Loss of a great friend

I found out via facebook that my good friend, Nick Beacham, died this morning. From asking others, I found that he took his own life. Nick and I have been neighbors our whole lives and have so many great memories together. When we were little I would tag along with all the guys and play football or go swimming or be the referee...when we were in middle school I babysat his sister and faught with Nick all day long. In high school we were friends again and we walked together at high school graduation. I've always been close with Nick, and I'm so sad to see him gone. This last summer we hung out and drank beers all the time. He helped me finish off the keg before I came to Taiwan. I always loved running and jumping to get up into his humungous truck (seemed lifted more every time I saw him) and I loved doing crazy things with Nick. It's so hard to be a world away when I know that something like this has happened. I'm praying for Nick's family and other close friends. This is such a devastating event! RIP I love you and miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!

Puppy Love

At orientation, we were warned to NOT adopt pets in a foreign country. Don't feed strays, don't visit the pet shop....DON'T DON'T DON'T!
Well Rachel was the first to break that rule. She found a newborn cat that was nearly run over, hungry, and helpless. She took it in until she found a better home...but happened to get free vet care for it and now keeps it in her apartment. Xiao Hu and Rachel are a perfect match.
Next, Kevin adopts a stray dog that is sick and hungry. It goes to show how big his heart is. I wouldn't want to touch a dirty stray dog, but it touched Kevin's heart and now he has a furry friend.
Everytime I go to Minsyong I visit the pet store and play with the puppies. I know I'm not going to buy one because it's an extra responsibility that I'm not ready for. Bette was close to buying two 3 month old Chihuahuas the other day. That's a lot of work, but she misses her puppy from Singapore, so it made sense. She hasn't gotten them, and not sure if she still is going to.
Well today I got my case of puppy love. I was walking in the park and from behind a car came this thing in the dark - I screamed because it jumped out at me and at first looked like a lion cub. Then I looked back and it was a bouncing little puppy. So furry and cute. So I came back and let the puppy warm up to me before petting her. Well, one thing led to another and for the last half hour I was chasing her and rubbing her belly and playing with her. She's going to be a big dog, not quite sure what breed....but it's not like a little yorkie or anything. She seems healthy right now and might be owned already. I sure hope so...I'd hate to see her in a few months skinny and dirty with all the other street dogs. Perhaps I'll walk over to the park to find her and play with her often...but I can't adopt a dog so I wont' be able to bring her food. Just love.

Taiwan Doctor Visitt

Today was my first visit to the doctor. Because Taiwan has national health insurance, they want to run to the doctor for every little ache or pain. I was coughing quite severely last night, and it continued to get more and more painful. This morning, Mr. Haung took me to the doctor. From the time we entered the office to the time we went home with medicine in hand, we probably spent 10 minutes or less. It was a very quick and easy thing. The doctor spoke perfect English, which was a major relief. Mr. Huang's English isn't the best, so I wasn't sure how I would know what was going on. He asked me my symptoms, medicine I take, and anything I'm alergic to. He listened to my lungs, looked at my throat, and sprayed something in my throat. Then, he handed me some papers, and we went next dooor to the pharmacy where the medicine was there waiting for me. The entire visit with medicine and all cost me about 3 dollars US.
The medicine comes in little bags for each dosage. There are several different pills in each bag, and they are numbered for when to take each dose. 1 is morning, 2 is afternoon, 3 is evening. Then, there is a brown liquid in a small container that I take 8 cc with each pill dosage. I love how everything is measured out and there is no need to figure anything out on my own. Just open a bag, and take the stuff that's inside. Easy as that!
Hopefully I will feel better soon! My chest feels like it's going to cave in!

Comments

I have changed the settings on my blog so that anyone can comment. YOU DO NOT NEED TO REGISTER THROUGH BLOGGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(this is for the non-technologically advanced readers....Bill, Dad, Mark.....LOL)

Close Encounters

Today I almost saw a scooter and bicycle collide, I almost ran into an opening car door, I almost got run over by a scooter, and I almost got hit by a car on my bike. Wow. Too many close encounters for one day.
On a more positive note, I met the foreign teacher at the Jr. High today. My "host brother," Derek got his email and I emailled him on Wednesday, he got back to me in a few hours. Within a few emails we decided to meet today for coffee. His name is Todd and he's from Seattle, WA. He's 30, extremely tall, and seems like a really cool guy. We sat in a coffee shop that is a popular after school joint. We had SO Many Jr. High students looking at us and laughing. We both know that there will be rumors tomorrow about the foreigners dating. Don't get any ideas....it's just nice to find another American to hang out with. I hope that we can hang out sometime...we seem to have a lot in common. He mentioned like 5 movies, all stupid "guy humor," and I have them all on DVD and like them! We chatted over coffee and wafers for about an hour, then he had to leave. He gave me a quick tour of the Jr. High campus and introduced me to two other people. One seemed to either be an English teacher or a director. They ride to school together since Todd lives in a different town (which conveniently is located next to my favorite mall!). The other was the military boy for the Jr. High. He is also the cheerleading coach for the high school, and was a college cheerleader. He had a considerable amount of upper body strength. I told him I was a college cheerleader and I would LOVE to help out anytime! I hope he takes me up on my offer!
Eve and her friend, Amanda, invited me to take a jazz dance class with them. It's 1200 NT for 8 classes on Thursday nights. That's pretty darn cheap. I'm super excited. I need to find more things to do during the weeks so that I can actually have a life and be active. I would've taken ballet and salsa with them, but they are during the time I tutor. I'm still going to try to find some Chinese classes. I'd like to learn as much as I can while I'm here.
Got my 4th Argus article done. It won't be published for another week, but feel free to check it out and let me know what you think!
I've been wrapping all my Christmas presents and getting ready to mail them home. Getting closer to the holidays and thinking about it makes me really sad. Halloween is next week and I have to miss it! I have no costume, no costume part to attend.... no Halloween! Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years will be even worse...so I better toughen up while I can! I love the holidays because there is so much love in the air and so much delicious food. I love it that all the family gets together and we can just lye around and enjoy each others' company. I love going to Pennsylvania and playing games with the whole family. I love lying around mom's house while she forces John to have a puppet show with her, while we all think she's gone completely nuts! I'm going to miss it so much! I'm really hoping that I can try to do something to make it special here! I have never made a Turkey dinner, so I don't think I should attempt that....but maybe a stuffed Chicken with mashed taters, gravy, stuffing, and yams. Any suggestions?
I MISS EVERYONE AND LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!

