 Sue - Sue70 | All Comments |
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| 26th August 2009 Sue70 | Never enough time - From: A Bit of Brussels Hey Samie, nice to hear from you! I really wasn't in Brussels for very long. I think I arrived at 6pm at the airport, got into the city around 7, checked into my hostel and then headed out for dinner and sightseeing that lasted about 2 hours. Then I was off to Bruges the very next morning! This was a very whirlwind tour of Europe! :) Hope you're doing well. |
| 21st August 2009 Samie | - From: A Bit of Brussels Hey Sue, aww... we missed such a nice get together opportunity I have been living in Leuven for the past 8 months! 25min outside Brussels... its a nice small town with a pretty town hall! well, prolly too late now, hopefully, I will see you in Toronto soon. |
| 28th July 2009 michelle | forgive me, sue.... - From: Last Day, Last Entry for Eurotrip 2009 ...but i stopped reading this entry right after you mentioned chocolate-banana crepes......yummy!! (ok. i really did read the rest...always nice to return to a city you "know" and find new and interesting things to see...) looking forward to more travel stories when you get home! |
| 25th July 2009 Sue70 | What else would they call it? - From: In Bruges Hi Jenn! I would hope that you'd understand that tiny bit of French... It's called coca as in "Coca-Cola". ;) |
| 24th July 2009 Jenny | - From: In Bruges Hi! Glad you found your fleece sweater... sounds like you're having quite the adventure over there. And I actually understood that French phrase! Never knew they called it "coca" though.. Enjoy the last 5 days! |
| 24th July 2009 anonymous | - From: Bright Sun in Beijing Wow - You stayed at the Red Lantern Hostel? That's exactly where I'm staying! Cool! |
| 23rd July 2009 michelle | - From: A Bit of Brussels ahh, yes...the infamous "peeing boy" statue...gotta love those belgians! |
| 23rd July 2009 Sue70 | Vacation - From: A More Quiet Day Glad to hear that you had a good time in Virginia Beach, Steve. I'll be happy to trade travel stories when I get back. :) |
| 23rd July 2009 Steve | - From: A More Quiet Day Read some of your blog now that we are back from vacation ourselves. It sounds like you are seeing a lot of stuff! We went to Wonderland yesterday -- it held off raining until we returned home. Virginia beach was nice. We'll tell you about when you return. |
| 22nd July 2009 Sue70 | Feeling Old - From: Sweaty Budapest Yes, Michelle, the heat does really zap the energy out of you. (As does walking for hours and hours every day...) Great to hear that it's lovely in TO. Missed the rain and chilliness from the UK, so I have something to look forward to! ;) And as for being in my thirties, it's funny. Sometimes I feel like I'm in my twenties, and other times, I feel really OLD. |
| 21st July 2009 michelle | feelin' hot, hot, hot! - From: Sweaty Budapest i know what you mean about the heat, sue! turkey was typically 40 degrees each day and that really zaps your energy....though, if it's any consolation...it's cool and rainy here in TO these days...rather like england, actually! the hostel entrance certainly does sound strange...who would think of going inside then outside of a building to get into it?? ps: you are SO not allowed to complain about your "age"!!!! you're still in your THIRTIES after all :) |
| 21st July 2009 Sue70 | No night shots - From: Vienna, Austria! I saw the photos of another traveler's night shots (the ones of the cathedral that I had been contemplating) and wasn't all that impressed, so I decided to pass on it. And if I'd had any more ice cream last night, I would have been very sick! |
| 20th July 2009 michelle | - From: Vienna, Austria! REST ON THE TRAIN tomorrow!!!! go and take some night shots (perhaps with another dash of ice cream??) |
| 20th July 2009 Sue70 | Lots to see alright! - From: Vienna, Austria! Yes, Michelle, I did see a lot last night, and even more today. At the moment I'm debating whether it's worth going out tonight for some night shots or just rest.... |
| 20th July 2009 anonymous | - From: Vienna, Austria! I get approached by people with "reading material" all the time on the ttc. :-) |
| 19th July 2009 michelle | - From: Vienna, Austria! sounds like you've seen alot in vienna already, sue! i bet you have tons of great photos already...enjoy! |
| 18th July 2009 Sue70 | Still not bad... - From: Walking Around Krakow Shelley, Krakow wasnīt terrible or anything, but the closing of the synagogue and cemetary early was certainly disappointing. Prague is gorgeous, though today with the constant rain, itīs been a little depressing. |
| 18th July 2009 Shelley-Ann | Pity you were disappointed - From: Walking Around Krakow I thought it was cool, but then, I've never been to Wroclaw. The main building in the square wasn't under renovation when I went, so maybe that helped. |
| 18th July 2009 Shelley-Ann | Krakow - From: Auschwitz, no words to describe it.... Glad (in terms of a historical sort of way) that you made it to Auschwitz. It is pretty rough, but I think it is important that people go there and remember. History has this yucky way of repeating itself. It is a pity that I didn't remember the name of the restaurant I went to in the Jewish quarter - it was actually good. I know the Jewish cemetary you are talking about. There is another one a little ways away that is even cooler than that one. Hope you are enjoying Prague!! |
| 17th July 2009 Sue70 | No sour cream - From: Auschwitz, no words to describe it.... Poland probably is the originator of the perogie.... I was disappointed because they didn't give me any sour cream to go along with my plate of them. I got the fried onions, but no bacon either. And for some reason, they were a little spicy.... Weird considering that it was cheese, potato and onion inside! |
| 17th July 2009 Dave Z | Bad perogies - From: Auschwitz, no words to describe it.... I thought that Poland was the originator of the perogy. If you can't get decent perogies there, then one wonders what this world is coming to. Sorry, but I feel strongly about this issue. I love a good batch of perogies; especially smothered in sour cream, fried onions and bacon. Gotta go... this email is making me hungry. |
