up and down is a little nerve wracking!), and walked around the pyramids. The actual huge pyramids!! And yes, they are as big as they say they are, and as awesome.

We also went to Sakkara, a step pyramid, and the first one built in Egypt. the story that comes along with it was quite funny, and just shows the vanity of the kings. They also apparently used to Kill kings after 30 years, so young people come be raised up, but once Egypt became one nation, they decided to make new rituals instead. They had to run back and forth between two pillars shouting "I am GoD!" h ah ah ah a, ridiculous!

So, some things that we've noted so far are : BOys like to stare, and everyone wants a tip...and they ask for it and won't let you out, or down, or through without one. It's really sad actually the way that they shamlessly ask for money.

Our guide explained to us about Liberation Square. Where in the 60's a whole bunch of women went to the square and took off their big robes, wearing only underclothes. But he neglected to tell us what happened after that big moment. Apparently, these women made it so that there are no laws for how women dress here, but I know that because my head isn't covered, it's clear they think I'm a hoar. Too bad I guess. I think the men still have quite a bit of control over what the women wear, whether or not it is law.

We've seen plenty of children out of school, working to make money. Our guide himself has worked since age 6. So sad. He told me I could easily work in an international school here...which I don't think I'm gonna do. It's actually a really really dirty city. They have so much to offer in the way of tourism, but based on male bahaviour and the lack of effort they put into their sights, I don't know of any traveller we've met who would ever like to return. Once is enough. What a loss.

It is interesting though to see women in Full black birka's, holding babies, on the back of a motorcycle with a man in a long tunic and wrapped cloth hat atop his head. Strange image. And they use donkey's for everything here too. And camals. They go into parking lots' just like cars and motorbikes do. Very funny.

We also spent two days in Luxor. We took a "sleeping train" from Cairo to Luxor overnight. IT was a horrible trip, but I couldnt' imagine being on the "sitting trains" with all the locals and men. Ick. So, we arrived in Luxor rather early in the morning. We were greeted by a friendly and very pudgy man (everyone here seems to be fat or thin - like sickly thin, no inbetween). He brought us to our Hotel where we took a nap before meeting our tour guide. His name was Abduh and he took us around some really neat temples. It was awesome to see the statues and faces of pharos and the places where so much history too place. Really, it was neat. They have small market's around each tourist sight with more trash from bazzars, but these guys get right up in your face. They do not shout at you from their store, they walk right in front of you trying to but you off, saying "good price, good price" Well, honestly, you couldn't give me most of that stuff for free, so you have to ignore them all. It makes me a) really not want to shop there, they are too pushy. and b) hate them all.

It's all sad, because every one you pass by try's to get your money, and then there were some girls who were trying to chat just to be nice and talk to someone from a new place, and I walked right by them like they were also scam artists. I felt awful after, but I've been trained already to ignore or be rude jsut to get people to leave my personal bubble.

Anyway, the evening in Luxor was fun. We rode a boat (that should not have been in the water) down a river to "banana island". The boat had to be towed all the way there, but the banana island was nice. WE saw the banana's growning, saw some oranges, figs, papya's and mangoes too. And then we explored the "farm". It was gross, as most things here are gross, dirty, full or garbage, empty of anything that we'd have. It's not that I feel bad for them having nothing, because I think I could be ok with nothing myself. It's that they don't take pride in their places, and jsut let garbage and dirt anf filth accumulate. Even our hostel in Cairo is like that. Several of teh floors are unfinished and filled with garbage. Gross! So much spave unused in the city because they never finish anything. And with 20 million people in Cairo alone, you'd think they'd try a bit harder to be efficient. Clearly I don't know...after all, I'm just a woman. :)

So, the second day in Luxor, we went to the west bank. We saw several interesting tombs, King Ramases the 4th, 1st and 9th. Very itneresting. We would have gone into King Tut's tomb, but it was an extra 50 pounds...which is ridiculous. Man, they get you with admissions, we've paid so much to see these things.

