I was at a bar with some friends this past weekend and there was a pause in conversation. I heard a conversation to the right of me, all in English, and I was shocked! I jerked my head to the right to look at the other foreigners who were in the bar, what a coincidence!
Some old men stared at me because apparently they noticed my very sudden head turn. Forgot I was in Canada and that English is spoken by everyone. Guess there are some things I still have to get used to now that I am back home.
Showing posts with label couple living abroad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label couple living abroad. Show all posts
10 February 2014
13 Things I Miss About Taiwan or 13 Reasons to Try Living in Taiwan for a year
I don't want people thinking that I didn't enjoy my time in Taiwan or that I don't miss it there because that is not the case. So in order to counteract my other list, here is a list of things I DO miss about Taiwan or a list of reasons why you should move there for a year.
1. How nice the people are
I noticed this almost immediately after getting off the airplane in Canada. As a small 95 lb girl, people in Taiwan saw me pushing a cart with four suitcases on it and holding a dog and they would either a. offer me a sympathetic smile or b. HELP ME. I received neither of those in Canada. Not that people in Canada aren't nice, but we really have NOTHING on the niceness of the Taiwanese. Canadians; fix this.
2. The weather
Maybe I complained about the rain a little too much. What I wouldn't give for some of that rain and heat in this -20 degree weather I'm dealing with now.
3. The cost of living
Everything is cheap. You can eat our for every meal during the day, have GREAT meals, and spend 1/10th of what you would spend doing the same thing in Canada. Even more than the food, rent is cheap. Gas is cheaper. Clothes are cheap. Oh, the cost of living makes it all worth it.
4. Driving a scooter
When I first got to Taiwan, if you wouldve told me I would be driving a scooter to work every day, I would have told you that you were nuts. I was very against it, convinced I could find other ways to work. The ending of this story is that I did end up buying a scooter and I loved it. On those sweltering days, there was nothing better than getting on your scooter and enjoying the breeze. Granted, the rain sucked while driving but now that I'm back in this cold, snowy weather, all I can remember are the good times driving my scooter.Funny how that works eh...
5. #shameless #selfie #nation
If you think that people take a lot of selfies in Canada, you are mistaken. The amount of selfies I would see being taken on any given day while living in Taiwan was astronomical in comparison to the amount that I see being taken in Canada. Its not that Canadians don't take them, its that usually we take them in the privacy of our own home. In Taiwan, there is no shame. At a party? Selfie. At a bar? Selfie. In class? Selfie. And at first, I thought it was a little weird. But it turned into a little quirk that I love.
6. Hamburgers for Breakfast
Not only are hamburgers eaten for breakfast, they were a staple at breakfast stalls. Can someone inform my mother of this?
7. Passionfruit Green Tea with Bubbles
The amount of tea shops available on any street in Taiwan was ridiculous, along with all the different kinds of fruit teas for a super cheap price (please see #3 on the list). My favourite will always be passionfruit green tea; give it a whirl!
8. Rick
He's still in Taiwan..... I personally believe that everyone should move to Taiwan just to see Rick. He'd be worth it.
9. Dumplings and Hot Pot
Two types of food that I ate twice a week each, at the very least. Look it up. Try it. You won't be disappointed.
10. My coteachers
I had the luxury of being pretty lucky in that every one of my coteachers was one of the nicest, most genuine, and helpful people I have ever met. Working with these teachers on a daily basis really helped me when I first started teaching and didn't really know what I was doing and continued to help mold me into the teacher that I am today. I will be forever grateful for each and every one of them.
11. Free time
Being a foreign English teacher in Taiwan = working only 30 hours per week, getting paid a lot to do so, and thus having a lot of free time. Even when we did work, my longest day was 7 hours of actual teaching in one day. I start back working this week and I'm not looking forward to it
12. Ease of traveling
Taiwan is so close to so many other countries in SE Asia and getting there is so cheap that it is almost stupid of you if you don't go and travel a little. Visiting Hong Kong and Thailand was amazing and I am so glad we went to both of those places. As well as travelling around the country itself. There is so much public transportation available for great prices that you never get that guilt while being a tourist that you're paying way too much for stuff. What guilt you ask? Oh, that might just be me and Rick... living in Taiwan has made us pretty stingy...
13. My students
Last, but certainly not least, my students. It is amazing how attached to my students I have grown over the past year. Saying goodbye was very hard and it really made me reconsider if leaving Taiwan after only one year was the right thing to do. I really got to know some of my students on such a personal level and I'll miss seeing their faces every week.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a cheap, beautiful, different place to live; choose TAIWAN. You won't regret it.
1. How nice the people are
I noticed this almost immediately after getting off the airplane in Canada. As a small 95 lb girl, people in Taiwan saw me pushing a cart with four suitcases on it and holding a dog and they would either a. offer me a sympathetic smile or b. HELP ME. I received neither of those in Canada. Not that people in Canada aren't nice, but we really have NOTHING on the niceness of the Taiwanese. Canadians; fix this.