| 16th July 2009 Sue70 | Who wrote this? - From: Walking Around Krakow I was able to bite back the tears when I visited Auschwitz, but I agree that it was very upsetting and disturbing, and that everyone should see it. As for photos, there will be lots posted to my flickr account when I return home, but I don't think I'll be posting any on here. |
| 15th July 2009 anonymous | - From: Walking Around Krakow Pack some Kleenex when you visit the concentration camps...I've never been to those but I was at the Holocaust museum in Israel. It's very upsetting and disturbing but something everyone should see. Hope you take a lot of photos. Im interested in seeing photos of Poland. Thats where my family is from. |
| 14th July 2009 Sue70 | Yup, only an hour! - From: Alnwick Castle Trust me, an hour was MORE than enough time. The weather wasn't very pleasant (windy, cold) and it was 5:00pm. Not really prime beach weather. And as for staying at a B&B, I'm sure I could not have afforded it. I did get up in time for my plane this morning, thank goodness. And Kraft Dinner for breakfast???? Ugh. Give me cookies anytime! I actually ended up buying some pain au chocolat to eat (think chocolate croissant). BTW, Alisa, no luck with the lip balm at all. I'll take a look along my travels through Europe, but don't get your hopes up. I looked in 4 more stores in Glasgow, and none of them carried the red tin.... |
| 13th July 2009 Alisa | - From: Alnwick Castle I just googled Alnmouth. I was curious about a seaside town, ( that you only spent an hr in?!?). It looks really nice. I love this B&B...http://www.alnmouth-cottage.co.uk/More%20Photos You could have stayed there! :-) Hope everything worked out with getting your plane so early in the morning. You need to find those round cartons of Kraft Diner that you just pour the hot water into. Thats better than eating cookies for breakfast! :) |
| 13th July 2009 Jenny | - From: Alnwick Castle Hey Sue! Glad you're having fun out there. Over here, there was a massive storm Sat. morning... to my surprise, I slept through it. Apparently it was right OVER us. Anyway, hope you're enjoying yourself! The fam says hi! See ya when you get back :) |
| 10th July 2009 Sue70 | Replies - From: First Few Days of Eurotrip 2009! Alisa, I will send you my cell number by email. I looked in 4 stores here in the UK and have not seen your lip balm anywhere. It just may not be in the cards for you... :( Shelley, I love the "dollar" stores too! Louise, I'm sure that you will have a great time and have lots of your own stories to tell when you get back. Have a super time! |
| 10th July 2009 Louise | - From: First Few Days of Eurotrip 2009! Hey! Sounds like you are beginning an adventure! I leave on Sunday and am madly packing as I am away for the weekend at a wedding......ahh last minute packing! I have to admit I am a little nervous about going it alone this time, but it will be an adventure and what doesn't kill you makes you stronger right :) I hope you have a great time and get some awesome pictures....I'm sure you will being the photo expert! According to Laura we don't have much internet access, so have a superb trip and hopefully I'll be able to keep everyone posted via FB. Take care Sue! Louise |
| 9th July 2009 Shelley | Hey, Sue! - From: First Few Days of Eurotrip 2009! Ah.. port d'italie.. brings back memories. I love how every country has a 'dollar' store! |
| 9th July 2009 Alisa | Don't forget the lipbalm! :-) - From: First Few Days of Eurotrip 2009! I think I read they're only available in UK or France. But I can't say for sure. I'll send you txt messages. It's free for you to receive them? I'll send them as email from my mac.What email address do I send them to? |
| 25th August 2008 Sue70 | Oh well - From: Liverpool.... The name of the hostel was the International Inn. Not very impressive, imho. The Anglican Cathedral may be the 3rd biggest in the world, but the from the outside, it looks pretty ugly. The inside might be gorgeous, I don't know, but from a distance, it looks hideous. Again, that's my opinion. I had no interest in climbing up hills wearing 25 kg of backpacks to go and see it. As for Liverpool itself, I really don't have any inclination to return. I'm not a museum person, I didn't have any money to go shopping, and I saw what I wanted to see. And believe me, I covered a LOT of ground in that one afternoon. The website for Liverpool doesn't mention too many tourist attractions; it may be a whole lot different living there than visiting. But for a tourist on a budget, it wasn't a great place to visit. Sorry if you don't agree. |
| 22nd August 2008 Paul | You should have gone to the Anglican Cathedral - From: Liverpool.... Thats the largest cathedral in the UK 3rd biggest in the world its amazing so sorry you missed it, you can't expect to make much of an opinion of a city in just a few hours, where was the hostel wghats the name so I can avoid it? |
| 15th August 2008 Sue70 | Long Time No See! - From: Paris, hot, hot, hot! Hey Samie! Great to hear from you! A travelblog seemed like a good way to keep track of what I did, what I saw, and let family and friends know what I was up to without having to write a million emails. :) I know what you mean about it being hot in the more southern parts of Europe; I nearly melted in Paris, and you're further south! Sadly, it's been crappy weather here in TO since I've been back, and apparently most of the summer. :( I have been catching up on much-needed sleep the last couple of days, and will probably start posting photos sometime soon. It's a bit daunting, with the number of memory cards I've used though.... and N.I. will probably be a while. Take care! |
| 13th August 2008 Samie | summer in europe - From: Paris, hot, hot, hot! Hey Sue, keeping a travel blog is such a neat idea, I just discovered that you have one! I am just too lazy to write one for myself :( With regards to the weather, its been brutally hot in Switzerland too :S atleast in the northwest around Basel. I have literally melted this summer due to the sheer number of 32C+ days. Anyhow, I have you have had time to take the much need rest by now, me looking forward to seeing photos from your trips (esp. ones from N.I.) See ya soon Samie |
