An end to my 2012-2013 year as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student! What a year it has been.
In a year...JUST A YEAR...I have experienced so much. When I look back on the previous nine and a half months in my life, I take a huge deep breath in. I think about the first night I arrived, my first day in the place I would call home for months, the hot, hot, hot weather, my first week of school...ooph...and then the rest of the year at the school, my challenging experiences with host families in the first months, Rotary frustrations with the language and culture, strong times of homesickness, language classes, the non-stop rain my winter vacation travels around the island, the CRAZY food that I ate, my day trips, my rides on the MRT, or a bus, at rush hour, my long walks, the many people I met, my friends, the fun, and with it all, the great amount of knowledge that I have from the experiences and the memories I have created, and how fortunate I am to have the experience to be an exchange student, who lived abroad from her country, friends, regular life, family, and then lived in Taiwan away from it all and created a life that I was successful in. Then, that is when I take that big deep breath out.
As I have throughout my year, I will continue to articulate and learn from the experiences as I continue my life back in the states. Although my year as an exchange student has come to an end, my year will "live on" for a long time to come. I am still Anna, but with a few changes! I may indeed be a bit taller, have lost a little weight here and gained some there, my hair is a little longer. But, more importantly than the outside changes, I have gained new qualities, strengths, and passions from the inside, that most people may not see. I know that during my year, I have gained this sense of inner peace. I roll with changes "like a pro," if you know my Anna stress! I learned how to better handle difficult situations with strength and respect. I have slept on four different beds and one couch and I have had a REALLY long sleepover with five very different host families. And yes I did it! I have the Mandarin Chinese language as one of my greatest passions and strengths! I have a tight group of friends who I have created incredible relationships with and who I hope to call lifelong friends. I have realized how much I appreciate the fresh, clean air that I am lucky to live around. To have the clean home, a bed, and food in my home to eat. But more than it all, I don't just have A family to live with, but I have MY family to live with and LOVE! My changes haven't been dramatic but certainly present. Although I don't know where I am going yet in life, I do know what is important to me and that feels good!
Thank you to the wonderful friends I have made this year. I met so many great people this year and I have incredible people who I now call great friends. All of you are from different countries and we all came into each others lives in such unique and memorable ways. The little adventures, the food eating, the long talks, the laughs and smiles, none of it would be the same if I didn't have you to share it with. You hold a special place in my heart!
Thank you to Rotary International, Rotary District 3520 Taiwan, District 5470 Colorado, and Rotary Clubs Vail and Edwards for your support as one organization for my exchange year. From the interview and application process and throughout the challenges and the great times, I appreciate you.
I have loved using my blog to share with you the exciting opportunities and new experiences I had throughout my year. My blog has been a fantastic way for me to muse about the times I had that were very exciting, scary at times, and oh so unique. You really were able to read and imagine my true feelings in each and every new experience that I had. All my blogs are written late at night after a great day or a couple days later after school, so I apologize for the times that my spelling or grammar was a little funky. My mother is as quick as lighting to let me know of a change needed in my late night editing sessions before I sleep…thank you mom! This year, writing has been the greatest way for me to reflect and release all the emotions that I go through on a daily basis. I highly encourage writing to you if you are embarking on any journey, big or small. Thank you to my friends and family who followed Anna’s Year Abroad in Taiwan this year, I appreciate you reading along!
I am beyond words excited to not just have A family but to have MY family! No more crazy WIFI or Skype connection to be the line in which we communicate. Our LOVE gave each other the courage and the strength to complete this year apart from each other. To my parents Jana and Steve, thank you for your support and love for myself and the incredible year I have had. I am so, so lucky to have you as my parents. Zach, you are the best big brother and you are never a miss when I need a laugh. Thank you! I love you!
Thank you.
Anna Trombetta
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Saturday, June 8, 2013
I Graduated!
Yes! Yes! Yes! I can finally say it...I have "graduated" from my year as an exchange student at Songshan High School of Agriculture and Industry!! You know, the place where I wear the bright turquoise and white striped uniform five days a week, am surrounded by thousands of Taiwanese students everyday, who yes...sometimes I cannot tell apart, where I spend two days a week at a farm, and the place where I have experienced SO MUCH! I might just be singing and dancing along to the music in my ears, as I lay in bed writing this tonight! Woooohoo!
My year of education at this school has not been an easy journey. More often than not, it was a difficult. There was surely not much to the education that I received in terms of studying a book or listening to a teacher. It certainly was a different sort of education. I will explain. In Taiwan, from a young age, the students are subject to a great deal of pressure about their schoolwork from both their parents and teachers. This so unfortunate and intense for the students. When I say intense I mean, a school day that starts at 7:30a.m. and finishes around 5:00p.m. For most students, a CRAM school follows at least one of their school days, ending class at 9:00p.m. In either case, a regular school day, or one including a CRAM school is always followed by a lot of studying. There is testing everyday, and school on Saturday and Sunday too. "Intense", may not be a word big enough to explain it.
I use the word "unfortunate" when explaining the education system here, because it simply just is. As a girl who will proudly say, I really enjoy school, homework, and learning, there was not ONE day that I spent at this school where my heart didn't hurt for my classmates and the other students here in Taiwan. Lucky for me, because I am an exchange student and I chose to spend my year learning the Mandarin Chinese language, I had no ability to be an actual part of class everyday, attend the hours of class on weekends, or complete all the homework required. But, I did have the opportunity to spend everyday in the back of my classroom or in the library as an observer, while studying the language I so wanted to learn.
As my classmates and other students study to get that A in order to fulfill their parents expectations, I watched and studied three books of Chinese. I watched as a room of students dressed in turquoise in blue sat quietly for fifty minutes every class because they are not allowed to raise their hands and ask questions. My room has fifty students, sitting at fifty brown and green desks in a white room, a chalkboard (not a whiteboard, or a SMARTboard), a closet to store the trash cans and the dust mops for them to clean the room in the morning, lunch, and afternoon, and that's it. They sit in the same classroom for every hour they are at the school including lunch. Their ten minute breaks in between each class of the day, are spent studying or sleeping. At age 17 and 18, they still have an hour for nap time and eating lunch. They don't enjoy a class like P.E. for fresh air or exercise, but instead bring their books and study as they walk around the track or sit under a shaded tree. I could probably go on, but I am going to stop here. All of that, are things that are missing so much CREATIVITY AND LIFE. Think about those two words for a second. Creativity and life...such wonderful words full of creativity and life themselves. I could write about the way my education has been for the last fifteen years, but, I think for most of you, the differences are obvious.
And again, it is just simply put by saying it is unfortunate. From the moment I walked into the school on September 5, 2012, I was ready for a learning challenge, to meet the classmates I would be spending a year with, and the teachers that could help me with my Chinese.... because boy....I knew I was going to need it, and to live the life of a Taiwanese at a Taiwan high school. But soon after September 5, all my hopes, which at the time I don't think were set to high....were slapped right back in my face. None of it was seemed to even be a possibility, no matter how hard I tried. The first month at school, I held back that lump in my throat to not cry, until I arrived home and could let it out to my pillow. Every day that first month was the same. The next day, I would get up and try again at school, entering my classroom, attempting conversations with my teachers, and my classmates, trying to find ways to challenge myself with ways to learn at the school, and become a part of the life that I threw myself into! But as each day went on, my hope was dwindling and so was my positive attitude.
This education system in Taiwan completely influences the culture and people. For me, it is too much and in too many ways. Education in Taiwan takes over lives. It is the reason for lack of family life in the country, the reason most people are so shy and insecure. It is the reason they lack interest in the world they live in and the people in it. Taiwanese rarely show their emotions and seem to lack creativity from within. For many, it seems they just don't have a LIFE that means something more than studying and moving on to the next test. This hurts to write, but hurts even more to see and experience first hand. I wish I could just snap my fingers and make things better. It seems like it could be so easy to change. But this is life in Taiwan.
As the year progressed, my language improved. It was easier to accept the way of life here and conisder it all a challenge and do what I would needed to do to be successful at school and on my exchange. I was often able to help the English teacher with her English class. I found this was a great way to exchange language. When I had the opportunity, I shared myself with my classmates and teachers, even if I knew I wouldn't get much back. I know that as I return home to the US and continue with high school, I will continue to reflect on my experience here in Taiwan and realize many other things about my exchange for the past year in Taiwan.