WE did get to see the temple of Queen Hajypsuit (phoenetical). She was the only female pharoh, and therefore, awesome! I loved hearing her story. Our tour guide actualy made us a CD of the discovery channel documentary on her bceause we were so interested. Anyway, we totally got scammed too. Our Tour guide was so nice, you really want to like him, but there was one place the scribes village, which was the tomb of some of the scribes of the king, and very well decorated tombs with colours, and they display supposed every day life instead of other things. It's true it was cool, but it cost like 20 bucks, and when you got in, there were no tickets, no other tourists, and some guys that had to unlock and open secret gates. I guess we saw somethign rare, that not many see, but it seemed sketchy.

Our Luxor tour guide also offered us a good price on jewlery with heiroglyphics on them. Actually, I got a "silver" ring and it's really cool, spelling all my name in heiroglyph letters, but it's not really silver and has turned my finger green...I guess you get what you pay for. WE have also gone into some coold shops to see how papyrus is made, perfune, and alabaster. We didn't think we'd buy much, but we did get a few things, and the creating of this stuff, especially papyrus is awesome! I'd have got my dad a painting, but he wouldn't have liked any of their art...but it was neat to see anyway.

Finally, we were going to go to Cairo, which is home base while in Egypt. We had to wait at the train station for about an hour (because nothing is on time here). While we waited, several trains pulled up. All of them were full of men, who just sat in their cars and stared at us. Gross. They woudl cat call or whistle, and when they realized we didn't want to give them the time of day, they just looked at us, obviously being dirty, and would talk with their friends about us like we couldn't see or hear them. I'm gonna say that about 100 guys just watched. So gross. I've been in places where they watch you before, but for this length of time, it was shameful of their parts. Really, get a life, or a wife. And not us because they are way to creepy. Honestly, I will not come back to Egypt because of the men, in your face, being all "in control" and not being taught that staring at people is rude (and it's not like they've never seen a foreigner...tourism is fairly big here so they can't be that shocked).

I really hope abu is better or I'll say good-bye to the middle east!

Anyway, back In Cairo, after another crappy overnight train, we got to the station and our guy wasn't there to pick us up. We waited from 6 am until 7 am, standing around, being gawked at, and then we took a taxi to the national egyption museum, and had to walk the 10-15 back to the hostel - where we arrived and they didn't even have a room for us! We were not impressed at all. I was angry and told them so. Obviously they pulled the "but we were waiting, andhere's the sign (as they pulled out a wrinkled sign with Brad's name)...but I wouldn't have it and told them I was angry, they weren't there, if they were, then within an hour we would have found them and if they were THAT late, why would we wait for them? So, they paid us back the cab fair and upgraded our room to one with a private bathroom. Thank-goodess.

I suppose we'll see what the rest of Egypt brings...it's been an experience so far!

DAY of HELL

2009-06-11T01:20:00.000-07:00

After a long and arduous journey on the fairy, everyone was fairly tired (especially since we'd been going to bed at truly decent times every night). So, we get to Athens, and take a bus directly to the Airport. It is now 3 am. We do not catch our flight until 2pm. WE can't check in, so we are stuck in the airport right at the check in...sucky.

SO, we try really hard to sleep. I just read. No way I'm gonna sleep, but I think that Bradley might have caught a few minutes, and Beth a few seconds of genuine rest.

Around 7 am, we are tired and sore and groggy, and we all have headaches from lack of sleep and these Three strange guys come up to us and sit down in the chairs across from us. They clearly speak another Language, which we think is french.

Now, often when you speak a language that the other person doesn't speak, you might be tempted to try a conversation, but it'll be short and sweet...mainly because it's a lot of work, and especially when you just slept on a boat and in the airport, it's about all the effort you want to put in. Well, these guys, had none of that. They wanted a full fledged friend making session. They asked us in tremendously broken English where we were from, then made a joke in french about the Quebecois, and then asked our names and several other things...but it was more like this:

"uh, name?"

"Talia...and you?"

"mich-i-ael".

"OK. NIce to meet you"

"Ah, blahahahahahah, like, writing?"

"Like, am I in school"

"Yea, school...School."

"um, yes.

"Blha ahahahlahlahlahlah adBlabla...like ah, (and here he would offer a can of beer).

"no. No thanks"

"No (and here he would pretend to drink)?"

"no. not really."

then he offered us cigarettes, and then more beer...and then more cigarettes, and then asked if we like to do drugs outside with friends and then sleep (we think...?)

