Training complete...

Well, I've finished my first week of teacher training and I can already tell that I've improved my lesson planning and presenting. It's been quite the week for trying to adjust to such a new culture and environment. There don't seem to be many people that speak English around here, and even with a guidebook or phrasebook, it's almost impossible to communicate. The language here is so difficult to pronounce, there's not guarantee that anything you say is right. It's also very, very hot and humid here. It's been in the 90s everyday since we arrived and will most likely stay that way for a few more weeks. I can tell that I'm getting used to it, but the heat and jet lag have made me very tired this week. As far as food goes, I've had my ups and downs. It's hard to even find somewhere to eat when there aren't any signs or menus in English. We've managed to find a few good places, and, yes, I've eaten at a McDonald's. But only once! I also tried to try jellyfish. It's not good. I did not succeed.

Generally people are pretty nice, and those that will try their English enjoy having us around. The few things that are really hard to get used to are that there is a lot of pollution, so it seems like it's hazy every day. I haven't really seen blue sky since I've been here. Makes it difficult to try to go running or anything, you just can't breathe the same. And the other thing is that people do tend to stare... I understand that I look different, and I was warned that people would look at me all the time, but you don't really know what it's like until it happens multiple times on a daily basis. It's a bit uncomfortable, but like all things, I'm sure I'll get used to it.

I finally have a weekend and some time free that doesn't have to be dedicated to writing lesson plans or anything so a group of us might check out some of the bars or clubs in the area. Hopefully I'll get to meet some locals and native English speakers as well! Then next week we observe experienced teachers in their schools, I'll get placed in my city, and move! I hope to have a little more free time during the week to explore and learn and catch up with people from back home! Until then... 晚安