Argus Press Article 4

This won't be published until the first Sunday in November, but I'm a little proactive with my writing, so here's a sneak peak!

Imagine a place where family dinners still exist, a place where teenagers love to laugh with their parents, a place where the family bonds are so tight that often you live with your parents for your entire life. The place is real. It is called, Taiwan.
Being in Taiwan for almost three months now, I feel I have a good grasp on their family values. To most Americans, the family value system practiced in nearly every household here on this Asian island would be considered grossly “old fashion” and likely “out-of-touch.” The family I live with eats dinner together every night. When we aren’t eating dinner, the parents and teenagers are gathered together playing on the internet or watching television together. Together! Teenagers and Parents! What I’ve seen and experienced in America is parents that are often so stressed and tired that they don’t have the energy or time to spend with their children, and children are too caught up in extra-curricular activities, significant others, or solo computer games that they don’t care to spend time with their parents. It is a sad truth that this scenario seems to have become the norm for most American families.

It is refreshing to see my “host brother,” Derek, who is 15, laugh with his mother and joke around for hours with various family members. When I was fifteen, I don’t remember laughing on a daily basis with my parents. Parents seemed to be the enemy during those early high school years; but here they are the welcomed support system. As I look back, my parents were also my support system but I did not view them as such nor did I treat them with a whole lot of honor or respect. This was the same, sadly, for most of my peers as well. How did it become this way for us in the United States? What transpired in our society where most teens harbor so little respect, at least outwardly, for their parents?
The first time my adoptive family took me to the supermarket (which is 40 minutes away), I thought we all went together because it was a new experience for me, the foreigner. Since then, we have gone many times to the store and it is always together as a family. Imagine that: a family grocery shopping together. It takes longer; but there is time to spare when you’re with the people you love. The store is more crowded; but it makes conversation easier when you are close. I have come to love grocery shopping with my family. During the ride to and from the store, we are all engaged in conversation and laughter. The conversation is usually in Chinese, so I don’t understand some of it; but the sole fact that everyone enjoys each others’ company is a breath of fresh air for me.

Being so close to one’s family, it is not uncommon to live with your parents until you are married, or even after. Most of my single friends in Taiwan still live with their parents. In America, if you are thirty and still living at home, some people might question your actions; but in Taiwan, it is completely normal.

The principal at my school (53 years old) still lives with her mother, and has since the day she was born. One of my friends not only lives with his mother, but also with his younger sister, and married brother, along with the brother’s wife and two kids. It’s important to note here that land and space are at a premium. Taiwan housing is more like apartments. There are very few single family dwellings such as we have in America. This is certainly part of the reason you frequently find multi-generational households here but, in my opinion, not the primary reason. The family ties with one another are just more intimate and deep than we experience in the United States.

In light of the closeness just described, I decided to investigate if there was such a thing as divorce in Taiwan. To my surprise, according to international-divorce.com, Taiwan’s divorce rate is the highest in Asia, and has doubled in the last decade. The article claims that 25% of marriages will fail. This shocked me because I have yet to meet anyone who is a product of a failed marriage. This includes my students, the faculty and the many individuals I interact with socially. Frankly, I question this statistic but I have no basis, besides my own personal experience, with which to refute it. Even if this figure is taken at face value, it is minuscule compared to America’s 67% failure rate. (divorceandkids.com).
I’ve always been a person who loves the feeling of a family atmosphere. When preparing to move to Taiwan, I feared that I would become lonely and depressed. Luckily, my school placed me with the Huang family, and I have not experienced loneliness at all. My adoptive family invites me to join in all the family activities, but they are not offended if I chose to be with other friends or alone. It is nice to have a loving support system while I’m so far away from home. I truly have been blessed on this journey so far, and I look forward to nine more months of exploring the Asian culture.

I have received numerous emails from Argus-Press readers, and so many thoughtful questions. I would like to thank everyone for the continued support and questions. As always, feel free to email me questions or comments at kstrein@yahoo.com. For updates on my Taiwan experience, click on my blog: http://kstrein.blogspot.com/. Until then, be mindful of all you have to be thankful for and make sure to show your appreciation to the ones you love.

