Christmas

Christmas Eve was spent at Jenny's apartment.  It was a smaller gathering than Thanksgiving, which was nice because we could all share conversation.  There were about 12 people total.  We snacked on popcorn, donuts, hazelnut truffles, hot chocolate, and white Russians!  Her apartment was traditionally decorated and a small Christmas tree adorned her coffee table.  We took turns manning the you-tube Christmas playlists, exchanged presents, and some of us painted our nails.  When I got home, I opened some things sent from home. My sister sent me some holiday edition lotions from Bath and Body works and I really enjoyed the traditional home-made picture calendar from Grammy.  She included some pictures from facebook, so I was really surprised to see my college friends, outer banks friends, and Taiwan friends featured on the February page!

On Chirstmas "morning" ( I slept in, so it was more like Christmas afternoon), I ate breakfast while watching tv episodes on my computer.  I then took the brown line on the MRT to Jinan Rd. to meet friends Rachel and Brian.  The brown line is the newest MRT line and scales Northern Taipei communities.  Since it is exposed to and raised above buildings, it is narrower and most of the time, I don't get a seat.  During my ride, there was a chubby-cheeked baby girl sitting in her stroller looking at me.  She would not stop smiling and was so cute with her mary-jane booties (some I remember Eva having).  As the train pulled into the station, I was really impressed by the station.  Looking out you can see mountains all around, and the Western mecca across the way.  There is an Imax theater there and lots of Westerner geared activities, including, what I've heard called, "the worlds largest ferris wheel."  Rachel and Brian drove their scooter from nearby Neihu where they live.  We wasted no time capturing pictures of everything Christmasy.  There's a department store called "Wego" and outside is a giant purple sculpture of the logo which mimics the Philadelphia Love Park structure.  We walked around the mall where the movie theater and ferris wheel were.  We wanted to see the movie 2012, but it wasn't playing until later that night.  We chose a good day to visit this area because there was a fashion show and movie premier going on at 7, so we would check that out after Christmas dinner at TGI Fridays.

This was the first time I'd been to the franchise in Taiwan, although they can be found in just about every section of Taipei.  They took our name and gave us a number that would be called when our table was ready.  Unlike waiting time in the US, however, we were giving hot chocolate and candy while we waited!  This follows the study I learned about in my Services Marketing class that I had in Australia.  Jana told us that occupied waiting time is faster than unoccupied waiting time, and customers will be happier...which proved true.  Rachel and I wandered around the extensive lingere department of the mall and critiqued the difference in American and Taiwanese bras haha.  Although they're cute, most of the them seemed very structured and were wider under the arm.  We certainly didn't see any huge D, E, F cup sizes or ugly grandma-looking bras either. We were shown to our table by the costumed Friday's staff.  The restaurant was very festive and of course, the menu was just like home.  I had the best chicken sandwich ever!  I know I enjoyed it more here that I would in the US.  A Santa Claus came around to the tables singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and handing out candy...when he got to our table, he made us join in.  It was cute, but kind of embarassing because we were the only Westerners in our section of the restaurant.  Another peculiar thing about our service was they told us exactly how long we would be waiting for our food - "that will be 12 minutes"  "your food will be ready in 2 minutes."  Again, this follows the study, proving that customers who know how long they will be waiting are more satisfied than those who don't know.

When we finished dinner, the stars of "The Treasure Hunter," Jay Chou and Lin Chi Ling had already made their appearance on the red carpet, but were having a photo session in a tent with lucky fans.  We stuck our heads in, and I saw them.  They are really famous here...there were paparazzi and all.  I felt like I was in LA or something.

At night, I got to talk with my family on their Christmas morning.   Everyone, including Ruthie, Nick Nick, and grandparents could see me on the web cam.  Dad also called Mom Mom and I talked to her through my computer on my house phone...she was pretty excited to hear my voice.  They would all be going to New Jersey to visit family on Saturday.  On my Saturday, Grammy told me on Facebook that my Dad gave my mom a big surprise, figuring I had already heard the news,  and "the only issue now would be timing."  My guess was that she got a trip to visit me, but then I saw a picture that said "Pass for 4 for Taiwan."  So I guess my whole family is going to try to come!  I was pretty surprised and excited.  I have already started thinking about when they could visit and what we will do.  I'll get to talk to Mom tonight about it.  My friend Colleen is hoping to visit in February during Chinese New Year, so I feel pretty lucky to have these visitors and am looking forward to 2010!

Merry Christmas Darlings!

Taipei is certainly gearing up for Christmas.  Although, when I ask my students, "What are you excited about for Christmas?  - presents? good food? travel?"  none of these options are their responses.  One girl said she'll sleep.  No one said they will travel out of town or have good food.  This is what I've heard about Christmas here.  It's all about the build up, the pretty decorations and holiday edition merchandise everywhere from 7-11 to department stores, to grocery stores.  My favorite are the holiday edition Pringles - does anyone know if they are in the US?  I don't know what the cans here say, but there is a picture of cheese, and they taste like white-cheddar flavor.  There are Christmas trees of all types lit up everywhere.  I even saw one made out of recycled plastic green bottles.  The kids all know more Christmas carols than I expected.  We'll be singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Deck the Halls" tomorrow across the street for whoever is out and about...hopefully that goes alright...  There is a really magical display of lights near the Banciao MRT stop.  As you walk through a park, there's a canopy of blue lights that hang overhead.

The weather here has been really inconstant.  Last week it was 29C and now it's in the low teens.  In fact today, I was so deceived because I think my apartment was colder that the temperature outside.  I was dressed with two pairs of socks and a sweater and jacket, but when I got out to my scooter, I realized it was only 23C.  However, after driving home at night, I'm always frigid when I get inside and have adapted a routine introduced to me by a college roommate, Kristen - shooting a hairdryer up my shirt to warm up.  I usually do this while I'm waiting for my dumpling water to boil.

On to food - the past few weeks, I've been grocery shopping more because I see things in the store that look interesting or remind me of home.  I was also finding that toast in the morning was not tying me over until lunch, so I've been having some hearty muesli (these were 2 for 1 at Jason's Marketplace, a popular Western grocery store in Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong) and 2 eggs.  Seems to suppress my regular runs to 7-11 between classes pretty well.  Taiwanese do cook a lot with eggs, and the woman at the breakfast stand near my apartment knows what I want now on Saturdays - dan bing with corn and cheese (it's like an omelet inside a crepe).  I have been frequenting this place after my Saturday morning classes before a Saturday afternoon "welcome to the weekend" nap.  I don't think there's been a Saturday when I haven't gone out to eat over the past 2 months.  I probably eat more ethnic/Western food here than Taiwanese/Chinese food...at least on the weekend.  This past weekend, we were at a Mediterranean restaurant when shaken by the 6.4 earthquake.  Yes, I could see the walls and door frames moving, though we were on the first floor, and it's been the biggest one in 2009 - but that was the most excitement we had, thank goodness.  Crazy weather all around the globe with the blizzard in the US and Europe, and the Mayon volcano in the Philippines about to erupt any day now.

