It's Monday again, which means another week has passed me by. This is the beginning of the 3rd week with the APSA/Jump! program. It has been an overall busy two weeks around Beijing with Cultural Excursions around Beijing (Tian'an men Square, Olympic Park and even the National Museum of China) . This weekend was my first weekend with the kids and groups 1,3 and 5 went to Huanghua Cheng. I first went there as part of the staff retreat, but now I return with kids camping for 3 days 2 nights.
The group left by chartered bus and takes about 3 hours before we reach the bottom of the mountain. We called for a small transport cart to take all our camping equipment up the mountain to our camp site. I ran up the hill to purchase 20 entrance tickets as well as overnight stay fee. After everyone entered the gate, that was the beginning of the hike up. Mr. Wong, the cart driver was nice enough to let me ride up on the cart with the camping gear! This was scary and great at the same time. I did feel bad for the rest of the group because they had to carry their backpacks, sleeping bags and sleeping mat up the mountain to the camping spot. Mr. Wong was really nice, he kept saying is this speed okay and we chatted in general about what were we doing there. I reached the camping spot in no time and started unloading the cart. Mr. Wong left after making sure everything was settled and told me to call him if I needed anything.
I waited for the group to get up to the spot which took about 20/30 mins. When everyone reached the spot, they all dropped their bags and started resting. I felt so bad, but someone had to go up with the cart, and I was the only Asian looking staff that weekend so Mr. Wong was like 'you, come on the cart.' When another facilitator wanted to go on, he was like 'No, too dangerous'. This is the first time being Asian helped in Asia even though everyone knows I am not a native.
Once we all were a bit more rested, we started putting up the tents and getting ready for dinner. The kids had to learn how to cook so we mainly chilled and supervised as they learned how to chop, dice, cook and clean up the camp site before we called it a night.
Saturday morning, I was in charge of the 4:30am morning meditation--(OMG! SO EARLY) but it was really nice once you settle into the quiet and calm morning. I left the group of 10 to one of the unrestored portion of the Great Wall that drops off at the lake and made them climb a portion of it. We then proceeded to have a silent 'meditation' time where they would reflect on everything that has happened. I really value this because it really was beautiful where the world around you is just so captivating that you can't help but take it all in and wish that time did stand still so you can forever capture that moment.
After everyone was done reflecting, we went back to camp to get ready for breakfast. As the day proceeded, we did different activities and even went boating around the lake for an hour. I also had to run back down to pay for the bonfire that we wanted to have. After that was all settled, the kids had the Iron Chef Great Wall challenge which meant each group had to cook dinner and feed the team as well as us facilitators. My team decided to pasta with pepper tomato sauce with a fruit salad for dessert. They won the best taste portion which I was really proud of because I didn't even help them. They took on the challenge themselves and I think they all learned about teamwork.
After the cleaning up, we headed towards the bonfire. It took forever to start the fire because the park just gave us huge blocks of tree trunks instead of actual wood that would burn quickly. Tim and I had to think of ways to start this all up because they also only gave us 1 small bottle of light fluid! We torched up a ball of tissue paper as well as gather a bit of small branches for the base. It took about 20 mins, but once it caught fire, it was awesome! I spent most of the time tending to the fire because I'm a pyromaniac lol It was just so pretty! This is my 2nd bonfire I've partaken in all my life. Around the bonfire we had smores, ghost stories told and even played 'werewolf' which is similar to mafia.
As the night was winding down, some of the kids asked for another morning meditation. I was surprised because I didn't think they'd want to wake up so early again. This time it was a smaller amount of student (7 instead of 10) but, I thought it was something I should do for them. I told them okay I'll do it and instead of bringing them to the same spot, I was thinking of bringing them to the cliff/lake area in a different portion of the mountain which took about 30 mins to walk to. I was a bit sick, but still I thought when else would they be able to come back and do this.