How Pizza Hut saved someone's life

This is my stressful Tuesday:
So, for background knowledge...I'm probably the most understanding and patient of the three foreign English teachers at my school. Gerry and Bette complain and argue ALL THE TIME! I just take everything with a grain of salt and do my best. The leader of the English department, May-Miao, is quite cold to us. I think she doesn' t like having us around because we make her realize that her English is not very good. The only time she talks to us is to tell us we did something wrong or to tell us we need to do something or go somewhere. The other two Taiwan English teachers are friendly and warm toward us. So, this morning May-Miao says that we have a meeting. I wait in the English office for everyone to get there, and she writes on the board "Mon - Wed - Fri 8:00 - 8:35 Speech, Story Telling, Readers' theater." Then she says "do you understand?" I was like...um NO! So she tells us that she wants each of us to start an English club AS SOON AS POSSIBLE because they compete at a county-wide competition. This was totally thrown on us. We had no idea how to go about starting an English club, what students would join, what we would do each day....etc.... She gave no insight, no materials, and really no information whatsoever. I was so shocked I couldn't even open my mouth to complain. Once I cooled off I explained to her that maybe in the future she could give more advanced notice. Perhaps at the beginning of the school year she could say "in October we will start an English club, so it would be nice to start preparing" something along those lines. She took the advice lightly and kept going. Then, after going over this a little more and answering a few questions, I said that a realistic date WILL NOT be this week....probably not until after the first of November. We need time to prepare and figure out where we will go with these clubs. This is such an all of a sudden thing, it really stressed all of us out. So, I leave the meeting and I'm pretty upset up front. I go to my classroom and try to chill. Then, Gerry walks in and tells me that my grades are all messed up. So I have to go through all the 5th and 6th grade classes and make sure that my records match the records that are in the English department spread sheet. There is such an inconsistent way of collecting grades as a department, and I really wish they would get a system and stick with it. I was told many different things, so I went with one and it turned out to be wrong in the end. This also happend last week when May-Miao asked me why I was giving letter grades. Well, I was never told what sort of grade to give, so I give A, A-, B+, B, B- and so on. Well, the unspoken assumption at this school is percentage. 8 weeks into the semester, that would've been handy information to know a while ago! How am I supposed to know I'm doing something wrong if the correct way is never told?
Back to today. So, I spend an hour figuring out the mistakes in the grade reports, and I'm ok. I felt like I wanted to shoot someone. Thankfully I have my good friend, Howie, the computer teacher. He let me vent. I didnt' vent much at school, but after school he took me to Cheng Chung University to register for a class (which I was denied because I'm not a full time student) and he allowed me to completely vent to him about my frustrations. He just listened, and that is all I needed. Whether or not he understood everything this crazy American rambled off to him, he still just listened and was there for me. I was so thankful. Then, he felt my need for some American comfort food, so he asked if I wanted to have McDonald's for dinner. Since we were going to the city, I asked if we could get pizza. We went to pizza hut and having that delicious greasy topping-covered bread melted away all my frustrations. So, that's how pizza hut saves someone's life.

Earthquakes, Sake, and Crazy Cousin/Uncles

1) My first earthquake. I had no idea what it was at first, but soon realized that I had just experienced my first earthquake. It was about 12 pm Saturday night. I was lying in bed almost sleeping, when I heard what sounded like the crack of thunder that brings chills to your bones. It felt like someone was under my bed kicking up my mattress. Because I was half sleeping, I thought I had imagined it. I sat up in bed with wide open eyes, wondering if I had just imagined that whole scene. But I felt like I was vibrating slightly. Was I on crack? I had no idea if I was dreaming this or if it was actually happening. I wanted to text my host dad that was 2 floors up, but I didn't want to bother him. I texted my friend, Damien, and told him I was really scared. He said that I was safe and he would call me if I wanted him to. I decided to try and get to sleep. Once I was asleep, I slept the entire night and was ok. In the morning, Mr. Huang was online so I asked him if an earthquake had happened last night. He said it was very small, maybe a 2. I told him how scared I had been; and he told me if I got that scared that I could some upstairs to talk. He said his house can withstand a 9 earthquake, but Taiwan only gets up to a 7.
2) Sake. Today was a bbq for a few cousins' birthdays. We went next door at noon and began eatting. The grilling and food didn't end until 4....that's about when I left. Mr. Huang the next door neighbor (the loud, annoying one) cracked open the sake and kept taking shots with me. It's 15% alcohol and tastes like a hard liquor more than a wine. We probably had the first 3 within 2 minutes...then I told him I wanted to take it easy. He still asked constantly for atleast an hour, but I wouldn't drink it for maybe 10 minutes. If I drank it immediately, the cup would be refilled immediately and we'd drink again. So I learned to not drink it when he wanted to cheers. I pretended I didn't see it several times. He's nut. Absolutely nuts.
That brings me to 3) Crazy Uncle/Cousins. For the last two months I thought this guy was my host dad's brother....so an uncle. Today I found out that they are cousins. I was wondering why other family members never were around him (because they are not related). He is very wealthy, loud, and kind of disgusting. Instead of knocking politely, he runs through the house screaming your name. It happened this morning at 9 and 11 and I wanted to kill him. He stood outside my window yelling "kate uh, Kate uh Kate uh" (he can't just say KATE...he has to add "uh" to my name). I thought he would never go away, so I quit ignoring him and said WHAT?!?!?!? At the bbq he got drunk and started telling sex jokes in Chinese. I don't know what they were saying, but Mr. Huang said amidst his laughing, he is telling the sexy joke. Lol! He kept asking me which man at the bbq was the best looking, but they are all old and married so I wouldn't answer. When they were drunk I was pretty creeped out. Anyway...now I know that rich retired crazy guy is a cousin and not an uncle.

My first Taiwan wedding

The night before, I was invited to the wedding of a teacher at my school. Eve and I were going together. She said that the reception started at 12, but no one showed up on time...so she would pick me up after 12. I was really excited to see a different culture's wedding. And I bought a really pretty Chinese dress when I was in Kending last weekend; so I was excited to get to wear it. I was told that at Taiwanese weddings, you do not bring gifts. Instead, you give money in a red envelope. I didn't know how much, and I don't know the teacher very well... Eve told me 600 and Mr. Huang told me 1200. I went with Eve's suggestion. I know that incriments of 6 are good luck and 4 is bad luck. 600 NT is equivalent to 20USD.