Two weekends ago I visited a friend in Hsin Chu, about an hour train ride (on the local, slow train) southwest of Taipei.  It was the weekend after my birthday, but I was told I should still commemorate it, and was made to wear a home-made aluminum foil crown at all of the touristy destinations in Hsin Chu - these included the Glass Museum, Market, Buddhist Temple, and Lake Placid (yes, that's what it's called...it's a man made pond outside of the Museum).

My friends and I have been making Christmas Eve/Day plans as well as NYE.  I do have to work Xmas Eve, so I won't be able to attend the church service that some will be enjoying, but I'll be joining them  at Jenny's apartment for gift exchange, board games, carols, and hot chocolate afterwards.  I have Christmas day off, and tentative plans are to meet in Tianmu (western district) for a few hours.  We figured, since you regularly see more Westerners there than Taiwanese, something Chrismasy is likely to be occuring.  Many options have been mentioned for NYE including a party with a view of the fireworks show from Taipei 101.  Since there will be so many people crowded together, cell phones won't be too reliable and the MRT will pretty much shut down...taxis will be crazy (I imagine it being like NYC)...so there's been mention of getting a hotel room for the night.  I do have off on Jan. 1.

I've been listening to Carpenters Christmas music and set up a temporary Christmas tree (a potted plant decorated with candy canes and some ornaments sent by friends, the Kadjeskis :)), but there are things I miss about being home this time of year - Christmas cookies, candles in our windows, the smell of the wood stove burning in the kitchen (we just got a new one, so I wonder if it smells the same?), holiday specials on TV, snow (seeing it, not driving in it), driving around town seeing houses aglow with lights, singing with the SSPC choir, Christmas ornaments and Christmas tree smell.  I must say that in general though, I'm better off than I was last year, packaging holiday baskets at Sherrie's Berries and missing Australia.  I get to help little kids learn a  new language (which isn't that difficult...just exhausting), be with great friends I've met, and experience Christmas in another country.  I'll sure be missing my family on Christmas Eve and during the Christmas morning routine (Aunt Linda's coffee cake, Ruthie being in the middle of everything) but hopefully we'll get to skype at some point.  Merry Christmas to all!

Birthday Weekend

I can't believe I'm going to be 23 tomorrow!  I can't say it really feels like my birthday, but that's how everything "familiar" is here.  Another month wrapped up and has gone by faster than ever.  I rushed out of work after my last class on Saturday, without grading homework, and was home and back in bed by 12:30 - Saturday mornings just take it out of me.  3 hours later, I awoke sweaty and disoriented, not knowing what time of day it was.  Oh, right....it's the weekend before my birthday, I have to go out and celebrate tonight.  Since everyone was up in Taipei last weekend for Thanksgiving and it was such a reunion celebration, this weekend felt like it should be more laid back.

I had been debating over the past few weeks about getting a new coat.  Mom had sent me a fleece-lined windbreaker, which is just perfect for the temperatures here.  However, it's not the most fashionable.  On the way out of Banciao I decided to buy myself a new green, plaid, pea coat as a birthday present to myself.  It's not needed during the day, but is nice to have when the sun goes down, although I was a little warm while walking around.  I decided a "shiba" (professional hair wash/style) was in order.  There are TONS of hair salons here, so I like to try new ones.  This time I chose "Up Cross International Hair Salon."  I will definately go back here!  It is decorated so trendy and colorful inside, and the stylists there have crazy fashions and hair.  Everything is pink, green, and gold.  The waiting room has velvet benches, the shampoo room has "pamper yourself" painted on the wall, the whole place is a lot larger than expected, and they give you free milk tea while you're watching your private tv (built into the mirror).  I met my girlfriends at the MRT and we wandered around the Shi Da area, and settled on "Out of India" for dinner.  I had been there before, and it's the most authentic, delicious Indian food I've ever had.  We met up with two of the guys after dinner and wandered around the Shi Da night market.  The "Engrish" clothing here never ceases to amaze me.  You really wonder where they get the phrases.  I think there's a retarded electronic dictionary that spits out random English words, mixes up some letters, and prints them on the clothing.

Today I slept in with intentions of going to the infamous "Tianmu" aka the foreign ghetto of Taipei.  Apparently you don't even feel like you're in Taiwan because there are more Westerners and Western places than Asian.  I got off at the proper MRT stop and onto the right bus.  I figured I would be able to recognize when to get off the bus by the frequent number of Westerners on the sidewalk and Western restuarants.  Traffic was really bad, and I was on the bus for about 25 minutes when I realized we were passing Shi Lin night market (which I had already passed on the MRT).  I decided to get off here rather than staying on the bus too long and ending up back where I started.  Okay, so today was not my day to see Tianmu...but I did get to rediscover the largest night market in Taiwan for only the second time since I've been here.

This market is so expansive, and last time I only chipped the surface.  I hadn't really eaten much, so I decided to take advantage of the never ending new, and interesting foods.  There is section which is indoors...an area that reminds me of the Paddy's Market in Sydney (in size) but only sells food.  It is pretty crowded, but food cooking everywhere.  I was amazed at the vigor and speed that food was being prepared.  Most of the places had their own table area where you were served.  I'm sure the vendors there make out pretty well by the end of the night.  There are numerous juice and shaved ice stands - it's really an experience at the top of the list of must dos in while Taiwan.  Outside, there are streets filled with vendors and stores, and more food.  Here's what I had (I should have taken pictures of everything) - pork/leek bbq (on a stick), some kind of Middle Eastern chicken wrap, a doughnut, and candied strawberries. 

For some reason, I had more money leftover at the end of the month than normal, so I decided to invest in some more kitchen supplies and hit up Jason's (a Western grocery store - on the scale of Wegmen's).  I should really find out how to get to Carrefour because this is also a Western Grocery store, but more like Giant - not as expensive.  I really wanted to use some of the food mixes Mom sent me, which called for eggs.  I knew I wouldn't find them in the refrigerated section of the Taiwan grocery store, so Jason's was my only option.  I'm really glad I went because I saw a lot of American food that reminded me of home, and the maple syrup was even on sale (they only carry the large bottles...so I think I'll have enough to last me my entire stay).  I don't have an oven, but saw Jello and am excited to make that! haha.  Among other things, I was also thrilled to get some familiar cereal, cheddar cheese, and non-sweetened low fat milk.

What I've learned in 4 months

I’ve been living alone in a foreign, Chinese speaking society for four months. Surely the effects of being here must have made a small impact on who I am today, right? I remember back in July the feeling of diving into the unknown year in Taiwan that was fast approaching. All I knew was I’d be teaching English for a reputable company, living in an apartment somewhere in Taiwan, and hopefully traveling and meeting friends.

