The 3rd of July
I can't believe the 4th of July is tomorrow. I am surprised how far the US seems. I barely keep up with the political news or any other news. (I check Gallup's tracking poll and the NY Times front page and little else)
I am gradually remembering my market level Malaysian. Still walking up to people every block or so to ask directions - today I got myself royally disoriented so the typical answer was "that is very far." I had planned to take a bus to a nearby mall. From what I have learned thus far only one bus goes there. After waiting nearly 40 minutes - I gave up and decided that I will take a cab the next time I try. My anticipated fish dinner was put off and replaced by mee goreng (fried noodles) and lemonade at the Guest House. My disappointment was softened by the 5 ringitt (less than US$2) charge.
Today's major projects were attending orientation and getting a library card. Orientation included a lot of emphasis on the students taking responsibility for their work and learning, a bit of prodding to get them to ask questions, and the normal drill on objectives and curriculum. It was like revisiting my past life.
To get my library card I needed a copy of my contract and passport. I had decided that my passport could be temporarily put aside - wrong. So I had an extra trip to the Guest House. I will get the desparately needed card tomorrow. I had to go back to the guest house a second time to get a photo for the card. So even without being lost I get to do a lot of hiking. I verified that the library has books on the shelf which will help me make good progress in putting together a good syllabus.
Odds & ends - sign of the day "Best Practices for the Hajj" - I'll try to remember to get a photo. Also, we had thunderstorms and heavy rain last night/this morning, so the Department's printing capacity was kaput. It has been raining nearly every day since I arrive (29 June). I just hope that the heavy rains aren't followed by draught. I am told that this is an unusuallly early start to the rainy season.
I am gradually remembering my market level Malaysian. Still walking up to people every block or so to ask directions - today I got myself royally disoriented so the typical answer was "that is very far." I had planned to take a bus to a nearby mall. From what I have learned thus far only one bus goes there. After waiting nearly 40 minutes - I gave up and decided that I will take a cab the next time I try. My anticipated fish dinner was put off and replaced by mee goreng (fried noodles) and lemonade at the Guest House. My disappointment was softened by the 5 ringitt (less than US$2) charge.
Today's major projects were attending orientation and getting a library card. Orientation included a lot of emphasis on the students taking responsibility for their work and learning, a bit of prodding to get them to ask questions, and the normal drill on objectives and curriculum. It was like revisiting my past life.
To get my library card I needed a copy of my contract and passport. I had decided that my passport could be temporarily put aside - wrong. So I had an extra trip to the Guest House. I will get the desparately needed card tomorrow. I had to go back to the guest house a second time to get a photo for the card. So even without being lost I get to do a lot of hiking. I verified that the library has books on the shelf which will help me make good progress in putting together a good syllabus.
Odds & ends - sign of the day "Best Practices for the Hajj" - I'll try to remember to get a photo. Also, we had thunderstorms and heavy rain last night/this morning, so the Department's printing capacity was kaput. It has been raining nearly every day since I arrive (29 June). I just hope that the heavy rains aren't followed by draught. I am told that this is an unusuallly early start to the rainy season.
posted by Liz at
7:11 PM
1 Comments:
And I am discovering the issues related to "long distance" telephones. The mantra today was...the circuits are busy, not a valid number, and unanswered phones. The problems appeared to be on both ends of the telephone systems.
I guess I will need to take up to the old systems. Write a letter
By
bogordoug, At
July 4, 2008 at 2:26 AM
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