But, I DID IT!!! I have learned a lot about an education system and experienced what a Taiwanese school and classmates are really like. I was given my completion certificate from the school principal and made a small speech to the graduating class. My classmates gave me a nice going away party full of unhealthy snacks and some not so good karaoke. I am glad we got to spend our last moments together having a little fun! Thank you to the teachers and students at Songshan High School of Agriculture and Industry for hosting me at your school!
My year of education at this school has not been an easy journey. More often than not, it was a difficult. There was surely not much to the education that I received in terms of studying a book or listening to a teacher. It certainly was a different sort of education. I will explain. In Taiwan, from a young age, the students are subject to a great deal of pressure about their schoolwork from both their parents and teachers. This so unfortunate and intense for the students. When I say intense I mean, a school day that starts at 7:30a.m. and finishes around 5:00p.m. For most students, a CRAM school follows at least one of their school days, ending class at 9:00p.m. In either case, a regular school day, or one including a CRAM school is always followed by a lot of studying. There is testing everyday, and school on Saturday and Sunday too. "Intense", may not be a word big enough to explain it.
I use the word "unfortunate" when explaining the education system here, because it simply just is. As a girl who will proudly say, I really enjoy school, homework, and learning, there was not ONE day that I spent at this school where my heart didn't hurt for my classmates and the other students here in Taiwan. Lucky for me, because I am an exchange student and I chose to spend my year learning the Mandarin Chinese language, I had no ability to be an actual part of class everyday, attend the hours of class on weekends, or complete all the homework required. But, I did have the opportunity to spend everyday in the back of my classroom or in the library as an observer, while studying the language I so wanted to learn.
As my classmates and other students study to get that A in order to fulfill their parents expectations, I watched and studied three books of Chinese. I watched as a room of students dressed in turquoise in blue sat quietly for fifty minutes every class because they are not allowed to raise their hands and ask questions. My room has fifty students, sitting at fifty brown and green desks in a white room, a chalkboard (not a whiteboard, or a SMARTboard), a closet to store the trash cans and the dust mops for them to clean the room in the morning, lunch, and afternoon, and that's it. They sit in the same classroom for every hour they are at the school including lunch. Their ten minute breaks in between each class of the day, are spent studying or sleeping. At age 17 and 18, they still have an hour for nap time and eating lunch. They don't enjoy a class like P.E. for fresh air or exercise, but instead bring their books and study as they walk around the track or sit under a shaded tree. I could probably go on, but I am going to stop here. All of that, are things that are missing so much CREATIVITY AND LIFE. Think about those two words for a second. Creativity and life...such wonderful words full of creativity and life themselves. I could write about the way my education has been for the last fifteen years, but, I think for most of you, the differences are obvious.
And again, it is just simply put by saying it is unfortunate. From the moment I walked into the school on September 5, 2012, I was ready for a learning challenge, to meet the classmates I would be spending a year with, and the teachers that could help me with my Chinese.... because boy....I knew I was going to need it, and to live the life of a Taiwanese at a Taiwan high school. But soon after September 5, all my hopes, which at the time I don't think were set to high....were slapped right back in my face. None of it was seemed to even be a possibility, no matter how hard I tried. The first month at school, I held back that lump in my throat to not cry, until I arrived home and could let it out to my pillow. Every day that first month was the same. The next day, I would get up and try again at school, entering my classroom, attempting conversations with my teachers, and my classmates, trying to find ways to challenge myself with ways to learn at the school, and become a part of the life that I threw myself into! But as each day went on, my hope was dwindling and so was my positive attitude.
This education system in Taiwan completely influences the culture and people. For me, it is too much and in too many ways. Education in Taiwan takes over lives. It is the reason for lack of family life in the country, the reason most people are so shy and insecure. It is the reason they lack interest in the world they live in and the people in it. Taiwanese rarely show their emotions and seem to lack creativity from within. For many, it seems they just don't have a LIFE that means something more than studying and moving on to the next test. This hurts to write, but hurts even more to see and experience first hand. I wish I could just snap my fingers and make things better. It seems like it could be so easy to change. But this is life in Taiwan.
As the year progressed, my language improved. It was easier to accept the way of life here and conisder it all a challenge and do what I would needed to do to be successful at school and on my exchange. I was often able to help the English teacher with her English class. I found this was a great way to exchange language. When I had the opportunity, I shared myself with my classmates and teachers, even if I knew I wouldn't get much back. I know that as I return home to the US and continue with high school, I will continue to reflect on my experience here in Taiwan and realize many other things about my exchange for the past year in Taiwan.
But, I DID IT!!! I have learned a lot about an education system and experienced what a Taiwanese school and classmates are really like. I was given my completion certificate from the school principal and made a small speech to the graduating class. My classmates gave me a nice going away party full of unhealthy snacks and some not so good karaoke. I am glad we got to spend our last moments together having a little fun! Thank you to the teachers and students at Songshan High School of Agriculture and Industry for hosting me at your school!
Friday, June 7, 2013
Wulai Waterfall
This past Friday, I headed up to the mountains of Wulai with my friend Sister Mary-Beth. We visited the famous Wulai Waterfalls that are tucked behind the lush green mountains surrounding the city of Taipei! In just thirty minutes you can get to the traditional village and see the waterfalls.
We hiked in to one waterfall, and then we were able to hike around the waterfall and see it from all different vantage points. The weather was hot and humid, but the sun was shining and the afternoon didn't bring the big thunderstorms that it has been. It really turned out to be a perfect afternoon spent with a good friend, enjoying the scenery, talking, and getting some sun!
Thank you Sister Mary Beth for taking me on this afternoon adventure and being a great friend to me this year! I will forever remember the special times we had together.
Friday, May 24, 2013
University Graduation Trip -Fulong!
To wrap up second semester at my language university, I traveled with 30 foreigners who are classmates in Chinese, to a place called Fulong, in Northeastern Taiwan.
We hopped on our tour bus in the morning and drove an hour to Fulong. My language university has a wide variety of foreigners learning Chinese and living here for periods of time, just like me. I was the only American in a mix of Vietnamese, Japanese, English, Australian, French, South American, Thai and Indonesian. That morning, we arrived in Fulong for a bike ride. There were some fun tunnels to go through to get a break from the morning heat. Very necessary! It was a nice way to start the morning. This was a Taiwanese organized trip, so of course in just one hour, hundreds of pictures were taken, many of which look a lot alike. The time we take to set a picture up, go through what seems hundreds of cameras, and finally get a picture is truly incredible. It quite an experience and I can tell you that my patience level has grown leaps and bounds from just these picture taking moment alone!
It is days like these that I remember how lucky I am to have had the opportunity to come across the world and learn Chinese here in Taiwan, and meet all the great friends who I have at the university. I often forget, until I lay in bed at night and realize that I didn't speak to one person who speaks American English as their native language or that looks like me. This experience is incredible and really fun!
After biking, we headed to lunch by the riverside. For lunch, we had Fulong's famous "biandang", which means lunch box in Chinese. The Taiwanese eat these everyday for lunch and on occasion for dinner too. It is a little cardboard box that is sectioned of to put rice, vegetables, meat, egg, and other food items. I don't really enjoy them because the Taiwanese cook with a lot of oil. The vegetables, meat, eggs, and the rest just don't taste good to me after being cooked in all the oil. In the beginning of my exchange I was able to try it and find the joy in eating it, but I am now bored of it and try and pick out the few things I can eat in every box! I think of it as a scavenger hunt...find the healthiest food and then make sure it is not oiled out.
Once finished eating, we headed out to the river for some kayaking! We were able to play some fun games in the water and just ride around the river. Fulong has a famous sand castle building contest that was happening while we were there, so we were able to see some of the creations. Of course, we had a hard downpour of rain while we were in the river! Seems to be a daily event in Taiwan. But, overall it was really fun to just enjoy the water and end the day with a fun activity.
Thank you to all the great friends I have met over my year taking Chinese classes. I have enjoyed getting to know you using one common language!
We hopped on our tour bus in the morning and drove an hour to Fulong. My language university has a wide variety of foreigners learning Chinese and living here for periods of time, just like me. I was the only American in a mix of Vietnamese, Japanese, English, Australian, French, South American, Thai and Indonesian. That morning, we arrived in Fulong for a bike ride. There were some fun tunnels to go through to get a break from the morning heat. Very necessary! It was a nice way to start the morning. This was a Taiwanese organized trip, so of course in just one hour, hundreds of pictures were taken, many of which look a lot alike. The time we take to set a picture up, go through what seems hundreds of cameras, and finally get a picture is truly incredible. It quite an experience and I can tell you that my patience level has grown leaps and bounds from just these picture taking moment alone!
