Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my friends and family! I'm sure Christmas has come and gone back home in the states and I wish I could say the same goes for here but not so much. The stores are still decorated and they are still playing those every cheerful Christmas tunes....everywhere. Many of you know that under normal circumstances I'd be fine with this but here, it just seems so out of place. I'm ready for it to come down and life to be back to um, normal.

Christmas night was fun. I went with John to his co-workers home and she cooked a pretty amazing spread. I had my first Christmas dinner at almost midnight and we had a secret Santa gift exchange. Santa even made an appearance and instead of me sitting on his lap, he sat on mine. I got a lovely guitar that I'm going to teach myself to play (I will probably invest in lessons when I come home to the states in July/August) and two pet fish. Herman and Harriet.

Katie, my friend from back home, just arrived yesterday morning and it was so nice to see a familiar face. We are planning on going to Taipei 101 for New Years and then Friday morning heading to the east coast of the island for a weekend of adventure and touristy stuff.

I'm also in the process of finding more work...in another part of Taipei. I've come to the conclusion that Jhongli isn't my cup of tea and am going to check out some other areas in the next week or two. I'm realizing there is a whole lot of Taiwan out there so the sky is the limit...but it does sort of depend on where I can find a job.

I'll update next week when I get back. Happy New Year to all. Please be safe and I'll see you all in 2010.

The 'Joy' of Teaching

After arriving in Taiwan on Friday morning, I've spent the last couple of days trying to adjust to this new way of life. My new home, Taiwan. Still rather jet lagged, I have yet to have a full 8 hours of sleep which makes things even more difficult. I spent the weekend getting to know my new life, the life of a girl name Sarah who is moving to New Zealand to be with her boyfriend whom she has only spent one night with. I say I'm taking over her life because well, to be honest I kind of am. I've moved into her room in this three bedroom apartment which is on the 15th floor of a complex in Jhongli City. I'm mentioning the floor because if you recall one of my facebook post from when I was here previously, you will remember that I was in not one but TWO earthquakes. I was in John's 3rd story apartment and felt the shake of the quake quite nicely so one can only imagine what it will be like when I first experience one from the 15th floor.

Aside from the apartment, I have taken over Sarah's job as well and purchased her phone/phone number from her. So I suppose you should just call me Sarah from now on. Just kidding. Currently, I am sitting in the apartment as she frantically finishes packing after arriving home from a night of craziness at 9 am this morning. At least that is one thing I can say I will NOT be taking over from her. My latest night thus far has been 1 am and not because of partying. John an I were reading and watching T.V.

(It's been a few days so...now it is Friday the 18th of December)

I've now been working at the Joy Cram School for 4 days. How can I describe to you exactly what it is like....oh,I know...BABYSITTING! Yes, I'm getting paid $600NT and hour to babysit children from the ages of 8 to 11 for up to four hours a day. Not exactly what I had in mind. A cram school is basically a private English school that the children come to AFTER their regular school day hours. They typically spend from 3-8:30pm 'learning' English. So what do I do with them? Usually the teacher gives me a handbook with a particular unit they are learning. For instance last night one of the classes and I worked on words such as bat, bet, pick, peck, and kiss. I have no idea how they come up with these units because to me, they have no rymnn or reason. We play games such as duck duck goose, heads down thumbs up, danger island, and so many more. I'm trying to figure out what my purpose there is. Since it is predominately Taiwanese teachers teaching them English, I suppose they want a 'real' native English speaking person there so he kids can hear correct pronunciation as well. Overall, it's not a bad gig. I mean, it's nice to know that I'm bringing in a little money right off the bat. I'm in the process of finding more work. Maybe private lessons or a kindy (kindergartners).

Aside from work, it's pretty darn cold here right now. Like SEATTLE cold. Thailand is just around the corner though and so is warmer weather. John and I leave on Feb. 4th and return on Feb. 19th. We are thinking of spending some time in Thailand and then Cambodia. My roommate Carrie said Cambodia is unreal. I'm not sure what I'm more excited for, the beaches of Thailand or going to Angkor Wat.

Tonight we are going to KTV and a Love Motel. So, before you let your mind go into the gutter, the Love Motel IS what you think it is. A big hotel where people can rent a room to get it on BUT it is also a place groups of people can rent a room to party and hang out. There are rooms with pools and hot tubs so THAT is what we are doing. Karaoke and Love Motel. Oh KTV is a big building full of rooms that people can rent out to go Karaoke. Strange I know. But you know they say...when in Rome...

