Camping with the kids

Although it may still be extremely hot here in HK, I spent the past Monday and Tuesday camping out with two classes of Y9 students (although they are camping for 4 nights). And this weekend I'll be heading out with the Y7's (6th graders!). In a place where everything is so packed in together, it's amazing that there are a number of camping spots here in HK. Located in areas that are not too far from the big city, you still feel like you are out there, as you rock climb, hike, swim, and simply chill.

For me, the coolest part was simply seeing my kids in a situation that was familiar to me, yet completely foreign to them. Many had never been camping, started a camp fire, made a tent, or even cooked themselves dinner. Getting dirty and seeing bugs in their tents was almost too much for many of them. As you can imagine, a number wanted to just go home, but in the long run, I think they'll get a lot out of this and will look back with fond memories.

I'm looking forward to hearing their thoughts. And I really am anxious to see how the Y7's do on their trip (only 1 night).

Hong Kong update

Wow. Time flies, you fall into and out of routines, and before you know it, a month passes in between blog updates. So, as can be imagined, this past month has been busy, now that I am back to HK and back to school.

So, exactly what has kept me busy? I've done a lot at school, but unlike the past two years, it has been much less stressful, now that I have the opportunity to teach in the same place for back-to-back years. For the first time in a while, I don't feel like a brand new teacher, trying to feel my way through things. My classes are going great and I am loving coaching volleyball.

Outside of school, I have developed some good friendships and have been extremely active. Playing volleyball a couple of days a week, a few days of coaching volleyball, hiking about ocne a week, and some tennis. I've also been hitting up lots of other fun stuff, from the museum of history, to karaoke, to a junk trip, and to plays. Oh, yeah. And then there's the frequent trips to all sorts of awesome asian restaurants. Eating is good...