Yuck - by Tracy Guthrie

7/20/201112:55:34 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

  Tonight for dinner we had Chipati which is basically flour and water made into a dough like substance and then fried with animal lard. It is really good, but doesn't help my ever expanding waist line.

I thought I would lose weight while I was over here, so I intentionally put on a few extra pounds before coming. But now that I am here, the exact opposite happened. I have gained weight. I don't know how much I have gained because there isn't a scale but my pants are really tight and I just feel yucky. I wonder why? Umm, maybe it is because all I have been eating is carbs and sugars. Here is an example of my daily meal plan:

6:30am cliff bar (I brought those from home)
7:30am breakfast (which consists of bread and tea)
10:00am cliff bar
10:15am candy/trail mix
11:00am cliff bar
1:00pm lunch (rice and beans)
1:15pm candy, cookies, pb&j
3:00pm cliff bar,sugar cane,trail mix
5:00pm banana
7:00pm dinner (rice and beans)
8:30pm candy, cookies, pb&j, banana

I know some of you reading this are thinking "Tracy is complaining about gaining weight? Seriously?!?" Well no matter how much you weigh, if you put on a few pounds and can no longer zip your pants it is hard to be at peace with it.

Right now I am totally thinking like an American and it's embarrassing! Why am I concerned about how I will look in my bathing suit this summer? There are starving children all around me! I can blame it on the American culture, but I am the one in control of what I believe to be true about myself. So the "weigh" I see it, I can keep obsessing about how much I have gained OR I can stop being so narcissistic.

Unfortunately at this moment and time, I chose vanity. My identity is wrapped up in how thin I am and I don't think I am in a place emotionally to let go of that. I pray that God help me see myself in His loving eyes, not the eyes of the judgemental enemy.

Chinese Pick Up Lines - by Robin

7/20/201112:45:48 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, teach

The other day in my class, there were two new students. I didn’t think it was that weird because on a few other occasions, some of the students come to class with their boyfriends or girlfriends. Weird but I don’t care as long as they aren’t annoying. It was about ten minutes until the end of class and Jeff stopped by to say that he had finished early and was going to start walking back. He just peeked his head in and since my class was working on their haiku poems, it wasn’t a big deal. So I am walking around helping my students and reading what they wrote and one of the new guys goes “Oh teacher, was that your boyfriend?”
 “Yes, it was. By the way, who are you? I haven’t ever seen you before.”
“Oh, I’m your next boyfriend.”

I was so floored that not only did this kid actually speak English but he also used a line (and a rather funny one at that) that I kind of just stammered at him for a minute before cracking up and saying “Oh, you wish kid, you wish.”

Another day in the life of an English teacher I guess. 

Longtan Park - by Matt Wiersum

7/19/20111:20:20 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, teach

Okay, here is my first attempt at writing about the every day experience of China, opposed to telling the stories of me running around with my friends until the wee hours of the morning.  So I my first edition is about Longtan park.  Longtan park is a very large park very close to my school.  I go running through here almost every day.  I try to run every day but since I have no plans to run in any races in the near future motivation can be a little hard to come by some days.  So now I'm just trying to run because it's something that I love to do, opposed to something that I feel like I have to do and if I don't get out I feel guilty about myself (which has been the case at various times in my life).

So, on to the park.  The gate is about a 10-15 minute walk from my apartment or a 4 minute run (I've only walked into longtan 2 or 3 times).  So upon entering the gate of the park, you seriously enter a different world.  Gone are the hundreds of cars and thousands of electric scooters that drive like pedestrians do not exist.  Also, the air is notably better in the park, and there is green space, something that is mostly nonexistent in chinese cities.  So naturally this place is a big attraction in the city and can become very very crowded at times.  So when I go running in longtan I try to avoid times when the crowds are the biggest, basically the middle of the day.  The park is quite wooded with a small lake in the middle.  There are also several karst peaks that have steps to the top.  I have yet to climb any of these.  So the roads in the park are roughly laid out like the greek letter Phi.  One main road in the middle and two roads that make a circle around the lake in one half and through the woods in the other.  There are a few trails around the park but they're not really suitable for running.  I feel pretty fortunate to have the park this close because I easily have access to a decent running grounds.  I have figured out how to cut up the roads into various loops and have made a series of routes that I go on depending the amount of time that I want to run.

Longtan park likes to pride itself on being a "natural" park where development is limited.  While yes, Longtan is better than most chinese parks at having open fields and forests (most parks are based around large public squares) it still has almost all the features of every park.  It has various carnival type rides; looping pirate ship, go-karts, bumper cars, bumper boats, log flume, carnival games, etc.  I mean, it still is quite nice but there is still the obvious objective of making money here.

As I run through the park I often become one of the attractions for the Chinese people.  I probably am in 100s of photos that people try to discretely take of me.  I can typically figure out when people want to take a picture of me, its actually quite easy.  usually, someone will be pretending to take a picture of something that is quite unremarkable, like a tree, then quickly turn their cameras towards me and snap the shot.  When I catch them doing this I try to make a face of some sort, give a thumbs up or look away.  I gotta to show them that I'm smarter than they think I am. Another thing they love doing is just yelling "hello" at me and then turn and start laughing with their friends.  Most of the time it is kids that do this but other times older people will join in on the act.  They think they're so clever!

One of the most interesting things about the park is when you go there in the morning.  Hundreds of elderly people will be there walking around, playing music, dancing, singing, writing calligraphy on the ground with water, playing cards, and so on.  I feel like this is something America could really learn from the Chinese.  There is so much benefit to regular social interaction that I feel is missed out on by some of the elderly in the US.  Also the elderly are still very active despite their age and I feel that this stems from a culture that values active lifestyles and social interaction in public places.

Okay, I dont really know where to go from here.  I feel that there is a lot more I can talk about but don't know how to put it together.  The weather is great here now, upper 70's and sunny so I'm enjoying it! 

20 Questions... at least - by Robin

7/19/20111:05:12 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, teach

Tonight I had class with a kid named Ken. He is a Korean kid that is maybe 12 or 13, I’m not sure. This was the second time that I had class with him, and what never ceases to amaze me about kids is how quickly they open up to you, even when they have only known you ten minutes.

What sets Ken apart is his ability to ask questions like he is getting paid for it. In one twenty minute conversation, these were the topics we covered:

I asked him how his week has been going, and what his favorite class at school was. He replied “PE.”
“Oh,what do you do in PE?”
“I play volleyball.”
“Oh cool, I used to play volleyball. Do you like it?”
“Yes, I do. Teacher, do you know who Evan Patak is?”
“Yes Ken, actually I do (after I spent five minutes trying to remember why that name was so familiar). He played for UCSB volleyball.”
“Oh, he plays for Korea airlines team, he is very famous in Korea.”
“Yea, I saw him play one time. He lived in the same town as me.”
“Really? That is cool.”

5 minutes later as I am correcting his homework
“Teacher is your hair two colors?”
“Well yes Ken, actually it is. I have been needing to dye my hair again for a long time. Do you know what hair dye means?”
“I think so, isn’t it very bad?”
“No you are thinking of die, like how you said your dog died two years ago. This is dye spelled D-Y-E. It means that my hair is really this darker brown color but I like to make it yellow so I put color in it. But I have been busy and my friend has been busy and I need her to help me change the color again.”
“Oh. So you think the brown is bad.”
“Well no I guess I don’t think the brown is bad, I guess I just like the yellow better.”
“Oh. In my Korean school, we aren’t allowed to have hair dyed. Your hair can only be black, and it has to be straight. You can’t have a firm.”
“A firm? What do you mean?”
“If you hair goes around and around”
“Oh, you mean a perm? When the hair is curly? You aren’t allowed to have curly hair at your school?”
“No. And if a boy’s ears are covered by his hair, he must to cut his hair too. And if you have any words on your shirts, you have to do maybe 30 or 40 pushups, I don’t know how many but it’s a lot. And the girls they can’t wear skirts. If they wear skirts, they have to do pushups but not the kind where you go up and down, just the kind where they have straight arms”
“Oh like a plank like this?
“Yes. And the girls at my school, they can’t wear their hair like yours, they have to wear it different.”
“Oh, you mean down? They can’t put their hair up in a ponytail?
“No.”
“Wow Ken, I would not last one minute in a Korean school. I have dyed curly yellow hair and I put it up, and I have words on my shirt.”
“I think it is too many rules.”
“Me too. Ok let’s talk about our book.”

2 minutes later

“Teacher do you have a car in America?”
“Yes Ken, I do.”
“What kind is it?”
“It’s a Toyota.. A Japanese car.”
“Oh, in Korea everyone has Kia and Hyundai. Are those in America too?”
“Yeah, I’ve seen them before but they aren’t as common. Toyotas and Hondas are very reliable cars, Do you know what reliable means?”
“No.”
“It means that it is a good car, that it won’t break down as much as other cars, hopefully. Anyways, Toyotas and Hondas are very reliable cars, so many people have them in America. But because they are so common in America, many thieves break into them. Do you know what a thief is?”
“No, I don’t”
“A thief is someone who takes stuff that doesn’t belong to them.”
“Oh yes, yes I know. Was he African American?”
“What! No, I don’t know. What do you mean?”
“Well in 1997 I saw there were a lot of African American people fighting in Los Angeles and I saw them leaving with a lot of blood.”
“Oh you mean they were bleeding a lot?”
“Yes, do you know what I am talking about?”
“No Ken, I don’t . (shoot I’m going to have to go home to google this stuff…) But sometimes in Los Angeles there are fights but it’s not just black people. It’s white people, and Mexican people and Asian people and other people. Everyone makes mistakes, not just black people.”
“Teacher why are there so many African Americans in America?”
(Does this kid ever quit?)
“Well a long time ago there was this terrible thing called slavery and many African Americans were forced to come over to America to work for white people. A lot of African Americans today are children from people who were slaves before.”
“But didn’t Abraham Lincoln set them free?”
“Well..yes…in a manner of speaking. (I did not want to have to explain what ‘emancipation’ and ‘proclamation’ meant).
“Well then why didn’t they go back to America?”
“Well it wasn’t that easy. It was very difficult to get back to Africa and very expensive and the trip was long and dangerous and many people did not have anything to go back to.”
“Oh.”
“Ok Ken let’s read Chapter 5 in the book now”
“Ok”

2 minutes later

“Teacher, what is your blood type?”
“I don’t know Ken.”
“Oh. Many Americans don’t know their blood type. Do you know Danica? She doesn’t know her blood type either. I bet you are an O.”
“Ok Ken, back to the book.”
“Ok.…..Teacher, what is it called when old people have this on their foreheads?” (pushes on his forehead)
“Wrinkles? Like this?” (I scrunch up my forehead and display the stair steps on my forehead)
No, like on your forehead like this” (he pokes his forehead a bunch of different times) “It’s red.”
“Oh.” Oh geez here we go again. Another kid I work with commenting on my skin. “That is called acne Ken.”
“Oh, is it bad?”
“Well no one really likes it but everyone gets it. It’s normal.”
“Oh. I don’t have that because I am young, but probably I will get it later.” How old does this kid think I am?
“Maybe, who knows. Ok, about chapter 5…”

I don’t know what amazes me more, how the kid barely pauses for breath between questions, the way his bright little eyes just want to know more, his insatiable curiosity, the extreme cultural differences, his preconceived ideas about what America is like, or the way he makes me think about things a little differently. I’m not sure.

But excuse me, I have to go brush up on American history and popular culture before our next class in a week. 

Haggling, our Unique Group, and a Host Family in Beijing - by Colin Finnegan

7/13/20114:54:21 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Summer Camp Counselor, teach

I've now been in Beijing for a week.  It has been a very interesting experience, with many surprises, ups and downs, and a lot of confusion in between.  From a giant plastic phallus incident, to fascinating foods, to near-death taxi rides, it has been an eye-opening trip that so far has not disappointed.  After all, I came here for adventure and a chance to try something new, right?  But it has not come without its frustrations.  Everything, starting with the language, is scrambled and backwards, it seems, from how things are done at home.  It seems anything having to do with making plans takes much longer than I am accustomed to, with everyone rambling confusedly and going back and forth with directions, and especially prices. 

Nearly everything is a chance for haggling.  It seems street vendors do it just for the fun of arguing, especially with foreigners.  It was comical to see the same vendors work several groups of Americans for a certain article, say a folding silkscreen fan with a picture of some pandas and some Chinese characters, which of course he assures us is authentic and rare.  He would start high, like maybe 30 RMB or so, before someone in the group would go down to 5.  From there, through a ritual of keen acting, arm swaying,  and head shaking, the buyer would either walk away or reluctantly agree on a price, waving the desired amount, and not a fen more, in front of the vendor until he accepted.  What one group had haggled for 20, another got for 10.  Either way, it was only a few dollars, sometimes a measly 20 cents we're talking about here, but after a week of battling these determined sellers, that can add up fast with the countless little trinkets and treasures they seem to pull out of thin air.  Even atop the Great Wall, after climbing for nearly an hour to reach the high tower, amidst the great view of the vast Yanshan mountains stretched out around us, out pop more vendors.  Yes, on top of the Great Wall, I haggled a vendor down to $5 American for a red t-shirt commemorating my journey to the top.  Gotta love China.

As one person stated in our group of 20 Americans, anyone who came all the way out to China for this trip is going to be a pretty unique, outgoing person, and we're likely to get along fairly well.  And that is really how it has been.  After the first night out in Beijing, I knew we would remember this experience and each other for the rest of our lives.  Everyone is different, each bringing a unique dynamic to the group.  Together we're in this for the experience of a lifetime, and that made it easier for everyone to just let loose and take it as came.  And come it did!  From aggressive street vendors grabbing at us (Jake), to eating sea horses and live scorpions (Chris), to pissing off sex-shop owners (Sarah), we really made our mark on Beijing, and it has made its mark on us.  Sure, the Forbidden City, the 798 Art District, and eating gow gees (jeow tsurs, a small, dumpling-like pastry with a meat filling) was fun, but really the highlight of the trip so far has been the company.  Yesterday I set off to stay with a local family for a week, and my first thought was how I really hope to see everyone from our group again.

After a very gawky “orientation” with the local coordinator for Cultural Embrace,  a Mr. Luo, myself and 3 others from the group set out to spend a week staying with some native families, tutoring their children in conversational English.  In his broken English, he basically tried to go over the details of staying with the family, emphasizing extensively the importance of “safety first.”  I had a hard time not cracking up when he asked if I minded sleeping in the same bed as the boy I was to be tutoring.  I politely requested separate beds.  And even better was when he looked me squarely in the eyes, room full of strangers, and asked very plainly: “ Do you have any private things or secrets that we should know about?”  Hmm.  What should I say.  I'm a serial killer?  I frequently wet the bed at night? Ummm... I have a SCORCHING case of herpes?  I mean, how do I answer this question?  Through awkward laughter, I shook my head no.

So far, the family has been very accommodating and hospitable.  Last night, they treated me to a very interesting meal that included a spicy smoked chicken, feet and all, a salad concoction that I didn't particularly care for with seaweed, tofu, and other unidentified objects of various textures, and some noodles with a very interesting peanut butter/soy kind of sauce.  All in all, it was delicious, aside from the salad.  I was pleasantly surprised when the husband kept refilling my small paper cup with yanjing beer, assuring me that it was customary to cheers every time we took a sip.  They asked me to name everything on the table in English, repeating after me 3 or 4 times until their pronunciation somewhat matched mine.  We laughed a lot.  They seemed very nice.  After I had played a few songs on my guitar for Mr. Luo in the train station before we arrived for the orientation, he made it a point to let my host family know.  Their son, whose name I cannot begin to pronounce, apparently plays the trumpet, and asked if I would teach him a few songs.  I was obliged!  I figure it will make for a good English learning tool, if nothing else.  For breakfast this morning we had a biscuit type pastry and a spicy soup that somewhat resembled what we call egg-drop soup in the States.  Not what I would typically expect for breakfast, but it was good.

So that was my first week in Beijing with Cultural Embrace.  Though it has been frustrating at times, I am thoroughly enjoying the people, the foods (most of the time), and the experience.  I look forward to the days ahead, and the opportunity to try teaching.  This family will make for a fun transition into teaching, as they are hungry to learn, and eager to laugh.  I am very glad and blessed to be here, and already have enough to write and think about for years to come.  I will keep you updated as I have more to write! 

'You Want to Buy Machete??' The Market and Other Guatemalan Experiences, With Pictures!! - by Haley Price

7/13/20114:31:47 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

So today me and my neighbor were walking through the market and that we are convinced Guatemalans are raised to sell! Children have great marketing skills and are pretty sly about it. One really cute little boy asked if I wanted to buy some handmade fabric and I said no but kept talking to him just because I was waiting for my bus and he was pretty adorable. I had my nice camera around my shoulder and after I told him no, he said "pues...por un beso?" hahaha and then after I laughed he said he could use my camera to take a picture of me for me....sneaky little kid...I know he would have run off with it. So I told him oooh nooo haha and he had this little smirk and walked away.

Children here don't go to school, they are shining shoes at 7 years old and selling on the streets all day. Few do go to school, but the schools here are privately owned so it is rather expensive for families to send kids to school. 

In the market they really do try to sell everything and anything. I was looking at some things and this guy comes up to me in two seconds and asks if I want to buy a machete! I do not look like the kind of person who would buy a machete...I thought it was hillarious. 

An other distinct Guatemalan thing I've found is their fascination with fireworks! 4 am and all day and all night fireworks, or bombas, are set off. They are either firecrackers or a huge mortar that sounds like a war is going on. The tradition is to wake up someone at 4 am with firecrackers outside their door if it is their birthday....but I'm having a hard time believing that it is someones birthday nextdoor EVERY morning. So with the fireworks, rooster, barking dog, and loud children around the house, sleeping is a challenge. If you ever come, bring earplugs to sleep with. 

Yesterday I went to Lake Atitlán and explored by boat the villages of San Juan, San Pedro, and Santiago. San Pedro was definitely the best and was really very beautiful. The lake is also gorgeous, there are 3 volcanoes and about 12 villages total. Besides hiking Volcan de Pacaya, Lake Atitán was definitely one of my favorite things I've done since I've been here. 

Local life is easy going. Everyday we wake up, go to class or volunteer, drink a lot of coffee (BEST COFFEE EVER), run some errands, hang out at the cafe or bar, always meeting new people, and then watch a movie or go out that night. I love this lifestyle. Life moves slow and simple. I could definitely get used to it. I got offered a job at the local bar! haha we have gotten to know the bartenders of Cafe No Sé really well! More people have moved into the house. So right now we have one Canadian, one guy from the UK, one from Korea, and another from Australia. Talk about a cultural experience!!! 

So far, I LOVE it in Antigua, it really is different from the rest of Guatemala I've seen. It feels the safest, and the people are really friendly to tourists, and the vibe is very welcoming. 

PICTURES FINALLY! 

 

 

Life between two Rabbits - by Robin

7/13/20114:17:21 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, teach

Well it’s the best time of the year, and im not just saying that because its my birthday, its March Madness. The only bummer is that im in China and that means late nights and early mornings to watch the games. For some reason I think I will manage.

As many of you know, we are on round two of rabbits. We bought a small gray rabbits down in the local night market only to be heart broken when it died. Peta lived for a good six days. We believe that he had a disease called Rye-Neck. He had all the symptoms. The highlights of his time with us were: chasing the vacuum, eating cilantro, running in circles around the apartment, and peeing on everything.  He was a blessing to our lives and we are glad that he was able to spend a little time with us.

This semester has Robin and I working all over. We figured out that we are each teaching around 33 hours a week. Now this doesn’t sound like too many hours, but when you include travel time and prep it keeps us busy. Robin works nearly every night till 8 pm in the community next to our school called huang hai. She teaches at a Korean Art/English school. She teaches some of the cutest little kids alive over there. I have been teaching at a new school that helps to send Chinese students to school in America. The four girls I teach are fun and are really enjoyable to teach. I have to travel about 30 mins there and 30 mins back so my bus time has doubled this semester.  On the weekend I teach phonetics to little kids at the school I found first semester. I like teaching little kids the best. Teaching is keeping us really busy, and giving us a good chunk of $$$ for when we come home.

In the little time that we have off we have been working to plan our wedding, along with getting helping Scottie and Angie. They decided to get their groomsmen suits here, because it’s so cheap. Today is a big day because Robin ordered her dress! She designed it herself and had the Korean Art teacher sketch it. I am so proud of her for designing it and cant wait till Aug 19th. She also put in the order for bridesmaid dresses. Things are starting to come together, next step is invitations.

We got a new bunny last week! We liked having the silly little thing in our apartment, so we decided to try again. This time we invested in bunny food and did our homework a little better. Rocky or Stinky is starting to open up to Robin’s apartment. He is a small little black bunny. He helps keep her company when I leave every night to go to sleep. She also enjoys when I come up in the morning and put him in her bed to snuggle with her. He is different then Peta, but an enjoyment to have around. 

Only three more months and we are home. Time is flying! 

Cha'Ching - by Tracy Guthrie

7/12/20114:08:48 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

Our last stop on Safari was at the Massai Market, the equivalent to a flea market in the United States. There are about 100 vendors selling anything from purses to bananas. Most of the vendors use a blanket as a booth and lay their merchandise on top.

Being the only white people around, we stick out like a virgin in the Playboy mansion. Therefore, the minute we walk in we are surrounded by "personal shoppers". They want to know where we are from and at first I thought they were sincerely interested. Not so much. Stanley told me later that they want to know if you are American so they can set the price accordingly. I get why they do it, and I would probably do the same thing if I were in their shoes, but it still feels like you are being taken advantage of.

Daniel, the name of my "personal shopper", followed me around and put anything I touched in a bag. I told him I was just browsing, and wouldn't be buying everything. He said "No worries! I will hold all your items and help you pick at the end. We'll get you a good price." Pretty slick, huh?

Once I was done, Daniel escorted me to the "Negotiator". This guy's sole responsibility is to bargain with you until you crack. The "Negotiator" asked the same question "Where are you from madame?" I considered telling him I was from another country, but I didn't want to lie. So I opted to just say "I am from everywhere."

At that point he calculated all of my items and came up with a price. I tried to counter with confidence, but like any good sales person, he knew I wanted it all. He knew I wouldn't be able to walk away. And he was right, I have a hard time walking away from something I want and I don't just mean material things. Which makes me think, is that tenacity, or stupidity? 

Whirlwind with a Backpack and a Stanley - by Alyssa Russo

7/12/20113:20:39 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, India, Volunteer

I am finally starting to  get back to blogging now that I am settled in at my new digs in Amata Nakorn.  However, before I blog about all of the fabulous things that have happened to me since I have been in Thailand, I wanted to get you updated with my backpacking trip around India and Nepal!  As some of you may have heard, I am once again hosting the fantastic Flat Stanley, only this time he has travelled all the way to Asia to see me!  Flat Stanley is a character from a children's book who gets flattened after a bookcase falls on top of him!  He finds that he is so flat he can fit perfectly inside an envelope. Thus, he decides to visit different people in all different places and send home pictures of himself with popular monuments.  This is very popular in many elementary school classes, as the kids read the book and then make their own Stanley to send to a friend or family member in a different state.  My niece Jordan did it about 3 years ago and I housed Stanley in Boston for a month.  My sister has decided to do it again and sent me Stanley when I was in India with directions to bring him along on all my travels.  The only bad thing was that he did not make it in time for the Taj Mahal trip so I told her that Michael would have to photo shop him into one of my pictures haha!  So, with Stanley in tow, I embarked on my crazy Asian backpacking adventure!

First of all, as all of you know me, I am sure you are all saying to yourselves, that Alyssa an Backpacking just don't go together; and you would be correct in thinking that! Upon leaving Jaipur I had a rather large rolling suitcase, plus my small rolling carry on, and my normal purse. However, my suitcase was quickly replaced with a large trekkers backpack once I realized just how sore your body could get from walking up and down the train station stairs with all of those things.  But I survived and, while it was exhausting, I had blast and would not be opposed to doing some backpacking throughout the southeastern peninsula of Asia later in the year!

First Stop, Mumbai:
This really was a beautiful city with all the possible modern necessities anyone could want!  The malls were crazy, the nightlife was fabulous, and the history was wonderful to learn about.  However, this city also showed the epitome of Indian life, as there were giant hotel adjacent to the largest Indian slums I have seen yet (imagine "Slum Dog Millionaire.")  All in all, it is probably the only city in India that I could live in long term!

This is Stanley and I in Front of the Mumbai Skyline.

Second Stop: The Backwaters
The next stop that we took was into the famed Backwaters of India.  The backwaters are a series of waterways throughout the central area of the state of Kerela, one of the two southern most states at the tip of the Indian Peninsula.  The al the waters meet at the town of Allepey, often called the Venice of the East. We travelled to this tiny town and hopped upon a houseboat.  On the boat, we travelled throughout the waters and spent the night docked in the middle of them, eating delicious food.  We got to see many facets of the Kerelan way of life, where the river dominates, the fishing industry strives, and there are some lazy days in these little tiny villages on the land strips that make the famed waterways.  It was a beautiful trip and I could see myself parking up next to a coconut palm and living the days away haha!  

BTW, it was during this part of the trip that Stanley took a dive into the water and had to be rescued by a Kerelan fisherman in a small canoe. Thank god he is a good swimmer lol!

 Drinking a coconut!

Third Stop: Varkala
After traveling through the backwaters, we proceeded farther down the state of Kerela to a tiny little beach hub called Varkala.  Here, we spent 5 days on a beach holiday taking in the sun and some waves in the Arabian Sea.  It was extremely relaxing and the view was amazing.  The town is on a high cliff that over looks the Arabian Sea.  It has a small main road that boarders the cliff and a series of spots that have stairs going down to the beach.  I certainly enjoyed the time sitting on the beach and drinking a Pina Colada!

