Been having the time of our lives. And we leave tomorrow.
Just like I had a little anxiety about leaving the states for so long, and going to a different 'world', I am having the same feelings about returning.
I am really looking forward to seeing my awesome family and friends, of course, and catching up. I am anticipating what I will do for work. I am anxious to generate theatre, and to perform. I can't wait to drink water from a tap, be able to breathe deeply the fresh air of the northwest, to ride my beloved bicycle, to wear jeans and my favorite sweat pants and sweat shirt...all the little things I have missed so much.
At the same time, it makes me a little nervous to have all those things and to move on to this next chapter. And I am excited. It's such a mix of emotions, just like July 2, 2008, when I left the states.
Living in Asia has taught me a great deal about humanity, kindness, compassion, empathy, love, pain, poverty, education, and what the human body can endure.
It has made me realize so much about myself and my place in this crazy and beautifully fucked up world. I know these experiences will carry on and continue to teach me things I never realized. I also know that when I get home, I am going to get rid of nearly all I have...I want to have only 3 boxes of clothes and things to my possession. It feels wrong to have so much...just unnecessary.
I love the trajectory my travels took...teaching in Nepal, and living with an amazing and absolustly unforgetable family; trekking and reaching over 17,000feet; experiencing India in all of it's suffering and glory; climbing, kayaking, swimming and relaxing in Thailand; road tripping through Vietnam.
That is the last 8 and 1/2 months in a nutshell.
There were times I got frustrated, and there were times I wanted never to end.
All in all, I loved it all, and wouldn't change anything for the world.
Thanks for reading and for your support.
All My Love.
Showing posts with label no abc check - deal with it :). Show all posts
Showing posts with label no abc check - deal with it :). Show all posts
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Vietnam
Vietnam is very incredible. It is very different than any place we have been. Granted, they all differ very much, but Vietnam has something unique.
It is still very obvious that this is a war torn country. There is a lot of poverty. There are a lot of injured people; and millions of children. Seriously, more kids than any where else.
Every time I see some one who is of the 'American War' (or the Vietnam war as it is known in the U.S.) generation, I can't help but wonder what they saw. What they have gone through. Not only was the war between Vietnam and America entirely devestating, but there have been countless wars and battles here.
It is something quite different to see dozens of grave yards, all over the land, scattered. It makes me wonder, what is better though, having HUGE plots of land as a grave yard (like in the U.S.) or small plots where the deceased are probably near their families (or should it be the other way around)?
Traveling by bike has been really awesome. It is great to have the freedom to stop where we want, when we want, and to go as fast or slow as we feel like.
We are in the Mekong Delta region...near a city called Vinh Long, where I am writing from. We left Ho Chi Minh 2 days ago (thank Buddha!!!!!! :) That city is so crazy and intense...not our cup of tea. There are literally millions of motorbikes covering the roads.) and headed straight for the villages of the Mekong, avoiding the tourist spots. Last night and tonight we are in a village called An Binh, in a great, cozy bungalow of a wonderful and hospitable guest house. It is so quiet and peaceful. At night you can hear crickets (which always make me think of staying at my Mom's house), frogs, dogs barking in the distance, and boats quietly roaring down the Mekong (it's sorta eirie, they sound almost like helocoptars). We are going to head North tomorrow for the beaches of the central coast. Then we have to be back to Ho Chi Minh to return the bike and get our packs on the 6th. After that the plan is to train it to Hoi An, and further to Hanoi, where we will hopefully do some rock climbing in Halong Bay.
Then, just around the corner, is going back to the states. It is strange to know that very soon, I will be with all of the familiar things and people that made me, me. I am so excited to see family and friends and to share stories. But I am also going to miss the life of traveling, living fully in the moment, and living so simply. I will miss that the most, be surrounded by such simple ways of being. It's just not like that in the U.S.