2. The weather
Maybe I complained about the rain a little too much. What I wouldn't give for some of that rain and heat in this -20 degree weather I'm dealing with now.
3. The cost of living
Everything is cheap. You can eat our for every meal during the day, have GREAT meals, and spend 1/10th of what you would spend doing the same thing in Canada. Even more than the food, rent is cheap. Gas is cheaper. Clothes are cheap. Oh, the cost of living makes it all worth it.
4. Driving a scooter
When I first got to Taiwan, if you wouldve told me I would be driving a scooter to work every day, I would have told you that you were nuts. I was very against it, convinced I could find other ways to work. The ending of this story is that I did end up buying a scooter and I loved it. On those sweltering days, there was nothing better than getting on your scooter and enjoying the breeze. Granted, the rain sucked while driving but now that I'm back in this cold, snowy weather, all I can remember are the good times driving my scooter.Funny how that works eh...
5. #shameless #selfie #nation
If you think that people take a lot of selfies in Canada, you are mistaken. The amount of selfies I would see being taken on any given day while living in Taiwan was astronomical in comparison to the amount that I see being taken in Canada. Its not that Canadians don't take them, its that usually we take them in the privacy of our own home. In Taiwan, there is no shame. At a party? Selfie. At a bar? Selfie. In class? Selfie. And at first, I thought it was a little weird. But it turned into a little quirk that I love.
6. Hamburgers for Breakfast
Not only are hamburgers eaten for breakfast, they were a staple at breakfast stalls. Can someone inform my mother of this?
7. Passionfruit Green Tea with Bubbles
The amount of tea shops available on any street in Taiwan was ridiculous, along with all the different kinds of fruit teas for a super cheap price (please see #3 on the list). My favourite will always be passionfruit green tea; give it a whirl!
8. Rick
He's still in Taiwan..... I personally believe that everyone should move to Taiwan just to see Rick. He'd be worth it.
9. Dumplings and Hot Pot
Two types of food that I ate twice a week each, at the very least. Look it up. Try it. You won't be disappointed.
Hot Pot
10. My coteachers
I had the luxury of being pretty lucky in that every one of my coteachers was one of the nicest, most genuine, and helpful people I have ever met. Working with these teachers on a daily basis really helped me when I first started teaching and didn't really know what I was doing and continued to help mold me into the teacher that I am today. I will be forever grateful for each and every one of them.
11. Free time
Being a foreign English teacher in Taiwan = working only 30 hours per week, getting paid a lot to do so, and thus having a lot of free time. Even when we did work, my longest day was 7 hours of actual teaching in one day. I start back working this week and I'm not looking forward to it
12. Ease of traveling
Taiwan is so close to so many other countries in SE Asia and getting there is so cheap that it is almost stupid of you if you don't go and travel a little. Visiting Hong Kong and Thailand was amazing and I am so glad we went to both of those places. As well as travelling around the country itself. There is so much public transportation available for great prices that you never get that guilt while being a tourist that you're paying way too much for stuff. What guilt you ask? Oh, that might just be me and Rick... living in Taiwan has made us pretty stingy...
13. My students
Last, but certainly not least, my students. It is amazing how attached to my students I have grown over the past year. Saying goodbye was very hard and it really made me reconsider if leaving Taiwan after only one year was the right thing to do. I really got to know some of my students on such a personal level and I'll miss seeing their faces every week.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a cheap, beautiful, different place to live; choose TAIWAN. You won't regret it.
8 February 2014
Home Sweet Home
Now that I've been home for a week I figured it was time to update the blog. My last few days in Taiwan were filled with lots of goodbyes to my last classes and to Rick. Leaving him behind was one of the saddest things and I think it is because, for the moment, I don't know when I will see him again. When I left Canada to go to Taiwan, I knew I would be back in a year. The same went for saying goodbye to my parents, I knew they would visit me in Taiwan and after their visit, I knew I'd be back in Canada.
My flight home felt longer than our trip to Taiwan even though it was ten hours less. My direct flight was comfortable and yet filled with worry about my baby Atlas, sadness about leaving Rick behind, and excitement to see my family and friends. I took off from Taiwan at 7:40 PM on January 30th and I arrived in Canada at 8:30 PM on January 30th. I may, or may not, have traveled through time. Be jealous.
I struggled to get my three massive bags, one small suitcase, and one small dog and we were off. It was actually relatively easy to bring Atlas back, a lot of people said it would be so difficult but it wasn't at all. And he was perfectly fine after the flight! A little scared but as soon as I got him out of his crate, he was the same cute dog who was super excited to see me and to meet so many new people.
Being home has been pretty weird so far. The second day I was back, I already felt like I had never left. The jet lag didn't hit me until this Saturday when I fell asleep from 7-10, woke up and couldn't sleep until 2am and then woke up again at 5am. I think I've got a handle on the jet lag now, my sleep is pretty normal. But it is still weird getting used to life in Canada. The cold, the snow, English, my family and friends so close by, English, English, English, high prices, English.
