Our Chinese Whispers

2010-04-04T09:17:00.000+09:00

We have moved.... please visit our new blog.

chempsky.wordpress.com

Claudia in Grade 2

2010-02-05T18:57:00.007+09:00

Here are a selection of photos from Claudia at school. I pulled these from the class website. None of these shots are going to win prizes for photography but I think give a nice picture of the cool things she gets up to in school. Sometimes I look at the education our kids get and I just shake my head at how lucky they are.

Maths Games

Sporting Chance Ribbons - for running in the 400m

Making plaster moulds in Art

Teaching her Buddy to use the computer

International Day

2010-01-16T09:55:00.004+09:00

We celebrated International Day yesterday at WAB. International Day is such a fun day in our school calendar and it always amazes me to see how many different nationalities are in our school and I love to see all the children dressed in their national dress. Being Aussie makes the whole national dress thing hard but the Ciempka's dragged their Aussie gear out and donned the red, white and blue. I think the Ciempka ladies looked fantastic, Paul on the hand was a disgrace........ the photos say it all. Let's just say there were a lot of offer for counselling for the girls from many members of the WAB community.

Emily and the Miao People

2009-12-17T20:59:00.003+09:00

Emily is studying Symbolism at school and the Miao People (pronounced the same as the noise a cat makes) have a lot of symbolism in the dress and culture. Here are some shots from their visit.

Someone gave her a big pencil for her birthday.... only Emily would use it at school!

Claudia's New Haircut

2009-12-14T20:49:00.002+09:00

She had been hassling me for a fringe - I gave in. If she says one more time, "I look like a completely new person." I will go crazy. I like it, Paul isn't so keen.

Lets hope it encourages her to brush her hair a bit more often?

Claudia's Art Show

2009-12-14T16:00:00.003+09:00

Emily is 9u

2009-12-10T20:32:00.001+09:00

Emily turned 9 this week. She celebrated at school and is having a slumber party Friday night.

Here is her at school and the amazing cake I made her.

Xi'An

2009-11-30T20:53:00.004+09:00

We have just returned from an wonderful weekend in Xi'An. Xi'An is the home of the Terracotta Warriors and a place I have always wanted to visit.

In true Ciempka style, our plane was cancelled due to fog and snow so we had to catch the overnight train to Xi'An. This was no where near as bad I as I thought it was going to be. We had our own little cabin with 4 bunks and it only smelt slightly of cigarettes. Which in China is a miracle. I think the true highlight of the trip was trying to use the squatty potties on the train with out falling in as the trian swayed its way across China.

Once we made it to Xi'An, we headed straight for the Warriors. They certainly lived up to my expectations. It would have helped if it wasn't - 10 degrees inside the hall and and we could have stayed longer with out freezing! I could have looked at them for hours.

We explored Xi'An, the city wall, the Muslim Quarter, the Wild Goose Pavillion and some markets and Muslim Mosques. It really was a lovely weekend!

These photos show just how cold it was.

Emily's Living Wax Museum

2009-11-20T12:50:00.003+09:00

My Amazing Brother

2009-11-18T19:04:00.003+09:00

My brother Doug is a chiropractor who is in Africa working voluntary for 6 weeks working with people who are living in poverty, refugees, rape and violence victims and sick. I just want to take the opportunity to tell him how proud I am of him, inspired by him and think he is doing an amazing thing.

Doug your life will never be the same. We are one of the lucky ones.

More Beijing Snow

2009-11-10T20:33:00.003+09:00

From the title you can tell it snowed again today.

The best part about the snow today was that it was a Tuesday and it was heavy and that can only mean one thing......... SNOW DAY!!!!!

For an Aussie that means nothing really but if you live in a cold climate it means a day off. The Ciempka's made the most of their snow day.

Inches and inches of thick, powdery snow. I am so trying not to think about the fact that the Chinese government sent rockets up into the clouds to seed the clouds to make it snow. The reason why....... President Obama is coming to town next week and everything must be done to ensure blue skies.

I am not thinking about the chemicals or the reasons, I am thinking about the fun.

If this family shot appears on your Christmas card, don't be surprised.

Emily the Artist

2009-11-03T20:23:00.003+09:00

Emily works really hard at school - well sometime. I am more concerned that she is still reversing her 3's! Or maybe she has changed her name to Emilyer?

First Snow of the Season

2009-11-01T21:17:00.004+09:00

I have not been looking forward to winter and thank God it has taken ages for the cold to arrive at our doorstep.

Saturday was a glorious sunny, warm winter morning.

Sunday morning Miss Claudia sits up in bed (our bed, I might add) and states, "Cool it is snowing!" Much to our surprise it was and in November too!

It snowed all day here and so much fun was had making snow men and enjoying the snow. No matter how many times you see it, you never get sick of it, well I don't.

Tri Tri Triathalon

2009-10-05T18:28:00.003+09:00

WAB held a triathalon for grades 3 and up and a biathalon for Grades 1 and 2. Both my sporting ladies entered.

Emily had to swim 150m, run 1.5 kms and ride 2km.

Claudia had to swim 75 m and run 400m.

Both girl's did an amazing job and I was so proud of them.

First Day of School

2009-09-03T21:56:00.003+09:00

Another school year has started. Emily is in Grade 3 and Claudia is in Grade 2.

(Claudie and Miss Cath)

Paul is teaching Kindergarten (5 year olds) and I am teaching Infant Art (2 - 7 year olds)

(Em and Mrs Rung)

It is now week three and we have all settled into routine and are enjoying our second year in Beijing. The girls are keen to start sporting activities and after school activities. Both girls are having private music lessons this year. Emily has just started to learn the flute and Claudia is learning the violin. Paul and I are investing in ear plugs very soon.

(Daddy giving the golden handshake)

Beautiful Boracay

2009-09-01T20:45:00.004+09:00

Second stop on our summer holiday was Boracay. This place is truly magical

We spent 10 days soaking up the sun, swimming, snorkeling, feeding fish, exploring islands and just enjoying this magical place. The girls swam at the beach all day and Paul and I rested and relaxed and read many books. This was so needed as this year was a big one for us with the move to Beijing and all that has happened. It was an exciting year big nevertheless.

I suppose one of the most memorable experiences for us happened even before we got to Boracay. We were delayed 2 days in Manilla due to a tropical storm. When we were finally able to leave Manilla, our plane over shot the run way in Cataclan and crashed into a paddock near by. No one was hurt, but we were shaken a little. It didn't really dawn on me how close we came to being seriously hurt, till we had to jump out the back of the plane into the paddock and walk back along the runway. Let's just say, I won't be in a hurray to repeat that again.

Hong Kong Disneyland

2009-08-08T15:05:00.006+09:00

The first stop on our Summer holidays was Hong Kong Disneyland. We spent two days there and it is truly a magical place.

I think our girls were the perfect age for this park. It is geared more for the younger kids.

This summer the focus was on Lilo and Stich - so there were plenty of photo ops to be had.

Claudia - a year in review

2009-06-03T08:39:00.006+09:00

Claudia's teacher made this awesome flcker site and so I downloaded every photo my child we in the site. What it has done is made a beautiful record of all the fu she has had in a year.

