Hello ladies and gents.
Sorry it's been a while to update, but I got home on Monday night and didn't even go home. It's been a little crazy being back. I thought Jet Lag might spare me this time, but alas I didn't sleep Tuesday night at all. Oh well, i'll get it back someday.
So, a quick recap, I got on the HSR on Sunday night, stayed at Novotel again into Sunday, and got up pretty early for a flight!
I saw some pretty cool things on the way back. I saw an active volcano by itself in my flights between Taipei and Tokyo, and also saw TWO sunrises and TWO Sunsets on the same day! I had a 38 hour Monday March 14th. If you were my snapchat friend, you got a good glimpse of the 38 hour monday!
I had the best time in Taiwan, and being back in America has already made me miss the life I had abroad.
I got so much out of this trip, and I can't wait to travel to Taiwan again someday!
The whole time I was over there, I was taking a video documentery of my experience, and I put a bunch (not nearly ALL) into a video for you! Check it out!
Lindy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY1kEUSDPro
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Last Post From Taiwan!
Hello world,
So, I figured this will be my last post while I'm actually HERE in Taiwan. I'll probably do a short blurb about the journey back when I'm in the states. But for now, this is it y'all.
So, yesterday morning I had the day to sort of get caught up on stuff. I worked on reading books for class, Shakespeare and completing stuff for my new job. I was super productive. Within the midst of that, I went to 7/11 down the street all by myself, and ordered food in Chinese. Granted I knew what I was going to get and rehearsed how to say it several times, but I did it! It was a really cool achievement.
In the afternoon and evening, we went to meet two friends I had met the other day at Neon's house to go check out the Kaohsiung Spring Arts Festival. Last night's showing was 50 songs from 50 of the best movies that were made, directed, casted and produced in Taiwan specifically. It was a true testament to their culture! When we got there, the two new friends offered me a gift of my own chopsticks. I almost started crying. Before the show, the three of us went to get some food as well as a drink. We got to the festival, set up our campground and hung out for a while.
The concert was amazing! They were mostly "western" instruments if you know what I mean. You don't need to understand the words if you hear the music. This was truly a reminder that music is universal and truly is the one thing that reaches all people. I really, really enjoyed it and it was the best way to spend my last night in Kaohsiung. I really enjoyed spending time with my new friends!
As we were driving away, the two new friends I made wanted to make a stop and they wouldn't tell me why. Shin I told me they had to go "buy something for someone", so I didn't ask questions. They came back, and presented me with a Taiwan flag. I actually started to cry. The kindness of the people here is unmatched. I was their "American", but they will always be my "Taiwan friends". We laughed, and laughed and though their english wasn't too good, language does not stop friendship.
This morning, I said goodbye to Shin I, and that was not without a lot of tears and crying. She had gotten me some of my favorite candy and wrote a note that literally made me dissipate into tears. With Shin I, I not only gained a friend but I gained a sister. Someone who I will love, laugh with, and treasure forever, no matter where in the world we are.
Today, I will have one last lunch with Neon, and then stop by my friend Lucy's house, and then get on the HSR back to Taoyuan to catch an early morning flight back to the states. I will stop in Tokyo, and then head to Dulles. I'll be back Monday afternoon, EST.
Now here comes the really sappy part.
So, 15 days ago, I got on a plane to Taiwan and I had no clue what to expect. I didn't know what was ahead of me. I didn't know, really much of anything. I just got on with an open heart and mind.
I got so much more than I ever could have dreamed.
The school inspired me to be more of an artist. My new friends challenged me, laughed with me, and made me feel more than welcome. To think this is goodbye makes me really sad. So, truth is, this is not goodbye. This is definitely a see you later situation.
I'll be back to this country some day. It was an incredible blessing to take class here, to experience art here, to make friends here, and to live here. I am leaving Taiwan feeling incredibly fulfilled both artistically and personally. This is an experience I will never forget, and will cherish for the rest of my life.
So, Thank you Taiwan. Thank you to everyone I encountered. Thank you to both SU and Shu Te for allowing this to happen. I am forever grateful.