I woke up the next day feeling a bit better but feel that the cold I have is going to stay a while. The kids woke up and we started our journey to the cliffs. As we walked on the small paths that lead us deeper into the forest, it was weird not to think about what it must have looked like thousands of year ago. I also thought this forest along the path was a great place for thieves to hide and steal from people. We eventually reached the cliffs and I made them cross the streams and choose a rock to reflect. As an activity, I also made them pick a rock that represents them in some way. I told to put all their fears, nightmares and whatever they didn't like about themselves into the rock. Once, they have done that, I made them stand around the lake and when they were ready I told them to throw the rock as hard and as far as they could. This was to represent them throwing away whatever was holding them back. Once they have thrown that rock, it won't ever follow them and they had to leave that behind. After that, I made them pick up another rock that represented them and told them that this rock was going to keep all their hopes, dreams and achievements they wanted in life or out of the program. This rock they will keep and bring home as a constant reminder of what they want to achieve. This meditation had a different tone because it was really somber and actually meditative. One of the students cried while we reflected as well as throwing the rock.
I also participated in this rock throwing because I feel it does help as both physical and emotional reminder to ourselves of where we are currently and to remember who we want to be. The rock I kept is shaped like a heart with little cracks and it's not perfect but, I feel it best represents me and what I want. I really did enjoy this weekend thoroughly even though I did end up getting a cold. This experience overall not only makes me take a walk outside my comfort zone, but it also allows me to do things like shape these kids mind and reflect on all their experiences. They may be young, but that does not mean they have not been through things whatever they may be. I appreciate this experience and can't wait to hike up the Mutian Yu section this coming weekend with the kids.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
China Music Conservatory
I am NOT couch surfing anymore!!
It's almost a week since I've upgraded from couch to full apartment! It's lovely to have my own place but also kind of lonely due to the fact that I'm living in this huge place by myself! Most of the staff is in this apartment complex but everyone is on different floors and I'm all the way up on the 17th floor! I have an awesome view of the pangu plaza building.
The campus isn't huge which is good because the kids won't get lost easily. Since their arrival we've been packing in countless activities and class just started for them so they are starting to get over their jetlag and into a routine. The canteene food isn't awesome, but it'll have to make due. I've stocked up my fridge with beer, 绿茶，冰红茶 and of course normal water.
Since today is July 4th , we've planned an awesome surprise pizza party for them (hopefully the pizza is decent even though I really wanted Kro's Nest pizza!!) This will be my first 4th of July without any fireworks so it should be interesting. Such cultural difference does really stand out at certain times and this is one of those times. I really want to buy the kids some sparklers or something, but don't think that's within the budget..le sigh
This weekend is also my first weekend off!!!! I'm so excited to sleep in and have free time! I'll be touring around NLGX again and hopefully other areas as well. I'd love to go back to houhai and just chill there and take photos without running around.
Now it's back to lesson planning for Tian an men today since that is what my kids picked for today's cultural excursion.. Let's hope they don't get lost!
laters!
It's almost a week since I've upgraded from couch to full apartment! It's lovely to have my own place but also kind of lonely due to the fact that I'm living in this huge place by myself! Most of the staff is in this apartment complex but everyone is on different floors and I'm all the way up on the 17th floor! I have an awesome view of the pangu plaza building.
The campus isn't huge which is good because the kids won't get lost easily. Since their arrival we've been packing in countless activities and class just started for them so they are starting to get over their jetlag and into a routine. The canteene food isn't awesome, but it'll have to make due. I've stocked up my fridge with beer, 绿茶，冰红茶 and of course normal water.
Since today is July 4th , we've planned an awesome surprise pizza party for them (hopefully the pizza is decent even though I really wanted Kro's Nest pizza!!) This will be my first 4th of July without any fireworks so it should be interesting. Such cultural difference does really stand out at certain times and this is one of those times. I really want to buy the kids some sparklers or something, but don't think that's within the budget..le sigh
This weekend is also my first weekend off!!!! I'm so excited to sleep in and have free time! I'll be touring around NLGX again and hopefully other areas as well. I'd love to go back to houhai and just chill there and take photos without running around.
Now it's back to lesson planning for Tian an men today since that is what my kids picked for today's cultural excursion.. Let's hope they don't get lost!
laters!
Mutianyu! (慕田峪长城)
On Friday it was a gorgeous day to have our hike to the Great Wall section of Mutianyu. The bus was 30 mins late but once we got on, we slept a bit (2 hrs) and then we reached the hike portion. The mutianyu section is older than the badaling section of the Great Wall.