I had planned to stop this blog upon returning to Canada but Rick is trying to convince me otherwise. But I don't think my life is all that exciting enough to write about here. I guess we'll see what happens.
For now, I am home. Rick is in Taiwan.
My flight home felt longer than our trip to Taiwan even though it was ten hours less. My direct flight was comfortable and yet filled with worry about my baby Atlas, sadness about leaving Rick behind, and excitement to see my family and friends. I took off from Taiwan at 7:40 PM on January 30th and I arrived in Canada at 8:30 PM on January 30th. I may, or may not, have traveled through time. Be jealous.
I struggled to get my three massive bags, one small suitcase, and one small dog and we were off. It was actually relatively easy to bring Atlas back, a lot of people said it would be so difficult but it wasn't at all. And he was perfectly fine after the flight! A little scared but as soon as I got him out of his crate, he was the same cute dog who was super excited to see me and to meet so many new people.
Being home has been pretty weird so far. The second day I was back, I already felt like I had never left. The jet lag didn't hit me until this Saturday when I fell asleep from 7-10, woke up and couldn't sleep until 2am and then woke up again at 5am. I think I've got a handle on the jet lag now, my sleep is pretty normal. But it is still weird getting used to life in Canada. The cold, the snow, English, my family and friends so close by, English, English, English, high prices, English.
I had planned to stop this blog upon returning to Canada but Rick is trying to convince me otherwise. But I don't think my life is all that exciting enough to write about here. I guess we'll see what happens.
For now, I am home. Rick is in Taiwan.
29 January 2014
The End
Tomorrow is the day I leave Taiwan. Still not feeling like it is all real but also managing to get sad about leaving this place, and Rick behind. I will definitely miss Taiwan, all the friends I have made here, and all the places that I like to go. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the world. While I didn't blog as much as I had planned on, I'm still glad that I did blog as often as I did. If only for the reminder to myself of the time we spent here.
Our journey is ending. Rick will be in Taiwan for around another month while his fractured foot heals and then he is off on his own travels. I'm excited for him but also scared about how much I'm going to miss him. The airport tomorrow will definitely be heart breaking. How different from when we first arrived in Taiwan; crying at the airport while saying goodbye to our families to crying at the airport saying goodbye to each other. I've grown accustomed to relying on Rick to pick me up when I'm feeling down about missing my friends and family but now he will be the one I'm missing. It will definitely be a challenge but that doesn't change how proud I am of him for having the courage to take this trip on his own. That is something that I don't think I could ever do.
Tomorrow, Atlas and I will be making our way to Canada. Wish us luck. Here are some pictures of me saying goodbye to my classes. I'd be lying if I said I didn't cry after saying goodbye to some of these little cuties.
Our journey is ending. Rick will be in Taiwan for around another month while his fractured foot heals and then he is off on his own travels. I'm excited for him but also scared about how much I'm going to miss him. The airport tomorrow will definitely be heart breaking. How different from when we first arrived in Taiwan; crying at the airport while saying goodbye to our families to crying at the airport saying goodbye to each other. I've grown accustomed to relying on Rick to pick me up when I'm feeling down about missing my friends and family but now he will be the one I'm missing. It will definitely be a challenge but that doesn't change how proud I am of him for having the courage to take this trip on his own. That is something that I don't think I could ever do.
Tomorrow, Atlas and I will be making our way to Canada. Wish us luck. Here are some pictures of me saying goodbye to my classes. I'd be lying if I said I didn't cry after saying goodbye to some of these little cuties.
The first class I had to say goodbye to
My babies
One of my favorite older classes, I will miss them all so much!
Cutest weirdos ever
This class lined up for a hug from me after wards.. pretty much started bawling by the fourth hug
Goodbye dinner with some friends
My very first class I ever taught in Taiwan and my very last
22 January 2014
Accidents and Goodbyes
On Friday night, Rick got into a scooter accident on the way to class. During the accident, his scooter fell on his foot which caused him to fracture a bone in his foot. Originally, the doctor had told him it would take eight weeks to heal. He was pretty upset, considering his plans to travel around Taiwan and elsewhere. We were 99% sure that he would be coming home with me on December 30th. But he had a follow up appointment first and we were hoping for the best.
Our friends, David and Monica, offered Rick to stay on their couch while his leg healed and then he could travel. Rick's spirits were lifted. He was thinking of asking to work at Gloria longer while he healed and then doing his trip around Taiwan (but now on a train) and then going to Sri Lanka. We headed to the doctor yesterday with high hopes. He said it was a 4-6 week healing time so that was very exciting. Rick decided on staying and working and he just had to talk to our boss.... who told him he can't work for Gloria any more because his working permit will be expired :( Set back again but Rick has decided to stay and try and look for some work during his healing time.. then travel once his leg is back to 100%.
So now instead of thinking I won't see Rick for about a month to two months.. 4-6 weeks is now added on top of that. I will miss him a lot BUT I am very excited to get to see all my friends and family. Hopefully everyone will keep me busy. (Mom and Dad, I don't mean busy with housework....)