| 8th August 2008 michelle | - From: Belfast, The Walled City the black taxi tour sounds interesting...looking forward to seeing your photos soon! enjoy the rest of your trip :) m |
| 8th August 2008 derxa | Tour de France - From: Paris, hot, hot, hot! If you're talking about Sunday 27th that is actually part of the race. |
| 6th August 2008 Sue70 | Yes, Bananalambs - From: Liverpool.... It's a very hard thing to describe.... picture a banana at the head, and the morphing into the body of a lamb.... It's times like these when I wish I had brought my USB SD card reader so that I could upload photos! :S |
| 6th August 2008 michelle | BANANAlambs???? - From: Liverpool.... i can't wait to see a picture of one of these things...i'm having a tough time putting those two items together in my head!! what's next??? applepigs? pineapplegiraffes? kiwicows? have fun in belfast :) |
| 4th August 2008 Shelley | Creepy French men. - From: Interesting Parisian Day Your experience sounds like the 50+ man who tried to pick me up at Chatelet - Les Halles station a few years back. I don't even speak french and it took me a good 20 minutes to shake hm. One more story to tell the grandkids, I guess! |
| 4th August 2008 Shelley | I guess I won't be going to Nantes.. - From: Not so impressive Nantes .. it sounds kind of dry... but at least they had orange diet coke. For me, it would be worth the drive to Nantes! |
| 3rd August 2008 michelle | early bird! - From: Cardiff, City of Torchwood having travelled quite extensively with our dear friend sue over the years, i can safely say that a 9:30 start to a day of sightseeing is veeeeeeeeeeeery early for her!! sounds like you packed alot in! i'm afraid i've never actually watched dr. who (sorry, fans!) so the references were lost on me...but i'm glad you had fun!! |
| 1st August 2008 Sue70 | Shoot Torchwood? - From: Chester, the Hidden Wonder Fortunately, I don't even slightly resemble Torchwood, so I should be fairly safe.... ;) |
| 1st August 2008 Steve | I hear Cardiff has a rift... - From: Chester, the Hidden Wonder Be careful in Cardiff, I hear they shoot Torchwood there. |
| 31st July 2008 michelle | BUSted! - From: Chester, the Hidden Wonder sorry to hear about the missed bus & expensive taxi ride, sue. at least it sounds like the sights of the city made up for the rather pricey start! have fun in cardiff :) |
| 31st July 2008 Sue70 | Well-rehearsed - From: Interesting Parisian Day Yeah, flattering and creepy does sort of sum it up well.... He wasn't so much icky as overly-persistant and it seemed like his speech was well-rehearsed. I wonder if he's ever gotten turned down before? ;) |
| 31st July 2008 Sue70 | Croque-monsieur? - From: Paris, hot, hot, hot! I don't think I can manage your request seeing as I'm now back in the UK.... besides, it would be all old and smelly and moldy by the time I got it to you. Certainly wouldn't be any good! |
| 29th July 2008 Dave Z | Ahhh... summer in Paris - From: Paris, hot, hot, hot! Glad to hear you're having fun restomping your old stomping grounds! Could you do me a favour while you're there? Bring me back an authentic croque-monsieur sandwich. The ones they make here just aren't as good. Thanks, dude! |
| 29th July 2008 David Z | French guys - From: Interesting Parisian Day Wow, that's interesting about the French guy. Kind of flattering and creepy at the same time. Too bad he was so icky, or it could have been really romantic. Just like, "Before Sunrise"! Oh well... I guess reality never quite lives up to the Hollywood version. |
| 28th July 2008 michelle | oh la la! - From: Paris, hot, hot, hot! i'm just getting caught up on your travels this past week, sue, as we returned from florida yesterday....that, too, was HOT, HOT, HOT!! (it actually feels COOL being back here in TO where it's supposed to be about 27 degrees today.) glad to hear you're enjoying your travels & your french is - as you say - "holding up"....not that i'm surprised! so neat that you saw the tour de france riders as well...oh. and my condolences re: canada bear...we had never met, and yet i still feel the loss...bonne continuation!! |
| 27th July 2008 Big Fish Poker Club | Sounds like the FIRST step... - From: Last Day in Brittany ...one the way to the "love of my life" story...lol. |
| 26th July 2008 Sue70 | Bulgogi for Breakfast??? :S - From: Rennes!!! Sorry to hear that the food is, um, shall we say "interesting" where you are? Hope you brought some KD in a cup! |
| 26th July 2008 Sue70 | Well.... - From: Rennes!!! :P Sorry, don't plan on getting mugged and meeting the love of my life is also quite doubtful. |
| 26th July 2008 Big Fish Poker Club | Things gotta get more interesting... - From: Rennes!!! Or I am outta this travel blog. Cmon...how about some "I got mugged" stories OR "I found the love of my life"? Chris |
| 26th July 2008 Louise | Lucky!!! - From: Rennes!!! Crepes.....I am so jealous....we had bulgogi (sp?) for breakfast today and that was a major highlight.... think I should do Europe next year just for the food! |
| 22nd July 2008 Sue70 | Poker? Never played it! - From: Oh so tired and allergies gone mad! I think that I'd be the one who would be easy to beat since I don't know how to play poker.... |
| 22nd July 2008 Sue70 | But I don't like coffee! - From: Oh so tired and allergies gone mad! I guess that's good advice, but what about those of us who don't drink coffee? I find sometimes that Coke (or in my case Diet Coke) works not too badly. |
| 22nd July 2008 Big Fish Poker Club | Stay Positive - From: Oh so tired and allergies gone mad! Stay positive! Play some poker while you are away - the Europeans are fish (easy to beat). Brampton is hot and rainy. Good luck! |
| 22nd July 2008 Steve | - From: Another Day in York It said right on their website they would unlock the phone for 15 pounds. I'll send you the link when their web site is back up. In case you read french better than me (quite likely). http://www.virginmobile.fr/ |
