Staff Day Trip.

"This is China and Things Like This Happen"

My workplace offered a day trip to the Tong'an hot springs and I readily accepted. I was, and am, itching to see more of China and I wanted to get a peek of something, anything! outside of Xiamen. Not because I'm bored of Xiamen, only because I'm curious and not very patient. Turns out it was still in Xiamen or so close I didn't feel like we left Xiamen. But, I was not disappointed and I had a great time.

Initially, we thought we were going on an overnight trip, but, in the end, that was not the case. Many new and returning teachers, their spouses and children wanted to go on the planned weekend trip, so we booked several rooms at a shmancy hotel by the hot springs. A few days before the aforementioned weekend our organizer was informed that our reservations had been canceled. If I understand correctly they were literally told, "This is China and things like this happen." 

This resulted in less cost and one weekend day to introvert; in hindsight I'm glad for the change.

After arrived at the cultural center, or rather a "folk whole experience" <that served seal meat (see sign)>, we got to make dough balls filled with black sesame seeds, spring rolls and pottery. We were also served a big lunch in traditional Lazy Susan sharing-style.

Seal meat!?

We got to make thin Spring Roll wrappers.

I may have unwittingly flung and splattered 
that dough (there in the foreground).

Yummy-ness. We filled the fresh
wrappers with sticky rice, salad-ish
mix, crushed-dried-seaweed (I could
take or leave that), peanut sauce and
crushed peanuts. Could have eaten
those all day.

It unwrapped as I took the picture.

The Tong'an area is
known for pottery.

My bowl. My first time
using a pottery wheel.
I had help. We didn't fire
them or anything though.

Oh and I got to meet the world's cutest lady. ;)

The meat was wrapped in
a cloth and cooked in that.

Then we went onward to the hot springs.

All Hot Springs are not Created Equally. 

Admittedly, I am not a hot springs expert. The only hot springs I have experienced have been, essentially, swimming pools that are, supposedly, naturally heated. These were like no other hot springs I've ever seen or even heard of. They had a large pool and slides, but also, 20 or more, little 'springs' at different temperatures and infused with different herbs or natural substances. For example, rose oil, cucumber essence and peppermint. But even coffee, beer, wine and soy sauce. Most were noted to promote health.

The hot springs are on the grounds of the resort
we made reservations at.

An entrance to the locker room
and one of the few character I
can, now, write and recognize.

Swim caps were required
when we were in the water.
First time for everything.

I even the above for the first time. Those fish were not little. As I sat down, I remembered that I'm kind of scared of fish. I freaked out and shooed them away a few times, but I endured. It was a fun experience, but now I can cross that one, permanently, off the bucket list.

The below video was performed in honor of the Olympics, in Rio. Ironically they are dancing to a Spanish song. They also had a collection of Mexican foods in the Olympic display (think canned pintos, a bag or tortilla chips and package of flour tortillas).

Other Things That Have Worked out.

So I began the school year as the grade 2 English support teacher for both second grade classes, but after only 4 days with students, I was asked if I would be willing to, fill a need, and be a grade 1 classroom teacher. I accepted and it turns out this is a good fit for me. Until this year I have only, ever, been a classroom teacher and I think would have missed being one. And I'm surprised at how much I like the littler ones. I have 25 students again but there is a teaching assistant with me all the time and an ELL support teacher available half of the day. 25 students in one classroom is not ideal, but those two factors make a noticeable difference.  

How they will be
good students.

"I can play with everyone"
But not, yet, put spaces
between his words.:)

Translation: "I can walk"

Weekly all school assembly.

My class working with the ELL teacher.