Student Led Conferences

Dr Suess's Birthday

100 Days of School

Great Wall Gala

2009-05-31T21:21:00.003+09:00

Somedays I just feel like the luckiest person alive. We had the chance to go to the ANZA Gala dinner on the Great Wall. We sat on the wall dressed in our best frocks, sipping champagne and watching the sun set over the Great Wall as music from Hunters and Collectors and other great Aussie and NZ bands played.

This has been one of the most memorable nights ever for me. I think the highlight was the last song, "I Still Call Australia Home." There we were, a group of Aussies and Kiwis (but they don't really count do they?) standing on the Great Wall singing at the top of our voices. By the end of the song I was in tears. As I said, we are one of the lucky ones.

American Idol Final

2009-05-25T10:09:00.002+09:00

Well it is sad but true - we have been overtaken by American Idol fever. Whilst nothing can take the place of Australian Idol - American Idol is a whole lot of fun.

At work we had a tipping comp from round 1 and held a final night party to watch the finale on the big screen. A lot of fun was had by all. I lost some cash, but that is life.

I am NOT happy about Adam not winning, but I need to get over that.

Thailand-again

2009-05-14T21:52:00.004+09:00

If I ever complain about my life please hit me. I have just come back form a week in Thailand on a training course. I was lucky enough to be trained as a Workshop Leader for PYP - In English, I was learning to teach other teachers how to teach a new system of teaching. Anyway, Thailand was great and fun and ferrally hot. Here a selection of shots from the trip. There are heaps more on my photography blog.

The upside of the trip is I am off to India in October for my first workshop - very excited.

Bowling Bliss

2009-05-13T22:40:00.003+09:00

Em's best friend Ciara and her twin Daniel had a bowling party and here are some shots of her in action.

I have to be honest, I am blown away at how tall she is getting. I think she gets taller every day.

Thanks Heidi for the photos.

Generation Gap

2009-04-21T18:48:00.001+09:00

I fell in love with this old man the minute I saw him. He was visiting the Bird's Nest. His clothes tell me he is from the country (he is still wearing the traditional dress from the Cultural Revolution days) and so did his responses - he kept walking around looking and touching everything. He was so amazed by the cameras and he kept looking at my camera and wanting to see what it did, to be more specific what the digital screen on the back did.

This shot below is my favourite one, he just could not stop watching anyone take photos.

He is looking at a stranger here.

Parenting Tips #1

2009-04-19T10:39:00.005+09:00

A parent should always carefully monitor their children's wardrobe choice until they are 18 and never ever let Daddy choose their clothes.

Otherwise this could happen.

Spring is Here

2009-04-16T21:44:00.002+09:00

Spring is finally here. I am so happy. It is amazing how great you feel when everywhere you look you seen colour. The flowers and spring colours are gorgeous, it is a shame that Spring last for such a short time.... lucky there are cameras.

Of course I need to pop my little princesses in this post too.

Spring Break

2009-04-06T11:25:00.002+09:00

Mum is here and we are having a holiday for Spring Break. One glorious week to be exact. Winter seems to finally saying goodbye to us and we are seeing little buds all over the trees.

We went away for a few days to a resort at the foot of the Great Wall, actually the wall ran through the resort. This part of the wall is an unrestored one. We spent 4 hours one the first day climbing it. It didn't look nearly as steep as it was from the ground. It was hard work, exhausting, at times terrifying, but more importantly .... amazing. The view from the top was beautiful.

Claudia the Super Star.

2009-04-03T22:37:00.008+09:00

The girls have been playing around with the movie feature on my computer and here are some of their productions.

The New House

2009-03-31T10:42:00.005+09:00

The Kitchen

Downstairs - to the kitchen

Dining room.

Lounge Room

Entry Hall

Looking down to the lounge room from the second floor.

Emily and Claudia's bathroom.

Emily's bedroom.

Claudia's Bedroom.

Emily and Claudia's playroom.

Our ensuite

Our dressing room

Paul's and my bedroom - still decorating.

Our street

Grade 1,2 and 3 Musical

2009-03-28T22:35:00.004+09:00

I feel like lately all my images are Claudia - this is not intentional. She has had a few things on of late. Last week we had her musical - the Grade 1, 2 and 3 musical. She did a singing role - which was very cute.

We are now on holidays so hopefully some shots of the rest of us coming soon.

Artist Emily

2009-03-23T17:08:00.004+09:00

Em hard at work in Art - she is making a mask.

Robot Claudia

2009-03-22T21:42:00.002+09:00

Grade 1 had it's art show this week.

Miss Claudia had to be robot.

I got stuck with the job of making her costume.

I think she was the cutest robot ever.

My Faves

2009-03-14T11:13:00.002+09:00

Here is a selection of all my favourite photos from 2008

Harbin - the end!!!!!

2009-03-14T10:31:00.004+09:00

Finally the end of our harbin shots - man I am a slacker.

The highlight of the trip for the girls was a trip to the Disney Ice land - Claudia was in 7th heaven, all her favourite characters in the one place.

More Harbin - there is a lot to share...

2009-03-05T21:47:00.006+09:00

If I haven't mentioned it already - it was cold in Harbin. I mean really cold. I don't normally mind the cold so much, but here, you could not avoid it - and all the crap you need to have with you to keep you warm... gloves, scarves, beanies, jackets, and the list goes on. You know it is cold when you see ice-cream sitting in boxes on the street and they are not melting.

Yep, the boat is not going anywhere any time soon!

So, I think I have made my point, it was cold .... and then we saw this! These guys were out in minus 14 degree weather swimming!!!!!! I am not going to even mention their choice in swimsuits. The tough ones actually go barefoot, but you have to be careful you don't stick to the ice.

Here are the Ciempka's in an ice bar - we are all trying to look drunk... Yes great parents we are.

Harbin is right up near the Russian border and there is a lot of Russian influence here - this is a beautiful Russian church we saw.

Emily the ice musician.

Ok - these are the most delicious snacks ever. They are fruit rolled in toffee. They are so good it is hard to stop at one!

Harbin - continued

2009-02-24T18:47:00.005+09:00

These photos were taken at the snow sculpture park - this was quiet amazing. Each year the sculpture pay homage to different countries, this year was Finland.

I kept touching these because I could not believe they were snow.

The girl's had a dog sled ride - I think Paul and I were more excited than they were. Still it is something they are unlikely to do on the Gold Coast.

Claudia being swallowed by some Finnish God! Not that this photo isn't set up or anything.

We went to see the Siberian Tigers - I don't know about you but I thought tigers lived in tropical places, I was wrong. I loved being able to see these amazing animals up close, but it did break my heart to see them in captivity. The plan is to release these tigers into the wild one day, but most have been there up to 7 years - don't think they are being released anytime soon.

With the tour you could have either the vegetarian trip or the meat lovers trip - I am being completely serious! On the meat lovers trip they throw live animals from the bus to feed the tigers.... needless to say we took the vegetarian version.

Harbin - the lovely... Harbin the cold!

2009-02-17T21:56:00.004+09:00

We were so lucky to be able to go to Harbin for the weekend. Harbin is up in Northern China (90 minute flight from Beijing), just near the boarder to Russia. Harbin is famous for its ice and snow sculptures, it is also famous for being very cold.

We were lucky the weekend we were there, it only got down to -10! It was a wonderful weekend , I am only posting tonight the pictures from one of the ice parks.... as you may have guessed, I took lots of photos.

We spent two hours here at this park... we could have spent hours more, but it was way too cold. Everything and I mean everything here was made of ice. I had to keep touching things because I could not believe they were ice. Apparently it takes 20 days to create this park. Well 2 days and a lot of people, so our guide told us!

