First Day of School - This Time It Was a Little Different

Our second year in Suwon, South Korea and our second "first day of school". However, this school year would have a few noticeable changes.



First of all, Mia's first day of school occured. It was her first day of Pre-Kindergarten. Her teacher, Ms Kylie Schumacher, pictured above, welcomed her and 6 other children to class. Mia was extremely excited and ready to learn.

However, these were not the only changes. Both Rosanne and Kevin were having changes to their roles at GSIS as well. Rosanne, after a year of teaching Middle School Science was returning to her role of teaching Physical Education to students in Grade 6, 7 and 8. As well, Rosanne was named the Middle School Athletics Director. And, as if this was not enough, Rosanne would be the Creativity, Action and Service Administrator for the High School IB Diploma Programme.


Kevin would also be taking on a new role at GSIS this year, High School Principal. After a year of teaching Kevin was going to move back into the role of Principal - but for students in Grade 9, 10 and 11. Like Rosanne, this would be a new challenge as GSIS is still growing into a High School and there is much work to be done. As well, Kevin will teaching one class of IB Higher Level Mathematics.


The High School at GSIS has 1/3 of its Faculty being new to the school. So to help out with the community building process Kevin and Rosanne held an open house at their apartment during the first week of school. No problem Rosanne said when plans were being made. There was just 30+ teachers coming with their spouses and families and a few Korean staff thrown in.


The evening though was a success with everyone coming for a little time and a lot of food. Everyone had a great time by a evening hosted by Kevin, Rosanne, Tiffeney - the new High School Assistant Principal and Steve the IB Diploma Coordinator.


The night was also special for Kevin as he celebrated his 40th, Canadian birthday, (Korean's count birthday's different - so Kevin is like 42 or 45 or something in this country). If you would have asked him 2 years ago how he would celebrate his 40th Birthday he probably would not have told you that it would be in Korea entertaining a High School staff - but God sets a path before us and we just have to follow it.


As you can see a great night was had by all - with Mr. Couts, pictured above, playing with the many kids who were at the gathering. Or, Kyara posing in the picture below with Ruth Philip, her mom Ms. Philip a new MS Science teacher at GSIS and Ms. Kim a returning HS Korean teacher.


Well the first day of school came and went and now officially all 5 Wendling girls are in school. A school with children from all over the world. The Wendling's are looking forward to year of new challenges, choices and experiences. We do not know what to expect, except to expect anything!!!!

A Restful Summer in Port Colborne

From June 15th until the end of July the Wendling family were "vacationing" in the Niagara Region. With time to visit family and friends.

This time was extremely special for us as we were able to relax and take it easy.

It is during this time we were able to realize two things:

1. How much we missed Canada.

2. How much we missed our new friends in Korea.

It was hard for all of us to leave at the end of July, but leave we must.

Back to Canada for the Summer - But First - Alaska

After 10 months of hard work at GSIS the Wendling family were ready for a vacation and to spend time with family in Canada.

However, before coming back to Port Colborne it was decided that it may be a good idea to stop in Vancouver for a few days. After a little research Rosanne found that some of the cruise lines were offering some pretty good deals...so...away we went.

So on June 6th the Wendling family flew from Seoul to Vancouver with their Austrailian friends the Schumachers, who were spending the summer in Canada and fellow Canadians - the Leigh family. Joining our 15 friends was Me Mere. Yes, somehow...somehow...Rosanne and others convinced her to join us in Vancouver for this trip.


The cruise began on Sunday, June 7th from Vancouver and headed North to Alaska.


Our first stop was in Ketchakin. A small pleasant little town in the southern part of Alaska. On this day the Wendling's decided that they just would walk around town and take in the sights. One of this sights was the Lumberjack Show.

This pitted two teams of Lumberjacks against each other in various events. During the show one of the Lumberjacks showed off his expertise with a chain saw by making a "bunny chair". Then he choose Mia to have the chair, providing that she introduced herself and gave him a high five.


The second stop was in Juneau. On this day the Wendling's and Schumacher's ventured out together to go Whale Watching. We were guaranteed to see whales on this trip or our money back. In fact, it is difficult to count the number of whales that we saw on this day.

Although the whales were spectacular to see, so was the view on the water in Juneau as you can tell by the pictures.