America, lets begin the 48 hour trek back home!
Pictures...
So, I figured this will be my last post while I'm actually HERE in Taiwan. I'll probably do a short blurb about the journey back when I'm in the states. But for now, this is it y'all.
So, yesterday morning I had the day to sort of get caught up on stuff. I worked on reading books for class, Shakespeare and completing stuff for my new job. I was super productive. Within the midst of that, I went to 7/11 down the street all by myself, and ordered food in Chinese. Granted I knew what I was going to get and rehearsed how to say it several times, but I did it! It was a really cool achievement.
In the afternoon and evening, we went to meet two friends I had met the other day at Neon's house to go check out the Kaohsiung Spring Arts Festival. Last night's showing was 50 songs from 50 of the best movies that were made, directed, casted and produced in Taiwan specifically. It was a true testament to their culture! When we got there, the two new friends offered me a gift of my own chopsticks. I almost started crying. Before the show, the three of us went to get some food as well as a drink. We got to the festival, set up our campground and hung out for a while.
The concert was amazing! They were mostly "western" instruments if you know what I mean. You don't need to understand the words if you hear the music. This was truly a reminder that music is universal and truly is the one thing that reaches all people. I really, really enjoyed it and it was the best way to spend my last night in Kaohsiung. I really enjoyed spending time with my new friends!
As we were driving away, the two new friends I made wanted to make a stop and they wouldn't tell me why. Shin I told me they had to go "buy something for someone", so I didn't ask questions. They came back, and presented me with a Taiwan flag. I actually started to cry. The kindness of the people here is unmatched. I was their "American", but they will always be my "Taiwan friends". We laughed, and laughed and though their english wasn't too good, language does not stop friendship.
This morning, I said goodbye to Shin I, and that was not without a lot of tears and crying. She had gotten me some of my favorite candy and wrote a note that literally made me dissipate into tears. With Shin I, I not only gained a friend but I gained a sister. Someone who I will love, laugh with, and treasure forever, no matter where in the world we are.
Today, I will have one last lunch with Neon, and then stop by my friend Lucy's house, and then get on the HSR back to Taoyuan to catch an early morning flight back to the states. I will stop in Tokyo, and then head to Dulles. I'll be back Monday afternoon, EST.
Now here comes the really sappy part.
So, 15 days ago, I got on a plane to Taiwan and I had no clue what to expect. I didn't know what was ahead of me. I didn't know, really much of anything. I just got on with an open heart and mind.
I got so much more than I ever could have dreamed.
The school inspired me to be more of an artist. My new friends challenged me, laughed with me, and made me feel more than welcome. To think this is goodbye makes me really sad. So, truth is, this is not goodbye. This is definitely a see you later situation.
I'll be back to this country some day. It was an incredible blessing to take class here, to experience art here, to make friends here, and to live here. I am leaving Taiwan feeling incredibly fulfilled both artistically and personally. This is an experience I will never forget, and will cherish for the rest of my life.
So, Thank you Taiwan. Thank you to everyone I encountered. Thank you to both SU and Shu Te for allowing this to happen. I am forever grateful.
America, lets begin the 48 hour trek back home!
Pictures...
Friday, March 11, 2016
Beginning to Say Goodbye.
You guys. Goodbyes are actually so hard. I've had some pretty tough goodbyes, and this one is up there with the hardest ones.
After writing yesterday's blog about Kenting, Neon Shin I and I went to go see the school's performance. The show was called Have Wok, Will Travel, and I could actually understand it. We had to wait around for a bit because it was a dress rehearsal, but it was an amazing performance. It was about Taiwan in the 50's, when they were looking to become a separate part of China, and the role of women soldiers. The performance had a lot of imagery, thank goodness. I understood the Chinese quite well, and the stage pictures helped finesse what my brain thought was happening.
