Teaching and Living in Taiwan - Revisited : November 2014

Saturday, November 29, 2014

22nd to 30th November

22^nd to 30^th November

Not a lot has happened during the past week however there are a couple days worth mentioning.

Beginning on Wednesday was the start of International College Week. This comprised of all the International students from the various programs putting together food, fun and games for the next 3 days as part of an interschool activity. This is compulsory for the students and they are exempt from any classes that might be interrupted by this event.

The ‘show times’ for this took place during lunchtime or from around 10:30 to 14:00’ish.

The students in the program I teach prepared food (nothing more pleasing for everyone than tasting various food items. This has to be one of the highlights of my year, at this time.

All the students would take various shifts and tasks to prepare for these next 3 days.

Another highlight of the week was today (Friday) when it was time to return to the hospital for an 8-week x-ray follow-up.

At this point I’m slightly worried since last time I was there (4 weeks ago), the Doctor told and showed me how the pins inside had moved outward and he was concerned this could get worse.

I have been diligently attentive of this and being very cautious on how I move my leg and the stress that is put onto it.

So this morning being slightly worried but at the same time feeling good, I go through the procedure of having the x-ray taken then patiently waiting to go inside the office to see what the Doctor had to say.

At first he doesn’t say anything and glares at my x-ray. I know it is the x-ray of my leg as it’s the same format as the previous one. This has me slightly concerned then he turns and looks at me with a smile and said the healing of the bone looks good! Whewwwwf

I couldn’t have been more pleased to hear those words.

I had to shake his hand at that point and say thank you I think at least 3 times.

I could distinctly see the fracture line in the first x-ray and how it had almost disappeared on the second x-ray (taken today).

I will go back again in 4 weeks but during this time I will apply slightly more exercise/therapy to the leg (more movements) and can now place around 50% pressure on it but need to use the walking supports at all times. I’m not out of the woods quite yet. One more month of being very cautious still. I can live with that.

I will continue going back to the hospital for x-rays each month over a six-month period at which time I’m not sure how often I need to go back.

The Doctor said that full recovery will take upwards to 2 years. I have a feeling I could be walking with a cane for a while.

The nurse has now input all the information regarding my accident / medications etc. onto my ARC card so when and if I need to go to another hospital (in Taiwan), then my card will show all the necessary information. This is just another useful piece of support to carry around with me.

I asked the Doctor about having the pins removed in the future and he didn’t really give me a concrete answer but simply said a minimum of 2 years is required for full recovery. At that time he briefly mentioned that it could be my decision whether or not I wanted to have the pins removed or to stay. I’ll worry about that when the time comes but not anytime soon.

Had to pay for the x-rays (they took 3) plus the consultation = $550NTD = $20CDN

Lee was with me all this time as he needed to ask the Doctor for some specific papers so they can be sent in to the insurance company as we’re confident there will be some form of financial compensation. This insurance is mandatory for everyone to purchase if they ride a scooter. So will be interesting to see how much could be given if any at all but they’re confident some form of compensation will be given.

Now that everything is over and done with and I’m as happy as I could possibly be, we head off to Café Bird for a nice latte and visit with Nana. (Lee’s sister)

I ordered a cake from the Opera Café to present to her and her family as a thank you token of my appreciation for everything she does for me and continues to do so.

The pastry and baked goods here in Taiwan are of superior quality and rival any top pastry shop in a major city worldwide.

The day is not over but for me, I’m already riding on a high and it just cannot get any better.

Tomorrow (Saturday) is Election Day here in Kaohsiung (Mayoral) so let’s see what the day has to present. Will keep you posted.

Sunday (30^th)

Not too much excitement on the streets after yesterday’s election, which I thought there would have been but perhaps most people at home watching the results on TV.

The mayor elect was the continuing mayor (Chen Chu) and I’ve heard various opinions as to that’s good or not, everyone has their own personal opinion just as we do back home. She is the first female mayor of the city first elected in 2009.

Lee and I decided to walk to the nearby breakfast eatery (it’s closer than walking to the library). This would be good exercise for my leg and now that I can place the foot on the ground, it’s easier for maneuvering about.

One of the girls working at the eatery recognized Lee (she was the one always delivering breakfast to us). He told me afterwards she was asking why we walked there..hahaha

Breakfast seemed much more tastier being served fresh from the kitchen as opposed to eating it 15 minutes later, steamed and kept in a box. I think delivery is now out of the question.

Today I will go over my lesson for tomorrow and simply sit back and relax. (seems I’ve been doing this ever since the accident)

Watch another 1 or 2 movies and enjoy my lattes.

A new week is just around the corner as is a new month. The 12^th month of the year and I cannot believe how fast this year has gone by. Christmas is just around the corner.

29th November Kaohsiung Mayoral Election Day 2014

Post Injury Check-Up - 8 Weeks

Dr. Li (surgeon) with his students

Fracture is fusing together - a good sign!

Waiting Area

X-Ray rooms adjacent to Doctors' Offices

Breakfast Eatery Very Close To Apartment

Similar to Clubhouse

Egg crepe with bacon

Grilled carrot cake (not what you are thinking)

Hazelnut Cake for Nana - Thank You Appreciation

Cake for Nana

Opera Cafe Pastry Varieties

Friday, November 21, 2014

15th to 21st November

15^th – 21^st November

This has nothing to do with my teaching in Taiwan but I want to shout out huge congratulations to my cousin who amazingly placed 3^rd (in her age/gender division) in the Arizona Ironman that was held today. She placed an overall 276^th out of 3202 competitors. She now qualifies to compete in the Kona Ironman in October 2015. We’re all so proud of you Jenn Ogg. (London Police Officer and athlete)

Nothing too out of the ordinary this past week but that’s not saying it’s boring either J

I go to school and teach what I can despite my circumstances and I have to say that the students demonstrate over and above their respect towards me.

