Blogs from Taiwan, Asia - page 115

Another huge week! Many groups have been coming in to create art. I'm working with a group of architecture students to create tree demon lantern puppets, and local installation artist Chao is working with another group of the same students on deer lantern puppets. The students are really talented, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how the pieces turn out! We also had another huge group of architecture students (70!) arrive to create large scale sea creatures. More on them in an upcoming blog.... read more

Taiwan is the shit! Bus gets a flat tire on the expressway? No problem...keep on truckin'. Sidewalk too crowded with people and parked scooters? No problem...walk on the road. Feel like crossing an intersection against a red light and 6-lane traffic? No problem...just step out and they'll drive around you. Taiwan is an off-the-map destination with off-the-wall traffic and out-of-this-world food. Everyone will find something enjoyable about the Ilha Formosa (Beautiful Isle). Taiwan is blessed with some of the best cuisine in the world, thanks in part to the influence of aboriginal peoples, Chinese immigrants, and Japanese occupation. While restaurant decor is usually less than desirable, the food makes up for any aesthetic shortcomings - it's cheap, aromatic, and delicious. The only exception might be stinky tofu, which looks, smells, and probably tastes like it was ... read more

It’s hard to believe that I’m actually getting paid for doing what I’m doing—getting free Chinese and tai chi lessons, not to mention teaching tips and cultural insights into Taiwan. As much as I have been enjoying myself in Sansia, I am really looking forward to going to my assignment in Guangfu.Not just yet, maybe. A couple more days will be good. There was an aboriginal festival in a nearby park the other night, so a bunch of us wandered over for a butcher’s. Formosan aboriginals were originally Polynesians, I understand, and the dancing reflects that fact. There was a stage set up beneath the stars and the beautiful sub-tropical trees, and with the balmy air it brought Hawaii to my mind. The major difference is, of course, that I’m getting paid to be here--instead of ... read more

I have decided to make a list of things I love about Taiwan and things a miss about home, I feel like I have been comparing Taiwan to home alot so here is my list..... Things I LOVE about Taiwan: The government giving us a 5 day weekend this weekend!! Moon Festival! Teacher's Day My school, I barely work! My scooter SDC Chicken Bing Lu Cha- Iced Green Tea Green veggies and lunchboxes The train The easy travel Warm weather Tasty street food Mango slushies Bacon Wrapped scallions and sausage Pizza with corn Taiwan Beer Cheap clothes and shoes Super size shampoo Doraemon My paycheck Weekends with my friends Things I miss about home: My BED My Car Target Walmart Meijer My large selection of clothes and shoes, they are so sad without me and I ... read more

Today we go to Wulai. We drive to a park area, trek a little way into the woods, cross a stream, and land on a rocky beach. I have brought the "Barbecue in a Box" setup that I received from Melody, and which provides up with quite a feast! There is a steady drizzle, but we manage to get our barbecue started and some people even go swimming. Afterwards, we head to the Wulai hot springs area. Besides the hot springs, Wulai is home to one of Taiwan's indigenous population and many of the items in the local shops reflect that culture. The hot springs feature several pools, from warm to scalding, and even a sauna. The real action however, is to be found on the other side of the walkway! You can scrabble down a ... read more