Helenenorth

 Greetings all Can you believe that I have been here for two weeks--and the first week of school done!! Weather has been interesting--never really hot, but we sure have had some beautiful blue skies, with little or no wind, and the biggest mosquitoes I have ever seen!!  You have to keep your mouth closed!!  We also have had some snow, rain and sleet, so it is just the tease before that weather comes--usually the snow flies in October--so we have some nice weather to come. Berries are ripening, so everyone is out scouring the landscape, trying to pick as many as they can.  They are small black and red berries--not terribly tasty, but when you mix them with the whale blubber, they taste ok. Everyone is fishing.  Kangirsuk has the best Arctic Char fishing in the world.  NO commercial fishing here--just the locals--and it is fishing every day after school--the fish practically jump into the canoe!!  My neighbour keeps me well stocked. The students usually ...

 Greetings all Back to Kangirsuk, you say!!  Are you crazy?  Well, yes, I guess I am a little on the crazy side! I had the call, and I just could not ignore it.  It is fabulous being back, I must say.  Meeting former students, parents, community members and colleagues has been more fun then my Alaskan Cruise.  Seeing how the kids have grown, seeing what they have accomplished, and seeing how the community is beginning to prosper--a real wow experience. The usual frustrations of getting here-a 30 hour delay.  And then, the usual agony of moving into the living accommodation, cleaning, unpacking boxes and settling in.  The worst was, of course, getting the internet at home and at school, and re learning all the tech that I must use including smart board, printer stuff, and internet stuff.  But, that is all behind me.  My classroom is already, house is up to snuff, and I am ready for those four little darlings on Monday morning. I will also...

 Hi again This blog will try to explain how important food is in China.  During the Cultural Revolution, many people died of starvation.  Since then, having enough food to eat has been a number one focus. Food is the center of celebrations, marriages, holidays, birthdays and funerals.  It is a huge industry!  In Fuzhou, seafood is the special.  Other parts of the country specialize in other things--hot, spicy and so on. When you go out for dinner, the host orders.  They get there ahead of everyone else, and go to the food room.  All of the dishes sold at that restaurant are displayed around a room.  Large tanks with fish, crab and any other sea food are also there.  You go with a restaurant person and order the dishes.  Usually between 12 and 13.  Sometimes, you have a private dining room with your own wait staff, bathroom, and sitting room.  At less expensive places, you sit at a round table in a large dining room with ot...