The hike started from the village then up, up we went. Through the path we hiked up past the trees, bushes and at some point it got tighter and tighter together as all the trees were cloistered all over. After about 1 1/2 of walking on the trail, the wall peaks out at you and surprises you. Must be what it was like thousands of years ago when the invaders stumbled upon this giant wall! I had to climb through an open window and slowly climb up the section of the wall...Everywhere we turned was filled in with green--the mountains in the distance, the trees sprouting on the wall itself, the flower bush on the steps and each step you take you are surrounded by the green that had taken over the wall. We kept moving forward until we reached one of the towers and the view was insane! This is a view that you have to experience because it's so hard to capture the moment and the thoughts going through your mind. Even having been there at that moment, words did not come to mind of how to describe it.
After the hike back down, we came back exhausted, sweaty and after a nice shower I passed the 'eff out!
The hike started from the village then up, up we went. Through the path we hiked up past the trees, bushes and at some point it got tighter and tighter together as all the trees were cloistered all over. After about 1 1/2 of walking on the trail, the wall peaks out at you and surprises you. Must be what it was like thousands of years ago when the invaders stumbled upon this giant wall! I had to climb through an open window and slowly climb up the section of the wall...Everywhere we turned was filled in with green--the mountains in the distance, the trees sprouting on the wall itself, the flower bush on the steps and each step you take you are surrounded by the green that had taken over the wall. We kept moving forward until we reached one of the towers and the view was insane! This is a view that you have to experience because it's so hard to capture the moment and the thoughts going through your mind. Even having been there at that moment, words did not come to mind of how to describe it.
The view from one of the towers on the Great Wall!
After the first tower we continued walking through the forest of greens until we reached a halfway point where we had to cross a broken down section of the wall and that was just plain scary! On both side you could see if you slipped and fell you'd tumble your way through the forest beneath.
After that scary part, we finally reached the normal restored section of the wall (THANK YOUU) and rested up a bit before trekking down the wall and back to the bus station.
Such blue skies hiking that day
Monday, June 24, 2013
Weekend Update: Nan Luo Gu Xiang ( 南锣鼓巷）
I'VE BEEN HERE FOR A WEEK! and 3 days haha.
I've survived the first week of training and have about 4 more days of training then the kids arrive on Sunday! Since we had the weekend off, I decided to meet up with mohos! Songqiao is in Beijing so we met up around her hood--Nan luo gu xiang! Saturday decided to pour so it was nice because it wasn't as crowded because people are scared of rain here! Like huddle at the train station exit to wait for the rain to stop. An '08 moho was in Beijing too so we all went to eat at a Japanese place where we had to wait for 6 other tables to leave before we could be seated. While waiting, we went next door to Irresistible Cafe where we met the cutest puppy and cats! We ordered our drinks, chatted then finally got the call to go to the restaurant.
The place was called Suzuki Kitchen--I ordered the set meal of pork cutlet curry while Songqiao had the beef hotpot which was banging!
After food, we went to Songqiao's place and she lives conveniently in the hutongs! So jealous she has roof access around that area, I'd never leave the house if that was the case. She had some errands to run so I passed out for a nap haha
Nap-time passed and we headed towards Galaxy SoHo where the 2nd Craft Beer Festival was happening. We really wanted the taco there but by the time we arrived they were closing but we scored some last min free tacos! (It would have cost 40 rmb) After some tacos, we headed toward the beers and of course more food.
After a taster of beers and food, we headed to San Li Tun'r for some Mexican Food at Cantina Agave.
I've survived the first week of training and have about 4 more days of training then the kids arrive on Sunday! Since we had the weekend off, I decided to meet up with mohos! Songqiao is in Beijing so we met up around her hood--Nan luo gu xiang! Saturday decided to pour so it was nice because it wasn't as crowded because people are scared of rain here! Like huddle at the train station exit to wait for the rain to stop. An '08 moho was in Beijing too so we all went to eat at a Japanese place where we had to wait for 6 other tables to leave before we could be seated. While waiting, we went next door to Irresistible Cafe where we met the cutest puppy and cats! We ordered our drinks, chatted then finally got the call to go to the restaurant.
The place was called Suzuki Kitchen--I ordered the set meal of pork cutlet curry while Songqiao had the beef hotpot which was banging!
