Travel Tips for Teachers (or anyone, really)

I was inspired to share some of my travel and money savings tips with you. Though it's not quite directly related with teaching, travel is something most teachers take advantage of in their time off during the summer. I realized my 2016 Eurotrip was a "last hurrah" before I settled into a regular fall school schedule and now my longest period to travel will be in the summer months. Rather than learn the hard way like I did, here are some (hopefully) useful, tried and true tips from a fellow teacher/travel enthusiast:

1. Pack lightly. It's all over the Designated Tip Lists of the Interwebs, but seriously. You don't need as much as you think you do. Only pack clothes you are comfortable wearing. You won't wear something if you can't walk in it all day. Every piece of clothing counts.

The top of Arthur's Seat hike in Edinburgh (free activity!)

2. Bring your own water bottle. (Just don't forget to empty it before going through security! I have been impressed at how much water I've needed to chug at a frantic moment's notice, though, hehe). My friend BreAnna, aka Crafty Coin attests to this, too. Don't pay for bottled water-it's better for the environment AND your wallet.

3. Map your route beforehand using Google Maps so you know if a taxi driver is taking the best route. If traveling internationally, you can also follow your location on the map this way to navigate without WiFi.

4. Bring bar soap and powder laundry soap so they don't count as liquids in your carry on baggage. This is if you're a savvy non-bag checker (or just refuse to pay the ridiculous fees).

5. Open a credit card like CapitolOne that offers no foreign transaction fees. Did you know credit card companies charge for changing over currency into USD?

6. Order local currency from your bank to avoid fees and get the best exchange rate. And order more currency than you need-many banks will change currency back to USD for free. Often, too, there's a significant ATM fee when withdrawing abroad.

7. Carry on. Do not check baggage *because of aforementioned ridiculous fees*. Embrace budget airlines, but beware of the hidden fees. I learned this the hard way, and also by reading tips from smart girls like Curiosity and a Carry On. I hope you feel the same exhilaration I do of packing everything you need for two weeks in a carry on.

8. Don't be afraid to take public transportation in a foreign country. Ask for directions at the bus or train station, as many employees speak English. It's so much cheaper than taxis! More beer money!

9. Take red eye flights or trains so as to not pay for lodging on a night between destinations.

10. Wash clothes while traveling. Buy a drain stopper, clothesline, and powder laundry soap to wash in the sink. This way, you save on room in your suitcase or time/coins at the laundromat.

11. Download travel god, Rick Steve's walking audio tours. There's an app for that! These free, guided tours save you from hiring and tipping a guide. Plus, you can stroll at your own pace.

I am enlarging this fave photo of Széchenyi Thermal Bath
in Budapest, Hungary as a souvenir

12. Plan a layover in a city of interest. If a layover is inevitable, you might as well make the most of it! For my Eurotrip, I had a five hour layover in Berlin while en route to Budapest. It was just enough time to see a few highlights, drink a good German beer, and stretch my legs before sitting on the plane again.

13. Make pictures your souvenirs. I hate feeling like souvenirs are inauthentic or not meaningful, but I still want a token to remember each place I've visited. Take your best photo and blow it up into a poster and frame it. Voila! New art for the bedroom and a great memento.

14. Use a Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour as transportation. These tours are offered in many cities, and I loved that it doubled as transportation. I got off at a stop and would take the bus route again to drop me off near my Airbnb or next destination.

15. Go to the grocery store. Pack a lunch for the day, but try authentic food and treat yourself for dinner. Breakfast and lunch items are easy to buy and much more cost efficient than eating out for all three meals.

16. When using a credit card, pay in the local currency if given a choice. This will give you the most accurate exchange rate, and sometimes banks charge a fee to change the money back to USD. See #6, above.

17. Use Airbnb (and get $35 off your first trip by using my referral code!). You will usually get a better deal than a hotel, and with amenities like a kitchen, shampoo, or breakfast included, it can save a lot! The hosts are also very helpful in recommending sights to see and places to eat in the area. You will automatically be connecting with a local who has insider information.

Stunning view of Vitosha Mountains from my Airbnb in Sofia, Bulgaria

18. Ensure time is on your side. Let's say it takes 15 minutes longer to take public transportation than a taxi. You will be more likely to opt for the dough-saving route of time is on your side. Same with allowing for grocery shopping and standing in lines versus their queue-skipping, costly ticket counterparts will help save money and allow for a more enjoyable experience.