| 22nd July 2008 Steve | Allergies - From: Oh so tired and allergies gone mad! A cup of Coffee usually helps cut allergies to a tolerable level. The amximum dosage is usually around when you start talking like an auctioneer. |
| 21st July 2008 Sue70 | Sightseeing? Doubtful. - From: Canada Bear is No More :( I don't think that Canada Bear is doing any sightseeing. It's more like he got lost in a jungle and will be fed to the wild animals. It would be nice though, if he did end up traveling the world and posting his own blog.... |
| 21st July 2008 Sue70 | No photos - From: Canada Bear is No More :( I'm actually staying at a University residence while in London, and there are very few people around. Except of course for the noisy two who decided to hold a conversation in the echoing hallway around midnight last night! And it wasn't even about anything interesting!!! It's hard to describe where Canada Bear fell, but let's just say it was a good 10-12 feet down to the ground, behind tall trees. Imagine a wall around a castle, and this was like the moat, completely inaccessible and gated off. :( |
| 21st July 2008 Janet | Canada Bear - From: Canada Bear is No More :( So sorry to hear about the sad disapearance of Canada Bear. I guess he just wanted to do some sightseeing by himself. I know he will be missed by all his fans. I wouldn't be surprised if he appears in his own blog sometime soon much like the little elf who seems to appear in different locations all around the world. I wish him good luck and many adventures. |
| 21st July 2008 Alisa | No photos? Aw. - From: Canada Bear is No More :( Maybe you could borrow a card reader from someone at the hostel? I'm enjoying the blog but I'd love to see photos of the things youre talking about. Glad everything is working out well. It really sounds like you're packing a lot in each day. Poor Canada Bear.I dont really have a sense of where he fell to, but can't you ask a city worker like a cop or someone to reach it for you? |
| 20th July 2008 Sue70 | Hmmmm - From: Another Day in York I don't know that Virgin will unlock the phone seeing as they are trying to keep people from leaving their network. I think though that probably some independent retailer (who doesn't care about the network) will be able to do it. And my phone should work in France, but just cost a little more per minute. Could be worse! |
| 20th July 2008 Sue70 | Enjoy Disney! - From: Another Day in York Hope you have a great trip, Mick! |
| 20th July 2008 Sue70 | Beautiful York - From: Europe 2008 Adventures Have Begun! It IS a beautiful city, but bigger than I remembered. I think I walked all over the walled portion (and beyond!) more than twice. :) |
| 20th July 2008 Sue70 | Oh so tired! - From: Europe 2008 Adventures Have Begun! Every day I wake up thinking, "Oh, today I'll take it easy...." but by the end of the day, I have walked a million miles and see quite a bit. Just need to figure out a way for my feet to NOT hurt. :( |
| 20th July 2008 Sue70 | Hey Slacker! - From: Europe 2008 Adventures Have Begun! Glad to hear that you're only slacking off at work, not at following my blog.... :) |
| 20th July 2008 Steve | - From: Another Day in York I think I saw that in your Virgin UK Cell phone site you can get them to unlock your phone for 15 pounds. Of course, if you phone information and ask them they may say your phone will "just work" in France. If not, it seems there is also a Virgin France Site which may be able to help you with a "chip". Hope you are having a great time. If you see David Tennant there please avoid making tardis sounds. |
| 20th July 2008 michelle | good night/good morning - From: Another Day in York hey, sue! hope you have fun in london...i've never been, but have always thought it would be an interesting place to visit (especially for the daily tea & pastry!!). i think kathleen's sister is living there, now that i think about it... we're getting ready to get up around 2 am this morning to head to the airport...yuck! as IF i'll actually be able to sleep at all...i made the mistake of ordering a latte around 7pm this evening (NOT decaf)...disney here we come!! looking forward to getting caught up with your blogs when we get back next week. until then, enjoy your travels!! mick |
| 19th July 2008 Shelley | Great Start! - From: Europe 2008 Adventures Have Begun! York is a beautiful city.. can't wait to hear more about it! (I haven't been in 10 years). |
| 18th July 2008 michelle | great update! - From: Europe 2008 Adventures Have Begun! hey, sue! sounds like your travels are off to a great start and you've already seen and done alot in a short time. i must admit, my jaw dropped when you said you went to bed at 10 pm (!)...you MUST have been tired :) looking forward to the next update! have fun! michelle |
| 18th July 2008 Dave Z | Hey Sue! - From: Europe 2008 Adventures Have Begun! Hey check it out... I have the honour of leaving the first comment on your travel blog!! It's probably because I'm slacking off at work instead of doing something productive, But c'mon, it's 4:30 on a Friday -- my brain checked out three days ago! Nice to hear you got there safe and sound, and had a good meal on the airplane. Yup, nothing quite like those airplane buns. Yum! Well keep us posted on your adventures. See you, Dave |
| 24th August 2007 dolphinslove | help. Esurvey - From: Bright Sun in Beijing Dear Sue, I knew you visited Beijing already. Could you help me fill out a questionaire about online destination image of Beijing? The link is below: http://www.my3q.com/home2/176/dolphinslove/27227.phtml Thank you very much Jia Liu |
| 17th August 2007 Sue70 | bargains galore! - From: Shopping and the Great Wall Hi Pearl, yes I'm a bargaining queen alright! If it's not the price that I want, I just walk away and that seems to work most of the time! :) Don't worry about me and street food -- I'm the most cautious person I know because I get food poisoning SOOOO easily! I check the caps on the bottles and have actually been eating most of my meals at the hostel, where they would have to deal with me if I were sick. :) And that wouldn't be pretty.... |
