Photo Journal: Finally!

It's been too long again. Sorry!

I decided it would be fun to post a photo journal, as I've been trying to snap shots here and there going through my days. Part of the "lack of blog" until now was due to the fact that I have spent the last 3 weeks in orientation with the new teachers for our program. 57 native English speakers all arrived at Hong Kong Airport and there were three of us there all (in shifts) to greet them. I got lucky with the 12noon to 9pm shift! There was another girl after me, boy I felt bad for her when she was there half the night and had to report to work the next morning!

During their first weeks here, the CNETs are housed in a "hostel" of sorts. But it's the nicest hotel I've ever seen. I'm not sure of any others that have a marble decorated lobby! Basically, they stayed in a modest hotel. We also spent two nights away at "camp," which turned out a lot less fantastic than we'd hoped. It rained the whole time, and I think most people felt more confined then they did creative. And in addition, this was just days after their arrival so a good percentage of us were jet lagged, too.

Transitioning to traditional work days was a welcome change. Our program is divided into three groups: Primary, Secondary, and Post-Secondary (also known as "VTC). The Vocational Training College program in Hong Kong is similar to Community Colleges in the states. Students come from secondary school as a result of not having the test scores to get into traditional universities. This is the program that I worked with during orientation. I will, however, through the course of the academic year, visit and work with both primary and secondary programs as well.

During orientation, we asked local students to join us for afternoon sessions with our new teachers. This was good practice for them to work with a new type of student, but also a great excuse for students to come learn some English and have fun during the summer. One of the local students gave me a card with a photo of us (they are addicted to taking pictures of us and each other) and an incredible sweet sentiment.

"Emily: Thank you for your teaching and I will remember it. You are very beautiful and nice. I like you so much. Haha :) I like playing the "guess word" game with you. It's very exciting! Finally, wish you happy all the time!"

As she gave me the card she told me not to show anybody because she didn't have time to make them for all of us. She also apologized for her "bad English." LOL so cute.

Pictures below include my dramatically different (from each other) shopping centers. One is the "Taste" store, which is just off the MTR station on my way home. It's not that great when its the weekend, but on a work night it's a pretty easy stop- a totally decent price to pay for a good dinner! (I think Brett would agree). It's not the cheapest place in town, but you can find things there that are organic, from the states, etc. They have a fantastic cheese counter, really nice breads and a descent "western style" bakery. This is where I'd found the closest thing to "french bread" (until last week, which I'll share in a moment). I love taste- it makes me feel a bit like shopping at Whole Foods- just that much closer to home when I need it. Alternatively, the local market (quite literally located under the Tai Wo MTR station) is my go to for veggies that I can buy local. Please don't worry, we are always careful to thoroughly wash or cook everything we buy there, but we've never had a problem (knock on wood). Local sellers set up their food much like Pike Place actually.

The chicken dish is NOT (sadly) one that I made, but a lovely lunch I had with a group of CNETs during orientation. It was the first chicken I'd had that looked (and tasted) so western that I "had to take a photo" for the blog! It was very nice!

I also put in a shot of how Brett and I have dressed up the living area of the apartment. You'll notice a guitar has made it over! Brett will be using that next week in the upcoming concert that I'm dying to see!

The three photos throughout are of the skyline at dusk. A group of my coworkers went to the IFC tower on HK island to a section of roof which is public property. While there are bars and restaurants on the roof, you can also choose to buy snacks and drinks at the grocery store below and economically enjoy the view. You can even see the humidity in some of the photos! Yea, it is that hot. It's amazing. I can't wait for the clear, drier heat of the fall.

**SPECIAL thanks to Vanessa for my 2nd postcard. Boston's mallards are now on display on the wall here in HK.

Love- Em