Tuesday, January 10 - First trip downtown

Here's a great shot of the Petronas Towers. They're just spectacular the way they're lit up at night, don't you think?
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I spent the day teaching, which is, of course, still wonderful. :) On Tuesdays (and Thursdays) I have Reading Discussion with the three oldest students, and we're reading Black Beauty. It's interesting, since I've never read it, so I just prepare discussion questions as I progress through the book. Eventually I'll have to write quizzes and grade them - something I'm looking forward to. Seems more like "real teacher" stuff. :)  Sometimes I still feel like a substitute teacher, but I think that will pass as time goes on.

Here I am in front of the Petronas Towers. You can't see the tops of them in this photo because they're so very tall. :)
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Tonight I finally got to go downtown! I went with the brother of one of my students and two of his Chinese-Malay friends. But before I say anything about our time downtown, I just have to tell you about this meal we had...or at least the dessert. The dessert is called "Ice Kacang" (pronounced "kah-chahng"), and, oddly enough, it's quite popular here. It's like a snow cone, but then it's topped with sweet corn, red beans, cendol (green, wormy-looking things), a dark-colored jelly, and these translucent lima-bean shaped things. It's probably the strangest thing I've ever had in my life. Truly.

Here I am at Starbucks with my new acquaintances. They were a lot of fun to hang out with. :)
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So. Downtown. Seeing the towers was pretty surreal. I kept thinking, The last time I saw these was on the internet! They're quite beautiful at night, the way they're lit up and all. Eventually I'd like to go up in the towers, but you have to get there pretty early in the morning to get tickets, as there are a limited number of people allowed up each day. I will definitely do that before I leave!

After wandering around the fountain area outside the towers, the four of us went to Starbucks, which was also quite amusing. It's still amazing to me to see so many businesses from the States here. Starbucks. Ha! :)

Well, tomorrow is art day, which is always fun for me. I think my co-teachers don't enjoy leading the crafts as much as I do, but that's because it can be quite draining. You just gotta go with it. If the kids don't exhibit as much artistic talent as you wish they could, you can't get hung up on it. Encourage them to do their best, but if it doesn't turn out perfectly, it can't become a big deal. Those things can really become a burden...

Better sign off. Get a good night's sleep...