After that, the three of us went to my director, Jonathan's, favorite hot pot place. It was super, super good! I really love hot pot, but it is SO MUCH FOOD. I can barely eat all of it, usually. The three of us noted it was the last time the three of us would be together for a very long time. Now, keep in mind, these two people came to America last year and we had a blast together at SU. I came here, and they welcomed me, made sure I understood what was happening. They have become some of my very best friends. To think we don't know the next time all of us will be together as a group is really sad. We actually cried at the restaurant about it. By we, I mean Shin I and I. Neon took pictures and laughed at us!
ANYWAY. To continue the night, after hot pot, I had mentioned to Neon in passing that I really wanted a ukulele if it was cheap here. The other night, he had found one for 800 NTD, which is close to 25 USD. For America, that's pretty darn cheap for a nice brand new ukulele. He suggested we go and buy it. I walked in the shop, and picked out a tiffany blue uke, aptly named Tiffany, and Shin I was so inspired by enthusiasm to buy it, that she got one herself! She got the pink one, of course. We went home, and went to bed right after. We were EXHAUSTED.
Bright and early, we woke up for my last day of classes! Friday is the toughest day, physically. I have Modern from 9-12, Kung Fu (YAY) from 1-3 and Ballet from 3-5. All the classes were amazing. I spent the majority of all the classes on my hands, which was really hard. I don't have enough upper body strength. All the teachers decided today was the day that we're going to do one minute hand stands and cartwheels. It was so much fun to actually get on my feet and do some stuff upside down!
Kung Fu was my favorite class. Mostly because I look pretty ridiculous doing it, but it's so fun to learn. I really enjoyed that class.
I said goodbye to most of the students today, and they were so sweet! They all wanted pictures, and to say "bye bye" and I finally started to feel the twinge in my gut, knowing that this experience is soon coming to an end. It feels oddly real, and not real at the same time. I don't even know what is going on back home, really. It hasn't really set in yet.
We had dinner in town, and got some spring rolls, which are not like American spring rolls, and fruit at a local market. I'm going to miss Guava. It's so freaking good! Getting it fresh is something i'm really going to miss!
My friends Son An and Shao P stopped by Shin I and I's house to give me a present. They have this little thing that changes the view of a camera, and ever since Shin I had one last year, I thought they were so cool. Shao P changed her departure date just to give me the present (and a green tea, my favorite). Literally, I have the best friends in Taiwan.
As you can tell, i'm really not looking forward to leaving right now. All the teachers, my friends and myself think that two weeks is too short. I wish I could be here longer. I feel like I just got here, and just got started. Tomorrow is my last full day in Kaohsiung. Sunday, I will have lunch with my friends from high school, and then go to Taoyuan to catch my early Monday morning flight. Three days left in the country.
I swear i'm coming back.
My hot pot!
Angel... Devil..... SHIN I!!!!
My new uke!
I loved this outfit!
The three best friends... exchanges.
Shin I and our new ukuleles!
Brunch at my favorite breakfast place!!
My yummy lunch today at Jacks' Gourmet Kitchen. It tasted like America!
As you can see... we're already crying. Don't wanna leave.
After writing yesterday's blog about Kenting, Neon Shin I and I went to go see the school's performance. The show was called Have Wok, Will Travel, and I could actually understand it. We had to wait around for a bit because it was a dress rehearsal, but it was an amazing performance. It was about Taiwan in the 50's, when they were looking to become a separate part of China, and the role of women soldiers. The performance had a lot of imagery, thank goodness. I understood the Chinese quite well, and the stage pictures helped finesse what my brain thought was happening.
After that, the three of us went to my director, Jonathan's, favorite hot pot place. It was super, super good! I really love hot pot, but it is SO MUCH FOOD. I can barely eat all of it, usually. The three of us noted it was the last time the three of us would be together for a very long time. Now, keep in mind, these two people came to America last year and we had a blast together at SU. I came here, and they welcomed me, made sure I understood what was happening. They have become some of my very best friends. To think we don't know the next time all of us will be together as a group is really sad. We actually cried at the restaurant about it. By we, I mean Shin I and I. Neon took pictures and laughed at us!
