Orientation

So I ended up not going outside and reading my book. Instead I went to the 'gym' with Cristelle. I say 'gym' because there are a handful of treadmills but about twenty different pools. It is more like a water park, with slides and all, than a gym. But most people are there swimming laps and playing in the pools. I decided to swim laps, and did so four 45 minutes. And thought I was going to die. I am truly surprised that no one jumped in the pool and tried to save me - it can't have been pretty. But I did it!

We rode Cristelle's scooter to the gym. This city really is ruled by scooters. That is the best way to get around it seems. At every red light there are any number of scooters and when the light turns, it is like a race, all of them zooming off and weaving all over. It is hilarious. Cristelle is a great driver, but not all of them are. And the best part is, we stopped for gas and to fill up an empty tank it was just under three dollars. Whaaaat? Crazy, huh? The ride home from the gym was much less relaxing because my arms were like jelly and holding on became increasingly more difficult.

After the gym I came back and had my orientation. I sat down with Amanda, the director, and another new teacher. We went over all the rules and regulations and EVERYTHING. Then she handed me my schedule and I had two observations for right after.

My first class was eight and nine year olds. They are so cute. The second class was a 'kindy' class, or kindergarten. Even cuter, if possible. There are lots of games played, songs sang, rock-paper-scissors played, and shouting. It seems like it's going to be a lot of fun. The other teachers were really nice and answered all my questions. And you should see how crazy the kids to go for these stickers. Apparently the kids can use them to 'buy' things like pens and other stuff. You'd think they were actually money they way the pine over these things. It's pretty funny!

Now, since I am FAMISHED, I'm anxiously awaiting the others to head out for dinner. Classes don't end until 20:45 so dinner gets really pushed back. But I missed it last night because I fell asleep so early, so I'm trying my best to stay awake. I think I'll make it!

Zia jian (goodbye)
Lots of love.

Dan Bing

Nin hao. (Hello)
Last night, despite my best efforts I feel asleep at about 20:00. And stayed asleep until about 5:30 this morning. Well, sort of stayed asleep. My bed, aka. the wooden box, turned out to be about as comfortable as it sounds. And I haven't quite mastered the air conditioning. So between being uncomfortable on my side and back, the room would heat up and then get cold and heat up and get cold. I'll have to work on that.

But despite all that, I did wake this morning feeling rested so that was okay. I woke up and hung around for a while, watching some shows I have on my computer. At about 8ish, I set out for Carrefour again, this time determined to come back with a mattress even if it was way too big or too small. Anything would be better than the 'box'. I also bought a curtain and sheet, and some toilet paper. I'm not really sure the situation with that, but there is never any toilet paper in the stalls. So I just bought myself a bunch and I guess I'll just take it back and forth. Haha. Still so much to figure out.

I came back and made my new bed, put up the curtain and also put some pictures up. Made my room a little more like home. After that was all done, I set out to the little stand/restaurant on the corner (directed by Kyrstie yesterday) and got a traditional Taiwanese breakfast, Dan Bing. It is most similar to a crepe with egg on one side. They grill it on a flat top grill and then slice it up and drizzle miso 'syrup' on it. It was actually really delicious. And only 20 NTD so about 50 American cents. Also, I found a delicious passion fruit green tea that is surely to become a staple in my diet.

Now I am just hanging out until my orientation later. I might go back to the park again and read my book for a while. Just get outside.

出口

Gloria is the school I am working at. And the second picture is of my street!




The title of this blog is 'exit'. The significance: the first Chinese I can read and understand! I was celebrating on the street when I read it! But again, I get ahead of myself.

Earlier today I talked with Kyrstie, my friend who taught here at this school and recommended it to me. After talking to her and being coached through how to get to the main store, I plucked up my courage and headed out. It is a really strange feeling, not being able to read anything. I am essentially illiterate and I'm not really digging it. So I am definitely going to learn Chinese. Kyrstie gave me the name of her tutor while she was here and the name of the place where she took lessons.

So, I headed out and had Starbucks for lunch. Before you berate me for being so Western, it is near impossible to tell what is a restaurant and what is not. Seriously. Some other girls I met in my dorm said they still have trouble telling what is what. Also, I had to go to the bathroom so I went. Well, culture shock number one. Literal hole in the floor that flushes. Clearly, I'm not in Kansas anymore.

After lunch I went to Carrefour - the 'everything store' as they call it. I bought some fresh fruit, a bath towel, some tomatoes and some Crocs. They are already saving my life. I can't believe I haven't owned some before now! It was hilarious when I walked into the hallway in my dorm and the floor is littered with dozens of pairs of Crocs.