Homemade Czech meal.
Best meal of the trip!

19. Research. Trips take tons of planning. You need time to research which options will save you money and which aren't worth the hassle.

20. Get lost. Don't plan too much or you will feel super stressed to fit everything in your schedule. Allow time to wander and stumble upon your own treasures. Also consider getting out of the city. The countryside of many spots is more authentic and less touristy. And cheaper! The best decision was to rent a car in Prague and drive three hours to the country. We had the best homemade Czech meal of our lives and breathtaking scenery!

21. Take M&Ms. It's chocolate that won't melt and they make you feel at home. :)

I love planning trips. If you are thinking of traveling, but don't want the hassle, let me do it for you! Email me for a quote at racheltalen@gmail.com.

Summer Lab

I meant to post earlier about my Summer Lab experience, but started traveling soon after the session was done.

I really had a blast with this group of 3rd and 4th graders. Going to work didn't feel like work. My head teacher was so knowledgeable and had been teaching this course for nearly 10 years!

Nature Detectives mostly involved kiddos showing me insects they discovered. Kidding, but really! We caught a lot of bugs to study them up close and then released them. We learned about what animals need to survive, food chains, and food webs. We explored Botany Pond on the U of C campus, learned about beehives, dissected owl pellets, glued together real vole skeletons, and went on a couple really cool field trips-a nature walk at the Little Red Schoolhouse, to a Nature Preserve in Lake Forest, and to the Field Museum.

It was exciting to see the kids so enthusiastic about science and nature. They LOVED to read, and just ate this material up. 

I often find myself to be a student of my students.They teach me so much. During Summer Lab, they reminded me to be curious, and it's OK to get nerdy excited because that means you're passionate!I find myself noticing and appreciating nature more, and saying things like, "LOOK at that fascinating spider web," and "Oh my! Those mushrooms are oddly shaped." As an adult, I am constantly learning, thinking, and growing.

I couldn't have asked for a better summer experience. These kids rock!

Year of Zen

Learning to let go should be learned before learning to get. Life should be touched, not strangled. You’ve got to relax, let it happen at times, and at others move forward with it.

-Ray Bradbury

The offer to teach at Lab is the culmination of many experiences, applications, odd jobs and uncertainty this year, as I really didn't know what I would do or where I would be post student teaching in India. After subbing in charter, public, and private schools for a year, I realized (after wrestling with and challenging my longtime idea of teaching internationally and to low-income students) the private school setting is my best fit. Though a homeroom teacher position would be my ultimate goal, I am over the moon excited to start at Lab.

This summer I'll be a TA for Nature Detectives, a course offered at Summer Lab. I'm nerdy excited to explore the outdoors with 3rd grade, my favorite age group, and because science is my favorite subject to teach!
No one knows exactly how difficult and how wonderful it's been this year, living life not dictated by a schedule. It kind of felt like the slower pace of retirement, but undeserved without a lifetime of work, productivity and contributing to society. Without the backbone of a 9-5 (or let's be honest, for teachers it's more like 7-6), I was left all jiggly, with muscles and brains and had to figure out how to support myself.

I went to the gym and morning classes and I ran along the lake. I didn't worry about when I'd be back, just listened to how far my body wanted to take me. I even let myself get lost a couple times. Once, Jake the pup and I stumbled upon the Japanese Garden.

I finished my ESL endorsement. 40 hours of schoolwork per week for 3 months. I enjoyed reading and learning because I had time to read and learn.

I nannied for cuddly little Lincoln and watched as he rolled over, ate solid food, giggled, and grew over 3 months. He still remains the only human who will tolerate my singing. I babysat, and truly had fun with the kids, not worrying about what time the parents were coming home on a Sunday night because I needed to be in bed for work the next day. I took my time. I blogged for Twist OP because it was fun and because I got paid for it. I spent time with my feelings, which was really scary.

I cried because I wasn't working full-time and didn't feel productive and I cried because I was so happy I wasn't working full-time. I cried because I had to face who I truly was and how I really felt and what I really wanted in life. But I also laughed a lot, too. I think that means I embraced life's highs and lows, and sometimes both at once.