In other news, Tuesday marked the beginning of saying goodbye to our classes which has turned out to be a lot harder than I thought. I thought that the younger classes would be harder but so far, saying goodbye to my older classes has sucked. I have been given so many cards and hugs, it feels so bittersweet to be saying goodbye. I am going to miss all my students, co-teachers and friends so much. I really wasn't expecting it to be this hard to say goodbye so maybe that is what is making it harder. I think a big aspect of it is that when I left Canada, I knew I would be back. I don't know when or if I will ever be back in Taiwan. I think that is more sad than anything.
Only eight days to go.
Our friends, David and Monica, offered Rick to stay on their couch while his leg healed and then he could travel. Rick's spirits were lifted. He was thinking of asking to work at Gloria longer while he healed and then doing his trip around Taiwan (but now on a train) and then going to Sri Lanka. We headed to the doctor yesterday with high hopes. He said it was a 4-6 week healing time so that was very exciting. Rick decided on staying and working and he just had to talk to our boss.... who told him he can't work for Gloria any more because his working permit will be expired :( Set back again but Rick has decided to stay and try and look for some work during his healing time.. then travel once his leg is back to 100%.
So now instead of thinking I won't see Rick for about a month to two months.. 4-6 weeks is now added on top of that. I will miss him a lot BUT I am very excited to get to see all my friends and family. Hopefully everyone will keep me busy. (Mom and Dad, I don't mean busy with housework....)
In other news, Tuesday marked the beginning of saying goodbye to our classes which has turned out to be a lot harder than I thought. I thought that the younger classes would be harder but so far, saying goodbye to my older classes has sucked. I have been given so many cards and hugs, it feels so bittersweet to be saying goodbye. I am going to miss all my students, co-teachers and friends so much. I really wasn't expecting it to be this hard to say goodbye so maybe that is what is making it harder. I think a big aspect of it is that when I left Canada, I knew I would be back. I don't know when or if I will ever be back in Taiwan. I think that is more sad than anything.
Only eight days to go.
14 January 2014
13 Things I Won't Miss About Taiwan
So I have been getting a little sad lately about leaving Taiwan. Leaving the place I've lived for a year. Leaving all these people and places that I see on a daily basis and will probably never see again. I have decided to combat this sadness I will make a list of things about Taiwan that drive me crazy aka 13 things that I won't miss.. one for each month that I have been here!
1. Driving a scooter in the rain
2. Not being able to just order what I want at a restaurant without some kind of language barrier
3. How much it rains
4. The amount of times I have been sick in the past year
5. Lunch boxes, pig's blood, chicken butt, red bean soup, red bean anything, taro, squid balls, fish ball soup; Taiwanese food dishes that I do not understand
6. Mosquitoes
7. Eating dinner every single night at 9:30 or even later
8. The complete disregard that drivers have for each other
9. Not being able to properly discipline children because they don't speak enough English
10. Scaring children in stores simply because I am a foreigner and they've never seen a foreigner before
11. Knowing enough Chinese to know that people are talking about me but not what they are saying
12. Learning the frustrating language that is Chinese
13. "You're Canadian.. why are you cold?"
1. Driving a scooter in the rain
2. Not being able to just order what I want at a restaurant without some kind of language barrier
3. How much it rains
4. The amount of times I have been sick in the past year
5. Lunch boxes, pig's blood, chicken butt, red bean soup, red bean anything, taro, squid balls, fish ball soup; Taiwanese food dishes that I do not understand
6. Mosquitoes
7. Eating dinner every single night at 9:30 or even later
8. The complete disregard that drivers have for each other
9. Not being able to properly discipline children because they don't speak enough English
10. Scaring children in stores simply because I am a foreigner and they've never seen a foreigner before
11. Knowing enough Chinese to know that people are talking about me but not what they are saying
12. Learning the frustrating language that is Chinese
13. "You're Canadian.. why are you cold?"
Yehliu
With only a few Sundays left, we have decided to make them count. We were very hungover and tired this Sunday after celebrating a friend's birthday on Saturday night but we sucked it up and headed out for the day. We had planned to have an early start at around 8AM but ended up leaving the apartment at around 12. It was a two hour journey to get to Yehliu. First we had to go to Taipei and then take another bus there.
The bus ride was terrifying and worrisome. Our driver had clearly just watched the Fast and the Furious and thought he was Vin Diesel. He was making the sharpest turns on the side of a mountain, the bus was constantly lurching forward and I kept on having to brace myself. So that was the terrifying part. The worrisome part is that usually when we take a bus, there is an LED sign saying the name of each stop as we approach it. For some reason on this bus, the driver had turned it off. I knew how to ask in Chinese for him to tell us when we got there but since I have been really shy lately at using my Chinese, I spent the next 5-10 minutes teaching Rick how to say it and then sending him on his way.
