These Are A Few of My Favorite Things....That I'm REALLY Missing

Apart from the obvious homesickness and missing family and friends, there are some things that I find myself missing on a daily basis.  Large or small, based on infrastructure or just something that reminds me of home, here is a list (in no particular order) of things that I'm really missing.

1.  Sidewalks
You would think that they exist everywhere, but they don't.  Because so many people walk everywhere one would think sidewalks would be common (or at least a shoulder on the road).  That, my friends, is not the case.  Walking is treacherous at best and a death trap at worst.  Plus, now with the rainy season, people are trying to avoid the major puddles and think nothing of jumping right onto the street.  Needless to say, Ruby-dog and I don't walk in the city; only on the country roads (which are mud pits now).  My friend, Gina, says that the next president could probably win the election based solely on the "Sidewalk Platform." I have to say that I agree.

2.  New Seasons Market

'Nuff said.

3.  Cottage Cheese

What can I say?  I love the stuff and it's not available here.  Well--funny story--technically it is available here, but it's imported from South Africa and is whipped.  And flavored.   However, being the daring sort, I bought some of said cottage cheese without fully understanding what it meant.  Basically, and I did not know this at the time, Biltong is South African beef jerky.  Now combine that flavor with cottage cheese and whip it up and basically you have some sort of weird meat-flavored cheese spread.  Not delicious. 

4.  Roads with Clearly Painted Lines

Again, this is pretty obvious.  Driving here stinks.  There are no sidewalks, no shoulders, major potholes,  tons of pedestrians, tons of bikes (who obviously don't have reflective gear or lights of any sort to speak of), no street lights, heavy rains, and crazy drivers--especially the blue buses which is a post for later.  Combine all these factors with the fact that there are absolutely zero painted lines on the roads (marking the center line or side of the road, etc.), and every time you leave the house you say a little offering to the gods, in the hopes that you make it there safely.  

5.  North Bar, Pub Trivia Mondays in particular

What can I say?  Pub Trivia Monday nights with the fella's was a weekly tradition that went on for years. It just got the week started off "right."  Seth, Quiz Master Extraordinaire, found the balance between really tough, obscure questions, awesome picture pages, and special video clues.  Plus, I got to guest host once, which was brilliant!  Anyway, I really miss it.

6.  Yoga Union

The best yoga studio within walking distance of my house?  Yes, please.  I've been attending Yoga Union since I moved to Portland in 2006 and boy, do I miss it.  The Yin and Unity Flow classes kept me happy, at peace (sometimes when the world was a shitshow otherwise), and "centered" (for lack of a better word).  Plus, instructor Todd was wicked hot.  :)

7.  Recycling

Ummm.....yeah.  It doesn't really exist here yet.  Coming from Portland, where everything is recycled, I feel like my soul dies a little bit each time I throw away a plastic bottle or tin can or glass jar.  AISL just started paper recycling, but there's nothing yet to recycle other "recyclables."  Boo.  

8.  Good Beer (and Wine)

Good beer doesn't exist here.  The two local beers, Castle and Mosi, are basically like Coors Light.  I wouldn't even do them the honor of being PBR or High Life quality.  I was able to covertly buy a 12-pack of Fat Tire at the US Embassy Commissary store, before they realized that I was a teacher, but now I can't buy any beer/wine/booze there.  Has something to do with what embassy privileges are awarded to whom and, obviously, teachers rank near the bottom of the totem pole.  So far, I've had one beer and I'm hoarding the rest of them.  I guess I'll be able to have 1/month and that will last me until next year.

9. Walkability/Rideability

The favorite places I've lived (Portland and Chicago, though Walla Walla ranks high as well) have all been very walkable.  Or, if not very walkable, very easy to navigate using public transportation.  Public transport is pretty much non-existent here (unless you take a blue bus--aka "death on wheels").  So, I have to drive.  Everywhere.  Because of the aforementioned issues with walking or biking, driving is the only option, which sucks.  I miss being able to walk to too many bars, cafes, and coffee shops to count, to four movie theaters (all of them cheap seat/brew n' views), four major grocery stores (Fred Meyers, New Seasons, Zupans, and QFC), two of the best parks in town, etc.  However, perhaps the biggest downer is that my daily walk with Ruby consists of going up and down our road.  There are no loops or neighborhoods here, and everything is fenced off.  I could go in the bush but nothankyou with so many snakes around (in the last month I've known three people who have found cobras, puff adders, or green mambas on their property/in their houses.  I'm not going to push my luck!).  

10.  Coffee Shops (that aren't big, chain coffee shops, though at this point I might give my pinky finger for a Starbucks)

Not surprisingly, there's no "coffee shop culture" here.  I have found one pretty good coffee shop in the mall about 35 minutes' drive away.  So, because I hate malls, I've been there once.  What I would give for a nice, foamy latte from Albina Press right about now.