Running to something

As I'm preparing to leave on Wednesday, I can't help but think about all the new adventures that are waiting for me just around the corner. Skiing in Japan, my first 1/2 marathon in Taiwan, a two week trip to Thailand, and a possible month long trek in Nepal up to Kyazu Ri and so much more. Every day will be filled with challenges that I will have to figure out. I will be uncomfortable most of the time, out of my element and I'm sure a little confused but I can hardly wait.

If you would have asked me eight months ago when I was laid off from my job what my life would be like come December, I'm sure I would have described something completely different. I think the biggest lesson I have learned is that you really have no idea what the future has in store for you. Life is full of so many unexpected things. True, not everything that happens feels fortunate but in the end, it all leads you exactly where you are meant to be.

As for my last few days here, I'm trying to soak it all up. Spend time with friends and family, get some good workouts in, and I even went skiing last Tuesday up at Crystal. Life is pretty good. In the end, I feel like I am running to something pretty amazing and will welcome this new life with open arms.

It's a pretty big world out there...

And I have finally decided to take full advantage of it. As of December 9th, I will no longer reside in Seattle, Washington and instead call Jongli, Taiwan home sweet home. I decided to move to Taiwan on top of a mountain about a week into my trip. What may seem likely a hasty decision is actually one I've been thinking about for a very long time. Maybe not Taiwan but overseas for sure. It just so happened that everything fell into place nicely and I will begin what could be a very interesting 'career' teaching English to little Taiwanese children. Now I know what you are thinking. How can someone who barely speaks proper English herself teach children the language. Well, my answer to that is: I have no friggin idea but I suppose that is part of the challenge and excitement and I'll figure it out along the way.

The next 6 months are about just that. Figuring it out as I go and being hopeful. I've lived a charmed life here in Seattle and have been quite fortunate and blessed It's time I set out on a little adventure and see where it takes me. Maybe back to Seattle or maybe on to a different country. Who knows. All I am sure of is that this decision feels good and right and that is all I need right now.

I hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving and I'll be here until the 9th of December. Oh, my phone will be disconnected on December 8th....

So long Taiwan but I'll be seeing you soon...

I leave in a few hours and I am overwhelmed with emotion. My time here has been nothing short of amazing and my eyes have been opened to so much and I am grateful for that. Many things are on my mind and a few new decisions have been made which I will share soon enough. I've learned some valuable lessons, met some great people, and am open to all the possibilites that life is throwing my way at the moment.

For now I have to say good-bye to Taiwan but I know I'll be seeing you soon.

Culture Shock for the Little White Girl

I've been here for a week now and have noticed many things that are VERY different from the states. Naturally this should be so but I thought I would touch on a few and share my thoughts.

1. The Squatter. Now some of you may know this about me but most probably don't nor do you really want to but I'm going to share anyway. Here it is, I never perfected the art of squatting and in doing so, I often find myself pissing down my leg left trying to figure out how to hide the obvious. Here in Taiwan the public toilet is first, few and far between and second, basically a whole in the ground that you are left to spread eagle over to do your business. On my first account with the squatter I almost turned around and held it but part of the experience of this trip is to force myself to step outside my comfort zone and try new things. So, I did my business and surprisingly I managed to walk away with dry legs and shoes. John can't seem to understand my disgust with the squatter toilet to which I argue, "you only have to do your business squatting half the time. You've got a 50/50 chance." Oh well, I tackled and mastered that one.

2. The Face Mask. We live in a society where no one really cares who is subjected to their germs. You have H1N1 and you are still trekking to work, sweaty, sneezy, sick and ready to share. I knew that I would see many people wearing face masks but why I thought they were wearing them is actually different. John's friend Kaivan explained to me that it's all about 'saving face' which is a knew subject on it's own that I will save for a later discussion. The mask isn't really about their fear of your germs as much as it is about them not wanting you to catch theirs. It's more of a respect thing. With that being said, some Taiwanese have designer ones. Plaid, paisley, cartoon you name it.

3. It's 80 degrees plus humidity and they wear winter jackets. So I'm walking along and noticing that many of the Taiwanese are wearing jeans, long sleeve shirts, scarves and a jacket. And then there is me. Shorts, tank top, sunglasses, and still very sweaty. This puts into perspective how hot it actually gets here in the summer time.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not exactly complaining about the above. It's more of an observation. One that I'm starting to adjust to and actually find comforting. Here are a few things that I really like here....