In my moments alone, I listened to my body and paid attention. I was diagnosed with mild ADD and actually had time to go to appointments and do health-related things.

I taught art and music and all subjects in between; I taught students with little faces and big faces, middle schoolers with lanky arms and kindergarteners who ask too many questions to substitute teachers. Now at least I know I don't want to teach kindergarten. I interviewed for jobs that I felt no pressure to accept...unless I felt that love connection deep down in my soul that it was right.

I wrote poetry for the first time in five years. It made my brain hurt, but it was the good kind of hurt. I got up early for not having to work. But not too early. I barely needed my iPhone alarm. I drank wine and got caught up in silly TV shows. I didn't need naps. Some days I didn't get out of my pajamas; some days I was running errands morning until night. PS, Grocery shopping and errand-running midday is 4829937483 times more enjoyable.

When I saw friends or visited family, I was fully present-not tired, stressed, or time-pressed. I enjoyed their company. I went on a few first (and last) dates and tried (not that hard) to put myself out there.

I went on more than 18 trips, national and international-Nashville, St. Paul, LA, DC, Detroit, Grand Rapids, up and down western Michigan's winery trail.

I went to India to student teach. It was dusty and tough, but the people are colorful, and hey, now I can cross that one off my list and at least I got to see the Taj Mahal. I toured the Scottish Highlands in the fall and the countryside of Ireland. I went to The Dominican for a friend's wedding and didn't worry about taking time off of work. Planning and executing my sister's bachelorette party to NOLA as her MOH and was a blast! #SwampSquad #AlmostStrandedInTheBayou

I balanced my budget, made ends meet and still ate pretty healthy. I spent less money and had fewer expenses but wasn't less happy.

It's hard to simplify, but I did it. I sold shoes and books on eBay and donated clothing. It's just stuff, anyway. I got used to the way I look without makeup. My Facebook friend count is down by 500.

I learned to cook, to care for Jake and Tabby, the best pets in the world, and earned their affection in return. Oh, and I learned how to run a household-it's really hard. Dishes, grocery store, cooking, walk the dog, dishes, vacuum, dishes, dishes. Dishes.

I was hungover every once in a while, and without consequence to my work. I explored churches, I explored Hyde Park. I stepped back from my faith and am slowly coming toward it again, allowing for the ups and downs that come with a God relationship, any relationship. I stepped back from friendships and acknowledged that some run their courses. I meditated on what these precious relationships had given me, that they met my needs when I so needed it. I thanked them for wonderful memories, grieved these losses, and then celebrated new additions to my life.

I bonded with Julie, a new and wonderful friend, who loved me and taught me important things, like to advocate for what I want in life. She listened, and I had time to talk. And her daughter, my surrogate little sister, Ellie. I got to be an older sister again and give advice, now tried and true because I'm a little older. I went on vacations, to Christmas parties and dinners. I became part of their family. My Chicago family.

At the end of the Year of Zen (doesn't that sound like it belongs in a Dr. Seuss book?) I finally learned how to be zen. Be your own kind of zen if you can. You can be more you, and that's what the world needs.

Year of Zen

Learning to let go should be learned before learning to get. Life should be touched, not strangled. You’ve got to relax, let it happen at times, and at others move forward with it.

-Ray Bradbury

The offer to teach at Lab is the culmination of many experiences, applications, odd jobs and uncertainty this year, as I really didn't know what I would do or where I would be post student teaching in India. After subbing in charter, public, and private schools for a year, I realized (after wrestling with and challenging my longtime idea of teaching internationally and to low-income students) the private school setting is my best fit. Though a homeroom teacher position would be my ultimate goal, I am over the moon excited to start at Lab.

This summer I'll be a TA for Nature Detectives, a course offered at Summer Lab. I'm nerdy excited to explore the outdoors with 3rd grade, my favorite age group, and because science is my favorite subject to teach!
No one knows exactly how difficult and how wonderful it's been this year, living life not dictated by a schedule. It kind of felt like the slower pace of retirement, but undeserved without a lifetime of work, productivity and contributing to society. Without the backbone of a 9-5 (or let's be honest, for teachers it's more like 7-6), I was left all jiggly, with muscles and brains and had to figure out how to support myself.