11.  Underdog Sports League, specifically volleyball and AMERICAN football (not soccer)

Team sports as an adult; what a novel concept.  Growing up, I thought that after Intramurals in college, the only sport I'd be able to play would be tennis.  Luckily, I discovered Underdog and have had so much fun over the last 5 years playing with them.  American Football is unheard of here (though I think for my next After School Activity, I'm going to try to organize it) and I miss playing with I Touchdown There so so so much!  It was my Sunday tradition; now my Sunday tradition is Ultimate frisbee.  A fine replacement, but still the glory and camaraderie of ITDT isn't there. 

12.  Being Able to See Peoples' Houses/Feeling of Neighborhoods

Everything here is behind a wall (usually topped with barbed wire and/or broken glass embedded into cement on top).  These walls average 10-15 feet tall and I have no idea what goes on behind them.  Homes, businesses, hospitals, etc...virtually everything is behind a wall.  As such, it's very disorientating; I am constantly lost because everything looks the same.  Probably because it is the same: one big concrete wall.  Even my house is "protected" with a giant wall on all sides.  

In order to get into my own house, I have to honk when I get to the driveway and my guard (24/7) lets me in.  My guards, Emmanuel and Frank, work 12 hour shifts, 6 days per week.  The day shift goes from 6:00 am-6:00 pm and then the night guard comes on for the other 6-6 shift.  Once per week, they have to work doubles (when they switch from the day shift to the night shift).  Other than the fact that it has to be the most boring job ever, they work such long hours and get paid (by the school, who pays for all security for the teachers) a bit more than $100 per month.  

There are obviously a ton of factors that play into the community infrastructure, but I greatly miss walking around the ole 'hood (especially at night when I could see how cutely decorated the houses are).  

13.  Ruby-Dog Services

Let's just say that over 100 pounds of my 500 pound shipping allotment went to Ruby's treats and food.  I wasn't sure what I'd be able to buy here (not much it turns out, so it was a smart move to bring tons of food, treats, and toys).  Regardless, I (and I'm sure Ruby-dog does, too) miss Portland Pet Supply and Mt. Tabor Vet Clinic.  The Wunguriyran's and Drs. Sulis and Bussmann took such great care of Ruby and Gus over the years.

Anyway, that's it for now...the "short list" of what I miss the most about life in Portland/the Northwest.  I'm sure I'll be adding to this as time goes on.  

South Luangwa National Park--SAFARI TIME (or to quote LM, "You Can't Make This Sh$& Up"

First, dear readers, let me apologize for being woefully behind on my blog posts.  Other than being ridiculously busy and having spotty internet, there's no excuse.  My New Year's Resolution (come a month early) is to post at least once a week.  While the big trips and events are obviously noteworthy, the mundane day-to-day posts are what will really paint a better picture of Zambia for you.  However, this will not be one of those posts--this post is going to talk about the most amazing trip ever--our Grand Adventure to South Luangwa for the October Break.  (I can write mundane next week, I suppose).

So, at AISL we're lucky to have an October break; this year it was 5 days and "The Crew" (my buddies here) and I decided to go to South Luangwa National Park which is world-renown for it's amazing wildlife.    As there were 6 of us going, we thought it wisest (and cheapest) to rent a car/driver for the trip (at $110/day as opposed to the round-trip ProFlight flight which would have cost ~$550).  Anyway, divided by 6, the long drive (it's supposed to be ~9-10 hours) was worth the cost.

So we hired a van driven by Kennedy, our driver.

Anyway, this shot was taken just after it broke down (about 5:30 pm) halfway between Lusaka and our destination for the night--Chipata.  We were stranded by the road next to Peter's Village (a small traditional village with no electricity).  Luckily, the village head, Chief Joseph, was very friendly and helpful and brought out a wicker/rattan mat thing for us to sleep on.  Long story short, we were kept warm by cuddling on the roof and the bottles of booze we brought for the trip; entertained by shooting stars and goofy stories; and were finally "resuced" at about 1:00 am by the replacement van.  We almost ran out of gas two times and got a flat tire as we limped into the park (not a good place to change a tire with lots of wild animals roaming around), but we finally made it to Mfuwe Lodge.

The next four days were filled with adventures, delicious food, the most knowledgable guide ever (seriously--how did Fannuel spot some of those things??),  amazing animal and birdwatching, games, "sundowners" (my new favorite thing--cocktails as the sun sets), and memories with great friends.  Highlights included getting quasi-charged by an elephant, coming upon a lion kill (water buffalo), having 2 lions walk THISCLOSE to the van (and me, by proxy).  I cannot wait to go back with Mom and Pop Cline when they come visit in December.  Though, this time, we're flying.  :)

Below are some shots of the safari, which was, honestly, the vacation I've been dreaming about since I was a little girl.

