1st to 7th December

1^st to 7^th December

(Monday) As I was standing on the sidewalk at school waiting for Peter to come pick me up, a non-Asian female student was nearing to where I was standing.  As she approached closer I said ‘hi’ (in English) to her and she responded back. 

We began a short conversation until Peter arrived only moments later.  What I did learn is that she is an International student from Guatemala studying International Tourism Management and this is her first year.  She told me that she would spend four years here at NKUHT.

I smiled when she told me she thought her command of the Mandarin language was sufficient but has now come to realize it’s not. 

As I was leaving the building, some students had a table set up in the lobby and were selling something so I had to go over to see what it was all about.

The 2^nd year baking and pastry students were taking Christmas orders for their baked items.  They do this every year at this time and it’s very popular.

I order 4 sweet potato cake and 1 mocha Swiss roll.  All the money earned from the sale goes to the baking and pastry students who will then pay out their expenses and use the remainder for a class event (i.e. trip).  The students are graded on this sale from the marketing aspect, to the brochure they use to promote plus of course the quality of the baked goods and the quantity of how many they sell. 

They began the sale on Monday (1^st) and will continue until a few days prior to the delivery time (19^th)  I will give my orders to various people that go up and beyond to help me especially during these past 2 months since the accident.

(Tuesday) I sat in on the last hour of Paul’s hospitality 3-hour class today.  I have never sat in on any class of an NKUHT professor and wanted to observe their teaching practices.  I arranged this with Paul last week.

His class size was similar to mine with around 20 to 25 students.  I was observing the students at the same time I’m listening to Paul.  One thing in common is that it’s not only my class where some of the students seem to doze off and it’s time to answer a question – good luck in getting a reply.

I’m realizing that I’m speaking way to quickly and covering way too much content during my class time.  I would say that Paul covered maybe ½ of the content of what I would have covered in the same time frame.

Tonight after class I’m standing on the sidewalk again waiting for Peter and once again, the student from Guatemala was walking near to me so we exchanged greetings.  She was off to one of the labs to prepare Taiwanese treats.  She was saying that she joined some club and tonight they were being shown how to prepare these eats.

I was also invited by one of the students to come and watch some type of dancing that is being held near the residence tomorrow evening.  I would go if it were not for the crutches but these slow me down a lot and it’s not easy moving around for any prolonged periods of time.

Peter arrived at 6:30 as planned and off to home I went.

Once I arrived in the apartment Lee asked me if I was hungry and I was actually since I didn’t have lunch.  He had gone to one of the markets to purchase a variety of treats and wow they were tasty.  He then surprised me with dessert (we almost never eat dessert) and low and behold, it was shaved ice – my favourite.  This was the first time having this since the accident.  Oh how I love Taiwan J  Just check out the photos.

(Wednesday)

Lee and I made a hair appointment with Lee’s friend who is a hairdresser and just recently opened her own hair salon.  We arrived there shortly after 10am and she was ready for us.

As you can see by the photo, it’s a very quaint little place and she has chairs for 5 customers at one time.  Her husband is also part owner and hairdresser. 

While we were there, he came in and brought one of their two twin boys (around 1 year).  The other boy stays with Grandma, as the shop is not big enough to handle two 1 year olds running around.  It was funny watching him getting into everything but at the same time he was well behaved.

They also have an employee who was there helping with washing and other duties as she was assigned.

After leaving there I had Peter drop me off at a pastry equipment store as I needed to pick up something for next Monday’s class and the school does not have any of what I need.  Yes a little odd that a culinary school would not have these basic items but that’s just how it is and since I need them, I picked them up myself and will hang on to these small wares for future use with students.

This is now the second day this week (yesterday being first) that I have not turned on the A/C.  Yesterday’s temperature was around +18C and today is around +20.  I have windows open and a couple fans circulating the air and it’s very cool inside.  I love it!

(Friday)

Day 5 and still no need to turn on the A/C J

The morning temperature yesterday is the coldest to date with a low of 17C. and a slight drizzle.

Yesterday and today the M.O.E. (Ministry of Education) officials were at the school for evaluation.  Yesterday Sophie’s program (International Tourism Management) was being evaluated and today is the Paul’s program (International Bachelor of Chinese Culinary).

Paul had previously asked me to stick around after my morning class in case the committee members wanted to talk with me.

After my morning class (advanced baking and pastry) I went back to the office and was presented with a gourmet lunchbox, which was very good. (see photo)

Around 1:30 I asked Paul if he wanted me to stay longer so he went to the committee members and asked them if they wanted to talk with me and their response was no, not necessary so this was the end of my week and the weekend was only hours away, but no immediate plans.  I don’t really plan too much since the accident due to the fact it’s cumbersome and tiring moving about with the crutches.  I notice if I do too much, my arms ache and my leg begins to pain.  After all it has only been 9 weeks since the accident so the injury is relatively still young.

(Saturday / Sunday)

Didn’t do too much of anything this weekend (as usual since accident) but did get out and about both days for a good walk.  I will say that taking for granted what a leisurely walk comprises of will not allow me to think like that again.  After maybe 10 minutes of walking with the crutches I need to stop for a minute or two just to relax my arms and basically my body.

Lee and I went to the rooftop of the new library again since it was a nice cool sunny and breezy day.  While most people had on their hats and winter style coats, I’m walking around in shorts and a t-shirt.  +18C is still a warm temperature for me to be dressed the way I am.

Watched another couple of new movies (at least new to me) and that was sufficient.  As I probably mentioned in an earlier post, I have seen more movies since my accident (10 weeks ago) than I have seen during most of my life.  I’m not a TV / movie person as I cannot simply sit there and watch but now I have a legitimate excuse…hahaha

Lee went out and purchased some items for dinner (see photo) and watched a movie.

On Sunday I took Lee (or should I say we walked) to Yaletown Bistro.  Not far from the apartment (just on other side of new library – somewhat) and the day had again perfect weather conditions.

Kevin (owner) and his wife run this amazing eatery and I like to patronize it once and awhile simply because they are my friends and it’s good food. (Western not Asian)

We arrived around 12 noon and there were a few customers inside but half hour later it was crazy busy.  His business levels have picked up and one reason is because it’s the winter season here now and the cooler temperatures always bring the people inside.

Lee had never been there so I ordered a few different dishes for him to try (see photos) but of course we couldn’t finish it all so dinner is almost ready.

Anita was home with their children while Kevin was working today along with 4 new staff he recently hired.  Again, another good sign that business levels are up.

The bistro is very close to a large department store (Mega 21) so we walked over there and I sat outside on one of the benches soaking up some sun rays while Lee wanted to go up to the top floor where one of the largest bookstores in Taiwan is located.  Boy it felt good by simply sitting in the sun and listening to some music.  I try to get some outside time as much as possible and of course the exercise doesn’t hurt either.

A new week is just around the corner so will get everything ready for tomorrow’s practical baking and pastry class.