| 16th August 2007 Pearl | Adventures in China - From: Shopping and the Great Wall Wow Sue, you are becoming a bargaining Queen now. Great deal on the circular polarizer. I got mine in HK and it was cheap too. Just to warn you, be careful with the street food in China. For bottle water or juice, make sure that the cap is sealed. I have been following your blog almost daily. Can't wait to see your photos. |
| 16th August 2007 Sue70 | I'm fine - From: Bright Sun in Beijing Don't worry, Sush, I'm doing fine. A little hot and tired, but thoroughly enjoying seeing another country. We climbed the Wall today and got up EXTREMELY early, but I'm still alive! :) |
| 15th August 2007 Sushant | - From: Bright Sun in Beijing oh no.. hope you both feel better for this trip. Louise seems to be having it quite rough. |
| 15th August 2007 Sue70 | HOT, HOT, HOT! - From: Bright Sun in Beijing John, I think it's probably 35+ in the sun. Hot enough to drain me of all my energy and make me crave water. Is it strange to drink 2L of liquid and not have to pee at all throughout the day???? :) |
| 15th August 2007 JV | - From: Bright Sun in Beijing Nasty sunstroke. How hot is it in Beijing? |
| 12th August 2007 michelle | beijing-bound! - From: Seoul Adventures congrats on the start of a well-deserved vacation, sue! looking forward to hearing your impressions of china soon. hope you are able to find the glasses place(s) from adrienne's freehand map!! bon voyage! |
| 10th August 2007 Sushant | bbq - From: Goodbye KLC! oops... forget to fill out the info at the top - the last comment about the drinking and partying was me! |
| 10th August 2007 anonymous | - From: Goodbye KLC! woohoo the party sounds like fun (especially the drinking part)! I wonder if the Korean BBQ is similar to the places around here? Have fun on your vacation! |
| 6th August 2007 Sue70 | Still at camp - From: Three Days Worth of News Michelle, we're still at camp.... We work until Friday afternoon, have a farewell party and head to Seoul on Saturday morning. The we have a couple of days in Seoul before flying to Beijing on Monday. |
| 6th August 2007 michelle | welcome back! - From: Three Days Worth of News hey, sue -- glad to see the site is up and running again...missed your daily updates there for a bit! i guess by now you have arrived in china..can't wait to hear what you think of beijing & if you are able to find the glasses place :) hope the guidebook comes in handy -- have fun!!! |
| 2nd August 2007 Steve | Will they ban food too? - From: Day 3 If one of the kids bites their tongue will management ban food too? Will everyone need to drink diet shakes? I wonder about those pesky paper cuts I sometimes get... |
| 2nd August 2007 Sue70 | Missing you guys - From: Day 3 Yeah, I know it seems strange to be a bit homesick, but when your friends are halfway around the world, and you're feeling a little left out of things, you do start to miss your friends and family and all the creature comforts that we don't have here. |
| 1st August 2007 JV | Homesick? - From: Day 3 Homesick? I thought you would be thinking "I'm _so_ glad to get away from that place!". |
| 1st August 2007 michelle | no running?!?!?! - From: Day 3 what's next....no walking? no swimming? i agree that does seem a bit ridiculous in a camp environment!! i certainly remember your trip to "happy city" last year...wonder what it looks like now? personally, i just love the name! good luck with the play on saturday...i'm sure it will be entertaining! |
| 29th July 2007 Andrew Leong-Sit | They're grrrrrrreat! - From: Back again! Mmmm.... I haven't had Frosted Flakes in a long time. :) I'm glad you made it there safely and I hope you have a lot of fun out in Korea and China - I look forward to hearing of your adventures in Asia! |
| 28th July 2007 Sue70 | - From: Back again! Jess, there is ALWAYS kimchee available, at every meal.... I just choose not to eat it. :P Sush, there may not be a Mr. Beer next door to Mr. Pizza, but they serve beer in the restaurant, and there are a million bars along the street nearby. Not only that, but you can buy it in the 7-11, and sit out on the street drinking it. :D |
| 28th July 2007 Jess | - From: Back again! Glad you arrived safe and sound! Aww no kim chee for breakfast? :P Can't wait to read more of your adventures. Take care! |
| 28th July 2007 Sushant | Target Practice - From: Back again! Hey Sue, sorry to hear of the target practice potty issue! Mr. Pizza sounds like a good place. A Mr.Beer next door would be perfect! Have a safe, happy trip! |
| 25th August 2006 Jenny | Ahhh!! So frustrating it is. - From: Last day in South Korea!!! Well, sounds like your adventure was pretty exciting. Sorry I commented so late. Except, just reading about how frustrating it is... makes ME frustrated. Well... I hope you have fun with the last day in Korea. I hope to hear from you tomorrow!! Bye! |
| 22nd August 2006 Sue70 | Found some! - From: Suwon, Fortress City! Dave, I actually did find postcards in Seoul at Insadong, which is a touristy area. They only seemed to sell them in packages of 10-12 but I found some. Even mailed a few already! No postcards at the post office where I sent them from though..... Went to the big electronics superstore too today and was not very impressed. Apparently the cameras are 1-4 years older than models at home (Erika works for FutureShop) and are the same price as new ones at home. Nothing special to see unfortunately. :( Ate at an Outback Steakhouse for lunch though -- had chicken fingers made from WHITE meat!!! :D I'll take a pass on the dog meat. |
| 22nd August 2006 Dave | Postcards - From: Suwon, Fortress City! Have you tried a Post Office ? I know, strange idea... postcards at a post office, but it really does happen in Asia. Oh, and Percy says that if you want to eat a new type of meat (not likely), you should go to the "health food" restaurants where they sometimes serve dog meat "for stamina". As for chicken, I found that in Asia they basically don't like white meat at all and they might even chuck it in the garbage for all I know, preferring to eat fat-and-gristle dark meat. Weird. |
