After I sent that email last night we were invited to go out to dinner with the school. They took us to a really nice restaurant and I just wanted to share my experience with you. Here are some pictures. I ate some frog, which was my personal favorite. I also ate some fish. I liked it better than the dumplings! weird! also my friend Adam ate the gills of a fish! It was all pretty good, besides that I could hardly breathe because it was so SPICY!!! Afterwards we made Pazooki's to wash it all down. ;)
Also, for anyone that this concerns... I heard about the fire in Herriman! I hope that no one is involved and that everyone is safe! Just know my prayers are with you from China. Jessica is my roommate and her dad was hurt in the fire, as far as We know, he is okay, but keep him in your prayers. Thanks!!
I send my love from China!!
Lauren
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Update for my China fans!
Day 17 of my trip to China. The time is 19:00 and I am back at home in Zhongshan.
1. Pedestrians NEVER have the right away, even when the cross walk says it is okay to walk. That also means, you can cross whenever and where ever you want.
2. Everyone should invest in a Microfiber towel!
3. People give up life savings to go to church and to the temple. I have it so easy, back at home. it was an expensive trip, but it was worth it. And in the future, we'll be holding it at our apartments.
So we just got back from church. Yesterday morning 6 of us in our group decided to make the trip to ShenZhen for the weekend. It was their first district conference. Well, like this anyways. I guess usually the President goes out to the different branches. This time it was broadcasted, I think from Beijing. so we met at the closest church to us -- 3 hours away. ShenZhen also has some of the best shopping. So Mark, Callie, Brett, Jess, Kim and I hopped on a bus at 7:45 and went out there. We had originally booked rooms where there are 3 to a room and you could be sharing with anyone. But then 2 girls dropped out so we were able to get a family suite, where the doors locked and we had a kitchen and bathrooms 1 western toilet and then a squatter with a shower.. it was pretty sweet! there were two beds to a room and 3 rooms so it was perfectt for our little group!
It was a great 2 days. We had the BEST noodles EVER for lunch, and got to see them made fresh! We had some not so good noodles for dinner ( I personally think they just cooked us some top ramen) topped with what looked like worms (I didn't eat that). We got some excellent shopping done in between. 2 pairs of True Religions and a Jimmy Choo bag, among other things, all for under 100 bucks... Not a bad deal! I think we were getting pretty good at the whole bargaining thing. Today was great. It was good to go to church after not going for 3 weeks. We got to meet some church leaders of the branch and The Branch Presidents invited us over for lunch. AMERICAN COOKING!!! :) we still had rice and chicken, but it was free of bones and it was cooked in a crockpot. AND the best part... peas and corn, and they weren't cooked in oil and smothered in seeds of flaming hot red peppers. it was awesome! then she brought out peanut butter and jam and put it on bread. it was great! we haven't had that since we've been here. But it was great, and it was fun to talk to members of the church. Well. I am still loving it here and I already feel like it is going by way too fast.
OH!!! AND! I forgot to tell you about Friday... We took a trip into the City and went to Karaoke, Chinese Style!!! it was awesome. We had a room to ourselves with a couch and TV and they brought us food and it was SO much fun! We could pick our songs and there was even a little stage. Bomb! that experience was money, and I am sure we will go back for more of that!
Well I miss you all and love you! thanks for your support! I hope everything is going well for you back home. and if you need anything, let me know, I can pretty much find anything under the sun here! Although, depending on how much I have to go out of my way to get it, I may ask for compensations, such as Trail mix or drink packets or even some Cafe Rio would be nice... JK.
Lauren
1. Pedestrians NEVER have the right away, even when the cross walk says it is okay to walk. That also means, you can cross whenever and where ever you want.
2. Everyone should invest in a Microfiber towel!
3. People give up life savings to go to church and to the temple. I have it so easy, back at home. it was an expensive trip, but it was worth it. And in the future, we'll be holding it at our apartments.
So we just got back from church. Yesterday morning 6 of us in our group decided to make the trip to ShenZhen for the weekend. It was their first district conference. Well, like this anyways. I guess usually the President goes out to the different branches. This time it was broadcasted, I think from Beijing. so we met at the closest church to us -- 3 hours away. ShenZhen also has some of the best shopping. So Mark, Callie, Brett, Jess, Kim and I hopped on a bus at 7:45 and went out there. We had originally booked rooms where there are 3 to a room and you could be sharing with anyone. But then 2 girls dropped out so we were able to get a family suite, where the doors locked and we had a kitchen and bathrooms 1 western toilet and then a squatter with a shower.. it was pretty sweet! there were two beds to a room and 3 rooms so it was perfectt for our little group!