Life goes on at home
As much as I miss being at home, and wish I could be there for the holidays I realize that my absence hasn’t really had too much of an impact on my friends and family. Don’t get me wrong, I know I’m missed, but between skype, email, and facebook, I feel just as connected as when I was living at college. The hard part is knowing that a home cooked meal, my own house and friends are a lot more than a car drive away.


People want to help me
I must say, I didn’t have too many expectations about how I would be treated as an expat living in Taiwan, but have been pleasantly surprised at how friendly the Taiwanese are. I’ve heard that Southeast Asian countries, compared to the rest of Asia have less of a focus on religion and would rather work work work, study, and then work some more…thus the 6 day work week. I can definitely vouch for this. Although there are a lot of little shrines and temples in every town, I see the work ethic as being more important to most people I encounter. “Guanxi” (relationship) is very important here. It plays into the whole Yin Yang harmony thing, and with such a focus on work, naturally the working relationship is the most important. “I scratch your back you scratch mine” is very much the attitude at work. If you have a good relationship with your CT, things will be pretty easy….they’ll understand if you need a sub or change a class time. Or, if you mess up, give them a small token like chocolate or tea. I had to do this when one of the subs I organized during my Korea trip did not show up, and my CT had to teach the class. When going out to eat, the servers usually speak a little English, or will find someone who does. The only thing I don’t like is when I start speaking English and they IMMEDIATELY run away, or laugh, and find someone who I will understand…it’s like they won’t even give hand gestures and charades a chance.

There’s more to Chinese food than rice and noodles
If I wanted to, I could easily eat Western food every meal. Admittedly, I do eat Western food a few times a week, but have also found some Taiwanese staples that I eat regularly. When I say “Taiwanese” I mean whatever non Western food I find in Banciao…I’m not sure it’s purely “Taiwanese” because the food here has many culinary influences. A lot of food in Eastern countries' cuisines overlap. Up until about a week ago, I didn’t know that the little fried rice place by my work is actually Korean…I discovered this by looking at the sign and realizing those were not Chinese characters. Hot pot is a pretty Taiwanese thing…it’s raw meat, vegetables, and tofu that you cook at your table in a broth and then dip it in different sauces. I have to be in the mood to eat at a hot pot restaurant…there are lots in Banciao. At Thai restaurants, my favorite dishes are green curry, pad thai, and coconut shrimp. I’ve had Korean bibimbap (rice and vegetables cooked in a clay bowl) which is healthy and tasty.  Japanese-style teppanyaki places abound which are fun with friends. Most anywhere will do stir fry which is always tasty. Then there’s street food which ranges from dumplings to bbq to sushi. I was surprised by how many pasta places there are here. There are also risotto restaurants which are very similar to the pasta ones. Indian is also here, and I can almost always go for a good red curry. The Taiwanese may not cook with cheese, but I’m lucky to have some nice Western grocery stores and Costco where I can find familiar ingredients. There are also some great bakeries here. Ovens in houses may be in short supply, but one walk by Cherry Grandfather and the aroma will pull you in it’s doors to test some of the breads and sweets.

New places, new people
After living in Australia, the Outer Banks, and now Taiwan all in the last 2 years, I’ve met tons of new people. Without them, I wouldn’t have the memories and experiences that I come back to so often. I used to think that moving some where that I know I’ll be leaving at a predestined time kind of gave me a sense of artificial friendship. You get to know the people you’re around pretty well because you’re all going through the same new experiences…but once you leave the place, the chances of seeing each other ever again require a LOT of effort, though the intentions to do so are there when you part. This whole phenomenon, I think, heavily influences anti culture shock and contributes to that feeling of the whole time away "being a dream." Now I know that I don’t form “artificial friendships” with the people I meet abroad, but a new kind of friendship where I share something than can never be recreated; only revisited and reminisced.


Keeping in touch
I really look forward to any contact with home, be it facebook, email, skype, or mail. I’ve been so tickled by the number of cards I’ve received for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and my birthday…from surprising people who I don’t keep in touch with on a regular basis. Catching up with everyone gives me a refreshed perspective and reminds me not take my life too seriously over here because I know there will be something waiting for me when I go home.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Here in Banciao, we celebrated Thanksgiving last night, and it was quite a success. Most of the regulars were there, but some friends we hadn't seen for months were able to make it from the south. Jenny, my roommate from training, and fellow Banciao dweller opened up her apartment for the occasion.

I had heard that there was a variety of hotels that prepared take-out turkeys and sides. I the Grand Formosa Regent hotel (a Four Seasons hotel) and arranged to pick up the turkey at 3:30 Saturday afternoon. Not sure how it would be packaged or if I would be able to bring carry it on the MRT, I planned to catch a cab back to Banciao. The hotel was on the same street as fashion row where Gucci, Armani, Coach, Lanvin, etc have their Taipei stores - a good placement for the demographic that uses the hotel. People had been contacting me all day to get last minute details for the evening, so when I picked up the turkey I was actually on the phone - no problems though - they brought it out in a thermal cooler-like bag and I could pay cash - $3,000NT (about $90US).

I told Jenny I would come right over to her apartment with the turkey at about 4:30. She and Amy had just gotten back from Jason's (a Western Grocery Store) with ingredients and hadn't even started cooking! Ahhh! Jenny got caught at work and had to unexpectedly teach an extra class that day. Amy and I took over the kitchen while Jenny cleaned up and got herself ready. I started working on the stuffing and Amy boiled the cranberries for cranberry sauce. Brenna arrived and she and some of Jenny's Taiwanese Coworkers peeled sweet potatoes. About and hour and a half later, Amy and I had whipped up stuffing, mashed sweet potatoes, salad, and the best cranberry sauce I've ever tasted.

At this point there were probably about 20 people there. We were planning to eat at 7, so our guests enjoyed a cocktail hour. We told everyone to bring food and/or drink to share. The Taiwanese showed up with some very nontraditional Thanksgiving fare (what else should we expect?). They brought dan bing (egg bake - like a fritata), spring rolls, an egg custard/kiwi dish, fried chicken, and pizza! We separated the food into the traditional and nontraditional buffets.

People were everywhere - it's a good thing Jenny has AC. I enjoyed my dinner on her bed. The turkey was a big hit. Ordering it pre cooked was a good idea. One of the NSTs from my school, Josh (from one of the Dakotas) was nice enough to carve it. There was a surplus of desserts - we probably had about 7 cakes, donuts, truffles, pumpkin pie, and brownies. We didn't have very many left overs - but I don't think anyone went hungry. We gradually cleaned up throughout the night, and I was the last to leave at around 12:30. I think everyone had a really good night, and appreciated sharing the American tradition together.