I think the highlight for the girls was the ice slide, we put them in their ski suits to keep warm, but it actually made them fly down the slide... I couldn't even get a photo of Emily because she

went so fast, but we did hear her, she cheered and screamed the whole way down.

Chinese New Year - Australia Day all rolled into one.

2009-02-13T15:07:00.007+09:00

You know you live internationally when one day you welcome the year of the cow with the Chinese people and the next day celebrate Australia Day. We celebrated Aussie Day by donning our best Australia gear, having a leg of lamb and then braving the sub zero temperatures to light fireworks. You can buy boxes of fireworks here very cheaply - now these are not firecrackers, I am talking about professional fireworks, you light a wick and run. Needless to say Paul was in his element.

I have never seen or experienced fireworks like what we saw on Chinese New Year - hours and hours of deafening bangs - I think I understand what living in a war zone might feel like. These photos are shot from my balcony out across Beijing - they truly do not do it justice.

In our bestest Aussie gear... yes it was cold !

Emily is holding fireworks here!

Welcome the Year of the Cow.

2009-02-05T16:33:00.004+09:00

Chinese New Year is huge here - I wonder why? Anyway there are decorations everywhere to bring in the New Year - this year is year of the cow.

These shots were taken at the local shopping centre just after the New Year Celebrations.

Here is Miss Em playing the drums - she is looking very serious!

Miss Claudipops in front of the New Year Tree - Red brings

good luck.

The New Year Drums

There are cows everywhere - I had to have one shot in front of it.

We went to a Brazilian restaurant for lunch and had this drink - nothing like a shot of guarana to get you through the afternoon.

Snow Fun

2009-02-01T21:28:00.004+09:00

I will never complain that life is boring.

One week we are in the sun of Thailand, the next we are playing in the snow.

These pictures were taken about 2 weeks ago, when we took the girls snow sliding at a local park. There isn't this much snow in Beijing - it is all man made, but that didn't matter, the girls had so much fun.

Christmas in Koh Samui

2009-01-24T17:01:00.007+09:00

We had our Christmas in Koh Samui this year.

It felt more like Christmas should with heat, but that was the only part.

Santa did manage to find us on Christmas morning, even though we didn't have a tree - we did hang tinsel from the ceiling fan.

We spent the morning relaxing on the beach and then went out for lunch. Most hotels had Christmas Eve dinners so it was quite hard to find something Christmasy for lunch. We ended up and a restuarant by the ocean - we had a lovely lunch, even if it wasn't traditional.

We then drove to a restaurant and had ice -cream Sundaes.

Our Christmas treats!

Something Spiritual

2009-01-20T10:40:00.004+09:00

A friend sent me this and it really touched me:

'If you are too busy to pray.... you are too busy.'

'Remember too that prayer is even more about listening than asking!'

Koh Samui

2009-01-19T15:25:00.006+09:00

We had a wonderful 9 days in Koh Samui - it was heaven on earth.

Beach front restaurants.

Fisherman's Village

At our resort

Hair Braids

Bangkok

2009-01-17T16:11:00.004+09:00

Here are some shots from our Christmas trip. These were taken in Bangkok. We had two weeks away from China.

We had 9 days on Koh Samui and the rest were in Bangkok. I will post the Koh Samui shots tomorrow.

We didn't do too much in Bankers and Miss Claudia ended up in Bumrungrad Hospital with a kidney infection - the upside, it was the most luxurious hospital ever and Starbucks delivered to your room. Claudia recovered quickly, which was a relief.

We were in Bangkok for New Year's Eve and were on our balcony drinking champagne when we heard the sirens from the night - we had no idea what they were for till the next day. Makes you realise how lucky you are.

The Fro Family

2009-01-09T21:12:00.006+09:00

We have this afro wig that seems to keep making an appearance when whenever one of us is feeling silly or needs a quick costume.

Kids Christmas Party

2008-12-19T18:38:00.006+09:00

There are lots of young families at WAB so one of the teachers organised a kids Christmas party complete with a visit from Santa. It was a lovely morning, except when Sata arrived. You would think that by now my kids would not be afraid of Santa - guess again. Emily put on a brave face, but Claudia had to be bribed to even go near him. The photos give you a fair idea of her joy in this occasion.

At least the book was a winner!

Thanks Johnny B for taking the photos - one of amazing parent moves, I forgot the camera.

WAB Staff Christmas Party

2008-12-17T14:36:00.005+09:00

Saturday night was our first WAB Christmas Party. I really think the images speak for themselves.

It was a masquerade party - but everyone went to town. Especially my husband who drew his inspiration from Movember and the Village People.

I think the highlight or the low light of the evening (depends who you are talking to) would have to have been Paul's rendition of the YMCA .

Emily is 8!

2008-12-15T18:46:00.005+09:00

The 7th December marked Emily's 8th birthday. I am really too young to have an 8 year old.

She wanted to have a skating party so Emily, Claudia and 10 of Emily's friends launched on the local ice skating rink for her party. They had an hour of skating and then pizza, lollies, chips and the all important Asian birthday cake - at least it looked pretty!

I have decided that both my girls need to have self esteem issues - they just shy away and hide from the camera!

The Silly Season

2008-12-12T18:20:00.006+09:00

Well the silly season is upon us and it is all systems go for the countdown to Christmas.

In the last two weeks we have had performing art shows, Christmas parties, concerts, Emily's birthday (saved for its own post), engagement parties and Claudia's trip to the ice rink with her class.

Grade 1 are doing a unit of inquiry on water so they went on an excursion to the ice skating rink. Whilst Miss C looked very cute all rugged up, they pictures show she wasn't so cute on the ice.

Then when it gets all to hard, get someone to push you on a chair.

Emily the Superstar

2008-12-08T20:48:00.003+09:00

I had to chuckle this morning as I logged onto my computer and saw the weather prediction for today. It read ....... - 5 and Smoky. Yep that about sums it up!

Well the year is drawing to a close and I seriously need my Christmas Cards to arrive. I ordered them 4 weeks ago and they still have not come. Looks like another set of Christmas Cards arriving in January from the Ciempka's.

Last week was the 2nd Grade Performing Arts Night. They put on a concert and their art is displayed. Emily sang and danced and did a great job.

Smashing Good Time

2008-11-14T11:28:00.002+09:00

The Dirt Market is a fascinating place and quickly becoming one of my favourite places in Beijing. It is a cultural market where you can buy homewares, antiques, lamps, jewellery and lots of cultural revolution items. It really isn't a place many foreigners know about.

I went there a few weeks ago with some friends as an inservice into the art scene in Beijing. We were having a lovely day when I found this beautiful little art deco vase. Just as I was asking the stall holder how much I hear a smash and look down. To my horror, I had knocked a very ugly vase onto the floor and it was in about 50 pieces. The stall holder starts yelling at me in Chinese and all I want to do is run. Obviously I had to pay for it, but here is the tricky part. When you market shop in China everything starts at a ridiculous price and you need to bargain them down. Well my dear friend the stall holder thinks he has won the lottery as he can name any price and I have to pay. Well to cut a long story short, with the help of a friend who speaks fairly good Chinese and a visit to the mediation room I ended up paying about $22 for a piece of junk worth maybe $5.

