... and I woke up hung over and bald this morning!
I'm going to start doing periodic blog updates relating to how my learning and travel plans are going. Not sure if anyone is interested but it's a good way for me to keep motivated and also keep an eye on progress (or lack of!).
Here are the things I'm going to keep an eye on:
TIME LEFT: 121 Days!
Internship still in application stage, where oh where did I put those school results?!
TEFL Course
Well I have only just got access to it so this is pretty non-existent at the moment. Will be spending the weekend and the following 3-4 weeks taking a small look at it but most of the work will start in April when this job finishes. Currently booked into doing the classroom stuff on the 15/16th May in Birmingham
Mandarin
Hah this language is impossible! I didn't really get into the Chinese for Dummies book and couldn't really bring myself to put any time in, however a couple days ago I got hold of Easy Peasy Chinese which I think is a great book and would happily recommend it! Ok it's not very advanced and I think if you knew the whole book inside and out you would only be able to ask where the toilet is and say sorry when you walk into the women's but it's defiantly helping with sounds and structure.
Big problem I'm having is putting Japanese in the middle of things (or using Japanese sounds).
On a side note there is a cute video on YouTube for learning the Chinese Number Gestures sometimes used for haggling in markets etc.
HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dijFA3kqDaU
Russian
Haven't even started and to be honest don't really want to. On my too learn list is the Russian alphabet & basic pleasantries to survive for 2 months.
Japanese
This is still on my list because after spending the last 4 months learning I don't want to forget what I already know so going to try and keep up with it... defiantly in the negative here, forgetting more than I'm learning due to lack of time and attention.
Vodka Training
Well what can I say... over 2 months in East Europe and Russia... I need to get my act together on the Vodka front! Training starts tonight!
Chop Stick Training
Must stop stabbing and shovelling! I will become a chop stick master by the time I need them! Bring me more Chinese food with that vodka!
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Travel Plans
Well my plans have changed slightly. I thought about it and it seemed like cheating to start my big journey off by flying to Budapest so the plan is now to do it all by train! So the route is now (only changes/stops listed):
Shrewsbury > London > Paris > Munich > Budapest > Novi Sad > Belgrade > Budapest > Kiev > Moscow > St Petersburg > Moscow > Irkutsk > Ulan Bator > Beijing
More details can be found in the original entry that will be updated as I change things.
HERE: http://www.tefl-chalkboard.com/leonpritchard/posts/465-budapest-to-beijing
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So there we have it, learning is going very slowly at the moment and I'm spending a lot of time drunk and covered in Chinese food but the plan is there! Things should pickup at the end of the month when this contract finishes and I have 3 months bumming about before leaving the country! :D
Oh I brought a shiny new camera today as well! WOO!
How's everyone else's learning/training/planning going?
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Todays mini panic over. I've found my school results to send off with application :D
A few comments from the Florida girl in the States..
I do not think I will up to the level of you wonderful Europeans with drinking.. somehow I feel like you all have created an artform.. I can say though that I have had Baijiu and if a bottle of this gets open the first we are going to have one heck of a fun group! Also Leon- you do know the rule about drinking this though right? You have to finish the bottle if you open it because it is bad luck.. and you know how the Chinese are about luck.. don't mess with it :)
I have been reading so many blogs my head is spinning but I can say with all thruthfullness that I am THAT girl with lots of luggage.. so don't judge! I will be down to participate in lots of fun and "off-the-beaten path" activities so we shall have fun!
I can't wait to meet everyone, I think our group is going to be a blast since we are already getting to know each other!!
Mandatory phrase to know Gan bei ( drain the cup)
Cheers!
Maybe if we combine your "take nothing" approach and my "how much will fit in the suitcase" approach we will be able to come up with a workable travel packing list.........ATM all i can visualise is my suitcase bursting open on the airport carousel
Cheers Kate :D
Urgh I don't feel good this morning.
Building up to departure day I was thinking about doing some posts based on personal travel tips, need to give this one a lot of thought as I seem to be at the extreme take nothing end of the spectrum where as most people would defiantly end up taking too much instead.
Oh Leon, now that I have stopped laughing I have to say this is one of the most entertaining posts I've ever seen. I too am battling with chinese BUT I'm not trying to take in another 2 languages at the same time - my hat goes off to you!!! Be careful you dont mix them up and say something offensive anywhere!!!!
You make my plans seem mundane although it sounds like I'll need to improve my drinking skills or Jane and I will be propping each other up!!! I'm OK with chopsticks (at least when sober!) so that one less thing to brush up on.
My biggest concern is how do you fit 5 months of your life in ONE suitcase!!!!!
Cheers, Kate.
The most worrying thing in that article isn't about the Baijiu but instead that you toast per person not the group, so 6 people at the table is 6 drinks!!!
Get training Jane ;) lol.
And as for the steak . . . sod the chopsticks, eat it with your fingers . . . the fingers on your right hand of course!
OMG . . . I am seriously doomed . . . I can't drive after drinking half a pint of beer . . . do no let me anywhere near baijiu . . . I won't be held responsible for the results.
Languages are on the list but not really going so well ;) the book is only £5 with delivery on Amazon and comes with a CD so say go grab it ;)
I'm actually getting the hang on chopsticks pretty quickly so don't think it will be a problem, steak via sticks might be an issue tho!
Yer Vodka in Russia, Saki in Japan and baijiu in China:
http://wikitravel.org/en/China#Drink
"The Chinese liquor, baijiu, is definitely potent (up to 65% alcohol). Baijiu is often drunk in small shot glasses for a good reason. US president Nixon practiced drinking before his first trip to China to be ready to drink with Mao Zedong. Unless you are used to imbibing heavily, be very careful when drinking with Chinese. "
You need rookie sticks! They're joined at the top by a spring . . . helps you to get the hang of chopsticks a bit easier!
Hmmm, vodka . . . now that's OK for your trip through Russia Leon, but what's the Chinese tipple? Saki is Japanese isn't it?
wow sounds like you are really getting stuck into the language learning, i got an app on my phone but i am struggling with the Mandarin so think I may order the book you recommend - thanks for the tip!
I can definatly teach you a thing or two about Vodka drinking :) but I am struggling with the chopsticks - at least it will be good for the waistline if only half the food on my plate makes it into my mouth lol!
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