I went to the gym and morning classes and I ran along the lake. I didn't worry about when I'd be back, just listened to how far my body wanted to take me. I even let myself get lost a couple times. Once, Jake the pup and I stumbled upon the Japanese Garden.

I finished my ESL endorsement. 40 hours of schoolwork per week for 3 months. I enjoyed reading and learning because I had time to read and learn.

I nannied for cuddly little Lincoln and watched as he rolled over, ate solid food, giggled, and grew over 3 months. He still remains the only human who will tolerate my singing. I babysat, and truly had fun with the kids, not worrying about what time the parents were coming home on a Sunday night because I needed to be in bed for work the next day. I took my time. I blogged for Twist OP because it was fun and because I got paid for it. I spent time with my feelings, which was really scary.

I cried because I wasn't working full-time and didn't feel productive and I cried because I was so happy I wasn't working full-time. I cried because I had to face who I truly was and how I really felt and what I really wanted in life. But I also laughed a lot, too. I think that means I embraced life's highs and lows, and sometimes both at once.

In my moments alone, I listened to my body and paid attention. I was diagnosed with mild ADD and actually had time to go to appointments and do health-related things.

I taught art and music and all subjects in between; I taught students with little faces and big faces, middle schoolers with lanky arms and kindergarteners who ask too many questions to substitute teachers. Now at least I know I don't want to teach kindergarten. I interviewed for jobs that I felt no pressure to accept...unless I felt that love connection deep down in my soul that it was right.

I wrote poetry for the first time in five years. It made my brain hurt, but it was the good kind of hurt. I got up early for not having to work. But not too early. I barely needed my iPhone alarm. I drank wine and got caught up in silly TV shows. I didn't need naps. Some days I didn't get out of my pajamas; some days I was running errands morning until night. PS, Grocery shopping and errand-running midday is 4829937483 times more enjoyable.

When I saw friends or visited family, I was fully present-not tired, stressed, or time-pressed. I enjoyed their company. I went on a few first (and last) dates and tried (not that hard) to put myself out there.

I went on more than 18 trips, national and international-Nashville, St. Paul, LA, DC, Detroit, Grand Rapids, up and down western Michigan's winery trail.

I went to India to student teach. It was dusty and tough, but the people are colorful, and hey, now I can cross that one off my list and at least I got to see the Taj Mahal. I toured the Scottish Highlands in the fall and the countryside of Ireland. I went to The Dominican for a friend's wedding and didn't worry about taking time off of work. Planning and executing my sister's bachelorette party to NOLA as her MOH and was a blast! #SwampSquad #AlmostStrandedInTheBayou

I balanced my budget, made ends meet and still ate pretty healthy. I spent less money and had fewer expenses but wasn't less happy.

It's hard to simplify, but I did it. I sold shoes and books on eBay and donated clothing. It's just stuff, anyway. I got used to the way I look without makeup. My Facebook friend count is down by 500.

I learned to cook, to care for Jake and Tabby, the best pets in the world, and earned their affection in return. Oh, and I learned how to run a household-it's really hard. Dishes, grocery store, cooking, walk the dog, dishes, vacuum, dishes, dishes. Dishes.

I was hungover every once in a while, and without consequence to my work. I explored churches, I explored Hyde Park. I stepped back from my faith and am slowly coming toward it again, allowing for the ups and downs that come with a God relationship, any relationship. I stepped back from friendships and acknowledged that some run their courses. I meditated on what these precious relationships had given me, that they met my needs when I so needed it. I thanked them for wonderful memories, grieved these losses, and then celebrated new additions to my life.

I bonded with Julie, a new and wonderful friend, who loved me and taught me important things, like to advocate for what I want in life. She listened, and I had time to talk. And her daughter, my surrogate little sister, Ellie. I got to be an older sister again and give advice, now tried and true because I'm a little older. I went on vacations, to Christmas parties and dinners. I became part of their family. My Chicago family.

At the end of the Year of Zen (doesn't that sound like it belongs in a Dr. Seuss book?) I finally learned how to be zen. Be your own kind of zen if you can. You can be more you, and that's what the world needs.

Tough Goodbyes

This week consisted of students reviewing for their exams, packing, and saying my goodbyes.

