Up with Peking Fish

Miami, Ahvevo!!!!

2009-02-16T20:43:00.000-08:00

We left our host family in Greeley on 10 p.m. Feb 15th to Katie's house in Denver. Could you imagine that over 2o people stayed in the sitting room until 4 a.m. Then we moved to the airport. The flight departed on 7 a.m. to Atlanta, then we transferred to Ft. Lauderdale. The amazing part is that after our arrival, we got a police escort from the airport to rec building. The motorcycle's sound made me so excited. I took lots of pic for the policemen. They are soooooo cool! We shouted all along the way to rec building because we are so excited about that we are in Miami. We just say goodbye to winter in Greeley, now are welcomed by summer in Miami. I love it!

It was definately boiling when we arrived at rec building. So many cast mates run with our bus. They took all our luggeges and tons of close hugs. We missed each other so much, even only 4 days left. I can't believe that we have only 4 months left! How time flyes!

At 7 p.m. Lisa, our host Mom in Miami came to pick us up back home. I got 4 roommates, all girls, Yan from China, Subu from Nepal, Yoyo from Ethiopia and Molly from U.S. There is a lake behind our house. It's amazing to have a chat on the balcony facing the lake. It's a real magic city, which makes us so happy!

Orale! It's Miami! Ahvevo!!!!!!

For Greeley

2009-02-16T20:29:00.000-08:00

It's so hard for us to say goodbye to Rae, my host Mom in Greeley. She is such a great lady. Host Dad drove us to Estes Park and showed us the little goast in the hotel, which is so interesting. I love them!

We spent lots of days in Greeley, since Feb 4th to 16th. We had our first official show there, which is so exciting! My host family the Freeborns also were present on the show. They are amazing, I love them! We also had a Valentine's day in Greeley. Some of our cast mates are in Miami enjoying the sunshine and beach, while we had a party in Alana and Yoyo's host family! Everyday without the other cast mates in Greeley is a long day for us. Forntunately I really really love my roommates, Alex V. from Mexico, Angie from Maine, and Alex from Sweden, who left for Miami on 12th.

Finally, we got to Miami!!!!

Movie and Party

2009-02-01T19:34:00.000-08:00

It's really long week. As my facebook said, it sucks, but really really awesome!

The Wrestler

Host family took me to watch a movie, The Wrestler. I have to say I felt so sad for his life. He is a brave one, who tried to change his life. While he is so weak in front of the destiny. Anyway, it is a touching movie. Mickey Rourke is a great actor. His voice is from the heart of the wrestler. He is strong but he can't face his own daughter. He is brave on the stage, but he can't get off the stage. It is so sad, but that is his life.

The Super Bowl Party

You can't tell the result until the last second. It is so dramatic. Steelers got their super bowl until last 35 seconds. Host family drove us to Hans' host family for the Super Bowl Party. Girls fell asleep and boys shouted "NO WAY" when Steelers touchdown.

1st New Year Abroad!

2009-01-25T19:46:00.000-08:00

It's really a nice weekend! We are celebrating Spring Festival.

Host family took me to Red Rocks Park. It is amazing!!! A pure natural theater. Two pieces of huge red rocks are the natural wall of this theater. I can't imagine the feeling of enjoying the concert in such a great theater with sparking stars in the sky. Fantastic!!! I spent 45 seconds to reach the top from the bottom. Then I just became out of breath. It is a special way to celebrate the coming new year, really healthy. Later, we had lunch in a nice hut, Blue Cow. When I come back I called my family, they have been already celebrating new year. I miss them very much!