 View from the cliff

Forth Stop: New Delhi
Now, since my good friend Sarah lives in New Delhi, this was not my first trip.  However, this was my longest stay and I got to do a little more touristy things!  This is another one of my favorite places in Indian and the heart of the government and independence fight!

 The nightly Hindu Ceremony at the banks of the Ganges.

Sixth Stop: Lumbini, Nepal
After leaving Varanasi, we spent about a day crossing into Nepal over land.  It was a beautiful journey that culminated in our first stop in Nepal, Lumbini.  This small town right over the boarder into the country is located in the Terrai and considered to be the birth place of Buddha  The Terai is the area of the Nepalese planes, that run across the Southern part of Nepal on the boarder of India.  It is a thin strip which produces a lot of grain products.  Once there, we parked ourselves for a night, experienced the first of many power outages in Nepal, and learned a ton of Buddhist history.

 

 Stanley and I after the hike up to the Peace Pagoda

 The busy streets  of Kathmandu!

 Stanley and I in front of the most famous Buddhist Stupa's!

 Stanley and I before getting on the plane for the mountain flight!

Attempting to take a picture with Stanley and the Mountains.  It didn't work so well!

So there you have it, my fabulous backing adventure!  It certainly was amazing and I was sad at the end of it.  But there was no better place for it to finish then in Nepal and I am so happy to have been able to have the experience!

Hope you all enjoyed taking a little piece of the journey with me and stay tuned for a new blog post on Teacher Alyssa in Thailand, coming soon!! 

Balancing Act - by Tracy Guthrie

7/11/20114:53:07 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

It is interesting how taking one step forward in the journey of life reveals more about the journey you used to be on. I came on this adventure with the hope of learning about the Kenyan lifestyle, people, and most of all how I can serve Kenyans in need. But during the process I am learning what defined me before and what I want to define me now. Basically, I am learning the definition of "Tracy".

Until this trip I never realized how much and how often I taper my feelings to accommodate others. In stead of just owning my emotions, I worry about the other person's feelings. I am terrified of rocking the boat. I am terrified that if I express my feelings of anger, disappointment, or annoyance I will be seen as combative, thoughtless,selfish, difficult, or offensive.** In my head I know you can show grace, mercy and love even when expressing feelings of anger, but in my heart it freakin' scares me. I am slowly starting to realize I am only responsible for my feelings and actions. I have no control over anyone else and how they feel. I pray that I can work towards balancing validating others feelings while acknowledging my own.

** Since I struggle so much with defining what my emotions are I had to use http://www.psychpage.com/learning/library/assess/feelings.html. I am thinking I need to carry around a copy of that list for awhile. 

Liuzhou - by Matt Wiersum

7/11/20114:45:13 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, teach

So when I left off last time I wrote about my final few days in Yangshuo.  I really enjoyed my time there.  But now after my weekend in Nanning (which I will get to later)  I really think the people is what made Yangshuo so great.  I feel that they route I took was an ideal transition to life in china because Yangshuo is a very western city by chinese standards so it allowed me some time to transition from western culture to a full on chinese culture that I have here in Liuzhou.  So yes, here a more of a rundown of the past two weeks to finally get up to speed on my blog.

On Monday morning, the 28th Mr Meng drove me to the Yangshuo bus station to take a bus directly from Yangshuo to Liuzhou, where someone from the school would pick me up.  So everything went smoothly until I actually got to Liuzhou.  When I got off the bus I was expecting either the headmasters of the school, who I met a few days prior, or someone with a sign with my name on it, like when Tina picked me up at the airport in Guilin.  But of course neither were there and I was given almost no direction on where to go or do.  So I just stood... and stood... and stood.  For about an hour.  While I was standing countless taxi and tuk tuk drivers were asking me where I wanted to go, and that they could take me.  One even had the gall to ask for 100 kuai for a ride.  I declined.  So I figured I probably should call Isabella.  I of course only had Isabella's phone number on my computer which I didn't want to pull out in the middle of a busy street in china.  So I made a plan.  I was going to go to a noodle shop, open my computer there (where fewer people would see) and then go back across the street to where there were several phones that you could pay several kuai to use.  So I started proceeding with my plan.  While I was in the middle of eating my noodles this guy comes up to me, starts talking really fast in chinese and so I didn't understand him.  I figured he was trying to sell me something so I started repeating "wo bu yao" (i dont want it).  Then he pulls out his cell phone and calls someone and puts the phone to my ear.  On the other end is Joanna, the foreign teacher coordinator at my school.  So this was my guy.  Apparently he was walking around for half an hour trying to find me, which I don't know how that happened because I was standing outside the bus station for an hour, and the bus came right on time.   Regardless I made it and everything is good.

So when I arrived at school I was quickly introduced to all of the other foreign teachers,  Stephen from Ireland,  Freda from Ghana, Elana from Latvia, and Laura from England.  All are pretty nice people as usual.  So after meeting them I was shown my apartment.  I was pretty surprised because the place is pretty nice in comparison to the dorms in Yangshuo.  Granted, I don't have the same view but the amenities are a bit nicer (I have a two bedroom to myself so if anyone wants to stop by YOU'RE MORE THAN WELCOME!!!).  So, my first night the teachers take me out to eat, a nice gesture that I was very appreciative of.  So the next few days were all pretty similar because I spent time observing classes, which to me seems pretty uneventful and very similar to my training classes because I just spent about 10 minutes each class introducing myself and answering the kids questions about America.   Now this reminds me of something.  The school I'm at here in Liuzhou, is like the Taj Mahal compared to the school in Yangshuo.  In every way this school is nicer.  I guess the school in Liuzhou has more basketball  courts.  So if thats how you want to measure a school then, I guess yangshuo is better.  I haven't taken any pictures here of Liuzhou yet, but I'll make sure to take some of the school.  It's really nice.

So events that have happened in Liuzhou... On the 3rd day I was here a chinese teacher comes up to me and tells me that stephen is going to his friends house tonight to eat dinner.  I was slightly confused by this because I had never met this teacher before but if Stephen was going it probably was legit.  So, that night stephen and I hop in a cab to his friends house.  It was really fun just hanging out eating dinner in they way they do social dinners, Hotpot (i think i explained this already).  So after eating dinner for like 2 hours, I'm told we're going to the city center for a few beers and that we're not going to be out that late.  Well "not that late" turned into 3am.   Luckily I didn't have class until 11.  The next night stephen and I start doing the same routine but we make sure get back early because we both had early class.  So on friday me and stephen decide to go to the city center with his girlfriend where there is this massive pool hall where they charge for tables by the hour.  So we play for an hour or so and then we decide to go to a bar, but something more low key.  So Stephen knew of a spot so we went there.  But after about 15 minutes one of stephens chinese friends came and told us to come with him.  So we follow him and he leads us to a KTV bar where he has a room rented.  So KTV for those who don't know is karaoke, but where you rent private rooms so you only embarrass yourself to your friends rather than an entire bar.  So we spent our evening there which was a pretty good time.  After friday night, my weekend went very slow.  I slept in really late on Saturday and didn't really get out until 3 in the afternoon.  I basically went running and went to dinner with stephen and xiao liao.

So I'll talk about running some, because my blog is titled running through china.  So.  Running in Liuzhou actually has been suprisingly good.  I live really close to a very large park called Longtian park. Its pretty big and has several miles of roads which makes it a decent running spot.  The main problem is that the park can get really really busy, particularly around lunch time, when its most convenient for me to run.  So I have to do a lot of weaving.  One nice thing about the park is that I've notice the air is significantly better in the park than on the regular streets so thats better than breathing the polluted air of typical chinese cities.  An intersting thing about the park is that the chinese love putting little carnival things everywhere, gokarts, bumpercars, boats etc.  It was like this in yangshuo too.  But longtian park touts itself about being undeveloped but it has all this stuff.... I don't really get it.  Also, this is nothing new but chinese love trying and failing at being discrete at taking pictures of westerners, particularly when I'm running.  They'll pretend to be taking a picture of something (most of the time is like a tree which gives it away) and then turning their camera to me at the last second.  When I catch them doing this I usually try to make some sort of face to show that I know what they're doing.  They also love yelling hello to me.

Okay, I'm tired.  I didnt sleep much last night in Nanning, and I promise I'll get up to date tomorrow. 

Shanghai Nights - by Robin

7/11/20114:28:58 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, teach

Pre-Departure Reflection: Teaching in China ~ by Sarah Lowen

7/5/20119:20:47 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Summer Camp Counselor, teach

I have less than two weeks before I leave American soil and land on unknown territory. I have never been to China before nor have studied the language or culture so I turn to the internet for answers. The first thing that strikes me is the large population that inhabits this country. I'm already picturing myself in the streets of Beijing, surrounded by crowds and crowds of people, racing their bicycles around me. Not like the day-after Christmas at the mall kind of crowds, but the shoulder to shoulder, breathing in each other's carbon dioxide kind of crowds. The vision continues as I'm walking in Beijing and a person bumps right into me. My natural instinct is to stop and apologize for the contact as us Americans so often do, but the man is off like a horse in the Kentucky derby. Even if I were to chase him down, would he even understand that I'm trying to apologize? Not only is the language an obvious barrier, but I can imagine the social norms are different as well. He might even find me rude and strange for wasting his time. He is probably more interested in how different I look with my long, brown hair and big, hazel eyes than my attempted apology for our shoulder bump. My psychology degree from Virginia Tech won't help me here. Lucky for the man in my hypothetical scenario and lucky for all of us, I'm practicing changing my definition of personal space right now. In fact, I'm throwing it out the window. In a city with millions of people, I can't imagine there would be much room for personal space. I anticipate there will be a lot of things that I will need to make adjustments to but I'm excited for the challenge.

My next internet search shines light on the weather in China during the summer. I am from Northern Virginia where our summers regularly reach the mid 90's and the humidity is high. So to me, China in the summer is no sweat. I'll take full credit for the clever pun. However, I am concerned about the food and drink in China. My head and stomach are always at a constant battle with one another because my head is adventurous and open to trying new foods but my stomach can't stomach it. I find myself picturing another scenario in the bustling streets of Beijing where I stop at a vendor on the street to try some warm dumplings to fill my rumbling stomach. These dumplings taste unique to China and I allow myself to appreciate the dumpling like I were paying respect to an elder. Thirty minutes pass and I'm shopping for a watch that I'm bargaining for and all of a sudden my stomach is reminding me that he is not going to let me win this battle. I am eager to find a bathroom and thankfully the street woman agrees to show me the restroom after I purchase the watch. The watch is equivalent to only 3 American dollars, or so I think based on my poor conversion skills, so I accept the deal and make a run for the bathroom. I'm so excited to finally reach the bathroom until I realize there aren't any Western toilets. I guess I will have to practice my yoga skills to balance over the toilet since the toilet here is not made for sitting. I don't see any clean toilet paper in sight but then I reach for the toilet paper that I stashed in my purse, thanks to advice I read from another website, and make it back to the hustle and bustle of Beijing.

As I continue my online journey through China, I come across a lot of beautiful and grandiose landmarks. Although it might seem a little cliche, the one I'm most excited about seeing is the Great Wall of China. I have traveled to the Red Square of Russia and stood in front of the Wailing Wall in Israel but have never seen the Great Wall of China. I can recall a faint memory in grade school where I came across a picture of the Great Wall in a scholastic magazine but that's the extent of my experience. I plan on sending a postcard of The Wall back home to the preschool that I currently teach at. They might not realize the significance of this Wall but they will look at this picture as did I when I was in grade school. Fifteen years later and I'm finally putting down the books and images of what China is suppose to look like and seeing it for myself. I will take pictures for the first few minutes just to prove I was there but then I will put the camera down and remind myself to experience the Wall and the country for what it is and what it stands for. Then I will make a bet with someone that I can walk a longer distance along the Wall despite the blistering heat and long trek ahead. I blame this competitiveness and athleticism on playing travel soccer my entire life. I'm also excited to see the Forbidden Palace and plan on going on more excursions when I find out more about the history of China and what is available. I will bring back pictures of these places and my experiences and thus earn serious bragging rights for traveling so far and seeing so much.

What I fail to find on the internet is how these Chinese children that I am responsible for teaching this summer will react to me. Will they be confused and annoyed by my lack of knowledge of the culture and language like the man on the street? Will all my hard work and preparations for lesson plans be shoved down a Chinese toilet because it's not working well for them? Will what works for American kids work for Chinese kids? Are teaching styles the same in China as they are in America? I have experience in teaching and a degree from a four year university but nothing will prepare me for this. No lesson planning, internet searching, book reading, nothing will give me the answers to this. Hopefully I can bribe them to teach me about China in exchange for teaching them about America. Maybe that is what it's all about and in that, we can discover the differences and share the similarities.

As for now I can only guess what my experiences in China will be like and continue to entertain possible situations in my head. Soon I will be boarding  a direct flight from Washington D.C. to Beijing and will have the long 14 hour plane ride to dream of all the possibilities. My suitcase is currently half packed but filled with pictures and gifts from America to share; and of course my immodium and peptobismol. Here I come dumplings!
 

Flashback 4.20.10 - Peaks and Valleys by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/30/201110:53:01 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

There is no denying it. I am at my breaking point. I am tired of mosquito nets with holes, toilets that are just a hole in the ground, cup showers you take outside, bugs, no T.V., no coffee, the smell, the crazy matatu rides, the smog in Thika and Nairobi, and..... OH MY GOODNESS! I just looked outside the Safari van window to see the most beautiful sight I have ever seen - Mt. Kilimanjaro. If only I were a poet, I would have the words to describe this magnificent piece of land. Do you even call a the largest mountain in Kenya rising to 19,340 ft. a "piece of land"? Anyway, this majestic creation of God has my emotions stirring, in a good way. Like when you hear the National Anthem play, or when someone expresses their love for you, or when you find that perfect pair of shoes or when "The Bachelor" gets down on one knee to propose, even though you know it is a sham or best of all, when God shows Himself to you. I find it quite interesting that just as I was complaining about the gift which I have been praying for for more than two years, a volunteer trip to Africa, God shows Himself to me. Man, is God cool! He knows how to put you in your place through beauty, not anger. I guess that is why we call him God.

GOD CREATED US TO SERVE. ARE YOU?

** The second picture is of the pool at our lodge in Amboseli. We weren't expecting to stay here. Another example of God putting me in my place. 

Way Behind by Teach in China Participant Matt Wiersum

6/30/201110:48:21 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach

Yep, okay, fell way behind again.  Anyways I'll dive right into it.  2 weeks ago February 18th, Isabella rounded up the crew to take us on an excursion to Xing Ping.  A small town near where the imagery on the of the 20¥ bill.  I took the requisite picture at the spot so I will post that soon once I figure out what to do with my photos (my HD is nearly full).  But before we got to Xing Ping we stopped at a very small village where many of the traditional Chinese scroll paintings and fans that you see at the shops in Yangshuo are made.  So we strolled through there for a bit, looking at various artists work.  So, from there we continue on to Xing Ping and board one of the river rafts.  Now, they advertise that the rafts are "bamboo rafts" but the bamboo they use is an odd white color that is really slippery when wet.  I've never seen it in nature.  So we embark on our tour and its a pretty chilly day and we're riding up stream on a boat thats powered by a motor cycle engine with an extended sort of driveshaft with a propeller on the end.  It was a pretty fun ride, and cool to see the karst formations rise straight out of the water.  I took quite a few pictures from here.  It was funny for us because like usual we were as much of an attraction to the chinese tourists as the scenery. At the turn around point there was a formation where supposedly there are 9 horses hidden in the rocks.  I think I found three or four.  More of a mind game than anything.  After the boat cruise we drove back to Yangshuo and that was pretty much the day.

The next day was a pretty low key day.  The group just hung out at the school until about 1 or so when I decided to go running.  The others were going to go to mimosas to use the internet because it was down at the school as usual.  So I went for my longest run so far in China 70 minutes.  When I returned nobody had left for mimosas because apparently tom broke the washing machine drain while it was draining and flooded his bathroom.  Smooth.  After that we went to mimosas and took it easy.

Sunday.  At brunch Isabella asked if we would like to go on a bike ride to Moon Hill.  Moon Hill, being one of the biggest attractions in Yangshou couldn't be one to miss out on.  So Isabella pulls out several bikes that the school owns.  The bikes were no race bikes by any means but it got the job done.  I think I made Amelia have a heart attack by the amount of time I would ride no-handed (about 75 percent of the ride).  Anyways on the ride Tom was being his usual self saying "Ni Hao" to every chinese person he saw and saying "Dui" to everything said to him.  Then somebody made the grave mistake of telling him how to say "I love you" which he then proceeded to start saying to every girl he saw.  Other than Tom making a bunch of friends the bike ride was nice.  It was a really nice sunny day which seemed to happen every weekend in Yangshuo, good timing weather.  So on our ride we made our first stop at "The Big Banyan Tree".  The tree is exactly what it says.  A 1400 year old Banyan tree.  It was cool to see that parts of the branches had reached the ground and made new roots so it looked like a tree with multiple trunks.  So we did the usual thing, walked around it three times for good luck.  After looking at the tree we went over to the little market.  There was a guy with three monkeys tethered to a little stand that you could pay to get your picture taken with.  I didn't get my picture taken because I felt it was a cruel situation for the monkeys.  So I just took a picture of them.  After Banyan tree we continued on to Moon Hill.  We all were pretty hungry when we got there so we stopped at the over priced café at the bottom and got fried rice.  Once charged and ready to go we made our voyage up the 800 some steps to Moon Hill.  The climb isnt all that scenic because you're hiking up through a forest but once you get to the top there is a pretty impressive view.  On this day we ran into a group of climbers that we had seen around town, climbing up the under side of the formation.  Then we saw this guy pulling himself up the middle of the arch by his ropes.  They were trying to get as high as they can so they could backflips off of the hill.  It was pretty impressive to see.  The guys we talked to were a part of a group they made called "Organic Hobo"  Basically a group of guys going around the world seeing how sustainable food practices were being used.  Search for them online, I think they said they would post the backflip videos on their website.  So after spending about an hour at the top we make our way down and head home.  Pretty exhausting day.

The next couple of days were spent doing the regular training routine but we got more into actual teaching practices, then doing a demo teaching lesson amongst ourselves.  We gave each other a pretty hard time so that was pretty funny.  On thursday and friday we had to do a practice class with real live students, which increased the pressure.  For those classes we had a partner and we split time talking about our home countries.  Chinese kids know 6 things about america "Justin Beiber, Lady Gaga, NBA, Yao Ming, Kobe, and Obama".  So hopefully I filled their brains with a little more knowledge. 

Another significant even that happened on thursday is fellow Centurians, Justin Bussies and Kei Mamiya came to visit!! This was really fun to see some good friends from college on the other side of the world (Kei is Japanese and Justin is teaching english in Japan).  Anyways, with my days occupied with teaching, Kei and Justin went around doing the tourist things, meeting up in the evenings.  So for their first night we decided to go out for a nice Chinese dinner.  We went to the same place Isabella always takes us so she called ahead for us to tell them we were coming and to give us a discount (which they actually gave to us, AWESOME!).  So after dinner, I showed them around town and went to Caviler Bar to teach them the dice game (our usual spot The Stone Rose closed to remodel...).  The next day (friday) was the same routine.  This time we met at the much cheaper Wontons restaurant but still had a great dinner.  On saturday Isabella informed me that a teacher at the school wanted to take the group on a bike ride on some new road.  Everyone again decided to join.  We started going out the direction non of us have ever been down which eventually lead to a very hilly road.  The biggest hill was over half a mile long.  So at the top of the hill everyone thought this route was too tough. I was slightly disappointed because I always like these types of challenges.  So we all turned around and everyone but Justin, Kei, The teacher and Me went back to school.  We then decided to go to Moon hill.  The teacher said he could show us a different more scenic route.  That sounded good so we went that way.  On the way we stopped at an aquaduct along the river.  Pretty cool spot. We continued to moon hill and got a much better view as we approached compared to the typical route.  This route also had a lot fewer cars and busses so that was nice as well.  We then hiked to the top, hung out for a bit, and them made our way down and back the same route.  I then saw Justin and Kei off at the long range bus station on the outside of town.  I then went back to Mimosas and found the crew there with Jarone and Weiss!  They were back for a few days from the orphanage before they took off to the Netherlands.  We then went out to tin tin bar and cavilers, it was a good time.

Okay I'll keep catching up.  Week behind still but I'll get it! Its 1:30 now and I have class at 9:35 I need to got to sleep! 

Thanksgiving Leftovers by Teach in China Participant Robin

6/30/201110:44:25 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach

I just realized I wrote this a long  time ago, but never posted it. So here goes...

Well, we successfully pulled off Thanksgiving in China with flying colors, which is no small feat considering our shopping selection and the kitchens we had to work with.

5 weeks, 2 days, 6 hours, 11 minutes by Volunteer in Guatemala Participant Haley Price

6/27/201112:54:21 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

Until I'm in Antigua!!
Getting pretty excited YA'LL. haha ok I'll lay off the texas-ness a little.
and yes, I have a countdown going.
Hmmm sooo plan plan plan! Turns out my very own mother wants to come visit. This is super exciting and cool, just the organization is kind of tough. Hopefully it'll work out, gotta figure out how to get her from the airport in Guatemala City to Antigua (Safely) ...no idea how to do that....not a taxi...chicken bus???
I don't even know who's picking me up at the airport, where exactly I'll be living... I feel a little clueless I must say. But there's still time to get the details down. Half of my nerves about this trip are from not knowing the details and not knowing what exactly is the plan. The plane ticket is bought so that's half the battle I feel. Thats the commitment step. This is gonna happen.
I still have a few things to take care of. I owe Cultural Embrace some $ still but money is kind of tight so trying to get that to them ASAP. Also wanting to plan some excursions and things to do. I made some friends through couchsurfing and will meet some locals that way when I get there for coffee. I know that sounds crazy, but couchsurfing is a very awesome (and reliable!) way to meet locals and get a crash course of the culture of wherever you go.
However safety has been on my  mind a lot lately. Everyone tells me I'll be fine and all that, I just can't be too careful. I researched crime reports in Antigua...bad idea...freaked myself out and got me thinking all this crazy stuff! I've talked to 3 people so far who have lived there and they said it's all just fine and not to worry. I really hope the volunteer housing has a lot of people there when I go.
Nos Vemos! 

The Most Beautiful Sight You Will Ever See! by Volunteer in India and Teach in Thailand Participant Alyssa Russo

6/27/201112:41:19 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, India, Teach, Thailand, Volunteer

I hope all is well with all and that the spring has finally arrived in the Northeast.  Things on my side of the world are going rather nicely.  The weather has quickly warmed up and it is now around 85 to 90 degrees during the day.  Last night was actually the first night that I felt it was a little to hot to sleep, which as you all know, is never a good thing.  I am hoping that keeping the door open at night will help to cool the room off. My friend Sarah was in town for the weekend and that was very nice.  She is currently working in New Delhi with a TB NGO and it was great to see her.  The only bad repercussion of a busy weekend is that I somehow contracted a cold.  I feel that the colds that I get here last so much longer because of all of the pollution that is in the air.  On a normal day, there are always little specks of soot that often show up on your tissue when you blow your nose.  Thus, you can imagine a day when you are sick.  However, I am slowly healing myself and am very happy that I will not be travelling anywhere this weekend.

Now, I am sure that all of you are wondering why I gave this post the name that I did.  Well, there is really only one possible answer...the Taj Mahal.  That's right, this blog is about the majestic building that is considered one of the seven wonders of the worls.  Let me tell you, when you see the Taj in person, it is even more magnificent then you can imagine it to be.  There is something about looking at the building from the main courtyard, that makes you want to never take your eyes off of it.

The actual excursion to the Taj Mahal was done in one day.  It is in the city of Agra, in the state of UP, which is about a 5 hour train trip from Jaipur.  From previous volunteers having gone to Agra before, we knew that other then the actual visit to the Taj, there is nothing much to do in the city, thus the reason we planned it as only a day trip.  We started out the day at 6AM and took the 5 hour trip to Agra.  We arrived in the city around 11:00AM and got a Tuk Tuk to the center of the city.  After a short breakfast, we set out on our way.  Since India has such a high pollution rate, there is 200 meter area surrounding the Taj Mahal that is blocked off from any cars or Tuk Tuks.  The only things that can get in are battery operated buses and cycle rickshaws.  This is so that the beauty and whiteness of the Taj Mahal can be preserved.

Getting into the actual Taj was an adventure all it's own.  For a foreigner, the ticket to get within the compound is 750 rupees, which is equivalent to about $18.00.  This includes foot covers for your shoes, to be used once inside the actual building, and a bottle of water. After collecting your ticket, one follows a long line of people to the lockers where you must lock up your personal items as you can only  take in a camera, cell phone, and wallet.  We are then herded towards the long line of guests waiting to get into the compound that holds the gardens, secondary buildings and the Taj Mahal.  This is perhaps one of the only places in India where it helps to be a women, has there is a ladies only line that moves significantly quicker then the gents one.  After going through numerous metal detectors, we finally entered the main compound.  Now this is not the the compound where one can see the Taj Mahal, this is the pre-area that houses two secondary mausoleums.  However, one can clearly see where the entrance to the garden that houses the Taj Mahal is, as there is a giant crowd around one doorway.  As you slowly make your way towards the entrance of the garden, one can see that there is a lot of commotion going on; thousands of people trying to get to and from the entrance and take pictures while moving at a rather slow pace.  It surly was pure madness.  However, as you enter the garden, things get significantly calmer and there are numerous photo-ops.  Basically the entire walk up to the Taj Mahal is a slow stop and start of trying to get the best picture. Upon arriving at the front of the building, one puts their shoe covers on and ascents the giant stairs to wait in the 1 hour line so that you can enter the Taj.  I have to say, the actual inside of the Taj Mahal was rather unimpressive, particularly for the hour line.  But of course we had to say we actually went into the Magnificent Taj Mahal.