Today, some of us met at Daan station where we walked to gigantic Daan park for some ultimate frisbee. We had also heard there was a Thanksgiving "cookout" being held there...but no one was hungry enough to find it when we got there. I tried to learn how to throw backhanded, but still need practice. There were some tents set up in the park with food vendors giving out free samples. This wasn't street food, more like health and gourmet food. I tried some exotic dried fruit, ginger bread, peanut brittle, and coffee. It reminded me of a fair or art show atmosphere in the US. I'm not sure if it's there every weekend or not. We finished the evening with ice cream on the steps of the MRT station.

Random Post

I have no big stories to tell, so here are just some daily boring details to keep you entertained...

I've been trying to organize Thanksgiving dinner for my friends. I've called some recommended hotels and bars. Most are only serving on Thursday night. Most Hess teachers work till around 9, so I was in search of somewhere that will be continuing to serve through the weekend. All of the meals included turkey with all the trimmings for around $20US. A lot of hotels have prepared take-out Thanksgiving baskets, so I think I'll end up ordering one of them and we'll congregate at Jenny's apartment.

Jenny's apartment: flashback to 1972. I've never seen more wood paneling, ugly furniture, poor lighting and geometric curtains in this millennium. It has enough space though, and she's a good entertainer. The two of us will make a good party planning team.

Whenever I meet new people, I automatically relate them to someone I already know. Jenny is like Lauren. Katie is like Fran. Lynn is like Colleen. Rachel is like Kristen. So they may not be exact matches, but I guess I naturally need the same qualities in friends wherever I go.

I have become a pro at discovering new places around Taipei. It's great having such a network of friends and internet resources. I will hear about a good restaurant from someone and can look it up online, draw myself a map and get there via MRT successfully. I always make a trip out of it, even though the MRT is so convenient that I could be back home in under an hour. On Sunday, I went to Sababba's...an Israeli pita bar recommended by a few people. I also went to three potential Thanksgiving venues (one of which I discovered a vacant building). I enjoyed a lamb schwarma (like a gyro with cucumber sauce, felafal, and hummus). The also had an expansive hummus menu, but I thought that would be better shared with friends, so I'll have to go back. There was Movenpick restaurant at one of the MRT stops I visited...I had already eaten at Sababba's, but I just had to have a scoop of ice cream (ironically, i had a dream about the name Movenpick the night before and all day was trying to figure out what "Movenpick" was. I know I'd seen it on a sign somewhere in Banciao...so when I saw the restaurant, I couldn't pass by.

I subbed Kindy today at a branch I've never been to before, even though it's literally a two minute walk down the street. I was amazed at the difference...I like it so much better than my Kindy. The kids were so well behaved and the atmosphere of the entire branch much less chaotic. I had a "small class" with some "yo yos babies." This means the ages were from 2-4...I was so impressed by how smart they are! It doesn't seem like they should be able to say much of anything at that age, let alone English sentences. I was talking to another NST who works there and she agrees about the atmosphere of the branch, and believes it's because there's more space for everyone...the classrooms are larger, tons of windows, and just a more open layout.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head. Cheers!

October Update

The last four weeks have sure flown by!  I can't believe I was in Korea a month ago.  The weekend after I got back, I hopped on the train and took a trip to Chaiyi (Southern Taiwan) to visit my friend Lynn.  She is separated from a lot of our friends who are around Taipei, and I wanted to see what the south of the country was like.  I've realized that the rent basically anywhere outside of Taipei is dirt cheap.  Lynn shares a 3 bedroom apartment with two other guys and pays about $150US a month!  It is complete with a kitchen and family room, garden, and lovely view of a lake below.  On Saturday we were picked up by one of Lynn's Taiwanese friends who drove us and some of Lynns coworkers to Kenting (a beach that many say is Taiwan's most beautiful).  The town was kind of smelly, but very cute.  We got lunch at a cool surfer themed restaurant.  It was a national holiday weekend so the campground we ended up at was busy with Taiwanese families.  The waters, however, were not.  Taiwanese prefer to wear jeans on the beach, stick there toes in, and spend the majority of their time posing for pictures on the beach, while the 9 of us American girls went straight into the water.  There was a bbq area where you could buy different meats and vegetables and grill them yourself, so we opted for this, and was also nicely supplied free beer from the bar!  A great night of fun and dancing was had by all.  While some slept on the beach, others stayed in tents and were awoken by the neighboring rooster farm.

After two weekends of traveling, I was content to hang around Taipei and get to know new areas of the city for a while.  The following two weekends weren't too eventful.  Had some fun nights with friends at Luxy night club, and enjoyed trying some of the best food at various restaurants around Taipei.

This past week, Hess schools got into the Halloween theme.  The kindy playground area was set up with a graveyard and paper pumpkins.  All of the classrooms were decorated with black streamers hanging down over the doorways...the kids were really distracted by this, especially when the streamers got caught in the door every time it was shut.  On Friday, the Kindy kids wore costumes, and Han Dong Kindy had a haunted house made with black trash bags...some teachers made kids cry.

Last night, was Ingrid's birthday, so she and her boyfriend Emylyn (both from South Africa), hosted a bbq night at their apartment in Taoyuan (near the airport).  The MRT doesn't go there, but it's still very close...it's the next stop from Banciao on the high speed rail. Their apartment complex is the fanciest one I've visited so far...they have a private KTV (luxery kareokee) room, bbq area, game room w/bar, beautiful courtyard with fountains, and lobby with crystal chandelier.  It is all very new, contemporary, and resembled a resort...a far cry from my home above the post office.  We meant to go up on the roof at some point during the night, but we never did.  Just about all of our close friends were able to make it.  We each brought our own meat to bbq, Em and Ing supplied drinks, and Em did all of the barbecuing...they were great hosts.  Their front desk man even gave Ingrid a birthday cake.

I've been fighting a sore throat off and on for the last week....better pump up the vit. c.  I've inquired about getting a flu shot, but they're not available at the clinics I've visited.  Dad, I've been running 2-3 miles about 4 times a week...I know, not very far, but it's on a track.  There's a bike path that goes from Taipei to Danshuei (north) along the river which would be fun to try sometime.  The weather's been in the high 20's during the day and low 20's at night...so I'm not using AC as much.  Teaching is going just fine.  The only issue I have is with my treehouse class.  My co-teacher is the head of my branch, so very particular about how I do things...and even though it's my class, I don't have as much freedom as other teachers.  I really like teaching Step Ahead classes because they're the most structured and the students are well behaved.  One of my Kid's Club classes is graduating to Step Ahead this week...so I'm going to have to teach them the homework writing procedures...step by step...should be interesting, especially since they're still quite rambunctious.  I also have to do telephone tests this week for my treehouse class.  This means staying an hour later for two days and phoning the kids at home to test their English over the phone.

Ok, hopefully I'm better about doing more posts in November if anything interesting happens.  Hope all is well in the US.  I'd love to hear updates from you all, and I'll be missing everyone at Thanksgiving!
 (More pics will be on facebook soon...)