1. You don't tip. I know I sound cheap but it really makes life easier knowing you don't have to figure out how much to tip.

2. Street Vendors. If you're hungry and it's 11PM, you just step out your door, walk down the street and wallah! You have a plethora of vendors to choose from. Just beware of the stinky tofu. I tried it last night and it really does taste exactly like it smells....like dirty feet.

3. Scooters everywhere. I love that everyone owns a scooter or takes the train or MRT. If I lived here I'd be so excited to get a scooter. Makes me want to get rid of the red beast and get a Vespa back home but then I remember I live in Seattle. I would only be able to ride it 30 days out of the year.

4. Everyone is nice. Besides the mildly offensive comment I received on the street yesterday walking to the store, everyone is nice and they like to stare but I can't blame them. I look like a blonde curly hair freak in a sea of black hair and face masks.

5. There's an earthquake and the city doesn't shut down and it's not on every news channel on T.V. Yes, there were 2 earthquakes here yesterday. They were strong enough for me to look around the apartment and realize everything was shaking. I thought it was pretty cool actually...my mom on the other hand didn't find it as cool.

So that is it for now, I'll write more later~!

Oh the places I have seen...

Hi Everyone! I'm sorry for not posting sooner but I've been having too much fun! But this one should be a nice and long one so here goes ...

For those of you who are terrified of spiders I would suggest NOT going into the jungles of the Taiwanese mountains for there are very large and frightening 8 legged creatures all around which I had the pleasure of experiencing first hand. Meet George.


Aside from the spiders there are cuter creatures such as the mass amounts of mountain monkeys at the campgrounds we stayed at just outside of Taichung. Late Friday night John and I caught a train south of Neili, where he lives and stayed the night with Jody and Oliver, friends of his from his days in Colorado. Lovely and generous people. We stayed at there apartment Friday night and headed to the mountains Saturday afternoon. Two of their friends joined us and we hopped on our three scooters and drove 40 minutes up into the mountains to camp.

Camping in Taiwan is a unique experience. One I can't say I'd love to do again but I'm sure I will. First, the zipper on our tent was broken so John and I were eaten alive all night long. Don't be surprised if I come home with some rare disease. That mixed with the jet lag I was still experiencing made for a 'happy' Manda the next morning but I turned my frown upside down and after breakfast and coffee, I was in a better head space.

Before we headed south to Taichung on Friday, I spent the day with John's friend Kaivan. He was raised in the states but is Taiwanese, moving back here 8 years ago. I'm so happy I had the chance to hang out with him. I definitely saw stuff I wouldn't have otherwise. He took me to lunch at a very authentic Taiwanese restaurant and then we walked the street in search of cute little shops and a jade market. We came across a little tea shop and although it was closed, the owner invited us in and explained (which was translated to me by Kaivan) the process of drinking tea. It was quite the unique experience. After that, we went to a park that reminded me of Central Park in Manhattan. Kaiva plays the violin and there was a big amphitheater and he got up and played a couple songs for me. From there we headed to Taipei 101, the tallest building in the world...for now. Dubai is in the process of building the new tallest building but until it is open, Taipei 101 is still number one. Such a beautiful view.

So, after my day exploring parts of Taipei, John and I headed south to camp with the crew. The following day, on our way out we decided to go to a waterfall to swim. On the way back to Taichung, we stopped at a few places, one being a man made bat cave and the other a monastery. I was almost killed by a bat. John would say I was exaggerating but seriously, the little blood sucking flying rat came straight at my head. This tunnel was about 5 feet high and 3 feet across and pitch black. I was the 'leader' with the camera light and all of the sudden I was dodging a nose diving grey bat that I just know what aiming straight for my neck. Needless to say, I screamed and we were out of there. Fun times for sure! The Monastery was beautiful. Somewhat haunting and we were the only people there. There were a couple wild cats running around and I'm not sure what I was more interested in. The beauty of the scenery or chasing the kitties. John would say the kitties.

We got back to Neili late Sunday night and Monday morning John called in sick and we headed to Wulai, a small mountain town known for their hot springs and hiking. I'm not sure I could do it justice by trying to explain how cute it was but just think small village with street vendors and homes built into the hills. We hiked around a bit and then took the gondola up to this hotel and some kind of amusement area. Pictures should explain a little better.