A giraffe with birds eating the fleas and ticks on it's back.

Gorgeous sunset over the (very low) river.

Kudu (I think):

My favorite African birds thus far, Carmine Bee-Eaters:

Our "rig:"  Of great importance is the roof which provides shade in the midst of the hot, hot days (it was roasting by 9 am and the twice daily game drives; from 6:30-11:30 and from 4-8, while awesome would have been unbearable without the shade).  I was told one day it got to 45+ degrees Celsius (that's 113).  Regardless, it was very, very hot.  Sadly, not all tour companies provided sunshaded Land Rovers and, boy, did we feel sorry for those suckers.

We did a lot of silly jump shots.

Male lion, VERYCLOSEUP.  He'd just brought down a water buffalo, so he wasn't hungry, luckily.  You can notice the blood in his mane.  Also, I learned that lions are only successful about 30% of the time (when hunting). 

Then, we saw the same pride later in the day, lounging by the river.  A kudu attracted their attention and they walked right beside our vehicle to go check it out.  Amazing and scary.  This picture is taken with ZERO zoom; he's just walking by the side of our truck. 

The pride, lounging by the banks of the river...probably digesting their water buffalo feast.

Beautiful African sunset.  If you notice all the stumps/deforestation, it's caused by elephants.  When a large herd comes into an area, they can cause major damage.  This damage is pretty much irreparable and the landscape is forever scarred. 

Right before the elephant "charged" our car.  Scary!

Galloping zebras.  Incidentally, a herd of zebras is actually called a "dazzle."  One wouldn't think that black and white strips would be much of a natural defense against predators, but in a large group they 'dazzle' their predators (thus the name).  Apparently, it's a natural optical illusion and the stripes cause their predators to misjudge distances and causes problems with depth perception, which enables the zebras to escape.  Strength in numbers, eh?!?

Super posh lodging at Kapamba Bush Camp (a sister company of Mfuwe lodge).  

Included in the bush camp stay was a walking safari...we strolled through the dry river bed and "walked" with giraffes and a herd of water buffalo.

The gang on the walking safari.  There was hyena urine in the skull (which dripped on my head).  Super gross and super stinky!

Baobab tree; one of Africa's treasures.

Crocs, and Hippos, and Elephants--Oh My!

I know I'm woefully behind on my blog posts...now that I *finally* have reliable (and decently fast) internet (and I'm paying for it, believe me), my plan is to stay up-to-date, meanwhile catching up on the last month here in Zambia.

Anyway, this weekend was a mile-marker because I left Lusaka for the first time since arrival (my jaunt to SugarBush Farm--more later--certainly doesn't count).  Anyway, a camping trip to Kiambi, on the Lower Zambezi was organized by the social committee (of which I'm now a part) and I was one of the first to sign up.  Obviously.

As The Wizard (my "rig") is out of commission, Gina and I rode with Jeff and Susan.  It was only about 120 kms, but because of the roads, it took us about 3:30 to get there.  There were about 20 folks from school (including spouses and kids) who made the trip and it was amazing.  The highlight was the 3 hour canoe ride eight of us opted to go on yesterday.  We went upstream in a motor boat and then paddled back down to our campground (which was also a pretty swanky lodge, if you wanted to shell out the big bucks--camping was only $8 per person per night--quite the deal!) in big, 3-seater canoes.  Absolutely amazing (and a bit disconcerting being that close to "big game."  The Crocs scared me more than the hippos (though I know that hippos cause much more damage), and there are no words to describe being that close to an elephant in the wild (I'd say, at the closest, we were 50 feet away).

Below are some of the best photos of the weekend.

I've Arrived (well, awhile ago, but internet is limited)

So sorry for the delay in posting!  I've been here in Lusaka for about three weeks now and have just been so busy (and have very limited Internet access--at school only, as of now), that I haven't had time to post.  I'll cover the highlights here and then post more detailed posts later (travel with Ruby-dog, Lusaka orientation, school--The American International School of Lusaka, life in general, etc.).  But, for now, here's the Reader's Digest Version:

Ruby-dog and I made it here uneventfully.  I was (and am) actually so surprised at what a good travellin' dog she is.  As she is my Emotional Support Animal, she was able to sit in my lap the whole way.  I also sat in bulkhead the whole trip, and her carrier fit nicely between my feet.  More on that later....

We arrived on Wednesday, Aug. 3 and were met at the airport by the Director of AISL, Chris.  After collecting *all* of my luggage (apparently, that is rare), we breezed through customs.  Chris dropped me at my house and said he'd be back to collect me for dinner shortly.  Although I was completely exhausted, I managed to stay up for a few hours and have dinner with Chris (Director), Jim (my new Principal), and some other new hires at Kilimanjaro Café.