I did get a good story out of it and I made sure I kept the bits.

So Excited

2008-11-05T18:47:00.003+09:00

I am very excited that this photo was chosen as the winner of a photography competition.

It wasn't anything huge to the world, but to me it was an ego boost.

I needed to shoot something red.

I suppose it is a bit unfair seeing the only colour used here is red.

Rocking Claudia

2008-11-04T17:31:00.003+09:00

Claudia's class has been learning about friendship and at last weeks assembly they performed the "Friendship Rap." It was very cute and funny, especially the 'yo dude' hands.

How long has it been?

2008-10-31T13:15:00.004+09:00

You can always tell when my days get hectic by the distance between blog posts.

Once again so much has happened, Annie came for a visit (which was so much fun), or shipment finally arrived (so now we live in box city) and we have all had the flu.

Annie arrived on October 17th and we packed a lot of Beijing and pampering into our 5 days. These shots are taken at the Great Wall.

My Little Lady

2008-10-15T14:40:00.003+09:00

I use that term very loosely when it comes to Emily. The school counsellor sent me these pictures of Emily at a "new kids" lunch. I think she is fitting in okay, don't you?

Our Apartment

2008-10-12T09:53:00.006+09:00

I finally got some shots of our apartment. Now we are living here till February and then we can move to our choice of location - which we will do. This apartment is lovely, but not super kid friendly.

I haven't bought any bed spreads or anything like that because we are moving. Oh and for the record the land lord bought the furniture - the couch is not my taste! Or anyones for that now that I think about it. Our shipment has also not arrived yet, so there is very little in this place that is ours - but I have been hassled too many times about not showing our apartment.

Lounge Room- no matter what I do I can't hide that couch!

Dining Room - with the laundry off the end - This choice perplexes me.
So does the Landlord's taste - floral chairs!!!!!!!

The spacious kitchen - not- but I did get an oven.

Our bedroom - It is much bigger than this shot shows.

Our Ensuite - I LOVE this bath.

Emily's Bedroom

Claudia's bedroom.

View from Emily's room.

View from the kitchen - if you look really closely you can see the Bird's Nest.

Two sleepy heads.

The Summer Palace

2008-10-06T22:59:00.003+09:00

We took a tour of the Summer Palace. I was just expecting a temple or at the most a somewhat small palace, I was wrong (as usual). The palace stretched over acres and was spectacular in so many ways. It was an amazing place and if you want to see some more artsy shots follow the link to my photography blog - www.ciempkaphotos.blogspot.com

The photos here are more fun family shots from our day out. You know I never miss the opportunity to photograph my kids.

Singing in the Park

2008-10-02T10:11:00.006+09:00

Going to park in China is not a boring experience - far from it. There is so much going on. Something I really love about the Chinese people is their ability to just live life despite circumstances. They just get on with living - something we all could learn from.

Out side my house on the concrete a couple always play badminton. Now in Australia we wouldn't do that because there is not enough space or it is not the done thing to play where people can see you, here no one seems to care.

We went to the park the other day and saw so many interesting things. We stumbled across this group of people who get together because they love to sing. There is a conductor and a man who plays the piano accordion and people just gather because of their love of singing. We stood and listened to their songs.... it was beautiful.

In another section people were playing musical instruments or exercising. No one seems to mind what they sound or look like or even who sees them.

My favorite would have to be the people playing cards and marjhong. Such a wonderful taste of life in China.

New Bikes

2008-09-29T22:30:00.004+09:00

Katie Melua (see clip) thinks there are 9 million bicycles in Beijing. Well after today there are 9 milion and 4!

We succumbed, well that is not true, I succumbed. We bought bikes today. Now I know what you are thinking, I would be the last person on a bike. Usually I would agree, but here in China it is really a good thing to have. We are so close to so many things that it is a pity to take a taxi when you can ride a bike, it is self imposed exercise and it is fun. Everything is flat so it is easy riding and here they actually have lanes for bikes and their own set of bike traffic lights.

I went riding today and bought the groceries and it was so nice riding along, in some ways it was kind of strange that I was actually riding a bike in China. I still keeping reminding myself that we are here.

I'd like to introduce you to our bikes. The first bike is mine - the chick bike, please note the lovely basket for shopping

Then we have Claudia's very pink and pretty bike.

Introducing Emily's cool kid bike - she picked the colour and everything.

Finally, the man of the houses bike.... for reasons only know to him, he needed a more special bike than the rest of us!

Now I have to ride the thing!

We are all so blessed,

2008-09-29T09:32:00.002+09:00

I don't care what anyone says or thinks if we are all blessed. Sure sometimes we might have to tighten our belts and go without one or two luxuries, but we are still all blessed.

I know this to be true from what I have seen this week.

Experience 1 - I was at the Supermarket the other week and a lady came and helped me with my overflowing trolley and helped me push it to my taxi. For her she gets the 10c back when the trolley is returned. I was so grateful for her help so I gave her the $1. She took my hand, kissed it and actually cried. When I shared the story with my friend she said, "Now she can eat this week."

Experience 2 - On Saturday night we were at Ikea having dinner. I looked across at the area where we returned our food and utensils, there was a lady over there looking at the trays. She then pulls a plastic bottle out of her bag and starts pouring the left over soft drinks into it, she put them into her bag and then collected the empty cans to recycle. Then out came a plastice container and she starts collecting the letover food that she could eat!

So no matter how much you feel you are struggling, just look around and be grateful for everything you have, I know I will.

China after 6 weeks.

2008-09-26T20:09:00.009+09:00

Apparently every cloud has a silver lining! In China this is also true, the upside to the pollution in China is an amazing sunset and this shot proves it.

We have been in China 6 weeks and now can speak about some things in China that I will never get used to no matter how long I am here;

1. Poverty and wealth can exist side by side.
We live in what is considered a wealthier part of Beijing. Our apartment building is a very expensive pace to live, yet right outside our building is a very poor housing area. We drive through this area every day. Many houses have no running water and I have 2 bathrooms and at least 7 sinks! The photos below are taken from my balcony. One is shot from the left and one is shot from the right.

2. Dog Poo!
Dogs are very popular pets here in China, yet nobody seems to have a problem letting there dogs poo anywhere! The number of times we have dogeded poos or even trod in them is getting higher every day.

3. Chinese Way of Life.
The Chinese are so proud of their country and there is a general sense of optimism here. There is a level of peace and contentment of life here in China. Every morning you see people out enjoying life, exercising, doing Thai Chi, walking dogs, playing cards or just having a chat. There is a sense of family and an enjoyment of life that is hard to put into words, it is a feeling that I enjoy being a part of.

4. Men in Uniforms.
Everywhere you look there are men in uniforms! Not the type you are thinking. Guards are everywhere - at the shops, banks and the front gate of every apartment building........ and the concerning thing is that the guns usually are real!

5. Steps with Ramps.
You don't realise how integral bycicles are a part of life here. I am even contemplating buying a bike! This land is flat and a bike is such a good way to travel (you don't step in dog shit either), There are lots of overpasses for pedestrians and besides all the steps are these ramps for bikes. Claudia thinks they are ramps for her to run up and down, much to the disdain of those trying move their bikes.

Well that is my little take on China........stay tuned.

Weekend in Singapore.

2008-09-23T16:14:00.005+09:00

How lucky am I? Less than a month in China and I get to go to Singapore for the weekend. I went there for a workshop for school. I was so excited to be going as I had never been to Singapore before.