Tuesday I stayed local. John took me to the local gym and I ran and swam which felt really good. I'm consuming everything that my body can't digest very well but it's so worth it. John's friend Karolese, a South African woman, invited me to Yoga night with her friends which actually turned out to just be dinner, wine drinking, and talking. It was really nice having a 'girls night' experience here and meeting some new friends. One of my goals while here was to meet people and form contacts for future travels. I'm meeting a lot of nice people. One of the girls from that night and I are hanging out tomorrow (Friday). She is from England and has only been here for 2 months. We are going to go explore a town called Danshui.

Yesterday I went two train stops north to a little town known for their ceramics and pottery called Yingge. Mom-you would have been in heaven. Who knows, maybe I got you a little something from there. There is a section called Old Town and the streets are cobblestone and it is quaint and charming.

Today I think I'm going to go one more stop past Yingge and go hiking a bit. Stay tuned...here are some pictures to keep you entertained...

I made it to Taiwan...

(I didn't take the picutes above but will when I go to these places this weekend!)
Hello Everyone! I made it safe and sound and am lying comfortably in our bamboo bed drinking a cup of very strong joe while listening to the Taiwanese merchants talk over loud speakers outside. It’s foreign and pleasant and makes me happy.
The flight alone was grueling and with a head cold to boot made it that much more enjoyable. I watched 4 movies but couldn’t tell you what there were now as I was in a sort of drug induced daze (don’t worry, it was only cold meds). Seeing John was great! His place is cute and totally a bachelor pad but he took extra measures to make it as comfortable as possible for me which was very sweet.
We walked around a tad last night, mainly up and down his street but I was completely out of it so we went to the store and got some wine and watched a movie and talked and got caught up. Today I’m hanging out around here getting myself settled then going on a walk around his neighborhood until he comes back home for lunch (btw, he gets a 2 hour lunch break!) Then I’ll go with him and hang out by the school where he teaches. There is a gym which he thinks I should check out. I have to check out the Taiwanese gym. I’m not totally comfortable venturing off by myself yet. I should be more so tomorrow after we head into Taipei tonight for dinner. We are going to Taipei 101 which is the tallest building in the world says John. I can’t wait. We will also check out some of the night markets like Snake Alley. Maybe I’ll drink some snake blood. Doubt it but one can pretend to be that adventurous right?
Tomorrow I’ll probably head back into Taipei on my own or see if one of John’s friends can come show me around assuming that one of them doesn’t have a day job. We are planning on heading south to his friend Jody and her boyfriend’s place tomorrow night. I can’t remember exactly where it is but it’s near Sunmoon Lake which we are going to on Sunday.
Hope you are all lovely in Seattle and I will post more soon! Lots of hugs from Taiwan!

A World Full of Possibilities

If you would have asked me back in August what I would be doing on October 27th, getting on a plane headed for Taiwan would have been the last thing I would have said. It interesting how quickly life can change. The past 6 months have been nothing but continuous change for me. Once a creature of habit, I’m starting to wonder how much I actually crave and need change in my life.

I’m going to see a friend I barely know in a foreign place I have never been. In truth, we went to junior high and high school together but I have really no memories of him other than a casual hello as we passed by each other in the hall. Thanks to an all too popular social networking site, no ma, no a dating website, we somehow managed to reconnect, all leading to this moment where I am about to get on a plane heading for Taiwan.

With something that started out with little thought, unexpectantly turned into a friendship full of possibilities. Maybe romance, maybe a lifelong friend, maybe only two ships passing in the night. One thing is for sure, it's bound to be a good time.

So I'm about to board this plane to sit for 15 hours. I'm sure I will read a little, watch a few movies and what is true of my nature, get lost in my own thoughts. Fifteen hours is a mighty long time ...

