Sunday, August 12, 2007
My first weekend in Lou Dong
Ok first of all, THANK YOU THANK YOU for all the responses I got. It really and truly puts a smile on my face, and makes me feel not so alone at times. I am a lucky girl to have such supportive family and friends. I've 'officially' moved into the apartment and it really is such a nice place. No internet yet, but I think it's coming. I spent Friday searching Lou Dong for apartment necessities...that was an adventure. I was stopped at a fruit stand and a man let me try one of his peaches..YUM...so I bought and it cost me 570 NT..which is about $15 US...I paid it out of sheer shock. I soon found out that peaches are imported goods...pricey. So no more peaches for me. I found this store that is kind of like a Home Depot...that was interesting. People kept trying to talk to me...and I would just smile...I need to learn more Chinese...soon. Friday night I spent trying to convince myself that these little bugs that infest my apt weren't crawling on my bed...haha. Sat. I woke up with a throbbing headache..that has yet to go away. But that was actually one of my best days yet. I shopped some more in the morning and in the afternoon I did some more observing classes. Aftere that Julie met me and we went back to my apartment. Some of the Fullbright people she is with live in Lou Dong so that night we all met up and sang some karaoke...o yes...now my second karaoke expierence. I was a tidge nervous meeting everyone, I wasn't sure how they would feel about an 'outsider', but everyone was very nice and now I have met some people who live in Lou Dong!!! YAY!! One of the guys I met actually went O.U, and a girl is from OSU. After I had some people up to my apt, so I had my first guests...I was so pleased! Jules ended up staying the night and the next day we met everyone and went to the coast. It rained all day, but that didn't stop us, we played in the water for a couple hours and played some frisbee. The coast is BEAUTIFUL...I'm glad I finally got to see it. I'm so happy I finally some people my age, it's still a little hard to get my foot in just because they have already formed strong friendships, but oh well. I will force them to be my friend..ha. So tomorrow is my first day of teaching, I have two classes one with 8 year olds and the other with 12-13 year olds. I'm nervous about both...but I as long as I prepare..it should be ok. Ok well again YAY to everyone who responds..haha. O yea, I had my first trash expierence today...I heard the music outside and grabbed my trash....searched for my keys...finally found them and ran onto the elevator when I finally made it down I the trash man had passed so I ran after him...in the rain. Finally caught up and he stopped and I went to throw my trash and the trash man intercepted my bags and WENT THROUGH MY TRASH!! He threw some things at me..and starting talking Chinese to me in a stern voice. I assume he was lecturing me about recycling...I had not because I have not yet figured out their system. I walked away sheepishly and embarrassed with my recycleables. Oh well...I have to ask the teachers about that. Ok enough of that....miss you all.
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5 comments:
Morning Megs, This will be my second attempt this AM to get a note to you. My first one is flying in space. Lost it trying to post it. And that's not all...lost my cup of coffee, made another and then discovered I had put my first one in the mic to warm it up. Now I have 2 cups of coffee going..think I need to go back to bed. Anyway glad to learn yesterday was better than the day before and your making some friends. Are the OU/OSU folks US? You won't have any problems getting in to the crowd. They'll love you. Give it another 24 hrs. Anxious to hear how they really treat Americans. Your sounding pretty diplomatic. Guess you have to but I'm afraid the language barrier would cause me to many laughs and I'm sure speaking way to loud as though they could better understand english (they're not deaf, right). In fact, I can chuckle just thinking about it. Reminds me of Russia...sorry to hear about your marketing experience with the peaches. Glad they were delicious. I've heard the coast is beautiful, so happy you had the chance to get there. Pictures? Gotta dash now. Anxious to hear about your first day teaching. Chris comes home tomorrow, it's his B-day so best try to bake a cake for him. What about those bugs? Be safe and we're thinking about you with love.
Aunt Barb
hey megs! I'm glad to hear that you have a home and everythings going alittle better for ya. Whenever things get rough, just remember how many people miss you right now!! (Including ME!) My job's going well but its alittle difficult to adjust, but you're doing it, so obviously I can handle it in the US. Anyways, make sure you learn the recycling system over there so you don't get yelled at anymore! Miss you bunches!
Danelle
Good Morning Megs,
I am so glad that everything is going better for you. Thought about you all weekend and hoped things were going better. I think your apt is cute and I know that you will get it all together with time. Hope today, your 1st day of teaching went well. Like A.Barb, are the people from OU/OSU from the states? Sounds like the food is kinda high priced or is that just on imported foods? And that will be what you will want most to eat. Matt is still looking for work. So many rejections, hard to beleive that it is that hard for a College grad to get work. I'm afraid he will have to look out of town for a job. We are all fine miss you bunches, but thank goodness for your blog!
Love you ~
Hey Megs,
I told everyone in DC the trash system and they were all pretty amused. I am impressed that you heard the music and made it down 8 flights in time to reach the truck. Live and learn on the recycling!! Could you send out your address, plus what is the status of the cell phone?? Are you singing karoke in english or made up chinese?? How did your teaching go? I am sure you did a great job. We allrecovered on Sunday after the bacheloorette party, but it was slow! I am home now and finished with my traveling for a while! I am thrilled that you have met fellow americans in Lou Dong. Just force yourself on them. They will be very gracious as they know what it feels like to be starting out. You are a fun, caring person, and that will attract many people. Hang in and we miss you and love you. Love Mom
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