It doesn’t matter whether they know me or not, simply if I’m walking (with crutches) anywhere on campus, a student will approach me and ask if I need assistance. Many of them will simply take that bag I’m carrying and carry it for me to wherever I’m going.

I don’t see a lot of that happening around Humber or Canada for that matter.

At school on Monday was a visiting professor from the University of Florida who was talking to faculty of the Culinary / F&B / Baking departments about various teaching methodologies and modalities. I was to attend however after my 5 hour class in the morning, my leg gave me a lot of pain and I simply wasn’t comfortable staying longer at the school. Yes, perhaps I’m pushing myself too much and too early still, even though it has now been 6 weeks since the accident. The Doctor did say that it would be at least 3 months before healing takes place.

I vented slightly to Paul today after class about my inability to move like I’m use to which is affecting my attitude, enthusiasm and mental state. I cannot acclimatize myself easily to my situation and it’s challenging for me to say the least. For me not to move around with 100% mobility is driving me crazy.

It’s Tuesday and my theory class doesn’t begin until 4:30 and finishes at 6:30 so not so challenging today for me. I’m taking in some treats I purchased on the weekend for the students as a few of them like to sleep during class. I know the material is dry and I agree cannot be the most exciting but I throw in videos and talk about real-life situations.

I remember a couple weeks ago when I asked the students why do they fall asleep and why are they so anxious and excited when class finishes at 6:30 and the reply was that they are hungry and at 6:30 after class their peers just finish a practical cooking lab and bring them food…hahaha So I think the small chocolates might give them enough energy to stay awake for most of the class.

NEW LIBRARY OPENING VIDEO

http://youtu.be/msEhnQQQjRw

One has to respect and appreciate the passion the Kaohsiung People have towards their city.

I’m now an official member of the Kaohsiung Library and apparently I can use my membership at any public library in the city.

There are 7 floors of the library and each floor has a variety of English printed books. I have not browsed around as it’s too challenging for me at this time due to the crutches but I hope soon to take a good walk about.

The check-out and return processes are quite user friendly and convenient. Both are automated but of course you can always use the face to face process.

There is an automated machine whereby you scan your ID and then scan the book(s) you are borrowing and that’s it, good to go. Upon returning, there is an automated machine on the ground level and the same process applies. Then you simply place your book in the area where the door opens and then it closes and your book is then whisked away to somewhere. Love the system.

Today (Wednesday) Lee and I went to his sister’s café (Café Bird) for lunch and it was very good. Had a huge salad that we shared plus a latte. I asked Nana (Lee’s sister) to prepare a sandwich for take out and I gave it to Peter. He likes sandwiches and Café Bird prepares delicious food.

Well, we exited the café and stood (with crutches in hand) by the curb waiting for Peter then as he approached I was the first off the curb onto the street to move forward towards where Peter would stop. I looked forward instead of down and would you know, my left crutch went into a hole that was in the street. The crutch went down at least a foot or until it reached part of the crutch that divided outward so it couldn’t go down any further. The opening was just large enough the crutch fell in. My God what a jolt it was for me and because of that I abruptly moved my right leg unintentionally and it gave a bit of a twist. I shouted out for all to hear that’s for sure….yikes I’m thinking I sure hope I didn’t do any damage.

I’m getting so fed up with this injury now it’s pushing my limitation of patience.

Home now, had another latte…I’ve calmed down.

Tonight (20^th) myself and Jasmine (International Office) administered the Humber English Exam for interested NKUHT students wanting to do their 1 year study at Humber commencing next July 2015.

There were approximately 100 students who showed up for writing the exam and they had 1.5 hours to complete it. It consisted of 2 essay type questions. Most of the students were finished in 1 hour and 15 minutes.

I left around 7:30 and Peter (taxi) had already arranged one of his friends to meet me at the front entrance of the administration building to drive me home.

As soon as I sat in the taxi and stopped shuffling about, I became aware of the music he was playing. I was taken back to my early childhood days (60’s). Just as we were exiting the grounds of the school, the song ‘lemon tree’ began playing. This was being sung by ‘Peter, Paul & Mary’ and OMG as much as I didn’t want to listen to that genre of music, I was mesmerized and taken back in time. The next few songs being played were all from that era and just brought back childhood memories. I will say that the ride home was quite relaxing to say the least.

I texted Lee to ask him be ready for going over to the new library to take some night shots. The lighting on the new library is quite impressive and draws a lot of people for a leisure walk about. A relaxing end to a long day.

Friday (21^st)

My morning advanced baking and pastry class would be my first time with this class since accident I would attempt the practical component. Monday’s class was the first of this week and it was exhausting for me. (5-hour class) Today’s class is 4hours.

I did the demo with the assistance of my teaching assistant and one other student. It is slightly awkward standing in one position and alternatively having to sit down during the demo portion but everything worked out good and sure I was a little tired at the end but still had energy and good motivation. This is due to the energy level these students give.