It is still very obvious that this is a war torn country. There is a lot of poverty. There are a lot of injured people; and millions of children. Seriously, more kids than any where else.
Every time I see some one who is of the 'American War' (or the Vietnam war as it is known in the U.S.) generation, I can't help but wonder what they saw. What they have gone through. Not only was the war between Vietnam and America entirely devestating, but there have been countless wars and battles here.
It is something quite different to see dozens of grave yards, all over the land, scattered. It makes me wonder, what is better though, having HUGE plots of land as a grave yard (like in the U.S.) or small plots where the deceased are probably near their families (or should it be the other way around)?
Traveling by bike has been really awesome. It is great to have the freedom to stop where we want, when we want, and to go as fast or slow as we feel like.
We are in the Mekong Delta region...near a city called Vinh Long, where I am writing from. We left Ho Chi Minh 2 days ago (thank Buddha!!!!!! :) That city is so crazy and intense...not our cup of tea. There are literally millions of motorbikes covering the roads.) and headed straight for the villages of the Mekong, avoiding the tourist spots. Last night and tonight we are in a village called An Binh, in a great, cozy bungalow of a wonderful and hospitable guest house. It is so quiet and peaceful. At night you can hear crickets (which always make me think of staying at my Mom's house), frogs, dogs barking in the distance, and boats quietly roaring down the Mekong (it's sorta eirie, they sound almost like helocoptars). We are going to head North tomorrow for the beaches of the central coast. Then we have to be back to Ho Chi Minh to return the bike and get our packs on the 6th. After that the plan is to train it to Hoi An, and further to Hanoi, where we will hopefully do some rock climbing in Halong Bay.
Then, just around the corner, is going back to the states. It is strange to know that very soon, I will be with all of the familiar things and people that made me, me. I am so excited to see family and friends and to share stories. But I am also going to miss the life of traveling, living fully in the moment, and living so simply. I will miss that the most, be surrounded by such simple ways of being. It's just not like that in the U.S.
Friday, September 19, 2008
The Presentation Day
Oh Boy!
I just had to start with that.
The presentation went pretty well. The students on stage did such a great job and were having so much fun. I am so proud of them. It was the first time they had done a school presentation...98% of them the first time to present anything other than giving some speeches. Which, don't get me wrong, is tough to do, but is also much different than presenting theatre. It was so great to have that moment with all the beautiful studnets I have worked with (most of them...more on this later) and to see their shinning faces and imaginations, and how far they have come in 2 months with using their bodies, imaginations, and voices - and to do it 'on stage'.
As far as them being audience members, they are horrible. And the teachers didn't really help either.
So first thing, I had talked the teachers through how to stay with their class of the 2nd to last period - keep them as a group - and that I wanted them to sit with their class - class 1 on the right through class 7 on the left, and some benches for 8 through 10. Well. It was a disaster. All the kids came running to the courtyard - all 280-or-so of them!!!!!!!!!!! WOAH! They were not together as a class at all, and most of the teachers came strolling behind after them. I was appalled and really stressed out. At this point there was 12 minutes before family and/or friends were to show up.
Chaos at its finest ladies and gentlemen.
So I was doing different techniques to try to get them to sit down, at this point just find a seat, and be quiet. I understand: they were so excited. This was something they have never done before, so they don't know what to expect. Also they have never been taught to be a good audience.
Finally Amy came to my rescue to help, then Dipendra, a science teacher, and Mr. Prem the social studies and Nepali teacher. But 4 adults trying to get 280-or-so students to settle down and focus is still really challenging. I was so shocked that the other 6 or so teachers were just standing there, even after I asked for help. And Mr. Patel. Oh, Douch Bag Patel. He was sitting, no lounging really, on the side of the stage, facing the audience - where he can shine in his illuminous glory - smirking. I actually saw the asshole smirking. Can you believe that? He has no real authority at the school, he is never there and has probably never seen all of 'his' students before, so I understand why he didn't help.
