I could write ten thousand blogs on this next topic but maybe I should cut the fluff and jump straight to the point,
I love Germany.
I was the luckiest person alive (including about 70 others and then some) to take part in the month-long PAD program.
PAD, Pädigogische Austausch Dienst, an organisation in Germany that takes high schoolers from all around the world who learn German for a month long stay in the country of the language. 2 weeks in a host family with school and language lessons. 2 weeks travelling around the most important cities, visiting everywhere and seeing everything. 4 weeks, the time of your life.
It's up to the individual countries to chose these prizewinners.
It's up to the Group-leader (Reiserleiter/in, sounds so much better in German) and the assistant to come up with a program.
It's up to you to have fun and learn German and interact with fellows from all around the world, from countries you wouldn't even dream of visiting, people you wouldn't ever otherwise meet, and make friends for life.
over 1000 photos (I'm still yet to count). About 20 nations. United by one passion, that is the German language; oh the joys of travelling for free... transport, food, entry fees - inclusive!
Because we were each given one of the world's most generous gifts by the PAD and it was only fitting that I found it the time of my life.
Bonn. Day in Cologne.
Greifswald. Day in Rostock, day on Usedom.
Berlin. Day in Potsdam.
Munich.
PAD einsteigen! Aussteigen! Aussteigen lassen! PAD los! Gruppe SIEben! Alle zusammen! Noch einmal! Foto (nein!)! Caspar David Friedrich / Hans Fallada!
We were really lucky that our Reiserleiter and Assistentin were so cool and understanding and fun and hilarious and caring and amazing. We were really lucky they were experienced and planned for us such a program so unforgettable and intense and exciting and interesting and varied and sweeeet. We were really lucky that we learn German in school hence the opportunity hence the experience.
I have begun a love affair with Deutschland.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
CCNZ Songfest 09 - the closing curtain
Church College New Zealand - the mormon high school in Temple View - had their final Songfest ever this year, and I was invited along with fellow Senior Leaders from school and a few others to attend for a night of singing and dancing and entertainment.
It was their last ever because CCNZ is closing. Why? I don't know.
...
and now is months later and I have forgotten what I was going to write in this blog, I'm sure it was very fascinating but see this is the consequence of procrastination or not finishing immediately what you started.
It was their last ever because CCNZ is closing. Why? I don't know.
...
and now is months later and I have forgotten what I was going to write in this blog, I'm sure it was very fascinating but see this is the consequence of procrastination or not finishing immediately what you started.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Political classics and their dystopian forshadowing
It is the term 1-2 holidays. For once, it has sped away from my fingertips faster than I could grasp the first weekend. Why is it that modern fantasies are so much more easier to read than political satires such as Nineteen Eighty-Four? That one I've tried to begin multiple times. I've gotten about a third of the way each time. Never finished. Animal Farm I have finished; The Handmaid's Tale (for school) also; Brave New World was easier than 1984 but now has halted to a sluggish heave as I realise the horror it speaks of.
I find Brave New World worse than The Handmaid's Tale. Aldous Huxley was probably a sick hermit who was shunned by all in his time; either that, or he had such an elaborate imagination and perceptive foresight that we will one day make sniding remarks at our own social morals.
If you have read any of these afore mentioned books, you will come to understand that the major theme of study this year is Dystopia. Of all the themes our English teachers could have chosen, they chose the horrific, stark nakedly satirical one, the one that, once you read any books of such flavour, will never look at the world the same again.
Because - scarily enough - these books may foreshadow the turn of the next century.
On the other hand, our school always gets a truckload of English scholarships at the end of the year, because The Handmaid's Tale works so well. Let's trust the teachers.
I find Brave New World worse than The Handmaid's Tale. Aldous Huxley was probably a sick hermit who was shunned by all in his time; either that, or he had such an elaborate imagination and perceptive foresight that we will one day make sniding remarks at our own social morals.
If you have read any of these afore mentioned books, you will come to understand that the major theme of study this year is Dystopia. Of all the themes our English teachers could have chosen, they chose the horrific, stark nakedly satirical one, the one that, once you read any books of such flavour, will never look at the world the same again.
Because - scarily enough - these books may foreshadow the turn of the next century.
On the other hand, our school always gets a truckload of English scholarships at the end of the year, because The Handmaid's Tale works so well. Let's trust the teachers.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Stephenie Meyer - does she know her stuff?
They say Twilight is the new Harry Potter.
I disagree.
Rather, it is a series of fantasy novels set in a less fantastic world in which a supernatural creature (or two) provide an average teenager with the utmost passionate and unconditional devotion.
It is this, which we teenage girls crave, that makes us so drawn to Edward's honey-voice and melting eyes and stiflingly sweet scent.
The relationship between Edward and Bella is (other than for obvious reasons) rare. Which young female of the 21st century (or any century) doesn't pine for their prince to sweep them off their feet? Perhaps the notion of a perfectly stunning vampire-boy being the prince is a new age thing. Still, I would believe it rare to find a single (as in, not in a relationship) girl who would like to be Bella for a day. Even some of my partnered female friends now have higher expectations of their boyfriends, much to *his* dismay.