Here are some interesting facts about the Taj Mahal:

1) It is actually an Islamic structure despite the belief that it is a temple built for the Hindu God Shiva.
2)The Taj was built by Shah Jahn, the Mughal Emperor at the time, in honor of the death of his second wife who died giving birth to their 14th child.
3) The construction for the Taj Mahal began in 1631, the year of the wife's death, and was not finished until 1653.
4) Not long after it was finished, Shah Jahn was overthrown by his son who imprisoned him in Agra Fort.  From the fort you can see the Taj Mahal, thus reminding the Shah what he would never be able to visit again
 

The Entrance Gate to get into the Inner Courtyard that houses the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal from the Main Entrance way.

View of entire courtyard and Taj.

All those people are part of the Giant line to get inside the Taj. 
All in all it was a fabulous trip that could not be missed!  Hope you all enjoy the photos and talk to you soon! 

Pre-Departure Reflection for Summer Camp Counselor in China ~ Rebecca Qiu

6/27/201112:34:32 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Group Trips, Summer Camp Counselor, Teach, Work

The most memorable thing that I remember about China is the heat.  It is a very disappointing thing to say, but it is the truth.  Contrary to many people who are also traveling with Cultural Embrace, I have been to China twice in my lifetime, staying for a month each time in the busy city of Shanghai.  My parents, both Chinese, tell me that we have visited a considerable number of famous landmarks and cities.  Yes, I recalled scaling the Great Wall of China while sitting regally on my father’s shoulders, running around the Forbidden City, and taking smiling pictures at Tiananmen Square with my family.  But I also remembered dying of the horrible, humid heat.  Sweat and unquenchable thirst were constant unwelcome companions during my stays in China.  As a child, I learned quickly that you could never carry along too much water.  And, owing to China’s frequency of hitting Saharan-like temperatures, I told myself that if I ever visited China again then I would never in my lifetime come during its hottest months.  So what possessed me to leave my cool, comfortable home in the United States --- in July, moreover--- in order to travel to the hot, humid, crowded streets of Beijing?

It started during my second semester of my college.  I was a college freshmen at the University of South Carolina at Columbia and was currently taking Elementary Mandarin classes.  I had a number of great friends in that class, one of which included Deana Tourigny, who initially introduced me to Cultural Embrace.  I was intrigued at the idea of traveling to China again, but at first I did not seriously think about it.  However, after Deana enthusiastically began to talk about her trip more and more, I realized that I had picked up some of her excitement as well.  I realized that I did want to go to China.  Not only would I be able to expand my limited Mandarin and experience the diverse culture of a foreign country, but I would also be teaching English to willing Chinese students.  Also, as an added bonus, the experience would be a great résumé builder.  The only obstacle for me was getting approval from my obstinate father.  Due to the affordable pricing of the program and my own persuasion skills, I managed to wheedle out a reluctant “yes.”  This was a miracle upon itself: You know how economically frugal the Chinese can be.

So now here I am writing this reflection letter.  Deana and I have finally purchased our plane tickets to Beijing, where we will be happily sharing our twenty-one hour flight together.  As of now, with only about a week left until departure, I am fraught with excitement, curiosity, and a bit of anxiety.  The latter stems from my own insecurities and worries: Will my students like me?  Will I be a good teacher?  How will I survive in Beijing with only a limited vocabulary at my command?  These emotions have been growing as surely as July 1, our departure date from the US, draws closer.  I only expect all these emotions will explode when I wake up at 3 AM on the said date to catch our flight.  I have heard that leaving early for a trip is always a good thing, but as of now I am not so sure.  Oh well.  We’ll be able to nap on our plane rides.  Sleeping on a plane is always so rejuvenating after all.  

Home Alone by Childcare in Italy Participant Jade Th'ng

6/20/20113:55:50 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Childcare, Featured Participants, Italy, Work

My First Italian Stomachache by Childcare in Italy Participant Jade Th'ng

6/20/20113:49:18 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Childcare, Featured Participants, Italy, Work

I am currently experiencing my first Italian stomachache. It could be because I ate two lunches, had gelato twice today, and just made myself eat dinner (I know that about every other problem in the world is worse than mine). Let me explain, though.

The family I work for has another girl that works for them too. Her name is Anna, and she is twenty-eight (something we could talk about in the realm of my vocabulary). We get along very well, except, she doesn’t speak/understand any English. We’ve managed to communicate slightly through my broken Italian and a lot of hand gestures, but mostly we both just say, “Non capito…” (I don’t understand). We actually find it funny how difficult communicating is. However, we discovered something that helps: translation software. We sit with my laptop alternating between translating from Engligh-Italian and Italian-English. Francesca and I also use this to communicate, which obviously resulted in her calling me a, “Strange girl, very strange.”

During the day it is just Anna, Francesca, and me. Anna cleans, takes care of Francesca, and runs errands. My job so far seems to be to play with Francesca, make sure she practices her guitar, and to teach her English, which is quite enjoyable.

This morning, when I woke up (and after I struggled to wash my hair in a bathtub), I decided to go for a walk around Siena and maybe grab some lunch. I explained to Anna that I would be gone for about an hour, and it seemed like we understood each other.

I had a lovely, short walk around the town. I saw the Piazza del Campo (the most famous attraction in Siena), and on my walk I figured that it was time to have my first gelato.I strolled through the hilly cobblestone streets, walked past shops, and somehow managed to trick people into thinking I wasn’t a tourist. It was so delightful and I felt so cool (probably all in my head). On the way back to the house, I decided that I also needed a piece of pizza (or two). I ate a little bit, and then returned home, where Anna was finishing up lunch. I felt so bad that she’d prepared lunch, set a place at the table for me, and obviously hadn’t understood me earlier, that I just sat down and she served me lunch.

The thing about Italian meals is that they are served in courses. So I finished my pasta and knew that I was very full, but out of courtesy, I just kept eating. What followed were peas, bread, and chicken. I was near tears with fullness.

Anna left to go study, and I passed out on the couch while Francesca did arts and crafts (luckily she’s a sweet girl, and I didn’t wake up with construction paper glued to my face). When I woke up, it was time for Francesca to practice guitar, and then it was time for me to have my first English lesson with her. It went surprisingly well: we practiced the alphabet, numbers, and some vocabulary. Naturally, we used the translation software to communicate when we didn’t know what the other was trying to say. It resulted in a lot of fun and giggling.

Later, after Giovanni and Lucia got home, Giovanni, Francesca, and I went for a walk to retrieve her backpack from somewhere that she had left it. It turned into a delightful tour of Siena, and Giovanni was able to show and tell me a lot about the city. We walked past the San Giovanni Cathedral (that he was named after), and he showed me the house where he was born. He explained that his mother had passed away two months ago, but she had lived to be 100. We arrived at what I gathered was a recreational-church-community center that had a beautiful garden and places for people to play sports. Francesca grabbed her backpack, and while her dad spoke to someone, we walked in the garden. After this, we started our journey home (the long way). Giovanni continued to tell me interesting things about Siena, and it was a great experience.

While walking home, Francesca asked for ice cream. Giovanni turned to me and asked, “Do you like ice cream?” Obviously, I said, “Yes.” He then preceded to buy me a giant gelato with three flavors topped with whipped cream. I didn’t want to tell him that I had already had gelato earlier today, so I forced myself to eat the gelato (the things I do..).

Once we got home I went and read in my bed while wallowing in the guilt of how much food I’d consumed. When I went downstairs, the family was leaving to go to to Lucia’s mother’s home. I was informed that dinner was left on the table.

After about an hour of debating whether I should really eat or not, I felt that it would be rude if they came home and I hadn’t touched it. I went to the kitchen where pasta with basil and tomatoes, salad, cured meats, and a half of a melon were waiting for me (I’d like to add that it was about enough to feed 3). I then continued to eat half the pasta, a small salad, a few pieces of meat, and three slices of melon.

Needless to say, I regret eating all of this food. I don’t know why I’m complaining to you because this story deserves no sympathy. I just wanted to document my first Italian stomachache. 

National Holidays and Stuffed Cake by Intern in China Participant Abby Goldstein

6/8/20111:14:07 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Intern

Sorry its been so long, I have been very distracted as of late. My computer broke, I lost friends, I gained friends, I went swimming… I smell something burning. 
Moving on, last week was pretty much a blur, a lot of new work and training. I am now learning our Tibetan routes, as I started sales today (yay!). I have been offered a post grad job here for a few years. Definitely something to chew on. Speaking of chewing on, I had pizza this past week, it made me delirious. It was a Chinese national holiday similar to the American Labor Day. So we went to Richard’s country club for swimming, pingpong, and badminton. I also tried new foods this week… chicken blood, eel, sea creature of unidentified origin (Manny and I couldnt pinpoint what it was and have taken to calling it sea creature). We went to Hot Pot with a girl named Olivia who was in from Shanghai, she was a total sweetheart, and we walked all the way from dinner which was on the north west side of town, to the clubs on the south east side of town (it was a surprisingly refreshing walk). We stopped along the way to pick up a dress for 20 quai for me which looked fantastic with my sneakers, and a shirt for Manny to replace the oil splashed one he ruined at hot pot ( I suggested we just rub some mud and other weird stuff on it to make it look like part of the design). Either way, we had a blast (and a free bottle of champagne, oh how I love being foreign).

On Saturday Manny, Florence, and I did 6 hours of ktv…. straight through. It was awesome. We did everything from Elvis to Lady Gaga. This was all for only 15 RMB per person, non-alcholic drinks included! I was a little shy at first, but I was belting out by the end of the first hour, I was belting it out like I was possessed by Whitney Huston herself. My companions’ enthusiasm is contagious. I met a bunch of local girls, which was nice. Apparently, we hit it off enough that they were asking Manny for my number. Ah, if only I was that popular with the opposite sex. C’est la vie.

I met a ton of foreigners, many of whom I will be seeing at a concert tomorrow. I met a dance crew who was in Step Up 3 who were here from Holland for an international dance competition (apparently they liked me enough, I was sought after when they went into CC.) They are also the reigning champs in their competition, so mazel tov to them . I was given an oven too… a toaster oven, my boss is like you can cook cakes in this right, I shook my head and said I would try my best. I have mosquito bites up the wazoo, it totally blows, but I got them being outdoorsy so I am okay with it. I hit the mountains to the south of Chengdu this weekend with some friends, the views were breath taking, I need to start remembering my camera, its a really bad habit of mine to not have it. I will upload some new pics at some point, let me acquire more first.

I met my Chinese tutor, we have set up our first few meetings. My co-workers have gotten especially busy as it is peak season now, and don’t have time to teach me anymore. She seems very nice and has friends at Sichuan University. She works in a company that specializes in tutoring. Isabella referred me to her, she seems to be a very powerful woman, Isabella, that is.

I will keep you updated on other things as they happen, starting with a concert tomorrow. May is a month of new beginnings I have decided, and as such, there will be a lot of changes made. Social, academic, health-wise, and breaking bad habits. Sadly I am not much of one for making New Year’s resolutions and am beginning making some just a bit later in the year. With that strong note, I leave you for this evening.

A pleasure updating you all, as usual.  

April's A-Ha! Travel Moments by Work in Australia Participant Jennifer Campbell

6/8/20111:10:24 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Australia, Featured Participants, Work

Although I had A-Ha! moments coming out of my ears the first time I traveled abroad alone, there’s one in particular that keeps me motivated to go after even my “wildest” dreams.

I’ll preface: Remember the spin-the-globe-to-see-where-you’re-going-to-live-when-you-grow-up game from when you were a kid? Well, that’s how I discovered Tasmania. It seemed so exotic and fantastical and I can remember scheming my future escapades in my tree fort later that afternoon. I held on to the dream
of one day experiencing Tasmania for years but considered it a near-impossible mission that only wealthy world travelers, enamored drifters who could afford a one-way plane ticket or Looney Tunes cartoon artists were able to experience. But, as it turns out, I was wrong.

My A-Ha! moment came last year as I stood in Wine Glass Bay, Tasmania staring out from the white, powder sand beach into the crystal clear blue and green water. I did it. I’d sorted out a work and travel Australia visa and a plane ticket, saved enough from my paychecks working in Sydney to afford the trek to Tasmania and convinced two friends to come with me and live in a (tiny) hired car and exist on canned beans for nearly the entire trip to make our travel funds last. My mind started rolling… if I could make this thing happen, man, I could do anything. Traveling the world and submersing myself in foreign cultures and lands didn’t seem so far-fetched anymore… it was absolutely achievable.
 

That awesome moment led me to unearth a majestic gratitude for life and all of its opportunities and  permanently disabled the part of my brain that filters seemingly ridiculous ideas and dreams. …Anything is possible. Just, make it happen. 

New People, and Panda Palooza by Intern in China Participant Abby Goldstein

6/8/20111:05:42 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Intern

A Day in Queenstown, New Zealand by Work in Australia Participant Amy Riehlmann

6/8/20111:03:35 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Australia, Featured Participants, New Zealand, Work

 
The legend, as shown in a statue

  
See what I mean?  Empty

  
 
 
More of the downtown area and...whoops?

  
 
 
Area down by the lakefront

 
My breakfast stop with the view included.  Yum.

 
 
 
A taste of what the gardens were like

  
 
 
More prettiness from the gardens before we continue on

  
Looking down at Queenstown from the gondola

 
 
 
Behold the awesomeness.  See the paragliders?

 
The luge track, according to Google

April's A-Ha! Travel Moments by Luan Ly Lierman

6/8/20111:00:55 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

A-Ha, China, Featured Participants, Teach

I knew I needed to see the world and I love travelling. I fell in love with China especailly after I had studied abroad for a semester with Seattle Pacific University (SPU). Now, my husband and I are happily working and living in China, almost 3 years!

I've always been very interested in people. Cultures, food, religion, customs have always fasinated me. China for one, has such a deep culture and long history. Since my heritage is part Chinese, I find it even more important to know my roots.

Life back home in Tacoma, WA. is surrounded with people from different walks of life. I grew up with Tacoma, a good size city south of Seattle. I love my home for many reasons. Diversity in language, culture and life. All my friends have such unique stories. That's where education starts; is by getting to know one another. That's when we grow as individuals and a community. Being open, patient, and non-judgemental is crucial to getting to know others.
 

I did take a leap of fatih, a big leap when I decided to come to China. At the time, by myself with limited language ability. But what kept me going was my determination to learn, to grow in myself, and to expand my future. My risks, no return! Travelling abroad is huge risk, especially when you have no idea (for me) how to teach, or what to expect. My A-HA moment was the time I told myself, "I'm here. I got myself this far. No turning back!" I pushed myself and it has it rewards. Another A-HA moment was, "I can't believe I'm living in China." Now, I see China as my second home. A place I can always come back to with open doors and great opportunities. 

April's A-Ha! Travel Moments by Teach in Guatemala Participant Jerzy Wasilewski

6/8/201112:58:10 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

A-Ha, Featured Participants, Guatemala, Teach

I have been living in Guatemala for 3 months now and have observed a great many things. Some differences are quite obvious and others more subtle. It has been interesting to try and get deep enough into the culture that I am able to actually see things from their perspective. I can’t say I’m there yet, but I can say that I’ve realized some of the initial thoughts I have are pretty hasty. The cultural differences only seem so strange because I am living in a foreign land with the same set of eyes from my homeland.

I noticed right away that coffee is far more popular than in the US. Nearly everyone drinks coffee everyday and it is not unusual to drink it at every meal. I’m not a coffee drinker myself but have found myself drinking a little here simply because it’s in constant supply. At dinner the question asked is “¿Quieres café?” not “¿Qué deseas beber?” It is as if it is assumed that coffee is standard with each meal. I have observed this in far more places than just my host family and have been told it is common here. 

The other day I finally made a comment to one of the teenage daughters in my host family because she had just served coffee with sugar to a six year old per the child’s request. Yes, even children of six years of age here are drinking coffee. I told her that it was crazy in the US for someone of that age to drink coffee. I have been astonished by this since I noticed this phenomenon while living with various host families. The teenage daughter responded with the simple question of “¿Por qué?” I opened my mouth to explain as my brain quickly generated the response…except nothing came out of my mouth. It suddenly occurred to me that my explanation was not sound. I was about to respond that giving caffeine and to a kid of that age is not a good idea. But before I released that thought from my mouth I processed the other side of the equation. What do we give our kids to drink in the US? I didn’t like the answer I gave myself but it was the reality. I know PLENTY of elementary school age kids whose parents allow them to consume soda and candy on a regular basis.

Suddenly my case was lost, before I even spoke. It was this moment when I realized the differences are only odd to me because they are just that…differences. Different doesn’t mean weird; it just means you are not accustomed to it. This was my revelation of the month. It is unfair to evaluate what you observe in a culture or society from the standpoint of a different culture. I will be away from my culture for several more months and I am very curious to see what I find strange back home once I return. 

Journey to the South Island - Picton to Abel Tasman by Work in Australia Participant Amy Riehlmann

6/8/201112:45:53 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Australia, Featured Participants, Work

  
 
Wellington Harbor at Dawn

 
 
Leaving Wellington

  
My first look at the South Island.  See the trees?  Even New Zealand loves itself.

  
 
 
More pretty pictures.  See all of the houses on the shore?

  
Docking at Picton

  
Wine tasting with my new friends

 
 
The bridge we stopped at for a swim

  
 
Passing through Nelson.  Sigh.

 

Our campsite for the night

Oil Tea by Teach in China Participant Matt Wiersum

6/8/201112:11:31 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach

Okay, last night, on my way back to school I remembered that I completely forgot to talk about one of the most notable things we did in Fengyang.  Oil tea.  For the three nights we were there, Isabella, our Cultural Embrace local coordinator, had us go out to three different villagers homes to drink oil tea with them.  We did this as a cultural exchange kind of experience and it was quite enjoyable.... well.... kind of...  At each house the drink of choice is a concauction called "You Cha" (pronounces yo cha, for those not familiar with chinese pinyin). 

You cha means "Oil Tea", and is probably the most bitter thing I have ever consumed.  To make oil tea you get green tea, ginger and garlic, cut them up into bits and sauté them in a wok.  After they have been cooking for a while you hammer the ingredients with a wooden hammer and then place everything in a sieve and run hot water through it.  Out comes a coffee and cream looking liquid which then is served in a bowl with puffed rice on top. 

The flavor when it first hits your tongue isn't that bad, but once it hits the bitter zone in the back your taste buds explode with the most intense bitter taste ever.  I generally like bitter beers, IPA's and the lot, bit this is close to unbearable.  Needless to say I think its an acquired taste.  So I got to sample three different varieties of oil tea because I went to three different houses and everyone makes it a little differently. 

The first house is what I'm basing everything off of and it was quite bitter but the middle of the three.  The second was the most palatable, not too bitter.  The third house was very bitter and pretty rough. Oddly, the third place is the only house where I had more than one bowl.  This could be due to the fact that the third house was a larger family and there were three chinese guys that were quite entertaining and quite hospitable. 

By in large, the chinese people know that we don't like oil tea.  I think they understand that its not an insult to them at all but this stuff is really hard to drink if you have not acquired the taste for it.  In the third house I the three guys picked this up and offered us some Li Qian beer (coming in at a whopping 3.6% alcohol).  So most of us took them up on the offer.  Then shortly later they pulled out Chinese rice wine.  This is another one of those acquired taste things.  The rice wine we had essentially tasted like straight vodka, quite noxious.   Luckily they gave us only little bits at a time so it wasn't too hard to put down.

So yeah! there is my forgotten post.  And for those who are concerned, today started my official teacher training so that took the whole day, and now we're going to town to go out to eat because its Jarone, and Wies' last night in Yangshuo :(

Hope you're having a good morning America! 

Running in China by Teach in China Participant Matt Wiersum

6/8/201112:05:46 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach

Whoa, its been a while. I finally have found the time, and motivation to make a post, emphasis on the latter. So for this post I'm not going to do a day by day rundown of everything I've done but just get the highlights, as a consolation though I'll try to keep events in chronological order!

So a few days, after the Chinese new year, I saw the departure of all three brits, Isaac, Holly and Lucy :'(. But Wies and Jarone are still here and they have been keeping me company! So, the day that Holly left, Jarone and I went with Isabella and the family to another town about an hour away to visit a government official that allowed Isabella to start her business. The main purpose of the visit was to wish the official's family a happy new year. We ate some hot pot and Jarone and I did our best to converse with them because they didn't speak a word of english. It was a little strange because shortly after we sat down to eat our hosts got up and went outside. I don't know what they were doing but just me, Jarone and the family were there eating. A funny side story is when we were just sitting down, Yan Yan, Isabellas 3 year old son was playing with a spoon of hot chilis (mind you this isn't just crushed red peppers, a tea spoon of these things will make you crumble) and he eventually dumped an entire spoonful into the pot, needless to say we had some very spicy hot pot.

So the next day was Super Bowl MONDAY! Since the Internet went out at the school I had to go into town to go to Mimosa's cafe, to use their wifi. I was upstairs by myself watching the game on the slingbox. The chinese owners were probably pretty confused by this random american yelling at his computer as the game ebbed and flowed. Regardless the Packers WON! and I was happy!!!! other than that it was a slow day, I went running and Tina (Isabella's 21 year old niece) gave me and Jarone a Chinese lesson.

On Tuesday a new guy arrived, an Italian named Fredrico! So Wies and I went with the family to Guilin for the day, and to pick up Fredrico. Guilin was pretty interesting. It was nice to go to a bigger city and experience the craziness that is Chinese city life. We started off getting lunch at a noodle shop. I got some Hunan noodles, which are different than Guilin noodles? I don't know how they are they taste pretty similar to me. After that Mr and Mrs Meng, took Yan Yan to the park and Isabella, Wies, Tina and I went to this massive shopping mall in the center of Guilin. It was interesting because the mall was like one massive department store. Each brand had their little section, and when you wanted to buy something you went to the sales person told them you wanted to buy something and then they wrote a receipt for you which you took to the cashier to pay. Just one of those interesting differences that you'd never think of. After the mall, we went to this large pedestrian street that had tons of different shops, some selling legit stuff and then the usual knockoffs. Then to end the day in Guilin we walked over to a large park that had two pagodas in the middle of a lake. One pagoda was the "moon pagoda" the other the "sun pagoda". Finally, on the way to the car we walked through the people's square of Guilin. It was cool to see because they had a massive map of the world imprinted out of granite on it. We walked over North America and I showed Isabella where I was from. (to my frustration the Twin Cities was omitted on this map when other cities of similar size were included). Then we went off to the airport to pick up Fredrico.

Next day, we went off to Fengyan Village in rural China. Fengyan is a very interesting place. It is a very traditional Chinese village that has really held on to historical practices. I don't really know where to start because there is a lot to talk about.... Well I'll start with the house. The house we stayed in was built over 100 years ago, in the classical chinese style. It is a courtyard style house. So, when you walk in the front door there is a large room with a pool of water in the middle, and above that pool there is a hole in the roof, so when it rains the rain water falls into the pool. I don't know why but I didn't take many pictures of the house but hopefully I can get some from the others in the group. I did get some good shots of the town so thats good. So adventures in Fengyan village. On thursday morning, everyone (everyone as in all participants, Tina and her friend Hannah) went on a "walk". Our walk started out as a regular walk through the hills but then all of a sudden our two track trail degraded to a single track, and then further degraded to rock scrambles and some pretty intense hiking. Mind you, nobody is dressed for this, we're just wearing casual clothes. Of course I go to the front to see how far I get as the trail conditions get worse and worse. Kim (german foreign exchange student) and I do a pretty good job of finding the trail and making sure everyone follows us. Finally after crawling under some brush and seeing a wall of vegetation that is pretty impassable, we decide to turn around. We thought going up was quite the adventure, but it was going down that proved to be a real challenge. Typical of this region of China it was misty and all the rock scrambles we went up were quite slippery on the way down. It took a great deal of teamwork to get everyone down safely. I fell into a bush once, but we don't have to talk about that.

New paragraph, that one was getting too long. Next day, we go for another walk. But this time we went walking along the road. We were going to Lin hua? Not sure on the name but regardless, Isabella told us it was a "model socialist town". This place was 7km away, about 4.5 miles. The weather wasn't too bad at the start but it got progressively worse as we went. So we stopped about 1k away from the town and Tina called Mr. Meng (her dad) to come pick us up and take us the rest of the way. When we got there we walked around for a bit and then went on a short river raft ride. Not too exciting. I don't think our guide was too happy because she had to stand out in the rain while we were under the little cabana. After that the town had built steps to the top of a karst formation, 518 steps to be exact. We went to the top and got a really good view. I got some good pictures up here. After 10 minutes at the top we went down and walked through town. It wasn't too remarkable other than the fact that the houses were pretty nice. My theory is that the chinese government made this "ideal" place to create a tourist attraction to create something called revenue....? hmmmmmm and this is model socialism? On top of that the locals were out selling little trinkets, even though we were the only outsiders there.

Saturday, we drove home met a new guy, Brit named Tom. Nice guy. I also met up fellow Minnetonka'n Alex Messanger! He has been in Yangshuo for a few days so little sense in showing him the town, but he came out to Stone Rose with the crew. Enjoyed the free beer at the price of getting your ears blasted out by the insanely loud music. 