Finally, he told us that we were in Yehliu! Yehliu is a little small fishing village about an hour and a half outside of Taipei and there is a beautiful geopark there. There are all these naturally made rock formations there that people come in droves of tour buses to see. It really was amazing to see. I'm so glad we went there before our time is finished here. We brought Atlas along with us and we had such a fun day. It was pretty chilly down by the water, it rained a little but we still had a great time.
After we finished at the geopark, we were both starving and had heard about the great seafood restaurants Yehliu had to offer. Unfortunately, we seemed to have chosen the wrong one. Our food was edible and that was a good thing. We headed back to Taipei in search of better food. We ended up at one of our favorite restaurants that we've been to, Macho Tacos and again, we really enjoyed our food. We grabbed some cupcakes and headed back to the apartment.
One Sunday down... two to go.
The bus ride was terrifying and worrisome. Our driver had clearly just watched the Fast and the Furious and thought he was Vin Diesel. He was making the sharpest turns on the side of a mountain, the bus was constantly lurching forward and I kept on having to brace myself. So that was the terrifying part. The worrisome part is that usually when we take a bus, there is an LED sign saying the name of each stop as we approach it. For some reason on this bus, the driver had turned it off. I knew how to ask in Chinese for him to tell us when we got there but since I have been really shy lately at using my Chinese, I spent the next 5-10 minutes teaching Rick how to say it and then sending him on his way.
Finally, he told us that we were in Yehliu! Yehliu is a little small fishing village about an hour and a half outside of Taipei and there is a beautiful geopark there. There are all these naturally made rock formations there that people come in droves of tour buses to see. It really was amazing to see. I'm so glad we went there before our time is finished here. We brought Atlas along with us and we had such a fun day. It was pretty chilly down by the water, it rained a little but we still had a great time.
A very windy day
After we finished at the geopark, we were both starving and had heard about the great seafood restaurants Yehliu had to offer. Unfortunately, we seemed to have chosen the wrong one. Our food was edible and that was a good thing. We headed back to Taipei in search of better food. We ended up at one of our favorite restaurants that we've been to, Macho Tacos and again, we really enjoyed our food. We grabbed some cupcakes and headed back to the apartment.
Not amused with our food in Yehliu
YAY TACOS!
One Sunday down... two to go.
8 January 2014
Twenty Two Days
It feels really weird to be having a countdown for coming home. Especially when you consider that I started this blog with a countdown for coming to Taiwan. I only have 22 days left in the country and only 19 days left until I am finished working. The other day I started to get stressed out about all the stuff I have and not being able to fit it into two suitcases, so I did what every other sane person would do. I started packing.
This only made me more stressed out. That one suitcase is half full and that is only souvenirs, some shoes (not even all my shoes), and some random little tidbits. I still have all my clothes, toiletries, medicine, shoes, coats, and all my favourite coffee mugs to pack. I want to scream. For now, I will just obsess about it and send another box of stuff home. But then every time I send a box home, I start to think, what if when I do leave, I have all this extra room because I sent so much home in boxes? What a conundrum.
This week, I've started to tell my students that I am leaving because after teaching this week's class, I will only have two more weeks with them. So far, I have only told one class. Some were confused.
"Why are you leaving?"
"Because I have to go home."
"But you live in Taiwan.."
"But my mom doesn't live in Taiwan."
"But my mom doesn't live in Taiwan."
"She should move to Taiwan."
Or: "So when are you coming back to Taiwan?"
It was actually pretty sad to tell this particular class. I have been their one and only foreign teacher and I've gotten to watch them learn so much. I will really miss them. I'm hoping that it gets easier to tell my classes each time but I'm thinking it will actually be the opposite.
6 January 2014
Daxi Old Street
We just had our first Sunday off that we didn't have to worry about waking up really early the next day to work at the elementary school because the semester is over! Safe to say, we were pretty excited! For the past three months on Sundays, we would try to go out and do something considering it is our ONE day off a week but we would feel constantly plagued by thoughts of finishing a slideshow and waking up at 7AM.
There are a few places near Taipei/Taoyuan that I want to visit before I leave Taiwan and since Rick is doing a trip all around Taiwan on his own, we decided that I get to decide what we do for our last few Sundays. This Sunday, I was torn between going to Daxi Old Street and Keelung but ultimately, I picked Daxi Old Street.
We google mapped our directions and we were off. It was a thirty minute scooter ride but it was pretty straightforward. We arrived around 11:30/12 oclock which was nice because it wasn't too busy yet. Daxi Old Street was exactly what I expected it to be. A cute little street filled with lots of little things to eat, cute stores, and lots of people.
There are a few places near Taipei/Taoyuan that I want to visit before I leave Taiwan and since Rick is doing a trip all around Taiwan on his own, we decided that I get to decide what we do for our last few Sundays. This Sunday, I was torn between going to Daxi Old Street and Keelung but ultimately, I picked Daxi Old Street.
We google mapped our directions and we were off. It was a thirty minute scooter ride but it was pretty straightforward. We arrived around 11:30/12 oclock which was nice because it wasn't too busy yet. Daxi Old Street was exactly what I expected it to be. A cute little street filled with lots of little things to eat, cute stores, and lots of people.
