Day 6 in Taiwan

We have been in Taiwan for about six days now. Living in Taoyuan City which is just outside of Taipei. We started our observations for teaching about four days after we arrived and we are told this is a relaxed form of the way Gloria usually does things. Other teachers have told us that they started observing and teaching a day or two after they arrived. Whereas we are in the middle of a four day weekend (starting on the 29th to the 1st) and we don't start more observations until the 2nd.

But I am thankful that our transition has been more relaxed because I was a zombie when we first arrived. While Rick seemed to adjust quickly to the time change, all I wanted to do was sleep all day and then wake up at 4AM for some reason. Which worked out well for being able to to skype on Christmas with family but did not work out that well for my sleep pattern. But finally, I think I am finally adjusted to the time zone.

While I am excited to be here, I miss home terribly. I miss my mother, my family, my best friend, and all of my other friends. I miss waking up in my bed. I miss my dog. I miss snow. Never thought I would say that.

I think today this might be hitting me harder as the internet is out in our dorm. So there is a lot less to do to waste the day away. We are currently sitting in a cafe using their free wifi to let our loved ones know that we might be harder to reach in the next couple of days. Hopefully it is fixed before then but I am betting we won't have any internet leading up to New Year's. 

Our plans for New Year's are still up in the air. To go to Taipei, to stay in Taoyuan, or to stay in bed with a good book and a cup of tea. Decisions, decisions.

- Melissa