He never does anything so why should he start to help now?!?
So we finally get them settled, but at this point all the students are sitting on the benches, where the family/friends are to sit...so, we had to move them once they were calm...another disaster. It's 3:45 by the time they are where they were to be in the begining. 15 minutes after family/friends were to come in and we were to start. Fffffffffffeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwww! It took about a 1/2 an hour to do it, but we did it.
I told them that if they wanted to present with their class they had to be a good and respectful audience member, or they would have to back to their classroom. I hate making threats like that, but it worked - for about 2 seconds.
I started with class one and just went straight up the class order. (For more information on what they are presenting, please refer to the 'school-eschool' post : ) )
Like I said, they have never been taught to be a good audience. They all passed in the presenting department, but in the audience department all but 3 students would have failed.
Failed hard.
If I were to keep to the original 'threat' I made, there would have been 3 from different classes to perform. So, that went straight through the shitter.
That part was really disappointing, especially since there were only 4 of us doing anything about it.
And the illuminous Mr. Douch Bag did not set a good example. He was talking on his cell phone durning class 9's presentation. Right were he is as clear as day to all of the students, teachers, family and friends. Just ridiculous this man is. I will say that this event absolutly took away any ounce or inkling of reserve I had left for him. I have not passionatly disliked anyone as much as him since Treez-to-the-top. For those of you who have heard about Treez, you know that is a tough act to follow...I think Mr. Douch might actually surpass that disgust and dislike I had for Treez.
I am still very proud of my students. It is just unfortunate that they are not taught, or shown examples of, how to be a respectful audience member. I think maybe some of them learned about it though - by being on stage when the audience is being so loud you know they can not possibly be hearing a thing you are saying. Hopefully they will see that it is important to be quiet and attentive.
So, about my, '(more on this later)'.
I was supposed to meet class 10 during the begining of tiffen (break) time...they all knew about it. I go to their class, and only one sweet student, Manju, is there. I could tell something was wrong.
I go search for the rest of the students (there were only 8 in class- all week their were 7 or 8 students, which is so strange because exams are this coming week) and find them all nearly hiding from me; so I call after them and they come to class.
It was so clear that something was wrong. I just flat out asked, "What is going on?! Do you not want to do this?" One of the too cool kids, Samir, says "No, Miss." I asked, "do you all feel this way?" No anwser. So I said, "I am not forcing you to present, I thought you wanted to do this because you all told me before that you wanted to perform...so if you really don't want to present today [at this point it is 2 hours away] then you can just leave the classroom."
The 3 too cool kids left.
Biswash kept looking at me and them, me and them, and pushed by peer pressure, he left.
I was there with 4 students, one boy and three girls. I couldn't help but feel really hurt that they actually walked out. It's hard when you have come to know these students and they started letting me in, but they still left - not only me, but their peers.
And then I felt bad and some how a tad guilty towards the ones who stayed.
I asked them if they wanted to present, they didn't want to if it was just the 4 of them.
Shitty.
So, I sent them back to class and at this point I am in tears.
To cut the story short, the 4 plus Biswash (yeah-screw peer pressure!!!!) ended up doing a scene with class 9. I am glad that it worked out for them to present something.
Man, being too cool must suck.
That was my exciting and jampacked day yesterday. At least it didn't rain. At least there are 280-or-so minus 3 students who wanted to be there and had a chance to do something very new to them...and they did so well up there.
I decided that I want to teach one more class to each grade - maybe combine 9 and some peeches from 10 - in the end of November when TJ and I are back in Kathmandu before we fly to India.
I just couldn't bear to say good-bye today.
I just had to start with that.
The presentation went pretty well. The students on stage did such a great job and were having so much fun. I am so proud of them. It was the first time they had done a school presentation...98% of them the first time to present anything other than giving some speeches. Which, don't get me wrong, is tough to do, but is also much different than presenting theatre. It was so great to have that moment with all the beautiful studnets I have worked with (most of them...more on this later) and to see their shinning faces and imaginations, and how far they have come in 2 months with using their bodies, imaginations, and voices - and to do it 'on stage'.