The last stop on the trip was Skagway. This port was by far the most interesting as the Wendling family spent the day:


Taking a bus through Alaska to the Yukon...


...on the way seeing bears and other wildlife...we were lucky to keep Rosanne on the bus...


...at the end of our trip to the Yukon we had the opportunity to go on a sleigh piloted by mush dogs....


...these dogs were a lot smaller than we thought...but tough as heck as they dragged us around the track...


...in fact we had a chance to pet the puppies and see them close up...


...after a leisurely lunch...


...we took the train back to Skagway...OK maybe not this train...but you get the idea

..what a view it was...


...with cliffs....


...and spectacular views...


...then the journey ended as we headed back to the boat.


A great trip it was with time for our family to relax after a tiring, but exciting, year in Korea. A great trip as well because it united Rosanne, Justine, Kyara, Matteya, Ariel and Mia with Me Mere who they all missed during the 10 months in Korea, (OK, Kevin missed her too).


Although there was lots to do on the ship and in the various ports, still the best part of the cruise were the incredible views and sunsets. In Korea, there are many tall buildings and Suwon is usually pretty hazy if not polluted, so seeing a sunset is really not the norm. During thsi trip we were able to take in the canvas the God paints every night for the world to see was something that we realized that we missed being in another part of the world.


After returning to Vancouver the Wendling family spent a day around town, in Stanley Park, as pictured below. They sure make these trees pretty big in British Columbia.


Well another adventure has finished and the Wendling's are in Port Colborne for the summer...a summer which will end at the beginning of August as they travel back to Korea and to GSIS.

Journey to India

Part of the life of teaching in an International School is that when you attend a conference or training session it usually takes you to a near by country.

Last month both Rosanne and Kevin were asked to fly to Hyderabad, India to attend a conference which will support the Grade 11 and 12 academic programs which will be implemented this Fall at GSIS.


As you can see from the photo above the trip involved the opportunity to see the Taj Mahal - but first things first - let us look at India and the trip which allowed us to be trained for GSIS and which also allowed the Wendling's to experience the country and culture of India.


Pictured above is the Taj Krishina, a beautiful hotel in Hyderadad . The hotel was probably one of the most beautiful hotels that we have ever stayed in. Due to the fact that Indian culture has been heavily influence by the British tradition much of the furniture and hotel expectations are best on Western society and standards. In fact much of the Lobby and furnishings could easily be seen in Fairmount or CP hotels in Toronto, Quebec City or in Western Canada. The lobby, waiting rooms and pool - pictured below - were truly luxurious and allowed us to have a pleasant stay for the four days.


During April, Hyderadad can experience days that average 40C -- that is no typo 40C. However, it is a dry heat - without the humidity it really felt as if it were only 27 - 30C. So if you were in the shade and out of the sun - unlike the Wendling's pictured below - it really wasn't that bad.


One of the features of the pool at Taj Krishina as the small pool perimeter which went around the large pool. One would think that this area would allow swimmers to cool their feet prior to going into the pool. Pictured above, the Wendling girls are relaxing and taking it easy just outside of the pool.

After an afternoon of swimming the Wendling's decided to hire a car to take them around the city. Although you could stay at a hotel as beautiful and impressive at the Taj Krishina, yet almost side by side or across the street from these buildings were shacks like the only pictured below. India is very technologically advanced and yet their social net does not seem to catch everyone. Pictured below is someone's home which will need to be repaired prior to the Monsoon season which will begin in June.


Although the main roads are paved and in good condition side roads, like the one pictured below, are not. The various huts and homes pictured below are typical of India. It was not uncommon to see fires for cooking or farm animals around the homes. A restaurant in these areas would look like a hut or unfinished open area with a roof.


Oakridge International School was the host for the IB Conference which Rosanne and Kevin attended. During the first day the school told the participants about a number of tours and activities which they were hosting. Rosanne and Kevin asked if all the Wendling's could be a part of the activities - but they need to have girls at the school so that they could go to the tours. So at lunch Kevin and Rosanne jumped into a taxi and one very hectic car ride later the girls were at the school making friends. Pictured below is Ariel with one of the students at Oakridge - sorry but she forgot her name.


Rashika is picture below with Matteya. Rashika is a senior student at the school who played with the girls during the conference. After the first day of coming to the school the girls were asked to return to play and have fun with their new friends.