Yet there's no need to get all swoony at Robert Pattinson.
I do not consider myself a raving fanatic, I don't have posters of the characters plastered all over my wall, I haven't paid to see the first film, I wait patiently (ok maybe not sooo patiently) for the library reserved list to shorten as it reaches my turn.
But I do find myself encapsulated in a pleasant bubble when I read Meyer's creation, indeed reading New Moon is more exciting than tackling that yet-to-be-knuckled-down essay.
Let the series live on, and sate the 21st century girl's thirst for romance.
I disagree.
Rather, it is a series of fantasy novels set in a less fantastic world in which a supernatural creature (or two) provide an average teenager with the utmost passionate and unconditional devotion.
It is this, which we teenage girls crave, that makes us so drawn to Edward's honey-voice and melting eyes and stiflingly sweet scent.
The relationship between Edward and Bella is (other than for obvious reasons) rare. Which young female of the 21st century (or any century) doesn't pine for their prince to sweep them off their feet? Perhaps the notion of a perfectly stunning vampire-boy being the prince is a new age thing. Still, I would believe it rare to find a single (as in, not in a relationship) girl who would like to be Bella for a day. Even some of my partnered female friends now have higher expectations of their boyfriends, much to *his* dismay.
Yet there's no need to get all swoony at Robert Pattinson.
I do not consider myself a raving fanatic, I don't have posters of the characters plastered all over my wall, I haven't paid to see the first film, I wait patiently (ok maybe not sooo patiently) for the library reserved list to shorten as it reaches my turn.
But I do find myself encapsulated in a pleasant bubble when I read Meyer's creation, indeed reading New Moon is more exciting than tackling that yet-to-be-knuckled-down essay.
Let the series live on, and sate the 21st century girl's thirst for romance.
It's that time of year again...
I find myself picking feijoas off the ground again, from our back yard, and from the side of the road (their ones are sweeter).
Feijoa season again! (How kiwi.)
Suddenly I remember writing an other blog about feijoas.
Has it really been a year since the dawn of Kotassium's brain?
Delightful.
Hasn't blossomed much has it.
I am however proud of how much I can waffle.
Feijoa season again! (How kiwi.)
Suddenly I remember writing an other blog about feijoas.
Has it really been a year since the dawn of Kotassium's brain?
Delightful.
Hasn't blossomed much has it.
I am however proud of how much I can waffle.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Today whilst working at KFC I served a man who bought a Wicked Wings Meal. This included a bucket with 8 pieces of O.R. Chicken, 12 Wicked Wings, and any four large sides. I turned around after having entered his order into the till and saw some lovely workmate had already packed the bucket for me. So I finish and give him his meal, after having yelled after him to please pay properly because his EFTPOS card was declined the first time. (Yes people do try to walk off without paying... it causes so much panic for the person serving.)
About ten minutes later he comes back into the store and marches up to the counter, obviously not pleased. I had just finished and was about to leave the store when I saw him; wanting to help, I looked at him inquiringly to ask if anything was wrong. He asks without the slightest sense of manners, where are his Wicked Wings.
I said, are they not in the bucket? They should be.
He said, I don't know, they're not here, you're the one who served me.
I explained (half to myself) that it wasn't me who packed it, but then remembering the rule for customer service, 'the customer is always right', I trailed off and asked my friend 'X' if she'd packed it. She said no. I asked around, (because sometimes parts of the meal are tucked away, or the wings were on the bottom of the bucket... who knows) and eventually found it was 'Y' who packed it.
Apparently 'Y' had put 15 pieces of O.R. Chicken in the bucket... as you would with a normal big bucket. Slightly annoyed but calm all the same, I went to put 12 W.Ws into a box while the man increased in agitation by the second, and 'X' asked 'Y' what he did, and 'Z' joined the situation, intrigued. I gave the man his new box of W.Ws. He stares at me angrily, while I apologise, and he asks, what about my other chicken?
In the bucket..?
Yes well he's got it, how can I take it? (At this point I was really fed up, I mean really, there is no need whatsoever to be so mad, people make mistakes you know.) ('Y' had the bucket and was contemplating how to add WWs to the already full bucket.. well I think that's what he was doing.)
In the end the man got to march off with 15 piecs of Chicken AND 12 WWs...
And I got to march off depressed and deflated, this final incident having dented a pretty good work day.
You know what I thought to console myself? It was about time for a rude customer anyway.
Yes.
There is apparently a ratio of good:bad customers in modern society.
I had a good work day, having encountered some lovely customers dripping with manners and cheerfulness, and therefore it must be balanced with a rude customer who craves commotion.
I don't like having thought this. It makes me realise, there are sad people out there. People who, rather than explain a problem and have it solved without upsetting others, choose to cause a bigger commotion than deserved and what do they get out of it? Some extra chicken?