On Sunday, I called them again at 9 a.m.. It's middle night of Spring festival. Everyone is in my grandfather's home. Mum cried when I talked with her. I wish I could be with her right now. I will spend more time with my family. I love them. After shopping with host family for some grocery, I got some candy to share with my lovely cast mates for Spring festival, also a sheet birthday cake for Yan. Tomorrow is her birthday. In the afternoon, we went to Denver Museum of Nature and Science. I enjoyed my first IMAX movie there. It is terrific!!! It's not watching movie, but feeling the movie. It feels like you were there, very close to the animals. BTW, the movie we watched is abotu African animals. I really want to go to Africa some day. With the fantastic feeling, we drove to a Chinese restaurant, Heaven Dragon. It's said that 2002-06, ex-president Bush ordered 3 times taken away. It seems that everything in America become huger. I never thought the dishes could be so huge. we enven can't eat up. Finally, we take something away. But the taste is so great. I miss Chinese food and really appreciate host family's treat.

I really miss my family, meanwhile I also enjoyed the spring festival in America. Wish my family and friends a super happpy new year!

Great Job~ Cast A 2009 Culture Jam

2009-01-21T21:32:00.000-08:00

It's awesome!!!!

Subu does have a great peaceful voice! I like the lyrics, see a smile face, enjoy the life even at the moment I take my last breath.

Chinese team players and our super friendly support, Andy, great job! I am so glad that we gave the audience a happy night! Tons of pic is coming! I believe we are going to have more and more fun in the coming future! Let's enjoy it and shine our life, SHINE~~~~~~THE LIFE :D

First Time to Watch Hockey Game

2009-01-18T22:11:00.000-08:00

CALGARY FLAMES V.S. COLORADO AVALANCHE

After a nice lunch, we went to the Pepsi Center. Flames vs Avalanche. Avalanche beat Flames at 6 to 2. 2 players got their 300 career goal. It's fantastic. We did rock that house. The game is so tense. Today I did watch one live hockey game personally. Before that I only watched on TV. I wanna say that the feeling is terrific. I learned what is penalty. Hockey is much easier than American football. Looking forward to the supper ball game on Feb, 2nd.

What an amazing weekend with my host family!

Here is the game summary!!!

Oye El Boom

2009-01-17T22:46:00.000-08:00

It's really nice day!

Oye El Boom

Today I got two dance workshop. I love Oye El Boom. The teacher is so humorous. My partner is Lylian, a very nice lady. She did a good job!

My Brother's Bar

It's over 40 years old. My host family took me there and treat me a very nice dinner. Thanks my dears!!! I really appreciate! Dad ordered Bison Cheers berg for me. It is terrific. I love it. This restaurant is special for Denver. We can find it only in Denver. It is not like McDonald, it is unique.

Gran Torino

After dinner, Host Family took me to the downtown. We watched one movie named Gran Torino. "He even didn't have a gun. they shot him" I know he did have gun, he just didn't take it, but he is much more powerful because he took love with him. He got peace for a neighbor's family with his own life. He is a great man, I wanna say he is a hero.

Dance Workshop

2009-01-15T21:50:00.000-08:00

Ayiko Dance

I found my name listed on The Wall. "Ayiko Dance, 3:15~5:00"

I do have pretty much fun there with challenge. So many steps and moved so fast, God! It's gonna kill me. But you know that, I love challenge. In this case, I also need more practice.

For tomorrow, I got 2 dance workshop, one is Gypsy dance and the other one is Power with. I heard from Dan and Libby that the Power with is very challenging.

Host Family Book

My host picked me up at the bus station this evening. And they treated me at a nice restaurant with Japanese food, which is pretty nice. It looks like Chinese fast food and the beef is really good. I ate it with chopsticks ^&^

Later, we went to Super Target, a super market, to buy some calling card. But Libby gave me a better suggestion that I could buy some Skype calling minutes online, which is very cheap. Actually, I used to call my parents with it for free because my mum has a skype account. So I give calling card up. But I got my shaving gel and a COOL note book. I got a good idea for keeping host family notes. I put the notebook in the sitting room. I asked my host family to write something on it everyday. It could be a quote, a joke, a notice, or evern a small smilling face, whatever they want to write down is ok. Today is the first note. Libby is such a cute girl, she drawed some mountains and a sun. I think it should be the Mile-High Mountain.