It is days like these that I remember how lucky I am to have had the opportunity to come across the world and learn Chinese here in Taiwan, and meet all the great friends who I have at the university. I often forget, until I lay in bed at night and realize that I didn't speak to one person who speaks American English as their native language or that looks like me. This experience is incredible and really fun!
After biking, we headed to lunch by the riverside. For lunch, we had Fulong's famous "biandang", which means lunch box in Chinese. The Taiwanese eat these everyday for lunch and on occasion for dinner too. It is a little cardboard box that is sectioned of to put rice, vegetables, meat, egg, and other food items. I don't really enjoy them because the Taiwanese cook with a lot of oil. The vegetables, meat, eggs, and the rest just don't taste good to me after being cooked in all the oil. In the beginning of my exchange I was able to try it and find the joy in eating it, but I am now bored of it and try and pick out the few things I can eat in every box! I think of it as a scavenger hunt...find the healthiest food and then make sure it is not oiled out.
Once finished eating, we headed out to the river for some kayaking! We were able to play some fun games in the water and just ride around the river. Fulong has a famous sand castle building contest that was happening while we were there, so we were able to see some of the creations. Of course, we had a hard downpour of rain while we were in the river! Seems to be a daily event in Taiwan. But, overall it was really fun to just enjoy the water and end the day with a fun activity.
Thank you to all the great friends I have met over my year taking Chinese classes. I have enjoyed getting to know you using one common language!
Sunday, May 19, 2013
IT IS HOT....REALLY HOT!
The temperature, it is HOT...HOT...no....REALLY HOT! These past two weeks have felt like my first couple months in Taiwan. The high humidity is back, and the weather is just HOT! I wake up in the morning in a sweat and my skin is sticky. After getting dressed, brushing my teeth, brushing my hair, and packing my school bag, you would probably look at me and say "Anna, did you just get in a good workout? You are really working up a sweat!" My morning apple is a struggle to get down. Eating is just the last thing I feel like doing when it is hot, sticky, and wet out. My run in the morning really puts the sweat into overkill! It is like this until about noon and then the downpour of rain begins. Everyday at noon for the past two weeks, the sun disappears and the biggest downpour of rain starts. Acid rain, humidity, phew....it's good! Top all of that with probably at least ten new bug bites in a day, I FEEL GOOD! I look at the amount of sweat that pours out of my body and the amount of water that I am drinking as a great cleanse and the rain and overall weather an adventure and an experience everyday !
OK...I am going to go fill my water bottle and put my head in the fan for a sec! :)
OK...I am going to go fill my water bottle and put my head in the fan for a sec! :)
Jiufen
I recently spent the day with my two RYE friends, Connor (from USA) and Rike (from Germany), at the famous old street Jiufen! We met at the main MRT station here in Taipei in the morning and took a bus to our destination. I enjoy taking busses every now and again, because they are cheaper then taking the train, they give you time to see the outside surroundings, and just sit back for awhile without having to rush and worry about transferring or the large number of people around you.
We arrived in Jiufen in perfect time for a little snack. Connor, Rike, and I are big fans of the red bean soup Taipei and often meet up just to try a new restaurant that has it. We had done some research before and discovered a famous old restaurant at this location that had it. The restaurant was located at the very end of the old street, tucked away in a shop. It had no sign, and looked like a big workshop for food. We ordered our red bean soup with our add-in's of sweetened sweet potato balls and taro balls. Then, worked our way around the many people sitting on stools peeling sweet potatos, rolling the balls, and washing dishes. It was raining so the nice warm bowl hit the spot! I am an expert on this dish now and am looking forward to making it in the USA soon.
Once we finished our lunch, it was time for some shopping! The three of us all had important items that needed to be purchased at this particular old street that is known for it's traditional Taiwanese goods. This was a perfect time to pick up these items to bring home to our countries. The items we each purchased are things we often use in Taiwan, and over the course of this year have become quite knowledgeable and have strong opinions about these things. Being able to look at an item, pick it up, and either know that it is good, bad, fits my preference, or the price is right is really cool! The things I am bringing home are a surprise to some reading, so I don't want to say what I purchased, however I am very happy with my purchases!
After we finished our shopping, we had lunch at a traditional Taiwanese restaurant. We ordered some noodles, rice, vegetables, tofu and egg, and some fish ball soup to share. I think one of the hardest adjustments I will have returning to the USA, is getting used to the price of things. Everything we ordered at lunch for the three of us to share, cost less in Taiwan than one entrée in the USA would cost. All together, our food cost 175NT which in USD is the equivalent to $5.85. CRAZY, when you think about it!
After lunch, we purchased a famous ice cream wrap! The outside is like a crepe, but it is a very special wrapping. Inside the wrap there is shaved sweetened nuts, one scoop of taro ice, one scoop of mango ice, and mint. It is very light and nice! We then headed back to Taipei by bus and finished our night with a small dinner at Sushi Express! A nice day spent with good friends!
We arrived in Jiufen in perfect time for a little snack. Connor, Rike, and I are big fans of the red bean soup Taipei and often meet up just to try a new restaurant that has it. We had done some research before and discovered a famous old restaurant at this location that had it. The restaurant was located at the very end of the old street, tucked away in a shop. It had no sign, and looked like a big workshop for food. We ordered our red bean soup with our add-in's of sweetened sweet potato balls and taro balls. Then, worked our way around the many people sitting on stools peeling sweet potatos, rolling the balls, and washing dishes. It was raining so the nice warm bowl hit the spot! I am an expert on this dish now and am looking forward to making it in the USA soon. 
After we finished our shopping, we had lunch at a traditional Taiwanese restaurant. We ordered some noodles, rice, vegetables, tofu and egg, and some fish ball soup to share. I think one of the hardest adjustments I will have returning to the USA, is getting used to the price of things. Everything we ordered at lunch for the three of us to share, cost less in Taiwan than one entrée in the USA would cost. All together, our food cost 175NT which in USD is the equivalent to $5.85. CRAZY, when you think about it!
After lunch, we purchased a famous ice cream wrap! The outside is like a crepe, but it is a very special wrapping. Inside the wrap there is shaved sweetened nuts, one scoop of taro ice, one scoop of mango ice, and mint. It is very light and nice! We then headed back to Taipei by bus and finished our night with a small dinner at Sushi Express! A nice day spent with good friends!
Monday, May 6, 2013
Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language / Education Journey
If you know me well, you probably know that I stress about tests and I will push myself hard to find perfection in all my work. But this year, my work has been incredibly different. I have written before, learning Chinese has been an incredible journey. It is the most exciting, happy time in my day, it is what gets me through to the next day, and it truly makes me glow. Every Chinese class, I am faced with challenges, some days more than others. Monday through Friday I spend my mornings in class, followed by high school, where I study on my own for four hours, I come home and have to, but willingly, speak Chinese with my host family when it is necessary, and every week I am given a test. It is true -when you are passionate about something, you will work harder and the results mean more in the end. I do not expect perfection from myself and I do my best to realize my knowledge and areas for improvement. Not only have I learned an immense amount about myself through doing this, but also about the way I look at education.
This year, I have not taken one math class, one history class, one science class, and the list could go on. I have taken one class- Chinese class. I am taking this class because I want to take this class. Not because I am required to. I have taken a huge leap this year. Learning a new language and not being sure at this time where it will take me in the future, I am loving the process. This is when I cannot help but reflect on the education system in the US. I can't remember a time when my classmates or I were not trying to get an A. The A was what everybody wanted, but it didn't necessarily mean that you understood or it was your honest work. This frustrates me now. Students take the SAT and the ACT and the AP classes all trying to get into college. Looking at it from the outside now, it is a bit crazy. When people ask me what it is I want to do when I am finished with high school or what I am going to do when I head back to the US, I honestly have no answer. For now, I am enjoying the learning path I am on and will continue in my mindset when I head back to the US.
Saturday May 4, I took the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language. This test is a government based test, created for foreigners to test their language proficiency. As I sat for the test, the youngest, in a room full of foreigners from all around the world, the only thing on my desk was my United States of America passport. I was overwhelmed with pride. It truly was an awesome feeling! I was sitting to take an important MANDARIN CHINESE test, and I didn't feel nervous, rather I was super excited. The Vietnamese boy sitting next to me looked at me and smiled while I typed my user name and password into the computer to begin the test. I could not type fast enough! Just imagine the feeling. Typing my feelings now, I just received the same happy, giddy, proud feeling back!