The next few days were packed with Lusaka orientation, get-to-know each other, and an awesome excursion to a game park which was about an hour from town.

New-teacher orientation began at AISL on Tuesday and that week (Aug 8-12) was full of iPad training.  AISL is the first (and only) school in Africa to adopt a one-to-one iPad program for 6th and 10th graders, so we spent two days in intense iPad training.  I learned a ton, but have barely begun to scratch the surface on the possibilities that will enhance my classroom with the iPad.  So many cool things!!!

Because of so many meetings and trainings, I only had one day to set up my classroom, which is tiny.  Space here is at a premium and the school had a good idea (really) to set up smaller language classes.  So, they took one regular-sized classroom and put up a dividing wall to create two classes, each which would have much smaller classes, which is ideal for language learning.  However, because the school has gotten big, I now have 17 kids in two of my classes (which, in the States, would be a dream).  However, the largest class in the entire school is 22 students in a regular, full-size, class and I'm struggling to cram 17 10th and 12th graders in a classroom designed for 11-13 kids.  Plus, my classes are very active--my kids are always up and moving around, so it simply isn't working out.  The other big bummer is that because they divided the classroom, I have 1/2 the windows...actually less because the windows that face south are smaller than the windows that face north and I'm in the south-facing room.  To top it off, about 1/3 of my windows are covered by the 6th graders lockers, so I'm pretty bummed.

Other than the classroom situation, however, AISL is amazing!  Great facilities, supportive staff and administration, LOVELY students.  It's just great!  I can see how people get into the world of international teaching and never leave--there are major perks.  I'm teaching MYP (Middle Years Programme) Spanish levels 8, 9, and 10 and IB (International Baccalaureate) 11 and 12 ab Initio (basically beginning Spanish for kids who already speak two, three, four, or five other languages).

The schedule is pretty confusing, but there are 7 periods per day and I teach 4 (so I have three 45 minute preps every day which is amazing!).  I'm also co-coaching volleyball and just found out that we have a big tournament in Johannesburg in October!  So cool!

Anyway, signing off for now, but will post detailed posts about the above briefly mentioned, things soon.  Including pictures.  Yay!

blogging about Zambia from Mexico

I can't believe that in less than two weeks I'll be in Zambia!  I especially can't believe this fact since I'm only halfway through my last summer session of my Masters.  I'm currently up to my eyebrows in homework, but I did present my Action Research (thesis) on Saturday, so at least one major thing is accomplished.  Hopefully.  We haven't heard back yet if we passed or if we (the presenters) have to go back for rewrites, etc.  So, the waiting is an additional stress added to an already very stressful week full of papers and presentations.

Oh well, I've survived four-and-a-half summer sessions at La Escuela de Idiomas de Guanajuato (where it's sister university, Southern Oregon University, hosts the Summer Language Institute every summer).  Hopefully in less than two weeks I can say that I've completed my Masters in Spanish Language Instruction and can board my flight to Zambia as a vetted "Master."

I suppose I should get back to work as I have so much to do (as always with this program).

In Zambia news, I got my work permit (email) yesterday, Ruby's vet permit should be arriving soon, my car (the Wizard) is set to land in Durban today or tomorrow and will hopefully make it to Lusaka in time for my arrival, and I got an email that my shipment is en route and should arrive sometime in early-September.  Oh, and Ruby's "stroller" (for the airport, plus the carrier part detaches so she can have her own area on the plane) arrived, so I'm going to see if my folks can start sticking her in it with lots of treats (Greenies) so she has positive associations.  I'm actually really nervous about flying with the pooch.

Adíos for now--keep you posted on my classwork and graduation status.

Moving Internationally: 500 lbs just doesn't go that far

On the topic of moving, my school provides me with a $3,000 relocation allowance (both to Zambia and back again which is, obviously, very important).  Well, since Zambia is a land-locked country with not the best transportation system, it's quite expensive to move there.  I priced out many companies and got a fairly reasonable estimate from Mayflower Movers.  Their agent came out and did a walk-through of my house and provided me with an estimate.  Apparently, the smallest crate (which would weigh approximately 500 lbs.) would cost about $3,000 and fit the majority of the things I wanted to bring.

Per my numerous email exchanges with other teachers at AISL, things in Zambia are surprisingly expensive (approximately 3-5x what you'd expect to pay in the States) and much poorer quality.  So, it made sense to take advantage of the shipping allowance and send some of my things.  In particular, I was told to bring linens/bedding/pillows, cookware, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, camp gear, clothing, etc.  At the last minute, I threw in my boxes of books/teaching supplies I'd planned to send via ground rate at the Post Office; since there was room, I hoped they would be allowed.