Being about to start my final year of high school, we were provided with a leadership/senior student seminar a few days ago (and school starts in a day which I am quite excited about). 2 wonderful people, a leadership trainer called Brenton Bai, and another man, great rugby coach/trainer, gave some demonstrations, inspirational wisdom talks, and also provided sweet entertainment (with clever use of bamboo sticks, a sponge, water, theatrical bandages and five dollars).
The point is, the seminar was not put to waste - I could actually see some people walk out of there, having been affected and now with a clearer sense of mind about giving and helping and making a difference in the world. It gave me a better sense of direction and purpose too. Which is why I feel sorry for that poor man with the Wicked Wings, because he could have done with some enlightenment or inspiration in his life.
Note: O.R. = Original Recipe.
About ten minutes later he comes back into the store and marches up to the counter, obviously not pleased. I had just finished and was about to leave the store when I saw him; wanting to help, I looked at him inquiringly to ask if anything was wrong. He asks without the slightest sense of manners, where are his Wicked Wings.
I said, are they not in the bucket? They should be.
He said, I don't know, they're not here, you're the one who served me.
I explained (half to myself) that it wasn't me who packed it, but then remembering the rule for customer service, 'the customer is always right', I trailed off and asked my friend 'X' if she'd packed it. She said no. I asked around, (because sometimes parts of the meal are tucked away, or the wings were on the bottom of the bucket... who knows) and eventually found it was 'Y' who packed it.
Apparently 'Y' had put 15 pieces of O.R. Chicken in the bucket... as you would with a normal big bucket. Slightly annoyed but calm all the same, I went to put 12 W.Ws into a box while the man increased in agitation by the second, and 'X' asked 'Y' what he did, and 'Z' joined the situation, intrigued. I gave the man his new box of W.Ws. He stares at me angrily, while I apologise, and he asks, what about my other chicken?
In the bucket..?
Yes well he's got it, how can I take it? (At this point I was really fed up, I mean really, there is no need whatsoever to be so mad, people make mistakes you know.) ('Y' had the bucket and was contemplating how to add WWs to the already full bucket.. well I think that's what he was doing.)
In the end the man got to march off with 15 piecs of Chicken AND 12 WWs...
And I got to march off depressed and deflated, this final incident having dented a pretty good work day.
You know what I thought to console myself? It was about time for a rude customer anyway.
Yes.
There is apparently a ratio of good:bad customers in modern society.
I had a good work day, having encountered some lovely customers dripping with manners and cheerfulness, and therefore it must be balanced with a rude customer who craves commotion.
I don't like having thought this. It makes me realise, there are sad people out there. People who, rather than explain a problem and have it solved without upsetting others, choose to cause a bigger commotion than deserved and what do they get out of it? Some extra chicken?
Being about to start my final year of high school, we were provided with a leadership/senior student seminar a few days ago (and school starts in a day which I am quite excited about). 2 wonderful people, a leadership trainer called Brenton Bai, and another man, great rugby coach/trainer, gave some demonstrations, inspirational wisdom talks, and also provided sweet entertainment (with clever use of bamboo sticks, a sponge, water, theatrical bandages and five dollars).
The point is, the seminar was not put to waste - I could actually see some people walk out of there, having been affected and now with a clearer sense of mind about giving and helping and making a difference in the world. It gave me a better sense of direction and purpose too. Which is why I feel sorry for that poor man with the Wicked Wings, because he could have done with some enlightenment or inspiration in his life.
Note: O.R. = Original Recipe.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Life as it is
Has been a while since I last made a contribution to this online paper of mine.
I shall today,
relish the internet,
relish facebook,
and relish the fact that facebook is better than bebo in terms of privacy I believe.
Exams in 2 weeks; who knows how depressed and beaverish I'll become. We are yet to write a single drama essay for English and even the teacher is panicking.
Internal after internal; when will NCEA ever give up? (never, for those who don't suffer under it's ruling, never.)
And there's the woes of all my wants and needs and woes in themselves.
*Edit: actually I did. Now I get to go to Germany for free for a month. Misunderstanding... hehe
I shall today,
relish the internet,
relish facebook,
and relish the fact that facebook is better than bebo in terms of privacy I believe.
Exams in 2 weeks; who knows how depressed and beaverish I'll become. We are yet to write a single drama essay for English and even the teacher is panicking.
Internal after internal; when will NCEA ever give up? (never, for those who don't suffer under it's ruling, never.)
And there's the woes of all my wants and needs and woes in themselves.
- Want to go overseas
- Want to go on an exchange
- Want to do 6 subjects
- Need money
- Need to think deeply about whether I can handle 6 subjects, the dean is advising against straying from conventional 5
- Didn't qualify for a second interview for a scholarship*, which makes me sound really stupid, but life does that to you so the only one I can blame is that guy *points finger somewhere*
- Not getting enough sleep
- Life is tough
*Edit: actually I did. Now I get to go to Germany for free for a month. Misunderstanding... hehe
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