Atlas and I enjoying the busy street
The first food we had were steamed buns. But these steamed buns were easily the best I have ever had. Steamed buns are a favourite amongst foreigners living in Taiwan but I am usually not impressed with them. These had me speechless. At the end of our day, I actually went back to get some more. We had some deep fried mushrooms, some mini shephard-pie style cakes that Rick wasn't too fond of and did a little more shopping. We also stopped by a temple and took some pictures of the nice views there.
Atlas is a little camera shy
I'm actually in love with this picture
After we enjoyed our food and drinks, we took a rest in a park and just walked around enjoying ourselves. By the time we were ready to leave, the street was packed with even more people. I actually was surprised how busy it was. At this point, I was pretty happy we came as early as we did.
On the way back to the apartment, I was exhausted. I was legitimately falling asleep on the back of the scooter. This probably has to due with the fact that I am still just getting over being sick. For a few days there, I was losing and regaining my voice every single day but since I went to a doctor, I seem to be on the mend. But that didn't stop me from falling asleep at every red light and then being jerked awake when Rick started to drive again. After I told him I kept felling asleep and he said, "I wondered why you kept hitting me in the head, that was getting really annoying but I didn't want to say anything."
Spent the rest of our night relaxing and we watched an amazing movie, Side Effects. I had been wanting to see it for awhile but I didn't think Rick would be interested, the trailer makes it seem very different than it really is which is a very dramatic, thrilling, mysterious movie with tons of twists and turns. I highly recommend you see it.
Only 24 days to go now. I am off to lesson plan for the day and start cleaning out our spare room. Wish me luck.
25 December 2013
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from Taiwan!
It is officially Christmas day in Taiwan, so merry christmas to all! I was originally very scared that Christmas would be really sad, being so far away from family and friends. And while it is hard to be away during the holidays, I'm not as sad as I thought I would be. Not nearly as sad as I was last year at least. Regardless, I miss all my family and friends and wish a Merry Christmas to everyone!
Rick and I had a traditional Christmas morning. We sat down in front of our tree and opened our gifts. Now I am having hot chocolate with marshmallows and eating breakfast. Later I have three classes, we still work Christmas in Taiwan. But they are three of my favorite classes and coteachers so I don't mind!
Love you all.
It is officially Christmas day in Taiwan, so merry christmas to all! I was originally very scared that Christmas would be really sad, being so far away from family and friends. And while it is hard to be away during the holidays, I'm not as sad as I thought I would be. Not nearly as sad as I was last year at least. Regardless, I miss all my family and friends and wish a Merry Christmas to everyone!
Rick and I had a traditional Christmas morning. We sat down in front of our tree and opened our gifts. Now I am having hot chocolate with marshmallows and eating breakfast. Later I have three classes, we still work Christmas in Taiwan. But they are three of my favorite classes and coteachers so I don't mind!
Love you all.
24 December 2013
Teaching Christmas
Since we arrived right on Christmas Eve last year, we kind of missed the crazy that is Christmas at Gloria. For the past week, we've been having Christmas parties in all of our classes. Its been a lot of fun but I am so exhausted. Rick and I decided that we didn't want to just make Christmas cards with our students which is what they usually do. So I researched and found some crafts to do with different levels. With our older classes, each student gets to make a wreath and decorate it. The younger classes made reindeer with their hands for the antlers and their foot for the head. Here are a couple pictures of my cutest kids or the best jobs done to explain...
In one of my classes, we made gingerbread houses! I was pretty impressed with them. Their houses looked a lot better than mine ever have...
Our week of Christmas parties isn't over yet! We still have tonight and tomorrow. Tonight I am making Christmas cards because its their first Christmas at an English school. The next day we are making a Santa craft, and then more wreaths. All of these Christmas parties have really helped to put me into the Christmas spirit while being so far from home. It also helps that Rick surprised me with a Christmas tree! And we've been watching a lot of Christmas movies as well.
We just realized actually that as of today, we have officially been in Taiwan for a year. When we first got here, I never would've thought I'd make it the full year. And now its only 37 more days until I am back in Canada. Time really does fly.
2 December 2013
Koh Phangan: How We Spent the 20 Hours We Had There
We had to take a ferry to Koh Phangan and it didn't suit either of us very well. I felt nauseous while Rick spent his time vomiting. Lovely start to Koh Phangan. We arrived there and it was beautiful. Upon arriving to our hostel, we really wished we had more time there. It was great. We had our own hut with a hammock out front. The hostel had its own little beach, a beach bar, tons of lounge area. It looked awesome.
The Half Moon Party is a party that happens once a month in Koh Phangan. These parties started with just the original Full Moon Party, also once a month, but I have no idea why it started or who started it. But as I said, they have expanded to the Half Moon and also the Black Moon Party. I think that they're just looking for any reason to have a party. Regardless, everyone we talked to who had been to Thailand and one of these parties said we had to go. Lucky for us, the Half Moon fell right in the middle of our trip so off we went.