Trip to Korea

Wow, it's been a few weeks since I've updated this.  Last Thursday I departed for Seoul, SK to meet my best friend who is teaching in Busan, a city on the southern coast of South Korea. I was a little nervous about my travels because I had to trust public transport (a bus) to get me to the airport in Taipei on time.  I left plenty of time and waited about 2.5 hours at the airport.  The flight was fine, and I had really good fish on the plane.  We planned on meeting at the Seoul Train Station, so I took an hour bus from the Incheon Airport (outskirts of Seoul) to the station.  Colleen arrived about 15 minutes after I did and we reunited around 5:20pm.  One of her friends, Kenna, who is also a teacher in Busan was also meeting a friend from home in Seoul so we decided to stay overnight at a Marriot.  Colleen and I stopped at the information desk and walked around the area around the train station.  We discovered a Forever 21!  It was better than many I've been to in the States.  It was strange finally being together in Asia...and both being teachers.  Of course, it took us forever to settle on a place to get dinner (we actually walked out of 2 restaurants...), but ended up with delicious Chinese fare.  Next on the itinerary was finding the Marriot.  We got to the right subway stop, and when we exited, Colleen immediately saw a Marriot sign (though in the distance).  We figured that had to be it...why would there be more than one Marriot in the same area?  15 minutes later, we crossed a highway and Colleen nearly lost her life while retrieving her dropped sunglasses from the road.  We reached the Marriot, only to discover that they were Marriot Apartments....and the staff barely spoke English.  Luckily they called us a taxi, and we finally got to the correct hotel.  It was a brand new hotel and none of the taxi drivers were familiar with it.  We met Courtney, Kenna's friend, who works as a flight attendant and found the hotel for us.  It was beautiful and modern.  After a day of traveling, I showered and we relaxed a little while waiting for Kenna to arrive.  Colleen had done some research on the hot night spots of Seoul, so we hopped in a taxi (after midnight!) and got out at an area lined with pubs and clubs.  There were some interesting names, "Thursday Party" and "Ho Bar" among others.  Colleen and I scouted out the bars while the other two grabbed some food.  While walking, two other American girls (who had already been out for a few hours) approached us and wanted to be friends.  We went to a Western club with them, but for some reason, the minute they learned we liked to dance, they weren't interested in hanging out...strange.  I had my first experience with Soju, a Korean liqour...although the night was relatively tame.  We met some Korean businessmen who were quite clingy, but also a lot of fun.

The next day we started the day on the subway bound for the National Palace of Korea.  The subway system of Seoul is less efficient than others...at least the ticketing procedure is.  You have to put a 50 cent deposit down everytime you buy a ticket, and then get the refund from a machine when you exit.  It took too much time and effort for us.  It was also a Korean holiday weekend, so throughout the weekend, there were a lot of stores and places that weren't open like normal...and overbooked transportation (I almost didn't have a ride to the airport for my return flight!).  Anyways...the Palace was really cool, and we arrived just as the guards were changing.  A North Carolina woman and her family was there and took some group shots of us...there are a lot of pictures from this place.

The weather the whole weekend was gorgeous - a lot different from Taipei (although it can be pretty too).  It was about 10 degress cooler, not humid at all, and the evenings required sweaters.  We also explored a Korean village and festival which was going on during the holiday.  We took a taxi to an insane indoor shopping market....it was packed with people and very overwhelming.  It would have been easier with less people.  We were starting to fade after shopping....and recharged with some unique streetfood and rest by the water. 

 Colleen and I said goodbye to the girls who were staying another night in Seoul, and departed for Busan.  It's hard to believe after a late night out, full day of touring, and 3 hour train ride that we went out in Busan that night...but time was precious, didn't want to waste a moment.  So we got to Colleen's apartment, which looked just like the pictures...comparable to the size of mine, but with an extra empty room and more equiped kitchen.  We met up with two more of Colleen's teacher friends, Giselle and Krissy.  The place we spent most of the time was called Kino Eye.  Another relatively relaxed night of meeting Western teachers and Korean guys who wanted to follow us around all night. 

Saturday was definately the best day of my trip.  We got up and went to Haeundae beach, which is known to be a touristy place.  It is, but it's no wonder...it's gorgeous!  It reminded me a lot of a beach in Australia...inlet surrounded by buildings built up on the hillside.  I still couldn't get over how nice the weather was.  The only beach I've been to in October was Cape May and it was rainy.  The whole experience was so remenicsent of Bondi Beach in Australia where we enjoyed Oporto (Australian fast food) picnics on the beach.  We were determined to recreate this novelty and a trip to Lotteria (Korean McDonalds) did the trick.  We layed on the beach for an hour or so, talking non-stop about our past adventures in Australia and Germany.  Next, we decided to walk down the beach which turned into a stroll around the edge of the inlet to a lighthouse.  We could see Japan from the outlook, which is only possible 60 days a year...that shows how clear a day it was.  We walked back to town and had already decided we would be eating at the Outback Steakhouse in town.  We worked at one when we studied abroad in Australia and had many Korean coworkers.

 

That night we had some fun dressing up mannequin legs that had somehow gotten into Colleen's apartment (...).  We enjoyed the old pastime of dancing to Mika, Bruce, and Queen while getting ready.  Krissy came over and we headed off to the bars.  Again, there was a Thursday Party where we started.  We hopped around to other spots, had a photo shoot on the beach with the lovely bridge in the background, and private karaoke room.

It was pretty hard to face the next day, knowing that it was my last...but it was nice to have a somewhat laid back day in Nampodong.  This is the district Colleen works in.  We had to take 2 buses to get there, but conveniently there's a bus stop right next to her apartment.  It truly is a shopping mecca - tons of stylish boutiques as well as some moderately priced places.  It also houses the fish market, Busan Tower, and markets.  Colleen showed me the outside of her school, and we shopped around a little.  She was on scout for a brown leather jacket, and had tried on numerous ones in Seoul.  I didn't realize how popular they were Korea right now...now I'm curious to see if they're selling as much in Taipei.  We met up with the other girls and went up in the Busan tower.  It was really cozy up top, complete with a cafe, ice cream, and comfy seating.  We relaxed up there for about 45 minutes taking pictures and enjoying the 360 degree view of Busan.  Then as we were about to depart for the elevator, we saw a sign that said "observation deck this way."  We were so content with the cafe level that nearly missed the highest point of the tower altogether!

