No but seriously. I can't believe this is my life. I can't believe i'm actually here, actually doing this. Some one pinch me, I must be dreaming.
So, I woke up very early this morning. Like 5:30 am early. Oddly enough, it wasn't too hard. Jet lag got the best of me last night, and had me wide awake from 2-4am. Thank goodness for good ol' Claude Debussy and Clair de Lune. Puts me to sleep no matter what time of day. Waking up and showering was good. The magic glass at Novotel was very nice! Then, I went downstairs for a complimentary breakfast. For breakfast, I had hard boiled eggs, hashbrowns, rice and some orange juice. Pretty normal to me, minus the rice.
Getting to the HSR was very easy and smooth. I bought my ticket ahead of time, so it was nice and easy. I am prettty sure these guys were taking pictures of me. I stick out like a sore thumb here, I don't blame them. I found Shin I and Neon quite quickly upon arrival. The ride across the country was very smooth.
First stop... STARBUCKS!!! Of course. The Starbucks junkie that I am, I had to get my fill. Coffee helps with jet lag. I got something you can only get in Taiwan... it was a burnt caramel machiatto. The flavor was very similar to the regular machiatto, but with "burnt" syrup at the bottom. It was pretty good, and i'd probably have it again before I leave.
Next, we went to drop off my luggage and go to my first day of school! If I can tell you the main thing I did today... I did a lot of introducing myself. Everyone I walked up to... I introduced myself. I don't remember nearly any of the names of anyone I met. I do know Neon's best friend... his name is Hank. And Shin I's best friend... her name is Yaya! I went to school, and met the faculty. I was immediately thrown off by the culture shock of not speaking enough Mandarin. Honestly, my chinese is getting better by the hour, because i'm surrounded by it. I know more than I thought I knew, honestly. Anyway, next, we stopped by this place called Coffee Blend. It's right across from school and very new. I got noodles with mushroom and a green tea half sweet (this is something special for over here... you get to choose your sweetness). It was AMAZING.
At 1pm, I went to schedule my classes and my visit. I'm going to do so many cool and exciting things!! Tomorrow, i'll be dancing almost all day. I'm taking another trip. somewhere fun, close by, and it has a beach! More details soon. At 3, I went to a directing class for second year students. It was a presentation day, so I watched lots of presentations! The students did very well. Shih Hue Tu, the head of the department, was the teacher. She also scheduled my classes. I already like her a lot!!! She is very, very wonderful.
Next was dinner. We went to this place on campus, and I had just a big thing of fried rice! The fried rice had cheese, eggs, corn, and veggies in it! It was 60 NTD, which is close to 2 USD. Again... food is insanely cheap here.
Shin I and Neon gave me a tour of the school! It was nearly the size of SU, except the buildings are a bit taller. That's the only main difference. After the tour, was a rehearsal for the senior musical. It was composed and orchestrated by NEON! It was so cool that an exchange student from last year is this talented. He writes musicals. He plays piano. He sings Bruno Mars with me. Neon.... he's a cool guy. The musical looks great so far. It's about cancer and dealing with death. A deep subject. The cooler part... was that I actually understood what was being said. Not all the time, but I did start to pick up on some stuff. That was very, very cool!
I went with Shin I to pick up a birthday cake for a party we're going to tonight. We haven't left yet. It's been a very long day... but an amazing day! And it's not over yet! I still feel like this is a dream. This is the most insane, life changing experience. I can't wait to spend 13 more days here.
On to this birthday party... and on to TOMORROW!!!
Pictures below! <3 They are out of order... but try to follow along.
Lindy
So excited for you, Lindy! Love following your adventure!
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