An hour or so of wandering around Carrefour sufficed and I came back to my dorm to drop off my purchases and pick up a book. I headed out to explore and came across a little park. I sat down and read for a little while before exploring more. I also came across a little temple on the edge of the park. It springs up out of nowhere and is very quite inside despite being on a busy street. Pretty cool.

I wandered around for a little while and then headed home. When I got out of the elevator I was met by a girl who lives a door down from me, Alex. She and I started talking and then others came out. I met two more girls - Dannica and Cristelle (whom I have been talking to since before I came). They were telling me sort of what to expect in the classroom and around town (ex. the restaurant confusion and the value of 7-11). They have some plans tonight which I have been invited to. And tomorrow there was talk of a hike or something else.

Seems like I'm going to fit in just fine!

I Have Arrived!

Hello dear friends and family!
As the title suggests, I have indeed arrived at my new home in Taiwan. But let me back track...
My parents dropped me off at LAX Monday night at about 1030 and through some tears and laughter we said our goodbyes. I have the greatest parents. After getting stuck behind someone my dad likes to say "doesn't travel much" I made it down to my gate but it was packed. I had to sit on the floor and it was so hot because of all the people.

The flight passed without much of anything to note. It was long but I slept a good chunk of it so it was not too bad.

Upon arriving to Taiwan, we were informed that the local time was 5:11 am and that the outside temperature was 82 degrees. Ummm.... Whaaaat? That was my reaction. Naturally, I immediately started sweating because of the humidity. My luggage took forever to come through the baggage claim and I was certain that my bags were lost. I was also certain that I was at the wrong airport. Haha. Neither of which (thankfully) were true.

Steve met me in the airport and said that he too was worried he was at the wrong airport because it took me a long time to come out. And then he launched into his Taiwan spiel. The sun was coming up and it looked like it has just rained. It was a very good welcome to Taiwan. We pulled up to my dorm building. It is located on top of one of the school campuses which could turn out to be very convenient. He showed me to my room (on the fifth floor -- but much less of a hassle than my Prague room if you remember, because of an elevator) and around the facilities.

I have my own, small room. Emphasis on small. It has a desk, a bed, and a metal shelving unit as you can see in the pictures. And my bed is literally a wooden box, literally. So I'll have to see what can be done about that. I do have an AC unit though, so that is a definite plus!

Now I am just relaxing, having unpacked. My day has no specific schedule as Steve kept telling me. Tomorrow though, I have orientation with Amanda (the director) Tomorrow (THURSDAY) at 1530 at the school below me. And then on Friday, I have a physical check up. Haha. Apparently they have to make sure I am physically fit enough to teach English to the children.

That's about it for now. Later today I'm going to try and get to a store to buy sheets and other things, but nothing too exciting. Or maybe it will be, I have no idea!

In short, I have arrived safely and in high spirits. I miss you all a ton already. Much love from Asia!

Leavin' on a Jet Plane

"All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go."
I can't believe how quickly my departure date arrived. I've only been home a number of hours from my trip with my dad and my flight leaves tonight. Luckily, I had enough foresight to (mostly) pack before the most hectic part of my summer. Now, I am just relaxing and enjoying being home before I take off for a year.

It is a really bizarre feeling to know that I wont see my bed, or my room, any of my books, or the clothes I leave, for an entire year. Not to mention my friends or family. Even though I don't see everyone all the time, Taiwan just seems so much further away. Probably because it is - geographically, and particularly culturally.

I am so excited to start this new adventure and to be able to share it with the ones I love. I feel so fortunate to have so much support and love being sent my way through all of you. Don't hesitate to drop me a line whenever you get a chance. I am looking forward to hearing from all of you probably more than you all want to hear from me.

I love you all so much and am going to miss you. BOATLOADS.
Happy reading. :D

LOVE

Skype

招呼朋友和家人

Oh man. The Chinese above translates to 'hello friends and family' but I'm not sure I'll ever be able to replicate it without the copy and paste function on google translate. Haha, but seriously. As my departure date is rapidly approaching I wanted to share that I have the skype app on my iPad. My mom and I tried it out and it seems to work well - kink free. Only drawback is the lack of video coming from my end. I can see and hear you, but y'all can only hear me. In any case, I wanted to make available my skype name in the hopes that at some point during my adventure we will be on at the same time. My name is: Bo.fo. Do not overlook the second period. That is part of my name, and without it you will be hassling some other person who won't think it funny! Love you all!!

Departure in Sights

Hello all (which at this point probably isn't many)!
I have secured a ticket out of California and into Taiwan for the 9th of August. Pretty crazy to think in just a few short, packed months I will be all the way across the Pacific Ocean! My flight is a direct one out of LAX and is a whooping 13 (and some change) hour flight. I can't believe the ocean is that big! Pretty incredible! I'm hoping to pass out for the entire flight! My excitement meter is quickly climbing! :D