| 22nd August 2006 Sue70 | Nary a postcard in sight! - From: Suwon, Fortress City! Hey Nathan! I would be much more interested in eating the octopus if it didn't have suction cups all over its tentacles..... Just can't eat that! I do much better with squid. And I've been looking for postcards since Day One. They just don't seem to sell them much over here, even at the touristy areas. Very different from home. |
| 21st August 2006 Nathan | Hungry - From: Suwon, Fortress City! Hmmm octopus...sounds yummy! A little too late in the trip to be looking for postcards eh Sue? Ha ha. |
| 20th August 2006 Sue70 | Granola bars aren't gooey.... - From: Climbed a mountain, climbed a mountain...... Frankly, I don't know if they'll let me on the plane with granola bars, but seeing as they're not liquid or gel-like, I think I should be okay. And if not, oh well!!! |
| 20th August 2006 Sue70 | Hotels are VERY EXPENSIVE! - From: Finally in Seoul! From what I could see in my guide book and info online, hotels start around 100 000 won (over $100 CDN) per night and go up from there. That's why I'm hostelling it! |
| 20th August 2006 anonymous | - From: Climbed a mountain, climbed a mountain...... Will they let you on a plane with a granola bar? They changed all of the rules about flying after that crazy guy found a way to make koolaid that goes boom. Certainly you can't bring any liquids, gels, goo's of any kind, drinks in your carry-on. It has to be checked-in. |
| 20th August 2006 anonymous | - From: Finally in Seoul! How much are the Hotels there? (Not Hostels) Maybe they would have sink. |
| 19th August 2006 Sue70 | Can't read Korean! - From: Climbed a mountain, climbed a mountain...... Quite honestly Dave, I'm lucky just to find food that I can recognize! You know I'm not the most adventurous when it comes to food, so I'm sticking with what I know. I can't read a Korean menu, so I wouldn't know if it had Bibimbap or not! Leave me alone with my baguettes and pizza..... And I brought over about a hundred granola bars so I'm trying to get through them before I fly home. :P |
| 18th August 2006 David Z | Too much Western Food!! - From: Climbed a mountain, climbed a mountain...... Pizza? Spaghetti? Baguettes? Granola Bars? Enough with all this Western food! Have you found anywhere yet that serves some authentic Bi Bim Bap? |
| 18th August 2006 David Z | Sounds tasty - From: Karaoke Anyone? After reading so much about it, I've decided we desperately need a Mr. Pizza here in Toronto. Is it just like western style pizza, or do they have exotic Korean toppings, like kimchi or octopus? I don't suppose you could bring me back a slice? Oh... and thanks for the birthday card!! |
| 14th August 2006 Sue70 | Still in one piece! - From: Off we go! Nathan: Yes, I'm still in one piece, though often I feel like I'm melting. My brain seem to be melting too, as there are often times that I don't notice things or can't remember something someone has told me. Maybe it's due to lack of sleep? Or just sheer exhaustion! We climb at least 100 steps every day (sometimes more!) and for a couple of nights it was so hot that sleeping was difficult. But yes, still in one piece! :D |
| 13th August 2006 Nathan | Hi Sue!!! - From: Off we go! Are you still in one piece? |
| 9th August 2006 Dave | - From: Reports are done! I've been reading with interest, but lurking. I figured we'd talk when you return, but Mom insisted. We had a similar heat wave for about 1-2 weeks, which ended a few days ago. But I agree that the humidity is worse in Asia. For what it's worse, people always tell me that the sun is more harsh (they say, "about 5 times more harsh") in Canada though. About the behaviour issues... there is a tendency to over-indulge male children (especially first/only children) in Asian cultures, which is part of a self-reinforcing cycle of chauvinism - and sometimes leads to such behaviour issues. I'll bet the girls are mostly well-behaved, huh ? Anyhow, interesting sites huh ? You might want to see a shrine/temple while you're there - not sure if they're substantially different than in Japan, but they make for some cool historic-style scenery. And shopping... while it's also much the same as here, the products, colors, presentation are different too, huh ? Do they have prepared food in the basement floor of department stores like Japan (like giant food courts) ? Anyway, have fun. |
| 7th August 2006 mickey | swimming cap-less! - From: Swimming cap or no pool! hey, sue -- what a crazy rule...it reminded me of grade 5 swim lessons here in TO and having to wear those awful skin-tight plastic swim caps which always left a huge mark right across your forehead afterwards!! (so maybe it was a GOOD thing you didn"t have one..) sounds like you were able to cool down a bit, though. thanks for adding pictures...they're fun to look at! |
| 6th August 2006 Sue70 | Only half a day ahead of TO - From: English at English Camp? Yeah, right! Wendy, we are 13 hours ahead of TO time, so that would make it Sunday night for the karaoke (starting in about an hour actually). I guess that would make us 16 hours ahead of Victoria? We did have to work today (Sunday) but only a half day. We got to sleep in this morning! Yay! Basically we are involved with the campers every day of the week, though some days have special activities (like tomorrow, Monday, going to the pool in the afternoon) and other days are full work days. |
| 6th August 2006 Wendy | What day is it for you? - From: English at English Camp? Yeah, right! Hi Sue! Yes, a somewhat simple question...but when you are writing, I am just wondering what day of the week it is, given the huge time difference. Is the karaoke night happening Saturday? Do you get a day off on Sunday, or are you always involved with the campers? It sounds like you have found your rhythm the last 2 days. It is always an adjustment working with a goup of children, finding out their limits and using your own creative talents accordingly! I am sure it was a nice break for the kids as well to have a fun day, and maybe the afternoon activity session was meant to give them a language break as well. I remember when I went on my 6 week French Immersion experience in Quebec, I had a headache every day for the first week! It was truly a strain on my brain to have to use French all the time, I guess! Have a great time with the Karaoke...hopefully there are some English selections for you to have fun with. Bye for now. Wendy |