Singapore is a gorgeous city and I got to shop and eat without children! I did miss them though (sort of). I learnt a lot and the highlight of the trip for me was a Singapore Sling at Raffles even though it did cost $27!!!!!

First Day of School

2008-09-09T13:30:00.007+09:00

I am so busy. We have been at school a whole week and only now am I putting up first day shots. My girls are loving being at school and having a great time, actually so are their parents.
WAB is a great school and feel we are settling in well.

These shots are taken in front of our building - the gardens here are lovely and a good photo venue. I will post some shots of our apartment once it is tidy enough to photograph!

Sports uniforms on our balcony apartment

Emily and Miss Flowers

Claudia and Miss Diaz

10 things I am Grateful for in China

2008-08-28T14:21:00.008+09:00

Bicycles. I never ever in my whole life thought I would be grateful for bikes. WAB is a huge school that takes forever to walk around. I am so grateful for the complimentary bicycles scattered all around the school.

That the Olympics are over! As wonderful as they were, I am looking forward to moving into my new apartment on Saturday. I am also glad of no more firework displays that shake the house and wake the children.
My Ayi has finally made up her mind! My Ayi (home help) decided that the hours we wanted her to work were not the hours she wanted to work. To cut a long story short - lots of negotiations between her and us and a translator (even though she apparently speaks English) ..... finally it is all sorted. She starts Monday - YAY
I saw the Great Wall! Words can not express how amazing it is. Mind you ask the girls and the highlight of the trip was the toboggan down.
That the girls are happy! They have made some awesome friends and they seem to like the lifestyle in China - especially the park across the road and the balls on the lake.

FRUIT!!!!! The fruit here is delicious and cheap - we are all peached out this week.
I got to see at least one Olympic Event! Paul went to the Soccer, and the Volleyball, but the highlight was the Women's Basketball Final - yes we lost, but it was still such a fun night!
My husband is not shy! At the basketball wore his green and gold wig and his Australian flag as a cape. He then had to pose for at least 40 photos with complete strangers. He complained that at times he was surrounded by people but I know he secretly loved it!

I can buy Aussie products. I bought Sanitarium Ceral last week - it did cost me $7 a box, but it was worth it! In fact I have been generally pleased with the shopping and there seems o be a good mix of Aussie and American products. Meat here is not so good, but I will not start on that little saga except to say - slabs of cement, no refridgeration and breathe through your mouth!

Claudia likes to use squatty potties!!!!!!!!! Amazing, one out of the 4 of us likes it. For me it is still a lesson in balance and holding one's breath. It is surprising how long I can hold on when I have to.

Beijing - Day One

2008-08-22T22:34:00.004+09:00

We have now been in China for one full week. Olympic fever is everywhere even in the Ciempka house. As I sit here Paul and Emily are at the volleyball and it feels like we have been here for months!

I have finally worked my new computer out and got round to editing my latest shots. These shots are taken on our first day in China.

We decided to go into the Olympic area and see if we could "pick" up some tickets to anything. How silly we were - there is no way to purchase tickets at the venues (unless you buy from scalpers and pay a fortune). It is all done online or in bars. Anyway it still was a great day. We got to ride the subway, see a bit of China and more importantly we were able to take a bus trip through the Olympic venues and precinct.

I am not the sort of person who get excited by buildings but the Bird's Nest and Swimming cube are amazing!

Ni Hao from Beijing

2008-08-20T10:58:00.002+09:00

I know I need to change my title, but I haven't had time to create a new header, actually I haven't taken any shots that would work either.

Well we are here in the land of the Olympics or as the Chinese call themselves, the Middle Kingdom. My first impressions are that of an incredibly busy, exciting, clean and green city. Very different from my ideas before coming here.

Beijing is GREEN - it is as green as any city I have seen in Australia. Everywhere you look there are trees, gardens and enormous parks. The parks here are amazing. We have one across the road that is so full of things to do. It is always busy with people out enjoying life. People doing Tai Chi, playing ping pong, badmington, climbing rock walls, having picnics or just walking.

I need to leave it here for now, but will try to load some images tonight.

Goodbye Korea

2008-07-24T09:08:00.005+09:00

Well I am surprised that is has taken me so long to put another post up. So much has happened since my last post. We have left Korea, been to Thailand and are now in Australia. We are here for another three weeks and then it is on to China. This is all very exciting, but I am sick of living out of a suitcase and am not sure how I am going to get all my shopping to China?

These are some images from our last few days in Korea

This is my Oral Communication farewell party - they are wearing onion ring glasses!!!

This is Claudia on the last day in our apartment. Yes, she is wearing underpants!!! How the culture has rubbed off! Eating mando with chopsticks watching tv. What happend to vegemite on toast?

This is Claudia's project on Pandas. I think it is so cute.

Here are some of Emily's art work. I've said it once and I will say it again..... Man that art teacher is talented!

I have been absent.

2008-06-07T10:34:00.005+09:00

Life has gotten way busy. We depart Korea on Tuesday which means there is so much to do and so little time to do it in. I just wanted to share with you some photos of Claudia's birthday party. She was desperate to have a party in Korea. So the Ciempka's and some other parents had a party for all the kids who celebrate their birthdays on the holidays. In Korea it is tradition to have a photo with your Mum on your birthday - hence the shot of me, looking oh so glamourous.

Water Fight

2008-05-20T10:16:00.005+09:00

Friday was a great day our SEW week ended with a water fight. Here are my favourite shots.

They had to wear funny hats - this was Claudia's choice.

Ohh the expectation

Emily giving it to her teacher.

Do you think she is happy?

Who is this Man?

2008-05-16T12:37:00.004+09:00

I had to post this - this is my husband at the Elementary SEW - which stands for Spiritual Emphasis Week. We had to disguise our faces - I think he did a good job.

Poor Miss Choe!!!!!!

Korean Flower Girl

2008-05-13T11:31:00.002+09:00

Claudia was asked to be the flowergirl for one of our Korean Staff members wedding. Here are some of the shots from the day.

Korean weddings are very different to Western weddings. First of all the whole thing, service and reception is over in 2 hours. They are not usually held at churches, but in Wedding Halls, where they have the procession of weddings. Each wedding party has the same decor and flowers and minister. It is still very special and romantic, just very different. I liked the part where we were leaving the wedding hall and the next wedding party was waiting at the door to come in.

Another interesting fact is that the bride and groom can see each other before the wedding and the bride sits in the Bride room and guests can come and take photos of her before the wedding. about a month before the wedding the bride and groom get dressed up in their wedding clothes and have their wedding photos taken then so the photos can be displayed at the wedding.

Another tradition was that the friends for the bride sing while they sign the register - so all the staff had to sing. It was fun.

Here is my little flower girl for you all

This is my favourite - the take another photo and I will kill you shot.

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

2008-05-11T19:53:00.002+09:00

Happy mother's day to all those mother's out there. Here is a photo I took for Paul's mum and my mum for mother's day. We still have some spring flowers around. Enjoy this shot as I had to take 15 to get it right.

I had a wonderful mother's day - flowers, a beautiful silver necklace, breakfast cooked by Paul and lunch out at my favourite restaurant. Talk about spoiled. Before we headed off to church we took a mother's day shot. As I was editing this shot I suddenly realised how big my girls are getting and how alike they are becoming. I am truly blessed to have Emily and Claudia.