So, about 12:20, Eve picked me up. She had the other two student teachers with her, and one of their little brothers. One of them had jeans on, Eve had a dress on, one of the boys had khakis, and the other had purple shorts. For the 2 minute ride to the restaurant, I wasn't sure if I was overdressed or not. We walked in and there were SO many people. There was a recieving line waiting for the newlyweds. They walked in right after us and everyone cheered. The sat down in the front with their parents (like the head table, but there is no bridal party), and dinner began. The meal was 12 courses, one after another, after another, after another. Most of it was really delicious, but there were things on there that I wouldn't try (chicken testicles and kidney). After the first couple courses, the couple stood up and some people spoke. I asked Eve if they were the parents, and she said they were politicians. One was the mayor, and I don't know who the others were. She said politicians went to weddings for publicity and to gain votes. What an awful place to campaign. This is such a special day for two people, and some big wig politic is trying to gain a few votes! At one point, the couple was asked to kiss. I couldn't believe that they were too shy to kiss publicly. They faced each other and held hands, when it was time to kis he just gave her a hug. I was soooooooo surprised. Then with some peer pressure, he gave a tiny tiny peck on the cheek. More peer pressure and he turned their backs and pecked on the cheek again. Finally, he gave the smallest peck on the lips that reminded me of a friendly kiss. I was completely shocked....it's their wedding day and they are too shy to kiss in front of their friends and family. People would chant in Chinese "kiss her, kiss her..." and he still was too shy about it. WOW!

The entire reception consisted of eating. There was no dancing. It only lasted about 2 hours. When it was time to go, everyone left at the same time. It was like "ok, thanks for coming, go home now!" LOL. During the 2 hours, the bride changed into three different dresses. The first one was for welcoming guests (the white one), the second was for eating and taking a drink with each table (the red one), then the third dress was to see the guests off (peach). They were all very beautiful. The dresses for the wedding pictures and the wedding day are all rented. The idea of renting a dress is a good idea. You spend all that money to buy a dress...then do you ever wear it again? no. People thinks it holds a memory, but does it really? Or do you make your own memories while the dress collects dust?

As we left, the bride and groom stood at the door with to dishes; one had candy, the other had wallet-sized pictures. Everyone got pictures of the bride and groom in all her different dresses. Eve told me that the candy is to wish the couple good luck in having children soon.

I really enjoyed my first Taiwan wedding! I hear that another teacher at school will be getting married in December...if I get an invitation I will definetely go!

AWESOME NIGHT

Last night was so awesome...just hanging out with the girls. Eve is a student teacher at my school; and we've gone to dinner once before. She originally wanted to go Wednesday, and she wants to introduce me to her doctor boyfriend's buddy. But, Wednesday I tutor at 7, so we decided to go on Thursday. Doctor boyfriend and his friend were unavailable, so we decided to make it a girls' night. She had 4 of her friends from college meet us. They were so much fun! We all met at a restaurant and had dinner. Amanda, the girl with short hair, is so fun and so much like me! She rocks. After dinner, we went out onto the cute little porch at the restaurant and took silly pictures. Taiwanese are very shy, and my encouraging them to take goofy pictures really made them warm up to me. It was so fun. They kept saying we were on "America's next top model." After dinner and modeling (lol), we were on our way to a University. We stopped to get tea first. Eve bought me a Passion Fruit Green Tea...it was sooooo delicious. Across from the tea shop was a pet store, so we went in and played with puppies. It was awesome...they are so adorablle. I wanted to get a little pug so badly, but I know that's too much responsibility right now. Then, we went to a nearby college, Chung Cheng University. None of the girls go there, but it was a nice place to walk around. There were so many activities happening: hip-hop dancing, flute playing, students gathered to study, etc... We went to the bookstore to take in the air conditioning; and when we walked out we saw a white guy. We chased him down so we could talk to him. He was from Latvia and talked like a robot, it was so funny! I wanted to know if they had Chinese as second language classes at the college, and if they were taught in English. He said yes and offered to show me the foreign student office. It was closed by then, so I said I would return another day.
After walking around the college, we got back in the car and went to the girls' college. They took me to their college's cheerleading practice! There were more than 40 girls and maybe 10 guys. I was soooooooooo excited. I watched them do a few cheers, then I went to help with stunts. I taught them a basket toss, and they even got to throw me a few times. Everytime I went in the air the HUGE groups surrounding the stunt would cheer and clap. They were so awesome. Their stunting was very basic. They were still working on halves. They showed me some stunts and wanting me to critique them. The coach kept bowing to me and thanking me over and over. We did this for probably 45 minutes, until then had some material to work with. The male cheerleaders really need to get to the gym and get strong. I don't think any of the girls, or guys, work out....so you can imagine how hard stunting must be. There was a point where I was in a half and the base was shaking. I looked down and said "why are you shaking? Go to the gym" lol. I taught them the importance of looking at each base to throw at the same time, and not talking in the stunts. The coach yelled at them at one point, and kept apologizing to me for yelling. I told you have to yell sometimes. I told him to impliment running laps for discipline. I said everytime my team talks in a stunt, they have to run laps. Lol. When I left, everyone was so greatful for my coming to help. They had tears in their eyes and said that I "touched their hearts." I couldn't believe how happy I made them by just helping out a little bit. I wanted to cry because they were so happy, and I missed my Perry girls SO MUCH! It's great to get back into cheering; and I told them I will come to practices often. I'm so excited to beable to help them out. They have a competition on November 21st...so hopefully I can help them get to the point where they will do very well! I'm so excited! It was awesome to get to fly in the air again. I didn't feel very safe, but I gave them the benifit of the doubt and they caught me. lol! I've been dropped before...but not this time! After cheering, Eve took me back home.