This weekend, my cooperating teacher had Andrea

and I over for dinner. She made delicious masala dosa (because she knows it's my favorite) and fried rice. We hung out with her family and met her youngest daughter, two-year-old Anu, who is a chunk of cuteness. It was so nice to just sit, talk, and truly enjoy everyone's company.

Onam is a South Indian festival celebrating the new year (but it's not actually celebrated at the beginning of the year), and it was so special that I got to celebrate it with my cooperating teacher and her family on Sunday. We dressed up in saris, saw a traditional dance, and ate off of a banana leaf in true Indian fashion-with our hands!! It took a second to get used to, but within a minute, I was a pro! We had rice and various curries, many of which were made with coconut. So good!

My favorite English teacher was sick and could not be at school for 10 days, so Sunu, Andrea, Shruti and I (my Indian squad) went to visit her. Usually when someone is ill, many people will visit their home. She brought us tea and her son played a classical Indian instrument for us. She was so upbeat despite being sick. Then, the squad went out for tacos at Dominoes. Yes, the pizza place. No, they were not Mexican tacos, but the Indian-ized vegetarian version. They were sooo good!

On Tuesday I had to say goodbye to class 3F. Again,

they showered me with cards and gifts. I will miss every face and personality. They said, "Ma'am, why do you have to go back to your country? Just stay!" And the teachers showed me the newspaper ad for job openings at DPS. Though it pains me to leave my students and new teacher friends, there is so much to learn in other countries before settling. I am not done learning, traveling, or seeing new places.

Today, I had to say goodbye to my teachers. It was a holiday, so there were no students; teachers use this as a collaboration day. So I said goodbye to the English staff room four times and did not leave my cooperating teacher's side all day. She was my hardest goodbye. In her card to me was a quote: "Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end; they simply mean I'll miss you, 'til we meet again."

The connection with my co-op was so special. She taught me so much, but insisted that we learned from each other. She mentored me at school professionally and also became a close friend, whom I will miss dearly. But I will be back to visit.

I am truly thankful and am celebrating the memories. I have experienced friendships that transcend language and culture. It's possible to deeply love people so different from yourself. We have more in common than we think, yet still so much to talk about and learn from each other. How cool is it to have friends halfway across the world! I told them, "You're only a 15.5 hour flight away!" Maybe it's not that comforting, but whatever.

Today I also said goodbye to my roommate, travel buddy, and partner in crime. We too, have an amazing connection and shared love for teaching internationally and traveling. She is a brave and adventurous spirit, and totally understands me! What a blessing to have had her by my side throughout this journey.

I feel like I am leaving home to go to my other home. A piece of my heart is in India, and I have grown; I will never be the same.

Last post

“The world is inhabited by all kinds of people. They are isolated by land and water, religion, customs, habits. The minds and hearts of these people are much alike. Under sudden or stressed emotions, they blossom forth or explode in riots, fights, dance, song, prayer. At such times they become one mind, one heart. And the world vibrates with the intensity of their feelings, emotions, angers, laughters." M.K. Gandhi

Debunking Preconceptions
In one of my first blogs, I typed out things I had read about India or that others had told me. Let's see if they have held up:

• It's dirtyYes, India is very dusty. There is often trash on the ground, no trash bins to collect garbage, and you cannot drink the water. However, people's homes are very clean. If they can afford it, they have maids that come wash the floors and dishes every day. 

• It's disorganized 
  Americans perceive India as disorganized, yes. But the truth is, they have a system that works for them. It's often chaotic because no one really follows traffic rules, they don't wait in line or wait their turn. Once we went to the store to get a cell phone. The man said "Come back tomorrow." We did, and I selected the phone I wanted. He said, Ok, come back tomorrow." The next day, he said, "Ok, I'll be right back." He left on his scooter and returned with the cell phone box. To pick up milk, some shoes, and bread, you will have to go to three different stores. I can think of 297602938 ways to do these things more efficiently, but this is their process.

• It's crowded
  

• It's smelly

• I will definitely get very sick

• Men don't treat women very well

• It will be very hot with monsoons

• I will fall in love with the culture

• The food is delicious

• They love cows and jewelry 

• They are curious about Americans, especially if you have blonde hair

"All religions share a common rootAll religions share a common root, which is limitless compassion.

quotes from here: http://thriveconnection.com/2015/08/18/strangers/?utm_source=Connection&utm_campaign=5524565fed-Weekly_Connection_2015_08_24&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_59f8971ca4-5524565fed-72830661

They emphasize human improvement, love, respect for others, and compassion for the suffering of others.

