Macau was beautiful...a sharp blend of European architecture and Asian history. I met a photographer from the Philippines there and together, we took a walking tour of the island. I ended up in Taipa where I got to see Cirque du Soleil. I almost cried...not because the show was so good but because I realized just how much I've missed the performing arts...please don't let me live without it again.
Macau itself, however, is being eaten up by the gambling/tourist industries. Most of the citizens I met agree that though salaries have increased, their standard of living has decreased. In fact, the gambling industry isn't doing so well (work on several to-be casinos have been suspended till a future date). In addition, with the current swine flu scare, even the tourist industry is suffering. I do have to commend this small island though on its preventative measures; most people were wearing face masks, hand sanitizers are everything, and even holy water has been drained (instead, there is a notice telling citizens that no holy water will be used until the global health crisis subsides).
It will be very interesting to see what happens to this SAR region...will the old be somehow preserved as part of the new or will the nation be swallowed by capitalism?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
An Old Woman
The last few days have been a whirlwind of events. I flew to Shenzhen, rode a bus into Hong Kong, flew to Taiwan the next morning, and now I'm back in Hong Kong (and set to go to Macau tomorrow).
In Taiwan, on our first day, we met an old woman who held her grandson with one arm while pointing us to our destination . She'd later symbolize Taiwan for me; gentle, independent, fiercely protective, and steeped with history.
Initially, I was impressed by the conscientious nature of the citizens; people who follow marked lines when waiting for the subway, passengers who gently reprimand each other for chewing gum on the train...it's as if I entered a more gentle form of China (one my fear-ridden, distrusting self found somewhat hard to accept). Yet, it was a welcomed relief.
For once, I was sure my questions would be answered politely. In fact, people in Taipei went out of their way to help me. Case in point: on my way to Danshui, a middle-aged woman suddenly stopped me to fix my dress (apparently the bow on my bodice was lob-sided).
As for the island itself, I think diverse is the best adjective I have to describe it. In four days time, I saw beaches, oceans, mountains, cities, and much more. Amongst my favorite are the hot springs in Beitou with Bonny (at which I got a nasty sunburn), the mountians of Yangmingshan National Park (where I got way too close to a geyser), fisherman's wharf at Danshui, fireflies in Eastern Taiwan, and random escapades with Laura (from which I got a 4GB memory card for $20).
However, like all places, Taiwan does have it's flaws: the biggest being the incessant stares we got. I'm going to assume in the future that I got a lot of stares because I'm just that beautiful but I think they've never seen a girl with pink shorts and sunburned shoulders to match.
Overall though the good far outweighed the bad and I feel that Taiwan is truly a romantic place for the future.
In Taiwan, on our first day, we met an old woman who held her grandson with one arm while pointing us to our destination . She'd later symbolize Taiwan for me; gentle, independent, fiercely protective, and steeped with history.
Initially, I was impressed by the conscientious nature of the citizens; people who follow marked lines when waiting for the subway, passengers who gently reprimand each other for chewing gum on the train...it's as if I entered a more gentle form of China (one my fear-ridden, distrusting self found somewhat hard to accept). Yet, it was a welcomed relief.
For once, I was sure my questions would be answered politely. In fact, people in Taipei went out of their way to help me. Case in point: on my way to Danshui, a middle-aged woman suddenly stopped me to fix my dress (apparently the bow on my bodice was lob-sided).
As for the island itself, I think diverse is the best adjective I have to describe it. In four days time, I saw beaches, oceans, mountains, cities, and much more. Amongst my favorite are the hot springs in Beitou with Bonny (at which I got a nasty sunburn), the mountians of Yangmingshan National Park (where I got way too close to a geyser), fisherman's wharf at Danshui, fireflies in Eastern Taiwan, and random escapades with Laura (from which I got a 4GB memory card for $20).
However, like all places, Taiwan does have it's flaws: the biggest being the incessant stares we got. I'm going to assume in the future that I got a lot of stares because I'm just that beautiful but I think they've never seen a girl with pink shorts and sunburned shoulders to match.