It was a great 2 days. We had the BEST noodles EVER for lunch, and got to see them made fresh! We had some not so good noodles for dinner ( I personally think they just cooked us some top ramen) topped with what looked like worms (I didn't eat that). We got some excellent shopping done in between. 2 pairs of True Religions and a Jimmy Choo bag, among other things, all for under 100 bucks... Not a bad deal! I think we were getting pretty good at the whole bargaining thing. Today was great. It was good to go to church after not going for 3 weeks. We got to meet some church leaders of the branch and The Branch Presidents invited us over for lunch. AMERICAN COOKING!!! :) we still had rice and chicken, but it was free of bones and it was cooked in a crockpot. AND the best part... peas and corn, and they weren't cooked in oil and smothered in seeds of flaming hot red peppers. it was awesome! then she brought out peanut butter and jam and put it on bread. it was great! we haven't had that since we've been here. But it was great, and it was fun to talk to members of the church. Well. I am still loving it here and I already feel like it is going by way too fast.
OH!!! AND! I forgot to tell you about Friday... We took a trip into the City and went to Karaoke, Chinese Style!!! it was awesome. We had a room to ourselves with a couch and TV and they brought us food and it was SO much fun! We could pick our songs and there was even a little stage. Bomb! that experience was money, and I am sure we will go back for more of that!
Well I miss you all and love you! thanks for your support! I hope everything is going well for you back home. and if you need anything, let me know, I can pretty much find anything under the sun here! Although, depending on how much I have to go out of my way to get it, I may ask for compensations, such as Trail mix or drink packets or even some Cafe Rio would be nice... JK.
Lauren
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
I don't dream about noodles, I dream about KungFUUUUU!!!!
(I decided to add my past emails to my blog. enjoy!)
To anyone who wants to know about my travels,
So, I'm in China. I've been here for a little over a week. I'm already in love, this place is amazing! it is so green and pretty. The people here are so kind to us. (Well, except for the bus driver who was actually a thief.) There is so much to do. The food is great (most of the time, and if it's not, there is an Italian restaurant just around the corner!) The kids are adorable (little brats, but still... adorable!) And... we now have wifi! it's awesome!
My adventure started in the US though. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 3:30 from the SL airport. The plane we were supposed to fly out on had mechanical problems and we were stuck there for 5 hours. We ended up changing flight plans and meeting up with our flight to Korea in LA instead of Vegas. So it all worked out nicely. (side note: there are 4 groups of teachers in Zhongshan, one group came over a month early to help with a Summer camp, the rest of us came together, so there were 3 groups of us that flew to Hong Kong.) In the end it took us, hmmm... about 32 hours to get to Hong Kong, including the time spent sitting around at the SL airport. Now, I don't want you to think I am complaining though. During these 32 hours of travel time we were able to get to know each other and form friendships right from the start!
We arrived in Hong Kong mid Friday that gave us time to go to our Hotel and get everything settled, and still have time to see what Hong Kong had to offer. Well, kinda. We ended up getting to Buddha just as it closed and we weren't able to go to it; no worries, we still had 2 full days ahead of us. We were able to go to Lady's Market and see how shopping is done, HK style! It was sweet and I quickly learned that if I don't improve my bargaining skills I will lose a lot of money, fast. My new friends, Nusly and Leah also spent some time wandering down a dark street of HK trying to find our hotel. After going down the same street 3 times, we realized we were just around the corner from the hotel the WHOLE TIME! Saturday morning, me and a few other girls -- Leah, Jill (a head teacher) and Amanda -- got up and were able to baptisms in the HK temple!! it was pretty incredible, and it was so cool to hear the prayers in Chinese! It is such a beautiful temple and it totally pops up out of nowhere really, since it is just right there on some street corner in the middle of the city! After that we had a tour of HK. Our tour guide, Matthew Lee, took us to see Victoria Peak, Aberdeen Harbor, Aberdeen Jewelry shop and warehouse (some of the most beautiful pieces of Jewelry I have EVER seen!), we got to go on a boat ride and see Jumbo the floating restaurant (although, sadly, we didn't get to eat there) We drove past Jackie Chan's house, about 3 times, and we ended our tour at Stanley's Market. That evening we went to see a light show in, what I guess would be called "downtown"; it was just like Times Square in NYC. Finally, on Sunday We got up and packed our bags, and then went to see Buddha, not just any Buddha... The largest sitting Buddha in the World!!! We took a tram up to see it. we were in a Crystal Cabin, meaning, the bottom was made of glass so that we could see below us. It was pretty neat! Buddha was awesome! We got to go up inside. I wish I could have taken pictures, but it was a sacred place and that is NOT allowed. It was cool though because there were lots of really neat paintings that I assume was a lot of history of Buddhism, or something like that, and some of the paintings were painted in blood! Neat, huh? We also went to the Monastery, which was beautiful. And on the way out, we got to paint rocks, for FREEEE, and take them home. :) We met a very nice lady and her daughters, they taught us some Chinese Characters so that we could draw them on our rocks.