TODAY TODAY TODAY!! Today Alex and I went climbing, which was AWESOME!!!!!! For 180 Kuai (27 dollars and 29 cents to be exact) we got four hours of climbing in, pretty good deal if you ask me. I got to do 5 routes, ranging from 5.6 to 5.10a for those who know what I'm talking about. I got some good pictures, Alex got a lot better ones (he's a much more serious photographer than I am). One thing I learned today about myself is that running is not really good training for climbing. My arms are completely dead, my legs are fine. A strange thing about climbing in china is that most of the routes here are controlled by a single climbing "club" which our guide told us was a cover for the mafia. There were signs saying "climbing prohibited without permission". And today we were lucky enough to get a visit from the mafia! Luckily nothing too much came of this, the guides paid them 10 kuai ($1.50) and they were off. I don't know how they make any real money.....

Okay, Its 9pm and soon we're getting a new person! A girl form england, so I have to go meet her! Finally one last note. For those who are interested, my running has been going pretty well. I've been pretty busy but I get out running about 5x a week so not too bad. I don't feel totally settled with routes and everything so I have yet to go out for a really long run. I've been topping out at like 50 minutes. Still pretty solid. 

Happy New Year China Style by Teach in China Participant Matt Weirsum

6/8/201112:04:25 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach

Hello everyone and happy new year! Anyways to my Dad's request here is a new blog post, and the first from China! I have met the others in China: Lucy from Wales, Weis from Holland, Holly from London, Jarone form Holland and Isaac from Wales. Nice group of people. I had images of Yangshuo being this really tiny place, but its a lot bigger than I thought. And, those hills that you see pictures of in the city? They're literally in the middle of the city. So on tuesday everyone was saying that we were going to eat dinner with the local government, but nobody really knew what that meant. So after a day of touring around the city we all met back at the school to head to dinner. So we went to the middle of town and saw a small banquet area outside this building on western street (the main pedestrian street). We sat down and shortly one of the coordinators was trying to get us to do all of these activities, like dragon dancing, dancing with children, playing these flutes and playing dumplings. We all were quite reluctant to do any of these things but a few of us eventually gave in. I did the dragon dancing, which actually turned out to us putting the dragon mask on and then all these chinese reporters would take pictures of us. So basically, they just wanted Westerners to do all these things so they could take pictures of us. After all that settled down we ate a large dinner of all the local foods and watched the program they had put on for us. Then towards the end they had everyone go on stage and they started doing a countdown (mind you its like 9:30) and then they shot off confetti everywhere. So apparently this whole program was being filmed to be on chinese TV on the actual new years eve.

Next day, the actual Chinese new year we went to town and walked around to check out everyone's preparations for the festival later that night. To prepare for new years the chinese put these red lanterns everywhere and light off firecrackers. Now, chinese firecrackers are no black cats that we have at home. They come in massive rolls about the size of a car tire and the firecracker itself is about the size of a AA battery. When these things go off the sound is deafening. People here also have little regard to when and where they light these off. They just go outside of their house and look for a clearing in traffic and just throw them out into the road. Then for dinner we ate a nice dinner with the coordinators and their family. After that we went to town for the evening to watch fireworks and celebrate the new year with all the chinese.

New years day! Yesterday a Holly, Isaac and myself went to town to scope the scene. We thought it would be rather slow because everyone would be at home with their families, but actually the streets were packed and we saw this carnival in the park, full with rides and chinese fair food. I got some pictures of this I will post them soon. After walking about, we met the rest of the crew and walked down west street and saw the dragon dancers going to every business, blessing them for the coming year. On our way home we passed a fireworks stand and we bought some fireworks. I lit some of my bottle rockets off when we got back but saved the rest for the evening. Then last night we went to the schools basketball courts to watch a fireworks display. Which they were lighting off like 50 yards from us. I've never been so close to fireworks as they were being set off and it was weird actually hearing the explosion and then the lights not the other way around. After that we set off our fireworks and went to town for a bit. 

Teach in Mexico Testimonial by Participant Umeshaa P.

6/8/201112:01:12 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Mexico, Teach

"My favourite aspect of this whole experience has been quite simply the people: their sweet gestures and earnest smiles make all the difference. Coming from a individualistic, classically Western point of view, it has been so very humbling to be invited into their values of family and love. Though I still manage to fill my days to maximum potential with volunteer sessions, working out, going to the market, what-have-you, it's interestingly enough almost comforting to see a people content with a much slower pace in life. Just being surrounded by it is peaceful, when I was living in the small town of Sahuayo as in the large city of Xalapa. The sound pollution, the un-hygienically displayed chickens in the kiosks, everything that is so overwhelming at first, melts into a white noise, becoming tranquil.  It has been such a self-revelatory experience and I have loved it!" - Ume P. (August-Dec., 2010) 

Love and China Part 2: Q&A with Luan by CE Founder Emlyn Lee

6/8/201111:58:44 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Emlyn's Expressions, Featured Participants, Love, Teach

This is the second part of a two-part blog series that I started yesterday, to highlight current, past, and future participants that have either found love abroad, or are traveling or will be traveling with their loved ones on a Cultural Embrace program. Since it is Chinese New Years today (Happy Year of the Rabbit!), I thought it would be appropriate to feature two couples teaching English in China.

Today’s featured participant is Luan Lierman. I knew her as Luan Ly when I started working with her to organize her teach placement in China. Now, three years later, she is still in China, independently tutoring, learning Chinese, and working on couple of side businesses. She recruited her husband, Van, and current Cultural Embrace participants, Robin and Jeff (who were featured in the first blog)to join her in seaside Yantai, China, and even got married to Van in China. I hope you enjoy this Q&A with Luan, the same way that I am always delighted to receive email updates from her, since she has embraced the cultures in many facets of her life. 
 

Q: Why did you go abroad alone while you were engaged to teach in China? How long were you dating before you left China? 
A: Van and I got engaged in January 2008, the start of my senior year of College. We had planned to get married that summer after graduation, and of course plans change. Half way through the year, every Senior wonders what the next step will be. At this time, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do so I applied for all kinds of positions thinking something might work out. It isn’t easy for a fresh out of College to find a job, a decent job in my field of International Business anyways. With not many opportunities in Washington, I really wanted to travel abroad. What a better place than China. I had taken a year of Chinese in College so I knew the basic but I needed the environment to improve my fluency. That’s when I went online and typed in “jobs in China.” About 99% were all teach in China positions. I knew I wasn’t prepared or had any experience in teaching, but I love trying new things so it was a leap of faith. 

After applying to several organizations, one being Cultural Embrace, I just waited for a reply. A couple weeks later I received a call from CE and they wanted to interview me for a teaching job in Yantai, China. I had no idea where Yantai was and at this time, I had only 3 months before I would depart. I talked to my fiancé at the time and said I was going to China for 6 months minimum, which was the contract. He told me that he found a temporary job in California, making wine. We were both excited and this is our time to explore the unknown. Of course this wasn’t easy and we had to think long and hard but finally we decided to do what we loved. I would go to China and he would go to Napa Valley. At this time, we had post-pone our wedding date to the following summer which felt wonderful. The pressure of planning and marriage was lifted off my shoulders. We both felt good about it. And this time will allow us to grow independently since we were together throughout College. We had been together for over 4 years. 

Q: Were you nervous having a long distance international relationship, and how did you deal with the long distance?
A: Long distance relationships are never easy. I hate it! The longest long distance we did was about 3 months when I studied abroad in China my junior year. That was actually one of the main reasons why I wanted to come back to China. During the studied abroad trip, my Chinese language ability improved tremendously. All I needed was to be in China. Needless to say, we didn’t like being apart but what can you do when two people have different wants and dreams. That’s why marriage is not easy but you go into the promise with the hope that love will lead the way. 

Q: How did your experience in China change when your fiancé came to teach in China too? 
A: When Van came to visit me in December, I was more than thrilled. It had been almost 4 months since I last saw him. He came on a 1 month tourist visa thinking he was going to hang out in China and then head to New Zealand for more wine making. That was the plan, and plans change. He decided to stay with me and earned more money in China than he would if he went to New Zealand. Money unfortunately was a main priority since we were planning on getting married that summer, 2009. 


Before Van came, I cried the first couple weeks I was in China. Not because I didn’t like being in China, but I was alone and teaching was overwhelming. I arrived in late early Sept. when I was supposed to be there in late August due to visa delay and complications. School started that first week of Sept. as well. I came on the 5th and school started on the 6th. Yup, not a whole lot of time to adjust. I made it through that first week with the thought of, “oh boy, what did I sign up for?” But then I told myself, “you can do it Luan!” I had met some friends during the first few weeks and we were in the same boat. Molly and Jack were also recent College graduates and decided to try China for a year. Molly was my maid of honor and Jack was Van’s best man in our China wedding. 


Van deciding to stay in China made my decision easy as well. I extended my contract to one year. Now, we’ve been in China almost 3 years. Time flies when you’re having fun. =)


Q: Tell us about your wedding in China, and was it a culture shock to you and spouse?
A: Our wedding in China was perfect. It was perfect because our apartment we moved to happened to be right next to a Christian church. We did not plan that. When we switched schools for the second semester so we could teach together, we moved downtown. We worked with a private tutoring center which gave us great accommodations, but we didn’t stay too long since our schedules were not ideal. 


Anyways, Van and I lived together in this apartment and our family back home wanted us to see if we could sign a marriage license before we starting living together. To please them we looked around, and even contacted the embassy of in Beijing to see if we could get a marriage license since our wedding was scheduled for July 25th,2009 in Washington. Well, it was useless. Two foreigners in China can’t get legally married in China. One of the many laws in China. So, it was Feb. and the one thing we could do is have the wedding ceremony at the church. We set the date for April 25th,2009. That gave me two months to plan and with the help of some Chinese friends, it was more than I had expected. 


We had a pastor that only spoke Chinese so we asked our friend Jack, a Chinese English teacher, to translate the ceremony. He was delighted to. My friend Brenda helped me arrange all the flowers, decorations, camera/video man, and pretty much for my right hand woman. She was amazing. I’m so thankful for all my friends I’ve made met in China. 


On the wedding day, everything was set to go. Brenda’s daughter Lorraine was our flower girl. Jerry, one of my students was the ring barrier. Molly and Jack were ready to go with their new dress and suit. I had printed 300 programs and by word of mouth invited all my students and their families. At about 6pm, my uncle from Beijing walked me down the aisle and that’s when I saw the crowd. It was breathtaking. Van was waiting for me at the altar, and I walked down smiling at all our students and friends. Most of our international friends also came. England, Italy, Australia…etc. It was an international event. The whole thing was captured on video. Our students had never seen an American wedding before and for some, it was their first time in a church. We felt like celebrities since everyone had their cameras and taking pictures of us. My seamstress, Mrs. Yang and her son also came. She had custom made my husband’s suit, and Molly’s maid of honor dress. She is very talented. It was a perfect day!

Q: Do you have any advice for living and traveling abroad with your companion?
A: If you and your partner love adventure and meeting friends from around the world, go abroad. It was the best decision I’ve made, besides getting married to Van. He and I are grown in our relationship and our marriage. We study Chinese together and practice at home. Now, after 2 years, we can communicate in Chinese. I actually never thought that would happen. It’s fun to have a secret language when we go back to the US. Van finds China a fascinating place and the language very interesting. He even enjoys listening to Chinese music and tries to sing along. I haven’t ventured there yet. =)


Q: What are your anticipated future plans?
A: Since we’ve been in China, we have made the most of it. After planning two weddings, China and America, I might say I was experienced in the wedding biz. My friends back home wanted to know if I could help them with their wedding by getting dresses and tuxedos made in China. I was more than happy to help. This gave me the idea to start my own business. Luan’s Custom Made Wedding Attire. My friends find it so convenient and much cheaper to have the clothes made in China by the talented seamstress, Mrs. Yang. All I need is the picture of what you want made and your measurements. It’s that easy and hopefully more people will see the benefits in this idea. I’m having lots of fun and I’ve always wanted to start my own business. Never thought this would happen but where there is a will, there is a way. I’m extremely grateful.


For future plans, we go back to Washington every summer to see family and friends. We haven’t had enough of China yet so we’re coming back for more. But this time, we’re moving to Guangzhou. We have friends there and they really want us to join them. We also have invested in our friend’s cosmetics company and are now shareholders. It’s a risk, but we did research and signed legal contracts so with no risk, there are no rewards. Life is about risk, trying something new, going places and meeting people. That’s what makes life fun and worth living. I would not have it any other way. We will come back to America eventually, but not yet. What’s the rush? Well, maybe a future child. =) That time will come. 

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Make it Stop! by Teach in China Participant Robin

6/8/201111:53:27 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach

My opinions about snow seem to change on the daily, but today, I love love love it!!!! I woke up this morning to find that while I was sleeping, Yantai had gotten dumped on with about 6 inches or so. Well, at least that is dumping to me. Those of you who are from the Midwest are probably laughing at me, but this was a big deal. 

I was going to walk but after talking to Jeff I decided to take the scooter. “It’s just powder.” So I get down there and after freaking out about how white and beautiful everything was, and how deep my footprints were, I made my way over to the bike. I wish I had taken a picture. I had to sweep off a layer of snow that was about as tall as my hand if I stood it up on top of the bike seat. The whole basket was filled with snow. After I brushed everything off, the hard part was getting the aforementioned vehicle out of the snow that came up to my mid-calf. It went something like this. I sat on the scooter, did like a million point turn to get it faced the right direction, and then half walked, half rode it out to the street. The snow came up to the bottom of the part where you put your feet up, and you couldn’t tell that there was a curb because the snow had leveled everything out. I left some pretty amazing tracks behind me as I attempted to swim through the snow. 

I only made it about halfway to school before I hit the section where they had stopped plowing. I tried to flail through but felt like too much of an idiot to keep going, so I ditched the bike and walked the rest of the way to class. It was so beautiful! The sun was out, most of the snow was still white and untouched, and I couldn’t decide if I wanted to keep looking at how perfect it was, or if I wanted to run all over and mess it up because it was too perfect. But I was late to class as it was anyways, so I left the snow alone.

A few things to note about when it snows in China. Recently we found out they have a giant snow plow, but they only bust that out in extreme situations. Otherwise, it is good old fashioned man power. This means that they equip the freshmen with about two thousand shovels, and send them out into the streets. So today, as I was making my way back from class, I ran into a roadblock that went something like this. The snowplow had cleared about a 5 foot path in the road so that I could get by on my way to class. But now, the students had been sent out, so this entire 5 foot wide path was swarming with them. I literally had to honk and yell and half walk the bike through this group of students, who found it necessary to call out “hello!” and laugh at me as I scooted by. It was like a one woman parade. 

Another thing that I felt was particularly brilliant was the behavior of the few cars that decided to go out this morning. There were only about three that I saw moving, but all three of them decided it was necessary to park their cars in the middle of the only plowed section of the road. Needless to say, I did not enjoy having to make my own way through the snowdrift on either side of the vehicles. I can only hope that there was some good reason they felt the need to park there, but I think it is highly unlikely that there is.

So today, aside from a few hiccups, I like snow. I love the way it sits on the branches of the trees so that the whole hillside is white with green peeking through. I love how white and smooth it is before anyone has walked on it, and I love how it provides endless entertainment for me as I sit inside with my hot chocolate and watch the freshmen shovel, sweep, and chip away at it. 

Oh China. 

Angelo's Testimonial by Language Exchange in France Participant Angelo Atienza

6/8/201111:49:03 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, France, Language Exchange, Teach

The family that you guys hooked me up with is absolutely amazing!! They're all so very kind and hospitable and you couldn't have given me a better living situation. Occasionally, it's a bit difficult to express myself to them and vice-versa due to the language barrier, but that's pretty much expected. Most of the time it can be resolved through a dictionary.
The town is very pretty too. At first I was a bit nervous because I thought that I'd be living in a small farm town in the middle of nowhere. But Limoges is actually a decent sized city with lots to do and plenty to see. It's also very convenient that there is a bus really close by that I can take to go downtown, to sports rec. centers, etc. so I can keep myself busy while the kids are at school & the parents are working. Just fyi, yes I am keeping a journal and taking plenty of pictures, both of which I can shoot your way whenever you want.

Anyways, thank you so much for all of Cultural Embrace's help these past few months and for setting me up with such a great family!! Thank you also for the teaching ideas. Everything that you guys have done for me is very greatly appreciated and I wouldn't be in such a good position right now w/out you!

Hope all is well and stay in touch!! 

Sydney! by Work in Australia Participant Amy Riehlmann

6/8/201111:45:49 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Australia, Featured Participants, Work

?

"Ta" is what I've heard many Aussies say in lieu of both "thank you" and "goodbye." It seems most appropriate to use it now in my last blog from Sydney. I can't believe it's been over five months since I first arrived completely clueless and lost in Chinatown! Although I'd like to think I've come a long way-- mastering the ins and outs of city life-- alas this is just not the case. Though I may no longer be quite as clueless, I am still quite often lost--but then that still happens to me in New Orleans so what should I expect?!

Christmas and New Years were both very bittersweet days. I hosted Christmas dinner, thanks to the "resort style" accommodations I've had housesitting. I don't think any of us felt as though it was really Christmas but we played along and cooked our favorite dishes from home, drank our favorite concoctions, and took turns skyping family/friends back home all throughout the day and some of us into the night--depending on what time zone we were from! The weather was gorgeous, though a bit hot, but we waited out the sun and ate our "orphan backpackers'" meal outside in the yard and later exchanged our secret santa gifts. It's funny the things you exchange as travelers. Nothing too expensive or lavish--as it will likely be broken, stolen or lost before you return home and even more so no one can afford it anyway!; also, nothing to big, bulky, or heavy--as we all considered that these gifts will end up being carried on our backs for lengthy periods of time or being weighed in an airport and we don't want to be responsible for a friend's overweight charges do we?! And so all the gifts were thoughtful--practical, edible, or small-which was just perfect! :)                                       
                                                                     

New Years Eve was spent on working on the Sydney Harbour Cruise. The ship carries close to 600 passengers--300 on each level or "deck." I was on the "Show Deck" which is the bottom deck. Upon being assigned this spot, I had decided that I would be quite happy peering at the fireworks through the windows or at best seeing them from off the back of the boat. We served champagne, appetizers, main course and then watched as the entire "deck" cleared for the early 9pm fireworks display. They all went to the top of the ship to watch from what is clearly the best view. Having no patrons, allowed the staff to catch the display from the back of the boat and it was really something to see. We got back to our places as patrons made their way back down for more cocktails, dessert, and dancing before the big show at midnight. Around 11:30 my deck captain called me aside and asked me to bring my friend with some trays. I was sure she was going to put us to work while the more senior staff got to watch the "Sydney Fireworks Dislay" that everyone worldwide watches. Instead, she told us to go to the top of the ship and not to return until after midnight and to clear any glasses we found astray. We were giddy and rightfully so. The show from the Harbour Bridge is something magical to see! HAPPY 2011 everyone!

With 2011 came the end of an era, the "Laverne & Shirley tour OZ era" to be exact. Yes, the Bould sisters took off on their final travels before leaving Australia and heading back home to England. We met them for a meal and saw them off at the train station. It was much more emotional than I had anticipated, but thus is the life of travellers. Everyone has to head home eventually. Now it's just all the more reason to plan a trip to the UK or them to New Orleans (or both)! Great times, lots of laughs, & plenty of memories!--it's been a blast and I can't imagine my life in Sydney without Bould at my side...literally, right next to me morning, noon, and night! haha

I finally gave driving a try, but I made sure I had a qualified co-pilot, Juni. Juni doesn't hold a license even in her own country but I was sure she was the right person to guide me to our destination--"Petbarn" --to get Jaffa's food. I was right--she was a lifesaver. Poor Juni would tell me "okay, we're clear" and I would keep looking the other direction, though she kept reminding me NO ONE is coming from that way. I also found myself hugging the curb, forgetting there was an entire half of the car between me and the curb, so there were a few close calls! In the end we made it to and from petbarn with a pitstop at the petrol station unharmed.

I was sure to make the most of my last weekend in Sydney. We took the 2 hour train ride north to the Blue Mountains. The train looked like it was straight from the 1970s with pale green interior and carpeted walls. We also felt like we traveled back in time a bit when we arrived in Katoomba--a slow paced small town in no hurry to catch up with the rest of the world. We absolutely loved it! The mountains were absolutely gorgeous. We were warned by our no-nonsense bus driver, Peter, that we needed to be careful hiking as there had already been a few "casualties" that morning. Not exactly the thing you want to hear but we didn't let that deter us from exploring as much of each trail as we could. The weather held up for us as well which was an added bonus. We mixed it up as well between touristy stops and going off the beaten path which really heightened the experience! We became a bit obsessed with the steepest inclined railway in the world and rode it up and down about 4 times! 

I saved the best for last--referring to both the blog and my life in Sydney--by going to the Fish Market on my last day. How I missed this beforehand I'm not sure, but oh I was so happy to have discovered it alas! The seafood was so fresh (and not pricey either so we splurged on everything!). James and Wendi had said that James' mom recommended they try some sort of bugs--I was almost giddy thinking they were talking about mudbugs (crawfish). Much to my disappointment there were no mudbugs in sight, but my eyes, and tastebuds were opened to the brilliancy called Moreton Bay Bugs---mmm! They look like lobsters with flattened heads and have crab-like legs underneath. They were divine! We didn't stop there either. We had boiled prawns (shrimp), sashimi--tuna, salmon, and octopus, chargrilled oysters, fresh oysters--sydney rock & pacific....don't judge!:) It was a true feast of a day and I couldn't think of a better way to end my time in Sydney. 

Melbourne is where the next adventure lies and I can't wait to begin! Australian Open, cafe's, art galleries, street markets, & shopping all await me! 

Bon Appetit by Teach in China Participant Robin

6/8/201110:25:36 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach

This is just a snapshot of some random moments that actually happen to us on a daily basis.

Jeff and I are at dinner at our favorite restaurant, which translates directly to "Special Restaurant." We eat there at least 3 times a week. At first glance you wouldn't even think that this place was a restaurant, it looks more like a glorified storage shed. But this place serves up some of the best fried eggplant, dumplings, stir fried cabbage, etc this side of the Yellow River. So there we were, enjoying our meal of sweet and sour pork and egg and tomato on rice. Well, almost enjoying it. There was one very pesky fly that wouldn't leave us alone. So Jeff helps himself to the electric fly swatter tennis racket thing that the lady keeps behind her counter where you pay, and brings it back to the table. For the next 5 minutes, Jeff is swinging this thing around the room, or trapping flies underneath his deadly weapon on the tables next to us, all while the rest of China is trying to eat their dinner. 

But this one particular fly proved very evasive. It was like watching some predator/prey documentary as Jeff would pause mid mouthful and swing at this fly until finally, with a might swing and a surprising ZAP! he got it. There was much rejoicing, at least on Jeff's part, as he tried to explain himself to the restaurant owner. We did get the thumbs up from the guy sitting next to us, while the rest of his table laughed it up at the ridiculous Americans.

Just another day in China....At least the zapped fly didn't land in our dinner...
 

Teaching Writing Has Its Perks by Teach in China Participants Robin and Jeff

6/8/201110:23:57 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach

 asked my students to practice writing paragraphs by writing about one of their favorite things to do. I got this gem as a response. 

"My favorite thing is play basketball. Playing basketball is a very cool thing becase I think if someone play basketball well, he or she will be pimp and easy to find boyfriend or girlfriend." 

Climbing Machu Picchu y El Fin by Teach in Chile Participant Caroline McCurdy

6/8/201110:21:14 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Chile, Featured Participants, Teach

After some extensive thought on the matter, I have decided that it is impossible to say "I climbed a freaking mountain!" without appearing as though bragging. After even more extensive thought on the matter, I have also decided that I don't care if it looks like I'm bragging, because I did in fact climb a freaking mountain and I'm pretty darn proud of myself. It was, without a doubt, the hardest physical thing I have ever done in my (rather sedentary) life.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is not for the faint of heart: it took us 4 days to hike about 28 miles up into the clouds. Some of the people in my group had run marathons before, and they said that this hike was in a lot of ways harder than a marathon (mostly because of the I-can't-breathe-in-this-altitude thing). I even found out that Katie Couric tried to do this hike and failed, which makes me more awesome than Katie Couric.

The first day was definitely the easiest day; it was mostly rolling hills (which is called "Peruvian flat" by the locals). The only bad part about the first day was my brilliant idea to buckle the chest strap on my backpack (which was set to the tightest setting) right after I climbed a hill, in order to take some pressure off of my back. Turns out that doing this almost immediately cut off all the blood that was pumping to my head, causing me to come pretty darn close to passing out. In addition to seeing some really pretty white lights, I was wobbling worse than Lindsey Lohan leaving a bar. Luckily, there was a vacationing doctor in our group that just happened to be right by me when this all this went down, so I was well taken care of.
 

Dead Woman's Pass. Those tiny dots in the middle are people.

The second day of the hike can only be described self-inflicted misery: 5 miles straight up to an altitude of 14,000 feet via the appropriately named "Dead Woman's Pass" and 2 more miles straight down. I basically spent the entire first part of the day regretting every decision that got me to that point, while at the same time hoping that sweet death would spare me from having to take one more step up that bloody mountain. Miraculously, I eventually made it to the top of "Dead Woman's Pass" (named for the mountain formation that looks like a very well-endowed lady taking a nap) without actually becoming a dead woman myself. The rest of the day was completely downhill to camp. I'm not sure if it's because my body was just so happy to not be going uphill anymore, but this downhill business turned out to be my forte: I rock-hopped my way down that mountain like a mountain goat and was the first one in my group back to camp that night!

Day three wasn't a bowl of giggles either; our guide Jose called it "The Gringo Killer" since the entire stinkin day was nothing but downhill on stupidly steep Incan steps. All my zeal for going downhill from the day before disappeared about 2 hours after we left camp that morning when my knees decided that they hated me. On top of everything else, there was some never-ending rain that made the whole day a broken ankle waiting to happen (luckily I had my trusty Gandalf walkin stick to keep that from happening). On the bright side, we saw some really excellent views and some Incan ruins. Even so, when this day was over my body hurt like I had been stabbed by a thousand spoons.

