Chopstick Fears

I've NEVER been good with chopsticks; by NEVER I do quite literally mean NEVER.  And to be honest, this has never caused me significant concern until my first trip to South Korea in November of 2009.  I'd been to India, Thailand, and Hong Kong as my only Asian destinations; chopsticks are not prevalent in India and most of the places in Thailand or Hong Kong I went catered to western tourists (I guess) and were very hospitable with forks.

I didn't look this cute
using my cheaters.

However, in preparation for my first trip to South Korea I had heard that while larger touristy places might have forks, most of the restaurants my group of teachers might visit would expect my usage of chopsticks.  I tried to practice and it just didn't stick (no pun intended).  So I visited my local Pei Wei restaurant and got some of the chopstick cheaters they make available to young children (it sounded like a good idea at the time).

Well, let's just say there were two problems with using these cheaters in South Korea: 1) the laughter and ribbing from my U.S. teacher colleagues, while all in good fun, was sort of embarrassing and 2) the cheaters were designed for a more traditional rounded Chinese chopstick set rather than flatter Korean styles.  The cheaters just didn't want to work for me.  It was like the fates were out to get me.  I wanted to use chopsticks, I tried to use them, I wanted to be culturally appropriate...but I usually ended up having to ask for a fork or make due with the soup spoon which accompanied the chopsticks.

And then about a year or so ago I was in a Asian restaurant and thought "let's try again" and WOW.  I was actually able to manipulate the chopsticks enough to get through about half of my meal.  It doesn't always work out; I often make a mess and grow tired of the struggle with the first couple of bites.  But at least now I have "hope".  Last week I was eating at Yaching's in downtown Louisville and made it through virtually my entire meal (including rice! with no cheaters!!!).  I was excited and wanted to do a happy dance...but it's Louisville...land of the Kentucky Derby...you don't happy dance you happy gallop or something, LOL.  I guess the excitement got me all inspired because upon my return to Oklahoma City on Saturday I went to Dot Wo with my mother and was eager to try the chopsticks again...eh...I made it through part of the meal...no rice success...and then forked it.

So with my upcoming return to South Korea and the land of flat chopsticks my fears are setting in.  I am committed to NOT taking any cheaters.  I just hope the fates smile on me so that I don't embarrass my hosts and colleagues and so that the food makes it, even if only quasi-gracefully, into my mouth.

I know that practice makes perfect so I plan to try several more times before leaving in a couple of weeks.  Word of warning to friends and family...you might get a call to go out with me to eat something Asian.  If you're too scared of the mess I might make landing on you then politely decline; but if you're willing to risk some laughs...let's roll!

No Place Like Home

I finally arrived home in Oklahoma City at 2:45 AM yesterday morning.  It was a long time of traveling from Jakarta to Hong Kong to Los Angeles to Oklahoma City; nearly 36 hours of travel including layovers.

I had turned the air conditioner off during my time away, which has initially seemed like a mistake when I arrived back to Oklahoma and temperatures of 112+.  My A/C is still struggling to catch up.  It was showing 91 in my house most of yesterday but was down to 82 when I woke this morning.  So, due to the heat I'm still processing the validity of "home sweet home".

One definitely positive about being home is my new iPad. My district had funds to place some iPad-Apple TV-LCD projector combination. I am a one of 30 recipients at Southmoore and was able to pic up my pad this morning; in fact this posting is being typed on that very iPad. So perhaps homecoming is sweet after all.

So I guess this is a new adventure in remote road roaming for me: a new step in my quest for using technology effectively with my students.  I hope you continue to help me roaming the roads of lands remote.

Human Made Island

Our group of 10 (two others arrived in Indonesia earlier) has arrived in Hong Kong for our layover of a couple of hours.  The island which this airport inhabits was specifically built for the purposes of building this airport...wow!

The Cathay Pacific flight that we had (code share with American Airlines) was wonderful.  So comfortable.  The seats do not recline...but don't fear! With the "recline" button, your seat cushion slides forward and an insert in the back slides down giving you the "reclined" feel without actually putting your chair in the lap of the person behind you...awesome!  The economy cabin had wonderful food...they even gave a menu in advance...and offered sandwiches and cookies/crackers in between the two main meal service times.  Great crew!  I highly recommend this airline.

Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy:

Personal in flight screen with "3-D" map of route

We had just crossed over Taiwan

En route from landing gate to transfer center

A view of the mountains of Hong Kong outside of the airport



I'm going to Bandung!!!

Today I received notice from the TGC program as to the specific community which I will spend most of my time during my stay in Indonesia.  I will be working with Ms. Betty Rahmawati, a teacher at Krida Nusantara High School in Bandung, Indonesia.  I have already sent and received an e-mail each direction with Betty.  We are beginning the process of getting aquainted and discussing the details of my visit to her school and community.  Joining me in the adventure will be Daniel Jocz, a teacher from Los Angeles, CA.

I do know that my travel by air will take me from Oklahoma City to Los Angeles to Hong Kong to Jakarta.  Then there will be about 3-4 days spent in Jakarta prior to continuing on to Bandung; I'm assuming this journey will be by land since Jakarta to Bandung is less than 150 km.

So...until more details are provided to me regarding this adventure...here are a few images to help give a physical sense of space for my destination.