25th to 28th September

25 – 28 September

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficus_pumila_var._awkeotsang

This fruit is noted for the seeds used to making jelly.  A drink is made from this fruit and also can be eaten like ‘soft’ jell-0 in a dish.  Very refreshing and tasty.

The last couple days of the week (25^th, 26^th) were nothing special but simply two regular school days.

On my Thursday class (theory – introduction to Western Culinary), I find out that 75% of the second year students dropped out from the course (it’s an elective) so naturally I’m thinking OMG why!!

I’m hearing various reasons but the main one is that they seem to be afraid of any tests/exams that will be given throughout the semester.  I spoke with Paul about it as of course I’m concerned and he said that he will speak to them as it is a concrete course all culinary students should have but again, it’s not mandatory.  All the first year students have signed up for the course. 

I will say however, that the classroom I’m teaching in for this particular course is very ‘cramped’ or should I say it’s like an over-crowded classroom (in my opinion).  The classroom set-up for this level of education/adult students should be more advanced or at least spacious to conduce to comfortable learning.

I can barely fit myself into the desk that the students must use.

Friday is my advanced baking and pastry class with the same group of students I taught the first time I was here and they are an amazing group (to say the least).  They work together as if they’re bonded to one another; they are organized; they learn quickly; they are attentive; they are enthusiastic and above all they are most respectful.  I enjoy this class immensely.

Later in the evening I rode the scooter to Fengshan to visit Lee and I thought by riding after 8pm that rush hour would be over but I was mistaken.  It was crazy and I will say that my nerves are getting stronger and awareness somewhat sharper as one must be in riding among the scooters here.

27^th & 28^th

It’s election time in Kaohsiung for a new Mayor so rallies are everywhere along with advertising. 

It’s Lees sisters’ birthday today (Sunday) so we all got together at Café Bird with cake, latte and ice-cream (that we forgot)…haha

As I was riding (not far from my apartment), another scooter accident that just happened prior to my arrival.  It seems often than I’m witnessing more and more accidents.  Yes, I think about the risk one takes riding here but I’m not going to sit on my ass and simply walk or take taxi.  How does one immerse themselves into culture if they don’t do what the locals do??

The street the apartment is on was closed this morning due to another city mayor episode near the Exhibition Centre.

Monday tomorrow so another week begins and the time has gone by so quickly.  It will be one month this week that I arrived and seems like only yesterday.