I tested Level 1 and Level 2 listening and reading Chinese. Both tests went well and after receiving my results, I learned that I passed both tests! Meaning, I have successfully learned Level 1 and Level 2 and I am currently preparing Level 3! I am so happy with my results and I look forward to working hard these next two months on improving my Chinese even more. :)
This year, I have not taken one math class, one history class, one science class, and the list could go on. I have taken one class- Chinese class. I am taking this class because I want to take this class. Not because I am required to. I have taken a huge leap this year. Learning a new language and not being sure at this time where it will take me in the future, I am loving the process. This is when I cannot help but reflect on the education system in the US. I can't remember a time when my classmates or I were not trying to get an A. The A was what everybody wanted, but it didn't necessarily mean that you understood or it was your honest work. This frustrates me now. Students take the SAT and the ACT and the AP classes all trying to get into college. Looking at it from the outside now, it is a bit crazy. When people ask me what it is I want to do when I am finished with high school or what I am going to do when I head back to the US, I honestly have no answer. For now, I am enjoying the learning path I am on and will continue in my mindset when I head back to the US.
Saturday May 4, I took the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language. This test is a government based test, created for foreigners to test their language proficiency. As I sat for the test, the youngest, in a room full of foreigners from all around the world, the only thing on my desk was my United States of America passport. I was overwhelmed with pride. It truly was an awesome feeling! I was sitting to take an important MANDARIN CHINESE test, and I didn't feel nervous, rather I was super excited. The Vietnamese boy sitting next to me looked at me and smiled while I typed my user name and password into the computer to begin the test. I could not type fast enough! Just imagine the feeling. Typing my feelings now, I just received the same happy, giddy, proud feeling back!
I tested Level 1 and Level 2 listening and reading Chinese. Both tests went well and after receiving my results, I learned that I passed both tests! Meaning, I have successfully learned Level 1 and Level 2 and I am currently preparing Level 3! I am so happy with my results and I look forward to working hard these next two months on improving my Chinese even more. :)
Sunday, May 5, 2013
A Trip to COSTCO!
COSTCO in Taiwan...who knew! COSTCO is the Taiwanese's favorite place and favorite thing to talk about it. I remember my first days in Taiwan and my host family had just purchased items from the superstore and were talking about it with their friends. Since then, I heard about COSTCO all the time and I was continuously asked about it. Hearing about it just made me want to go check it out and see what the Taiwanese were raving about! So, when my South Korean friend needed to make a trip and asked me if I wanted to join, I didn't hesitate. Finally, April 29, 2013 I headed to the Taiwan COSTCO!
After class, my two South Korean friends, my Chinese teacher, and I headed by bus and MRT to the store. When we hopped off the bus, I immediately saw the big white building with red and blue letters. Shopping carts lined the outside, and on a Monday afternoon, the line was out the door. We ate first, struggling to find a seat. The menu is the same as all COSTCO's I have ever been to, but with an extra mango ice cream and some soup because the Taiwanese to finish every meal with soup. My teacher and friends really enjoy eating American food. Therefore, they really pigged out on pizza. I don't really miss American food too much, so I went with some ice cream instead. As I watched the Taiwanese, push their carts through the scanner I honestly became a little bit nervous for what was about to occur on this shopping experience!
We showed our card, and began riding the magic carpet to the second level of the store. We went right through because this was where they sold clothes, T.V.'s, small pools, small parks, books, small children's cars, etc. All items that I looked at, then looked around me at all the Taiwanese with their carts overflowing, remembered where I am living, and then just cocking my head to the side in deep thought about where they put these HUGE items when they buy them?!
After trying not to focus too much thought on where people will put their purchases, we then headed down the magic carpet to the food section. Nobody can say that they don't secretly make a trip to COSTCO to not try the samples, right? Everybody does! The food was so similar to the US, but with a little twist. From the various types of breads and bagels, to the wide range of meats, cheeses (haven't seen in a long time!), and other various items that you see in that section of COSTCO. Then, there was the coffee, cereal ice cream, and just so much more. But, since we are in Asia, they have a wide range of Asian items to choose from. Things from Korea, like their spicy noodles, banana milk, Kimchi, or seaweed snack. Or other products from Thailand that I have come to love in this year.
From the Taiwanese filled carts, to being squeezed between people due to sheer number of people in the store, to the excitement on the Taiwanese faces as they purchased their items, and really just being in COSTCO in Taiwan I was ready for some fresh air! I didn't need or want to purchase anything as I do live in a very small apartment here and I would be taking public transportation home. Once we left, I headed to my South Korean's friend home. She made some Korean tea, and some famous spicy noodles with Kimchi for myself and our other Korean friend. It was a really nice way to finish of the trip to COSTCO! Thank you!
After class, my two South Korean friends, my Chinese teacher, and I headed by bus and MRT to the store. When we hopped off the bus, I immediately saw the big white building with red and blue letters. Shopping carts lined the outside, and on a Monday afternoon, the line was out the door. We ate first, struggling to find a seat. The menu is the same as all COSTCO's I have ever been to, but with an extra mango ice cream and some soup because the Taiwanese to finish every meal with soup. My teacher and friends really enjoy eating American food. Therefore, they really pigged out on pizza. I don't really miss American food too much, so I went with some ice cream instead. As I watched the Taiwanese, push their carts through the scanner I honestly became a little bit nervous for what was about to occur on this shopping experience!
We showed our card, and began riding the magic carpet to the second level of the store. We went right through because this was where they sold clothes, T.V.'s, small pools, small parks, books, small children's cars, etc. All items that I looked at, then looked around me at all the Taiwanese with their carts overflowing, remembered where I am living, and then just cocking my head to the side in deep thought about where they put these HUGE items when they buy them?!
After trying not to focus too much thought on where people will put their purchases, we then headed down the magic carpet to the food section. Nobody can say that they don't secretly make a trip to COSTCO to not try the samples, right? Everybody does! The food was so similar to the US, but with a little twist. From the various types of breads and bagels, to the wide range of meats, cheeses (haven't seen in a long time!), and other various items that you see in that section of COSTCO. Then, there was the coffee, cereal ice cream, and just so much more. But, since we are in Asia, they have a wide range of Asian items to choose from. Things from Korea, like their spicy noodles, banana milk, Kimchi, or seaweed snack. Or other products from Thailand that I have come to love in this year.
From the Taiwanese filled carts, to being squeezed between people due to sheer number of people in the store, to the excitement on the Taiwanese faces as they purchased their items, and really just being in COSTCO in Taiwan I was ready for some fresh air! I didn't need or want to purchase anything as I do live in a very small apartment here and I would be taking public transportation home. Once we left, I headed to my South Korean's friend home. She made some Korean tea, and some famous spicy noodles with Kimchi for myself and our other Korean friend. It was a really nice way to finish of the trip to COSTCO! Thank you!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Shengkeng Old Street :TOFU!
TOFU...TOFU..I love TOFU! So, when my new host mother Grace said that we were going to go to Shengkeng Old Street, I shot up and stood at the door way with my backpack on and rain gear in hand. Grace took me and my host cousin by bus up the mountain a bit. We arrived at the street and I could already smell the tofu!
Throughout the past months of my exchange, I have just fallen more and more in love with tofu. I enjoyed it before I came, but I have experienced so many different ways to eat tofu and to enjoy it since being in Taipei. Many of you have probably heard about a little thing called "stinky tofu", which is a very famous way the Taiwanese enjoy there tofu. It is sold at every night market, and roadside stands all over. You can't miss it because it is indeed "stinky tofu." It is produced by fermented milk, vegetables, and meat. It can include other items as well. I have eaten tofu so many times however, it is the one way I do not enjoy tofu. The stench of it makes it difficult to put near your nose, but then when it is in your mouth it is like you are eating the stench. Not enjoyable! However, there are so many other different tofu snacks.
My favorite, is something called "dou-gan." That means dried tofu. This tofu is dried and pressed, however it still moist within. Once it has completed the drying process, you can then eat it plain or marinate it in any kind of flavor. It is incredible and for sure my favorite snack!
There is also a form of sweetened tofu. It is flavored by coconut, peanuts, various beans, tapioca, and some kind of sugar. This is called "dou-hua" and it is so good! In winter you can eat it warm and in the summer you can have it cold with crushed ice. A wonderful way that I have enjoyed eating tofu. This weekend, I tried a new way of sweetened tofu in the form of tofu ice cream. Also, quite good!
