Being Jolly Good Fellows

Our job at the IPG (teacher training institute) is full of variety, and we have a lot of fun.

Part of being a "Fellow" for me involves dressing in an acceptable local manner. My problem is firstly that most local women are not my shape, and secondly that their beautiful clothing is generally made of easy-care synthetic fabrics. While this is beautiful, I find I just can't wear that stuff in any climate, let alone a hot sticky one.

So - I buy cotton material (which is readily available), and I sew my own.

I bought this lovely sewing machine right here in Kuala Terengganu just before we went back to Australia for our holiday.

So here I am at work, fitting in.

This was actually during English Week. There were a number of competitions, and we fellows were invited to take part in the judging.

Peter was head judge for the Poetry Recital competition:

This delightful young lady had the task of making sure no one went over time.

And being Head Judge of course has added responsibilities such as giving a speech and handing out prizes.

And then it was my turn to judge the Action Songs competition.

This involved children from the local "Teaching School" rather than trainee teachers.

The entries took me right back to Music Festival days in Rockingham!



Then there was a competition for Skits, and our new fellow Fellow, Will, was a judge.

Yeah, I must admit, I enjoy being a Fellow!

Eating Again - :)

Back at work. And it's the first week of the year, so there must be eating to do.

There was a birthday - so food had to be shared. And someone is celebrating a promotion - more food sharing. And then it's just good to be all back together again after the holiday, so it's good to sit down together and partake of something tasty.

Today's treat was delivered to us as a packed lunch.

We've been here a year, and already this seems very normal. But you may be wondering what to expect inside one of these packages.

I'm sorry I can't give you a taste, but I will open it up and give you a peek.

There's some sauce (in the bag), and a couple of pieces of chicken - unfortunately with tiny pieces of burning chili all over it (so no good for me!), under the chicken there is half of a salted egg in its shell, and then there are some vegetables (leaves, and something that looks like cucumber but is bitey hot), and of course there is rice.

Lunch, a little bit special.