Very odd. And they wouldn't drop it, even if it took twenty minutes to figure out one phrase. Ridiculous! And, one of them took Bradleys hat and wore it (thus bending it) and they made us take a picture of them (which you'll see on Photo night!) very odd.

Anyway, we finally decided it was breakfast time and we made our leave. Thank-goodness.

So, we hung out in the airport, doing things to pass the time like walking around and playing cards, finishing books, and eating...well, not a lot of money, so more like drinking water.

Around noon we went to check in. Well, first thing I noticed was how pushy the guys in the Egyptian air line up were. It's like they wanted people to think that they were to ignorant to follow a line. And then when they were told about the line up and that they had to go to the bac, they'd get angry, and still were pushy, but they'd finally go. I personally would not want someone to think I was to stupi to understand a line-up...but clearly here they do.

Anyway, we get to the check in desk, and we find out that Bradley and Bethany were booked and expected, and Talia, she was not. Nope. No ticket could be found...no ticket for Talia. :(

So, we ran downstairs to the business office and paid a fotrune for ten minutes on the internet so we could print off the confirmation - which was a mess because we couldn't remember expedia passwords and whose account it was under - anyway, we finally got in, and COULDN'T FIND THE RESERVATION! We booked them on the same day, so something had gone awry and we don't know what yet...we'll have to figure out if I was overcharged and stuff...big mess.

Anyway, we now had no way for me to get to Cairo. SHoot. So I had to fork out a bunch of money for an emergency ticket. Which stinks. That was money for gifts for all of you find people. So now, no high expectations ok?!

Anyway, finally finally we got on the plane, all together. We arrived in Cairo. We had to go through this area right at the door where we needed to fill out health cards to say if we needed quarentine or not. But everyone, like 60 people were crammed into this tiny little area to fill in their cards before they could get into the airport. We were like crammed cattle, trying to fil thigns in, adn stay together, and hand in your sheets to the right guy. Then we still had to wait in line before we got in, because we had to go through some scanner, infared thing, to proove we weren't ill (though I still don't know what they were looking for), and then finaly got into the actually doorway into the airport. Next, we waited in a line. A long long line. We waited for about 20 mintues, got to the window, and were told we had to uy Visa's! WE we obviously knew we had to purchase a visa, but there are NO signs to let you know where to do this. Then, he directed us to the money exchange. The money exchange is where you buy visa's. I would have never guessed that and there aren't any signs, so we bought the visa's and then we had no choice but to stand in line again. Poop.

So, finally we are picked up by our guide, and he seems nice, and we get to the hostel and all is well, and we go to an ATM and try and take out money, and Bethany's card won't work, and I can't get out more than 1000 egyption pounds (200 bucks). Crap. So, we wait.

We are directed to the inhouse tour planner and he basically sits us down and helps us plan our time here. It's a little expensive, but we get to see Luxor, and we get free pick-ups and drop-off's from everywhere and tour guides for all the days and we see the Oasis, so the plan sounds ok. we then have to pay, and no one can get money out except Bradley. So he takes out a TON! So he can pay for everything. Now, it seems that Brad is out of money, and no one else has access to theirs. Shoot, but we pay for the trip.

WE are left nervous and anxious about money, but glad to be safe and together at our next destination. Hurray Cairo!

Ios, it's not for everyone

2009-06-11T00:57:00.000-07:00

So, we arrived in Ios after an early but brief fairy ride. First thing that we saw was a beautiful mountain with high jagged sides all around. There are fewer buildings built on the hill itself, obviously the rock is less conducive than that of Santorini for building things right into the rock, so most buildings are on the base. The buildings themselves are not as cool, not as smooth, fewer domed roofs, and fewer white buildings with blue contrasting roofs.

We got there and out hostel guy picked us and a bunch of others up on a boat, and told us that he lives part time in Greece and the other part in Brazil. At first I though, cool. That's awesome. Then, I heard that he'd been doing that for 22 years...which made him sound like a wanna be partyer who never could land a real serious girlfriend and now in his near old age is destined to be a sick bachelor who has no heir. So sad. But, for now, it's a great life!

We got to our hostel...The "Far Out" Campers Village. Quite funny. A real "resort" for backpackers. Our room was a large tent shaped building (traditional triangle tent) with a wooden door, wooden sides, and a tent fabric roof...and inside were three cots and a light. NOthing else. NOt a pillow or sheet or anything.

