American as Apple Pie - Repost 7-15-2012

American as Apple Pie - Repost 7-15-2012

Jessica Boualavong
This week was the winter term here in Cape Town. School is not officially in session, but students are still coming to school for the Holiday Programme - almost a camp. It is much more relaxed. Part of my contribution to the program is leading science mini-labs. Last week I started with a Predict-Observe-Explain lesson about the properties of water (surface tension, capillary action, etc.) with the middle school students. This week we differentiated between researchable questions and investigable questions using frozen water balloons. A huge hit.

China, China, Nihao, karate! - Repost 7-8-2012

Jessica Boualavong
One of my fears coming for coming to South Africa, is what is understanding the stereotypes and judgements that would be placed upon me. After spending over 2 weeks here in South Africa, and interacting with teachers, students, and strangers on street I'm soon learning about perceptions of me - a Chinese-America. 

Jetlag Delirium & Stargazing - Repost 6-23-12

Jessica Boualavong

Well it is officially Day 2 in South Africa, and I think I am on my second wind of the day - no nap for me. I did wake up at 3am local time. No alarm clock, no outdoor noise, a peacefully sleeping roommate, and no nightmares. My body was telling me that it had slept for two days and it had enough rest. But I stuck it out, tossed and turned under my eye mask just so that I could try to acclimate internal clock. 

Thankful for Baobaos - Repost 6-21-12

Jessica Boualavong

Repost from June 21, 2012

I think a month or so ago, I put in my order. I wanted mom’s baobao (steam buns with bbq pork, asian sausage, and mushrooms). I like mom’s baobaos the best because I get to choose what goes into them. I don’t usually like boiled eggs, sauce/filler, or green onions. Sometimes cilantro is a good surprise. Mom’s baobaos are the best! Tuesday night, mom started working on the filling - soaking mushrooms, cooking pork, chopping sausage. She got up early on Wednesday to get started on the steaming. By the time I woke up, the dining table had trays of steamed buns. With all that I had packed (my carry-on is super heavy with technology and emergency clothes), I had to navigate my treats very carefully - so only one dozen buns in a take-out container.

Load More