Yeah. It was amazing.

The fourth day began at the very un-Caroline hour of 3:30 am. This was the day when we hiked the final stretch of the trail to Machu Picchu. The first part of the hike wasn't bad at all and was filled with some of the most amazing views of the sun rising over the mountains and the cloud forest. Eventually we stumbled upon the final "Gringo Killer" which was basically a rock wall with tiny steps straight up. Finally, we made it to the "Sun Gate" that faced Machu Picchu over a valley. I would be lying if I said that pure exhaustion and relief didn't make me shed a few tears when I saw Machu Picchu for the first time. When we finally reached Machu Picchu, we took some time to do the obligatory photo shoot and then had a two hour tour of the city. There is no way that anything I could write would do the place justice, so just believe me when I say that you should go if you ever get the chance. Probably the only down side of my time at Machu Picchu was the overwhelming amount of tourists; it was like an ancient ruins version of Walt Disney World. I immediately resented the lot of them for being well dressed and showered while I was smellier and sweatier than a hobo.

A side-note on camping: I don't like it. Give me a shower and a Holiday Inn and I'm a happy Caroline.

After I got back to Iquique I only had a week left before I would take a plane back to Santiago. My last week was spent saying goodbye to all of the friends I met, bonding with Mateo, and having the most awesome going away ceremony thrown for me at my school. They even gave me my own school uniform! The kids were really sweet and gave me lots of little goodbye notes; I can honestly say that I will miss them and am so glad that I was able to be there to help motivate them to learn some English. 

Saying goodbye to my host family was especially difficult. I gave them all some little Texas gifts that my wonderful family sent me from home, and they were super excited (especially my host dad when he was introduced to a beer koozie for the first time). I even gave Mateo a festive holiday sweater to add to his closet, as well as an enormous doggie biscuit in the shape of Texas that said "Woof, y'all" on it. He seemed pleased. I will definitely miss my host family and my wonderful co-teacher Isabel; they welcomed me and cared for me like they had known me my entire life. 

I caught my plane back to Santiago on the 24th to attend the closing ceremony of the English Opens Doors program at the United Nations headquarters. Now that the program has officially ended, I have moved into my buddy Melissa's apartment in Santiago until December 7th, when I fly back to Texas. Melissa and I are planning on doing a little travelling to the towns surrounding Santiago as well as a 5 day trip to Mendoza, Argentina next week. I will be doing a final post after that to let you know how awesome it is :-)

I've uploaded all of my Machu Picchu pictures and my going-away pictures from Iquique to my online photo album. You can see them by going tohttp://carolineenlaciudad.photoshop.com/. Enjoy! Until next time, here is the philosophical question of the day:

Why do they call it a TV set when you only get one?

-Caroline
Teacher
Chile

P.S. - To those of you feeling sorry for me for missing Thanksgiving, fear not: I brought the turkey-lovin' down to Santiago! Melissa and I bought a 10 pound turkey (which was pretty difficult to find) and named him Juanito. We bought all the stuff to do my grandmother's fantastic recipes of dressing, broccoli with olive butter, pan gravy, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Since neither pre-made pie crust nor canned pumpkins exist in Chile, the pie was really a labor of love. In the end, everything turned out delicious and I got to share my Thanksgiving traditions with 3 Mexicans, 1 Colombian, and a Chilean. They loved it!?

Juanito gave his life so that I could have my Chilean Thanksgiving. Gracias Juanito!

Memories in the Making by Work in Australia Participant Amy Riehlmann

6/8/201110:11:18 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Australia, Featured Participants, Work

It's incredible how quickly time is going by and yet at the same time it feels as though I've been living here forever! This entire experience has been incredible from the exotic wildlife, festivals, and beaches to the sometimes foreign English language! All of this has been made better by the fantastic group of friends I've made in my short time here. It's been about a month since I've updated my blog (as some of you have kindly pointed out to me);) so I'll just update you on what I've been up to in the past few weeks.
 

A few weeks ago one of my many English friends, Ceri, from work told me about Rhys Darby performing in a local suburb. He plays the manager, Murray, in Flight of the Conchords and is absolutely hysterical. Being the poor low-budget travellers that we are, we went back and forth as to whether or not to splurge on the tickets. We decided to be rational and resigned to putting our funds toward future travels, until Ceri's boyfriend got her tickets for her birthday. That was all the rest of us needed to immediately log online and order tickets!...the show was definitely worth it! I had never been to a live stand up comedy show and now I'm sure they will pale in comparison as he had us in stitches from start to finish. The best part was getting to meet him after the show. It was a moment that you wait for, hoping you'll get to meet him and say something brilliant and memorable, but when the time actually came I was just all smiles with a stuttering "you were great, so great!" WHAT?! ah well, I've never been known for my coolness! haha 

A new experience that I was very excited about was getting the opportunity to play the part of an extra in a short film, "Second Face." It's a story about a guy and a girl who go online after being fed up with the dating scene and each pose as the opposite sex. The twist is that they are both confessing what they've done to their friends in the same coffee shop only to run into...(spoiler alert!) ;) Anyway, I had to quickly overcome my giddy"ness" each time I heard "action!" and focus on my role. That role being spending the day in a coffee shop pretending to chat with complete strangers who I believe to have convincingly portrayed to be my closest of friends. As if just being on a real live "set" wasn't good enough, we ate cake all day long, take after take after cake, err take. It was a day I will never forget, as now permanently added to my hips! 
 

Onto the races...the race that stops the nation to be exact. So I took a day off from the phones to work as a bartender at one of the biggest events in Australia--the Melbourne Cup. This is similar to our Kentucky Derby but consists of races held all over the country and literally the whole country stops work to watch the races. It was so great to be a part of such a massive event. To be honest I was more intrigued by the hats and fashion being paraded on the lawn than I was by the racing! I made an attempt to place bets prior to race day but due to mine and Sarah's inability to work the OTB machine, race day passed without our money on any horses. Oh, and Americain was the winner of the day!

I went to my first show (aka the movies, aka cinema) in Sydney and it was quite an experience. Tickets to the show are $20 and that's before you get your popcorn and icee! The interesting thing is that you reserve seats like you would at a concert so you can ensure the perfect seat and still walk in right before the previews and not have to crane your neck from the leftover seats in the very front row. Once you get inside the theater you completely forget about what you've paid because it is as though you have your very own recliner with arm rests...so very nice! It's probably a good thing that tickets are pricey because my love for going to the show could get the better of me here in Oz and I'd have nothing to blog about but movie reviews!
 

An interesting event that we just attended was the Redbull Flugtag annual competition. This is where anyone that wants to can register to build a flying contraption and compete to see whose creation will fly the furthest off the platform into the Harbour. Although there were a number of really elaborate designs and coordinating costumes, I don't think there were many engineers in the group of contestants! Most of them just dropped off the edge with the teams jumping off the ledge behind it. There was an obvious winner whose design resembled that of a hand glider...ingenious concept! ha Needless to say it was a good day and the sun was finally out. I will never underestimate the Aussie sunshine again though, as I got a pretty good sunburn after only a few hours. Lesson learned!
 

One of the more difficult parts of meeting all of these wonderful traveling friends is that we all move in our different directions sooner or later. We had to say goodbye to Ceri and Mark just last week as they set off on the tail end of their trip before heading back to England. We sent them off in style properly with a good night of food and drink and made Ceri's night with a book of crossword puzzles all to herself that didn't have American answers like the book she had to share with me! haha Ceri also gave us each a Christmas ornament to place on our orphan Christmas tree to remember her by. We will miss y'all! xo
 

On a lighter note, we celebrated Sarah's 30th birthday 80's style! I was a bit concerned that not everyone who saw us realized that we were actually costumed. Maybe it shows their accepting, nonjudgemental culture or maybe it is a sign of poor fashion sense...but who am I to judge?! Regardless, we had a blast and didn't just leave it at the outfits, we brought back the Roger Rabbit and any other horrific dance moves we could muster. Good times were had by all!
 

And to save the absolute best for last, and to share what is a bit of a confession. I have become a bit obsessed with the reality talent show that is X-factor here in Australia...not only do I have a crush on one of the hosts, Boyzone singer Ronan Keating, but am absolutely crazy about one of the contestants, Altiyan Childs. I'm convinced we'll all be saying "we knew him when..." one day in the near future. Well, with my partners in crime (and fellow X-Factor addicts), Liam and Sarah, we made the hour long trek across town to see Altiyan perform live in his hometown before the grand finale. We were relieved to see that we weren't the only crazy adults so we weren't surrounded by only teeny-boppers, though there was a close call between Sarah and a determined 10 year old in an altercation about getting to the stage..thankfully it didn't get too ugly! We're all still a little starstruck and are planning a party for the grand finale!---It sounds a bit sad when you put it in writing, but it's 'what's on!' so I must report honestly, despite my dignity. :)

Hoping for some good beach weather this weekend and then preparing for my Thanksgiving away from home. I'm in charge of Thursday's dinner with my non-American family after work--will do my best. Then on Saturday I've been invited to celebrate with some American families from church at one of their homes so that should be really nice. Between the warm weather & no family around it won't feel much like Thanksgiving, but I'm also more aware than ever before that I have plenty to be thankful for.  

Q&A about Cultural Embrace's Work Australia Program by Participant Jennifer Campbell

6/8/20119:50:40 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Australia, Featured Participants, Work

My experience was awe-inspiring, and I'm still wholeheartedly living its effects. Miriam Beard explains it best, "Traveling is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living."

What's On?! by Work in Australia Participant Amy Riehlmann

6/8/20119:39:54 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Australia, Featured Participants, Work

I was beginning to think that Aussies were obsessed with their television programs as there are "What's On" billboards, signs, magazines, and websites everywhere you turn. Alas, it is actually their way of saying "what's going on?!"--And there is plenty!!! Although there is more of a "fall" feeling in the air, the springtime festivals are in full swing. Brazilian festival, Latin Festival, Jazz Festival, Art and About Sydney, and my favorite so far..The International Food Festival! The festivals began over the long Labor Day weekend, which is in October here.

The Latin festival was dampened by the relentless rain over in Darling Harbour but it wasn't stopping the music and dancing taking place around each corner. We wandered from booth to booth and stage to stage in the rain, soaking it all in....quite literally! After awhile we decided to head for cover and went into the nearby shopping center where Sarah and I were lured into EVERY souveneir shop (probably close to 8 total, I'm embarrassed to admit) but we held strong and didn't make any cheesy touristy purchases....not yet anyway! Though I think there are Australian hoodies in our future! haha

I couldn't wait to check out both Manly beach and the Jazz Festival and I got to do both at once. I wasn't let down by either! The Jazz Fest was quite impressive with about 5 different stages set up along the beach and some really talented performers! I found a way to volunteer handing out programs and got a free t-shirt!--I'm such a sucker for free t-shirts! Sarah and I both plan on making plenty more trips to the beach as soon as the weather warms up! We were delighted to discover that it was much closer than we expected it to be....just waiting on that sun to show itself!

Sydney's Art and About takes place throughout the month of October, as does the International Food Fest. There are massive photographs that are hanging down the main walkway of Hyde Park and they are truly amazing. Another feature of the month long art exhibits is that local artists have clothed some of the most historical statues located around the city. Last weekend I thought I had lost my mind when I noticed the Queen Victoria statue clothed in bright royal blue and red clothing. I couldn't remember for the life of me if she had always been clothed, and thought it might be some kind of fashion week gimmick. I am now on a quest to locate all of the other robed statues throughout the city. Another really cool piece of work is the Bike-Bike. It is actually a bike made up of bikes. I saw it up close for the first time last night and it's really something to see! This coming weekend there is a tour of galleries throughout the city of approximately 92 different artists and this is not even the half of it. There are so many events happening all over I can't even keep up with them!

 

Bike-Bike

Queen Victoria Statue

And finally, one of the most beautiful things about Sydney is October is the International Food Festival. Again, there is more taking place than I am probably even aware of but I'm enjoying as much as possible while it's on! There were wine/cheese markets down at the Rocks last weekend. To top off the day there was a local bar celebrating its 3rd anniversary with a pirate party so one of my friends from work and his friends invited me to tag-a-long for the festivities. Definitely a good time and met some great new friends! The next two weeks will be Noodle Markets in Hyde Park with loads of booths set up from all of the local restaurants serving the favorites of Thai, Chinese, Malaysian, Turkish, etc. cuisine. There is live music, and entertainment taking place throughout the evening and is right next to the photo exhibition through the park. Such a good time! I went for the first time last night and definitely plan to visit again before it's all over with! The picture above is on all of the signs, and they actually created flags for each of the countries represented in the food festival---just in case you're curious (and my OCS people out there will appreciate this more than most) the stripes on the US flag are hotdogs! We are a nation of delectible tastes!

Flags Made from Food from Each Country

Noodle Market

So this is what has been keeping me busy! Please forgive the length of time between blogs. Hope all is well! 

San Pedro de Awesome by Teach in Chile Participant Caroline McCurdy

6/8/20119:17:45 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Chile, Featured Participants, Teach

 

While in San Pedro I had the delightful opportunity to wake up at the black hour of 3:30 am in order to take a 2 hour bus ride through some windy, unpaved, and bumpy roads into the middle of the desert. Why would I, notorious avoider of all things that invoke motion sickness, do such a thing? Geysers. Lots and lots of geysers. Although I was intensely regretting this decision as I was praying to the gods of Dramamine on the bus, I’m definitely glad I went. The reason we had to get there so bloody early is because in the early morning the temperature at the park is about 10°F, which makes the steam from the geysers especially impressive. My only regret is not wearing an additional pair of pants, as my legs decided to lose all feeling about 10 minutes into the tour.

Finally, San Pedro’s last gift to me was the gift of flamingos. We visited the Salar de Atacama (salt flats), which came fully equipped with a couple of lakes full of the little guys. Apparently the shrimpy things that turn our feathered friends the color of bubble gum just love the salty water in this part of the desert. Seeing the flamingos awkwardly fly off into the sunset (which I didn’t previously know they could do, by the way) was a delightful way to end a delightful trip.

When I got back to Iquique on the 17th, I had a boatload of Bicentennial fun waiting for me. As I mentioned in my previous posts, Chileans really know how to throw a party. I was lucky enough to get not just 1, but 3 days of parties with delicious asados (barbeques), wine, and other traditional dishes. We even had a Pictionary throw-down (in which my host-sister and I came out victorious) as well as a Bingo-esque game called Lotería. With about 30 family members of all ages taking part in such festivities, it was definitely a memorable experience. They even introduced me to their time-honored tradition of drunkenly writing and reciting short poems (called payas), which always end in ambiguously dirty double-meanings. Viva Chile!

Thanks to 3 days of channeling my inner Anthony Bourdain and trying new foods that most Americans wouldn’t normally touch, I have spent the last week battling an infection in my intestines (I will let your mind wander with what all that entails). Thanks to some gut-wrenching pains and an inability to eat more than a few crackers and broth, I finally conceded to a doctor’s visit and got to experience the grandeur of Clínica Iquique for the first time. 2 hours and one very uncomfortable test later, I walked away with some antibiotics and a specialized menu of nothing but bland food for the following week. Oh, the price of adventurous eating…

Well, as it is now past my bedtime, I will leave you with the philosophical question of the day:

If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is he homeless or naked?

-Caroline

Teacher
Chile

P.S. – I’ve added lots of pictures from my trip to San Pedro to my online photo album. You can see them by going tohttp://carolineenlaciudad.photoshop.com and clicking the album called "San Pedro and Chile's Bicentennial". I recommend clicking "Slide Show" to look at all of them with their captions. Enjoy!

 

¡Feliz Cumpleaños Chile! by Caroline McCurdy

6/8/20119:14:47 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Chile, Featured Participants, Teach

I gotta say, these Chileans really know how to celebrate a holiday. I haven’t had school since September 8th and don’t have to go back until September 21st. Why? Because September 18th is Chile’s 200th birthday, which obviously requires an entire week of celebration. Last week in class I taught the kids about our Independence Day compared to theirs; they couldn’t believe we only celebrate for one day… they actually felt sorry for me haha.

Given my abundance of free time, I’ve decided to take a little trip down south for a few days. I’m meeting my buddy Melissa in a city called Antofagasta and then travelling with her to San Pedro de Atacama. San Pedro is supposed to be a really beautiful spot in the Atacama Desert (according to Google). From what I understand, it not only has some really neat salt flats, geysers, and valleys – it also has some randomly displaced flamingos and llamas that run free. And I might actually get to go horseback riding in the desert; as much as West Texas might seem like a barren desert sometimes, this will definitely be a new experience for me.

Last Friday I made my host family a Mexican food feast (thanks to my wonderful care package from Grandmary). Since I didn’t have the right type of chili to make enchilada sauce, I ended up making them a kind of taco casserole. They seemed to really enjoy it, but I think they were a little overwhelmed by the presence of actual flavor. Needless to say, I’m missing food from home.

I’ve been talking with one of the other volunteers here, and I think I’m going to plan a trip to Machu Picchu for the beginning of November since it would be cheaper to leave from Iquique than Santiago. If that works out, then I will probably only hit up Argentina (and maybe Uruguay) when my program ends on November 24th. So, there is a distinct possibility that I will be back in Texas for Christmas… which also means that there is a distinct possibility you will get to buy me a Christmas gift :-).

In other news, Mateo went to the groomers and was completely shaved. Now he’s about a third of his previous size, which means that all of his sweaters are too big and make him look like he has an eating disorder. I’ve uploaded photos of Mateo as well as some from my wanderings around Iquique. You can look at them on my online album athttp://carolineenlaciudad.photoshop.com. Just click the album called “Iquique!” to see what I’ve been up to. You can also check out the album called “Video of Cueca” to watch a video of Chile’s national dance that I filmed at a folk-dance festival. It's an especially entertaining video since one of the dancers gets a little too fancy with his footwork and actually wipes out at the end. Enjoy!

I suppose I should start packing for my trip now, seeing as how I leave in about 5 hours. Rest assured that upon my return I will have plenty of photos and stories from my trip to San Pedro, and hopefully even a tan. So, until next time, here’s the philosophical question of the day:

Why don't sheep shrink in the rain? 

l'etoile by Childcare in France Participant Stephanie Pratt

6/7/201112:10:26 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Childcare, Featured Participants, France, Work

??'m sitting in my dark room, gloomy from the gray clouds outside my window and listening to the humming of the vacuum the cleaning lady is using. Its only 2pm and I've already had a crazy day! I woke up around 9am, took a shower and got ready. I walked out the door put on my headphones that sang me the sweet music of Milk n Cookies. A great way to start a day of errands.

My first stop was at the local post office to send out my OFII forms to finish my visa. I haven't even ever been inside the post office in California I don’t think... Anyway, it was crowded and I didn’t really know what envelope I needed to send it, so I just picked one, turns out the wrong one of course. I asked a woman for help but her English was no better than my French. I showed here that I need something called a RAR and she talked about me having to go on the internet and explained the rest in French. I stood there; I’m sure looking really really confused. So I turned to the page in my packet that said what I needed to do, and just handed it to here. Turns out it wasn't what she was talking about. So she handed me a slip I needed to fill out. When I was done I turned it in, incorrectly filled I guess, so I had to do it again. A nice man explained to me that all this means is that a slip will come in the mail telling me I have to go back to the post office and get my letter. Why can't the letter just come to my house? I don't know but I wasn't going to question. I said merci and went on my way to find the school where I going to take my French classes.

I have to take A3 toward Boissy, get off and Challet Les Halles and take the 4 toward port de Orleans and get off at... I forgot the stop name, but I got off at the right place. Despite me having everything marked down to a T even little arrows on my map to show me where to turn when I went to walk to the school from my stop, I had a chaotic trip. The A3 was fine, kind of slow and I just hummed to my music. I got off and was completely confused as to where the 4 was. I had been at this stop before and I never remembered a 4. I guess it’s always been there and I was just blind to see it, because there it was in front of me. I got on the escalator to follow the arrows up, but somehow I managed to trip and fall on some girl, who I then pushed down to steps... I was humiliated!!!! People probably thought I was like some crazy drunk at 11 in the morning who couldn't even stand straight anymore. I just ran the second I got off the stairs, and managed to bump some more people. I went to put my ticket it and the ticket taker thingys to get to the line I needed and I stood there for a minute trying to figure out why it would even feed in my ticket. Turns out it was closes. Ups, as the French say instead of oops. I went to the next one and some scary guy followed me through my open doors using me as a free ride, JERK! Then I found the train and it was PACKED. I couldn't move and I stepped on some girls toes who gave me the look of death and I smashed into people because I had nothing to hold onto. I eventually arrived to what I thought was my stop and realized I had one more so I turned around and jumped back in only to smash some more people.

I finally arrived and went out the exit, the wrong exit and I was a block further than I had anticipated. I looked at my map and was like psssh easy, and kept walking to soon realize I was walking the wrong way. I turned around and wandered around and around until I finally found the school. I went to take my placement test, and some girl had her chair waaaaaay sticking out so I could pass her to my seat so I said "excuse me". Then remembering I was in France said "pardon". She replied to neither so I just jammed myself through a really tight squeeze then she gave me an evil look too. Well honey you’re the one who wouldn't scoot in! Anyway, after only answer one question in French (oui, j'aim chocolate) I was declared a debutant. A beginner which I already knew haha. I thought I got to pick my time of classes but I guess they assign it for me. I think I’m going to get the 9am class which sucks because it takes almost an hour to get there! But as long as I get a class I don't care.

So finally now that it was almost 1pm I was making my way back and it started to rain, I didn't even bring a jacket! Luckily the metro is super close so I got on and was on my way home. That ride was pretty boring, except when I got off at Le Veisinet, I accidently ran into the guy sitting across from me and continued to trip out the door. Oh well.

Oh I forgot to tell you about the scariest man ever! On train A3 on the way to school there was a strange and like weird person on the metro. He sat across from me, then he moved, then he moved again he moved all across the train. He looked like he was going to have a mental break down! His eyes darting all across the train, and he kept picking up his bag then setting it down and picking it up and setting it down. Since there’s nothing better to do on trains but make up stories, I decided he was a bomber and really scared myself until I finally realizes, he's probably just a crazy bum.

Sheeew, and now I'm home and it's time for lunch. Soon I have to get the girls from school. Well, Uhhbadee uh uh that's all folks!




 ??I'm sitting in my dark room, gloomy from the gray clouds outside my window and listening to the humming of the vacuum the cleaning lady is using. Its only 2pm and I've already had a crazy day! I woke up around 9am, took a shower and got ready. I walked out the door put on my headphones that sang me the sweet music of Milk n Cookies. A great way to start a day of errands.

My first stop was at the local post office to send out my OFII forms to finish my visa. I haven't even ever been inside the post office in California I don’t think... Anyway, it was crowded and I didn’t really know what envelope I needed to send it, so I just picked one, turns out the wrong one of course. I asked a woman for help but her English was no better than my French. I showed here that I need something called a RAR and she talked about me having to go on the internet and explained the rest in French. I stood there; I’m sure looking really really confused. So I turned to the page in my packet that said what I needed to do, and just handed it to here. Turns out it wasn't what she was talking about. So she handed me a slip I needed to fill out. When I was done I turned it in, incorrectly filled I guess, so I had to do it again. A nice man explained to me that all this means is that a slip will come in the mail telling me I have to go back to the post office and get my letter. Why can't the letter just come to my house? I don't know but I wasn't going to question. I said merci and went on my way to find the school where I going to take my French classes.

I have to take A3 toward Boissy, get off and Challet Les Halles and take the 4 toward port de Orleans and get off at... I forgot the stop name, but I got off at the right place. Despite me having everything marked down to a T even little arrows on my map to show me where to turn when I went to walk to the school from my stop, I had a chaotic trip. The A3 was fine, kind of slow and I just hummed to my music. I got off and was completely confused as to where the 4 was. I had been at this stop before and I never remembered a 4. I guess it’s always been there and I was just blind to see it, because there it was in front of me. I got on the escalator to follow the arrows up, but somehow I managed to trip and fall on some girl, who I then pushed down to steps... I was humiliated!!!! People probably thought I was like some crazy drunk at 11 in the morning who couldn't even stand straight anymore. I just ran the second I got off the stairs, and managed to bump some more people. I went to put my ticket it and the ticket taker thingys to get to the line I needed and I stood there for a minute trying to figure out why it would even feed in my ticket. Turns out it was closes. Ups, as the French say instead of oops. I went to the next one and some scary guy followed me through my open doors using me as a free ride, JERK! Then I found the train and it was PACKED. I couldn't move and I stepped on some girls toes who gave me the look of death and I smashed into people because I had nothing to hold onto. I eventually arrived to what I thought was my stop and realized I had one more so I turned around and jumped back in only to smash some more people.

I finally arrived and went out the exit, the wrong exit and I was a block further than I had anticipated. I looked at my map and was like psssh easy, and kept walking to soon realize I was walking the wrong way. I turned around and wandered around and around until I finally found the school. I went to take my placement test, and some girl had her chair waaaaaay sticking out so I could pass her to my seat so I said "excuse me". Then remembering I was in France said "pardon". She replied to neither so I just jammed myself through a really tight squeeze then she gave me an evil look too. Well honey you’re the one who wouldn't scoot in! Anyway, after only answer one question in French (oui, j'aim chocolate) I was declared a debutant. A beginner which I already knew haha. I thought I got to pick my time of classes but I guess they assign it for me. I think I’m going to get the 9am class which sucks because it takes almost an hour to get there! But as long as I get a class I don't care.

So finally now that it was almost 1pm I was making my way back and it started to rain, I didn't even bring a jacket! Luckily the metro is super close so I got on and was on my way home. That ride was pretty boring, except when I got off at Le Veisinet, I accidently ran into the guy sitting across from me and continued to trip out the door. Oh well.