After looking around the island, we realized we were not going to have a killer time, and wished we'd stayed in Santorini longer. Mostly because it was low season still (yep, in EarlyJune) and so restaurants either weren't open or only sold part of their menu, the bakery only had a few thigns as well, and there wasn't a lot going on. Also, when we arrived, around 10, no one was awake..and they weren't awake until well past two. It seems we'd hit a "party island" where everyone goes out and parties until seven in the morning, then stumbles down to their shanti (in the shanti town, which we'd coined our little hut) and then sleeps off the hangover. Sounds rigth up our alley.....

That night, after being beach bumbs, we tried to sleep in our little shanty. Boy were we in for a surprise! ANTS! Abnd Mosquitoes!!! Best friends for life in that little shanty. We didn't sleep a wink, the whole night. We had no blankets, and though we wore long sleved clothing, there was no stopping them. They bit and bit and bit, and you'd shake one off only to find seven more all around...gross. We "woke" up in the morning with bites EVERYWHERE....all over toes, hands, faces, necks, tummys...there was no hiding from the ants. At least you could kill the mosquitoes, but the ants were so small and light, you didn't feel them till they bit you. So sad. And we had to spend another four nights there...so we decided to upgrade. We spent an axtra 5 euro/night to go into a "condo" which is really a hut with three beds and a fan, but no bugs!

Most of the time in Ios, people partied and we layed on the beach. WE are quite dark. There was literally nothing else to do. We did go into town one day, but it was as dead as the beach. A few shops and overpriced eateries (because food here is way more money because the eitnire island is catered entirely to tourists), and some awesome local jewlery, but we managed to stay about two hours before boredom set in and the beach and our books carried us through the day.

WE did meet some interesting young ladies. They were Canadian (which I was ashamed of) and they made is feel so glad to have kept our brain cells for as long as we did. This girl kept telling us all the places that she'd travelled and yet, she only had washed her clothes twice in the two.5 months she was gone, and she was so very drunk that she told us how she never finished school but works at a pizza place in Calgary, though, she offered us free pizza right away if we should go to visit. We hope not to see her again. Or her equally drunk and boisterous friends.

On the last day there, we did end up doing some really neat things. WE took a small tour, and got to ride with Kayaks through the mediterranean and then had a barbeque on the beach and ddi soem snorkelling. The snorkelling was horrid because the equipment was out of shape. I kept getting water in my mouth and therefore in my lungs, and the other one you couldnt see through because it was so smoggy. The fish weren't even that cool, but the water was wonderful.

Next we did a cliff jump. Really nice. 10 meters, and when I looked down, I didn't think I'd do it. I had completely psyched myself out...but, I jumped, and before i knew it, I was in the water shouting "I'm OK!". I was glad I did it. It was exhilerating.

Our final stop on that trip was a nude beach. very strange, to see people so very comfortable with their bodies being displayed for all to see. I mean, I'm all about freedom, but there is a time and place. Certainly an experience though....and no, we did not participate with the "freedom".

We grabbed our stuff then, and went to the pier where we had an fairy to Athens which would arrive at 2 am....and begin the day of Hell!!!!!

Athens and Santorini

2009-06-01T12:38:00.000-07:00

Ah! I can't believe how the time has been flying. I realized it's been almost a week since my last post, and I hardly even realized that the time was going by at all.

Athens ended off quite well. We ended up spending a day at the beach which was fabulous, with the exception of the fact that all three of us got burned. I had a head to toe sun burn which was painful to say the least. It really irks me though, because you can ask the others, I had sunscreen on. A lot of it. 100mL of it! It's just me being snow white...although, now I'm quickly becoming a gorgeous golden brown... :) Beth got pretty dark right away, and Bradley has some crazy design going on on his back...he tans a little differently than most...but we're working on evening it all out! Ha ha.

The day at the beach, despite the hot sun and burns, was really realxing and a good start to our chill time in Greece. Now, I know that not everyone who goes on vacation finds it a good way to spend valuable time, just laying on a beach. But with all of the things that we're going to do all over the place, we find that beach time, playing in the water and laying in the sand, is one more of the highlights of the trip, and a piece of the experience puzzle that you just can't miss.

