Yesterday started out pretty casual. I had class at 3, so Shin I and I had the morning to ourselves. She went and got my favorite breakfast (turnip cake and chocolate toast with milk tea!!!), and we ate at home in the morning. I caught up on some homework, which in reality I still need to do more, and we went to Coffee Drink to continue to work, but with some coffee!
I went to meet the teacher for Improv class. She was really nice, and in addition to going to her class, she invited Shin I and I to go see a local high school performance to see some more Asian culture in the arts! Her class was improv, and I really enjoyed it! We did lots of trust exercises, and I almost got pushed into a wall! I thought it was pretty funny.... I definitely trusted my partner! It was a blast. Most classes i've had for dance have been in the same classroom. It's a big classroom in the downstairs basement and it's got marley floors and lots of space!
After class, Shin I went for a quick dinner at the cafeteria on campus, because the food is cheap and there is LOTS of it. I had fried rice like last time. After eating fried rice here, i'll never be able to eat fried rice in America. America does it wrong. It's so freaking good here. My fried rice has corn, peas, and a big hunk of cheese in the middle. It's freaking amazing. I also ordered my own drink in chinese. Like... actually ordered it. Granted, I had shin I make sure I said the correct thing, but the person responded thinking I actually could understand her. So, I consider that a huge success!
We went to the performance at the Kaohsiung Cultural Center. It's a big, beautiful theater. The high school kids proceeded to come onto stage doing 3 different types of acts. It was a combination of Dancing, Music, and Modeling.
Now, the dancing I thought was really cool. I've never seen eastern dancing live and in person before. It's actually quite beautiful. I was sitting next to the dance teacher, so I don't know anything about the technique of the dancing, but It was actually so cool to sit and watch it. In person. The dancing in the second act included modern, tap and jazz. I really enjoyed the modern piece. If you've ever watched the dancing videos on youtube of the kids from China, they run on and off the same way. Again... who would have known i'd ever seen it in person.
Now, the modeling was freaking INSANE. Like... America, why don't we have a modeling and designing class? These HIGH SCHOOL students designed, and MADE these dresses. They have modeling class to teach them how to model the designer outfits. These dresses were no easy designs. They were wild, outlandish, and something you'd see on a NY runway. I was absolutely blown away by the artistry.
The music was what was the most impressive for me. These kids have 3 years to learn an instrument. Some are western instruments, like double bass and cello, but most were eastern instruments, and things i'd never seen before. They had three years to master these instruments, and they do NOT look easy to play. The first piece, there was a harp. Granted, I've never seen anyone in America actually play harp even though we have a Harp major at school. Literally, one of the most beautiful pieces i've ever heard. If that woman was a student playing harp.... I want to learn from her. These kids knew how to play "western" AND "eastern" instruments. Why do we not teach our kids to play some eastern instruments? And to learn it and perform it with mastery in three years?!
Anyways, i'll get off my high horse now. I left that performance inspired, and wanting to get back to work. If high school kids in Asia are that talented, I need to get on my game.
Shin I and I went to the shopping district afterward to do a little shopping! I got a new dress for myself, and something for my sister. I ALSO ordered my own green tea again! I've mastered how to say green tea. Maybe one day soon i'll learn to say what size green tea I want. Hey... baby steps!
Shin I almost killed us on the way home. She is HORRIBLE at parking, and was going wayyyyy over the speed limit. I literally had to tell her to slow down so many times, to which she replied "Lindy, you no worry... I safe!" And we both couldn't stop laughing. It's moments like this that I love! (and glad I survived!)
I had a great day.... today I have one class, the I go on VACATION to Kenting!!! I'll post in a couple days... I'm not bringing a lot of stuff with me.
Pictures.... <3
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