Arbitrary Sounds

The larynx vibrates

nasal passages open and close

tongues dance around the house

jaws open and shut like a mental drawbridge.

To some, it is gibberish.

To others, it is music.

To even more, it is everything.

Pushing air out of lungs without

a thought of breathing or immediate

survival.

An instinct too innate to fully

understand its origins.

Everyone can participate in some

arena.

Not all are audible and

not all can fully comprehend.

However, all wish to play.

All have something to say,

whether or not they ever

say anything at all.

Living Beats on the Streets

Water jiggling in a bottle

Dreadlocks swaying to and fro

A walk across a busy intersection

All seemingly innocuous movements

often viewed without significance

suddenly

They are illuminated…

suddenly

They are alive.

Your head begins to nod

Your feet beging to tap

You try to stop but there

is no resisting its power.

It brings the world to life

It moves you involuntarily

It give you a new energy

that you once only found in dreams…

Listen and you will understand

Blog negligence and other crimes.

WOW.   I completely suck at keeping up with my blog.

Where to begin?

Here’s the super short version:

I was bored with Taiwan and took off to Australia with dreams of koalas, kangaroos, and picking fruit.  I soon realized a fact that I had forgotten while in Asia:  Western countries are bloody expensive.  Plus, people talk funny down undah.

So, after a rude awakening and a Skype call to my dad, I was back in California after a year and a half abroad.

Best. Experience. Of. My. Life.

Trust me, I plan to write more about this and to write lots more about Taiwan.  But for now, I’ll just let you know that I’m enjoying the sunshine. Oh, yeah… I’m sure you want to know the ever pressing question…

What am I doing?  Well,  I’m getting my Masters in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) so that I can go abroad again at some point.  The travel itch needs to be scratched regularly.   I’m also working on some really cool top secret projects that I will reveal slowly but surely and then BAM! all of a sudden.  You’ll see.  It’s awesome.

Plus, I’m getting in shape and starting to study Muay Thai so that I return to Thailand (not Taiwan, ThaiLAND) and train properly in Phuket.  Awesome.

Anyway, I love you.  I really do.  Thanks for reading and I promise to post some very interesting tidbits from Taiwan, Thailand, and Australia…. and from the day in the life of Heidi.

Things change too quickly in Taiwan…

A lot has changed since I last wrote here. I changed teaching jobs last month right before Chinese New Year. This was stressful and a major change in a lot of ways. However, I managed to make a fairly smooth transition into my new job.

Basically, my old position was really ruining my experience in Taiwan. Working late nights for unpaid work was really getting to me. So I found a better job with normal working hours and more stability. I’m really happy with this choice and I know I did the right thing.

Since I quit my job at Hess, I’ve been able to work on one of my major goals in coming to Taiwan. To study Kung Fu. I’m studying Jeet Kune Do at a small studio right near my apartment. Jeet Kune Do is Bruce Lee’s version of Kung Fu. The studio is covered of pictures of Bruce Lee and we bow to a large picture of him at the end of every lesson. The lessons are almost completely in Chinese and my teacher learned from a man who studied directly under Bruce Lee. I’m really enjoying this and so glad that I have this opportunity to study Kung Fu so close to its origins.

Also my Chinese is getting much better. I’m still far from fluent but I mostly communicate things within necessity. Reading characters is still extremely difficult but I recognize a few. Mainly “woman”. This is VERY useful when looking for the lady’s room in public.

Overall, I’m keeping myself very busy. I work full-time and study Kung Fu and Chinese in my spare time. I don’t feel like I’m on vacation mode anymore so sorry for the lack of posting. I will get up some pictures soon that I’ve been meaning to post of things I see around town.

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.

Merry Christmas!

Sorry for not writing at all lately. Life has been crazy! I’ve been working a lot of hours and making and losing lots of friends. It’s funny how that works with the foreigner community in Taiwan. People are always coming and going and you make and break connections at a quick pace.

I was just asked if I had happy today. “Do you have happy?” by the laundry lady downstairs. Then she realized that she meant to ask me if I had a party today for Christmas. I replied in Chinese with “Meiyou” or “I don’t have”.

It’s odd because I went to Chili’s with a friend tonight as our “Christmas dinner”. We walked around the mall and looked at all the Christmas decorations but were still unable to feel the true spirit of Christmas amidst all the decorations. For example, this week in class I tried to read the Dr. Suess story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” but only one really clever boy was able to understand what I meant.

I’ll miss everyone this Christmas just as I missed you this Thanksgiving. I’m actually glad for the holidays to be over next week so I can get back to enjoying myself abroad. It’s tough when you’re constantly reminded of what you left behind.

But not to make it seem like I’ve been totally sad. I’ve actually been overall having a good time. I’ve been meeting great people, growing as a teacher, and I’m about to start studying Chinese full-time. It’s been an amazing 2007 for me. I’ve graduated from college (Heidi Edit: Actually in 2006), moved to another country, and am working on a huge language and cultural exchange. Though it’s still the Year of the Pig (my year) in Chinese custom so we’ll see what happens from now until Chinese New Year.

Obligatory Thanksgiving Post

Although I can’t have a real Thanksgiving celebration, it doesn’t make me any less thankful for everything that I have in my life.

My Grandparents: I’m thankful for my Grandma and Grandpa who have done everything for me. I would not be who I am today without them. Your sacrifices are infinite and I love you so much that it hurts. I only hope to make you more and more proud.

My Dad: Thanks for always being a voice of reason in a world of chaos. You’ve helped me level my head many times and I won’t forget it.

My Mom: For showing me where my creativity, imagination, and lively spirit come from.

My Uncle Leo: I don’t know how to begin to thank you but I appreciate the kindness and love that you have always shown to me. It means the world.

My Aunt Martha: For encouraging me to travel and explore the world and all its wonder.

The rest of my beautiful family: I could go on individually for hours but I just want everyone to know that I appreciate the support through everything in my life. You’ve been there for me since I was a little baby, a curious young girl, and a moody adolescent. It does not go unnoticed and I love you all in very unique and special ways.

To my friends: Thanks for all the support, the laughs, and the memories. Although I don’t get to see many of you all the time, you are in my heart and mind. Thanks for always trying to keep in touch. For my new friends, thanks for being so amazing and being so kind and open during this time of great change. I hope we will always stay close and in touch.

To everyone else who may read this: Take some time to thank someone today. Not only does it feel good but it’s also good for human morale. We have to lift each other up in order to keep the earth spinning. I love you all. Happy Thankgiving from a silly California girl in Taiwan.