Our last day in Athens was spent in pain, with sunburns stinging everytime one walked, climbed stairs, sat down, or stood up. Laid down, changed clothes, or realy did anything. However, for the remainder of the day we walked around and saw a few things that we thought we should mention.

1. PDA's. So for those who don't know; a PDA is a Public Display of Affection. Here in Athens, they are everywhere. People are kissing in squares, and on streets, and in very uncomfortably full buses, and just wherever they'd like. Now, I can totally understand a peck on the lips or cheek, or holding hands for a bit, but really. Tonsil hockey while glancing at rip off parada bags in the middle of a packed square for twenty minutes is beyond ridiculous. I just want to say - I don't approve.

2. Mimes. I know that we are a little pampered with the amount of good theatre art in Edmonton, but I also know that throughout the world there are very talented mimes. You know, those guys who paint themselves all one colour and stand still with a variety of entertaining tools, and then you put money in their boxes and they move for you? Well, don't look in Athens for a good one. It's quite funny actually. These people dress all in white (all of them!) and often hold red flowers. Then they stand on a box, or in a corner, or just lay down on a step, and they wait with a can in their hands. They also move around and look at people, they never stop moving in fact. Why would you give them money just for wearing white clothing? Because that is basically what their trick is. Interesting anyway. Worth mentioning in my opinion.

3. Grumpy old men. So, we've all seen the movie. I just want to say that these old Greek guys take the cake for being grumpy. They walk onto a crowded bus, go right up to some young punk kid and shout at them or hit them with a bag or cane until they stand up and give him their seat. And everyone does it because they are afraid of these old guys. The best is in line ups. The men will be stuck at the back of the line...walk to the front...and complain about how very long the line up is and how the world is so unfair and everyone needs to move for them...and then some poor soul will swap places the the guy and wait another 15 minutes in line they just waited in.

4. Dogs. I know that tons of places around the world have dog issues. I understand that they run rampant and are gross and diseased. But here in Athens, they are mostly clean, and they almost always have collars...but no owner in sight. They are all big too. Retrievers, Labs, big shaggy dogs and the like, but all seem to be well taken care of and fat and healthy...but they run around all day doing whatever they please. We can't figure out who these dogs all belong to, or who takes care of them, but it's different than any other place we've seen.

So, anyway, to finalize our last day in Athens, we enjoyed a play. I mentioned it before. Aida. But unfortunately, we didn't know what was going on for any of it...and, what's worse, we got their early for the show, but the show started a full hour after when we thought it did...so we were really really early. Regardless, it was done in the Dyonisus Ampitheatre, and was beautiful. The moon was out, and you could see the outline of all of the decripid stone arches, and you knew you were experiencing something that someone experienced hundreds and hundreds of years ago. It's pretty cool. They play itself we only stayed until 11, which was intermission, having misjudged the length of the show, and the start time, and a few other things. And we had to catch a stinkin' early fairy in the morning. So, we don't know what happened in the end. It's ok though, because we don't know what happened while we watched it either. We certainly put in our guesses, but no one is really sure...

So. After a long long fairy ride, we arrived in Santorini! It's beautiful right off the top. We are greeted by a man named John holding a sign with his hostel name on it. He is a husky man, with a red face, and a permanent smile. His english is not good, but he is gracious and kind as he offers to load our bags into his can and drives us to the hostel. The drive up is exactly what you'd picture. A winding road going up up up a steep hill...buildings stacked on the hill, or rather perched, and are painted mostly white, with clean straight lines, and rounded archways. We pass a donkey. Awesome!!!

The place is fantastic. It's a 3 minute walk from the beach, it's less than a minute from two grocery stores, or even three, and it's right beside a 24 hour bakery...which I'll mention in a bit. The room is private with three beds. Something that we haven't had yet and is very much appreciated. Two mirrors, a kitchenette (so we can buy some groceries!), and a clean pool. It's ideal. With white walls, and windeing staircases in a few directions leading to different terraces and rooms. It's beautiful!