I also tried some new items that my host mother introduced me too. Taiwan has many unique fruits that I have never seen before. I love most any fruit, it is one of my most favorite things here. Grace introduced me to a traditional taro snack that was very populat many years ago. It has dried taro inside and a sticky outer layer. This snack does not have an English translation. But, just know it so good and I wish you could be here to try it with me!
Thank you Grace for the wonderful day and the smiles you brought to my face! I learned so much, and enjoyed delicious TOFU! I appreciate you sharing the day with me!
Throughout the past months of my exchange, I have just fallen more and more in love with tofu. I enjoyed it before I came, but I have experienced so many different ways to eat tofu and to enjoy it since being in Taipei. Many of you have probably heard about a little thing called "stinky tofu", which is a very famous way the Taiwanese enjoy there tofu. It is sold at every night market, and roadside stands all over. You can't miss it because it is indeed "stinky tofu." It is produced by fermented milk, vegetables, and meat. It can include other items as well. I have eaten tofu so many times however, it is the one way I do not enjoy tofu. The stench of it makes it difficult to put near your nose, but then when it is in your mouth it is like you are eating the stench. Not enjoyable! However, there are so many other different tofu snacks.
My favorite, is something called "dou-gan." That means dried tofu. This tofu is dried and pressed, however it still moist within. Once it has completed the drying process, you can then eat it plain or marinate it in any kind of flavor. It is incredible and for sure my favorite snack!
There is also a form of sweetened tofu. It is flavored by coconut, peanuts, various beans, tapioca, and some kind of sugar. This is called "dou-hua" and it is so good! In winter you can eat it warm and in the summer you can have it cold with crushed ice. A wonderful way that I have enjoyed eating tofu. This weekend, I tried a new way of sweetened tofu in the form of tofu ice cream. Also, quite good!
I also tried some new items that my host mother introduced me too. Taiwan has many unique fruits that I have never seen before. I love most any fruit, it is one of my most favorite things here. Grace introduced me to a traditional taro snack that was very populat many years ago. It has dried taro inside and a sticky outer layer. This snack does not have an English translation. But, just know it so good and I wish you could be here to try it with me!
Thank you Grace for the wonderful day and the smiles you brought to my face! I learned so much, and enjoyed delicious TOFU! I appreciate you sharing the day with me!
Friday, April 5, 2013
Ama.
I rarely write blogs immediately after something. But this one is SO very special to me. Tonight, I spent the last night with my Ama.
My heart hurts right now and I am sad to be leaving my Ama. Ama, my host grandma for the past four months, has been so much more than my host grandma. She has truly been my best friend. We spend every night together in the house, just she and I. When I come home from school and she is in the shower, she finishes and then we eat together. I shower, then we spend the next few hours talking, or across the hall from each other as she watches T.V. and I go about my night. Ama and I laugh at dinner because she speaks Taiwanese not Chinese, and I speak Chinese. She always tells me at dinner how her teeth hurt so she can't eat things like I do. We pass each other in the hall way and scare each other as she makes her tea and I get my water. We have our laundry nights. We have "learn an English phrase night". Ama's favorite is "Good night." I will miss accidently walking in on each other, in the bathroom, in the dark, at six in the morning. She brightens my day with her special compliments and her rubbing my face. Together we have made each other laugh so hard, sometimes my stomach hurts we laugh so hard. At 90 years old, she still does nightly stretching with me. I will miss Amas's beautiful eyes, soft skin, rubber-banded shirts, aching knees, awesome laugh and smile, but beneath it all, the most amazing heart!
Ama and I just said goodbye to each other with tears and the biggest, warmest hug. My heart if full of thankfulness and happiness that this woman has been a part of my life. An indescribable bond and an absolutely indescribable feeling.
I miss you already. I love you forever Ama.
My heart hurts right now and I am sad to be leaving my Ama. Ama, my host grandma for the past four months, has been so much more than my host grandma. She has truly been my best friend. We spend every night together in the house, just she and I. When I come home from school and she is in the shower, she finishes and then we eat together. I shower, then we spend the next few hours talking, or across the hall from each other as she watches T.V. and I go about my night. Ama and I laugh at dinner because she speaks Taiwanese not Chinese, and I speak Chinese. She always tells me at dinner how her teeth hurt so she can't eat things like I do. We pass each other in the hall way and scare each other as she makes her tea and I get my water. We have our laundry nights. We have "learn an English phrase night". Ama's favorite is "Good night." I will miss accidently walking in on each other, in the bathroom, in the dark, at six in the morning. She brightens my day with her special compliments and her rubbing my face. Together we have made each other laugh so hard, sometimes my stomach hurts we laugh so hard. At 90 years old, she still does nightly stretching with me. I will miss Amas's beautiful eyes, soft skin, rubber-banded shirts, aching knees, awesome laugh and smile, but beneath it all, the most amazing heart!
Ama and I just said goodbye to each other with tears and the biggest, warmest hug. My heart if full of thankfulness and happiness that this woman has been a part of my life. An indescribable bond and an absolutely indescribable feeling.
I miss you already. I love you forever Ama.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Earthquake(s)
On March 27, there was a 6.0 magnitude earthquake that shook Taipei. It was my second earthquake since being in Taiwan, hence the title of this blog. The first I experienced earthquake was in the 5.0 magnitude range. I was in Chinese class in the morning and as my teacher was talking, our desks moved, the chairs moved, the speakers started making noises and shaking side to side on the wall, and you could feel the floor rumble a bit. It was really fast and we just moved on with class which yes...I know is a bit weird. But, it is kind of like a fire drill for the US because it happens so often here just not big ones.
However, this week's earthquake was scary. I was once again in Chinese class, but on a ten minute break. I was the only person standing in the room at the time and was talking to my classmates. All of sudden I felt like I was moving and I became light headed. I had gone running in the morning and thought I maybe didn't drink enough water, but then I really felt like I was moving. I stopped talking at this point, and it was silent for a moment. A few desks moved, books slid, and I definitley swayed back and forth. It was over in a little over a half a minute. My teacher gave us the talk about the procedures that we should follow in the future, should we be in this position or a stronger earthquake.
I am fine! My mom told me a few of you had contacted her and I also received a few messages. Thank you for your concern. I am all safe and good! Just another first and a memorable experience!
However, this week's earthquake was scary. I was once again in Chinese class, but on a ten minute break. I was the only person standing in the room at the time and was talking to my classmates. All of sudden I felt like I was moving and I became light headed. I had gone running in the morning and thought I maybe didn't drink enough water, but then I really felt like I was moving. I stopped talking at this point, and it was silent for a moment. A few desks moved, books slid, and I definitley swayed back and forth. It was over in a little over a half a minute. My teacher gave us the talk about the procedures that we should follow in the future, should we be in this position or a stronger earthquake.
I am fine! My mom told me a few of you had contacted her and I also received a few messages. Thank you for your concern. I am all safe and good! Just another first and a memorable experience!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Yehliu
One of my happiest days in Taiwan yet! I spent the entire day with two of my good friends here, Lauren from California and Zoe from Germany. We traveled by bus to the north. It took about an hour for us to arrive at one of the most northern points on the island of Taiwan, called Yehliu. Yehliu is known for it's geopark and the great views of blue seas.
When we arrived, we purchased tickets and headed to the geopark. Yehliu is most famous for the "mushroom rocks" and the "Queen's Head." The rocks have unique holes that have been caused by weathering, which is really cool too. It was SUCH a nice day - shorts and short-sleeve weather in March! Never have had that before. Since the weather was so nice, and my friends and I were content with our lives, we decided to spend the day seeing the sights, as tourists! We explored the park, took lots and lots of pictures, and laughed a lot. People up in the north do not see tourists often. We are so used to being looked at like foreigners that it was so much fun. We hiked to the most northern tip to finish our time in Yehliu. The view was really nice and the paths we took to the top were so interesting.
We finished our incredible day by eating at a very good Indian restaurant back in Taipei. My stomach hurt so bad from laughing all day. My cheeks were sore from smiling, so it was hard to even eat. After dinner, we hopped on the convenient bike system that Taipei has. I use this form of transportation weekly. It is free for the first thirty minutes and only NT10 for every thirty minutes after. You can use your regular transportation card for Taipei to check the bike in and out. They are cheap, easy and a great form of fun on a nice night with friends. Also a good way to see the city! We biked around the city for awhile and had lots of laughs. As my friend Lauren said, Taiwan people are still trying to figure out how to walk in public. Being on these bikes you realize that you have to manuver around them and that common street etiquette is not present. After enough of the people on the streets, we hopped on a bus and parted ways for the night.
