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Published: October 15th 2014
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World Champioships of Sumo Wrestling
We headed off one fine Sunday morning to watch the finals of the World Championships of Sumo Wrestling. We had lovely flights for our return trip to Kaohsiung. The trip went according to plan, and we arrived in Kaohsiung late Monday evening. We were pleasantly surprised at how clean and fresh our apartment was despite the heat and humidity that is so oppressive here.
After a short, sleepless night, Linda was off to school the very next morning. She had Tuesday to Friday without students, and there were meetings, class to set up and a million things to prepare. Maurice would usually spend a few hours every day helping out where he could, and that was a huge help. He became quite popular with the other teachers and known for his help and subbing capabilities.
Monday the 11th of August, Linda's new class of 17 grade 4's showed up all bright eyed and bushy-tailed. She was still in her little classroom so she will not have any more than 18 students again this year. Now her second year, Linda knew all the school routines and was so much more proficient with the use of computers, which is vital to success in this school. The school has promised her that in October every student in her class will
Many Categories
There were many categories, different weights, various countries, and both men's and women's divisions. have a school supplied Apple Mac Chrome.
The World Championship of Sumo Wrestling was held in Kaohsiung the weekend of August 30th, and that was a 'must see' for us. We made arrangements to scooter to the arena with Junior and Yenni, and arrived around 10AM. The competition was well under way. There were different weight categories, national championships, both lady's and men's and it made for a long day. We spent the whole day watching the various bouts, and were most entertained by the ladies wrestling. None could match the Russian ladies however, their sheer bulk overwhelmed the competition.
This past year, the school lost some of their substitute teachers. So Maurice was booked immediately for 8 days, including 5 for the Spanish teacher who was away for courses. It was nice for him to get brushed up on his Spanish. In September, the grade 2 teacher fell victim to a flu bug that was making its rounds through her class and Maurice was called to step in. Linda suggested he teach the students "Angel Hands". When Maurice would say "Angel Hands", the little grade 2's would put their palms together like angels, and he then knew
Women Sumo Wrestling
The ladies ended up being the most entertaining. This was Brazil vs Russia. he had their attention. They enjoyed "Angel hands" so much that Margo, the grade 2 teacher, said, "Next year, I'll be sick earlier in the year so you can teach them that!"
Linda finds it so much easier, this year she knows the routines of life in Kaohsiung,and what is expected of her at school. It feels like the heat is more bearable as well, though it is still in the mid 30's with very high humidity.
When in Kaohsiung on the week-ends we travelled to waterfalls to escape the city and the heat. We really enjoyed wallowing in the cool clean mountain streams. We enjoyed the coolness of the forests, and found the countryside green and refreshing. Junior and Yeni now have a car as do Chris and Annie, so traveling is easier.
We once again made a scooter trip out to Luigui Island with Linda and Les Kuiken, Kevin Strait, Jennifer, Wendy and Lee. Four of us were on scooters and the other 4 rode in Les's van and brought their bicycles. Once on the island, we toured on our scooters while the other four rode their bikes. We met up later in the afternoon
Break in the Action
Sumno wrestlers smoke, and Linda was able to have her photo taken during a break with these competitors.. for a few cold beers, then got back on the ferry, and arrived back in the city just as the sun was setting. We generally have 12 hours of daylight here, unlike the shorter days in Canada.
The time seems to pass quickly, Linda at school and Maurice subbing more and more now. Linda volunteered to hold an hour long Math Fact Club every Tuesday and Thursday after school. It has become increasing popular. That means Maurice must volunteer to help! She had originally planned on having only the grade 4 and 5's, however the word went out that it was for all elementary. Yikes! Now she has a huge group of students at various levels. She has enlisted the help of a couple of high school students, but even so, it is very hectic playing math games with 5 or 6 different groups at the same time. Oh well, it only lasts for 6 weeks.
We have made a couple of long week-end trips to Japan, and that will be our next blog!
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Annette
non-member comment
Awesome!
Always looks so nice, warm and colourful!