The evening after the second day of the conference Oakridge hosted a banquet for all of the participants of the conference. All the Wendling's were invited and had a great time having Henna Tattoos and watching braceets being made by local artistians.


Pictured below is Mia showing off her tattoos - the tattoos are very elaborate and based on traditional Indian art. From a practical point of view the tattoos actually make the skin feel better during the very hot days of the Indian summer.



Motorcycles in Inida are an extremely popular mode of transportation. Pictured above is a small motorcycle parking lot -- unfortunately the big parking lot with well over 400 motorcycles found at the airport is not pictured. This makes driving very interesting as there is more motorcycles on the road then cars or the three wheeled taxis known as - Autowallahs or Tut tuts.


One of the most beautiful places in Hyderabad is the Golconda Fort. This fort has parts of it that is over 600 hundred years old - something to think about is that Quebec City Citadel is just over 400 years old. Unfortunately, the Fort has not been well kept and maintained over the years and the keepers of this gem are trying to restore it - however, it is so large and has so much intricate detail - the task will be quite long and difficult to accomplish.



The Fort has many different parts to it, each showing different aspects and styles of Asian and Indian architecture. The 20 foot high walls on either side of the Wendling family pictured above are spectacular - but this is just one small part of the fort.


The highest part of the fort, pictured above has a temple and was a private residence for the King. Justine and Kyara are pictured with residence behind them. The Golconda fort was beautiful and a highlight of our time in Hyderabad.


On the Wendling's last night in Hyderadad the family went to the Charminar. Char - means four and minar - means towers. The Charminar is over 400 years old and is part of the culture and architecture of Hyderadad.


Pictured above is the Wendling family with two 'guides' they met at the market. The market - unlike any Asian market they have experience - was very busy and had many stores, stalls and street vendors trying to sell people items. Most of the items were of Hyderabad origin or reflected the Indian culture - a mixture of Muslim and Hindu religions. The two boys pictured with us tried to sell us items but settled for guiding us through the market.

India is extremely diverse having many local languages and dialects as well as having most people able to speak English. The one boy pictured with us told us that he know 7 languages - and spoke fluent French with our family as we walked around the market.

Picture above is a family of five on their motorcycle. As mentioned above motorcycles are an important mode of transportation - but it is also a family vehicle. Women usually ride side saddle and can be seen holding enfant children. Please note that helmets are optional.


On our last full day in India the Wendling family flew to New Delhi and proceeded to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. On the way Matteya received her wish as she saw a camel. Camels and elephants are used in the country to help transport items. This was not the only camel Matteya saw that day - but it was the best picture we could take.

Finally, the Wendling's made it to the Taj Mahal. To be honest, pictures do not truly describe the spectacular architecture. The Taj Mahal is actually a mausileum that houses the body of a King and Queen of India. The building is made of marble - some pieces larger than 2 meters in length. To the left of the building is a Mosque and to the right is the official residence of the King. (Neither are pictured above.)


Looking back from the Taj Mahal is the beautiful reflecting pool and grounds, as pictured below. Notice the main gate in the background - this gate in turn has three other entrances to it. None of these buildings on the ground are made from marble and so the Taj Mahal is contrasting by its surroundings.


From the back part of the Taj Mahal one can see the detail given to this buidling. There are actually various gemstones embedded within the marble - another feature which makes this building indescribable.


To the righ of the Taj Mahal is the official residence of the King. The building is still used today if government officials or guests need to stay in Agra. The building is marvellous - but again stands as contrast to the beauty of the Taj.



Kevin and the girls are standing just off to the side of the main entrance. Notice the intricate art work on the walls of the Taj Mahal. On the left you see writings from the Koran - the Muslim Bible. These writing go around the main entrance of the Taj.



During our time in India it was not uncommon for people to stop are family and want to take a picture with us. On four occasions this occurred at the Taj Mahal. This was a little different for us, in Korea it can happen from time to time but in India people were very forth coming about this request. By the end of our trip Mia was ready for Vogue photo shoots and all the close ups she could get.


So ends our trip to Inida. A true once in a life time experience. A time we will always remember for so many reasons it would be difficult to describe. We hope that by sharing our trip, you can gain some insight into the country and culture of India.