| 4th August 2006 Linda | songs - From: Mud pies, anyone? I know this does not correspond to today's blog, but I have been away from the computer for a while. Some songs you could teach are head and shoulders, if you're happy and you know it. You could play simon says. I think its funny as I read your blogs, the memories that I had forgotten (or suppressed?) from when I taught ESL for that Korean comopany downtown. They also supplied a workbook. It had the same sorts of activities you mentioned. I think Madelyn wants to add something, so here goes: lnjmjhnmjjjjjjj buj I guess she's learning to talk! :) Talk to you soon! |
| 3rd August 2006 Sue70 | Kooky Koreans - From: Another day, another 100 000 won Yes, the kids are the same everywhere, but having seen their blank faces, I think that they REALLY don't understand me. They've told their Korean CC (in Korean) that the class is too hard (and I'm barely doing anything!). The kids are about 10 or 11 years old (grade 5 or 6) and I think I will have to write the speech for them (3 sentences might be pushing it) and have them read it. Especially since their writing is like "Hockey fun." |
| 3rd August 2006 Steve | The Korean Land Corporation? - From: Another day, another 100 000 won How old are these kids? How would they do a speech on the Korean Land Corporation? (If I can't imagine Rachel or Michael doing one, how are these kids going to do this?) Oh well, at least you can talk about the time you "won 100 000" -- I mean the time you earned 100 000 won. |
| 3rd August 2006 Spyros | Payday - From: Another day, another 100 000 won Well, kids are the same everywhere. How to drive the teacher crazy by pretending not to understand. It's an uphill battle kiddo but just another week and it'll be worth it! Hang-on tight, Sue, because by the time you come back, you'll be a kimchi addict. Spyros |
| 3rd August 2006 LES | I love it! Korean Wonarama! - From: Found the Dollar Store! Your top ten list is great...sounds like my Cuba trip....I did warn you! At least you had soap!!!! LOL! Keep them coming!!! |
| 2nd August 2006 Sue70 | No GBS fans here! - From: Attack of the Campers! Unfortunately, the Western music is not going over well at all. They don't seem to like it (or at least are poker-faced about it) and don't even really understand WHERE Canada is, let alone what Newfoundland is all about. Even the postcards of Toronto and Canada that I have brought over don't really seem to pique their curiosity. Either they are not interested or it's beyond the scope of their world knowledge. I thought they'd really like hearing different music. You have no idea how disappointed I am. Perhaps if I had a higher level class, they might enjoy it more because then they could understand the lyrics.... |
| 1st August 2006 mick | crazy campers! - From: Attack of the Campers! wow! sounds like you've got quite a group there, sue! funny how teaching BOYS can often be challenging in a different way :) i feel sorry for these kids being at CAMP and having study hall at night...don't they get to do anything fun like field trips?! sheesh! western music sounds fun...what do they think of it so far? i can just picture this group of kiddies running around you asking (or trying to) find out all they can about 'great big sea' and newfoundland!! can't wait to hear how tomorrow goes... have a great day! mick |
| 31st July 2006 David | This is so cool - From: Meet the Creatures I love your travel blog! What a great idea. I just got back to work today, and I saw you email. Reading through all your entries was a fun way to procrastinate on my first day back in the office. It sounds like you're having a few adventures and misadventures, just like you had hoped. Too bad about all the rain though. But the most important thing is that you're with a good group of people. That's the one thing that can really make or break a trip like this. Your Top Ten list reminded me of some of the things Kristina has told me about life in Taiwan. I guess there are a lot of similarities between the two countries. I've heard that in some parts of Asia you have to actually but your own toilet paper for use in public washrooms, and carry it around with you because it's not always provided. And the thing about squatting rather than sitting, has a lot to do with what you mentioned about people leaving their garbage everywhere. And also spitting, peeing and doing other unsanitary things all over. So people tend to squat, because it's usually not clean enough to sit on florrs or the ground. Just a bit of informative trivia. Talk to you later! |
| 30th July 2006 Sue70 | Bibimbap is yummy! - From: Camp Korea Orientation Unfortunately, there was no bibimbap at dinner last night. Bibimbap (at least how it's presented in TO) is a rice, meat and veggie bowl that is cooked in the bowl with an egg cracked on top. Because it is so hot, the egg cooks overtop of the rest and it's like scrambled egg with meat, rice and veggies. Quite tasty! Last night though, we had Korean BBQ (only pork) with all kinds of spicy dishes to share. Needless to say, I ate the salad and a limited amount of pork. Not much variety for me! I just can't do spicy. We sat with our Korean Camp Counselor (CC) and chatted, got to know each other, and asked questions about culture, families, etc. A pleasant evening, if less than appetizing to me.... So a colleague jumping ship? How surprising.... (not). Good luck, Mick, keeping up with the big changes at your work! Sounds like we're both going to have to learn to "go with the flow" for the next while..... :) |