I had such a wonderful day with my friends doing what I love. Laughing, experiencing, and exploring! Thanks girls!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Pulitzer Prize - Capture the Moment Exhibition
Recently, I visited "Capture the Moment", an exhibition of Pulitzer Prize winning photos. It was set up in this huge empty white room at a park. It was the most incredible exhibition and has traveled to many US cities and was now in Taiwan. All of the award-winning photos, date back to the 1940's when the Pulitzer Prize award began. I have enjoyed taking pictures and capturing moments on my exchange, so thought this might be a nice way to spend a part of my weekend. Taking in the history of these great photos on exhibit was so interesting. It was great!
"Capture the Moment" Exhibition is set up so that you work your way from the 1940's all the way until today. I stopped at every picture and read about each moment on the wall. Every picture was so dramatic, intense, emotional, or beautiful. I was silent the entire exhibition as every photo had truly "captured" me.
In the 1940's pictures, there was a photo of Babe Ruth retiring from the Yankees as well as the Ford manufacturing plant riot. The 1950's included a beautiful and happy picture of a policeman and a young kid at a parade looking into each others eyes. Another photo captured an intense moment from the bottom of a bridge where a tractor trailer cabin is hanging over the side as the driver climbed up a rope. The 1960's series included a picture called Dreams of Better Times, which is from the Vietnam war and an American soldier lays asleep in the pouring rain. The 1970's had a photo showing the backlash of the Civil Rights Movement in the 50's and 60's - a white man beating an African American with an American Flag. Also, the Kent State shooting in Ohio which was a result of the protests about Richard Nixon's new proposition to send troops to Cambodia. Something I had never heard or learned about until viewing these photots. In the 1980's, the white wall began to light up because there were now COLOR photos! The picture of two happy children running through a park in front of their apartment building. Next to it, a picture of a starving Egyptian child. Then in to the 1990's, the Nigerian women's running team reacting to winning bronze in the Olympics. And then in to the 2000's - today. Times that I remember or have had a deep impact on the world that I live in. The Columbine Shooting, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and President Obama's race to the presidency and the determination he had. These are just to name a few!
I am so glad I visited this exhibition. It was so worth the time. If it ever comes to a city near you I suggest visiting it!
"Capture the Moment" Exhibition is set up so that you work your way from the 1940's all the way until today. I stopped at every picture and read about each moment on the wall. Every picture was so dramatic, intense, emotional, or beautiful. I was silent the entire exhibition as every photo had truly "captured" me.
In the 1940's pictures, there was a photo of Babe Ruth retiring from the Yankees as well as the Ford manufacturing plant riot. The 1950's included a beautiful and happy picture of a policeman and a young kid at a parade looking into each others eyes. Another photo captured an intense moment from the bottom of a bridge where a tractor trailer cabin is hanging over the side as the driver climbed up a rope. The 1960's series included a picture called Dreams of Better Times, which is from the Vietnam war and an American soldier lays asleep in the pouring rain. The 1970's had a photo showing the backlash of the Civil Rights Movement in the 50's and 60's - a white man beating an African American with an American Flag. Also, the Kent State shooting in Ohio which was a result of the protests about Richard Nixon's new proposition to send troops to Cambodia. Something I had never heard or learned about until viewing these photots. In the 1980's, the white wall began to light up because there were now COLOR photos! The picture of two happy children running through a park in front of their apartment building. Next to it, a picture of a starving Egyptian child. Then in to the 1990's, the Nigerian women's running team reacting to winning bronze in the Olympics. And then in to the 2000's - today. Times that I remember or have had a deep impact on the world that I live in. The Columbine Shooting, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and President Obama's race to the presidency and the determination he had. These are just to name a few!
I am so glad I visited this exhibition. It was so worth the time. If it ever comes to a city near you I suggest visiting it!
Monday, March 4, 2013
Taitung - Four Days of FUN!
Early Saturday morning, I met 40 exchange students at Taipei Main Station for a four day trip to Taitung with our Rotary District! We were heading by train from Taipei, on a four hour journey to the east part of Taiwan. We all boarded the TRA which is the slower train, and found our seats throughout two carriages of the train. It was a rainy day, however the ride was really unique. The entire journey is either a view of little villages and lots of rice plantations, or the lush green forest on one side and the ocean on the other. With the rain that was falling, this was an entirely new view for me!
We arrived to the Taitung Railway Station around lunch time and were greeted by the Rotary District's of Kaohsiung and Taitung. There are also exchange students living in these two cities in Taiwan. These Rotary's were getting together for a meeting. When I traveled to Taiwan back in August, many of the kids aboard my plane live in these cities. It is fun to see them all again! Definitely lots of country pride when there are so many of us together. Feels like I am in the Olympics there are so many flags being worn and flown! Together we had lunch at a local restaurant - a typical Taiwanese restaurant with the big table, and the large amounts of food. Rotary ordered so much food and I don't think they kept in mind the fact that there were no Taiwanese at the table to help us finish the food. Having so much food at a table is still so foreign to us. I ended up being the only American at my table, the rest being French and German! After we finished lunch, we hopped in our tour buses to our first activity location.
In Taitung, there is a famous attraction called "The Water Flowing Upward." As you can probably glean from the name, it is indeed a creek where the water flows upwards. I don't know why, it doesn't make sense and that was that to be honest. You can't spend two much time looking at water that is flowing upward, with no explanation why. So, we hopped on back on the bus, now with our matching hats to what the Taiwanese called a "Fish Feeding Show." Well...they gave us some bread, took us to the ocean, and YES there were fish!! The beach was really pretty though. The view is the lush green mountain to the sides, the water to the horizon, and large rock formations in the water. Pretty cool! Just a few miles away, we were above the beach on a cliff which is known for its strong winds. The winds were crazy, I felt like I was going to blow away! 
After finishing our time at the beach, we headed to Taitung Rotary's headquarters. At the headquarters, we were greeted by our host family's for the four days. YES...another host family! I was assigned a home with a Mexican exchange student named Marilu. Our family was incredible! Words are not even enough. Really. When they picked us up, we headed back to their beautiful home for dinner. At this home I had a 妹妹 (little sister) , and a brother. We had a nice dinner together. They don't speak any English. It was SO FUN to speak with them like it was my normal. I also was playing translator for Marilu, which felt so good too. These are the moments that I feel proud and know that I am making the most out of my exchange. I realize my time studying the language so hard, every day, has paid off when I am able to communicate! When we finished dinner, we headed to a carnival of lights, a tea shop for bubble milk tea, a walk through the central market, and a tour of the mothers store. To add to the excitement of the night, Chinese New Year officially comes to an end this weekend so there were non-stop, I mean non-stop fireworks all night. We came home and took our showers, then headed to bed for the next day!
On Sunday morning, we woke and headed downstairs where we were greeted by our kind host father. He gave us breakfast and we watched television -which are two things I don't ever do here in Taipei. I never eat breakfast at home, always on my walk to the bus. Before that morning, I cannot even tell you the last time I have watched television! When we finished, he drove us to Rotary headquarters where we all gathered again for our day. We hopped in three tour buses, and drove through Taitung to our location. The first stop that morning was the irrigation facilities. I cannot tell you much about the irrigation facilities because we just took some pictures there. Once we finished the endless photo sessions with Rotary, we hopped back in the bus to large field with thousands of different flowers. After looking around, we went inside for our lunch. Everybody had the same lunch, which was a really delicious and fresh - a bowl of rice, vegetables, and tofu. We finished lunch with famous Taiwanese almond and red bean popsicles. Lunch was so good and a really nice time to spend with each other in good conversation.
We arrived and were immediately told to put on our thick clothes, masks, eye goggles, put in earplugs, wrap towels around our heads, and FOCUS. The fact that they ran out of eye goggles made my nerves a bit crazy. But also, you know when you are at one of those sketchy carnivals that comes to your town and you go to ride a ride? And the guy working the ride is smoking, sitting back, relaxed, doesn't check your seat belt, and then hits go? Then you think to yourself as the ride starts moving, maybe this wasn't such a good idea, but then you finish the ride and everything works out OK? Well, this is exactly how this event was. I suggest you look up a video of this event if you have not heard about it before. But I will explain.
