Friday, November 14, 2014

10th to 14th November

10th November
So the Chef competitor who won the competition was only 2.2 points ahead of the second place competitor.  The winning Chef will now compete next year at the Mondial du Pain, which is held in Lyon, France.  Congratulations to him!!
I went to the school today, as it is mid-term week for the practical classes.  I wanted to see how I felt during the 4 to 5 hour class.  Since it was mid-term there was not a lot of movement involved for me so I had my ‘high’ chair and crutches nearby and observed from the front.
The students did extremely well and I was pleased with the outcome of their products.
12th November


Today is the “soft opening” of the new library.  When I arrived here in August of 2012 the ground area where the library is now located, was just a grassy field.  Construction for the library began in the winter of 2012 and progression ever since.  Amazing how this plot of empty land has transformed into what is there today.
I’ve attached the link to the library so you can see what it’s about.  Also check out the photos I have taken during the transformation and growth of the new library.
Opening ceremonies will commence at 13:30h and I’m not sure but I’m confident the Mayor of Kaohsiung will deliver a speech.  Election procedures for Mayor of Kaohsiung began many months ago and the election date is 29th November.  It’s imperative this library be open prior to election day to show the people of Kaohsiung the power of the existing Mayor and importance and dedication that has been provided to ensure the prompt opening of this library.
The grand opening I heard will be in January and the President of Taiwan will most probably attend.
Nicholas told me that all the books for the library have been donated by the people of Kaohsiung.  I cannot wait to go inside and view this amazing piece of architecture.
14th November
It’s Friday and the days/weeks are just zooming past.  I can’t believe I’ve been here 2 months already and 6 weeks since the scooter accident.
I ventured to school for the practical mid-term of my advanced baking and pastry students.  There’s not a lot of movement I must do for the class so I’m thinking it’s not going to be too challenging for me.
(5:00pm)…the class today was awesome and the students simply beyond just good.  I had this group of students 2 years ago and it was the best class I could ever ask for and I have them again for their final year.  Of course it’s up to them if they wish to pursue another 2 ½ years for their masters.  Many of them do not but some do.
Their final practical exam was the ‘Opera’ cake.  The entire class (48 students) were finished and graded plus had the lab scrubbed down by 11:30.  Class commenced at 8:00am. 
Nearing completion of the class the Director of baking and pastry came into class.  My teaching assistant said they wanted to present me with a small gift.  The students clapped, cheered and then the Director presented me a bag of HUGE apples.  One thing I noticed is that when one is sick or has been in hospital, that person is always give fruit for their well-being.  I have received so much fruit since my accident and it’s truly amazing and great feeling to receive this from people.
They wished me a speedy recovery and good health!
I had Peter come pick me up at 11:40 and then dropped me off at Costco.  I met Lee there and we did a little bit of shopping. 
Later in the day Lee and I decided to go across the street to visit the new library.  It is now open for the public to view and walk around. 
We were there for 2 hours but certainly didn’t seem that long.  There are 7 floors to the library with a rooftop terrace.  An amazing piece of architecture.
I’m quite sure that the library will be overly crowded both tomorrow and Sunday given it is the weekend hence why we went today.
The best part about this new library is that it is located directly across the street from my apartment.
I will get a library card (next week) and then books can be borrowed.  Looking forward to it. 

It has been a week full of exciting moments.

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