Koh Phangan was where we had planned to meet up with a former teacher from Gloria, Emily. She finished her contract a month ago and thought she would be travelling Thailand alone so we were all really excited to meet up for the Half Moon Party. An even better part of it was that she ended up traveling with Amber, Ashley (two more former Gloria teachers), and their friend Kelly. Since the Half Moon Party was closer to our hostel, they would be coming there later. So we headed to their beach for the afternoon.
They were staying on Haad Rin beach which is the main one. This beach is where the Full Moon Party usually is and I could see why. It was a massive beach, and it was beautiful. It was really nice to see some familiar faces! We relaxed on the beach, ate lunch, and caught up. Rick and I were pretty exhausted from our major day of traveling so we headed back to our hostel to take a nap, and have dinner and planned to meet back up with the girls later.
They came to our hostel at around 10 PM and we had lots of fun drinking and painting each other with some crazy designs. The Half Moon Party is full of black lights so everyone paints neon paint on themselves. Another thing I thought was funny was that all throughout the town, stores were selling shirts that said, "Half Moon Party!" or "Full Moon Party." And I thought to myself, no one would actually wear that shirt TO the party! Boy, was I proven wrong. I couldn't even count how many people were wearing those shirts, to each his own I suppose.
The party was very cool and I am really glad we went. The atmosphere was really cool. Lots of black lights, lots of people wasted. So many European bros were there, shamelessly hitting on any girl in sight. One of them just walked up to one of my friends and started kissing her, no hello, nothing. Rick saw it and pushed him off of her. So that was an interesting experience. Another interesting part was that they sold laughing gas for $200 Baht for one balloon, we didn't partake in this.
About halfway through the night, we lost two of the girls we were with. Cue panic. So many random people. We searched for them for over an hour and were starting to stress out but finally, they came back. They had found some guy passed out behind the bathroom and got him sent to the hospital. After that, the party felt over for Rick and I so we headed back to the hostel. Taking a taxi back was a challenge, the driver wouldn't leave until he had a full van so people kept leaving to look for another ride. So frustrating. Eventually we made it back to our hostel, slept for two hours, and woke up in time for our 7AM ferry ride.
We had a ferry ride, a bus ride, another ferry ride and we arrived. Ko Phi Phi was our next destination.
While in Koh Phangan, we stayed at Coco Gardens. It had its own beach, their restaurant was amazing, a beach bar, each hut has its own hammock, more hammocks near the beach. Would have been amazing to stay longer. The staff was really nice, answered all the questions we had and hooked us up with a taxi to take us to our early morning ferry. If you are going to Koh Phangan and don't want to stay on Haad Rin Beach, this resort is perfect for you.
About halfway through the night, we lost two of the girls we were with. Cue panic. So many random people. We searched for them for over an hour and were starting to stress out but finally, they came back. They had found some guy passed out behind the bathroom and got him sent to the hospital. After that, the party felt over for Rick and I so we headed back to the hostel. Taking a taxi back was a challenge, the driver wouldn't leave until he had a full van so people kept leaving to look for another ride. So frustrating. Eventually we made it back to our hostel, slept for two hours, and woke up in time for our 7AM ferry ride.
Wasn't feeling too great about this 7AM ferry ride
This guy was sleeping waiting for the ferry, it was clear he had been at the party as well
We had a ferry ride, a bus ride, another ferry ride and we arrived. Ko Phi Phi was our next destination.
While in Koh Phangan, we stayed at Coco Gardens. It had its own beach, their restaurant was amazing, a beach bar, each hut has its own hammock, more hammocks near the beach. Would have been amazing to stay longer. The staff was really nice, answered all the questions we had and hooked us up with a taxi to take us to our early morning ferry. If you are going to Koh Phangan and don't want to stay on Haad Rin Beach, this resort is perfect for you.
28 October 2013
Halloween Week in Taiwan
Day One of Halloween has gone pretty good so far! We had our classes at Ching Si and I had a lot of fun with all of them. I decided not to wear a costume but now I am wishing I did. They all had a lot of fun talking about Halloween. At the end of each lesson, I showed them a bunch of pictures that have "ghosts" in them. The last picture is of a forest and tells you to focus on the middle of the picture, and then a very scary face pops out. Rick said I shouldn't show it to the kids but they LOVED it. A lot of people believe in ghosts in Taiwan so they were sooo into the ghost stories I told and 100% focused on the picture when it happened. Everyone screamed. It was amazing. Happy Halloween! I'm also getting to know my students better and better every week. There are these two girls who come to see me throughout the day. Today, they told me who they have a crush on in the class. Soooooooooooo cute. They like the meanest boy though, I tried to tell them they should like the nice boys. The one girl said to me, "But because he is mean, he is more handsome!" Ughhhhhhhhh. I feel sorry for her later on in life haha.
Today, I have a demo in one of my kindergarten classes. I'm always so nervous for these days but so far, they have gone pretty well. I'm really worried about this one though because we rushed it. Since next week I will be on vacation, we pushed the demo backward one week instead of forward. We shall see how it goes!