The Bombing of Master Han Dan occurs for two days out of the year - the last two days of the Chinese New Year. It occurs only in this city, at this location. There is a shirtless man, with nothing but short red shorts, goggles, a hat and towel to cover his ears, earplugs, and a tree branch to protect himself. He stands on a bamboo platform that is carried by six men in a circle in front of the temple. Once he is carried around in one full circle, the "bombing" begins. Volunteers, and some exchange students were volunteers for this, receive a stack of firecrackers and fireworks to throw at the man for however long the man can last and until the firecrackers run out. Someone yells, and it all begins! Even though I was not one of the people who was voluntarily throwing firecrackers and fireworks, in order to see it, you have to be in the same circle. So, it begins. The man who was being bombed first was a South African English teacher here in Taiwan. Let me tell you, I was scared out of my mind. For four minutes straight, firecrackers and fireworks were chucked at this guy and thrown in the air. I had firecrackers land on me, I had burns in my sweatshirt, and I could not even scream. I was silent. My body and mind were truly in disbelief for what I was witnessing and experiencing. When the South African man came down from the platform and came to the area to be interviewed, he was bloody and burned, but smiling. It was crazy! The Taiwanese believe that if a man can withstand this bombing ritual of sorts, then there is a God protecting him within and he will have a large amount of wealth. After watching another German man go through this same process, being around this bizarre piece of culture, and now being educated on the reason for this ritual, I still do not completely understand what has to go through ones mind to get on the platform or be one of the volunteer "bomb" throwers. This experience was one that I have crossed off a list, not knowing it ever even existed!
We walked back to the headquarters which took about thirty minutes. Two little Taiwanese girls, whose parents were chaperone's, walked with me. We spoke Chinese and they had the biggest smiles because I was able chat with them! We arrived back and had an outside buffet dinner with an assortment of noodles, other Taiwanese food, and some tomatoes and guava - a pairing of fruit that is common here. Our host family's joined us this night for dinner which was nice. After the sun went down, a magic show, and a leg full of new mosquito bites, we headed home with out host family. It began raining really hard this night so we stayed in the house, watched a movie, and shared family pictures with each other. The father went out and bought a famous fried seafood snack for the movie. This host family is so thoughtful. They even had a bowl of my favorite Taiwanese fruits for us. So nice!
the hot springs. It was a really great way to end the nice morning and day. When we arrived back in the central city, we were once again picked up by our host family's. My host family took Marilu and I out to dinner. Dinner was delicious. But it was if they were feeding champions. SO much food! We watched the fireworks/firecracker parade crackle down the street for as long as we could, until there was too much smoke and our ears were ringing. It was a nice way to finish off our time with them.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Miaoli
During my last weekend of break, I headed to another little city two hours outside of Taipei with my friend Lovely and her family! We were visiting some of her friends in Miaoli at a their mountain home located on the hillside. Miaoli is completely surrounded by Taiwan's lush green forests. It feels like you are in the middle of no where, escaping from the busy city of Taipei!
After our morning drive to Miaoli, and a tour of their beautiful home, we were all so hungry! The home had two outdoor pizza ovens. We would be creating and cooking our own homemade pizzas for lunch. Even better, the dough was homemade and the sauce was made from their homegrown tomatoes. The soy beans and corn were purchased from the town. The cheese... well all pizzas need cheese! (Taiwanese do not eat cheese, so having it is a treat!). So cool! We created our own small pizzas and watched them cook in the outdoor pizza ovens while we drank tea and ate fresh picked sweet potatoes. The pizza was so tasty!
Once lunch was finished, we went on a little walk/hike around their property. I have never touched a bamboo tree. It was neat to be surrounded by thousands of them! We looked at so many different trees and insects. It is not something that normally interests me. Insects and me don't usually get along too well! But this was another great experience for me while learning more about Taiwan. When we came back to the house, we had tea time. I learned how to pour tea, and about the all techniques that are used just for a little cup of tea. There is so much to do to ensure all is done correctly. Taiwanese are very traditional when it comes to drinking tea. For dinner, we had hot pot and noodles at a local restaurant. It was a really nice day. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to experience another area of Taiwan with great people. Thank you Li Family!
Once lunch was finished, we went on a little walk/hike around their property. I have never touched a bamboo tree. It was neat to be surrounded by thousands of them! We looked at so many different trees and insects. It is not something that normally interests me. Insects and me don't usually get along too well! But this was another great experience for me while learning more about Taiwan. When we came back to the house, we had tea time. I learned how to pour tea, and about the all techniques that are used just for a little cup of tea. There is so much to do to ensure all is done correctly. Taiwanese are very traditional when it comes to drinking tea. For dinner, we had hot pot and noodles at a local restaurant. It was a really nice day. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to experience another area of Taiwan with great people. Thank you Li Family!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Pingxi Lantern Festival
A dream come true! Before I came to Taiwan, I heard and read a lot about a lantern festival in a little village outside of Taipei called Pingxi. The festival occurs during the week of Chinese New Year celebrations.
My friend Lauren, another RYE student from California, and I headed by train up to the village of Pingxi. The train ride was beautiful. The weather was kind of rainy, but it made the lush green mountain hillsides, the waterfalls, and the small villages we passed on the way up all look like a beautiful painting.
When we arrived at the village, we each bought our own lanterns and began painting our wishes on each. Lanterns are four sides, with a huge opening in the middle for the fire which fuels them into the sky. Tradition is to write or draw your wishes with black ink on each side. We spent about an hour painting and finished just at dark. The village of Pingxi is located smack dab on the train tracks! Everyone lets their lantern go on the train tracks. With the help of a fire expert, we lit our lanterns, and released them into the sky. Many people are releasing their own at the same time, so the night sky is filled with beautiful floating lanterns. After our lanterns disappeared into the sky, we explored the village of Pingxi some more. We then headed home to Taipei. I am so glad I was able to experience the lantern festival in person!
My friend Lauren, another RYE student from California, and I headed by train up to the village of Pingxi. The train ride was beautiful. The weather was kind of rainy, but it made the lush green mountain hillsides, the waterfalls, and the small villages we passed on the way up all look like a beautiful painting.
When we arrived at the village, we each bought our own lanterns and began painting our wishes on each. Lanterns are four sides, with a huge opening in the middle for the fire which fuels them into the sky. Tradition is to write or draw your wishes with black ink on each side. We spent about an hour painting and finished just at dark. The village of Pingxi is located smack dab on the train tracks! Everyone lets their lantern go on the train tracks. With the help of a fire expert, we lit our lanterns, and released them into the sky. Many people are releasing their own at the same time, so the night sky is filled with beautiful floating lanterns. After our lanterns disappeared into the sky, we explored the village of Pingxi some more. We then headed home to Taipei. I am so glad I was able to experience the lantern festival in person!
Southern Taiwan - Tainan!
When I arrived home from Kaohsiung, I stayed one night in Taipei. The next night, I headed back to the south of Taiwan with my host family. We stayed in a city called Tainan which is a bit north of the other city!
On Chinese New Year's Eve, we had a huge dinner with some of my host family's extended family. So much food! They also exchanged red envelopes this night throughout the family as a symbol of happiness, luck, and the start of something new. After cleaning the house, we left for Tainan.
Tainan is my host grandma's hometown and is the oldest city on the island of Taiwan. It is surrounded by agricultural landscape and very traditional. During my short trip, I was able to see the most famous site in Tainan - The Chihkan Towers and a huge Buddhist temple. The Towers are a great place to see the entire city of Tainan and learn the history. Much of Taiwan's history relates to the dynasty's and also the war that they fought. The other location I visited was a large Buddhist monument. This monument was absolutely incredible! It was so large. With a huge Buddhist at the top of the hill, beautiful pagodas lining the pathway, and the amazing blue skies.....the view was great. The monument also had a Chinese New Year celebration. I experienced the dragon dance, the drumming parade, and the dynasty's parade. All very unique!
I also had the opportunity to indulge in many of the traditional foods for the Chinese New Year. I had a black sesame and cashew nut candy, dou hua - tofu with a sweetened soup, and shrimp chips!
Thank you for including me on this family tradition in Tainan. I enjoyed seeing another part of Taiwan!
On Chinese New Year's Eve, we had a huge dinner with some of my host family's extended family. So much food! They also exchanged red envelopes this night throughout the family as a symbol of happiness, luck, and the start of something new. After cleaning the house, we left for Tainan.
Tainan is my host grandma's hometown and is the oldest city on the island of Taiwan. It is surrounded by agricultural landscape and very traditional. During my short trip, I was able to see the most famous site in Tainan - The Chihkan Towers and a huge Buddhist temple. The Towers are a great place to see the entire city of Tainan and learn the history. Much of Taiwan's history relates to the dynasty's and also the war that they fought. The other location I visited was a large Buddhist monument. This monument was absolutely incredible! It was so large. With a huge Buddhist at the top of the hill, beautiful pagodas lining the pathway, and the amazing blue skies.....the view was great. The monument also had a Chinese New Year celebration. I experienced the dragon dance, the drumming parade, and the dynasty's parade. All very unique!
