Sunday, August 24, 2014

Weekend in Taiwan

This weekend was one to remember.. Friday night was relaxed, played board games with friends at Beer and Cheese.  (The serve local beers and cheese).  When it was time to go we all decided to rent bikes to get to the MRT station faster.  All over the city they have stations where you can rent bikes, and the first thirty minutes are free!  Not a bad way to get around.  

Saturday I woke up early and rushed to make the 9AM train to leave the city.  I was invited to go sailing in the city of Tainan.  We took the high speed rail, and made it there in about 2 hours.  After stopping for some famous shrimp rolls, we made it to the marina.  We were extremely lucky with amazing weather, and to my surprise there weren't really any other boats out.  I was told that sailing, and boating in general isn't a big recreational activity in Taiwan.   At first the water was a murky dark brown green, and suddenly we passed into deep royal blue water.  The water was extremely clear, and the blue water looked unreal.  After a slight warning of the abundance of jelly fish, we all jumped in.  I thought I had escaped a jelly fish sting, but then I felt a pain the second swimming session.  My luck ran out. I guess the jellyfish don't actually sting, they just cause more of an stinging sensation, but of course I had a nice mark for a couple of hours.  After that it was time to get closer to land before the sunset.  It was beautiful!

Getting back to the dock, we expected to just unload the boat and head out to dinner.  To our surprise, we walked into a "dock party".  A guy who owned a yacht in the marina decided to hire a DJ and have a bar-b-q.  We were welcomed with open arms.  They made sure we were well fed and always had a drink in hand.  I even got a tour of the yacht.  

Sunday was a day of exploring that included an art market and live music.  Walking off the MRT we immediately saw a stage and a lot of girls screaming.  Getting closer, we realized we stumbled upon a boy band concert.  The audience was loving them.. I guess they are famous in Taiwan.  We were about to leave when two of the guys walked by and quickly said hi.  I then saw a group of girls running after them.. I guess we had a brief encounter with local celebs :).  Continuing to walk, it felt like we were in a little Times Square.  There were street performers, dancers, and people everywhere. I saw some familiar restaurants like Fridays and Chilis, and even checked out Modern Toilet.   The chairs are toilets, and the food is served in toilets.  I'm sure I will eventually make it there to eat!

I am still shocked with how great the people here have been.  My friends called it Taiwan Hospitality.  So far I am having an amazing experience. .. 

Beer and Cheese


The Yo Yo


Group Pic


Sunset 



Grilling out.. DJ in the background
... Did I mention there was also fireworks we could see?


Sailaway


Love


Just some popstars



One of these days.. 

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Food, Food, and More Food

Before beginning my journey, one of the aspects that excited me most was the food.  I've always loved international food, and couldn't wait to see what awaited me.  Well my first three weeks have not disappointed.  From night markets, to walk up stands, delicious food is always around.  At first I was a little limited on where I was eating, picking places that had an English menu or pictures I could point to.  However, I have met some great people that are helping me experience food like the locals! Last weekend I had all you can eat hot pot.  Similar to fondue, you have raw food that you cook in a broth.   There was seafood, meat, vegetables, and a lot of weird looking things I avoided.  They also had all you can drink beer and Hagen Dazs :).  It's shocking I was able to walk out of there!  

My friend Meilee has been here for 10 years, and has been an awesome tour guide!  Going to eat with her is awesome because she knows Chinese, and has no problem just ordering the must haves for the table.  We waited in line for an hour and a half for a famous breakfast place (just a counter you order at.. not even waiting for a table), and tried food I never would have thought to order.  

Overall, I am loving the food!  Here's some pictures to help visualize what I have been enjoying!  


World Famous Dumpling Place



Matt Damon is a fan




Night Market


That's butter in the middle




Hot Pot


Pig Blood Cake (Not a fan)


Breakfast Place-- Sandwiches in that clay pot


Pork Belly

Monday, August 11, 2014

Taipei

For those of you who don't know, I have been in Taipei for two weeks now!  It has been pretty non stop, and I still feel like a tourist.

Arriving into the city, I was greeted by my school director.  Driving into the city was gorgeous, I had no idea Taipei is surrounded by mountains.  Having traveled in different parts of SE Asia, it was shocking seeing real highways, and people observing traffic signals.  Quite a change from what I had grown used to in Cambodia.  My school put me up in a little temporary "apartment"(bed, desk, and a bathroom), and told me I would be starting work the next day.  So much for taking a week to explore!

My first week of working went well, luckily it was half days.  The summer program is much more laid back than the school year, with each class focusing on a writing project.  My class ranged from 6-10 year olds, and they were all extremely sweet.

I spent the afternoons with my friend Chelsie (we met in Cambodia during Languagecorps), checking out the city and hunting for an apartment.  We took the time to check out a few night markets, and I tried some amazing food, such as fried squid with Thai Chili sauce and a fried mashed potato ball with cheese and corn.  Of course I have had my fair share of potstickers and dumplings!

The people here have been amazing, going out of their way to be helpful.  Almost every time I pull out a map someone approaches wanting to help.  I've only been given horrible directions a few times now... People are also excited to talk to us because we clearly are foreigners.  I have been approached by many people wanting to be friends so they can practice their english.  I haven't followed up with anyone yet, but it could be a great way to learn some Chinese!

I will try to get better about posting, but for now here are some pictures!  Enjoy :)


Fried Squid



Botanical Gardens



Did I mention I bought a selfie stick... 


Taipei Zoo


Hello Kitty Gondola