Who am I meant to be

I read am article in a magazine today and I will admit it, it was Oprah. Yes, every now and then I read Oprah. Mostly when I am at my mom's because she seems to always have it around. Anyone who knows me knows that I over think EVERYTHING and what I mean by this is every. single. thing. I cannot recall when exactly this started because it's all I've ever known. From the time I can remember I analyzed things. I once read in a book of astrology that the sign Virgo was represented by the words 'I analyze' and I thought to myself, "great, I'm doomed." I once had a friend tell me that she would hate to have my mind because when she looks at me, she can tell it's working on overdrive. Always thinking. Always.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure my mom picked up this magazine because there was a series of articles based on "How To Become The Person You Were Meant To Be." She's always doing that sort of thing and then casually bringing it up to me. "Oh, here is the latest Oprah magazine on the coffee table. You should look at it." Practically circling and ear folding the pages she thinks I should read. It's all because she loves me so bless her heart and I actually found this one very enlightening and something I've been thinking about lately. The article that resonats most with me was by Amy Bloom and titled, But What If I'm Scared of Change? Really, who isn't a little afraid of change. Lately my life has been nothing but one change after another. I'm really trying to embrace it but it scares the hell out of me too.

Here is the article below:

Change can be wonderful. People improve their appearance, improve their marriages, get great new jobs, even great new spouses. Plus, dear little babies become adorable toddlers, and pretty soon the toddlers can read and then they're having a really nice Sweet Sixteen and their skin clears up and they never talk to you, they fall in love with people you wouldn't allow in your house if you had a choice and they move far away and you rarely get to see the grandchildren.

That's what change is for a lot of us—stuff you have to pretend to embrace even as your heart sinks; you know it's going to end badly and you already feel the inevitable loss. The other awful thing about change is that we want it as much as we fear it and we need it as much as we need safety. I hate my marriage but I'm afraid of being alone. I'm sick of being a lawyer but I don't know how to do anything else.

Good news: It doesn't matter whether you like change or not, whether you embrace it or run in the opposite direction. Not only will changes be taking place, they will be taking place all the time, with and without your participation, from the mouse-sized (they no longer make your favorite suntan lotion) to elephant-sized (death, divorce, and disability). It turns out that even if you make no changes in your lousy marriage, your stultifying job, or your painful relationship with your brother, all those things will change anyway. Your only choice is to take steps toward change (you don't have to quit the job or the marriage all of a sudden), or to wait and see what surprises the universe has for you as you cling to what you thought was safety.

Mostly, change is as inevitable as rain in the spring. Some of us just put on our raincoats and splash forward, some of us choose to stay home, a few admirable nuts shed their clothes and cavort in the yard, and some people go out and get deeply, resentfully, and miserably wet. And no matter what, the rain falls. It falls on dry grass, which is the kind of change we love, and it falls, too, on June weddings and the day you began the Appalachian Trail. Sylvia Boorstein is a Jewish grandmother, a psychotherapist, and a Buddhist, which signifies to me that she must know something about complaining (even quietly) and accepting (not just pretending to). She writes: "We can struggle, or we can surrender. Surrender is a frightening word for some people, because it might be interpreted as passivity, or timidity. Surrender means wisely accommodating ourselves to what is beyond our control. Getting old, getting sick, dying, losing what is dear to us…is beyond our control. I can either be frightened of life and mad at life—or not. I can be disappointed and still not be mad." People get old, plans change, red wine spills on your great-grandmother's tablecloth—there isn't any other way.

It seems to me that the absolute star of accepting change is the Dalai Lama, the easy, gentle master of living in the moment and understanding that life is nothing but transition. My sister is not the Dalai Lama; no one has ever gotten them confused. My sister's approach to change, although not approved by the International Council for the Happy-Go-Lucky, is novel and effective.

Me: Hi, it's me. I just wanted to let you know that x (a member of my side of our extended family) wants to bring someone to Thanksgiving/Passover/anything.

She: Oh. S***. The table will be so crowded.

Me: Umm…

She: It'll be awful. People will be sitting on the patio, practically.

Me: Umm…

She: I'm not making something vegan, dammit.

Me: Umm…

She: Is he/she nice?

Me: Yes.

She: Are they in love?

Me: Looks that way.

She: [Pause] Okay.

Me: Okay? It's okay?

She: [Sweetly] Well, of course. [Patiently] There's plenty of room.

So, maybe, there's an alternative to beatific acceptance of change. Maybe a little grousing helps. Maybe some frank grumbling smooths the way for some genuine acceptance. Maybe the trick is to acknowledge that change is sometimes wonderful, sometimes not, often disturbing, and always happening. Then, make room at the table.

My sister, the Dolly Lama.

I am a blogger

Hi Everyone,

Follow my adventures in Taiwan and in life.

Love to all.

Amanda