School Photos

2008-04-28T13:20:00.007+09:00

We had our school photos last week - which I organised, let me just say it is a big job, which I am glad to see the back of! Anyway here are some of our shots.

No Comment!

whew!!!!!!!!!!

2008-04-24T21:28:00.006+09:00

Life just keeps getting busier and busier. I apologise for the delay in posts. It is quite depressing that I am still posting images from our trip with Mum and Dad.

This section is from our trip to the DMZ. Being an Aussie who is too young to know much about the Korean War, the most I knew was what I saw on MASH. So this trip was a huge learning experience for me. I am going to try to explain the whole DMZ idea, but if I get it wrong - I am sorry. Basically the DMZ is a section of land in Korea that seperates North Korea and South Korea. It was designed as a ceasefire line and has been in exhistence since the Korean War. It is a parcel of land and it is fenced off on each side and heavily armed and guarded. Basically the only people allowed in this area are military and those allowed to . You can do a trip up to an observation point and look into North Korea. My thoughts were - yeah so what. Well it was not until we went up there that I truly got what the hype was all about.

This soldier was giving us directions as we entered the DMZ. I had to sneak this shot in as I didn't want to get in trouble from the soldier.

Looking at North Korea through the barbed wire.
Mum, Emily and Dad with North Korea in the background

Claudia's thoughts on posing for a photo.

Oops!

Spring in the DMZ

The fenced off train line. The little houses are for soliders with big guns.

Sight seeing Korean style.

My lovely Emily

What a gorgeous couple!

Squid drying - supposedly it is a delcious snack.

She is just too cute!

Are you a pa pa pants man?

2008-04-15T16:02:00.001+09:00

More Korean Travel

2008-04-13T17:53:00.010+09:00

Well you only got part A of our trip into the East Coast of Korea. We took some time at Sokcho and explored all around the Sorak National Park - amazingly beautiful is the only way we can describe it. WARNING - a few mountain shots coming up - I have not editied these yet, so colour may be off a little.

Before you ask - yes it was cold, and yes that is snow on the hills.

It is supposed to be spring too!

As usual another very serious family portrait.

If you squint, you can see all the way to the ocean - well if the smog wasn't there!

We rode the cable cars to the top of the mountain - at $15 each person it was not a cheap trip but amazing. The view was spectacular. Let me just point out again - it was really, really cold and so windy. I kept worrying that the kids would get blown off the mountain.

Claudia thought it would be fun to dress up Grandpa in a few hats.

There was this little temple at the foot of the mountains that we wandered through. Dad the ever so respectful observer of other religions opened the door to the temple and ust walked in shoes and all - he couldn't understand why the ladies got upset!

No temple visit is complete without a budha photo.

All around the temple were these piles of rocks - apparently they are prayer mounds.

The first sign of spring.

See they do love each other.

No day is complete without a tasty Korean snack of chocolate hotdogs - yes that is right. It is a dagwood dog or a corn dog dipped in chocolate sauce and sprinkles - mmmmmmm - I can just taste it now.

2008-04-05T11:51:00.001+09:00

This movie is a song all about life in Korea through the eyes of weiguks - foreigners

O M Goodness!

2008-04-05T11:41:00.002+09:00

I just got an email telling me that one of my photos has been chosen as part of a Stock Photo website. Basically if professional or private groups need a photo, they can log onto the website and purchase images. I get money for my shots. Ok not much money and it is dependent on the fact that someone needs to choose my shot......but the website DID choose one - so happy me.

This is the sucker they chose.

I'm Back

2008-04-05T09:04:00.006+09:00

Big absence, I know, but we have been travelling all over the country side.

Mum and Dad Arrived on 17th March - we spent a few days hanging in Suwon going to the Folk Museum and the Hwaseong Fortress. We walked all over the Folk Village, climbed the Hwaseong Fortress and Paul and Dad tried to shoot arrows - Korean style.

For some crazy reason we bought the girls Fairy Floss.

On the Monday we jumped in the min van we hired and headed East to a city called Sokcho. We stayed in Sokcho at a resort highly reccomended by friends, only to find oursleves sleeping on the floor!!!!!!!! So we booked another room so at least the adults could have beds. I suppose the best part about heading east was the ocean - we got to see the ocean again. Big rolling waves - and CLEAN! I forgot how much I miss the ocean and the water living here. The strangest thing was that the ocean was all fenced off with barbed wire and theses huge fences - pictures below. We all had our opinons why they were fenced off, but I havn't actually found out the rally reason - I am assuming it has something to do with North Korea. Anyway we eventually found one little gate that let us down onto the beach and the girls went crazy - it was freezing, but that did stop them trying to get wet.

Ahhh the ocean

Just don't try and get to it!

Two Grumpy old men - one in an ugly hat!

Corky got all wet in the ocean, so we stripped her off only to discover she had her sisters underpants on.

Visitors

2008-03-21T12:45:00.002+09:00

Mum and Dad are here so I am fairly busy with them. It is so nice having someone around to share all the fun things and not so fun things here. These are some shots from our day the Korean Folk Village.

Aussie Aussie Aussie

2008-03-14T12:19:00.003+09:00

Well Miss Emily needed to do a project on her culture. So we have spent the last few weeks preparing a huge poster on Australia. She presented it yesterday wearing Dad's soccer jersey and she served vegemite on bread. She even convinced Paul to play the didgeridoo - which took very little convincing as Dad loves to be centre of attention. I am starting to think there projects are more work for Mum than the kids.

Crazy Busy - for something new.

2008-03-13T17:42:00.004+09:00

I think I am going crazy, everything feels like it is moving at a frenetic pace. We have end of term stuff at school, marks and reports cards due and I have a year book to produce as well. On top of all of this I am spending hours doing Visa stuff also for the move, yadda yadda yadda.

Ok now more whinging. Mum and Dad get here in 5 sleeps and we are all excited. They will be here for 2 weeks. They are in Thailand now and Emily asked me last night if they might see those weird people in Thailand. "Weird people?" I asked. "Yes, the ones that look like girls but sound like boys!" Hmmmmm.....subject changed rapidly. I think we have exposed out children to too much in the world. The subject change worked, next time I will deflect to Paul.

Other than that not much else to tell. We had our passport shots taken yesterday and as I have nothing else to share, here you are.

Claudiaisms.

2008-03-09T17:37:00.004+09:00

Claudia has become very animated in her opinions and her stories. I have decided to start recording them so that I can remember them. Hopefully you may enjoy them too.

Last night when I was putting Claudia to bed I found a story book torn to shreds in her bed. Now this was a beautiful new pop up book that she had just been given from her teacher when she was in hospital. I asked her why she did it? Her reply was.........

Well, Mum (with hand on hip) it was a story about peas (The Princess and the Pea) and you know how MUCH I hate peas!!!!! They are disgusting and I can't have anything around me with peas in them!

So there you have it.

2008-03-06T14:46:00.003+09:00

I have not posted here for nearly two weeks. I can at least say I am not lazy. Claudia had a severe kidney infection and spent 7 days in hospital on a drip.

It all started with her waking on Monday morning around 2am with a really high fever. Then then pain followed. As soon as I saw her doubled over in pain, I thought, hmmmm, bet that is another kidney infection! Well, I should have bet on it because I was right. She was admitted to hospital with a 41 degree temp and an infection level of 48/50. Normal people sit at 10/50.