As far as them being audience members, they are horrible. And the teachers didn't really help either.
So first thing, I had talked the teachers through how to stay with their class of the 2nd to last period - keep them as a group - and that I wanted them to sit with their class - class 1 on the right through class 7 on the left, and some benches for 8 through 10. Well. It was a disaster. All the kids came running to the courtyard - all 280-or-so of them!!!!!!!!!!! WOAH! They were not together as a class at all, and most of the teachers came strolling behind after them. I was appalled and really stressed out. At this point there was 12 minutes before family and/or friends were to show up.
Chaos at its finest ladies and gentlemen.
So I was doing different techniques to try to get them to sit down, at this point just find a seat, and be quiet. I understand: they were so excited. This was something they have never done before, so they don't know what to expect. Also they have never been taught to be a good audience.
Finally Amy came to my rescue to help, then Dipendra, a science teacher, and Mr. Prem the social studies and Nepali teacher. But 4 adults trying to get 280-or-so students to settle down and focus is still really challenging. I was so shocked that the other 6 or so teachers were just standing there, even after I asked for help. And Mr. Patel. Oh, Douch Bag Patel. He was sitting, no lounging really, on the side of the stage, facing the audience - where he can shine in his illuminous glory - smirking. I actually saw the asshole smirking. Can you believe that? He has no real authority at the school, he is never there and has probably never seen all of 'his' students before, so I understand why he didn't help.
He never does anything so why should he start to help now?!?
So we finally get them settled, but at this point all the students are sitting on the benches, where the family/friends are to sit...so, we had to move them once they were calm...another disaster. It's 3:45 by the time they are where they were to be in the begining. 15 minutes after family/friends were to come in and we were to start. Fffffffffffeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwww! It took about a 1/2 an hour to do it, but we did it.
I told them that if they wanted to present with their class they had to be a good and respectful audience member, or they would have to back to their classroom. I hate making threats like that, but it worked - for about 2 seconds.
I started with class one and just went straight up the class order. (For more information on what they are presenting, please refer to the 'school-eschool' post : ) )
Like I said, they have never been taught to be a good audience. They all passed in the presenting department, but in the audience department all but 3 students would have failed.
Failed hard.
If I were to keep to the original 'threat' I made, there would have been 3 from different classes to perform. So, that went straight through the shitter.
That part was really disappointing, especially since there were only 4 of us doing anything about it.
And the illuminous Mr. Douch Bag did not set a good example. He was talking on his cell phone durning class 9's presentation. Right were he is as clear as day to all of the students, teachers, family and friends. Just ridiculous this man is. I will say that this event absolutly took away any ounce or inkling of reserve I had left for him. I have not passionatly disliked anyone as much as him since Treez-to-the-top. For those of you who have heard about Treez, you know that is a tough act to follow...I think Mr. Douch might actually surpass that disgust and dislike I had for Treez.
I am still very proud of my students. It is just unfortunate that they are not taught, or shown examples of, how to be a respectful audience member. I think maybe some of them learned about it though - by being on stage when the audience is being so loud you know they can not possibly be hearing a thing you are saying. Hopefully they will see that it is important to be quiet and attentive.
So, about my, '(more on this later)'.
I was supposed to meet class 10 during the begining of tiffen (break) time...they all knew about it. I go to their class, and only one sweet student, Manju, is there. I could tell something was wrong.
I go search for the rest of the students (there were only 8 in class- all week their were 7 or 8 students, which is so strange because exams are this coming week) and find them all nearly hiding from me; so I call after them and they come to class.