HK looks just like NYC but a little more run down. The people there aren't as friendly as they are here in China, but they were still pretty nice. The people at the market would take us for idiots and get frustrated when they realize that you know how to bargain. I learned that the more run down the place looks the better the food. Also, Pizza Hut serves some pretty crazy dishes, and octopus is NOT good. And the pastries here are DELICIOUS! Overall, HK was beautiful and it was such a fun place to visit. I am sure there is a lot more that I could have done, if I had more time, but the time there was well spent and very much worth it.
Zhongshan is a whole different story. We got here late Sunday night after riding a ferry from HK. Once we got here we had to say goodbye to the 2 other groups. They are teaching in different cities (20 mins to an hour away from us). We live in an apartment across the street from the School where we teach. We eat our food in the cafeteria at the school. they serve breakfast lunch and dinner. It is usually rice, lots of rice, and some vegetables and meat. The meat usually still has the bones. The first day, I tried duck. It was actually pretty good. But I have learned that the food tastes better when you don't know what it is. We spent Monday and Tuesday getting acquainted with the city and the school and preparing ourselves for teaching. Wed morning is when I started. We were separated into 2 groups Primary (older) and Kindergarten (younger). The Primary teaches from 3:30-5:30 and Kindergarten is 8:30-11:30. I teach kindergarten. (that means, as soon as I am done teaching, I have the rest of the day to prepare for the next day and then explore the city!) Within each group there are 6 teachers. The kids are split up so that we teach about 8 kids at a time. We each have a subject to teach and the kids rotate. The subjects are: Shop, Drama, Games, Gym, Arts and Crafts, and Kitchen. This week I was on Drama. We switch topics every week, each day we have to teach the same lesson 6 times. For Drama I have been picking a book to read the kids, then I have them act the stories out. The kids are so hard to keep in control. I am sure it will get easier as the days go on, but it is still fun. I already love the kids, even when they are misbehaving, and I want to take them home!! The kids have lunch at the same time as us, they like to run up and say hi to us in the cafeteria. I love it!!!
We have Mandarin Lessons on Monday and Wednesday nights and Kung Fu on Friday afternoons. Kung Fu is harder than you would think. My legs were so sore afterwards!! But by the time I am finished... I'm going to be a Kung Fu Master! Just you wait and see! :)
Well, I know that is a lot, but you know me, I always have a lot to say. and besides, I wanted you to experience China too!! :) I'll cut my emails down in the future. ;-) Well I hope all is well with you, I hope you are having a good time, just as I am! (but I doubt it) keep it real and "Peace out, okay?"
Lauren
PS I would love to hear from you too!! :)
To anyone who wants to know about my travels,
So, I'm in China. I've been here for a little over a week. I'm already in love, this place is amazing! it is so green and pretty. The people here are so kind to us. (Well, except for the bus driver who was actually a thief.) There is so much to do. The food is great (most of the time, and if it's not, there is an Italian restaurant just around the corner!) The kids are adorable (little brats, but still... adorable!) And... we now have wifi! it's awesome!
My adventure started in the US though. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 3:30 from the SL airport. The plane we were supposed to fly out on had mechanical problems and we were stuck there for 5 hours. We ended up changing flight plans and meeting up with our flight to Korea in LA instead of Vegas. So it all worked out nicely. (side note: there are 4 groups of teachers in Zhongshan, one group came over a month early to help with a Summer camp, the rest of us came together, so there were 3 groups of us that flew to Hong Kong.) In the end it took us, hmmm... about 32 hours to get to Hong Kong, including the time spent sitting around at the SL airport. Now, I don't want you to think I am complaining though. During these 32 hours of travel time we were able to get to know each other and form friendships right from the start!