Subu Rana

I want to say that she is really really kind girl with her beautiful dream. I got her Goal Card. One of her long term goal is to establish a SAATH Valley in Nepal. She named her community as Happy Valley. She would spend 15 years on her goal, and joining Up with People is also on her plan. I could feel her strong wish to help the people who need help. I was moved by her willing. I will keep eyes on her plan going on.

Zola

A nice gentleman from Ethiopia. He told me he love China. He got his mp3, which is taken from China by his uncle. He must enjoy it very much because he is the first boy who got a mp3. So cool!!! I can't imagine that there is 86 kinds of language in Ethiopia. They use products made in China. I know China is the world plant. Lots of Chinese live there. Lucy is also discovered in Ethiopia. His mother is working for a orgnization which help some disabled. There is about 65% of population in Ethiopia are farmers. They don't want their children to go to school because they need labor force for farming. Zola joined one NGO to pursuade these farmers let them send children go to school. He told me if they go to school, one of them may become a doctor, a lawya, or even a presendt to lead them for bright future. But if they don't, they will never have a chance.

I am still interviewing people here. I do learn from them.

Enjoy Freetime

2009-01-13T22:44:00.000-08:00

Opening Session

Awesome! It's the first time I saw Up with People's live show! I love Yui's dance. She really did a good job.

As Tim said it's not only about you, it's about us. We would learn much from each other.

"Hey, I'm Coty..." that was the first time to hear his self introduction. And I heard it once and once again these days. He is such a energetic boy with lots of ideas. Great guy! I told him, he must be the most shinning star.

When Jen asked us to make a short speech, I just said that I'd love to got jiggy with it. But I don't know how to answer Jen's following question how @,@

Module

Dance, Vocal, Speaking, Technical, Costumes. I love Vocal best. For Dance, it's a little bit tense. We were asked to paly some difficult steps like hip-hop or Gypsy dance. somewhat interesting. but the free time is golden time for us playing games and chatting.

Marjiolain

A girl from Netherlands. Her voice is very peaceful. It's very comfortable to chat with her. She has two sisters, one elder and the other one is younger. The elder one is studying while the younger one is doing something about nature and animals. Her father is headmaster of a highschool and her mother is doing something with NGO to help the disables. She loves her family very much. Her eyes are beautiful!

Anngie

Today is her birthday. We talked something about the differences education system between U.S. and China. I got 2 points from her talk.
1) It's more difficult for American students to get an enrollment from Universtiy or Colledge than Chiense students. They need to get a good score on SAT, which is always valid for application forever. But apply for a colledge, they still neee inerview. But in China, we have only one national examination. and the score is only valid for the application to colledge and university in the same year.
2) American students could change their major much easier than Chinese. If they want to change, they could only postpone their graduate date, but there is no charge. It make students could keep on seeking their dream and keep fighting for it.

Opening Session

2009-01-12T21:31:00.000-08:00

It's really a cool show! What more can I say?

Mum and Dad took us to the downtown of Denver. What is strange is that there are 2 west in Denver. One is Ture West and the other one is Denver's West.

Host Family

2009-01-11T22:29:00.000-08:00

Q: Sup, G?
Me: Pretty good.
Q: How is your host family?
Me: I wanna say they are PERFECT.

MEET

"You are Joshua? I am your host family?" a pretty cool girl said to me. "how do you know me?" I was shocked. "I have my way", "Ok, I got it. you work for FBI or CIA."
That's the first conversation with my host family. Later, I found my American Mum and Dad, the Freeborns, with a saber tooth tiger picture. Actually, my Mum and Dad in China still call me Tiger at home.