ANYWAY. To continue the night, after hot pot, I had mentioned to Neon in passing that I really wanted a ukulele if it was cheap here. The other night, he had found one for 800 NTD, which is close to 25 USD. For America, that's pretty darn cheap for a nice brand new ukulele. He suggested we go and buy it. I walked in the shop, and picked out a tiffany blue uke, aptly named Tiffany, and Shin I was so inspired by enthusiasm to buy it, that she got one herself! She got the pink one, of course. We went home, and went to bed right after. We were EXHAUSTED.
Bright and early, we woke up for my last day of classes! Friday is the toughest day, physically. I have Modern from 9-12, Kung Fu (YAY) from 1-3 and Ballet from 3-5. All the classes were amazing. I spent the majority of all the classes on my hands, which was really hard. I don't have enough upper body strength. All the teachers decided today was the day that we're going to do one minute hand stands and cartwheels. It was so much fun to actually get on my feet and do some stuff upside down!
Kung Fu was my favorite class. Mostly because I look pretty ridiculous doing it, but it's so fun to learn. I really enjoyed that class.
I said goodbye to most of the students today, and they were so sweet! They all wanted pictures, and to say "bye bye" and I finally started to feel the twinge in my gut, knowing that this experience is soon coming to an end. It feels oddly real, and not real at the same time. I don't even know what is going on back home, really. It hasn't really set in yet.
We had dinner in town, and got some spring rolls, which are not like American spring rolls, and fruit at a local market. I'm going to miss Guava. It's so freaking good! Getting it fresh is something i'm really going to miss!
My friends Son An and Shao P stopped by Shin I and I's house to give me a present. They have this little thing that changes the view of a camera, and ever since Shin I had one last year, I thought they were so cool. Shao P changed her departure date just to give me the present (and a green tea, my favorite). Literally, I have the best friends in Taiwan.
As you can tell, i'm really not looking forward to leaving right now. All the teachers, my friends and myself think that two weeks is too short. I wish I could be here longer. I feel like I just got here, and just got started. Tomorrow is my last full day in Kaohsiung. Sunday, I will have lunch with my friends from high school, and then go to Taoyuan to catch my early Monday morning flight. Three days left in the country.
I swear i'm coming back.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Kenting! AKA Vacation for One Day!
Hey World!
I'm allowed to take a small vacation, right? It's spring break at school, and I'm abroad... going to school! With suggestion from Shih Hue, we went to Kenting, Taiwan! Kenting is a popular get away destination primarily for people FROM Taiwan, so it's relatively unknown to the outside world.
On Wednesday morning, I went to the morning tap class, and the teacher gave me an opportunity to solo! It was super cool. I put in my own favorite tap steps, and it challenged me, mostly because I'm not very good at improv. I like to be told what to do, so I can finesse it. It was challenging, but I think I did really well!
What was supposed to be right after, Shin I was 30 minutes late to come get me, we headed out for Kenting with Son An and Shao P! We had a great two hour car ride. We sang some classics, and I added in some Ed Sheeran. Some tunes you might recognize... lots of songs from Wicked, as well as a couple from Finding Neverland, Big Fish and Bridges (I requested Bridges and Big Fish). Some popular music as well, like Say Something and plenty of songs in chinese.
We got to Kenting and stayed at a hostel that was more like a hotel. I shared another bed with Shin I, because we've mastered sharing a bed! We quickly put on swim suits and headed for the beach!
We spent a good hour and a half just hanging out on the beach, throwing mud at each other, and laughing our heads off. It was truly amazing. Then, we did water sports! We did one where I tried to stand up, and literally almost flew off the back. Then, we did the banana boat and finally we did a donut. The donut was my favorite. It was actually quite terrifying how fast we were flying. I haven't screamed that much in a very long time! It was a BLAST!!
We went home soon after to go get seafood dinner. Now, this was the one time on the trip that I didn't completely love what was put in front of me. This was a bit adventurous, even for my adventurous spirit. I really didn't eat a ton. Right after, we went to a hot springs, and Shin I was SUPPOSED to bring our swimsuits... and she forgot them. We had a great time anyways, because I bought a pair of little boys shorts. It was a treat for sure... but the hot springs were very nice! I enjoyed it a lot!
