Taiwanaversary!

So, I’ve been in Taiwan for six months. Pretty hard to believe but times seems to fly when you live in the future.

I feel a little bit lame because I haven’t done tons of things that I’ve wanted to because I’ve been wrapped up in living in Taichung and teaching. Not that either of those are bad things but I definitely planned on seeing more of the island by this point and even some of Asia.

But I have to think of how far I came as well. I now actually consider myself a teacher. I never really thought I would be a teacher but I guess it is running through my veins. I really love it and it’s the first job I’ve had where I don’t often feel the painful sensation of WORKING. Not that I don’t work hard, because I do, but I finally enjoy what I do.

Anyway, I still really miss home in lots of ways. Like burritos for one. I think I might be obsessed with the thought of actually eating real Mexican food. Seriously if someone could find a way to airmail me a burrito then I don’t know what I would do. I really miss walking into a store and being able to recognize and read everything. Also, I miss people actually following traffic laws, In N Out Burger, and the BEACH. Not to mention my beautiful family and my few close friends.

I just want to let everyone know that I’m doing just fine. My adventure is sometimes less adventurous than you’d think. My life has become somewhat “normal” in Taiwan. Well, as normal as life gets I suppose. But I’m finally settled and content with mostly everything and it gets better every single day.

Planet Taiwan

On July 28th, 2007, I landed on a strange planet called Taiwan. I originally left my home planet in search of adventure, knowledge, and enhancement of opportunity. I found much more than what I had expected.

Taiwan is a very small planet with a dense population. The locals insist on living in small boxes which are stacked up against each other. While on my home planet, these arrangements exist but are usually only populated with those lack the finances to afford a proper house, college age youth, or the elderly. However, this seems to be the preferred living space in this region of the universe.

Transportation can be a scary thing here. Most Taiwanese ride around on gas-powered bicycles that they refer to as “scooters”. They really do scoot around quite nicely. I’ve become fond of my scooter and I’ve even become accustomed to the utter and complete disregard for traffic laws. Sure, there are red, yellow and green lights but these rules seem more like suggestions as they are ignored by most of the population.

Law is a tricky concept on this planet in itself. For example, the police ride around in their vehicles with their lights flashing to alert people that they are on duty. It’s really a nice warning. I take heed to watch my speed and my scooting habits while the lights are on. However, local residents are often spotted running red lights, going down one-way streets in the wrong direction, and generally defying all traffic laws in the presence of these vehicles. I’m confused as to the purpose of these police officers.

The language on Planet Taiwan is another story entirely. People often seem angry when they are talking with each other for no particular reason. Also, it often sounds as if they are singing, constantly confused, or incredibly frustrated. However, I’m learning the native tongue and I can assure you that this is all done for the purpose of communication and not only to confuse aliens such as myself.

Being an alien is a unique position to placed in. I have a special card that I’m supposed to carry around at all times in case my planet of origin is ever enquired about the “law”. The government even gave me a local name of Bu Hei Di. Which I hear roughly translates to “Sea Tree Branch”. It’s a little disconcerting but local citizens make no qualms about staring profusely at me as I walk around. The youth will often point and shout when they see me and their parents do not seem to find this rude and will sometimes join in on the pointing. I can’t really blame them because maybe they have only heard about aliens such as myself from their major sources of media.

My overall impressions thus far have been positive. Often the locals, while surprised by my presence, are ultimately very helpful and sympathetic to my many plights. They respond to my butchering of their native tongue and many even speak my language as well. All necessary goods such as food, gas, clothes, and rent are kept at livable standards. Health care is extremely cheap and widely available. My complaints are often balanced by my rave reviews and I think I will stick around this planet for a time more to see what else is store for me here. Once I have gained a mastery of the native tongue, I will surely move on to other parts in this galaxy which I’m much more comfortable with. For example, I hear Planet Argentina is beautiful with a warm and familiar culture.

Signing out from P.T.,

Your Favorite E.T., Bu Hei Di

A serious apology

I hate that I haven’t been keeping up to date with my blog. Tons of things have been going on in the beautiful island of Taiwan. It’s no excuse to not keep everyone updated but I’ve been keeping myself busy with teaching and studying Chinese.

A little bit about learning Chinese… It’s amazingly difficult and yet fun at the same time. I’m a serious beginner and only focusing on getting my pronunciation correct at this stage. I’m learning Pinyin. Basically, it’s the romanization of the Chinese language for the purposes of study.

My lessons are almost like singing lessons. I have to keep the correct tone and my teacher will often say, “You’re off key”. It’s really challenging but I think I’m getting the hang of Mandarin.

This entry is to let you know that I’m indeed alive and well. The holidays were a tough time for me in Taiwan but 2008 is looking promising. I’m also working on a few entries for my 6-month Taiwanaversary. Yes, it’s been six entire months on the 27th of January. So much has happened and I’m definitely a different and better person than I was when I embarked on this stage of my adventure.

To come:

Nokia moments (the many pictures I’ve taken on my camera phone of weird things in Taiwan)
Possible video morning footage of a nearby park
Temple pictures
And much, much more.