Yearly Archives: 2021

Around the World in 80 Days – China

CHINA

East Asia
Capital: Beijing
Languages: Chinese (written), Mandarin (spoken)
Predominant Religion(s): Buddhism

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS: 

  • Diligent, hardworking and modest: these words are often used to describe Chinese people.
  • Collectivism is a norm in China. Chinese love group activities. Winning honour for the group is something to be proud of.
  • Chinese tend to be reserved when it comes to showing affection in public.

FUN FACTS:

  • Despite its size, China only has one time zone!
  • While the dragon is typically seen as an evil creature in Western culture, it holds first place among the four greatest creatures in Chinese mythology, along with the phoenix, tiger, and tortoise. It is typically associated with the emperor.
  • Once known as the “Kingdom of Bicycles,” now China owns the most number of electric bikes. There are over 200 million e-bikes in China!

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • How are you?             Nǐ hăo ma?
  • Fine, thanks.               Wŏ hĕn hăo, xiè xiè.
  • My name is…:             Wŏ de míng zì shì…
  • Nice to meet you.      Hĕn gāo xìng yù jiàn nĭ.
  • Thank you:                  Xiè xiè.

Family

  • Usually grandparents live with their children and grandchildren, so there are three generations in one house. Grandparents will also share the responsibility of bringing up the children. The Chinese value peace and wholeness of a family. As an old Chinese saying goes: “A harmonious family can lead to the success of everything.”
  • Chinese families attach a lot of importance to the traditional holidays, and parents like to arrange large family meals with their children.
  • Children are encouraged to develop and learn new talents such as music, calligraphy, dancing and so on from an early age.

Photos by: Stephanie Kroos {flickr}; UI International Programs {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Fried Bananas (Malaysia)

Fried Bananas – Pisang Goreng

Ingredients

  • 3 Bananas (Just ripe but not overripe)
  • 1 teaspoon of Fine Salt
  • ½ cup of Water
  • ¾ cup of Multi-purpose flour
  • Cinnamon Sugar/Brown sugar
  • Confectioner’s white powdered sugar
  • Cooking oil (for deep frying)

Instructions

  1. Peel bananas and slice them into mouth size.
  2. Heat oil in wok or electric deep fryer (300F).
  3. Mix flour and salt and water together. Stir until there are no more beads of flour. Add water accordingly, as needed.
  4. Marinate the sliced bananas in the flour mix.
  5. Once the oil is heated, place each banana into the wok. Deep fry until golden brown.
  6. Drain excess oil and serve with dashes of powdered sugar and cinnamon sugar/brown sugar.

Contributed by Enk Hwa Tan, au pair in Illinois 2004

Photo by: Yosomono {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Chile

CHILE

South America
Capital: Santiago de Chile
Language(s): Spanish
Religion(s): Christianity
(predominantly Roman Catholic)

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Chileans are extremely hospitable, relaxed and warm. They are always interested in learning from others and very proud of their country and its natural beauties.
  • Chileans have strong family ties. All over the nation there is a feeling of spontaneous solidarity to help those in need or affected by any natural disaster.
  • Personal care, honesty, and affection are also very important.

FUN FACTS:

  • Chile is the longest country in the world from north to south at 2,647 miles (4,620 km) long, and it extends across 38 degrees of latitude. The Andes Mountain Range extends the entire length of the country north to south.
  • Chilean Patagonia is one of the cleanest places on the planet
  • Chile has the world’s largest reserves of copper – around one quarter of the global supply, and is the number one exporter of copper in the world. Chile also has the second largest reserve of lithium and has substantial reserves of iron, silver, salt, zinc, manganese, molybdenum, gold, coal, and iodine.

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • How are you?        ¿Cómo está?
  • Fine, thanks.        Bien, gracias.
  • My name is…        Mi nombre es…
  • Nice to meet you!        Encantado de conocerlo/a
  • Thank you.       Gracias

Photo by: Melenama {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Happy Canada Day!

Happy Canada Day!

Canada Day, observed on July 1st, is a national holiday marking the anniversary of Confederation in 1867, when the British North America Act came into effect. … This act united three colonies into a single country called Canada within the British Empire.