So, on Friday, the first, Joey from Mayflower showed up with his big truck and packing supplies.  I'd already packed things pretty well (I thought), but Joey had unpacked, wrapped in paper, and repacked all 500+ pounds of stuff in no time flat.  It was loaded into a big wooden crate (there was actually room leftover) and taken to the Mayflower office where it was weighed (it was actually 60 pounds overweight, but Sam, the lovely woman in charge of international moves, let it slide), wrapped in saran wrap and, theoretically, sent off via some slow ship to South Africa.  After arriving in South Africa, it will, in theory, be loaded onto a big truck and delivered to moi sometime in the beginning of September.  Let's just hope it makes it!

PDX chapter closed. Temporarily.

On Friday, July 1, I felt one major step closer to actually arriving in Zambia: I moved out of my house and turned the keys over to the renters.  The last few months have been a whirlwind with so many things to do (as outlined in the previous post).  Now, I'm not talking a to do list like "buy shampoo for Zambia," but rather major life events like "finish thesis," "put old dog to sleep," and "move out of my house and find renters to live in it."

Needless to say, the last few months have been a blur of trying to cram in as much fun with my friends as possible before departing Portland and, conversely, trying to ready myself for the upcoming move to Zambia, all while teaching 5th grade full-time.  I accomplished some things better than others and this post is dedicated to my friends and family who helped me get some major shit done so that I can begin the next adventure.

The house/packing was such a major undertaking that I avoided it like the plague.  In fact, I avoided it almost as much as I've been avoiding my thesis/action research writing.  It wasn't until I had actual real renters who actually really wanted to move in on July 1st that I realized this was actually really happening.  Good thing I have amazing family support; Mom and Pop Cline came down to help pack/clean/ready the house for renters and my awesome Auntie and Unc Cline-Turner also came down to help for a few days.  From cleaning to packing to hauling loads of crap all over Portland for my friends to store, there's no way I would have been able to get it all done.

Regardless, the things I want to keep are scattered around Portland in the basments and living rooms of many of my close friends and I was able to sell a lot of my things (from my couch to my car to my dishes) on Craigslist.  It was amazingly cathartic to get rid of so much stuff!  I felt as if I was purging years of junk and bad memories (Springwater, He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named, etc.) from my life.  I hope I see some of it again, but if not, it was nice knowing you!

So Much To Do, So Little Time

It recently hit me that I only have about 3.5 weeks left stateside before I head off....I'll be leaving Portland at the end of the month, spending a week in Spokane at my parents', and then heading to Guanajuato, Mexico for *hopefully* the last summer of my Masters program.  Then, it's back to Spokane on the 29th of July for 48 hours and I leave for Zambia on August 1.  Whew--I'm exhausted just thinking about all I have to do in the next few weeks. 

Plus, for some reason, I just can't seem to motivate myself to do anything.  Perhaps I'm dragging my feet because I'm afraid that it really means this is REAL.  So, in order to help me prioritize and hopefully light a fire under my ass, I've made a to do list of things that HAVE to get done.  Now.

-Find Renters for my House (thought this was accomplished, but it might not be)
-Finish My Thesis
-Finish My Thesis Presentation (Power Point)
-Finish My Year at Creston and Pack Up My Classroom
-Pack Up (Mexico and Zambia)
-Shipment to Zambia
-Move Out of my House
-Buy Ruby's Pet Carrier

I think I have to go throw up now.  I'm overwhelmed and under-motivated...not a good combo.

I've Been Shot More Times Than Fifty Cent

Yup; while there aren't any required vaccinations for Zambia, quite a few are recommended.  Obviously.  However, because I'm perhaps one of the most accident-prone people ever, I decided that the "better safe than sorry" mantra was best in this case and opted for all vaccines (including rabies, because I'm a sucker for dogs, especially the crazy, starving, foaming-at-the-mouth variety).

Anyway, over the month of April and the course of three visits to the Travel Clinic (my doctor didn't carry most of the vaccines), I got the following shots.  Appointments #2 and #3 were the follow-up Rabies and Hepatitis A/B series (for 3 shots each to complete the vaccine series).  Some were recommended adult boosters that, apparently, everyone should have anyway (which I didn't know). 

Oh, and the added bonus (being very sarcastic here) is that none of my shots were covered by insurance as they were all optional.  So, in addition to a wicked sore arm for about a month, I was also $2,000 more brokenstein; good thing I'm a teacher and make so much money.

Tetanus                                                          $70

Meningococcal Meningitis                         $135
MMR Booster                                               $80
Polio                                                             $65
TB Test                                                         $60
Rabies     $266 each x 3 =                          $798 (!!!)
Twinrix (Hep. A and B) $150 each x 3 =   $450
Yellow Fever                                              $115
Typhoid (oral capsules)                               $80

Total Number of Shots:  12 (3 more than 50 Cent, I believe--whoot!)

Oh, and I had a reaction to the yellow fever shot and my shoulder/upper arm swelled up, became very hot and red, and I had a raised "hard" spot on my arm for a few weeks.  When the swelling/heat started dissipating, my arm was super itchy.

