Shanghai Wild Animal Park - Field Trip

Teacher Halloween Party!

Every year, the teachers at SHSID get together and throw a huge Halloween party in the apartments. It's a great way to hang out and meet new teachers that work in other buildings across campus. This year there were some really great costumes. From cave-people, to Chinese tourists, Scooby Doo and Blind Mice, everyone certainly got into the Halloween spirit!

Trick or Treat - from 1st grade!

One of the best things about working at an international school in China is having the ability to celebrate holidays properly! The week leading up to Halloween was dedicated to all things fall, from making scarecrows and jack-o-lantern cut-outs, to Halloween noun chains. I taught my kids Halloween songs and dances and even dedicated one class to decorate pumpkins!
The Friday before Halloween, all the teachers and students dressed up in their scariest, prettiest, funniest, or cutest costumes. We spent the day trick or treating, eating yummy treats, making Halloween crafts and doing lots of (educational) Halloween activities!

Hey Seoul Sister (Korea!)

I knew I was going to love Korea as soon as I began walking in the airport and found the ice skating rink! What an ice skating rink was doing in the middle of an airport.... I have NO idea but I fully support it and loved every second! Before embarking on our journey I did lots of research (via lonely planet and asking friends)about Korea, yet I still had no idea what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to find the city of Seoul was not only extremely westernized but among the BEST shopping I have experienced in Asia! OMG! It was incredible! The clothes were all SO CUTE and I couldn't get enough of the shoes and bags (and even socks!) All I know for certain is that it's a GOOD thing I don't live there because I would never be able to save any money with shopping as great as it was in Seoul! Unfortunately, the prices are very comparable to the states, so we weren't getting the good deals we're used to in China, but for a quick 5 day trip I certainly wasn't going to complain!

Among the amazing shopping, we also ate tons of yummy foods! I'm not one to typically eat street food (especially at home in Shanghai) yet for some reason whenever I'm traveling, I think it's a good idea to try everything! We ate lots of Kimchi, Seafood pancakes, and delicious Korean BBQ!

Although it may seem like we didn't do anything but shop and eat, I promise we got our educational experiences in as well. We visited both the Korean War Museum as well as the DMZ (DeMilitarized Zone)which separates North and South Korea. It was very interesting to see and experience the hope South Korea has for unification of Korea though the peace flags and video clips when visiting the DMZ.

a visit from my fairy godmother (and curt!)

Last week, I was lucky enough to have a very special visit from my fairy godmother and Curt! We had a great time walking around Shanghai! We went on a river cruise along the Bund, went shopping in the Old City, got massages, went to the pearl market, had clothes made at the fabric market, went to a comedy show, ate lots of delicious meals together, and even went to a Cirque de Sole show.... all in ONE WEEKEND!!! It was wonderful having them fly in for a quick visit!!!

back for round two!!

Over the summer, I honestly couldn't wait to get back to China, my friends, and my SHSID family. With that said, upon returning to Shanghai this year I can't help but admit that I was a bit nervous. Last year, I fell in love with Shanghai, a city I now call home, and everything about it; but a feeling of anxiety was still among me. I was worried that as soon as I arrived I would wonder what the heck I was thinking signing on for another year. Of my 4 best friends from last year, 2 are back in the states, while the other 2 now live off campus, it was hard to imagine what it would be like without having them around everyday to watch movies and have dinner parties together.

But with Meili'an by my side, I put my worries behind me and went full force into meeting new teachers, making new friends, and adjusting to round two at SHSID!

I couldn't be happier with my decision to do one more year here. I have a new co-teacher, Ms. Chris, who I absolutely adore and new students that never cease to make my days a little brighter. They are all precious angels and I am so excited to be given the chance to spend the next 10 months opening their minds to learning!

Indian Princesses!

After an incredible 2 weeks in Nepal; Rebecca, Tricia, and I were off to India while Camden headed back to the States. Having heard many mixed reviews of India we decided it would be best to book a private tour for our time. Our tour included a driver, guides in each city, hotel stays, and breakfast each morning. We visited Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra and had an absolutely amazing time! As always, I feel in love with the adorable little children walking around and have promised that I will one day return!