First Day

Today was my first day of teaching a class. There were four different classes each with about 35 students. Two 1 1/2 hrs and two 1 1/4hr. classes. With a short break in between classes and a break for lunch. I tought the same thing to all four classes, so by the end of the day it got a little repititious, but I kept the class engaged and they were answering questions. Overall, I feel good about it. It was a long day on my feet. I think next week I am going to try and sit down more. It was a good experience and I liked the kids. I think they liked me. I got them to laugh :o)

Silk Market

Ok, so I went to the Silk Market which is this building with 6 floors of merchandise. Each floor is devoted to some kind of item and there are lots and lots of booths with vendors that are all trying to get you to buy their things and they are all pretty much selling the same stuff. So you can't just shop around, because if you stop and seem even mildly interested in something, they will not let you go. I made this mistake. I just paused while walking to look at a jade dragon and the woman came up to me and asked me how much i wanted to spend, which one i wanted and things like that. I didn't want it because I would have no use for it but I don't think they understand that. So every time I tried to walk away, she would grab me by my arm and pull me back and tell me that she would give me the New Year special or the friend special and reduce it by 10 qui. She wrapped it up for me and put it in a bag like I was going to buy it. Finally, she turned to get something and Samanthat, Anna, and I took the opportunity and just ran. It was crazy, but I plan on going back. Next time I will know better.

First Day of Class

Today is my first day of my teaching class. I am learning how to teach english. That was this morning. Then we got a two hour break for lunch where I went to a very tasty Thai restraunt. I am not sure what is planned for this afternoon. According to what I have been told, after this week we are going to be sent to different schools around the area to teach. It is a big city with a lot of people and cars. Until later...


P.S. Samantha says Hi :o)

Flight

As I sit in the Newark airport listening to children whining about being starving and having nothing to eat because they are currently serving breakfast and they want chicken nuggets and fries... My flight up here was interesting and beautiful. I thought I was going to miss my flight trying to get through security. It took longer than I had allowed. But it turned out to be fine. I got to the gate in plenty of time. So got onto this tiny plane and as we took off I saw the most beautiful sky. Right before the sun rises, the sky illuminates with all the brillant colors of the rainbow. It was so beautiful. And then when we were up in the air, looking down on the clouds was like looking at a blanket of white cotton. It was a short flight, and I got here in one piece :o) All is well.