So it was an awesome night and I'm so thankful for Eve. She introduced me to some new friends and we had such a great time! I know that Amanda and I will definetely hang out again...she's really cool! It seemed like Eve, Amanda, and I got along great...like the Three Muskateers. Lol!

Halloween Stories

Becuase it is exam week and the kids are stressed out, the one and only 6th grade class that I taught was very tired. I decided to have class differently and a little more relaxed. I told them they were going to write Halloween stories in a group. Taiwanese don't make things creatively except for painting, dance, and music. Creating your own story is not something they have done in school, so they were very confused. I did an example story on the board, and also wrote many Halloween words on the board. They got out dictionaries and got to work. Here are the stories exactly how they were written. They are precious! I'm not giving a grade on them; I am just happy that they went out of their comfort zone to create something unique.

On Halloween night I get a costume and was a witch! I am going to trick or treat. I want to have a good time today. (Coco, Kelli, and Stephanie)

On Halloween night everyone is exciting. Because it's a interesting and mysterious day. But first I'll finish my homework then I can play all tonight! We make a lot of pumpkins head. They're strange and terror. And I have a very special costume guess what? It's a batman costume. Now we are go to trick-or-treating. Isn't it fun? (Nicole, Rita, Gary, Nick)

On Halloween night. Always feel very scared. Because today is Halloween. My neighbors come to trick-or-treat. They costumes are very cool! We are very excited and happy! (Ajax, Wesley, Misa, Jill)

On Halloween night Gino and Tino went play basketball. First we eat dinner and change the clothes, after we buy some drinks. Then they going to p lay. Then we see ours teacher she's named is Kate she like to costume like to Barbie. (Gino and Tino)

In the Halloween, ou can see a lot of Jack-o-lanterns. You always see my shining bright, you will see many people wear costumer, like the witch, ghost, skeleton, and the princess. We will wear witch costumes and say "trick-or-treat? trick-or-treat? give me some candy good to eat" Bats are flying in the sky, witches too.. Skeletons are walking on the street. Finally you will hear the ghost voice "0000000"
p.s. If you don't sleep at twelve o'clock ghosts, witches, skeleton, bats, vampires will come to eat you! Yea! (Jessica, Tracey, Jane, Vicky)

Today is Halloween, Kreddy is going to be a wolf. He's going to go out with his girl friends. He's going to a restaurant eat dinner with his girlfriends. After dinner, they go to deparment store to buy candies for his girlfriends. He's girlfriend's costume is a princess. then they going to a traditional tea house. Outside the teahouse there are a lot of pumpkins. Finally, they go to the motel. (Jack, Kreddy, Eddie, Willy)

On Halloween Night. We bring baskets and go to neighbors house. We see a neighbors and say "trick or treat" neighbors say "ok ok but only on today" We get many pumpkim. So neighbor give we many candys. It's hallp Helloween day. (Ricky, Hank, Perry, Chris)

On Halloween night. I go to my neighbor's home with my brother and friends. We say "trick-or-treat? Trick-or-treat?" But they don't buy any food. We go to the another neighbors. Ko Ko Ko - We say "I want to some candy" They have a lot of cookie and candy. We eat very more. After eat, we go to make some pumpkin and scared people. It's very cool and crazy. We wear some very strange clothes. I wait sometime, have three boy and girl to to my home. They are scared therfore so some candy for they. They have go home. (Freddy, Andy, Leo)

On Halloween night we were witch costumes. We came to neighbors home. Put the door and trick-or-treat. We see a young woman. She is scared. The she give us so many candy. We see many strange clothe children and so many jack-o-lantern. It is fun. It is a happy day Halloween night. (Vivian, Jenny, Tanya, Erika) ***These girls even wrote the Chinese translation...how cool!****

Well I hope you enjoyed the stories as much as I did! They are creative, and well written for this class. I think I will do this again for Christmas and maybe Valentine's day.

Argus article 3

Have you ever walked into a place where everyone stopped everything to stare at you? Unless you are a movie star or political icon, my guess is that your answer is no. Here in Taiwan, my answer is yes. I am undoubtedly the first Caucasian female, if not the first foreigner, that most people have ever seen. Not only when I walk into a room, but whenever I leave the comfort of my house, I become the immediate interest of every person I pass. Men and women on scooters crane their necks to get a glimpse of me; little kids hit their mothers’ leg to tell her to look; and many people even point or laugh. They are not laughing at me, per say, they are just nervous and excited and don’t know how else to react. My first few weeks in Taiwan, this acknowledgement made me feel famous, and, honestly, I enjoyed the attention. But now, after 7 weeks, I am getting sick of being singled out everywhere I go. For once, I would like to walk into a store and have people go along with their business, instead of stop in their tracks to watch my every move. As always, I politely smile, nod, and say hello; but it is a charade that is beginning to wear thin. Imagine every time you walk into Wal-Mart having to generously smile and nod to every person you encounter. In the more crowded areas, like the night market, I get attention from every direction. Here, the vendors are eager to show me their products; students of mine want to show me a game or introduce me to their parents; the older Taiwanese stare and sometimes walk away from me; and many people try their English by yelling “hallow” to me. This is a great time to get out and socialize, even if I am the only fluent English speaker.