International Teaching Recruitment Fairs

So, after registering and doing more due diligence than necessary, it became apparent that I would have to go to the job fairs, which I was hoping to avoid for many reasons. 

Cost was one of the biggest factors, as I'd already shelled out $200 to register with Search Associates, $185 to register with International Schools Services (ISS), and $35 to access The International Educator's online database.  However, I bit the bullet and registered for both the Search and ISS recruitment fairs in San Francisco.  The $200 fee I'd already paid to Search included admission to the recruitment fairs, which was great, especially considering that it cost $290 to register to attend the ISS fair.

Total thus far (just for the fair registration/the ability to search databases): $710.00!!!

Luckily, they were timed perfectly (ISS ended the day before the Search fair started), so I only had to get the time off from work and one plane ticket.  My principal, Mr. McKean, was a dream throughout this entire process.  He was so kind, helpful, and understanding.  He allowed me to take the time off (I had a ton of accrued leave because my leave transferred from Gresham Barlow district to PPS) and I had an amazing substitute, so my kids were in great hands.

Anyway, after deciding that, yes, I was going to the fairs, I obviously needed to find a place to stay and something to wear.  My dear friend from my Masters program and her husband (she's a Spanish teacher and he's a middle school principal) offered to let me stay with them in Oakland.  Plus, their house was very near to the BART line, so it was an easy trip back and forth from the job fairs every day.

It was also recommended to bring copies of your resume, thank you cards (for interviews), and notecards to express interest and to communicate with the schools/recruiters.  Wanting to make the best impression possible, I went to our local fancy paper shop and ordered business cards, and business stationery (with my contact information printed on it).  They turned out beautifully, but that was an additional $300. 

Next, what to wear???  The ISS fair was 4 (long) days and the Search fair was 3 days, so I needed to get some coordinates/suits/etc.  Shopping trip to Nordstrom: check.  I came out with some great separates, dresses, and comfortable business shoes.  Let's just say that I bought some confidence and you can't put a price on that....especially when it comes from Nordstroms.  ;)

Flight: I found a great flight on Alaska for $160 round trip, so that was probably the best bargain of the whole process!

Now, to finally address the fairs themselves.  It was actually a bit frustrating and disheartening at first because I'd spent so much time and effort (back in December) contacting the schools and, in the weeks leading up to the fairs, daily checking all the databases for updated listings.  I know that most of the recruiters had just attended fairs in Bangkok, London, Boston, and Sydney, so by the time the San Francisco fairs started, many of the jobs had been filled. At the ISS San Francisco fair, there were about 180 schools represented and over 500 candidates!

The first day and a half served as orientation days; registration, getting paperwork, and attending information sessions--schools put on information sessions (about their schools, etc.) and there were workshops (about what to expect when you move internationally, how to read the benefits package, etc.).  Luckily, I made two girlfriends straightaway and we were able to pal around and encourage each other when the interview process began.

In the "Candidate's Lounge" there were two blocks of file folders in crates.  These were the "mailboxes" and the most common method of communication--recruiters could drop notes in your file folder, expressing that they would like to meet with you (or not, as the case may be--I did see a few "rejection notes" in the boxes) and, conversely, the candidates had the opportunity to drop notes expressing interest and/or thanking the recruiters for their time in the recruitment/school mailboxes.

I was really excited when I got there the first morning, because I already had received a phone call from the International School of Yangon (Myanmar) requesting an interview and when I checked my mailbox, I had requests to meet with three schools: one in Cairo, Egypt; one in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and one all-girl's school in Kuwait.  Obviously, none were my top choice, but it was reassuring to know that I had potential interest.

After the 2nd day of conferences, was "the big event."  There was an informational panel (Q and A) type event for all of the candidates and the panel honestly and candidly answered many questions that we (the candidates, of which there were about 500) had.  One panelist, in particular, stuck out--he was very conscientious about repeating questions so that everyone could hear, etc. and I made a note to thank him after the Q&A.  When I spoke to him after the panel had finished, he asked where I was from and what I taught.  "Spanish."  It just so happened that his school, the American International School of Lusaka, Zambia had a Spanish position open.  He said that I should come talk to him the previous day and I made a mental note to look up Zambia on a map!

At the end of the session was what everyone was waiting for: THE LIST.  Basically, the updated list of what positions were still available.  ISS provided us with a packet of schools and positions and we all scattered home to prepare our notecards to express interest in particular positions.  When I looked through the list, I was quite disappointed as about 15 schools that had previously listed open Spanish positions had filled them.  There definitely weren't as many job opportunities as I'd hoped for.  I got organized and made my list of schools to talk to and then prepared for the craziness which would begin the next morning....