Next we made our way to the fish market, and on the way admired the puppies in the pet store windows.  I did learn, unfortunatley, how well known Korea is for feasting on dogs...this was very difficult to face as the helpless puppies stared up from their crates.  I was also amazed by how much Koreans treat their dogs as accessories.  It's pretty comical how much they dress them up, put shoes on them, and even dye their fur!  The fish market was a sight to behold.  Run solely by women, there were endless amounts of sea creatures.  Most of which I did not recognize.  Walking by the stands, it was not uncommon to see the meat moving even after being cut up.  Some of the stands also had eating areas where you could sit down for the freshest seafood meal imaginable.  Koreans even eat fish while it's still moving after it's been cooked!
We decided to grab some street food to tie us over while we did some market shopping.  There were some delicious nut/cinnemon sugar filled, fried dough that everyone was eating.  I tried Kimbap, a seaweed roll up of rice, vegetable, tofu rolled.  I've actually enjoyed this numerous times in Taipei, not knowing it was native to Korea.  Colleen and I split off from the others and meandered through the market, looking at crazy "Engrish" tshirts.  Both in Taiwan and Korea, people will be seen wearing any type of sensless English on their shirts.  Example: "I am happy at the good" " "No Smorking" "Hello Lovely Silly, " or simply a list of 20 American actors.  All along, that night, in the back of my mind I knew these were the last hours of my time there, but I tried to be dilusional and ignore it.  We met up with the rest of the group and ate at a Korean BBQ restaurant.  It was a neat experience.  We were served raw pork, vegetables, soup, and an egg bake.  By this point, we were all pretty out-of-it, but the food was good and I'm glad I got to take part in Samgyeopsal.  We walked into a movie lounge (I'm not sure if that's what it was called), but it's basically the same idea as kareoke, but with movies.  Although the price they wanted to charge for our group, was not worth it, so we decided to head home.  Krissy, Colleen, and I made a stop at Coldstone complained about teaching.  The kids they teach sound a lot like mine.  The Asian student culture and attitudes of kids seems pretty even across the boards.  Colleen and I watched a few episodes of It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, tried to recall all of the places we visited and went out in Germany and called it a night...I had a 6am train to catch the next morning.

This weekend started a little early because I had my one month training on Friday...this means I didn't have to teach.  One month training was held at the Main Office in Taipei where I went through initial training.  Members of all three August training groups were required to attend, so there were about 80 of us total.  There were two other training sessions going on for those living in Central and Southern Taiwan.  We mostly talked about Culture Shock, teaching Grammar, and classroom management.  The day wasn't as interesting as I thought it would be, and I was falling asleep in the afternoon...we needed to take more breaks.  Friends and I went out to eat afterwards and then wandered around the area.  It's a shame that none of us teach in that part of the city because no one ever knows where to find the good restaurants and bars.  It was a lot easier to learn the streets of Sydney than Taipei.  Taipei seems more expansive, and with always taking the metro, it's difficult to learn the streets.  There is so much of Tapei to explore.

On Saturday, I did have 2 classes in the morning.  In the afternoon I met Jenny and Katie for lunch and shopping in Banciao.  Saturday night, I went to Ximen, which is abut 15 minutes away, one MRT stop before Taipei Main Station.  I went with one of my CTs.  There is a Coldstone Creamery there and a lively night life.  We explored the streets and came across some tame squirrels and people were getting their pictures with them.  

Sunday was a trip to Fulong Beach, supposedly the best beach in Northern Taiwan.  It's on the North East Coast so I took a train.  Asians really have no concept of personal space.  During the hour long train ride, a "fat asian kid" (there is one of these in every one of my classes...and they are always hilarious)  was cuddled up against me, and didn't think twice about it...I finally put my bag between us.  I was meeting friends there, and didn't know which entrance to the beach to take.  Apparently there is one that you have to pay to enter, and one that you don't.  I picked the right one...but I had to cross a small "river" that ran between the land and beach to find where my friends were camped.  There were lots of people at the beach, including a good amount of westerners.  There were boueys staking out the boundaries in the water.  The water was the warmest ocean water I've ever felt.  There were also strong currents (hence the boundaries).  The lifeguard whistled at some from our group for getting too close to the boueys a few times.

busy weekend

This weekend flew by!  Saturday afternoon after class, two of my friends who live in the Taipei area came to visit.  We had some good girl time and got our hair done.  It was nice to just hang out.  Usually our reunions involve walking the streets and center around trying to find a certain restaurant, club, or tourist attraction.  Later, we met Alan at the mrt station.  He had taken a train from Taichung.  We went out to eat and then went downtown to our favorite club, Luxy.  We had a great night of dancing...Luxy hasn't disappointed once.

Sunday was spent sleeping in, and at 3 I met Jenny who also lives in Banciao for a touristy day.  We walked to the Lin Family Mansion, a beautiful grounds in the middle of Banciao comprised of a historic home and gardens.  We took lots of pictures, and also found a nearby temple.  It's nice to know there is something historic here in Banciao, and that it's not just another suburb of Taipei.  We met Brandon and his Taiwanese friend at an MRT stop a few past Taiepei Main Station.  It was in a very trendy shopping area, so we shopped and then ate at a great Japanse restaurant.

Laid Back Weekend

I had a nice surprise on Saturday when Athena (head CT) told me there weren't enough parents signed up for the open house, so that wouldn't be occupying my Saturday afternoon. With that extra time, I wandered through a market and got my hands on some delicious fried chicken. It was breaded, fried, dipped in a sweet sauce, and then thrown on the grill. I took it to-go, along with an iced coffee to the Children's Park where there are many trees, vegetation, benches and shade. There's also a play ground, ping pong tables, and a mini amphitheater. I stopped in some electronics stores and found a great deal on a laptop...no purchase yet though. I went to the Banciao stadium to check out the track. I ran about 2 miles and was amazed by how many people were there exercising. There were easily 150 other locals there. Grandmothers in flip flops, young parents running after toddlers on the grassy field, old men chipping golf balls and playing croquet, and teenagers running laps made up the varied group of people. I climbed to the top of the stadium and admired the view...these pictures don't do it justice.  There were some kddies rollerblading below as well.

At night, I went shopping at FE21.  It's a shopping building made up of stylish name brand stores.  I cannot bring myself to buy anything when I can get knock-offs for hundreds of NT less at the night market.  I ate dinner at the food court and then met a friend at a local bar.  It was a pretty low-key evening.

Today, a bunch of the NSTs met at what has become known as "the best Italian restaurant in Taiwan."  I'd have to agree.  I had one of the best Italian meals I've ever eaten...and only paid $10 for a 5 course meal.  I had pesto gnocchi and tried some of the pizza.  On the way home, we crossed over a bridge.  It was such a clear day and I could see the river, a baseball game, and the mountains.  My driver wouldn't stop, but I went back to take some pictures.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to walk on the road we were on, but I did the best I could.

Trip to Keelung

I was happy to enjoy sleeping in AND taking a day trip on Sunday. I took a train from Banciao Main station to Keelung to visit Tim. Tom, Rachel, and Brian were eager to be lead through the mountains of Sandioling by Tim.

The first thing I saw when exiting the train station was a huge cruise ship. It took me a second to realize the station was literally right at the harbor!


Tim was still out to lunch with his branch when I arrived, so I wandered around the harbor area and got an awesome papaya tea drink at Come Buy, a tea shop franchise.

