A few difficulties
One thing that I immediately noticed upon arriving in Taiwan was the huge language and culture barrier. This may seem obvious but I didn’t realize how much I took for granted in the U.S. until trying to live my life in Taiwan.
A few examples of difficulties:
- Ordering a pizza from Domino’s (Picture me trying to explain that I only speak English right off the bat “EEENG-YUNG, ENGLISH!”)
- Trying to find a DVD player in the huge technology store NOVA (I had to have someone write the location in Chinese so I could show other Chinese people in an attempt to locate it. By the way, I found it and it was really cheap and very nice)
- Walking around the city (People drive INSANELY. There are traffic laws but they are more like suggestions. Plus, scooter dodging is a sport in its own right)
- Taking taxis. (You have to have the address in Chinese. I carry around my Chinese address in my pocket at all times)
- Making friends (Do you speak English? THANK GOD! You are my new best friend)
- Being American (Americans are truly a weird species in the scheme of the world. The differences between English speaking countries are amazing. I’ve been spending all my time with a South African and a British guy. Everything is “Cheers!” and “Do you fancy a bite to eat?” Quite amusing to me)
- Using public restrooms (They are often squat and drop style toilets. I really miss the ability to sit down in public restrooms)
Also, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I know A LOT more Spanish than I thought I did. I often find myself thinking of how I would communicate certain things in Spanish rather than in Chinese. I feel as though I’m a million times more intelligent now than I was when I arrived. Not to toot my own horn but it’s not easy to adjust to a new country, learn how to be a teacher, and figure out different ways of communicating non-verbally. Not to mention the English knowledge that I’m gaining. Anyone care to quiz me on the Past Continuous tense?
For your viewing pleasure (or disgust) I leave you with an example of a “squat and drop” public toilet. Try not to be too grossed out.
I am really sorry that you are having troubles communicating but i knew that was going to happen. You will be very knowledgeable, maybe even trilingual when you return to the good ol’ USA. For sure you will have a greater appreciation of your home. I really miss you and wish you were here, but I am glad that you went because i think it will be a great learning experience. My love as always, Grandma
Nin hoa mah or should I say hola chica… I must say that the squat toilets are more than sort of gross. My only advise is wait until you get home. I am glad that you are finding Spanish useful. I am curious to know about the reasons. I have heard about the lax adherence to traffic laws in non-Western countries but the scooter wars sounds like a whole new level of chaos altogether. Keep enjoying and growing!!! Uncle Peo
Actually, I’m not finding Spanish useful but I’m realizing that I know more Spanish than I thought I did. It’s just making me more aware of thinking in another language. I’m more interested in learning Spanish than I have been in a long time because I realize the importance of communicating with people on a global scale
Your picture is adorable !!! Now, the toilet is another matter…at least, your quadriceps will get a work out! So how were the rains from the typhoon? Not much rain here in the arid West. I’m so glad you want to learn more Spanish. Andres will hopefully start Spanish this fall at Carden. Can u believe that it is only until the 7th grade that they get exposed to Spanish? The years before that they are devoted to useless Franch — at least Korean would be more useful. Oh well, I hope he picks up the grammar….And I hope you still are enjoying the grand adventure, computer or not. All you need are your eyes and your heart. Be careful out there. Much love, Your Aunt Martha
Its sounds like such an exciting experience..
I can’t wait to come visit you and see everything in person…The toilet is way gross, I don’t look forward to seeing that.
I love you and miss you a ton!!
I am enjoying reading about your experiences. I can imagine that all the foreigners that come to our country are also encountering the same kinds of issues, especially with language, but I think it is worse for Americans traveling to other countries that don’t have the conveniences we take for granted. I remember being in Germany at 21 and after 6 months, wanting to come home because I missed the conveniences. Can you believe it? I am so jealous though, as you are doing at a very young age what most of us think about, but don’t actually do. Miss you, Love, Aunt Z
wow… ya im sure the non verbal gestures in Taiwan are wayyy culturally different than here in America. But there are probably some non verbal symbols n gestures I think that are universal to use.
but jeeze…. the squat toilet kinda looks like a normal toilet here, but, lower in the ground. Why cant they just raise it? HaHa. i mean…doesn’t everyone’s legs get tired after awhile? Im sure they are all used to it..but jeeeze. =)
anyhow..wow each blog u write is so interesting! miss ya!