TRIP TO BOULDER AND MILE-HIGH-MOUNTAIN

They picked me up from UWP. I was so moved that my host family haven't put away the lights for Christmas. They kept it for us. So sweet! I love them! We had a nice chat at home next to the fireplace. It's not only a nice house, but also a warm home. On Saturday, we went to a shopping mall. Luckily enough, I got my new shoes with Libby and Dan's help. It's cool. I love the color of dark.

Then we went to the Mile-High-Mountain. It was very clear, however, the wind was very strong. Close to the Iron Mountain, we found a small house. There are many animal specimens, such as baby bear and fox. They are all made by animal's body. The notice board says that, when we found these animals, they were already dead, we never kill animals for specimen. I also took some pictures there. Then we walked around in the city of Boulder and also the University of Colorado. My host Dad graduated from there. He also showed me where he used to live. It's a beautiful university. Seen from the top of Mile-High-Mountain, the buildings of the university are all red. I also like this colour.

We got back home when it got dark. Mum cooked dinner for us before we left. So once entred the door, we felt the delicious odor. It's on the table that I learnt "got jiggy with it". We saw movie together after dinner. It was an interesting Indian movie. I love the holiday for colour. And later I just become a fresh fan of American football with Dan and Dad's teaching.

The Opening Session is awesome, this part is coming soon. To be continued...

Several Hours Younger

2009-01-10T22:33:00.000-08:00

Q: Can you be younger, buddy?
A: Sup?
Q: Could you be younger, even couple of hours?
A: Oh yeah, actually I already picked it up!
Q: Amazing!!! Do you get Jiggy with it? Tell me everything @,@
A: Well, have you heard about Up with People? the story is mystery...

The Flight

I left Beijing only half and one years, but it has changed so much. My favorite part is the beautiful Subway station. Especially the Airport Line. It takes only 25 minutes to get there instead of over 1 hour as before, ¥1.0/minute ^&^ Amazing.

"Welcome, Sir! Your seats is B41." the lady on the airplane said with professional smile. It's Jan 8th 1:40 pm, Beijing Time. 11 hours later, I passed the border of US. As the post near the CBP says, you are the face of the nation. What I got is a sweet professional smile. However, it was 8:50 am, still Jan 8th. My God, I am almost 5 hours younger, but why I am so tired, Zzzzzzzzz~~~~

Unfortunately, my plane to Denver delayed several hours. I had to keep walking in order not to miss the flight. I slept all way along, though I was hungry, I fell asleep anyway.

Arrival

Really nice airport. Next to the fountain, I got a sweet memory. I went to the Tourist Assistant, because I want to buy some telephone card. The gentleman gave me one card, and told me that I could use it with any phone. When I was going to pay for that, he told me it was free and welcome to America! God, people are so nice here. I love them!

Then I called one hotel named Sleep Inn. An African driver took me to the hotel and told me his story. He worked in Denver for over 2 years, has 2 kids 8 and 11. He worked very hard for his family and he said, No money, No funny @,@

A nice sleep after a super big turkey sandwich, Then I finally meet the dear friends with UWP logo. Again, it was next to the fountain. I believe the water must taste sweet, because so many happiness around it.

The man who took us to the center of UWP is Dan. We talked on the way to Center, and then we became roommates. I could only say, destiny willed it so. I got a very nice roommate. He teaches me the American Football. I am lovin it~

Though we were worn out that day, we still kept talking, playing cards, palying balls with the guys we meet for the first time. It looked like we know each other for a long time.

"Are you Joshua" the first question before I wore my nametag. It's from Colleen. Finally we meet each other. She helped me so much. Thanks for her great help ^&^

"Thailand is just a beautiful country" Brodie, a handsome and smart guy said. Actually I wanted to be there before my flight to US. I wish Thailand peace. Later we played volyball together with Maggie, Coty, Emile.

So many interesting chat in that room. My American Mum and Dad and Sister came to pick me up at the evening. What's that? Saber Tooth TIGER.

My roommate is gonna sleep. the interesting storis with the warm family is to be continued..