I chose to move overseas, so I need to suck up the experience, but 6 hours in a Korean emergency room is not for the faint hearted. Did you know people froth at the mouth when they fit. Did you also know that your head bleeds really badly when it is cracked open?

I do because I saw it wheeled past me.

We finally made it to our room around 1.30am and when I asked where I was going to sleep, they pointed to a mat that goes on the floor - great I thought. Anyway we got past the crappy sleeping conditions and I ended up sleeping in bed with Claudia. It was cramped, but it was softer than the floor...just. Also, Korean's have this belief that if you are cool or wind blows on you, you will get sick. So the hospital was heated so hot, I was sweating. I even considered sleeping naked, just to get cool - not such a pleasant sight for my neighbours.

She had many tests and the doctors were fairly concerned that as this was her second infection that she may have kidney damage. Praise God this was not the case. Then they were concerned she had kidney reflux, once again not the case. In the end they put it down to bad luck. After 7 days on a drip she came home and is now back in school. I am so glad she is better and I never have to go back to that hospital again.

Also - I will never ever complain about Australian medicare, hospitals or health funds again. Out bill was over $4000.00 Australian dollars. We get it back, but still had to pay it up front....OUCH!!!

This is set up. I asked her to smile - I know asking too much.

She met a little friend in hospital.

Just my toilet humor coming out! Well seven days in a hospital will make anything seem funny.

Our name tag. I find this funny too!

Number 1 is ours and only our last name.

The name below is the girl next to us - her first and last name.

Another week

2008-02-24T19:57:00.004+09:00

Well another week has past and that means we are another week closer to leaving and I still have done nothing to get organised. I think a lot has to do with this game call Boomshine that someone sent to me. Here have a play! http://www.k2xl.com/games/boomshine/ - Watch out it is highly addictive!

Well we had two birthday parties this weekend, both at the same time. So Paul went one way with Emily and I went the other with Claudia. I hit the jackpot - good food. Paul got the not so good party with little kiddy chairs and no food for grown ups. After the party Claudia and I went to the markets to get some fruit and veges. I love going to the market because you can get really fresh food and it is always such an adventure. It was cold, I mean really cold and Claudia whinged her guts out, but I had fun and just kept putting food in her mouth. Here are some shots I took (yes I take the camera everywhere).

Don't these look delicious? Wrong, as Miss Corky found out the hard way - filled with bean paste. Bean paste is the biggest disappointment of Asia. You will see this lovely looking donut or cake, you bite into it thinking you are about to taste something amazing and yuck, you get a mouth full of warm, lumpy bean flavoured goop.

These are not sticks for the fire, these are an ingredient in Korean cooking. Never been quite game to give these a go. I have no idea how you would prepare it - do you need a hammer or a saw?

Another one of my greatest frustrations in Korea - shoes that I can not buy. the biggest size you can get here is 250 and my size is 255. Trust me I have tried to squeeze my feet into them, but I always regret it after I have bought the shoes. I stand in the shop and think, "I can do this, I can handle the pain." I then wear them once home and hobble. I have resigned myself to the fact that I will never get shoes to fit me here........but they are so pretty.

Fish is such a key component to Korean cooking, I just can't cope with the taste. The fish here has a really strong taste and lots of bones.

This is crab kimchi. It is marinated in this mixture of soy, vinegar, chilli and herbs. It is raw!!!!! Paul got put on the spot at a work function and has to try this. I just looked at hime sucking this hot raw crab into his mouth. I felt for him and when he swallowed it, and smiled, I was so proud of him. Anyway they do onions the same way, and they are amazing, but crab - not thanks.

These turning symbols represent a barber in the western culture -not in Korea!!!! They are brothels. So if you are ever in Korea, don't make the mistake of thinking you will get your hair cut. The amazing thing is that they are everywhere!

Feel like some meat?

I am offically old!

2008-02-18T09:10:00.003+09:00

We had our school dance on Saturday night and it is officical - I am old! I had to chaperone and I didn't know any of the songs! It brought back so many memories of the Churchie dance, although Korean kids are not big dnacers!

I have put a few shots I took on the night. I was offical photographer. I haven't edited these yet, they need some serious colour work, but I wanted to show how serious the kids took it. Now this was a dance, not a formal or a semiformal! Girls had dresses made and their hair done. I helped a girl cut a price tag from her shoes and they cost 258 ooowon, which is almost $300!

It was stuffy day on Friday - you bring your stuffed toy to school. Anyway, here are my cuties with there stuffed toys. Claudia's hair looks bad beacause I had to hide the infamous goop.

Goop

2008-02-16T14:28:00.001+09:00

Goop out - nail polish remover softened it and then 2hrs in the shower combing conditioner through it got it out! Lucky I don't pay the bills! In the end I stuck a lolly pop in her mouth to stop the crying.

Claudia, Claudia, Claudia!

2008-02-15T15:31:00.002+09:00

You can only love them! Claudia got this wonderful bouncing goop for Valentines Day from her teacher. She loved it and played with it all afternoon. She loved it so much she took it to bed with her (Paul and I did not know this fact!) When she woke up this morning she not only had a massive knot of goop in her hair but it was stuck to her ear and down into the actual earhole!

I spent most of the morning digging goop out of her ear. I did not have time to get to the hair - that is tonight's job. You can't see it too much but it is a big clump about the size of a 50 cent piece. Fun, fun, fun.

She got to school, with goopy hair and at 10am I get a call from the school nurse - there is pink stuff coming out of her ear - great, we need to dig more out!

I tell you life is never dull with Claudia around.

Keeping updated.

2008-02-11T14:04:00.000+09:00

Well we are all still sick, but the girls are getting better. Paul now has the flu, and funny he seems so much worse than the rest of us - hmmmm. Must be that modern medical marvel - the Man Cold. In his defense, he did take fantastic care of us all. I seem to have bronchitus ( Ican't spell, I teach art!) and am now on some antibiotics, which are helping me feel much better.

No more sick talk. I have some photos from our trip to the Markets before we all got sick. We have just discovered this market hidden away in an alley. They sell lots of fresh fruit and veges, meats and other strange items that are required in Korean cooking. Here are some of my snaps.

Some people buy there meat here - we have and it is always good quality and fresh. This is sulgogi meat which is usually used in Galbi (Korean BBQ). I also have a recipe to cook this one at home and it is good. Don't be mistaken, some of that meat may look like bacon - oh no it is not. It may be the same cut as bacon, but is not smoked!

This is just a small selection of the different types of Kimchi available. some is good, some is ok. Some is just plain nasty. If it is red, it is really hot! I used to think Kimchi was only for cabbage but there are so many varieties. I think it is like pickling here. Anyway there are many varieties - below is Claudia's face when we suggested she try some Kimchi!

This is dduck (not a typo). Dduck is a pastry made from rice. It is chewy and really good. These snacks are soooooo good. Inside each little ball is a mixture of honey and sesamie seed. Koran's eat these on special occasions.

I have idea what the Korean name for these fish is but the Ciempka's call them penis fish. Gosh I wonder why? Anyway you can order them at most Seaafood restaurants. You will be able to tell what is a seafood restaurant in Korea, it is the shop surrounded by fish tanks. You then choose whcih seafood you want and it is cooked to order. I am thinking I may never have the courage to eat one of these little buggars.