Then we went home to go to the night market on the main street. I tried more baked potato and got some ice cream! We went to a store that had lots of owls, and I didn't get anything. We had a great time looking around, and even got some local wine to drink! The wine was amazing! We laughed and laughed and laughed. Even though I was tired, I had the best time ever. I really value my friends here, and will really miss them.
This morning, we woke up and got breakfast downstairs. I had a yummy cheese and egg sandwich! We checked out of the hostel, and headed to go see the top of the "windy mountain". When they said it was a windy mountain, they weren't kidding. I almost fell over several times from the wind. It was crazy how windy it was. We saw the South China Sea, and it was one of the most breath taking views i've ever seen in my life. It's like you didn't know where the world stopped and heaven began.
We drove back to Kaohsiung, and tonight, we're going to see a performance by Shu Te students! I'm excited to see how it goes! I'll post tomorrow about tonight's events.
Truth is, I'm actually starting to get very sad about leaving. I might not make my plane.
Pictures...
I'm allowed to take a small vacation, right? It's spring break at school, and I'm abroad... going to school! With suggestion from Shih Hue, we went to Kenting, Taiwan! Kenting is a popular get away destination primarily for people FROM Taiwan, so it's relatively unknown to the outside world.
On Wednesday morning, I went to the morning tap class, and the teacher gave me an opportunity to solo! It was super cool. I put in my own favorite tap steps, and it challenged me, mostly because I'm not very good at improv. I like to be told what to do, so I can finesse it. It was challenging, but I think I did really well!
What was supposed to be right after, Shin I was 30 minutes late to come get me, we headed out for Kenting with Son An and Shao P! We had a great two hour car ride. We sang some classics, and I added in some Ed Sheeran. Some tunes you might recognize... lots of songs from Wicked, as well as a couple from Finding Neverland, Big Fish and Bridges (I requested Bridges and Big Fish). Some popular music as well, like Say Something and plenty of songs in chinese.
We got to Kenting and stayed at a hostel that was more like a hotel. I shared another bed with Shin I, because we've mastered sharing a bed! We quickly put on swim suits and headed for the beach!
We spent a good hour and a half just hanging out on the beach, throwing mud at each other, and laughing our heads off. It was truly amazing. Then, we did water sports! We did one where I tried to stand up, and literally almost flew off the back. Then, we did the banana boat and finally we did a donut. The donut was my favorite. It was actually quite terrifying how fast we were flying. I haven't screamed that much in a very long time! It was a BLAST!!
We went home soon after to go get seafood dinner. Now, this was the one time on the trip that I didn't completely love what was put in front of me. This was a bit adventurous, even for my adventurous spirit. I really didn't eat a ton. Right after, we went to a hot springs, and Shin I was SUPPOSED to bring our swimsuits... and she forgot them. We had a great time anyways, because I bought a pair of little boys shorts. It was a treat for sure... but the hot springs were very nice! I enjoyed it a lot!
Then we went home to go to the night market on the main street. I tried more baked potato and got some ice cream! We went to a store that had lots of owls, and I didn't get anything. We had a great time looking around, and even got some local wine to drink! The wine was amazing! We laughed and laughed and laughed. Even though I was tired, I had the best time ever. I really value my friends here, and will really miss them.
This morning, we woke up and got breakfast downstairs. I had a yummy cheese and egg sandwich! We checked out of the hostel, and headed to go see the top of the "windy mountain". When they said it was a windy mountain, they weren't kidding. I almost fell over several times from the wind. It was crazy how windy it was. We saw the South China Sea, and it was one of the most breath taking views i've ever seen in my life. It's like you didn't know where the world stopped and heaven began.
We drove back to Kaohsiung, and tonight, we're going to see a performance by Shu Te students! I'm excited to see how it goes! I'll post tomorrow about tonight's events.
Truth is, I'm actually starting to get very sad about leaving. I might not make my plane.
Pictures...
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