Oh I forgot to tell you about the scariest man ever! On train A3 on the way to school there was a strange and like weird person on the metro. He sat across from me, then he moved, then he moved again he moved all across the train. He looked like he was going to have a mental break down! His eyes darting all across the train, and he kept picking up his bag then setting it down and picking it up and setting it down. Since there’s nothing better to do on trains but make up stories, I decided he was a bomber and really scared myself until I finally realizes, he's probably just a crazy bum.

Sheeew, and now I'm home and it's time for lunch. Soon I have to get the girls from school. Well, Uhhbadee uh uh that's all folks!




  I'm sitting in my dark room, gloomy from the gray clouds outside my window and listening to the humming of the vacuum the cleaning lady is using. Its only 2pm and I've already had a crazy day! I woke up around 9am, took a shower and got ready. I walked out the door put on my headphones that sang me the sweet music of Milk n Cookies. A great way to start a day of errands.

My first stop was at the local post office to send out my OFII forms to finish my visa. I haven't even ever been inside the post office in California I don’t think... Anyway, it was crowded and I didn’t really know what envelope I needed to send it, so I just picked one, turns out the wrong one of course. I asked a woman for help but her English was no better than my French. I showed here that I need something called a RAR and she talked about me having to go on the internet and explained the rest in French. I stood there; I’m sure looking really really confused. So I turned to the page in my packet that said what I needed to do, and just handed it to here. Turns out it wasn't what she was talking about. So she handed me a slip I needed to fill out. When I was done I turned it in, incorrectly filled I guess, so I had to do it again. A nice man explained to me that all this means is that a slip will come in the mail telling me I have to go back to the post office and get my letter. Why can't the letter just come to my house? I don't know but I wasn't going to question. I said merci and went on my way to find the school where I going to take my French classes.

I have to take A3 toward Boissy, get off and Challet Les Halles and take the 4 toward port de Orleans and get off at... I forgot the stop name, but I got off at the right place. Despite me having everything marked down to a T even little arrows on my map to show me where to turn when I went to walk to the school from my stop, I had a chaotic trip. The A3 was fine, kind of slow and I just hummed to my music. I got off and was completely confused as to where the 4 was. I had been at this stop before and I never remembered a 4. I guess it’s always been there and I was just blind to see it, because there it was in front of me. I got on the escalator to follow the arrows up, but somehow I managed to trip and fall on some girl, who I then pushed down to steps... I was humiliated!!!! People probably thought I was like some crazy drunk at 11 in the morning who couldn't even stand straight anymore. I just ran the second I got off the stairs, and managed to bump some more people. I went to put my ticket it and the ticket taker thingys to get to the line I needed and I stood there for a minute trying to figure out why it would even feed in my ticket. Turns out it was closes. Ups, as the French say instead of oops. I went to the next one and some scary guy followed me through my open doors using me as a free ride, JERK! Then I found the train and it was PACKED. I couldn't move and I stepped on some girls toes who gave me the look of death and I smashed into people because I had nothing to hold onto. I eventually arrived to what I thought was my stop and realized I had one more so I turned around and jumped back in only to smash some more people.

I finally arrived and went out the exit, the wrong exit and I was a block further than I had anticipated. I looked at my map and was like psssh easy, and kept walking to soon realize I was walking the wrong way. I turned around and wandered around and around until I finally found the school. I went to take my placement test, and some girl had her chair waaaaaay sticking out so I could pass her to my seat so I said "excuse me". Then remembering I was in France said "pardon". She replied to neither so I just jammed myself through a really tight squeeze then she gave me an evil look too. Well honey you’re the one who wouldn't scoot in! Anyway, after only answer one question in French (oui, j'aim chocolate) I was declared a debutant. A beginner which I already knew haha. I thought I got to pick my time of classes but I guess they assign it for me. I think I’m going to get the 9am class which sucks because it takes almost an hour to get there! But as long as I get a class I don't care.

So finally now that it was almost 1pm I was making my way back and it started to rain, I didn't even bring a jacket! Luckily the metro is super close so I got on and was on my way home. That ride was pretty boring, except when I got off at Le Veisinet, I accidently ran into the guy sitting across from me and continued to trip out the door. Oh well.

Oh I forgot to tell you about the scariest man ever! On train A3 on the way to school there was a strange and like weird person on the metro. He sat across from me, then he moved, then he moved again he moved all across the train. He looked like he was going to have a mental break down! His eyes darting all across the train, and he kept picking up his bag then setting it down and picking it up and setting it down. Since there’s nothing better to do on trains but make up stories, I decided he was a bomber and really scared myself until I finally realizes, he's probably just a crazy bum.

Sheeew, and now I'm home and it's time for lunch. Soon I have to get the girls from school. Well, Uhhbadee uh uh that's all folks!

Ratatouille by Childcare in France Participant Stephanie Pratt

6/7/201111:56:23 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Childcare, Featured Participants, France, Work

Bonjour!
I met up with lindsey a couple of times and we have a blast together! I'm so glad i have a friend here. The first day we got completley lost and ended up somehow in a forest. Then we headed to Batille and bought some new shoes (lindseys feet were hurting) that were really expensive but completley worth it. Then we had a beer at a random pub and chatted. Later the waiter informed us it was happy hour and asked if we'd like a cocktail. Lindsey asked what the most periasan drink was because we wanted what everyone else drinks... MOJITOS! not very french i thought, but i guess very hip right now in Paris. I had a strawbery one and lindsey had a kiwi one. After that we got a bagette from a bakery and it was soooooooo good. Later we found our way to the effile tower where we shared some wine right underneath it! It was amazing and it was all glowing, it was so beautiful! We evuentually made our way home and somehow the metro was easier since we had the wine haha. I go home and have a nice sleep. The next morning is my first day with the kids and its tough but fun. They are pretty well behaved and play with each other. Sometimes i stuggle thinking of things to do, i feel like i should be spending every second with them but i know thats a little extreme. As long as i know where they are and they are okay, i'm okay. I mean we can barley speak. I helped Margaux make a house out of legos and showed Chloe my favorite show when I was young, Sailor moon duh!!

Claire and David are everything I could hope to have as a host family, they are nice and respectful and also very helpful and accommodating. I got lucky to have such a great family to live with here. But despite all the fun I've had so far, and the fun i know thats coming I still have trouble with homesick, which is part of the experience. This is and email i sent my mom last night.

These feelings i know are part of my experience, but i hope they pass soon. On a brighter note, here are some more pictures!!!!! :)

Tips for Reverse Culture Shock by Work in Australia Participant Jennifer Campbell

6/7/201111:50:08 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Australia, Featured Participants, Work

Le Vesinet-Centre by Childcare in France Participant Stephanie Pratt

6/3/20114:22:49 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Childcare, Featured Participants, France, Work

Today I'm going to meet another au pair who lives in Le Vesinet. Her name is Linsdey and she's from California too! We're meeting in half an hour at the market in downtown. I think we are going to take the metro to Paris too! David took me on his bike today to show me how to use the tickets and where the metro is. The only other time i've been on a motorcycle was with my friend matt, who told me I had a death grip. I was terrified! but it was amazing to drive throught the city on a motorcycle!!! Now I'm off to meet lindsey. 

Au Revoir! by Childcare in France Participant Stephanie Pratt

6/3/20114:21:24 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Childcare, Featured Participants, France, Work

Its 12:33 am. I guess I should be asleep, but at least I'll be tired for my flight. Tonight is my last night in California for a year. Its very surreal and it still hasn't quit sunk in that in 24 hours I will be in Paris. I'm so exited to meet the family and the kids and start my experiences there. My body is very weak and emotionally drained. The anxiety has made me physically sick these past couple days but as the hours tick by, i find that those feelings are replaced with excitement. I'm really going to miss a lot of things: family, friends, California in general. But I know that just around the bend is something amazing waiting for me and I can't wait to start my journey tomorrow. Well... See you in Paris! 

Flashback 4.18.10 "Truth Be Told" by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/20114:19:01 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

Before I came over here I was laid off due to a $1 million budget cut. I worked for an association of attorneys doing business partnerships and vendor sponsorships. My main role was to secure sponsors and exhibitors for the conferences hosted by the association. As a matter of fact, the Mid-Year Conference is going on right now in Austin, TX. And all I can think about is how bad I want the Mid-Year Conference to fail. I have visions that all of the vendors and sponsors are miserable and frustrated. So much so, that they demand for my return. I am fully aware that if I had not been laid off I wouldn't be here and I wouldn't have the freedom to stay as long as I want. Yet, I still want them to fail.

I find it quite interesting that thousands of miles away from home I have feelings of vindication, jealousy and bitterness. I assumed all my worldly desires and insecurities would fade away while being over here. Obviously that is not true.

The truth for me right now is that I feel I have no value unless I am the best at everything. That is not God's truth. God's truth is that we are enough just by who we are, and He loves us even in our most vulnerable state. 

Beijing by Volunteer and Teach Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20114:16:39 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

Well, I made it to Beijing today. We left the school in the middle of a torrential down poor! The roads were flooding bad, as Yantai has nothing in the way of water run off. It must not rain that much there. Some spot I could hear the water slapping against the doors on the van. We made it though. I flew out with the C/Katherines and our flight was delayed by about an hour I think. Couldn’t say for sure because I really never looked at the time. The flight did go quickly. I am pretty sure the pilot had the throttle hammered down the whole flight!

When I got to the the Beijing Airport I said goodbye to the girls. I was late for my check-in, so it quick. Now I am at the hostel and have booked a tour for the Great Wall in the morning. Good stuff. Lots of pics to post after that, I’m sure!

Chris out! 

Great Barrier Reef by Work in Australia Participant Jennifer Campbell

6/3/20114:14:03 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Australia, Featured Participants, Work

Hello Cultural Embracers!

As I assumed, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was beyond extraordinary. Even our photos, which do the Australian national park little justice, are unbelievable! As I mentioned before, my chances of getting to dive the Great Barrier Reef, one of my lifetime dreams, was up in the air as my sinuses had been malfunctioning (the ultimate no-go in diving) for the last few weeks I’d been traveling New Zealand. But fate was on my side and by game time I was cleared to do a shallow dive and snorkel for hours on end during our two-day stent on the water.

Friends and I booked two separate boats for our trip, a snorkeling boat, which took us to the inner reef, and a dive boat, which took us to the outer reef. I suggest doing both!

The inner reef has far shallower reef spots over a larger area, which means more opportunity to snorkel longer distances to do a bit of unleashed exploring. Only caution: currents can sometimes take you much farther from the boat than you’d realize before popping back up to relieve your face from your mask, so check with your vessels crew for the day’s (ocean) current conditions before jumping overboard. My friend and I only had to be saved once but the ten minutes it took for the snorkel boat’s zodiac to spot us seemed a lifetime of treading in the waves and wishing we’d opted for a life vest. J The inner reef is also is sprinkled with tiny sand islands with the most beautiful and giant seashells I’ve ever seen, which visitors, like myself, leave for others to enjoy or for waves to sweep back out onto the reef where they become a part of the natural reef-growth process. (Don’t forget the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is a national park, which means you’re not supposed to leave with souvenirs anyway.)

The outer reef is made up of patches of shallow reef spots surrounded by endless distances of deep water, offering excellent snorkeling with more “untamed” sea life and epic diving - the best of both underwater worlds. Because of these surrounding deeper spots, there’s a much bigger range of larger fish and fish schools, turtles, and sometimes the occasional shark if you’re lucky, right around the reef’s edge. The snorkeling and dive boats come to these spots so often they’re able to introduce you, by given name, to most of the turtles and giant neon fish… however, sharks are a different story…

Unfortunately, shark sightings on the Great Barrier Reef have endured a massive decline mainly because so many of them are killed by fisheries each year. (According to Oceana, the world’s largest international conservation organization standing for the protection and restoration of our oceans, humans kill around one hundred million sharks per year.) And because sharks have such slow reproductive and growth rates, many Great Barrier Reef species are in jeopardy of catastrophic collapse, which would be devastating to the marine ecosystem of the marine park…. generating overwhelming domino effects, obviously. If you head to the Sydney aquarium you can check out the Great Barrier Reef section which holds a dozen live shark species (including a 13-foot grey reef shark which is probably one of the most insane sharks I’ll ever see), but this mock version of the reef is likely the place you’ll see any of them.

Back to it, a quick word to the wise: booking adventure trips through third-party agents are usually okay ways to go, but you’ll probably end up getting a much cheaper rate- and sometimes more reliable plans- if you book directly through the adventure company itself. Friends and I used the travel agent Wicked Travel, and are now on a running list of other Aus travelers whose trips have been compromised due to “casual mess-ups” by the company. Massive and expensive pain!

But if you’re not much of an open water lover, there are still plenty of things to do in and around the reef’s main access regional city, Cairns (which is where most backpackers, including myself and friends, stay for reef adventuring/rainforest trekking on the upper east coast route). Very near-by destinations, including Cape Tribulation, Daintree, and Mission Beach, offer activities such as rainforest and national park explorations, canopy touring, excellent skydiving, sailing, parasailing, jet skiing, just plain beach sprawling, etc. and there are plenty of nightspots to curb your craving for pool, beach side or pub partying. The upper east coast is a fun place to be, and even though you’ll definitely meet way more foreign backpackers than Aussies, it’s almost impossible not to feel like you’re really in Australia out here.

Head out to the upper east coast of Australia if you get the chance, it's definitely worth the trip. I cannot wait to make it back! 

Road-tripping through Tasmania by Work in Australia Participant Jennifer Campbell

6/3/20114:08:41 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Australia, Featured Participants, Work

Snippets of Life as a Teach in Chile by CE Participant Luann Williams

6/3/20113:58:18 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Chile, Featured Participants, Teach

Live vicariously through the stories and photos of Luann Williams as she describes her first couple of months as an ESL Teacher in the Atacama Region of Chile. Cultural Embrace wishes her the best of luck in her continued travels!

Set your inner wanderlust free by contacting Cultural Embrace for more information about our international Teach, Intern, Volunteer, and Work programs. 

7/28/10

After my 2- week break, I'm back home in Caldera and began classes this morning. I had a great time in both San Pedro de Atacama and Taltal. My trip began with an overnight bus trip (which I always dread ) to San Pedro. I arrived early in the morning, went to my hostal then immediately went for food. The town is one of the oldest in Chile and very touristy, so I met people from all over the world there: Canada, Spain, Belgium, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, etc. My only complaint was the weather, as it was very windy and
dirt/dust was flying everywhere. By the time I left, my shoes had turned a light shade of brown. Most of the buildings there were made of adobe and the restaurants all had really cool atmospheres, as well as good food. Wednesday I took a tour to El Valle de la Muerte, which reminded me of the book "Dune," if you've ever read it or seen the movie. Then we went to El Valle de la Luna to watch the sunset. I've never seen a desert as beautiful as the Atacama desert. But after a few days I was ready to walk on concrete again and get away from all the dirt, lol. So that following Saturday I boarded a bus to Antofagasta, a city in the Antofagasta region. There I met the other volunteers who I'd be with for the next week in Taltal: a lady from Kentucky named Susan, a guy from Australia- Paul, a girl from Wisconsin- Whitney (who unfortunately got really sick and had to go home), and our camp leader- Eduard. Saturday evening we all went to the mall to eat at the food court because it had a variety of restaurants. I had been craving a hamburger for some time, so I ate at Mcdonald's. That was my first hamburger in a long time, and also the only time I've ever really craved Mcdonald's.
 

Drinking wine en el Valle de la Muerte
 

Sunday morning we all boarded a bus to Taltal, which was about 4 hours away, where we'd be having our English winter camp for one week. This turned out to be the absolute best time I've had so far in Chile. To start, the town of Taltal is right on the ocean and is surrounded by cerros, which are hills that sort of look like mountains. Our hotel was on the beach and everynight/morning I could hear the waves crashing on the shore. There were also lots of trees all over town, which made for nice scenery while walking to and from school. Every night we had dinner in a restaurant called El Corwatt, which was owned by another English teacher in town. We were treated very well in Taltal. The camp itself didn't go exactly as planned, but then
again nothing really does here in Chile. I'm
learning this slowly but surely. We had 40 students who had signed up for the camp.... but the first day only 6 showed up. That night we were invited to a local radio station to make an announcement about our camp. Unfortunately that didn't seem to be too effective, and we only ended up with about 6-7 students by the end of the week. But the ones that came everyday were great and really enjoyed all the activities we did. It was a great experience for everyone.
 

So, now I'm back home and am getting back into my routine. I am missing waking up every morning to the sound of the ocean. I loved Taltal and really want to go back if I get the chance :)

7/7/10

The last week has been pretty relaxed here. We start our winter break next week (Monday July 12th), which lasts 2 weeks, just like in the States. This week is my school's anniversary (28 yrs I think?), so there have been no classes all week. Instead, the kids have been participating in different activities everyday. Apparently it's tradition that once a year, a group of students goes to all the teachers' houses in the middle of the night and sings until the teacher comes out. That was Monday night I believe. Yesterday I went to a 'meeting' with the rest of the staff, and there was a priest there to talk to us for almost 3 hours, lol. He talked to us about how to be a teacher of morals, values, ethics, etc to our students, and not merely a teacher of our given subject. He had us read lines from the bible, then he would play his accordion and sing in between verses. Very interesting to say the least! Tomorrow morning there will be the official school anniversary celebration, and like everything else here, it probably won't start on time 

Padre playing the accordion

Last Sunday I went with the family to a place called Puerto Viejo. It's about 45 minutes away from Caldera, and is a tiny fishing town on the Pacific. They were having their yearly celebration of San Pedro, or Peter the apostle, who is considered the saint of all fishermen here in Chile. We had lunch at a small restaurant, and I had some kind of shark. Tonio told me what kind it was, but I couldn't really understand.

 So I'm looking forward to my break coming up :) Next Tuesday night I'll be going (by bus of course) to San Pedro de Atacama for 3 days. If you haven't heard of it, you should look it up: www.sanpedrodeatacama.com. It's a big tourist attraction here in the north, and offers some beautiful excursions. After that, I'm taking a bus up to a place called Tal Tal to help teach at a winter English camp for Chilean students. Tal Tal is another coastal town, and even smaller than Caldera. I'm excited to get a chance to meet and work with students who are eager to learn English. Unfortunately many of my students here are not that eager, so it can be challenging.

'Til next time... chao!

6/27/10

I can't believe it's almost been one month since I arrived here in Chile. It feels like much longer, but that's probably because I've experienced and taken in so much in a short period of time. I can definitely say I'm feeling more and more at home as the days go by. My host parents, Maritza and Tonio are really really cool, and surprise me sometimes with their taste in music. The other night they put in a Creedence Clearwater cd while we were driving somewhere. They also like Micheal Jackson and a variety of 80's music. I love lots of 80's music, so it's neat to find things we have in common (well, besides speaking Spanish...mine is more like 'trying' to speak Spanish, lol).

Me with my host parents

This past week and weekend have been pretty eventful. I started my classes last week, but with Chile playing in the World Cup, things have been crazy here. A few classes were canceled so the kids could watch the games. They played Switzerland on Monday, then España on Friday. After winning against Switzerland, the kids were celebrating at school, which I've attached a few photos of. We play again tomorrow against Brazil which should be a good game. If we lose, then we're out altogether.

School celebration after Chile's victory
 

Last Thursday Martiza and I went to Copiapó so I could apply for my Chilean i.d. card. It was a pretty easy process and I should be getting it in a few weeks. I also found a local gym (like a 10 minute walk) close to the house, and had my first work-out in about 3 months. They have spinning classes that only actually happen if people show up. Hopefully I'll be able to get in some of the classes and get back into shape. It cost 2,000 pesos per class, which comes out to just under $4. Last night I went with the family to Tonio's mother's house, where they had a birthday party for one of Tonio's cousin. They have a big family! I had a blast and got to meet several people, who were all very nice and were happy to meet me. They had tons of food, wine (of course), rum and beer. Tonio's mom lives with her mother, who's 85, and her mother's sister.

Today was the annual gathering/celebration of fishermen and their families/friends. We all boarded Tonio's boat, called 'El Cid', and went out on the ocean for a few hours. I got to see the cabin where Tonio operates the boat, and all the radars/machinery he uses when fishing. I even got a pic of me at the wheel :) It was a beautiful day and I took some nice photos that I've attached. Tomorrow is a holiday so I don't go back to school until Tuesday. Then in a few weeks we have our two-week winter break. I'm thinking of taking a bus to San Pedro de Atacama, a very popular place here in the North that's been recommended to me by other Chilenos. I also really want to go to Peru and possibly see Macchu Picchu. I'm about 13 hours from the border, so we'll just have to see....

6/19/10

It's been a long week and I'm finally getting some time to relax today and take it easy. I'm starting my classes Monday morning (in fact, RIGHT after Chile plays Switzerland in the World Cup....should be fun trying to get the students' attention!). I've spent the last week lesson planning and getting my room to look more like a 'classroom.'  I've been putting up posters and pictures to hopefully make it more conducive to learning English. Last Thursday night I went to an English Teacher Network meeting with my co-teacher Janette. There is a group of English teachers from different schools here in Caldera that meet up once a month. We're having Caldera's first ever spelling bee this coming Wednesday evening, and I'm going to be one of the three judges. It should be a fun event for the kids :-)

Although I'm enjoying my stay here, there are a few luxuries from back home that I really miss, like: central heating in houses and school, long hot showers, and not sharing a bathroom with 4 people! Lol  But, I guess it's a small price to pay for the experience I'm getting :) 

Peru Pre-departure Preparations - by the Chisnell Incan Trek and Service Group

6/3/20113:51:35 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Group Trips, Peru, Volunteer

6/29/2010

6/28/2010

6/26/2010

Why Peru?- Steve Chisnell

6/18/2010

6/9/2010

6/6/2010

6/1/2010

Campfire Night! by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20113:36:08 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

In the words of Ice Cube, “today was a good day.” Breakfast was interesting, some sort of root like thing and kelp. Honestly, I have had a lot of kelp since being here, and though it is good for me, I still haven’t acquired a taste for it. Out of respect I eat everything that is given to me, even when they give me too much. After breakfast I went back to my room and sent some emails and searched for jobs. Before I knew it, it was lunchtime. Again, we had kelp and some kind of other thing.

After lunch it was pretty hot, so I retreated to my room to look for books on tape that might be interesting. Since I’m not taking a lot of pictures here, I don’t spend a lot of time editing. The kids are just too aggressive with the camera and I can’t take the chance of breaking it.

Somehow, I ended up falling asleep for a few hours. When I woke up it was dinnertime. No kelp! While eating, I was talking with the director of this place and I had told him I was interested in doing something for the kids. I mentioned getting them all new shoes and he said that was a great idea. He told me that a lot of their shoes were either wearing out or just being outgrown.

The director then gave me some insight into the boy that tags along with me everywhere. Apparently, his mother is completely uneducated and doesn’t really speak. I guess she speaks, but no one can understand her. The boy is the only surviving child out of nine. She had lost the rest of them one way or another. This is probably why he doesn’t speak. I am donating 1000 RMB for the shoes and an additional 100 for this child to buy some new clothes. If anyone would lie to donate, email me and I would be happy to give some money on you behalf and I can get the money from you when I get back. A pair of shoes is about 10 RMB. 500 RMB equals about  $75 US.

After dinner, it was time for more basketball. Again my team won, but it was closer.  One of the children on the other team was pretty good and I hadn’t seen him before. He had a sweet Steve Perry, circa 1985 haircut. Now I’m in bed downloading some podcast and getting ready for bed.

Change of plans. I got a knock on the door from one of the young boys and when I answered it, he handed me a quarter of a watermelon. Everyone was downstairs eating watermelon, so I joined in. The next thing I knew, I was teaching the children how to make roasted marshmallows over the fire. After the fire, the director’s wife started throwing candy onto the basketball court and the children scrambled. Mind you it is almost pitch black.

After the kids collected their bounties, she brought out the crackers. I was appalled; we should have brought those out with the marshmallows to make smores, sans the Hershey bar of course. After the crackers came the apples, or maybe they were pears.  I have a feeling these kids will be up all night from all the sugar.

I was also told that we will visit the ice cream factory tomorrow and bring back enough for all the children.

These kids are very happy all things considered. I guess that is one thing that I can take away from this experience; it’s not about accumulating the most objects that brings happiness. Although, you get me a new Audi S4 and I’ll be smiling for quite some time! 

Hard Choices by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20113:32:15 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

A couple days ago the coordinator left and brought back a boy, two girls, and their mother. She was giving her children to the orphanage. Most of the time she had a look on her face as if she was contemplating her decision. Then, we would randomly catch eyes and I would smile, then she would smile back. That was about the only time I really saw her with a smile on her face. She came up to me and started speaking, but I don’t speak Mandarin, so I didn’t know what she was saying. One of the men came over and explained that she was explaining how knew she was making a good decision because I would teach them English so they could make something of themselves one day. 

Where am I? by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20113:30:13 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

Day two at the orphanage is going pretty well so far. I had a delightful breakfast of rice porridge. It was all good until I skyped my parents and they were eating crab legs. Oh how I miss eating in excess!

Most of the kids went off to school and the two guys that semi know English went off to visit some families. The rest of the kids are watching a movie on a small computer screen.

I felt incredibly bad a bit ago. I pumped up my soccer ball (football for the Brits) and went out onto the basketball court to kick it around. When I got out there, I noticed a young boy that was missing his foot. His other foot had some toes missing. So basically, I walk out to play a sport that is solely based on have two feet right in front of a one footed kid. I was trying to think of stuff I could do to keep him company. I’m going to start by grabbing my phrase book and seeing how our communication will work out. If I can find him some crutches or a wheel chair I may take him for a walk with some of the others up the road so I can take pictures.

