This last week I could not believe we were heading into November. Here is like like spring. The temps get down to 70 at night and the highs are still near 90 but the air is changing. It is a little cooler with the wind and it does chill you. This was the first time I needed a light jacket since I’ve been here.
The expat area held pumpkin carving for kids and the usual day of the dead for adults.
There are a few Halloween displays but not like the States. Truck or treat is held at the elementary school and a few apartment residences but needs to be coordinated as it is not seen event that is national.
At school it was spirit week.
Twin day with the other boo teacher. We will do anything to wear athletic clothes to school. I should have been a PE teacher.
Halloween costume dress up. I was the Iron chef. Even though it originated in Japan not everyone knows what that is. I had just told the cow that I know what to do with her.
Pajama day. Ultimately my favourite.
We also had school color day and beach day. At the end of the week was open mic night.
Students and faculty sign up in advance and only practice is to check equipment. It is not too formal but very nice. Here are my student council kids.
The athletic trainer actually and too. This song from a hawaiian singer is one of my favourite.
There were singing and musical acts. People are really talented but even those not as talented were eager to perform. Something I don’t usually see back at home. You actually do get better the more you perform.
It is also the season for Jack fruit. It looks like durian and has a smell when cutting like it but due not taste like durian. Knowing the difference from the outside is important. Durian has really bumpy skin. Both secrete a natural latex that virtually everyone is allergic too. If you handle it you must wear gloves.
Each section is taken out with the seed. I cooked the jack fruit and then boiled the seeds. The outer coveting of the seeds looks like plastic and can be peeled off. When mashed it tastes like taro which is a starchy potato like consistency.
The stewed jackfruit was sweet. Most canned Jack fruit is processed in bribe to remove sweetness. I added tomato paste and spices to make a barbecue. It was really good as barbecue sauce has sweetness too. Even for here, it is expensive though.
I really would not have thought about Halloween without spirit week or the channels I watch on TV. I purchased a cake box for 18 us a month. Most channels are foreign, the CNN channel is international which is great, and the US changsha are from San Francisco. Of course, now that halloween is over, there are Christmas commercials! At least I can turn it off and won’t know how soon it is coming.