Ok, probably another short one... So, I've been here almost a full 5 days, and things are QUITE different! I'm slowly starting to learn my way around and just got a brand new Giant bike to get to and from school on. Hopefully a scooter will be next, as it takes me about 25 minutes one way and by the time I get there I am literally DRENCHED in sweat! The bike is awesome, though. I paid about $100 US for what would have cost $1000-1500US back home!!! Can't beat that!
I've been at my school for two days now, mostly observing, although I got thrown into teaching a class today. It went fine, but my goodness - I am going to be so exhausted from all of the disciplining by the end of every day!!! Some of the kids are very naughty! The school is a very good one - very organized and professional. One major positive is that I've made friends with one of the teachers, Jennifer. She's from Toronto, has been here four years and unfortunately will be leaving in about a month. She's great, though, because she's offered to show Nick and I around the city and teach us how to ride scooters. She even has a couple of scooters we may buy from her when she leaves. Very nice to have someone who knows the ropes and can give me all the important inside info!
So, the most interesting thing so far has been all of the "food"... My first night here we went for some fast food (Chinese fast food) and in with the raw beef and pork were cow stomach and intestines!!! Lesson #1 Only order things that I know (like beef, pork, chicken...) Then at the grocery store, not only did they have live swimming fish in tanks (some of you know how I enjoyed that), they also had pig stomach and a bowl full of cold water and raw HEARTS in the meat counter! WOW! It gives a whole new meaning to Chinese food, yes?
Well, this has turned out longer than I thought it would (mostly because I've been waiting for someone to come guide me home - I don't know the way yet). Anyway, thanks so much for all of the nice emails and notes! I miss you all and hope to hear from you soon!