Rachel and Brian got a late start. They had a good excuse though...they found a good English speaking church and attended a 10:30 service. After meeting up with Tim and Tom, we got a train to Badu where we met Rachel and Brian who had to take a taxi. We bought lunch at 7-11 and ate it on the curb of the train station. Onto the last train...a 35 minute ride to the remote Sandioling! Rachel and I both had the same thought...Sandioling sounds like a town in Saudi Arabia or a place out of Aladdin.


We took a tiring 3 mile hike through the greenery. Some parts were very steep and narrow, but there was a path to follow the whole time. There were two waterfalls which Tim said were much stronger and larger right after the typhoon. We got to climb up under one of them. The cool mist was very refreshing.

We crossed paths with some other hikers who gave us some type of grape fruit-type citrus fruit. It was green and not as juicy, but still tasty and found on trees along the trail. We also passed a professional photo shoot. A Taiwanese model was posing on a rock with a posse of about 10 photographers. She took a break and talked to Rachel and I. She admitted her job was pretty easy..."All you have to do is pose like this" (as she stuck one hip out, hands in the air).

I think her posing became inspiration for our posing in the hiking pictures.

Sadly, my camera battery died. Rachel and Tom got some good ones though which I'll post on Facebook.

We got back to Keelung around 7:30. Brian and Tim headed to Tim's apartment after hearing there were some nice leather couches up for grabs outside the apartment complex. Rachel and I satisfied our french fry cravings at Burger King and then met Shoshanna at the harbor. The 5 of us did some food tasting and wandered around the Keelung night market...by far, the best selection of night market food I've experienced so far. I enjoyed corn on a stick, dumplings, shark, and guava milk.

Never ending surprises

My posting motivation has diminished, but mostly because there is nothing of interest to write about. I figured I would get a few words down so my loyal followers don't get bored.

I am sure glad it's the weekend. It was a rather long week, and teaching at 8am on Saturday morning is not my favorite part of my schedule. Luckily, I put in a request to change my schedule a little. This is titled never ending surprises because I had one of those days where I kept scratching my head at Taiwanese society.

#1
Walking through the stadium after class on Friday, I saw the most bizarre sight - Groups of white trash bags spread around the area outside the stadium. They were arranged in groups of 3-5. I didn't dare look in them, but I was could only imagine...my guess was people dropped off belongings as donations and some organization would collect them...but it could be something much stranger.

#2
My day started out with the surprise that I prepared the wrong lesson for my second class today! They have just moved from Step Ahead 5 to Step Ahead 6 books and I forgot to change my books. So, instead of preparing lesson 4 for SA 6, I prepared lesson 4 for SA 5! My students sure told me when I started giving them the wrong spelling words for their quiz....that's one annoying thing about the students here - they ALWAYS catch my mistakes and point them out...I have to be on my toes at all times. For example, if I'm writing something on the board, and forget a comma they shout out "Teacher! Comma!" Luckily my CT had the SA 6 books, and let me use them. We're not supposed to use the teacher book while teaching (it's our guide for lesson planning), but I don't see why...I taught exactly the same as if I would have had a my own lesson plan.

#3
After class, I went to the Thai restaurant. I need to stop ordering new things there though because they always end up being too spicy for me to stomach, and I spend 3 times more than I could on lunch. Today I ordered basil chicken and spring rolls. The chicken was too hot, and so I filled up on the spring rolls and rice...and paid for it later, feeling nauseous for the rest of the day.

#4
I walked out of the restaurant and for about half a block, there were tables set up under red tents with all kinds of goods for sale...mostly packaged food. It looked like the start of some type of festival. I feel so ill informed because it was a hopping scene...old ladies decorating and arranging boxed goods. It didn't look like anything you couldn't find at most grocery stores though....there are so many things here that make me question people's excitement.

#5
My phone stopped working (was unable to call or text), so I stopped by the cell phone store on my way home. Apparently I had run out of "money" on my card, so I put $600NT on my "card." The girls told me that I already had an extra $200NT from when I first got my phone...but I could only activate that by calling a certain number. Since I had on of the CT's sign for my phone, I needed an ID number from her. One of the girls wrote a note in Chinese that I'm supposed to give to her that explains what I need....so much work just to get my cell phone to work.

#6
Lastly, I lay down to nap. Luckily I was dead-tired and slept for a good hour and a half. I was woken up to construction outside my window. There were trucks tearing up the alley that goes right by my apartment. In my opinion, it was a perfectly functioning road so I'm not sure what they thought needed fixed...but it must have been important enough to someone. It was smooth, there was no room to widen it, and I could think of plenty of other projects in the neighborhood that the construction
crews could improve.

Hsin Chu Weekend outing

The clearest day since I've been in Taiwan:

Here are some pictures from the afternoon I spent in Hsin Chu. I met up with Lara, a girl from South Africa who works with a friend of mine from Etown. She is leaving in a week and sold me her scooter. We didn't have much time, but we walked around Hsin Chu and hung out at her apartment. Hsin Chu isn't much different to Banciao, perhaps smaller. I like where I live better :)

The first church I've seen here, in Hsin Chu:


Lara on my "new scooter"


Waiting at the Hsin Chu train station for the high speed train

Siiiiick Viral Infection

The sore throat that began on Monday developed into more than just a cold. I wasn't feeling too great on Wednesday at Kindy. I was easily growing impatient with the kids during fun time. We did a dinosaur hat project which turned out very cute (Coco is going to give me the group picture we took). I think one of their best English phrases is, "Teacher, I'm finished!" You can imagine 8 little ones repeating this, vying for my attention until I regard them.

Wednesday night I was feeling really congested and had a low-grade fever. Took meds, but couldn't sleep, and finally got up at 2:30 to put on some warmer clothes because I had goosebumps. At that point my temperature was hovering around 101.8F. I decided I wasn't going to Kindy, and would go to the doctors in the afternoon. The only problem was I had to turn in the Communication books to the parents on Thursday, so Coco told me to drop them off before my HLS classes that afternoon.

I got up to go to the doctors, but found that Thursday is their late-opening day. There are about 3 doctors within a 5 minute walk of my apartment, and the earliest one opened was 1pm. Feeling awful, I took the bus to my Kindy branch to hand in the Comm books and kill time. When I arrived, the lights were out for "nap time." All of the lively bodies that I teach in the morning were sound asleep in their Hess sleeping bags...I found this funny. Some of my friends who teach all-day Kindy say that they get to nap with the kids. Coco was in the corner of the classroom preparing for class by a small light. She offered me some of her pizza, but I wasn't hungry.