In so far as love is essential in every religion, we could say that love is a universal religion.

But the various techniques and methods for developing love differ widely between the traditions.

I don’t think there could ever be just one single philosophy or religion.

Since there are so many different types of people, with a range of tendencies and inclinations,

it is quite fitting that there are differences between religions.

And the fact that there are so many different descriptions of the religious path shows how rich religion is.

– H.H. the XIVth Dalai Lama

They become less of a "they". Now I have friends across the world. People are just people, imperfect and in need of love and connection. We are more the same than I ever thought.

"They" have faces. "They" are real.

Not to go all "world peace" on you, or claim that my teaching experience has had some profound effect on the world, but hear this: what if we all branched out a little? Got out of our comfort zones to meet people in a different neighborhood, culture or country? We may not solve wars or bridge gaps between religious or territorial disagreements, but we can still, just maybe, be friends.

Things have come full circle. I stood in the check in line at O'Hare crying and telling myself to be brave. And here I am again, hugging my students goodbye, crying and telling myself to be strong.

Love & Marriage

I have gathered "data" from several sources over the last couple months, and have found the concept of marriage here so fascinating. I always thought arranged marriages were a thing of the past, but they are indeed the way of life here.

Teacher 1 described this to me: Once a girl reaches her early to mid-twenties, her parents start talking to family friends and friends of friends to feel out if there are any potential suitors. They also have matrimonial websites where the parents can go online to find a match for their daughter. The parents will arrange a meeting at the girl's house. The families will sit in the front room and the girl will serve them tea. Then, the couple will sit in a room by themselves to talk, and the man will ask the woman questions about herself, like what are her hobbies, where did she do her studies, etc. It's very much about accomplishments and the family status. Males might look for a woman who is educated, maybe of a higher caste, can cook, has good manners, and can serve tea well.

In this teacher's experience, they only had 15 minutes in a room together to decide the REST OF THEIR LIVES. The man and his family will leave the house and say, "Ok, we will inform you later." This teacher did not ask the guy any questions and wasn't into it. A woman also may want to turn down at least one male suitor before she accepts. He called later to say he had rejected her. But his brother said, "No, the girl was nervous, give her another chance." So he called again and made an offer. Teacher 1 accepted, only because her parents wanted her to. 

At the time, he lived 4 hours away, and it is not acceptable to visit the guy's house until you are married. He could not visit her, because he had to work and the distance was too much. So they talked on the phone and texted for only 2 MONTHS before their wedding. She had not met the guy's mother until that day. Now they have been married 7 years and have 2 children. She says they are still learning to love each other. They call this "love after marriage." This woman has such amazing qualities (kind, intelligent, caring, SO hilarious, loves food, reading, etc), and it saddens me to think that her husband married her without falling in love with these qualities first.

Teacher 2 had a "love marriage," or love before marriage. This is extremely rare and forbidden, really. In love marriages, the couple is shunned from their families. They must run away together. Teacher was smiling and so happy talking about her husband, but said her family only recently acknowledged the marriage. She has been married for 14 years and has a 12-year-old daughter.

Teacher 3's experience is even sadder. I think the more common experience is that after an arranged marriage, the couple ends up hating each other. They are stuck, though, because divorce is not an option. It's absolutely off the table. Teacher 3 has been verbally abused by her husband. She has also been extremely rude and hateful toward him in reaction. But still, they must live a lie. They put on a front and have been forced to tolerate each other for 35 years. They are not friends and are unhappy, which affects all other aspects of their lives.

Teacher 4's story is much better. She did not want to get married and wanted to continue in her higher studies. However, after her arranged marriage, she is now totally (still) in love with her husband of 20+ years.

And sorry, singles! 30 is considered VERY old. By 35, you are a lost cause and your family will basically disown you.

Indian weddings are also fascinating. They are usually a three-day process and involve tons of money, guests, food, several outfit changes and many rituals. The male's family pays for all the guests to eat for 3 days, and to fly in any foreign guests.

Even after marriage Indians are rarely affectionate. A married couple may be sitting next to each other, but you would have no idea they even know each other!