Cheers my Sisters

My friend Judith and I recently went out to dinner to a Korean BBQ restaurant.  The menu was entirely in Chinese, so ordering was a bit of a challenge.  We put our trust in the waiter, and ordered a few different things to try.  However, the atmosphere was great, everyone enjoying themselves.  Every time someone would take a shot or cheers, the entire restaurant would participate in yelling "Gam Bay".  (Cheers in Chinese).  We decided to join in the fun, and the table next to us introduced themselves.  After we told them we were from America, it was pure joy on their faces.  Turns out we were the "first American friends they have ever had".  After the "Merry Christmas Cheers", we decided to go to KTV (Karaoke box).  Karaoke is taken very seriously here, chandeliers and private rooms.  It really is an unique experience.  We ordered french toast and cheese sticks, Judith and I sang some classics, while our new friends sang in Chinese.  We called it a night, and before we got home our new friend created a Facebook group with the three of us called "Cheers my Sisters".  It was a great experience hanging with some locals!

 

Holidays Abroad

Moving abroad, I knew missing holidays would be one of the hardest parts.  I wasn't sure what to expect being in a different country, but have been pleasantly surprised in some areas.  Halloween was the first "western" holiday I encountered.  I was shocked how many places decorated, but the only places that actually "celebrate" Halloween are clubs and English schools.  Our school had costumes, a haunted room, games, and lots of candy from the homemade pinatas.  Here are some pictures from Halloween.

                      

Halloween Party at work

Halloween Decorations mixed with Christmas at the "Amusement Park"

Thanksgiving was the next holiday, and I was extremely lucky to have mom and dad visiting.  It was an awesome experience having Thanksgiving together in Taiwan, and my parents even brought the ingredients for my favorite dishes.  We cooked in my boss's kitchen, and I think the Chinese teachers enjoyed trying some new food!

 Walking the food back to work

Thanksgiving in the school library

Being away from my family during Christmas was rough. I worked a 10.5 hour day.  Not what I call a holiday!   It was definitely the time I've missed home the most, but I have been blessed with amazing family and friends that still made it special.  I had a tree, complete with presents underneath.  I also received an awesome gift basket from the best aunts and uncles.  My mom even organized collecting Christmas cards from friends and family across the states.  While I still missed home, all of these details made it much better.  FaceTime also played a small part :)