The night market is an Asian custom of which I am becoming very fond. The big cities have a night market every night of the week; but my small town only hosts a traveling market every Thursday night. This is one thing that Hollywood has portrayed fairly accurately: the busy and loud night market. There are rows of vendors begging for your money; selling anything from food, clothing, trinkets, or Chinese games. The night market is the place to find a good bargain, and there are always good eats from around the world. There are many traditional Taiwanese, Chinese, and Japanese meals, as well as those unique foods for the daring. These include deep fried duck neck, chicken feet, squid on a stick, blood rice, and the infamous stinky tofu. You will know if you have been within fifty yards of stinky tofu. It is single-handedly the most awful smell I’ve ever smelled in my life. I don’t understand what would inspire anyone to eat something that smells so awful. From what I’ve heard, this delicatessen is simply tofu that has gone through the same process to make yogurt. Supposedly, it is very tasty. I will never know. Another popular dish that I will never sample is the blood rice. It is exactly what you would think; chicken blood and rice compacted together to make a patty. This is grilled, boiled, or baked, and usually eaten on a stick. The Taiwanese have this at every barbeque, and sometimes at dinners. I have clearly stated to my hosts that it is not something I am willing to try, and they have been very understanding. At the Thursday night market, I typically get stuffed dumplings (go-tee-ay), popcorn chicken (gee row), or a sizzling chicken plate (gee pie). I look forward to my watermelon juice and fresh cut pineapple from vendors. The market does not change much from week to week, so the vendors are starting to recognize my face and aren’t so surprised when I walk by their stand. The watermelon juice stand doesn’t even ask what I want; they see me and know “there is the American that always gets a juice!” Same with the fruit vendor.
As in most street markets around the world, bartering is acceptable in the Taiwanese night market. I have taken a shot at getting a lower price, but have not yet been successful. My attempt was short; I suggested one price, and got denied. If I were more confident in my Chinese, I would barter more seriously until I got a price less than the asking. Perhaps that is a new goal for myself; learn to say prices quickly in order to barter prices at the night market.
As in any busy area, you can expect the “town creep” to be wondering the night market. He is an older-looking man with rotten teeth. He is visibly drunk and staggering, yelling “hallow” up and down each aisle. What makes him different from a bum in America? He is chewing the “bedel nut.” This is a popular narcotic among Taiwanese. It gives a high similar to a cigarette as far as I’ve heard. It is a nut-like substance that is chewed until it is only fibers; and it makes the saliva as red as blood. If you weren’t aware of this addiction, you may think that the person has TB. They typically spit large quantities of red saliva; and the streets are stained from this. The combination of alcohol and bedel nut is a very unattractive scene, as you may image. There is always something interesting to experience at the Hsin Kang night market.
As I said before, I look forward to the Thursday night market in my town; and am anxious to visit other markets to see the difference in size and vendors. It is one more thing to add to my list of things I love about Taiwan. After seven weeks, I am still enjoying every moment, staying safe, and learning more than one could imagine. My next article will feature what I’ve learned regarding the family values of the Taiwanese. Until then, keep smiling Shiawassee!

Argus article 2

I am pretty well settled into my home away from home in Hsin Kang, Taiwan and school has started. The academic environment, as one might suspect, is different in many aspects to school in the USA. In this article I want to share some of my initial educational observations and experiences.
My first observation upon arrival to my school was the lack of resources, compared to what American schools have to offer. Taiwanese are very practical people, only buying and keeping what is absolutely necessary. A typical classroom, from the schools I’ve observed, has few decorations on the wall, a chalk board, sometimes a computer and projector, and a book shelf or two. This varies immensely from the classrooms in America which are filled with student work and colorful posters, several cabinets full of resources, sometimes several computers for student use. My classroom came equip with wooden desks and chairs, a chalk board, and a wooden desk for myself. It reminds me of the little school house in the McCurdy Park village. I have come to grasp the fact that material objects are not necessary in life. I am completely happy at my school because the students are wonderful, the staff members are friendly, and it is a fun and safe learning environment. As Americans we tend to get caught up in what we are lacking, but this situation is teaching me more than ever how important it is to have social and emotional support rather than material needs.

It is nine o’clock, Friday night in the Kaohsiung City train station. Rather than seeing groups of friends preparing for a night out, I saw hundreds of students in uniform, just returning home from school. This is a typical day for a Taiwanese high school student; leaving for school early in the morning, and not returning until late at night. Students work very hard to get a high score on aptitude tests so that they can be accepted into a good high school, thus making it less of a challenge to get into a good college. Most “good” high schools require a long commute; students may leave as early at 4:30 in the morning for school. The reason for coming home so late is “bushy-ban,” or cram school. This is a tutoring service that is run after regular school hours, sometimes up to an additional three hours of study. Here, students work on specialty skills, such as English, science, or math. The drive to be the best is almost an obsession among students.

How does a young adult focus and absorb information after so many hours of class? Taiwanese students are given frequent breaks, what I like to call “brain breaks.” Additionally, on Wednesday’s the students only have a half day of school. Each class period is 40-45 minutes, with 10-20 minutes before the next class. During the 40 minutes, they are focused and on task, knowing that soon they will be able to let loose and either play ball with friends, or put their head down for a small nap. Lunches also last for an hour and a half. After eating, most students put their head on their desk and take a twenty-minute nap. During my teaching experiences in the States, I noticed students’ interest and attention frequently less than ideal early in the day and then again late in the afternoon. It was a struggle to keep kids on task, especially on nice weather days. After witnessing the rigors and longevity of a Taiwanese school day yet seeing the students consistently focused, I am beginning to think these “brain breaks” have some merit.