CANADA

North America
Capital: Ottowa
Language(s): English, French
Religion(s): Christianity

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Canadians are patriotic, but perhaps don’t express this as openly as US citizens.
  • Every province is known for its own individual traits.
  • It’s common for young people to be involved in sports and outdoor activities. Hockey tends to be the most popular sport across the country, but soccer, baseball, football and basketball are very popular as well.

FUN FACTS:

  • Most Canadians actually do not say ‘eh’… but it can happen occasionally!
  • Canada is the second largest country in the world, stretching from the Pacific in the west to the Atlantic in the east; and from the Arctic Ocean in the north, to the Great Lakes in the south.
  • Canadians always like to talk about the weather, and are quick to reassure you that it actually doesn’t snow all year round, except in the Far North.

Poutine:

Poutine is a dish that includes french fries and cheese curds topped with a brown gravy. It originated in the Canadian province of Quebec and emerged in the late 1950s in the Centre-du-Québec area. It has long been associated with Quebec cuisine.

What Canadian au pairs have to say about the APIA program:

“It is the most rewarding experience I have ever had. My host family really has become my extended family. It’s your opportunity to make the most of – it’s only going to be as good as you make it!” – Tessa, au pair from Canada

“Please do it, it will change your life for the better! A great experience!”– Megan, au pair from Canada

Photo by: Traci {flickr}

Leave a Reply

Logged in as Cynthia Chan. Log out?

Around the World in 80 Days – Cooking in the UK

The United Kingdom is known for it’s unique foods and tea time! Preparing meals from scratch for children is very common. The UK is a melting pot of ethnicities. This is due largely to the fact that it had colonies in different parts of the world. As a result, the varieties of foods are influenced by the various cultures!

Hasty Pudding

2 ounces butter
1 egg
2 tablespoons plain flour
1 pint milk
1 sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg or ground cinnamon
1 ounce light soft brown sugar

1. Add one ounce of butter, the flour, and milk in a saucepan.

2. Heat, whisking continuously until sauce thickens, boils, and is smooth.

3. Simmer for one-two minutes, stir in the egg, then pour into a flameproof serving dish.

4. Dot with the remaining butter and sprinkle generously with nutmeg or cinnamon and the sugar.

5. Brown under a hot grill.

6. Serve hot on its own or with fruit, such as apples or pears.

How about Sticky Toffee Pudding or a muffin topped winter beef stew? Try making a classic – scones with clotted cream & jam!

For more recipes from the UK, click here or here!

Photo by: Karen Booth {flickr}; HarshLight {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – French Foods

The French are famous for their amazing foods and cooking. Have you ever tried cooking French foods?

Is there anything more quintessentially French than French onion soup?

Gougeres are amazingly light, fluffy pastry dough cheese puffs!

The French have created the most amazing version of a grilled cheese sandwich, the croque monsieur. An amazing combo of gruyere cheese, ham, dijon mustard and beschamel!

Ratatouille is a fresh vegetable stew made famous around the world thanks to Disney!

For more amazing, easy French recipes, check out Monpetitfour!

Photo by: Merle ja Joonas {flickr}

Camp Au Pair – Independence Day!

Camp Au Pair is preparing to celebrate the Fourth of July this weekend!

Feeling creative? Check out the Au Pair in America Pinterest board for some great ideas to get you started!

Virtual Field Trip Options:

  • Perhaps the best-known figure from the American Revolutionary era who wasn’t a president, general or statesman, Betsy Ross (1752-1836) became a patriotic icon in the late 19th century when stories surfaced that she had sewn the first “stars and stripes” U.S. flag in 1776. You can do a virtual tour of the Betsy Ross House.

Videos:

  • Watch the fireworks in Washington D.C.
  • How are fireworks made? Each firework contains small balls of explosives, known as stars, that are responsible for the colorful light displays seen in the sky. They are mixed with gunpowder in a shell, and then wrapped in paper and fitted with a fuse. Did you know gunpowder was invented in China? Check out this cool CNN video about how fireworks are made!