These are dried little fish that they make into a salad side dish. I made the fatal mistake of trying this salad once - I think it is what Whiskars may takes like but only crunchy. Anyway cool photo - revolting to eat.

I love this shot of Em, a bit out of focus, but cute. She is trying to run away from me as I try to take her photo. I love it because she looks so sweet and innocent admist a all the business of the market.

Talk about highs and lows!

2008-02-07T09:44:00.000+09:00

We are currently on Lunar Vacation now. Which is the same as Chinese New Year. Don't ask me to explain much more than that because I don't understand it. All I know is last year was year of the pig and this year is year of the rat -hmm what lovely animals. We have 10 long days off and that is great. One of the parents of the school invited us (the staff) to go skiing with them. This was a generous offer as they paid for everything! Ski hire, lift passes, meals, transport. I was blown away at their kindness. We went off the to ski field Young Pyong. It is the site of the next Winter Olympics. It is about 2 & half hours from Suwon. It is like another part of the world.

We had a fantastic day. It had been almost 12 years since I had last skied, and I am happy to say it didn't take me long to get back into the swing of it. Paul has had a few trips to the ski fields this year so he is starting to look like a skier. The dark horse of the Ciempka family was Emily. This was her second time on skis and by the end of the day she was skiing with me down the harder slopes. She has no fear and it blew me away how quickly she took to it. Claudia is not a skier. She cried through her whole lesson and spent the afternoon in the hotel room playing - maybe next time?

Claudia and our generous host Mrs Baek.

This was before I even put the skis on her feet - snow is cold, and according to Claudia anything that is cold is bad. I told her ice-cream is cold and she just looked at me with the evil eye. She also doesn't like skiing becasue she is a little girl and you shouldn't make little girls do dangerous things.

We all fell into bed on Monday night exhausted only to wake on Tuesday morning sick as dogs. Well the Ciempka girls are sick as dogs. Emily, Claudia and myself have had fevers now for 3 days and I think it is just a bad case of the flu. Claudia and I are starting ot improve, but Emily is still really sick. I haven't been able to crack her fever yet, here's hoping it happens today. Because it is Lunar all the doctors are on holidays, and if we want her to see a doctor we have to take her to the hospital. I am not sure she is bad enough for that, but she is not improving at all. Bloody Lunar holiday. Mind you if I take her to the doctor I will need to take a translator with me and our school nurse is away on a trip, so I would have to hit up a neighbour. Any Korean speakers would be celebrating Lunar with their families (Lunar is as big as Christmas here). AAGGGGHHH!!!! Lets hope her fever breaks today?

Let me just say that this was not how I planned to spend my holidays.

Emily really did not want me to take this photo - can't understand why?

This is Claudia's best sick look.

We have some very dear friends here and we have been supplied with pots of chicken soup and jelly and all other sorts of things ot make us feel better. Thank you Karen J and Karen W, we would have starved without you, or worse still have to have eaten Paul's cooking! I think this photo shows how the soup was made with love!

Thank-you

2008-01-31T15:39:00.000+09:00

To my dear friends who sent me an Australian package - a huge thank-you. You have no idea how well it was timed. Especially considering Claudia had an International Food Day today and I could put the flags in her vegemite sandwiches. Thanks so much.

Wow what a week! I am sitting here doing this blog when I should be submitting grades. Have I mentioned how much I hate teaching Middle School? Bring on Beijing and I get the little kids again. Emily is at a birthday party and Claudia is trying to yo-yo. It is hysterical! I am worried the yo-yo will end up out the window. It is Lunar Vacation here, well it started all of 45 minutes ago - hooray! That is the Chinese New Year. So we have the whole of next week off. It is a wee bit crazy. We have been back from Christmas for all of 3 weeks. Then we have this week off. Back to school for 4 more weeks and then another 10 days off for Spring Break. Somewhere in there we have to get some school work done! Anyway the best part is that I have 10 whole days where I do not have to be at school - that is a positive! Well to be exact, I have 10 days to start getting my act together and start sorting out this move. I am really excited to be going to Beijing, but the actual process of moving is not appealing to me right now. Keep the Ciempka's in your prayers as we start the move - again!

The Weekend

2008-01-29T13:58:00.000+09:00

It is so cold here and we really spent the weekend playing at home. The girls had a princess game on the go for the whole weekend. They started all dressed and ended up being completely naked (good to see we turn the heat up).

I also found this nto left on my bed on Sunday night - awhhh - Emily is a sweetie.

I need help!!!!!

2008-01-28T15:10:00.000+09:00

This is what happens when someone brings a wig to school and the teacher really just wants to be enjoying the Australia Day weekend.

Thailand Magic

2008-01-21T13:57:00.000+09:00

As promised here are our photos from Thailand. Man I love that place. I can not explain why, there is just something magical about it.

We have news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-01-19T19:55:00.000+09:00

As you may know Paul an dI have been seeking another teaching position when our contract runs out in June. Over the holidays we went to a job fair in Thailand and were successful in securing another contract. We will be heading to Western Academy in Beijing (WAB) is August. Before you all get excited it is after the Olympics.

I will post some of the photos I took in Thailand in another post. Our time there was very productive. We did get a few days R & R before the fairs began. I was very nervous about the whole thing. I kept asking Paul, "What if we don't get an offer?" Nothing could have been further from the truth. We ended up with 5 job offers and Paul was offered and Elementary Principal position at a school in the Phillipines. Needless to say we had some tough decisions to make. You can research a school online and you can talk to people, but will you be happy? Anyway after much prayer and discussion we decided to go with WAB. It is a ture international school that seems to be a good fit for us. So we are very grateful for all your prayers and support and now you need to start saving for a visit.

We even made their newsletter this week. http://lianxi.wab.edu/featured/article/08/01/worldwide-search-%2526%2523039%3Bwab%2526%2523039%3B-fit

Christmas

2008-01-14T15:12:00.000+09:00

I realise it is January and Christmas was weeks ago. But, better late than never. After a very hectic lead up to Christmas with concerts and parties, we looked forward to some rest before heading off to Thailand. Paul and the girls skiied and I spent 2 days in my pj's resting and trying to fight off a cold. It was just what we all needed. What was meant to be a quiet Christmas turned into Lunch for over 18 adults. Some friends managed to get a turkey from the Army base and we celebrated in style. Santa was very good to the girls and to me - I got my new lense and flash. Paul is still trying to work out what he wants. Hmm I wonder where Emily gets it from? Needless to say it was busy, but so much fun.

I wanted to share some of our festive season with you. Here in a short movie of our Christmas.
You may need to click the icon twice.

Ski Season

2007-12-28T18:07:00.000+09:00

Paul is so excited that it is ski season. He has already taken the girls skiing and sledding. Emily had her first ski lesson last Friday. She seemed to really enjoy herself and wants to go again. She has a nice set of scratches on her nose where she walked into the back of Daddy as he was carrying his skis. He claims he stopped for someone to take a photo - I think it was to have a perve at some woman. Anyway we will never know. Anyway, they both returned exhausted.

Paul and the kids also went sledding on Christmas Eve. I was greatful for the peace and quiet as we had 18 adults coming the next day for lunch - a whole different post. Claudia told me she liked it, except for the fact that she had to climb the hill each time before she could sled. It is wonderful to see the girls enjoying the snow as who knows where we will be next winter? COuld be somewhere tropical where there is no snow - please?