The following morning (day 3 of the fair) was interview sign up time.  The doors to the Grand Ballroom, we were told, would open at 8:00 on the dot and then you had to run around (already knowing which schools you were interested in because of the list you'd been provided the night before) and scramble to get an interview sign up.  There were only 2 days of interviews and the schools obviously wanted to interview "right" people for their jobs, so even being granted an interview at a very desirable school or in a competitive field (like social studies or history) was a feat in itself.

I'd narrowed my search to Spanish positions (there were 6 total, two of which I ruled out due to location--I didn't want to go to a major city in Asia) and to middle school language arts/social studies/math.  Not my ideal age range, but I wanted to have a few more options.  So, when I arrived to the hotel foyer at 7:30 that morning I had a pretty good idea of the schools I wanted to target.  I wasn't prepared for what I found when I rounded the corner in front of the Ballroom.  I was a good 30 minutes early and was already easily 150-200 people back in line.  People were abuzz with excitement and tension.  You could feel the electricity in the air and see the tiny beads of sweat forming on foreheads and upper lips--this was "go time."

When the doors opened at 8:00, it was off to the races.  People were racing into the ballroom to get their place in line to hopefully get an interview which would hopefully lead to a job.  By the time I got into the fair (which was huge--each school had a table and recruiters and, behind them, there was a list of what positions they had available), some of the "desirable" schools had lines 30 deep (Western Europe and schools with great "packages" like Singapore American School).  I was very overwhelmed, but I stuck to my plan and went to the schools with jobs I was qualified for first.  I wasn't granted interviews at a few schools I was interested in, mostly because I didn't have experience in the subject area.  Most of the schools, after greeting, asked two questions:

1.) Have you taught the IB (International Baccalaureate) program before?
2.) Have you taught internationally before?

Obviously, people who can answer "yes" to those questions have a leg up. 

After scheduling 9 interviews, I retired to the lounge to have a snack and get a bit calmed down/focused before my interviews started (at 10:15).  After the round of first interviews, which were all lovely, I really had a better idea of the whole process.  I was extended 4 offers and I slept on it, talked with my folks, and knew that the position at AISL (American International School of Lusaka) is the right choice for me and Ruby. 

If I could offer any advice it would be that it basically boils down to where are you the best fit academically.  We all want to go to Spain, or Southern France, or Switzerland.  But, if there aren't any jobs that you're qualified for, then it won't be the right fit.  I had to completely nix Spain (which was, hands down, my top choice going into this whole process).  Not because I didn't want to go there, but because there weren't any jobs.  Maybe after getting experience teaching internationally and under the IB Program, I'll be more likely to land a European job, but I couldn't be happier with my decision.

Also, as I accepted a position at the ISS fair, I obviously didn't have to go to the Search fair.  I did, however, attend a 2 hour workshop they offered on the IB Program, because I don't really know anything about it.  I also notified both Search and ISS to mark that I'd accepted a position so that it was "official."

Here's a link to my new school:
The American International School of Lusaka

The World of International Teaching

Many people have asked how I got a job teaching internationally...this post will address that. 

First and foremost, had you asked me last July where I'd be now/three/five/ten years from now, I would have easily said, "No problem--I'll be teaching Spanish and Leadership and serving as the Activities Director at Springwater Trail."  I absolutely loved that job and that school and, as this is my 5th year teaching, I didn't really feel like I was at risk of getting "RIF"ed.  (Reduction in Force; Reduced, basically).  Well, last August 10, my principal called me with the bad news.  Long story short: I chose to leave the Gresham Barlow School District when I was offered a position teaching 5th grade (just regular ole' 5th grade: reading, writing, math, social studies...) at a wonderful neighborhood elementary in Portland Public.  In November/December, I started hearing rumblings about more budget cuts within PPS and, as it turns out, I made the right decision to leave to teach internationally because I would definitely be reduced again at the end of this year.  (As an aside: PPS is in the range of $45-$90 million short for the school budget over the course of the next two years).

Anyway, I have a few friends teaching internationally and I contacted them.  In fact, Erin's dad is the Headmaster of the International School of Tallinn (Estonia), and he provided me with quite a lot of information.  I know lots of people go abroad to teach English, but I wanted something more concrete.  Also, the more I learned the "super-desirable" places (like Western Europe) don't generally provide as good of a "package" because, basically, everyone wants to work there. 

Don (Erin's dad), and some friends who've returned from teaching internationally, provided me with recommendations of companies to register with.  Basically, these companies act as middle men/headhunters.  I sent all of my paperwork to them (transcripts, recommendations, resume, copies of licensure, etc.) and they scanned it all for their database.  The search process could be done by both myself (I could search for available positions) and by the schools, looking for qualified candidates. 