Later that day…

So I just took my phrase book out there, which wasn’t much help at all. I also took a deck of cards and we played a game. Not sure what it was, but I think we just both made up the rules as we went along. I ended up giving the little guy the cards. He smiled really big and said thank you.

After that I helped two older children with their English. I thought that they would have been farther along, but it is hard to say how long they have all been in a decent school.

My emotions are starting to catch up with me. I’m having troubles figuring out this whole situation. For me to be here, I have to sacrifice. No variety in food, kids missing limbs, poor medical care (in China), kids wearing the same clothes everyday, and just an all around kind of depressing environment. For them, it is much more positive. I have grown up a privileged life in the US. I honestly feel like such an asshole for all the times that I complained growing up because I got pancakes two days in a row, or didn’t get something I wanted. I know a completely different life that is filled with consumption. These kids would be in a much worse situation and this is the positive part of their lives. So for me to be here, to have someone else give love, is an incredible experience for them. Two children in particular always want a hug from me or to hold my hand or sit on my lap. And here I am being selfish thinking about how bad they have it. I can honestly say that I have never been in a situation like this. I look at the boy that is missing a foot and all I can feel is sorry for him, but when he looks at me, he just sees someone to look up to, and for no reason other than I am the tallest person here, white, and change clothes everyday.

These feelings are exactly why I couldn’t go into certain careers like social services. I can’t detach myself from the emotion that I feel. Deep down, I know that I should just try to make this week the best for them as I can. Then take that away with me. It’s very difficult. I would like very much to get them all a present when I leave. Something like new shoes for all of them. I need to talk to the coordinator and see what he thinks.

Later in the day…

Just had dinner and went for a walk with the kids. It brought my spirits up a bit. They are the sweetest kids and they surprisingly get along well for kids. It is kind of funny because everyone assumes I speak Chinese. I just smile and shrug my shoulders.

Tomorrow I am going to help some more kids with their English, so that should be good for them. Just downloaded Invictus, so I will watch that in a while. 

Goodbye Yangshou, I'll Miss you! by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20113:27:42 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

Today is my final day in Yangshou. I will catch a bus at 7 tomorrow morning and head off to Hunan Province. When Chris left it was kind of a bummer just because it is nice to travel with someone, and he was a great wingman. Now that I am leaving it’s a little sad. I like Yangshou, and though these last few days have been filled with late nights and early mornings, I could easily get into a healthy routine here. I’m not sure how Monkey Jane does it. She meets all these travelers and then they leave only to be replaced by a new group. It’s not a life I envy. At least now days we have online networking to keep in contact with people. That being said, I am excited to get up to Hunan and meet some new people. C’est la vie! 

USA USA USA!!! and england... by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20112:44:48 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

Sweet mother of Mary! I am excited that the US won their game last night. We had a lot of chances to score, and finally made it. I screamed like I have never screamed before. That would have been fine, but I was one of two people yelling, and I am pretty sure I looked like an idiot.  I didn’t care, we won!

Also, a shout out to Brit Chris and his country’s win. We’re both going through buddy!

So yesterday morning we woke up at the house in the village. It was a great morning and the sun was shining. I walked around and took some pictures of the house for Isabella. I felt fine after all the bijou, but Lee was not doing so well. Just a reminder, he drank more bijou than I thought possible the night before.  He got up and got breakfast. After him, Vicky, and myself went for a walk. Lee was hurting pretty good the whole time. He made a couple mad dashes for the bushes. Poor fella getting bullied into drinking bijou. After our walk I took care of some editing and took it easy.

Around three, we left for the town to attend more festivities. On the way it started pouring down rain. We decided it would be best just to get back to Yangshou, so we  got a taxi back. The afternoon was fairly uneventful up until the game.

Today, I am going to do more rock climbing. I feel much better today then I did Tuesday when I went.
Not a bad dinner. Notice all the cups with red liquid, BIJOU!!!
Lee and his drinking partner. Both drunk at that point. Don't worry, it truly is part of the culture. 

Great Walls of China!!! by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20112:32:45 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

We got back into Yangshou yesterday afternoon and it was good to be back in a familiar place. That is one thing that I like to have when I travel, just a place that slightly feels like home. After getting the group settled in at Monkey Jane’s, I went back to the school to drop my bags off. I was also the owner of a new Monkey Jane’s T-shirt, which I got for referring people. It actually got ruined today, but that’s a whole other story.

After dropping my stuff off, I went back to the hostel to pick up the group. We went to Lucy’s, as usual. It was amazing, as usual. I had the crispy duck and sweet and sour pork, as usual.

This morning I had to wake up early and go rock climbing. Not a bad thing, but I had stayed up late and watched football the night before. It was good for the first few climbs, but then I fell and the harness caught me pretty roughly. My stomach became upset and I came down off the wall. Then, I ran off into the bushes and puked. A little embarrassing, but it happens. The Chinese love to drink and though it can be great, at time it can be too much. After climbing I went back to the dorm and had to figure out how the shower worked. I finally figured it out and cleaned up!

I went to Monkey Jane’s and picked up my buddies. Hollie and James cancelled on us to go to Guangcheng, which was a bit disappointing. Lee and Vicky came with me and it had been pretty crazy thus far. Right now we’re headed back to the village. We had dinner with some local politicians. It was another rice wine fest. Good Lord! That is all I have to say. We saw a few temples that I had already seen. Then we went to dinner and had a full cup of bijou the whole time.  It was very rough, but Lee hung in there and drank a whole lot. I swapped to beer, or pijou . After a wonderful dinner, we went out on the town. I had a pretty good interview with a local TV station. I am a star in China!

Tomorrow is a festival here where they celebrate the birthday of a great warrior. We will go in the  morning to the town and watch whatever it is to watch, but we are the guests of honors, so that is awesome! They even offered to let me carry the statue of the warrior, but I didn’t feel that would be appropriate. Awesome trip! China is Amazing!!! 

Guilin Noodles by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20112:29:05 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

Saturday was a little bitter sweet. The girls left in the morning pretty early. I barely woke up to say goodbye. They just got kind of a grunt and wave out of me.

Chris and I ended up hanging out with our new English friends, Vicky and Lee. For lunch we went to McDonalds and I had a chicken sandwich. It was alright, but it’s still fast food. After lunch we went to the underground market that is under the main square in Guilin. It was my second time visiting and it was still strange as ever. Chris tried to bargain with an old woman for a shirt, but that didn’t work out for him.

We all went back to the hostel and I took a short nap. Everyone was feeling a little bogged down yesterday from the night before, so we decided to try and see a movie. Some Canadian kid here at the hostel gave us directions and we hopped on a bus to the mall. When we arrived at the mall, we realized instantly that we had no idea where the theater was and none of the signs were in English. After wandering aimlessly and asking unsuspecting Chinese people, who knew no English, we found what appeared to be a theater. It turned out to be a karaoke thing where you rent rooms for you and all your friends, then sing your heart out. Turned out that it was one floor below the theater, so we headed up stairs. Getting tickets was just as challenging. A nice guy that spoke a little English helped us figure everything out. When he left we found out that he was actually the manager and he was just doing his job. He did however give us 50% off our tickets. The movie that was playing at that time was Prince of Persia (in English). It turned out to be pretty good stuff. We were the only white people in the theater, so I guessed that a lot of the viewers were reading a lot of subtitles. This was evident when we would laugh at something, then two seconds later everyone else would at they read the joke.

When the movie was over we went downstairs to the arcade. I haven’t been to an arcade in about 15 or 20 years. The best part was the bumper cars. At one point Chris and Lee, who used to be a rugby player, played chicken. No one turned and when they hit, I’m pretty sure Chris’ car came off the ground. In total, I spent about $3 US. Not too bad for 45 minutes of sheer childish bliss.

When we came out of the arcade, it was pouring down rain. We ran to a bar a few doors down and hopped inside for a beer. As soon as we walked in, it was like in the movie Animal House when they walk into the “black” bar. With the exception of them being Chinese and not black. Also we’re giants compared to most of them.

When the rain let up we tried to get a taxi back to the hostel, which is across from the train station.  Like always, no English. I tried to act like a train and the driver thought I wanted “boom boom.” I guess my late 1800’s style train reenactment has a lot of pelvic thrusting involved. Finally, the driver pulled out a map. I don’t know why he didn’t do that right away. It took me about two seconds to point at the train station.

When we arrived back at the hostel, we picked up some Guilin noodles and pot stickers… So good! That was about it for my night.

Just a heads up, I left my external hard drive in Yangshou, so I won’t be putting up many picture on Flickr until tomorrow. 

Flashback 4.16.10 - Hell on Earth by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/20112:23:13 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

After dinner Zach, the orphanage manager, and I had a conversation about the hardships some of the kids went through to get tothere. The more I get to know the staff and the orphanage, the more I realize the significant impact it will have on these children's lives. The orphanage litterally saved some of the kids from death. Each child has a story as to how they got there. They are all heartbreaking, but one in particular rattled my faith.

In 2008 the country was in the middle of a tribal and political warfare. More than 200 people of the Kikuyu tribe took shelter in a local church expecting the enemy would not attack in God's home. Unfortunately, they were dead wrong, literally. One woman that was burned to death was a single mom raising an 11 year old girl and a 5 year old boy. Thank God the kids were not in the area during the attack, but they suffered the consequences severely. For more than three days the two children waited for their mother to come home. They were left to fend for themselves and eventually ran out resources, food and shelter. These two children were one of the first to call the orphanage home.

The girl turned 14 this year, and is a leader at the orphanage. She settles the kids down after dinner so they can read bible scripture, she studies while the other kids play, she takes care of the younger kids and out of the all the kids in the orphanage she has the biggest smile and the most intoxicating laugh.

As you read the story think about all the petty things our government fights over. All the verbal attacks from Democrats to Republicans and from Republicans to Democrats, and now the Tea Party. No matter how bad Jon Stewart or Glenn Beck think things are, they just simply are not. 

Las cosas importantes by Teach in Chile Participant Caroline McCurdy

6/3/20112:15:37 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Chile, Featured Participants, Teach

So, in about a month and a week I’ll be on my way to Santiago. Am I jazzed beyond belief? Yes. Am I in any way prepared? Not hardly. I tend to be one of those wait-til-the-last-minute kind of gals, so it’s not surprising that I haven’t done too much. Starting this week, I’m going to try to pick up the pace a little bit though. That "Culture Kit" that Cultural Embrace sent me contained a fairly detailed packing list, gracias a Dios. I’m sure this will be invaluable for someone as disorganized as myself.

I remember that when I was in Spain for 5 months last year, there were some very specific things that I missed terribly from the US (not including my friends and family… that’s a given). Since I only have about a month before I pack up and head off to Chile, I feel the need to make a list of those things so that I can make a point to enjoy them to the fullest before I fly out.

1) Carpet – My Señora in Spain only had tiled floor… and so help me if my feet weren’t cold most of the time. You don’t realize how precious warm feet are until they are taken from you. My sock monkey house slippers just couldn’t compare to some nice warm carpet. I’m not sure what the Chilean policy is on carpet, but I am definitely hoping that they are pro-carpet.

2) Tex-Mex Food – Anyone who has ever had a truly amazing Tex-Mex meal knows what I’m talking about. Sure, Madrid had a few “Tex-Mex” restaurants, but when you’re that far away from the real thing, the authenticity suffers. Now, I’ve not been to Asia (yet), but I’m sure my Tex-Mex problem can be compared to living in China your whole life and then coming to the middle of Texas and having a meal at a “Chinese” restaurant and being served Sweet and Sour Chicken swimming in unnaturally red translucent sauce. Delicious? Yes. Authentic? Probably not… that color of red doesn’t exist in nature. Anyways, Tex-Mex food is something that is near and dear to my heart. I thought about it weekly while in Spain and demanded that my family immediately take me to the closest Tex-Mex restaurant possible once they picked me up from the airport. They did and it was amazing. I’m hoping that since we’re on the same hemisphere, Chile will know a thing or two about some decent Tex-Mex… but if not, está bien… distance only makes the heart grow fonder.
 

My first Tex-Mex meal back in the States after I left the airport. Sublime.

3) My Weenie Dog – His name is Buddy and he’s the best dog in the world. I know you probably think your dog is pretty awesome, and maybe even the best in the world. However, since you’ve never met Buddy, your ignorance is understandable. His cuteness is only rivaled by his ability to love unconditionally. He’s melted the hearts of many a grown man, and I’m quite confident that no one is immune to his charms. My Señora in Spain didn’t have any pets, but she did have a stuffed turtle named Juanita. Unfortunately, Juanita was not familiar with the art of loving unconditionally. If I’m lucky, my Chilean family will have some sort of pet (hopefully not a bird... I can't handle the squawking). Anything will do really, just something that is lovable enough to lessen the pain of my Buddy withdrawal. At least Buddy has already agreed to Skype with me often…

Two great things in one picture: The Magnificent Buddy and the fantastic carpet from my Grandparent's house.

4) My Car – Don’t get me wrong; I love to walk and, provided that it’s reasonably clean and safe, I’m a big fan of public transportation (global warming and all that…) I didn’t really miss driving during the first few months of being abroad, but I came to find out that there was really no private place for me to belt out singing without there being people nearby to annoy. Bad singing is one of the perks of driving around, although most people don’t consciously recognize its significance. The desire to belt-out only became more painfully strong when I was walking the streets of Madrid while listening to my iPod. Without a car to encapsulate the rocking-out, one runs the risk of blowing the minds of others with sheer talent. Being a visitor to a foreign country, I wasn’t sure of the consequences of mind-blowing, so I refrained from public singing. You can bet that when I got back home to my car (it’s name is Corollatron: by day it’s a mild-mannered Toyota Corolla, by night it’s a Transformer), I used the majority of a tank of gas to perform the highlights from Les Miserables. I’m sure that Chile will pose a similar problem, but I’m not opposed to shower singing if my host family can handle it.

A typical Rock-Out session in the car. Don't worry, I wasn't driving.

Although there were many more things that I found myself missing terribly, these were the most obvious. I’m sure that while I’m down there I’ll start reminiscing over other things that are just as random and I will inevitably talk about them in this blog, so get excited. So, until next time, here’s the philosophical question of the day:

Whose cruel idea was it for the word lisp to have an "s" in it? 

Rice Terraces or bust! by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20112:11:44 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

I’d like to think that this blog is for the most part an insight into what I am doing here, as well as some feelings that I experience. With that being sad, today is pretty boring. Last night there was a big thunder and lighting storm and we awoke to a good amount of rain this morning. We didn’t have to meet for rock climbing today until 12:30, so I went downtown to pick up some hiking pants and get a quick bite to eat at Lucy’s.

Isabella came downstairs while I was eating and informed me that rock climbing was cancelled because of the rain. I’m really starting to hate the rain and clouds here! Ruined my day! We opted not to make other plans. Mostly because there really isn’t a lot to do here indoors. I used the time to edit some photos and catch up on other random tasks. Hopefully we will be able to climb tomorrow.

Wednesday we will be leaving for Guilin then go to the rice terraces. The weather is supposed to be better up there and I really hope that is the case. We will be hiking for 3 days, so no internet. I will take my computer with me so I can write at night. This weekend I will spend in Guilin. A new group also arrives this Saturday, but I will not be staying with them for long. They will go to Fengyang village and I will be in Yangshou.

I am supposed to rock climb a few days next week, then do tai chi. I may pass on the tai chi and try to do some extra climbing. After that I go to an orphanage for a week in Hunan province, then to Chengdu for my final week with Greenway. After that I am going to Yantai in the central east part of China. It is on the coast, so it will be good to see completely different scenery.

It’s a funny thing, I really like to keep busy all of the time and when I’m not, I get really bored and a little lazy. That being said, time to eat!

Also, my friend, and former girlfriend, Lauren is leaving for Africa in 7 days for the Peace Corps. Good luck to her!!! 

Captain's Log- June 11- by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20112:08:48 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

Still raining... We were suppose to ride bikes out to Dragon Bridge today, but that has been cancelled. We may go this afternoon. It is actually pretty nice because I have to catch up on editing photos. In other news, Percy, our Chinese guide’s grandma is sick and probably not going to make it much longer so he is going home for three weeks. He will leave today and this will be the last time we see him. This means that the trekking week that was planned for next week has been pretty much cancelled. We will still go see the rice terraces, but we will be rock climbing Monday and Tuesday. No complaints from me on that one. I really am just taking everything as it comes on this trip, and I think that is the best attitude to have.

Last night I went downtown to get a better internet connection, which ended up not being the case. After struggling to load any pics, I decided to talk to a few French guys that ended up being tres cool. One of them was named guillaume de Raffin. He was the most French person I have ever seen in my life. They were from Paris and living in Shanghai for 5 months working on a management master's degree.

I was suppose to meet Chris and Amanda there, but they were MIA. Eventually, I went to see if they were at Lucy's and when I walked out I saw them walking towards me. We all went back upstairs and rejoined the French guys. Along with them, there were 3 Irish girls upstairs, so we all moved to one table and had some good conversation. The Irish lasses ordered dessert and I think Chris ate more of it then they did combined.

Chris and Amanda left, but I stayed for a bit longer. The French guys wanted to go to a club and dance. I was pretty tired and said I would pass. They weren’t having it, so I said I would go. While they were paying their bill I used the men’s room and when I came out I told them that a girl had just texted me and I had to go meet up with her. I think they were more excited than I would have been. Just to be clear, there was no text, or girl. There was however a bed waiting for me, and this fictitious girl was an easy way to get out of going to the club. All in all, it was a good night. Now I’m going to edit photos and listen to the new Ratatat album that I downloaded a few days ago. Until then… 

Flashback 4.15.10 - Dog Bites by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/20112:06:00 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

Today Priscilla and I took a trip to a private hospital, Don Bosco, to help one of the sponsored girls, Mary. Mary was bitten by a rabid dog on her leg three days ago (April 12) and hasn't received any medical attention. The reason she has not been to the hospital is not because her mother is neglectful, but because they don't have money to pay for the immunizations. The good news is that the orphanage pays for the sponsored kids medical needs. Mary and her mother walked five miles (10 miles round trip) to the hospital, and have to make that hike four more times over the next two weeks to complete the immunization. I am not a doctor, but I am certain walking 10 miles to and from a hospital with the excruciating pain and numbness in your leg from a dog bite is no walk in the park.

Makes you appreciate the things we take for granted, like immunization shots. 

Kate and Katie's Excellent Adventure --Surf by Volunteer in Guatemala Participant Kate Springer

6/3/20112:02:19 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

Flashback 4.11.10 - Letter of Love by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/20111:22:48 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

Right after dinner tonight Anima, whom I have mentioned before, sheepishly and quietly handed me something. She smiled and whispered "don't read this until you are alone."

So I came directly back to my dorm room to read it. She handmade an envelope with a piece of paper, and put a note inside. There are no words to describe the feeling that came over me. The letter was an answer to one of my prayers. I have been doubtful if I have a purpose at the orphanage and think maybe I should just throw in the towel. The minute I started to read the rainbow marker colored words on her note, I knew this was God's doing. He knew I was doubting, and needs me to stay. I am still not certain why or what I am supposed to do here, but I have to find faith to do so. Wouldn't it be great if we could find our faith in a lost-in-found box? Or nail a sign up on a tree with the words "LOST FAITH. IF FOUND PLEASE CALL 512-788-4749. REWARD."

I hope you enjoy the letter as much as I do. 

You're welcome Yangshou! by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20111:18:38 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

This weekend was kind of a break from technology for me. I went to the city of Yangshou, and it proved to be quite a great weekend. Upon arriving I ran into Hannah and Hughie, along with two others that are in the same program that I am. I had thought that Hannah had already gone to Africa, so it was a wonderful surprise to see her again. The four of us that are staying in the village all went into the city on Friday. It was suppose to be a one night trip, but Chris and I got talked into staying an extra night. We ate a lot of great food and enjoyed the gangs company. We went a club on Friday night, and some how I got on a stage and was dancing and getting the crowd amped up. It apparently worked because a lot more people started dancing. Saturday the two girls staying in the village with us headed back, so Chris and I saw them off and went to get another hotel. We found one for 40 Yuan, or a little under $6. Everything is so cheap. Somehow I got pen ink on one of the two shirts that I took with me, so Chris and I bartered and got a couple of knock off Lacoste shirts for around $8 each. They look very real though. Saturday night we kept it much more tame. Chris and I went to an Aussie bar and met a kid from Wales. Eventually, we met up with the others and went to another Aussie bar and then back to the night club that we were at the previous night. A Michael Jackson impersonator performed an almost good impersonation. It was pretty cheesy though. The DJ at this club is a dorky Chinese guy with big white 80’s style seeing glasses and a wicked sweet bowl cut. Every time I saw him it just made me laugh. Hannah and I went upstairs which overlooks the rest of the bar, so we could see the MJ performance better. Chris and the Welsh kid came up and sat next to us. The next thing that happened was one of the funniest things I have ever seen. They both grabbed two ¾ full beers that were sitting there and chugged them. Then the Welshy looked behind and saw a half drank beer on a table. He went over and chugged that. Then they both spotted a couple of untouched shots. Down the hatch those went. This was all without saying hi to us, and took place within one minute. Hannah and I ended up leaving to get some food, but Chris told me today that they found an almost full bottle of red wine and drank that. Crazy kids from the UK! The very cheap hotel we stayed at ended up being a horrible idea. We could have spent a little more and got the same room we had Friday. The new place had AC, but no remote to work it. I’m pretty sure there were bed bugs, and an endless supply of mosquitoes. Needless to say, I am not happy with the ridiculous amount of bites I got last night. Adding to that, I shut the window to keep out the bugs, and then it got to around 85 degrees in the room. That would have to be one of the most uncomfortable nights of sleep that I have every had… Ever! It’s all good because the whole weekend was great fun and I will not remember the bad stuff in the long run. Tomorrow I am teaching two English classes so I am headed to bed… Until next time… 

No más tarea! by Teach in Chile Participant Caroline McCurdy

6/3/20111:14:00 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Chile, Featured Participants, Teach

Well, now that graduation is over (sans tripping on stage!), I have left the thriving metropolis that is Waco for the browner pastures of West Texas. Whereas most of my friends are currently soaking in some summer sun, I am buried in a mountain of LSAT books. In my life that is currently being darkened by Logic Games, my July trip to Chile seems to be the only bright spot. Buying my plane ticket last week only served to make me even more excited… especially since I got such a sweet deal from FlyForGood.com!

Flashback 4.9.10 - Field Work by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/20111:09:07 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

I remember when I first got the information about the different volunteer duties we could choose from : Laundry Assistant, Kitchen Assitant, HIV/AIDS Hospital volunteer, Gardening Assistant, Farm and Animal Care Assistant, Clean up after kids assistant (that is not the real name, but that is pretty much all you do), Teaching Assistant, and FIELD WORK.
As the field worker assistant, you go around the nearby villages to check in on the sponsors kids, how exciting! At least it is to me.

Today was my first day in Field Work with Erick. We left about 8:30am and came back around 1:30pm. Not too bad of a work day, huh? Well we walked the entire time, probably about six miles. Six miles is not really that far to walk, but it is in a village with no paved roads, sidewalks, water stations, or place to stop and have lunch. I realized taking your work to lunch is not common like in America. First of all, there are no left-overs. People eat as much as they can when they have it. Even if they did have left - overs it would go to livestock, not in a glade tupperware containter and put in the refrigerator over night.

Not only did I enjoy getting to see how the villagers live and what kind of lifestyle, I was able to ask Erick questions about his life, dreams and other Kenyan cultural stuff.

Tracy: "What is your dream?"
Erick: "To run an orphanage in Nairobi that not only serves the kids, but also the community. The center would have HIV/AIDS counseling and education, Doctor on staff, job resource center, basically anything to help those in need."

Tracy: "What is your favorite food?"
Erick: "Um, I am not sure. I guess Ugali (yuck!) and Chipati (yum!). What is your favorite food, Tracy?"

Tracy: "I would have to say cheeseburgers and sushi. Have you ever had either one?"
Erick: "No. I think I know what a hamburger is, but what is sushi?"

Tracy: "How does it work with the kids who are sponsored? How do you know who needs one?"
Erick: "It is $25 to sponsor a child. That money will go to whatever it is they need. Usually it is school clothes, school supplies, matress, food, shoes, and etc. The people in the community tell me if another child is in need. We currently have 59kids sponsored, but have another 20 kids on the list waiting."

Tracy: "Why aren't the kids living at the orphanage if they are so needy?"
Erick: "About 90% of the sponsor kids are living with a grandparent, or other relative. So they are not considered orphans. Until of course the grandparent dies, and people live pretty long here. My grandmother lived to 120 years old."

Tracy: "Is it okay if I look at a man and smile?"
Erick: "That's a funny question. Why do you ask?"
Tracy: "Because I have tried to make eye contact with people, both men and women, and they all seem to look away."
Erick: "That is probably because you are a mzungo(white person). Some people here have never seen a mzungo. Have you noticed all the kids running behind us on the road? They have been yelling'mzungo!mzungo!mzungo!How are you?' You see all babies are born white, even African babies. So they think you are a big baby, and want to touch the hand of a big white baby."

Tracy: "Why are there tons of calendars hanging on the walls of the houses?"
Erick: "That is how they decorate. How do you decorate at home?"
Tracy: "Well we usually paint the walls different colors, hang pictures of family, or art work up."

Tracy: "Is is rude for me to decline tea or bread when they offer it to me? It seems every home we have been to they offer tea, and I can't drink that much tea or I will have to go to the bathroom every 5 minutes."
Erick: "It isn't rude. They probably won't stop asking, so it is easier to just tell them you only want a little."

