Adventure

On Tuesday, I was asked if I wanted to go to a cooking class with some of the students. Occasionally when I arrive at school in the morning, I will find a baked good or some other manner food on my desk. I would now be accompanying them on their trip. It should be noted that my school has no cooking facilities. All the food preparation is done by an outside contractor. Also, this was the special education class.

I met them in a van outside the school and they were very excited to see me. I knew some of them already. They have a habit of talking to me at my desk, pointing at different objects and asking me to identify the English. It wouldn't be a bother if I didn't have to do it over and over again ever single day. But they're fun for the most part. So, we rode in the van for 15 minutes while they learned one English phrase, "My name is ____" and proceeded to call each other "My name is" for the remainder of the trip. We arrive at a Social Education center. I'm not sure the main responsibilities of the center, but it seemed to be like a social worker place where needy people are helped. We went upstairs and everyone changed into their aprons. I noticed that they all had tupperware containers with them.

We then went into the kitchen where we received lecture and instruction from a professional chef. I have no clue as to the conditions of the other students. I was surprised that many of them have a minor grasp of English and we could talk with each other rather than me just reciting lists of objects.

We were to make Jajammyun.

It's a Chinese recipe that translates literally to, "Fried sauce with noodles." It's standard garbage food. Lots of different vegetables, some sauce, and rice noodles. It's delicious, but still garbage food.

The lady demonstrated how to make this. She handed out a recipe that I couldn't read, but I watched and followed along with everyone else. She was skilled as she knew how to cut properly and she had a flair for presentation. We were divided up into two groups: boys and girls. The girls only numbered two, so I joined them.

We made our food and then for some reason ate it. This was only 2 hours after lunch and I was feeling quite stuffed. Everyone dove into their their noodly goo and wolfed it down. They then filled their tupperware containers with the leavings. Most of the time was uneventful. We cooked, sang songs, and made a mess. It was a lot of fun.

Also, today it snowed twice for about five minutes each time. Apparently, it's a big deal because it usually snows once every 6 years. Most of the snow melted before it hit the ground though. Everything stopped when it first happened though. All the teachers got up from their chairs to look out the windows. The students from all over the building started yelling and going nuts. It may be the last snow of the year. I certainly hope not.