Let’s Learn:

The Declaration of Independence:

 

Books:

  • It’s the night before the Fourth of July and all across the United States people are getting ready for hot dogs and fireworks. Decked in red, white, and blue, a family heads to a parade, hosts a backyard BBQ with friends and family, dodges an afternoon thundershower, and of course, watches a fireworks show. The Night Before the Fourth of July captures all the fun, excitement, and pride of the best summer holiday!
  • Perfect for reading together with a young child, F Is for Flag shows in simple terms how one flag can mean many things: a symbol of unity, a sign of welcome, and a reminder that-in good times and in bad-everyone in our country is part of one great big family.
  • Blue Sky White Stars is an inspiring and patriotic tribute to the beauty of the American flag, a symbol of America’s history, landscape, and people, illustrated by New York Times bestselling and Caldecott-honor winning artist Kadir Nelson.

    Wonderfully spare, deceptively simple verses pair with richly evocative paintings to celebrate the iconic imagery of our nation, beginning with the American flag. Each spread, sumptuously illustrated by award-winning artist Kadir Nelson, depicts a stirring tableau, from the view of the Statue of Library at Ellis Island to civil rights marchers shoulder to shoulder, to a spacecraft at Cape Canaveral blasting off.  This book is an ode to America then and now, from sea to shining sea.

Photos by: Cynthia Chan

Around the World in 80 Days – Brazil

BRAZIL 

South America
Capital: Brasilia
Language(s): Portuguese
Predominant Religion(s): Christianity

 

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Brazilians are known to be very welcoming and hospitable.
  • Generally, Brazilians like to be close to other people. It is common for them to touch and hug other people when talking to them or being around them.
  • Brazilians are very caring. They are generally quite laid back, but they can be strict when needed.

FUN FACTS:

  • When Brazilians turn 15, they usually have a big party or a big trip – it’s an important age for Brazilians.
  • Brazilians have countless religions. They are very relaxed about mixing religions.
  • Brazil has the most successful national soccer team. So far, they have won five FIFA World Cups.

Learn more:

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • How are you?       Tudo bem?
  • Fine, thanks.       Bem, obrigada.
  • My name is…       Meu nome é…
  • Nice to meet you.       Prazer em conhecê-lo.
  • Thank you.       Obrigada.

Around the World in 80 Days – Russki Salat

Russki Salat

Russian salads contain cooked vegetables and often include cooked meat, poultry, or fish. The salad dressing is simply oil and vinegar.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup diced cooked meat (ham, beef, turkey, or your favorite)
  • 2 cups cooked, peeled and diced beets
  • 2 cups cooked, peeled and diced potatoes
  • 1 cup cooked beans (your favorite)
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
  • 3 hard boiled eggs, sliced
  • 6 small sweet pickles, chopped
  • Oil and Vinegar for dressing

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients in a large salad bowl.
  2. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let each guest prepare his or her own dressing.

Around the world in 80 Days – Bosnia & Herzegovina

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA 

Central/Southern Europe
Capital: Sarajevo
Languages: Bosnian, Croatian & Serbian
Predominant Religion(s): Islam / Roman Catholic

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Bosnian people describe themselves as sociable and hospitable, as well as curious and direct.
  • Family, work, sports, music, entertainment, children, local cultural events, good restaurants, and the weather are always good topics to talk about with Bosnians when meeting or speaking to them for the first time.
  • Bosnians are very proud of their heritage and culture and they love a sense of community. They are also very respectful of their elders.

FUN FACTS:

  • Bosnian coffee is one of the strongest coffees in the world and Bosnians love drinking coffee!
  • Bosnians love their unique wedding traditions, which includes the wedding party tooting their horns all the way to the venue and the bride serving coffee to her guests.
  • The name “Bosnia” comes from an Indo-European word Bosana, which means water, which is perfect as the country is covered with beautiful lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and a strip of the Adriatic Sea.
  • For more info on Bosnia & Herzogvina, click here!

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • How are you?       Kako si ti?
  • Fine, thanks.       Dobro, hvala.
  • My name is…       Moje ime je
  • Nice to meet you!       Drago mi je!
  • Thank you.       Hvala.

Photos by: Monika {flickr}; Dino Husejnovic {flickr}