** the picture is of me and local villagers. the older woman admired the bandana I was wearing, so I gave it to her. 

Sunset over Fengyang Village by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20111:05:29 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

Today was quite an adventure. We left the hostel around nine in the morning and headed over to the bus station. On the way I picked up some snacks for the bus ride. One of the treats I got was a bean skin thing with some sort of sauce. It wasn’t good, but it wasn’t bad. Next was the beef stick. It wasn’t even as good as a Slim Jim, but then again, pack enough crap into a tube and it’s bound to be good.

The first time I have felt really cautious of my surroundings was at the bus station. Two sketchy looking guys followed us in. I kept watching then as we made our way into the station and made sure they knew that I was watching them. At one point I turned to the other Chris, from England, and pointed directly at the two guys and said, “watch those two.” They were getting awfully close to one of the girl’s bags as they walked. After that they backed off.

The bus ride was good. I hadn’t had the chance to chat with Chris much and we had a good talk on the bus. He seems like a really cool guy. The two girls are nice, but I don’t think I have much in common with them.

Once we got to the county of the village we got off the bus and waited at the station for a taxi. I was in using the restroom, which was just a wall with water running down it, when a man walked in and stood to my right to also use the restroom. This isn’t weird in itself, but no one was to my left and I had only about a foot to my right. After examining my left to see why he went to my right, I noticed that he was blatantly staring at my, well, manhood. I turned away a bit and quickly finished up and got out of there. I know many Chinese people are excited to see me, but that was a little too much of me.

After sprinting out of the bathroom we went out front and hopped in the cab. About 15 minutes later we arrived in the small village. Pretty much what you would imagine a small village to be is what this is. Apparently, the house we are staying in belonged to the wealthiest family. It is the highest of the old houses in town. It is very impressive, especially the views of the sunset.

Chris and I were kicking the soccer ball around in front of the house when a little boy came running up to us. Later I found out that he probably saw us from the roof of his house and came to see the white people. I don’t think that he had ever seen a soccer ball before, and we taught him how to kick it. He wanted to pick it up, so that was the first thing we showed him. I think he’ll be back.

We had a light snack and something called oil tea around 3 then a meeting where we went over the week’s plans. After the meeting Chris and I walked around the village and checked things out. We got a bit lost, but eventually found our way back. Dinner was awesome, and spicy.

This weekend Chris and I are looking to follow a road that will take us up to the top of a large hill. It’s probably around 3,000 feet about the local village.

Got some great pictures today and I’m excited to take more around here. Until next time… 

Still Kickin' by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/20111:00:52 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

Last night I left off talking about my trip to a cave and a mountain with waterfalls. Quite a few other funny/interesting things happened on this adventure. Part of my newfound popularity included people in my group wanting me to eat local food they had bought. One of these instances included everyone laughing at me. A girl gave me a green patty of something sticky and said “you try.” Now I’m not one to turn down free food, so I bit into it. Apparently, these things are cooked on leaves that you are supposed to take off when you eat it. I just bit right through it and started chewing. They thought this was the funniest thing. Then, at a little market we went to on the way home, another girl kept getting me to try random samples a guy had sat out. I think one was a pickled sardine with chilies. Not so good.

Language barriers are a funny thing. I think many people use that as a reason not to communicate to other people, but all it means is that it may take longer to convey a message. Eventually, I started picking up on the meanings of the English words they use. For instance, the word friend is used for someone that you know, not necessarily someone you like. I kept trying to explain that a people would be joining my group and from then on out I was their “friend.” Either that or classmate, even though I’m not in a class right now. It's easier just to say yes sometimes then try to explain the word. Non-verbal’s always make it fun too. It’s like a constant game of charades. I taught a smaller group “on the bus” and “off the bus.” Anytime we were pulling up to a stop they would say “off the bus!”

I am incredibly sore from all that hiking yesterday. Now I have to lug around a 50-pound bag. I’m going to go through it and start getting rid of stuff. I quickly learned that I should have listened to Torry’s dad. I’m just not sure what I would get rid of. I have always had a way of justifying a “need” over a "want."

I really got a kick out of the older men on the trip. After the waterfalls we walked back to the bus, but I got sidetracked taking pictures and got left behind. I walked over to where I thought the bus would be and turned around the front of another bus. About six of the old men were standing there smoking. They all pointed at me and smiled and said what I think to be something like, “oh, there is the funny looking white guy!” I crouched down like I was about to bolt of and ran back around the bus. When I reappeared seconds later, they were all laughing hysterically. I didn’t think it was that funny, but who am I to argue with a group of elderly Chinese guys, so I joined in on the laughter. On the bus they were all clapping trying to kill these gnats, so I started clapping. This got the whole bus laughing. I like easily entertained people. The best part was when I pulled out my camera bag to put some stuff away. I opened up a few compartments and they all were looking at it, nudging one another, pointing, and saying things about this bag. It was like I pulled up in a new car and popped the hood.

A lot of this is pretty surreal. I will probably make more money in my first five years of work than these men have made their whole lives. Now money doesn’t buy happiness, but it sure helps facilitate adventures like the one I’m on. I don’t feel bad for most of the people I encounter here because they seem very happy. I do feel bad for the very young kids begging for money and trying to sell random crap to westerners.

I am off to the countryside today. Until then…

I have also started a Flickr account to post all my pictures. I have limited space on the blog... I'm not really sure how you find people on Flickr, but I will find out and let you all know. www.flickr.com then search "chris schave"... that might work.

 

Cavin' in Guilin by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/201112:56:19 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

Today I went to some caves outside the city. I guess "some caves" is a bit of an understatement. It was a pretty grand cave with elaborate chambers. The pictures will tell more than I can describe. On the way I sat next to a girl from Gangzhou, and she helped me quite a bit. Her English was actually quite good. The Caves were amazing and I think I got some great pictures.

Next we went to a small village that had waterfalls coming down from peaks next to it. We hiked to the top of the peaks and it was a lot of walking. On my way up the mountain side I realized that I was the most popular guy on the trail. Everyone wanted to talk to and take pictures with the white guy. Even the people on my bus wanted to take pictures with me. By the end of the trip the old folks on the bus even accepted me as one of their own.

I have to get to bed because I have been walking literally all day long. I will post pictures tomorrow and write more. I am headed to a small village tomorrow, but I should have wifi there, so I will keep updated. Until then... 

Flashback 4.7.10 - Human Sexuality, AIDS and relationships by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/201112:50:00 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

Today Priscilla, the teacher at the orphanage, and I went to the HIV/AIDS Hospital that the Orphanage has partnered with. When we arrived at the hospital, there were about 50 HIV positive individuals waiting to get counseling. It was a very surreal experience. As I walked by them I tried to smile, but I knew they knew I knew they had AIDS and it was really uncomfortable.

On the way back to the orphanage Priscilla and I talked about sex education in Kenya. Kenya is just now implementing sex education and awareness in the community. Unfortunately, they only focus on educating the women, not men. I guess the perception is that a woman in responsible for saying "no". Priscilla said men will target very poor children and women and offer gifts or money for sex. Because the women are so poor, they take the money to buy food, clothes, water or pay for school tuition. The women trade sex for things they have a right to have. Then once the man gets what he wants, he leaves the woman with an STD, or a baby on the way.

Because I am such a curious person, I couldn't resist asking if there was any education about self pleasure. I told her in America we have started to openly discuss masturbation so girls will learn to respect their bodies and not feel the pressure to have pre-marital sex.

Priscilla didn't really respond. Maybe I crossed a line, but I wanted to know. If I don't ask I will only make assumptions.

Remember: GOD CREATED US TO SERVE. NO EXCUSES ALLOWED. GET INVOLVED TODAY. 

Two more days!!! by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/201112:46:54 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

I'm glad to see my little Madison.

First off, Happy 30th Anniversary to my parents! I'd like to point out it has been a happy 30 years.

Leg one of my journey is complete. I flew into Washington Saturday after a long day of moving and cleaning. I didn't sleep well at all Friday night because of the most intense thunder and lightning I think I've ever heard and seen.

My departure from Texas was bitter sweet. I had the chance to see most of my friends before I left. It’s a strange time of year. A lot of people leave right after finals, so I missed out on seeing a few friends.

For those that followed my Facebook in Europe, you may remember a little thing I did called “Schava Schave on.” Basically, these were posts where I would write tips and observations concerning traveling. Some others were about other random topics. I had some more observations the other day while flying. First, I don’t know that I have ever had my bags come out first at the baggage claim. At best I’m usually some where in the middle. Next, headphones are a wonderful asset when dealing with annoying passengers. Just put them in and ignore away!

While here at my parents place I need to go through my large bag and get rid of some of the heavier items. The bag weighed around 70 lbs and cost me an extra $100.

Other random news:

I saw my grades for this semester. 4 A’s and B. I’m a little disappointed, but I know I shouldn’t be.

I lost my new debit card the other day so Wells Fargo is shipping me a new one with express service at no charge. My bad!

I’m headed to work right now with my dad. He’s a contractor and I’m not really looking forward to it, but I don’t mind keeping him company. The only thing is that my neck is messed up. It has something to do with me grabbing a towel that was over my head in the shower. I have troubles turning my head now and I look ridiculous. I’ll be better soon… I think.

I leave Wednesday for China. The flight will leave from Portland, Oregon and go to LA. I have a few hour layover there and then I am headed off to some city in China (not sure the name). After landing there I have a couple hours then I’m off to Guilin. My program starts on Monday, so I think I will have a few days to run around the town. 

Flashback 4.4.10 - African Easter by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/201112:43:01 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

It is Easter Sunday, so the other volunteers and I coordinated an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids at the orphanage. They do celebrate Easter at the orphanage, but they usually hunt for real eggs. JUST KIDDING! Their celebration is much less commercialized. There is no Easter bunny or Easter egg basket full of toys and candy. They simply celebrate Jesus and give thanks for his love. Wonder what holidays would be like in the States without a mascot and presents? 

Fraise by Childcare in France Participant Stephanie Pratt

6/3/201112:40:27 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Childcare, Featured Participants, France

Hello,
Its time to really start thinking about how to spend my most American/Californian summer ever! Today the Ninot family offered me an official placement!!!! I can't wait to start getting everything together, getting my visa and signing up for the Au Pair classes. I'm so excited! My start date is a lot later than I had anticipated, August 26th, but I'm still making it back home by July 2011 to make the school year. I'll be living in Le Vesinet, just a 20 min train ride to Paris. I have my own bedroom in their beautiful 9 bedroom 3 story house! I'll be caring for 3 children, Romain (11), Chloe (8) and Margaux (4). My typical day will be to walk the children to school, then free time until around 4 when the children are out of school. I'll probably be doing my online school work, I'm taking a couple classes online through my college, or maybe this will be when my Au Pair classes are. Then I will walk them home, make a snack, play, help with homework, help them with bath time and make dinner for me and the children. Their parents Claire and David will be coming home around dinner time and then I'm free again. I have all weekends off and get a train pass. The Ninot family are very welcoming and friendly. I'm really looking forward to working with them and living in France.

First on my list of best last summer before France: Disneyland :D
Any suggestions for next week? 

Flashback 4.3.10 -Talk is CHEAP by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/201112:37:24 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

This morning Martha and Pacomis helped me buy a cell phone just for my time in Kenya.
The whole cell phone issue was a big concern for me. AT & T charged insane fees for international roaming - $5.00 a minute. I wasn't sure how I would be able to communicate with the fam.

Well as most of the things I get anxious about, it was no big deal at all. Pacomis took me a cell phone store, which is basically a vendor on the street to buy the phone, charger and credits. The cell phone, SIM card, and credits came to about 2,000 ksh ($26). After that we were on our way to the orphanage.

If you can get a cell phone and minutes for that cheap, why do we pay so much?? 

Flashback 4.2.10 - Swahili Lesson in Mid-Air by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/201112:33:57 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

It is Friday April 2, 2010 at 5:15pm. I am on the plane to Nairobi with about 4 hours left to go. Outside the window is this amazing view of the Sahara Desert. It seems to go on forever even at 37,000ft. How long would it seem if you were stranded there? Just thinking about it made me push the flight attendant button to ask for water.

I am sitting next to a young man who is from Nairobi, but has been schooling in London. He helped me learn some swahili. I had all the intentions to memorize phrases and such before I left, but it didn't happen.

Jambo -- hello
Jina langu ni Tracy -- My name is Tracy
Jina yako ni ?? --- what is your name?
Asante Sana -- thank you very much
Nina sikianja -- I'm hungry
Wewe ni mrembo -- you are pretty
tafadhali -- please
bafu iko wapi -- where is the bathroom?
pesa ngapi -- how much?
Habari Yako -- How are you?
Mzuri Sana -- very good
kwaheri -- bye
lala salama -- sleep well
benki iko wapi -- where is the bank?
kulia -- right
kushoto -- left
pole -- sorry (excuse me)

Once you get the hang of the pronuciations, it seems pretty easy. 

Flashback 4.1.10 - Excitement comes back by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/201112:28:05 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

The anxiety has gone out the window and the excitment and pure
joy is back.

God, I want the rest of the world to experience this joy and happiness. I know the only reason I am able to feel these feelings is because of you. Before I let you in my life, I was lost and confused. I thought I could find happiness in money, clothes, bars, men, and reality TV shows. I still enjoy all of those thigns, but they don't bring me true joy. I imagine the reason I feel this joy is becuase I am doing what you created me for. Thank you for guiding me to this place. I sure didn't find it on my own.

God, please give me the words to share the story you want to be told. This is your story, and I hope I can introduce you to others this way.

Mom and Marlo are on my mind. God, I pray you put the right job in Marlo's path. I pray she find what she enjoys to do and have the opportunity to explore it.

God, as you know mom is crazy nervous about my trip. I pray you calm her nerves and diminsh her fears. I pray you fill her heart with peace knowing this is your doing and you have me in your hands.

I do want to come back alive and without harm. I want to live more and see what you have planned for me. But I am also okay if something happens and I die. It is REALLY weird to say that, but I imagine if something does happen my story might inspire others to grow in relationship with you. Please don't take this to mean I want to die, but it feels good to know be overwhelmed with anxiety about the outcome of this trip. 

Flashback 4.1.10 - What are the kids like? by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/201112:24:49 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

I am at the airport and wondering about the kids. What are they like? What are they doing right now? It is about 7pm in the evening there, so I imagine they are doing homework, and making dinner. I pray they are healthy and growing strong. I pray any issues or heartache they have, they turn to you first. I pray they have strong minds, bodies and spirits.

At this moment I feel like I should maybe stay another week. God, if this is what you want please let me know. If so, I pray that I don't have to pay the change of flight fee for $100. 

T minus 6 Days! by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/201112:21:53 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

All of my final exams are finished, and I did really well. Though I did forget to look on the back page of one exam and missed 25 questions. The professor let me finish and I got an A.

The rest of this week is filled with packing my apartment and putting everything into storage. For me, this is the hardest part about traveling for a few months. I have prepaid 4 months for a storage unit, I have to move all my stuff, and try to see all my friends before I take off. Not to mention all the other errands and phone calls to utility companies, phones companies, banks, etc.... BUT, it's all worth it.

Now that I don't have finals to think about, I'm getting more and more excited. I fly to Washington State on Saturday to see my family before I leave. Last December my dog, Madison and I went up there, and I left her with my parents. I hate to say it, but I am most excited to see her. I talk to my parents all the time on the phone.

Today, I'm going to go pick up a bunch of stuff that I need for the trip. Mainly toiletries and some shirts. This is going to be Awesome! the trip, not shopping... 

It's a process - Day 5 - by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/201112:17:12 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

Finding myself at 10,000 feet by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/201112:13:34 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

I received a great email yesterday from Julie at Cultural Embrace. It was a detailed itinerary. I will highlight some of the things that I will be doing:

Week 1- Introduction in Fengyan Village with site seeing.

Week 2- Culture week in Yangshuo. I get to go caving and visit the ancient city of Daxu that is more than 2000 years old.

Week 3- Village Volunteer work. I could be doing a variety of things.

Week 4- Trekking, including hiking to and staying overnight on a temple on Chicken Foot Mountain.

Week 5- More Village Volunteering.

Week 6- Rock Climbing and Tai Chi.

Week 7- Fly to Chengdu for Panda Volunteer.

Week 8-12 I will be in Yantai teaching English.

I was talking with a friend yesterday and I realized that this trip will probably be a life changing adventure. It's hard to explain how excited I am about this, but I'm sure it will come across in the photos I post.

I wanted to address some questions that have been asked of me...

Q: Why did you choose this destination?

A: To be honest, I feel that China kind of chose me. I had plans to go to France for the summer for an internship. It didn't work out, so I had to make other arrangements. At first I was a little nervous about going to China. I still don't know a whole lot about the country, but the more I find out, the more excited I become. As you can see above, I will have an opportunity to do some pretty amazing things.

Q: What are you most excited to see or experience while you are there?

A: Everything! Specifically, I am excited to work with Pandas, meet the people, the trekking looks amazing, and I am probably most excited about the food. China is such a large country, so it will be very interesting to see the differences in food from region to region.

Q: What are some of the typical customs/traditions of the area?

A: Mostly what I have looked into is about etiquette. I know when you hand someone a business card or a present, you do so with both hands. You shouldn't put business cards in your back pocket because you will be sitting on it. Slurping food is a sign that you like the meal. People don't look at each other when walking down the street. I'd like to think that I am good at figuring out how to act fairly quickly, so I am sure I can address this topic much better when I get there.

Q: What are some of the usual foods eaten in the area?

A: Since I will be in different regions, the food will vary. One thing that I am really looking forward to is something called a hot pot. It's similar to fondue, but much spicier and they put hot peppers in the oil to add flavor. Also, In many areas dumplings are very popular... Just thinking about this is making me hungry.

Tomorrow I will try and write a post about what I am doing to get ready and include some pictures of my new luggage, which I am really excited to have!

I'll leave you all with a picture of the Temple on Chicken Foot Mountain that I will be going to. Until next time...

 

Visa by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/201112:06:31 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

I went down to Houston yesterday to pick up my Chinese visa. I really don't understand the consulate down there. They have 6 windows, and both times that I have been there, they only had 3 people working. One drop off, on notarizer, and a pick up person. The drop off and pick up lines were at a constant 15-20 person length, and the notorizer had no one in her line. I think they may need to hire more people.... Regardless of the wait, I now have the visa in my possession! I was going to post a pic of it, but I'm not sure the legality and safety issues that go along with that.

My new camera lens is getting here today, and hopefully my new bags arrive soon. I will start packing up my apartment today... I hate procrastinating, so I will be making a few trips to my storage unit this week.

I leave one week from Saturday for WA and a week and 6 days until China!!! Not that I'm counting or anything. 

Au revoir Kenya!!! by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/201112:01:39 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

Today is my last day in the orphanage. My time here was nothing like I expected, yet everything I expected and then some. I have kept up my journal almost everyday so I will be back posting (if that is even a word) once I return home. I can't wait to share how amazing God has been to me on this trip. He gave me the gift of getting to know the children, staff, volunteers, and people in the community. But most importantly He showed me His love and I feel closer to him than ever before. 

Unbelizable by Volunteer in Guatemala Participant Kate Springer

6/3/201111:51:44 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

 

 

Last day in San Mateo by Volunteer in Guatemala Participant Kate Springer

6/3/201111:41:30 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

I have avoided writing this blog because I knew it would be hard--to relive the day, to see pictures of the kids, to once again feel all of the love in that little house.  It would mean that I am accepting closure, that I am acknowledging the end of my travels.  That now, I am sitting around filling out temp agency applications instead of making sand castles in the Caribbean.  But having been home for a week, it's time to embrace the time honored cliché:  All good things, especially the best things, come to an end.

The only thing wrong with the bus ride was me.  I rode the entire way in a daze, going over in my head what I wanted to say (in spanish) and prepping myself for good byes.

Leaving the kids, Juan and Judith, and my life in San Mateo was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Luckily, Juan and Judith made my last day as upbeat and positive as possible with games, smores, and lots of dancing.



As when Nick left,  Juan and Judith shared kind, eloquent words and then the kids got in a long line and each handed me a note coupled with a big hug.  Then of course, it was my turn to speak.  It is hard to be articulate in spanish when you're choking back tears, but I did my best to express to Juan, Judith, the kids, and the other volunteers that they have changed my life, that in three short months I have learned so much—

—to approach every opportunity with an open heart and an open mind—

 

—to live simply, and to appreciate the beauty in simplicity—

 

 

—to always be prepared for tomorrow—

 

 

—to live not solely for yourself, but also for those you love—

 

I know my future is capricious, but one thing is certain: I will be back to San Mateo.  I will once again laugh and cry under that worn tin roof.  And I will be at home. 

Prep by Volunteer and Teach in China Participant Chris Schave

6/3/201111:31:08 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

Today I woke up at 5:00 AM to drive down to the Chinese Consulate in Houston... It was a 6 hour drive round trip, but I got my visa paperwork submitted. Most of the people there were Chinese and a lot of them were yelling back and forth across the room at each other in Mandarin. The whole time I was thinking to myself, "I'm in for a big culture shock!" I couldn't be more excited though. Unfortunately, I have to drive back Wednesday to pick up my passport and visa. Not looking forward to that drive again...

In related news, I received my pre departure kit from Cultural Embrace yesterday, and it had all sorts of good information in it. It seems like no matter how many times I go over my packing list, I always forget something. Luckily, I could compare what I had written down with what they suggested I should bring. As usual, theirs had stuff I forgot to put on my list.

Until next time... 

Hello World! by China Volunteer and Teach Participant Chris Schave

6/3/201111:26:39 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Teach, Volunteer

This will hopefully be my blog while I am spending time in China this summer. Today I learned that I will be going to two regions in China for two completely different reasons.

First, I will be going to Yangshuo in the south of China to do volunteer work for a little over a month.

Next I will head north to the city of Yantai, which is on the eastern seaboard of China on the Yellow Sea. While there, I will be teaching at an English College for around a month.

All of this will be coordinated through Cultural Embrace. I will be posting a lot of pictures and writing as much as possible. 

Hanging with the kids by Volunteer in Kenya Participant Tracy Guthrie

6/3/201111:22:48 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Kenya, Volunteer

I am sitting at the orphanage with Beatrice, Joyce, Erick, Simon, and Albert. We finished dinner about 9:00pm and are now playing on the computer.

Beatrice is 14 yrs old, and wants to work with computers as well as run her own orphanage. She hopes to take care of HUNDREDS of kids who are vulnerable and in need. She prays to God that all the kids at WWB have food, love and peace. She also prays for internally displaced persons who were misplaced during post-election violence.

Erick is a staff member of the orphanage who works in the field for the sponsored kids. He does school and home visitation to find out what the children need. Most kids live in the village but he still has to walk 10 to 15 miles a day.

Simon is a crazy silly boy who doesn't know if is 10, 11, 12 or 13 years old. He can't remember :) Simon wants to be a sweeper when he grows - up, which is good because he sweeps everyday at the orphanage. Just now he changed his mind and wants to be a pilot. Now he wants to be a football player. He has a lot of decisions to make!

Even though it is past their bed time, the kids are still watching football. Well everyone but Simon, he is still sweeping!

The kids say hello and GOOD MORNING! 

Más! más! más!

6/3/201111:04:56 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

More Joyas de Hope

6/3/201110:52:41 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

Baile de Nuestros Tradiciones

6/3/201110:40:31 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

All of last week, the kids from San Mateo were practicing two traditional dances:  "Instrumentos de Labranza" and "Nuestros Tradiciones."  Garbed in traditional Mayan attire, the kids practiced their steps in hopes to give a perfect performance at the language school on February 9th for the school's anniversary party.  With their beautiful costumes, cultural insight, and adorable smiles, the orphanage hopes to start a small performance business at local language schools in order to earn extra money for school supplies, clothes, shoes, classes, etc.

In the dance, the newlyweds are christened at the same time two youth undergo their First Communion.  The ceremony is typically performed in the home after a traditional Catholic ceremony and is followed by a  lunch or dinner with the family and clergy. 

Later, the bride must clean up everything until one or two in the morning while her husband waits for her at home.   While tradition varies from pueblo to pueblo, honeymoons are not common and the size of the celebration is dependent on the value of the "vendition." 

Buena Vista and Katie's Casa

6/3/201110:34:39 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Featured Participants, Guatemala, Volunteer

This weekend I stayed in Antigua to descansar un poco, but the weekend was full of action despite my intentions.

After a mint flavored hookah at the popular lounge downtown, we flocked to Cielo'swhere two members of the Buena Vista Social Club performed saucy salsa jams.
 

In Havana, the Buena Vista Social Club was a well known salsa house where members could dance the night away.  Considered the Golden Age of Cuban Music, in the 40s and 50s Buena Vista Social Club provided a place for talented and innovative musicians to collaborate.  

In the 90s, some members finally recorded a compilation album as well as a produced a documentary.  Both productions were international successes and restored some of  Buena Vista Social Club's former glory.



Friday night, Katie Dowd came to Antigua and stayed the night.  We went out to dinner at Frida's, a low lit cafe dedicated to Frida Kahlo with mosaics and Mexican artwork adorning the walls.  After turning in for an early night, I went to Parramos with Katie the next day. 

At the NPH (Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos) facility, I met Katie's friends, some of her students, and ate delicious home made pizza.  The NPH place resembles a small campus with well-maintained buildings, lawns, and playgrounds.  It's presentation is impressive and seems like a safe and loving place for displaced or abandoned kids to grow up.

After meeting lots of kids and volunteers, Katie and I planned our entire trip down to Panama.  There is so much to do in Central America that we won't be able to cover nearly everything, but we agreed on some must-see places—waterfalls, cloud forests, jungles, cave repelling, canopy zip lines, volcano climbs, and lots of beaches—that should serve as a sound introduction to Central America.