We arrived in Hong Kong mid Friday that gave us time to go to our Hotel and get everything settled, and still have time to see what Hong Kong had to offer. Well, kinda. We ended up getting to Buddha just as it closed and we weren't able to go to it; no worries, we still had 2 full days ahead of us. We were able to go to Lady's Market and see how shopping is done, HK style! It was sweet and I quickly learned that if I don't improve my bargaining skills I will lose a lot of money, fast. My new friends, Nusly and Leah also spent some time wandering down a dark street of HK trying to find our hotel. After going down the same street 3 times, we realized we were just around the corner from the hotel the WHOLE TIME! Saturday morning, me and a few other girls -- Leah, Jill (a head teacher) and Amanda -- got up and were able to baptisms in the HK temple!! it was pretty incredible, and it was so cool to hear the prayers in Chinese! It is such a beautiful temple and it totally pops up out of nowhere really, since it is just right there on some street corner in the middle of the city! After that we had a tour of HK. Our tour guide, Matthew Lee, took us to see Victoria Peak, Aberdeen Harbor, Aberdeen Jewelry shop and warehouse (some of the most beautiful pieces of Jewelry I have EVER seen!), we got to go on a boat ride and see Jumbo the floating restaurant (although, sadly, we didn't get to eat there) We drove past Jackie Chan's house, about 3 times, and we ended our tour at Stanley's Market. That evening we went to see a light show in, what I guess would be called "downtown"; it was just like Times Square in NYC. Finally, on Sunday We got up and packed our bags, and then went to see Buddha, not just any Buddha... The largest sitting Buddha in the World!!! We took a tram up to see it. we were in a Crystal Cabin, meaning, the bottom was made of glass so that we could see below us. It was pretty neat! Buddha was awesome! We got to go up inside. I wish I could have taken pictures, but it was a sacred place and that is NOT allowed. It was cool though because there were lots of really neat paintings that I assume was a lot of history of Buddhism, or something like that, and some of the paintings were painted in blood! Neat, huh? We also went to the Monastery, which was beautiful. And on the way out, we got to paint rocks, for FREEEE, and take them home. :) We met a very nice lady and her daughters, they taught us some Chinese Characters so that we could draw them on our rocks.
HK looks just like NYC but a little more run down. The people there aren't as friendly as they are here in China, but they were still pretty nice. The people at the market would take us for idiots and get frustrated when they realize that you know how to bargain. I learned that the more run down the place looks the better the food. Also, Pizza Hut serves some pretty crazy dishes, and octopus is NOT good. And the pastries here are DELICIOUS! Overall, HK was beautiful and it was such a fun place to visit. I am sure there is a lot more that I could have done, if I had more time, but the time there was well spent and very much worth it.
Zhongshan is a whole different story. We got here late Sunday night after riding a ferry from HK. Once we got here we had to say goodbye to the 2 other groups. They are teaching in different cities (20 mins to an hour away from us). We live in an apartment across the street from the School where we teach. We eat our food in the cafeteria at the school. they serve breakfast lunch and dinner. It is usually rice, lots of rice, and some vegetables and meat. The meat usually still has the bones. The first day, I tried duck. It was actually pretty good. But I have learned that the food tastes better when you don't know what it is. We spent Monday and Tuesday getting acquainted with the city and the school and preparing ourselves for teaching. Wed morning is when I started. We were separated into 2 groups Primary (older) and Kindergarten (younger). The Primary teaches from 3:30-5:30 and Kindergarten is 8:30-11:30. I teach kindergarten. (that means, as soon as I am done teaching, I have the rest of the day to prepare for the next day and then explore the city!) Within each group there are 6 teachers. The kids are split up so that we teach about 8 kids at a time. We each have a subject to teach and the kids rotate. The subjects are: Shop, Drama, Games, Gym, Arts and Crafts, and Kitchen. This week I was on Drama. We switch topics every week, each day we have to teach the same lesson 6 times. For Drama I have been picking a book to read the kids, then I have them act the stories out. The kids are so hard to keep in control. I am sure it will get easier as the days go on, but it is still fun. I already love the kids, even when they are misbehaving, and I want to take them home!! The kids have lunch at the same time as us, they like to run up and say hi to us in the cafeteria. I love it!!!
We have Mandarin Lessons on Monday and Wednesday nights and Kung Fu on Friday afternoons. Kung Fu is harder than you would think. My legs were so sore afterwards!! But by the time I am finished... I'm going to be a Kung Fu Master! Just you wait and see! :)
Well, I know that is a lot, but you know me, I always have a lot to say. and besides, I wanted you to experience China too!! :) I'll cut my emails down in the future. ;-) Well I hope all is well with you, I hope you are having a good time, just as I am! (but I doubt it) keep it real and "Peace out, okay?"
Lauren
PS I would love to hear from you too!! :)
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