It was so clear that something was wrong. I just flat out asked, "What is going on?! Do you not want to do this?" One of the too cool kids, Samir, says "No, Miss." I asked, "do you all feel this way?" No anwser. So I said, "I am not forcing you to present, I thought you wanted to do this because you all told me before that you wanted to perform...so if you really don't want to present today [at this point it is 2 hours away] then you can just leave the classroom."
The 3 too cool kids left.
Biswash kept looking at me and them, me and them, and pushed by peer pressure, he left.
I was there with 4 students, one boy and three girls. I couldn't help but feel really hurt that they actually walked out. It's hard when you have come to know these students and they started letting me in, but they still left - not only me, but their peers.
And then I felt bad and some how a tad guilty towards the ones who stayed.
I asked them if they wanted to present, they didn't want to if it was just the 4 of them.
Shitty.
So, I sent them back to class and at this point I am in tears.
To cut the story short, the 4 plus Biswash (yeah-screw peer pressure!!!!) ended up doing a scene with class 9. I am glad that it worked out for them to present something.
Man, being too cool must suck.
That was my exciting and jampacked day yesterday. At least it didn't rain. At least there are 280-or-so minus 3 students who wanted to be there and had a chance to do something very new to them...and they did so well up there.
I decided that I want to teach one more class to each grade - maybe combine 9 and some peeches from 10 - in the end of November when TJ and I are back in Kathmandu before we fly to India.
I just couldn't bear to say good-bye today.
Friday, September 5, 2008
changing the flight
I have decided to change my ticket for November 30th - the day my visa would expire. I am so grateful for my amazing boyfriend who is willing to cough up the dough and change his ticket with me. So sweet.
I went to the airport today, just like they said I could when I called to check, to go to Jet Airways to change my ticket. Well, I get there at 1ish, and there is no one in the office who can help me, says a man sitting at the desk. I am to come back at
4:00, and will be helped then. Sorry for the inconvienence. See you soon.
I go back. Hmmm...turns out they can't help me at that office - I have to go to another one. Oh, annoying. Luckily I live only 15 -20 minutes from the airport, but still it's pretty obnoxious.
Nepali's never want to tell you no...like the guy at 1:00, I wonder if he knew I would have to go to a different office, but didn't want to be the one to break the news. When I went back, at least the people were super friendly - even offered me pastries, a sandwich, and a drink - and appologized profusly. That was nice of them...but still a tiny large bit of annoying.
They said there were over 100 seats available, which is what I was worried about. So, that is good. I just hope that when I make it to the other office, it is the right and final one.
It will all work out just peachy...a little frustrating to deal with, especially because I am not making any money and living on what I saved. But I guess this is a good place to be when you are on a budget.
And, we have a couple more days in India.
Oh, that reminds me - I have to change my hostel. Thinking out loud - or writing out loud - what ever.
I hope you enjoy the pictures. :)
I went to the airport today, just like they said I could when I called to check, to go to Jet Airways to change my ticket. Well, I get there at 1ish, and there is no one in the office who can help me, says a man sitting at the desk. I am to come back at
4:00, and will be helped then. Sorry for the inconvienence. See you soon.
I go back. Hmmm...turns out they can't help me at that office - I have to go to another one. Oh, annoying. Luckily I live only 15 -20 minutes from the airport, but still it's pretty obnoxious.
Nepali's never want to tell you no...like the guy at 1:00, I wonder if he knew I would have to go to a different office, but didn't want to be the one to break the news. When I went back, at least the people were super friendly - even offered me pastries, a sandwich, and a drink - and appologized profusly. That was nice of them...but still a tiny large bit of annoying.
They said there were over 100 seats available, which is what I was worried about. So, that is good. I just hope that when I make it to the other office, it is the right and final one.
It will all work out just peachy...a little frustrating to deal with, especially because I am not making any money and living on what I saved. But I guess this is a good place to be when you are on a budget.
And, we have a couple more days in India.
Oh, that reminds me - I have to change my hostel. Thinking out loud - or writing out loud - what ever.
I hope you enjoy the pictures. :)
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