Overheard on the bus "I was just explaining sarcasm to some Iranians in a bar."
glad to be home. I am on the bus next to a nodding junkie because all blue line trains are bound for Wonderland and couldn't be happier. Thought I was headed home to an empty house but SURPRISE there'll be a Z to meet me! Perfect end to a perfect trip.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Sunday (Your Saturday!)
I tasted Marmite today, and learned some of the names that New Zealanders call their coffee.
(Marmite is a paste that tastes and looks a lot like Soy Sauce. If you want a cup of coffee, you must ask for a long black, and if you want a double latte you request a “flat white”. My friend inquired, what do you call a single latte?” and the Kiwi we brunched next to said “Thet's jest a lette.” I've been working hard on my Kiwi accent. It's a really tricky one to imitate. So the word that I like to hear New Zealanders say is “Enthusiastic”.)
I arrived yesterday morning and spent the day walking around in the sun, which I believe is why I haven't suffered much jet lag. (I'm knocking wood as I type that. It isn't too late, I hear.) I met my friend Julie at the airport and we headed to her friend's house. This morning, we met with the rest of our group, and they are a smart bunch. We haven't set foot in a school, or begun a single “formal” discussion, but at brunch, I discussed play ground structures, looping and multi-age classrooms and what it means to “do” diversity, multi-cultural or anti-biased curriculum. Whew! We've arrived at the retreat center which will be our home base for the next five days and it's lovely. The place is an old monastary and is still owned by the Anglican church, so the rooms are small but the view is beautiful and humbling. I'm looking forward to dinner and then an early morning tomorrow.
(Marmite is a paste that tastes and looks a lot like Soy Sauce. If you want a cup of coffee, you must ask for a long black, and if you want a double latte you request a “flat white”. My friend inquired, what do you call a single latte?” and the Kiwi we brunched next to said “Thet's jest a lette.” I've been working hard on my Kiwi accent. It's a really tricky one to imitate. So the word that I like to hear New Zealanders say is “Enthusiastic”.)
I arrived yesterday morning and spent the day walking around in the sun, which I believe is why I haven't suffered much jet lag. (I'm knocking wood as I type that. It isn't too late, I hear.) I met my friend Julie at the airport and we headed to her friend's house. This morning, we met with the rest of our group, and they are a smart bunch. We haven't set foot in a school, or begun a single “formal” discussion, but at brunch, I discussed play ground structures, looping and multi-age classrooms and what it means to “do” diversity, multi-cultural or anti-biased curriculum. Whew! We've arrived at the retreat center which will be our home base for the next five days and it's lovely. The place is an old monastary and is still owned by the Anglican church, so the rooms are small but the view is beautiful and humbling. I'm looking forward to dinner and then an early morning tomorrow.
Friday, February 19, 2010
speed blogging
I'm in an internet cafe on Queen's street and I only have 8 minutes left.
Why am I in a subterranean internet "cafe" (only, no food or drink ?!) hours after landing here when I could be outside trekking to a park or sitting by the harbor? Because our very brilliant plan failed. Jules and I made a fantastic plan, BUT I think she gave me her calling card number instead of her friend's number. (a perfectly ordinary error). The only problem is that I was supposed to meet up with Jules + friend by calling the friend. Whoops. So, I think I need to go BACK to the airport to meet up with J when she comes in around 5. This has been a real adventure. Auckland rocks so far. How did we live without cell phones!
Hightlights:
Instead of "Yield" signs here tell you to "Give way". They also entreat you to give bikes 1.5 m (!) instead of only three feet. The only news from the US that I've heard is about Tiger Woods' public apology.
Why am I in a subterranean internet "cafe" (only, no food or drink ?!) hours after landing here when I could be outside trekking to a park or sitting by the harbor? Because our very brilliant plan failed. Jules and I made a fantastic plan, BUT I think she gave me her calling card number instead of her friend's number. (a perfectly ordinary error). The only problem is that I was supposed to meet up with Jules + friend by calling the friend. Whoops. So, I think I need to go BACK to the airport to meet up with J when she comes in around 5. This has been a real adventure. Auckland rocks so far. How did we live without cell phones!
Hightlights:
Instead of "Yield" signs here tell you to "Give way". They also entreat you to give bikes 1.5 m (!) instead of only three feet. The only news from the US that I've heard is about Tiger Woods' public apology.
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