Last night, Rick and I got into the Halloween spirit by finishing watching the latest season of True Blood. Also, we made cut out pumpkins to play a game in our upcoming classes. Starting tomorrow, we get to dress up in our classes for Halloween. I'll post a picture of me, Rick, and Atlas in our costumes when we get all dressed up.
Day Two: We headed off to Costco with Rick's coteacher Julian to grab some candy for our kids. Planned some games, dressed up and we were off. Where we work, we are expected to have regular class for one hour and then a Halloween party in the second hour. The students are allowed to trick or treat to the other classes if they want, or we can do Halloween related activities. My class wanted to trick or treat so off we went. The kids have to sing a song and then, the kids in that class give them candy. The song is kind of dumb and having to sing it really ruins it for the older students who are still torn between participating and not caring. My coteacher was genuinely shocked when I told her we don't actually sing that song when we go trick-or-treating in Canada, that we just say, "trick or treat."
Anyway, the students had fun. We taught them some Halloween words and played a couple games. They got some candy and a lot of them gave me some candy. I'm actually really excited for the next day of my Halloween week. My first class is so adorable, my second class has a test so I get to relax, and my third class is a lot of fun too.
Day Three of Halloween was my longest. Three classes. One of my favourite classes in the afternoon with one of my favourite coteachers. The kids were adorable, my coteacher's costume was fabulous, and they got a shit ton of candy. It was a great time. My second class was an older class but we have so much fun.
Unfortunately, it was a test day for them. Since I am going on vacation for the next two weeks (and so is my coteacher actually), we had to have the test during Halloween week. Since they were older, they didn't really mind and they all enjoyed the candy I gave them after they finished the test.
My last class was a bit older but not too old to have a Halloween party. We played games, listened to music, had some Halloween fun.
Day Four was my final day of Halloween, and it was actually Halloween. On this day, I have one younger class who were totally excited and another class who are too cool for school. Regardless, I had SO MUCH fun with my first class. They were all totally in the Halloween spirit. It was amazing. So much fun.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Today, I have a demo in one of my kindergarten classes. I'm always so nervous for these days but so far, they have gone pretty well. I'm really worried about this one though because we rushed it. Since next week I will be on vacation, we pushed the demo backward one week instead of forward. We shall see how it goes!
Last night, Rick and I got into the Halloween spirit by finishing watching the latest season of True Blood. Also, we made cut out pumpkins to play a game in our upcoming classes. Starting tomorrow, we get to dress up in our classes for Halloween. I'll post a picture of me, Rick, and Atlas in our costumes when we get all dressed up.
Day Two: We headed off to Costco with Rick's coteacher Julian to grab some candy for our kids. Planned some games, dressed up and we were off. Where we work, we are expected to have regular class for one hour and then a Halloween party in the second hour. The students are allowed to trick or treat to the other classes if they want, or we can do Halloween related activities. My class wanted to trick or treat so off we went. The kids have to sing a song and then, the kids in that class give them candy. The song is kind of dumb and having to sing it really ruins it for the older students who are still torn between participating and not caring. My coteacher was genuinely shocked when I told her we don't actually sing that song when we go trick-or-treating in Canada, that we just say, "trick or treat."
Anyway, the students had fun. We taught them some Halloween words and played a couple games. They got some candy and a lot of them gave me some candy. I'm actually really excited for the next day of my Halloween week. My first class is so adorable, my second class has a test so I get to relax, and my third class is a lot of fun too.
Me and Atlas as matching minions
Day Three of Halloween was my longest. Three classes. One of my favourite classes in the afternoon with one of my favourite coteachers. The kids were adorable, my coteacher's costume was fabulous, and they got a shit ton of candy. It was a great time. My second class was an older class but we have so much fun.
Unfortunately, it was a test day for them. Since I am going on vacation for the next two weeks (and so is my coteacher actually), we had to have the test during Halloween week. Since they were older, they didn't really mind and they all enjoyed the candy I gave them after they finished the test.
My last class was a bit older but not too old to have a Halloween party. We played games, listened to music, had some Halloween fun.
Is it bad to have favourites? Oh well, I do. These are them.
Our crazy boys.
Day Four was my final day of Halloween, and it was actually Halloween. On this day, I have one younger class who were totally excited and another class who are too cool for school. Regardless, I had SO MUCH fun with my first class. They were all totally in the Halloween spirit. It was amazing. So much fun.
Getting pretty hyper before the party started. We're required to do half a class of actual work and then we are allowed to have a party, they were pretty excited for the party.
Ruby is one of my best kids in this class. So helpful, always so excited and so dang smart. She is the one shooting her arms out and looking like its her birthday,
Bob (with his tongue out) made his own costume and was so worried it wouldn't be good enough! Me and my coteacher took lots of pictures to try and show him how great it was!
Singing their little hearts out. "Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat. If you don't, I don't care, I can see your underwear!"
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
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