So, we settle in and take a walk to the beach. I'm telling you, I've never been so relaxed. We find some cozy beach loungers offered by the local restaurants if you buy something , but it was late enough in the day that no one cared if we bought or not, so for a while we just sat and listened to the water rush and crash onto the black sand...yes, awesome little black rocks that make up the black beach we frequented while here. There aren't even sea gulls around th ruin the calm. It's intense and I couldn't help but feel blessed. Really blessed. Like, how did I even get this chance? Thankful and blessed.

We also had a visit to the grocery store where we bought fixings for a greek salad, and I bought some fruit and gouda for myself to eat. Lovely meal we had, and it lasted a couple which was nice.

We were going to rent scooters the next day and see the island, but were heavily advised not to by the owner who suggested ATV's because the roads were different. After a short test drive with the scooters, we decided to go with the ATV's which are more sturdy and won't slip on gravel or tip when they fall into pot holes. Safety first!

The first day of driving was mostly exploration. We went up some cool hill and we ended up going to the capital - Fira - as well. A few little shops around there, but nothing special. They do have a lot of jewelry made from lava which is rather cool. I didn't buy any because Im not into jewlery really, but trust me, it's neat. For those who might not know, the lava is from explosions from the volcano that Santorini is built on.

So, we had another beach day after that. And jsut laid out in the sun. It's so great to be able to do nothing, with no plans, no expectations, no requirements, no clock or alarm...you should try it for a while if you haven't. Our burns were mostly still covered up, but the parts that are healing are turning really pretty colours.

We also went to the bakery. Now I've got to say that I'm currently disappointed at our bakeries after having food from this place. The donuts are not only wonderful, but also huge!! like, as big as my head! And covered in sugar....delicious sugar. They also have these things that are called Chocolate Croissant's. Basically, it's a croissant, baked in oil and honey, so it's dripping with them, and then when it's fresh out of the oven, the fill it to the brim with chocolate!!!! It's a heart attack waiting to happen, and rich as anything you've ever tasted, but it's so so so so so so so good!!! Needless to say, we a regulars now.

We rented ATV's for a full day again. This time we went on a killer drive to a place called Pharos. It's got the most fabulous view or at least one of the most fabulous views that I've seen in my life. Priceless. And the pictures won't even begin to describe how lovely it all was. I'd say, buy a place in Santorini, and live in Faros, and you'll never want to be anywhere else.

We also stopped in at the Red Beach. It's really crazy. There are huge tall mountain walls made of red lava rock, and the "sand" is the black and red rock put together...very strange, but beautiful. The Red Beach is is a secluded spot so the water is really nice and quite warm, and it's all just cool.

At the end of the day we drove an hour long ride up tp the North part of the Island to a little town called Oia (IA). It's a fantastic little town, full of beautiful white buildings with blue domes (as is the norm around here, especially for churches). It is also the best place to watch the sun set, according to our Hostel owner and a hoard of tourists who were also there. We sat on a step, beside a wall, on a walkway overlooking the ocean, and watched the sun set. Picturesque. I mean, do moments get any better than that? It's amazing.

We've had another day yet at the beach, and our burns are all healed up, making way for new ones. Bradley looks like a flying squirrel with brown paint ran into his back and splattered. I'm mostly brown, and Bethany is almost black...well, really dark brown anyway. In fact, today at the beach, some beach boy waiter came up to her and said "You're really black. You do not need anymore sun!" it was quite funny. She was a little annoyed I think, but I relaly don't know how she could ever get much darker. I mean, don't people plateau?

Anyway, Santorini is fabulous. It's indescribably beautiful, and it's one of the coolest places I've been, but it's really hard to explain how. Hopefully you come to picture night and enjoy some of the photos we were able to take. That might be all we can do to show you.

A couple things here to mention.

1. Topless women. Women here love to be topless. They are not ashamed. Some women, try to be unashamed, but you can tell they're only doing it because they can here and not at home...but mostly topless women are everywhere (on the beaches anyway).

2. Architecture. Is awesome! We found a whole hill of cylindrical houses with windmills attached to the front. Plenty of cool buildings to see.

Anyway, we're off to Ios in the morning, a new Island, new possibilities, and I'm down to three minutes. So, cheers. Love you all, miss you tons, and catch you soon!

sorry guys...

2009-05-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

I bought an hour of expensive internet time and was going to write the blog update....but I ran out of time. So I'll try and get one in before we leave from Santorini to Ios....so, in a couple of days.

Love you all! kisses.