Another interesting aspect of the academic environment here is that the school does not employ custodians or secretaries. The students have time in the morning and after lunch when they are expected to perform routine custodial chores. Each class is assigned not only to clean their own room, but also a designated place on campus. I have not heard any student complaints about this at all. Evidently it is just expected and routine. It is actually refreshing to see the younger generation taking responsibility for their academic environment. The secretarial work is done by school staff. I have been warned that I will probably have a few tasks assigned to me as the school year progresses. I am not quite sure how the tasks are divided, but I know that at some point, each teacher has the responsibility of school-related paperwork.
The Taiwanese method of teaching, at least in my school, appears to be one of recitation and rehearsal. Each morning I can hear adjacent teachers saying something in their native language and then 35 voices repeating it. This process repeats itself sometimes for the majority of the 40 minute period. I am in an elementary school, and I do not see educationally related games or hands-on activities utilized by the teacher; I usually see lectures. It is no wonder the children LOVE English class. My focus as a foreign English teacher is to make English enjoyable; therefore, in my class, we play games, keeping the students engaged and active. English class is full of laughter and silliness, but all very educational from the standpoint of learning to speak and write American English. The pace of working through the curriculum is very slow moving. I see each class twice a week, 40 minutes each session. For two weeks, or four class periods, I am to cover one chapter. One chapter may consist of four new vocabulary words (sofa, table, lamp, cabinet) and a sentence pattern (the lamp is on the table). Because the work seems so monotonous at times, I try to have the first lesson of the week “repeat after me” so the students familiarize themselves with the words. The next class, I try to include a game or activity. So far I enjoy teaching English in Taiwan very much because I feel as though I am making a difference in students’ lives and bring a new “world” to them just as they are educating me about their culture. I have the freedom to make the class fun for them (as well as me!) and, as a result, the students are eager to learn each time they enter my classroom.
Although this is getting a bit long, I want to share with you one more recent experience in the classroom. It occurred on September 11th, a date of significance for all Americans (and I thought around the world) since 2001. I did not realize the significant date until I was in the teachers meeting on Thursday morning. I hadn’t meant to, but I said out loud “Oh! Today is September 11th!” Looking around, I realized that this date only meant something significant to me, being the only American. The other foreign teacher is from Canada. I decided since I have my upper level 6th grade classes that day, I would begin my class with a discussion on 9-11. I put the date on the board, along with a big question mark. Below it, I drew 2 towers and an airplane. I asked the kids why is today a sad day in America? They started chatting very fast and loud in Chinese and I got out the dictionaries. I said if you can tell me the answer, I will give you a flag. No one could get it. In the first two classes, I explained what happened and how many people died. I explained that America is in a war (bang bang) and I think they began to understand. Luckily, the native teachers were able to translate. My third class (very involved, very funny kids) got it very well. One boy raised his hand on the first question and acted out a plane flying into a tower. I said YES that's right, a plane flew into two towers and killed many people. I told them how it was so sad, I was 15, and in grade 9. I told them that everyone in America cried. I was very impressed when I was asked if I was going to cry that day. Though it was a simple question, I knew the student that asked had understood the severity of the event and how 8 years later we are still affected. In actuality, I was feeling quite emotional having to explain the tragedy. Once again, my naivety got the best of me; I thought that everyone in the world knew about 9-11. This could be because the students were so young when 9-11 occurred, or perhaps the rest of the world has misplaced the thought because they were not directly affected. It was heartbreaking to have to explain what happened to kids that never knew about it. I relate my feelings from this day to what my parents must feel when they discuss President Kennedy’s assassination. It is something that doesn’t evoke strong emotions to me, but remembering the day and events so clearly, I know see why my parents struggled. I didn't cry but I told the kids I was very sad...and my voice cracked a little. I haven't felt those kinds of emotions on 9-11 since the actual 9-11-2000 when it happened!
I Think about how you would explain to 12 year olds what happened in very limited English and explain to them that it is a sad day in your country. It was extremely challenging.

Obviously, all this information is just scratching the surface when it comes to the many differences between American and Taiwanese educational systems. As time and space allow I will try to share more on this topic in future articles. I have gotten a lot of feedback from my parents that many readers have enjoyed my observations. I am so thrilled that I am able to share my thoughts and experiences with everyone back home. Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to e mail me at kstrein@yahoo.com
Try going outside your comfort zone today, you’ll be surprised at the personal growth that occurs when you try something new.

Argus article 1

You’ve spent hours studying for finals, and thousands of dollars on your college education. Graduation day has finally come, along with the question of “what now?” For most, the reply would consist of finding an apartment, landing a new job, etc… But for me, it was a different story. I chose to travel half way across the world and use my education to teach English to Taiwanese children for my first year out of college. Some would say that this decision was a very brave thing for me to do, but I feel as if it is what I have been called to do, and hopefully can make an impact at my Taiwanese school.
On August 16th, I boarded the plane after a tear-filled good-bye to my family. I was anxious to see what awaited me twelve time zones away. I had no idea then, and still am quite curious, as to what all lies ahead.
My first ten days in Taiwan was spent in a government-funded educational foundation with twenty-four other foreign English teachers. Here we spent ten hours days attending seminars and classes dealing with everything from culture shock to difficulties in teaching. Though some of the classes seemed like more of time fillers than actual useful information, this time was very helpful in regard to adjusting to a foreign lifestyle. I was also able to network with others going through the same situation. As a result, I now have a friend in every county of the country and am able to visit them during my free time.
Following the 10 day orientation a representative from the school where I will teach picked me up and we made the 3 hour drive south to the small town of Hsin Kang which is in the county of Chiayi, Taiwan. My school placed me with a host family that lives across the street from the school. I am so grateful to have been placed with the Huang family; they have opened their home to me as if I was one of their own. I have my own room and bathroom on a separate floor than their family so I have plenty of privacy. But, they are always present when I need someone to be around.
Because school has not yet started, I would like to give some initial impressions of the Taiwanese culture. The very first thing I noticed in this foreign land was how everything smells different. This is something that we don’t always consider when traveling; the air, the water, the food, the people. It all took getting used to. The food was definitely not what I expected being a first time traveler. My naivety had me believing that I would have General Tso’s chicken and fried rice for a year. You can’t beat that! The food here is NOTHING like one could imagine. I have gone back to being a vegetarian, because sometimes I do not know what I’m eating and I would rather have a vegetable surprise than a meat surprise!
Transportation is the next major shock as a foreigner. Traffic laws are mere suggestions in Taiwan; if you don’t feel like stopping at a red light, don’t! If you get a cell phone call and want to stop in the middle of the road to chat, it is perfectly alright. The police will only pull over a moped driver with no helmet, or a driver that turns right on a red light. Everything else is fair game!
Finally, my third major shock is in regards to restroom use. There are traditional western toilets in most newer buildings, but in buildings more than ten years old, there is what I like to call a “squatty potty.” I was never informed of this “potty,” and when I first entered a stall with this porcelain hole in the ground, I was terrified. Even now that I am used to this commode, it is still humiliating to use. Also, not all restrooms supply toilet paper, so I must carry tissues at all times. Toilet paper does not come in rolls in Asia; instead, there are bags of tissues to use as you would toilet paper. It is different, but an easy adjustment.
I hope that I have given a small glimpse of my wonderful experience thus far in Taiwan. I look forward to sharing my many adventures with everyone back in Owosso. Feel free to email me anytime kstrein@yahoo.com and also feel free to view my pictures kateintaiwan.shutterfly.com. And remember, a smile is the same in every language.