I registered with Search Associates and International School Services (two headhunter companies), The Council of International Schools, and Carney Sandoe (but, after registering, I realized that Carney Sandoe mostly specializes in private domestic schools).  I also paid $35 to access The International Educator's online database, which is basically a pretty comprehensive listing of international schools and what positions they have available.

After making the decision and doing a ton of research, I spent most of Christmas break at my folks contacting schools that I'd found that a.) sounded interesting and b.) had openings for which I was qualified (I can teach all levels of Spanish and I hold a mid-level Generalist certificate, so I can teach any subject in grades 5-9).  Anyway, I easily spent over 100 hours researching and contacting potential employers; each with a personalized cover letter, etc.  Also, this was the exact right time to start exploring a teaching internationally.  Most schools require two year contracts with the option of re-upping (usually there's a bonus involved if you renew your contract).  However, if you are choosing to leave your post, many schools request that you notify them prior to the December holidays so they can get everything listed online and prepare for/register for the job fairs.  It's my understanding that the "fair season" kicks off in January in Bangkok and London and then goes on from there.

My undergraduate college, Whitman, also has an amazing service that their career center offers: for educators, they send your "education credential file" to any school, so the poor ladies at the career center (thank you so much Margaret and Susan) scanned and emailed my credential file to countless schools (I think there were about 50 schools that I requested my cred. file get sent to).

Unfortunately, it turns out that all those hours spent on the computer didn't do jack.  I did find some schools that I was highly interested in and, if the next two years in Zambia go well, I will definitely contact them to see if they have any positions available, but all in all, all of that front-loading and being really proactive didn't really help with my job search at all.  If anything, in retrospect, most of the schools probably found it annoying to get inundated with a ton of paperwork.  Oh well.....

Turns out, most (I would say ~90%) of jobs are filled at the international teaching job fairs.  I was hoping to avoid going to the fairs because a.) I'd have to miss a week+ of work and b.) It was going to be really expensive.  However, because of the lack of feedback/response I got from all my Christmastime emailing, I decided to register for both the Search Associates and International School Services job fairs in February in San Francisco.  And, needless to say, going to the fairs paid off and I ended the time there with four offers and one acceptance!

See the next post about the fairs themselves.

Here are links to the companies that I found very useful:
Search Associates
International School Services
Council of International Schools
The International Educator
Carney, Sandoe, and Associates  (though this agency proved to have more domestic listings)

Goodbye Gus

I'm going to keep this one short and sweet because, otherwise, it'll turn into a big sob-fest.

I had to say goodbye to my big pal, Gus, my rescue Great Dane, on Thursday, May 5.  He was the best pal a girl could ask for--gentle, loyal, and the best cuddler ever.  He got really old really fast--this last year he rapidly went downhill.

I did everything possible (and within reason) to manage his pain and keep him the healthiest and happiest he could be.  From his daily dogwalks to massage therapy and acupuncture, hydrotherapy and ultrasound/laser therapy at Back on Track; this all coupled with his regime of 10+ pills/day.  The last week, he just couldn't get up very well and I could tell his pain was increasing and, furthermore, his zest for life ebbed away.

I know we could have continued on like that, slowly deteriorating, laying in his own urine after he wet the bed at night to sitting in his excrement because he couldn't hold himself up.  It wasn't how I wanted to remember my Gus and I have to believe it's not how he, the noblest dog ever, would want to go out.  Regardless, I made the heart-wrenching call to have him put to sleep last week and my life has a massive, 180-lb. hole in it.

My wonderful vet and her assistant came to our house bearing gifts: Gus had already gotten a delicious steak the night prior and a bacon cheeseburger, but Dr. Bussman and Melissa brought a chocolate fondant cupcake, cheesy rice, and sausage to keep Gusto happy while they administered the shots.  Actually, it's kind of strange, but Gus didn't bark at either of them when they came in and that never happens.  Maybe he knew....

I don't want to get graphic, but it was a wonderful death.  Gus was calm and peaceful and surrounded by people who loved him (my dad came down).  I held his head and talked to him the entire time and he was cuddled under his favorite blanket.  They administered a "relaxation" shot which, after about 15 minutes, you could tell that Gus was relaxed, calm, and happy.  On my call, they administered, via a catheter in his leg, the shot that stopped his heart.  He gave three sighs and quickly and peacefully slipped away.

Mt. Tabor Vet Clinic had coordinated everything, so about 15 minutes after Gus died (which gave me, dad, and Ruby enough time for our final goodbyes/tears), the cremation people (Dignified Pet Services) came to pick up my big guy.  We loaded him on a human-sized stretcher and they took him away.  I picked up his ashes on Wednesday and don't know what I'm going to do with them yet, but I know it will be something special....probably bury some of them in his favorite places, I guess.

I think of him every night and miss so many things about him, but I know it was the right decision.  I'm a better person for having him in my life.  I love you, Gus; thank you for picking me all those years ago.