After food, we went to Songqiao's place and she lives conveniently in the hutongs! So jealous she has roof access around that area, I'd never leave the house if that was the case. She had some errands to run so I passed out for a nap haha
Nap-time passed and we headed towards Galaxy SoHo where the 2nd Craft Beer Festival was happening. We really wanted the taco there but by the time we arrived they were closing but we scored some last min free tacos! (It would have cost 40 rmb) After some tacos, we headed toward the beers and of course more food.
After a taster of beers and food, we headed to San Li Tun'r for some Mexican Food at Cantina Agave.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
CPR/First Aid Training as well as visiting the Dandelion School for migrant children
Where do I even begin?!
The day before we started our journey early in the morning to the main subway station Liang ma qiao to take different subways to the outskirts of Beijing to take a bus to an even further location to walk to the school--Dandelion School.
The dandelion school is not a very interesting concept but the social implementation of the school itself. This is a middle school for migrant children. This is the ONLY school (as of right now) recognized by the Beijing government as an official migrant school. It's also a NGO school whose mission is to give a chance to these children and give them a nurturing environment to be who they want to be.
The migrant issue in China has been a big issue especially since it's such an influx population as each year passes on. The government also has discriminatory laws against migrants which makes the gap between the 'natives' and 'immigrants' bigger in the eyes of the government.
Being at the school and having the opportunity to see and interact with these children makes me believe in so much more can happen if we just believe. If we just believe in an ultimate goal or idea, things can happen. The school had such a vibrant aura around the community and it just brings a warm feeling to your heart. They had a great open space as a school, a community and family. It was a great honor to be able to be part of something like that...We will be back at the school again when our scholars (our group of kids) arrive and spend a weekend at the school interacting with these children.
We tend to forget how good we have it because we never really escape the thing we call our life. We are too busy with our heads in our ass ( for lack of a better word) to even realize that are those who are less fortunate than ourselves, who can't even complain or even have an opportunity to complain because they are too busy trying to better themselves and live whatever life they can.
Check out the school's website if you want to learn more:
http://www.dandelionschool.org/a/ENGLISH/list_85_1.html
----------------------------------
On a different note....Today I had CPR and First Aid Training all day at Beijing United Hospital around my living quarters. It was such a long day, but I can finally say I can sorta, kinda, give CPR if needed! Sounds so convincing right? lol
The day before we started our journey early in the morning to the main subway station Liang ma qiao to take different subways to the outskirts of Beijing to take a bus to an even further location to walk to the school--Dandelion School.
The dandelion school is not a very interesting concept but the social implementation of the school itself. This is a middle school for migrant children. This is the ONLY school (as of right now) recognized by the Beijing government as an official migrant school. It's also a NGO school whose mission is to give a chance to these children and give them a nurturing environment to be who they want to be.
The migrant issue in China has been a big issue especially since it's such an influx population as each year passes on. The government also has discriminatory laws against migrants which makes the gap between the 'natives' and 'immigrants' bigger in the eyes of the government.
Being at the school and having the opportunity to see and interact with these children makes me believe in so much more can happen if we just believe. If we just believe in an ultimate goal or idea, things can happen. The school had such a vibrant aura around the community and it just brings a warm feeling to your heart. They had a great open space as a school, a community and family. It was a great honor to be able to be part of something like that...We will be back at the school again when our scholars (our group of kids) arrive and spend a weekend at the school interacting with these children.
The mural at the school the kids painted!
We tend to forget how good we have it because we never really escape the thing we call our life. We are too busy with our heads in our ass ( for lack of a better word) to even realize that are those who are less fortunate than ourselves, who can't even complain or even have an opportunity to complain because they are too busy trying to better themselves and live whatever life they can.
Check out the school's website if you want to learn more:
http://www.dandelionschool.org/a/ENGLISH/list_85_1.html
----------------------------------
On a different note....Today I had CPR and First Aid Training all day at Beijing United Hospital around my living quarters. It was such a long day, but I can finally say I can sorta, kinda, give CPR if needed! Sounds so convincing right? lol
I know how to tie an arm sling!
certified until 2015!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Back to Beijing once again!
I am thoroughly exhausted right now... I just came back from a staff
retreat camping weekend at Huang hua cheng section of the Great Wall
(also known as 水长城 Shui chang cheng).
