Breakfast each day in Lijiang was at a cute Tibetan café across the street – eggs, toast, yogurt, fruit and coffee. A nice start to our busy days! Impression Lijiang Our first stop of the day was the show, “Impression Lijiang,” a spectacular extravaganza directed by Zhang Yi Mou, who also directed the opening ceremony … Continue reading Farewell China Tour (Day 2)
And we’re off … As soon as I knew this would be my last year working at Shanghai American School, I began planning my farewell tour through Southwest China and Tibet. My friend and colleague, Cath, was returning to Canada after two years, so she was eager to join me. For months, we talked and … Continue reading Farewell China Tour (Day 1)
Many visitors to India – especially those with limited time to explore the country – embark on a “Golden Triangle Tour.” The triangle comprises three key cities: * Delhi, India’s capital, with ruins of seven cities dating back almost a thousand years. * Agra, home of India’s most visited attraction, the Taj Mahal. * Jaipur, … Continue reading Ctrl+Alt+Jaipur wraps up my Golden Triangle tour
Leaving Delhi Wednesday morning, November 11, the smog was so thick one of the kids in our group asked, “Can the plane really take off in this?” Just an hour later, though, we looked out the plane windows at the snowcapped Himalayas and a sapphire sky. At Ladakh Sarai, our home for the next few … Continue reading Loving Life in Leh
Now that winter is summer and summer is winter, our school vacation schedule is upside down. For the last 15 years in Turkey, China, Laos, and India, we followed a North American calendar with a couple weeks off at Christmas and a longer summer break. In Chile, our “summer break” occurs now – from December … Continue reading Summer? Winter? Vacation! Part 1: Christmas in the USA
Recently, global news has filled my heart with sadness and anxiety. As a teacher of little kids, I try to maintain a light-hearted demeanor and a smile on my face. With adults, I joke about suppressing my feelings as I sing a song from the musical, “Book of Mormon.” When you start to get confused … Continue reading Dalai Lama brings bliss to American Embassy School
For the love of Peter Rabbit, as my Nana used to say, why am I still blogging about spring break?! It’s been more than a month. Well, here’s why: With less than four weeks before we head Stateside for the summer, life is crazy busy. My calendar is packed with the usual stuff in addition … Continue reading Chillin’ at the Dalai Lama’s residence