Overall though the good far outweighed the bad and I feel that Taiwan is truly a romantic place for the future.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Word of the Day: Eleemosynary
I moved into my new apartment. The nice thing is it is closer to school and the community is very much like old China. The bad thing is, I don't know anyone and my apartment scares me. I feel more alone in it then I've ever felt on my own....perhaps this will improve.
I also don't have internet at home so I'm typing this at school (at an ungodly hour). This means no more pics till I go back to the US :/
On another note, I've taught 18 hours in the last two days (no one should ever teach that much). My voice is almost gone but I hope it is all worth it cause I'm leaving for Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Taiwan today. I'm excited and I'll write more when I get back
I also don't have internet at home so I'm typing this at school (at an ungodly hour). This means no more pics till I go back to the US :/
On another note, I've taught 18 hours in the last two days (no one should ever teach that much). My voice is almost gone but I hope it is all worth it cause I'm leaving for Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Taiwan today. I'm excited and I'll write more when I get back
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Happy Valley
The amusement park (like all of China) is defined by it's large crowds but it has a particularly vicious nature. People nonchalantly cut in front of each other and sweat lingers like the acrid smell permeating the air. Though I'm thankful for the experience, I hope to never do it again. The four hour wait for one ride completely dissolved my desire to do much else for awhile...
Thursday, April 23, 2009
What Goes Down Must Come Up?
Things are looking better:
1. James found me a new apartment and I'm gearing to move out Sunday
2. My nasty cough has capitulated James to give me a morning off today "to rest"...and I have to say I needed it.
3. I'm going to Beijing on Saturday with three of my students...to the amusement park...we'll see how that goes.
4. Tomorrow is test day where I give oral exams to my students...all I have to do is ask questions so it will be an easy day...perhaps I can finally rid myself of this cough.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Horrible Day Cont.
OK. So I have been living with my uncle and I found out today that he wants me out of his house by the end of the month. This mainly happened because he and my dad had a falling out but this couldn't have come at a worse time. I scheduled to fly to Shenzhen/Hong Kong next Wednesday so now, I have 8 days to find a new place for one month, pack my stuff, and move. I'm going to go to sleep and pretend this didn't happen.
Dear Students From Hell
I hate that you never cease to ruin my day. You are like a mosquito...predictably bad, constantly annoying, and ugly. I hate teaching you. I hate your blank face and stuttering words. I hate your lack of enthusiasm...your cell-phones texts under the table, and the way you ask innocently to "go to toilet". Go already. I will not hold you back. I hate you so much I won't even fail you because I know I might have you again if you fail.
Perhaps I should punish you for making me feel this way but instead I punish myself. I hold you after class thinking next time you will actually do what I say. I give you homework hoping you might review 1% of what I've taught but still you don't know the difference between advantage and disadvantage.
Today I watched the clock tick slowly as you searched your puny brain for the answer to a simple question:
M- What should you consider when looking for a job?
Y- I don't know...I don't consider job
M- OK, what do you think is more important, work environment or work location?
Y- Huh location?
M- Fine, what is your ideal job?
Y- CEO
M- Why?
Y- CEO...I CEO suit I
No sweetie. You don't. You are only alive because your parents are rich and sends you to this "training school". You have no thought of your own...no opinions, and even trying hurts your brain. Please, just continue eating in my class. I forgive you. I know that eating and sleeping is all you can do.
Perhaps I should punish you for making me feel this way but instead I punish myself. I hold you after class thinking next time you will actually do what I say. I give you homework hoping you might review 1% of what I've taught but still you don't know the difference between advantage and disadvantage.
Today I watched the clock tick slowly as you searched your puny brain for the answer to a simple question:
M- What should you consider when looking for a job?
Y- I don't know...I don't consider job
M- OK, what do you think is more important, work environment or work location?
Y- Huh location?
M- Fine, what is your ideal job?
Y- CEO
M- Why?
Y- CEO...I CEO suit I
No sweetie. You don't. You are only alive because your parents are rich and sends you to this "training school". You have no thought of your own...no opinions, and even trying hurts your brain. Please, just continue eating in my class. I forgive you. I know that eating and sleeping is all you can do.
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