It was a great experience and bonding session since we just started working together and will be together for the summer. We left Saturday morning early to take the shuttle up to the Great Wall. Once we made our way to the entrance, we hiked up to the camping site with our backpacks filled with food, supplies and tents.
This was my first time actually camping--like woods, bugs and pitching tent status! It was very exciting to learn about that and do all the outdoorsy things that came along with that...
We decided to wake up early to catch the sunrise today, but sadly due to the mountains we weren't able to watch the actual sunrise. It just kept getting brighter and brighter. While people went back to sleep, I decided to take that time to walk around the area and take photos. I climbed onto sections of the wall that said 'no climbing' but there was no one around so I did it. It was worth it because it was gorgeous!
Having that serenity around you just allows you to be so content with where you are in life. It also makes you wonder about the structure that was built so long ago and yet it still stands somewhat intact. All the effort, blood and sweat to build each and every brick.
I didn't climb all the way to the top where the towers were because 1. I'm scared of heights and also 2. I still respect part of the sign lol Even though I didn't go all the way, I definitely pushed my comfort zone and attempted the climb half way. The satisfaction of getting the view all to myself was worth it enough.
After the morning climb/stroll, went back to sleep for another hour before waking up to make pancakes with the rest of the team while it decided to rain. We had a tarp thankfully set-up last night so we weren't soaked when it poured around us.
After breakfast, we had to get ready to head back down to return to our retrospective homes. It feels so good to shower again! No lie, I am so sore right now from the hike, climbing, walking, and backpacking portion of the trip... I sound like a wimp lol
I have tomorrow off, so I hope to take that chance to sleep in and explore the city again. Wish me luck! I really hope I don't get lost because that would suck.
It was a great experience and bonding session since we just started working together and will be together for the summer. We left Saturday morning early to take the shuttle up to the Great Wall. Once we made our way to the entrance, we hiked up to the camping site with our backpacks filled with food, supplies and tents.
This was my first time actually camping--like woods, bugs and pitching tent status! It was very exciting to learn about that and do all the outdoorsy things that came along with that...
We decided to wake up early to catch the sunrise today, but sadly due to the mountains we weren't able to watch the actual sunrise. It just kept getting brighter and brighter. While people went back to sleep, I decided to take that time to walk around the area and take photos. I climbed onto sections of the wall that said 'no climbing' but there was no one around so I did it. It was worth it because it was gorgeous!
Having that serenity around you just allows you to be so content with where you are in life. It also makes you wonder about the structure that was built so long ago and yet it still stands somewhat intact. All the effort, blood and sweat to build each and every brick.
I didn't climb all the way to the top where the towers were because 1. I'm scared of heights and also 2. I still respect part of the sign lol Even though I didn't go all the way, I definitely pushed my comfort zone and attempted the climb half way. The satisfaction of getting the view all to myself was worth it enough.
After the morning climb/stroll, went back to sleep for another hour before waking up to make pancakes with the rest of the team while it decided to rain. We had a tarp thankfully set-up last night so we weren't soaked when it poured around us.
After breakfast, we had to get ready to head back down to return to our retrospective homes. It feels so good to shower again! No lie, I am so sore right now from the hike, climbing, walking, and backpacking portion of the trip... I sound like a wimp lol
I have tomorrow off, so I hope to take that chance to sleep in and explore the city again. Wish me luck! I really hope I don't get lost because that would suck.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Leaving..again to Asia!
Been a while since I've update this blog...about 7 months or so from my South East Asia tour (Thailand/Singapore/Malaysia).
After working a day job (receptionist gig) for half a year, it is time to leave the city again and head East towards China this time around. It has been about 3 or so years since I've been back to Beijing! Last time I was there, I was still in college!!
I'm really excited and nervous to join the J! team in Beijing as a Summer Program Facilitator and meet the great group of kids joining us this summer!
Hopefully I can by-pass the great firewall of China and update this blog when I have free time!
--off to get my visa and pack my summer life away!
After working a day job (receptionist gig) for half a year, it is time to leave the city again and head East towards China this time around. It has been about 3 or so years since I've been back to Beijing! Last time I was there, I was still in college!!
I'm really excited and nervous to join the J! team in Beijing as a Summer Program Facilitator and meet the great group of kids joining us this summer!
Hopefully I can by-pass the great firewall of China and update this blog when I have free time!
--off to get my visa and pack my summer life away!
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