Examinations and frustrations

This week, week 7, is a school-wide examination period. Each teacher is required to test the students in all subjects. This is an extremely stressful time for students. The kids that I tutor are 13 and 15, and I have seen them crying and getting in arguements with their parents all week. This is unlike them, so I blame it on the stress of the exams. During tutoring one day, Lynn didn't look at me or speak English at all. She looked at a Chinese book in between her huffy fits of rage. I just ignored her and continued to work with Derek. Yesterday, she was on the computer and listened to her iPod the whole time. Since Derek had taken his tests, he didn't have the need to study anything, so I allowed him to take a break and teach me Chinese. I only learned three phrases, but it was very informative. Sometimes the tutoring gets boring. We meet three times a week for an hour each time. This is in exchange for my rent, so I can't complain.
Because I'm at an elementary school, the examinations are not AS critical as they are for Jr. and Sr. high students. It is still difficult, tiring, and stressful. Last weekend was a vacation and most students reported to staying home and studying. During the students' scheduled class period with me, I am supposed to report to their classroom and monitor the testing. Yesterday, each time I reported to the classroom, the teacher told me I wasn't needed and I could "take a rest." So I watched movies on iTunes all day. Then today, the test have been running over. At 10:30 I was supposed to finally have a normal class to teach, but instead they asked me to come monitor their test. There was a 20 minute break for students; in this time they were teaching me on the chalk board how to write my Chinese name. They also taught me how to write happy ("how"). Chinese writing is so difficult! I got my name write a few times, but an error on one little line can change the whole meaning, so I messed up my name a few times and the kids laughed. One boy, Willy (always speaks out in class) started writing Chinese swear words. I knew it because the kids started laughing and looking in the teacher's direction as to not be caught. The teacher yelled something in their direction, then continued grading papers. I walked over to him and asked if they were writing bad words and he shook his head and said "yes, this is not good." I know these boys, so I should know better than to learn words from them! The testing began at 10:30. As soon as he handed out the tests, the classroom teacher said he needed to go talk to a teacher, so he left me in charge. For a second, the students thought that meant they could talk and show papers. I nipped that REAL quick. I stood up with my arms crossed and made eye contact with anyone attempting to cheat. For the next ten minutes they kept their eye on their own paper and the class was silent. At 10:40, the teacher returned and said that I was no longer needed and I could "take a rest." So I was pretty much a babysitter today! lol! I'm glad that I don't have to monitor the test, because that is the most boring thing ever. Ican't answer questions, because it's all in Chinese. So I honestly would just have to sit there and look at students working. I'm glad they allow me to "take a rest" and return to do whatever I need to do. In this case, blog! lol! I love watching movies and blogging and getting paid to do it.
On a less happy note, I have become extremely frustrated with the other foreign teachers, Gerry and Bette. Outside of school, I enjoy Bette. But, today all the two had to do was complain and argue with the Chinese teachers. This job is challenging all the time, and I have just learned to accept that and roll with the punches. I can't change the class size, I can't change the fact that some kids will NEVER get it. That is just a fact of life that I must accept. In the meantime, I do my best with what I'm given and try to reach every student as often as possible. The other FETs where complaining about everything and criticizing the way things are run. I don't see the use in this. 1) this is the first time this school has had foreign teachers 2) this is not the same as teaching in our home states (or provinces for them). They are both 44, from Canada, and have previous experience. So I don't know if it's an older generation thing, a Canadian thing, or my nievity as a new teacher...but either way it's useless complaining and I'm sick of it. I clench my teeth and try not to explode whenever they start to rant and rave about everything that is wrong. I'm seeing improvement in my students, I'm having a good time, and I'm doing the best I can. What more can you ask for? If I were to dwell on the fact that maybe 15 or 20% of my 3rd graders still don't know their name, where would that get me? I will just keep practicing with them and maybe one day they will remember. That's the best I can do. If you have any insight on how to be more accepting of the other FETs, I'm all ears. If you think I should join them, I'm interested to hear your opinion. I feel I am doing the right thing; I'm sure they feel they are doing the right thing. Who is absolutely correct?

First Blog

Hello Friends and Family. I decided to start a public blog to share my experiences while in Taiwan. I previously was e mailled one or twice a week, but noticed that I was leaving some people out. This way, I can share with everyone. If you have friends that are interested in reading, you may share my blog website also. I hope you enjoy what I have to write. I am enjoying every minute of it here - but miss you all terribly!