I also had the opportunity to indulge in many of the traditional foods for the Chinese New Year. I had a black sesame and cashew nut candy, dou hua - tofu with a sweetened soup, and shrimp chips!
Thank you for including me on this family tradition in Tainan. I enjoyed seeing another part of Taiwan!
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Southern Taiwan - Kaohsiung!
Recently I traveled to Kaohsiung, a city in the south of Taiwan for a week! I spent this time with a Rotarian friend of mine named Lovely and her extended family. Lovely has two sons. Wayne is a former RYE student who spent time his time in Pueblo, Colorado with District 5470. The other son, Mason, is still in middle school. My experiences and memories created during this week were priceless.
We traveled by car to our destination - which takes about four hours. It was neat to see the landscape around and how it changed as we moved south down this island of Taiwan. We stopped in the most middle city in Taiwan - Taichung. The National Museum of Natural Science was hosting an exhibit about the movie Life of Pi. I had seen this movie with Lovely and her friends back in January. The Taiwanese really are passionate about this movie as the director Ang Lee is Taiwanese and the tiger is also from Taiwan. We were able to see the boat from this movie. It was neat to be able to see this exhibit. After the museum, some ice cream, and gas we were on the road again!
On our first night, we visited the historic Dragon and Lion Pagodas location on the big lake. The pagodas have certain Buddha's who the people pray to during special times and the lake surrounding it is famous for it's dragon boat racing in June. Later we visited her father's home. Most people in Taiwan will travel to their hometown's over the Chinese New Year to spend time with family. Lovely's father is a war veteran and is quite the character. I don't think that there was one conversation over the course of the week that left me without a smile or some laughter! In Kaohsiung, we were staying with Lovely's younger brother and his children at their nice home. A great first day!
The next day, we visited Kaohsiung's harbor called Xiziwan. It was a bit of a hazy day, but the view from the mountain top towards the sea and towards the city was still good. We ate traditional ice cream at their favorite spot. Traditional Taiwanese ice cream is made of shaved ice, regular ice cream, green beans, and red beans. It is really tasty, even though ingredients sound a bit out there! That same night, we visited the Kaohsiung Rotary to listen to RYE student speeches.
In the morning, we went to a tomato farm and picked fresh tomatoes. Such a cool experience and they were so crunchy, yet soft, and sweet. So good! Tomato picking was calm and enjoyable and I guess a good relaxation for what was to come in the afternoon. Paintballing...paintballing! This is family tradition for them. I have never paint-balled before and it is not something that I will say was on my list to do either. I guess for some people, this is their excitment. It is so scary. Being around all the boys and seeing the family compete was fun though and I am glad I experienced this for my first time with this group! We let the adrenaline calm down by playing cards in the park. Then, we got cleaned up for a big family dinner at a Hakka restaurant. Hakka is one of the three languages spoken in Taiwan. Dinner was good and my company was great!
Sunday we spent the day practicing Chinese and English, playing endless games of cards, the game of Sequence, and also playing Badmitton at a local arena. It was really fun to play Badmitton with the Taiwanese who take this sport serious, and who are very good. At night, we rode around the Love River on bikes and went to the Kaohsiung night market. We tried new foods and engaged in some fun games that the family likes to play at the night market!
On Monday, the boys at the house had the T.V. on. Usually the screen consists of American basketball games. Preferably Jermey Lin. But, I sat down and the Super Bowl was on! The boys thought it was so cool that the Super Bowl was on, although they didn't really understand it. I explained what I could about the game and then the halftime show with Beyonce started. At this point, football didn't matter anymore! In the afternoon, I went to see a famous cathedral on bike with the family. It was a nice day for a bike ride. We went for Japanese food at night and it was delicious! It was so nice to be with Lovely's family. They really know the ins and outs of the great food places here in Kaohsiung.
On Tuesday, we all went to an art museum to see Salvador Dali's art work. His artwork is very interesting and very hard to understand when explained in Chinese. I learned many new Chinese words this day and felt I improved my language skills. After, we all got some exercise by playing some basketball. We went to dinner after for beef noodles. When we arrived home, we decided to walk to a nearby night market. All night markets are different and have different foods to offer depending on the time of the year and their location. During this Chinese New Year time, markets have been selling lots tomatoes, strawberries, oranges, apples, bananas, as welll as other Taiwanese fruits. They also sell chestnuts, sweet potatoes, red bean, fish, chicken, lots of vegetables, and a few other traditional items.
On my last day in Kaohsiung, I spent the day with Lovely's niece and her classmates. They showed me around and we were able to speak Chinese all day, which was so nice. That night, we had a big family dinner at a Veteran's Restaurant. Dinner was enjoyable. The adults gifted the children with red envelopes. Red envelopes are given throughout the Chinese New Year and they contain money. It is a symbol of good luck, a way to start new, and happiness for the next year. I have heard so much about this tradition. To be included in it was so special. Thank you!
This entire week, I really felt like a Rotary Youth Exchange Student. Being with Lovely, her son's, and her extended family, and sharing endless connections through Rotary was so cool. From Colorado to Minnesota to Taiwan, and many people in between, the relationships I was able to create with these wonderful people was exciting. I am so grateful for Lovely and her family for welcoming me into their lives for a week. They shared everything about Kaohsiung and their friends with me,while we lived under one roof speaking two languages. We really brought the world closer this week by creating friendships that will last for a long time to come!
Thank you to Lovely, Wayne, Mason, and to everyone else who made this week so memorable!
On our first night, we visited the historic Dragon and Lion Pagodas location on the big lake. The pagodas have certain Buddha's who the people pray to during special times and the lake surrounding it is famous for it's dragon boat racing in June. Later we visited her father's home. Most people in Taiwan will travel to their hometown's over the Chinese New Year to spend time with family. Lovely's father is a war veteran and is quite the character. I don't think that there was one conversation over the course of the week that left me without a smile or some laughter! In Kaohsiung, we were staying with Lovely's younger brother and his children at their nice home. A great first day!
In the morning, we went to a tomato farm and picked fresh tomatoes. Such a cool experience and they were so crunchy, yet soft, and sweet. So good! Tomato picking was calm and enjoyable and I guess a good relaxation for what was to come in the afternoon. Paintballing...paintballing! This is family tradition for them. I have never paint-balled before and it is not something that I will say was on my list to do either. I guess for some people, this is their excitment. It is so scary. Being around all the boys and seeing the family compete was fun though and I am glad I experienced this for my first time with this group! We let the adrenaline calm down by playing cards in the park. Then, we got cleaned up for a big family dinner at a Hakka restaurant. Hakka is one of the three languages spoken in Taiwan. Dinner was good and my company was great! 
On Monday, the boys at the house had the T.V. on. Usually the screen consists of American basketball games. Preferably Jermey Lin. But, I sat down and the Super Bowl was on! The boys thought it was so cool that the Super Bowl was on, although they didn't really understand it. I explained what I could about the game and then the halftime show with Beyonce started. At this point, football didn't matter anymore! In the afternoon, I went to see a famous cathedral on bike with the family. It was a nice day for a bike ride. We went for Japanese food at night and it was delicious! It was so nice to be with Lovely's family. They really know the ins and outs of the great food places here in Kaohsiung.
On Tuesday, we all went to an art museum to see Salvador Dali's art work. His artwork is very interesting and very hard to understand when explained in Chinese. I learned many new Chinese words this day and felt I improved my language skills. After, we all got some exercise by playing some basketball. We went to dinner after for beef noodles. When we arrived home, we decided to walk to a nearby night market. All night markets are different and have different foods to offer depending on the time of the year and their location. During this Chinese New Year time, markets have been selling lots tomatoes, strawberries, oranges, apples, bananas, as welll as other Taiwanese fruits. They also sell chestnuts, sweet potatoes, red bean, fish, chicken, lots of vegetables, and a few other traditional items.
This entire week, I really felt like a Rotary Youth Exchange Student. Being with Lovely, her son's, and her extended family, and sharing endless connections through Rotary was so cool. From Colorado to Minnesota to Taiwan, and many people in between, the relationships I was able to create with these wonderful people was exciting. I am so grateful for Lovely and her family for welcoming me into their lives for a week. They shared everything about Kaohsiung and their friends with me,while we lived under one roof speaking two languages. We really brought the world closer this week by creating friendships that will last for a long time to come!
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