Going to the doctor's here is soooo much easier than at home. First of all, I can walk there in 2 minutes. There was only one other person in the waiting room, so I saw the doctor within 10 minutes, and I didn't even have an appointment. I'd wait 20 minutes at home for an appointment made 6 months in advance. The doctor spoke pretty good English, and understood my symptoms. He entered them into the computer and ordered my pills right in his office. The only thing I didn't like was the saline-type numbing solution he sprayed in my throat. My throat feels fine, but he said it was inflamed. Apparently I have a viral infection which is giving me head congestion. After I take the medicine for 3 days, I should be back to normal. He also said to stay home for 3 days, rest, and not to eat anything spicy or processed. I exited to the front desk and received 12 packets of pills, to be taken 4 times a day, along with a bottle of liquid medicine. I received a concoction of 6 different medications, an easy office visit, and with no health insurance, only paid the equivalent of $12US!

Here's what's happening

I just finished eating what I think was a hybrid grapefruit-orange. Picked up 3 of these along with lunch at the market after Kindy. I went to a little buffet and filled a box with enough to split between lunch and dinner. I also bought a cute shirt. In a US store, it would sell for at least $40, but I got it for $100NT (that's $3!!). It's lacy at the top with pearls strung in, and the bottom is a sea green, silk material.

Over the weekend, some friends from training met up in Ximen which is a few MRT stations away, towards Taipei. Daniel and I left Banciao together and met the others in Ximen square, where the MRT stops.


We waited for about 10 minutes and then saw our tall Western, blond friends walking (and then running) towards us. It was one of the most joyful feelings I've had since I've been here...reuniting. 10 days felt like an eternity, and we all had new and exhausting first weeks of teaching stories to share.

I thought living in Banciao was affordable until I heard how cheap it is to live in Southern or Northern (coastal) Taiwan. Although Lynn was confined to her apartment for 3 days due to Morakot, she get's a lot more for her money. A two bedroom place with separate living room, dining room, and kitchen. Others have dance studios, pools, gyms, and tennis courts in their apartment complexes for the same rent I'm paying...none of which I have. They do live in more remote areas however. I have the convenience living in Banciao (Taipei County's government head quarters) with all the amenities of Taipei just a walk or MRT ride (hopefully soon to be scooter ride!) away.

Procedures at our branches differ as well. I think Taipei County branches have the strictest dress code (or at least they try to impose it on the new NSTs). Rachel and Brian are discouraged from wearing the Hess Polos that I wear everyday because their head NSTs are too afraid of government checks. I bought several knee-length skirts before I came, thinking they were professional enough, but my branches would rather I wear jeans to teach. They don't mind casual looks, but would prefer our legs be covered.

During our cab ride tim started telling of the hiking adventures he has had. He and Shoshanna live in the same area which is a walk away from a beach, mountains and waterfalls. It sounds more remote, and a different experience than Banciao, but also a great place to be with lower cost of living. We are planning a trip up North to Keelung. It's only a 40 minute train ride from Taipei main station. We were ambitiously thinking about doing it the next day, but decided we needed our day of rest. Shoshanna got a really cute haircut and said it was quite the experience. She was there for a 2 hour haircut...they even gave her neck and shoulder massage. She said that for $120NT (about $4US), you can get your hair washed, styled, a massage. She talked to a girl who does it a few nights a week to treat herself before a night out on the town. All of the sudden we arrived at The People's Restaurant (I was definitely a follower during this outing...I had no idea where or what we were doing...I was just glad to be with everyone).

The People's Restaurant, as Tim put it was, "Ballin'...Bad Ass!" It really was a great place. It was modern, chic, and naturally styled. Our group of about 12 sat down on couches around a low table and ordered drinks and snacks. After about an hour, Lynn's roommate, Delight, joined us. I knew that name sounded familiar....it was the same girl that Steven Downing said he flew over for training with in May. Little did I know I would meet the elusive Delight!


We settled up our $4,000NT bill at 10:45 and hopped in cabs for the next destination...Luxy. If you arrive before 11, there's no cover charge (otherwise, it's $600). Luckily, our speedy cab driver dropped us off with seconds to spare, but others unfortunately had to pay. Luxy was the craziest dance club I've ever experienced. Two huge rooms, decked out with crystal chandeliers, insane lights, great music (one room was hip hop, one was techno), two bars, live hip hop performances, flame throwers, dancing girls, full food and dessert service, tons of seating, and private alcoves. One of the funniest parts of the night was when Delight and I were bombarded by these Taiwanese girls who took a million pictures with us. They would not let us leave them, and kept hugging us and saying, "You are so beautiful!"


I got a cab home at around 2:30. The MRT stops running at midnight, and a 20 minute taxi to Banciao is only $10.

Sunday was spent sleeping in, lesson planning, and a night market outing. I got my first kebab of Taiwan. It was a chicken one, and quite different from what I've had in Germany and Australia. It was more like the German one because it was served in a roll, not a wrap. The sauce that she put on it was great..also different from either country's kebabs. I'm getting to know the alleys and roads around the night market better now. You can actually cut through department stores and end up on the other side of the market...you really can not escape consumerism here.

Today Tara told me that she is planning on leaving for home! It's just not working out for her here. She's not happy and her immune system can't handle contract B (early mornings, long days, and kindy). She wanted to know if I'd like to move into her apartment....poor timing. Had the offer come 3 weeks ago, I'd have jumped on it. Her location is optimal and rent the same as what I'm paying. I turned it down because I'm too settled in and feel at home in my place (I've also signed a year lease, so it would be hard to get around that).

I love my kindy HRT (Chinese Home Room Teacher), Coco. This morning, she brought me a box of pastries from her weekend travels! She said they were a thank you for being so sweet and good with the kids my first week :) As much as I despise getting up at 7:15 everyday, I'm glad I'm doing contract B. Kindy is pretty easy. I love my little 5 year olds already. They each have their own personalities. I really only have to plan an hour of teaching for that class, aside from a "fun time" activity. The rest of the time is filled with group trips to the bathroom, exercise time, and snack time. During snack time, Coco and I have time to talk. Today she was telling me the best beaches and mountains. She showed me pictures on her camera from her weekend trip to Ilan beach. The beach was huge and looked like a popular place to be. She said that guys were surfing but she was too scared to try haha. I'd love to go there one of these weekends. Coco's family has a place there. She also tole me about Yaming Shan Mountain where there are hot springs and a hotel at the top. There's a bus from Banciao that goes directly to Yaming Shan, or I could take the MRT.

Keelung (where Shoshana and Tim are) is home to the Ghost Festiva of September. They say decorations are already being hung. Highlights include folk-art performances, the opening of the gates of hell and the release of burning water lanterns. September 20th is the International Swimming festival at Sun Moon Lake (Western Taiwan). Normally swimming is not permitted in the lake, except for this one day in September when around 10,000 people attempt to swim the 3km to the opposite shore. In the evening, people gather at the lakeside for a party and firework display. This coming weekend I'm going to Hsin Chu to visit with Ashely Kneafsey, her friend Lara whose scooter I'm "looking at" (....) and possibly Steve Downing! Looks like I've got enough activities to keep me busy between teaching. Travel around the island is super affordable, and with the number of hours I'm working, budgeting travel shouldn't be a problem.