| 30th July 2006 Sue70 | Great to hear from you! - From: Man, my feet are sore! I too am hoping that some of my stay will include non-rainy season. We've been told that the rain should end soon (next couple of days?) but I'll believe it when I see it! We haven't actually met any children yet; they arrive tomorrow and have their placement test to gauge how strong their English is. I've heard rumours that they will all be the same age, but essentially, we were told 9-15 yrs old. So who knows? I'll keep you guys posted! |
| 29th July 2006 mickey | what the heck is "bibimbap"?!?! - From: Camp Korea Orientation sounds like you are off and running (in the rain!), sue! i am thoroughly enjoying your updates as they come in...glad to hear the bank machine worked, too (having my bank card "eaten" in paris, i know what a relief that can be!) i, too, would be annoyed with the lack of information...however, you ARE in a different country after all...different culture etc. etc. if anything, this will be a great exercise in 'flexibility' :) i just found out another one of my (english) colleagues at surrey place has quit to return to teaching...she will be doing 1/2 home school class and 1/2 spec. ed. MART/resource in the TDSB...sounds like my dream job, at the moment....add french to the mix & it would be perfect! i expect others will be jumping ship over the next while...i am expecting some big changes before school begins in the fall...enough about ME! good luck with the campers!! bon weekend -- mick |
| 29th July 2006 Wendy | Hello from Victoria - From: Man, my feet are sore! Hey Sue! Sounds like you are having quite an adventure! Thanks for including me in your blog...between your busy teaching days and our newborn days, I realize we have not touched base for a while, so i appreciate the chance to hear from you through your blog! I can understand that the same food in repetition would get rather tiring, no matter the food is. I hope your stay will include some of the non-rainy season? I am curious to know how you are finding the teaching experience. My freind Debbie and her husband Mike are presently in China doing the same thing! They are teaching teachers, though. Who are you teaching? I will track your blog with interest, as I am confined to the 24 hour newborn routine and staying (very) close to home. :)Wendy |
| 29th July 2006 Sue70 | Better than fish and rice! - From: Man, my feet are sore! Trust me, Ams, after all the plain sticky rice and various fish dishes, pizza and ice cream were desperately needed!!! :D |
| 29th July 2006 Amy | Sounds like fun though!! - From: Man, my feet are sore! Pizza and ice cream?! How far away are you? Glad to hear you are having a good time exploring...good prep for the CN Tower stairclimb!!! |
| 28th July 2006 michelle | welcome to korea! - From: Here, safe and sound! Sue! Thanks for 'blogging' so soon after your marathon flight :) It's fun to live vicariously through you and your korean experience this summer! I'm so glad to hear that the group of teachers is cool & that you've already got some sightseeing under your belt. The subway sounds very interesting...a little different from our humble TTC, eh? Though the campus tour sounds less than stellar...you seemed to have found the computer facilities quite quickly!! (and i'm sure by now, you've figured out where the karaoke room is...hmmmm...how can you incorporate THAT into the ESL curriculum?!?! what are your accommodations like? are you sharing a room? any details on the dress code yet? keep those blogs coming :) wishing you lots of karoke (and less fish & rice for breakfast!!) love, michelle |
| 23rd July 2006 Spyros | Life in Korea - From: Packing Conundrum Sue, I don't think you need to worry too much about what to pack. You're going to a facility where there are many foreigners and chances are the Koreans would have services available to you including laundry or dry goods. It is highly unlikely, that they would expected foreigners to be totally self-sufficient while working there. |
| 23rd July 2006 Sue70 | lack of info makes decisions tough - From: Packing Conundrum Thanks, Michelle. The hardest part, of course, is the lack of knowledge thus far. I believe the school is air conditioned, but the outdoors is supposedly MUCH more hot and humid than TO. We're supposed to get Camp Korea t-shirts to wear, but who knows how often we wear them or what colour they are? The weather is quite rainy (or has been) and with that, hard to say how sticky it is. As for borrowing from other teachers, I have the feeling that I'm not quite the same size as many others.... In any case, I'm sure I'll figure something out. I'm guessing that if I pack enough clothes for 2 of the 4 weeks, I should be in the clear. I don't know how often I'll get to do laundry, and certainly for the two weeks I'm off backpacking, I won't WANT to be doing laundry! :) |
| 22nd July 2006 michelle | i hear you, sue! - From: Packing Conundrum i totally sympathize with the packing dilemma...it's never easy to try and predict what to take & what to leave...and if my recent trip to the azores is any indication, i took WAY too much stuff!! don't forget: you can likely do laundry there if need be (bring a small amount of your favourite detergent & bounce sheets); i would check the weather predictions (for the past few weeks and the longer range forecast), just to get a better idea of what to expect. you may also want to find out if the school is airconditioned as you may want to pack accordingly. another idea is to pick a main colour theme so you can mix and match (teaching outfits especially) and create "new" outfits... another thought is to pack an extra (empty) bag in your luggage (some easily folded type of bag)..i have one if you need to borrow it... so you can put any purchases in on your return trip..that should take some of the stress off of travelling with fairly full bags... then the ultimate test: put everything you want to take on your bed (or somewhere you can see it) and then RUTHLESSLY cut 1/2 of what is there...you'll probably be glad you did! and don't forget: you will be there with other teachers...worst comes to worst, you may be able to borrow something from someone else! or even buy something if you have to.. hope these tips help...good luck with the packing & let me know if i can help in any way :) thanks for including me in your blog!!! mick |
