Current music: The Night Will Always Win by Elbow
It's Moon Festival here in Taiwan again. It's strange to think that I've been in Taiwan for more than a year. This year has seen some very high highs and extremely low lows, but I'm still so grateful that I'm here. I just got back from another amazing camping trip on an island called Shou Liouciou with some amazing people. But I'll get back to the big vacation from a few weeks back.
I am confident now that I can drive anywhere, under any circumstances. Actually, that's a lie, we were super lucky that we never got hit by any rain on our journey. So, rephrased: I am confident that I can drive on dry roads anywhere. Because some of the driving that we were thrown into was super intense. But I digress...
Day 2 started at the crack of 7am, where we woke up, and decided to start on what would be one of the longest legs of our trek. We were to head south on highway 17 for about 2 hours, then turn east on to highway 9 and head across the width of the island, which would take a little longer than 2 hours. And then turn north again for a short while, until we reached the very small city of Taitung.
Current music: Solsbury Hill by Peter Gabriel
Driving in Taiwan cities is remarkable because of the sheer number of obstacles. Driving on Taiwan highways is very similar, but it's actually far more relaxing. People still don't know how to drive, but you have so much more room to avoid them. However, driving a scooter at high speeds for an extended period of time can become a challenge in itself. You are exposed to sun, wind, and whatever else the outdoors decides to throw at you, like sand and insects. Overall, however, the driving was quite enjoyable when the road was semi-level. The mountains were another story, but that's later. Also, even main highways are poorly marked in some areas of the country, often on the outskirts of cities, so much confusion can ensue. But, we made it to our second stop in one piece, and in much better time than we planned for.
We found a lovely hostel, that was pretty much a house, that we had to ourselves, in a little village outside of Taitung, called Fugang. It was a quiet little place, right next to the harbor where we were to take the ferry the next day. The hostel was run by a lovely South African man who got along with Wen quite well, being from the same country and all.
Current music: Straitjacket Feeling by All-American Rejects
After dropping our stuff off, we decided to give our scooters some much needed break time, and went for a walk around the village, mostly in search of beer. We passed away the afternoon at a lovely little outdoor bar on the coast until real food was needed. Since we don't know much about the aboriginal culture in Taiwan, we decided to try an aboriginal restaurant, for a change of pace from standard Taiwanese food. The locale itself was interesting, with an open fire pit, a large grass lawn in the middle, and KTV, which is what Asia calls karaoke. I don't know if I've ever mentioned it here, but KTV is everywhere. Literally everywhere. And the Taiwanese take it super seriously. However, I was still surprised to find it in this place. But I digress again.
As with most menus in this country, the menu for the place was in Chinese. So, like many instances on our trip, Jane and I were forced to rely on Wen to order for us. The server lady recommended that we try warthog, which is not found in many places around the country. Since I understand that warthogs that aren't cheery singing cartoon warthogs are actually super mean, I had no problem trying warthog. And it was super delicious. On the whole, the food was alright. Nothing special, but OK for three starving foreign girls. But what really made me mad, was what we didn't eat.
Current music: Stand Still, Look Pretty by The Wreckers.
I was studying the menu to see if I could recognize any characters. I found one that I thought I knew, so I asked Wen what it was, and she replied that it was cat meat. Now, everyone knows that I love meat. Like a lot. But everyone knows that I love cats more. In my mind it is never, ever OK to eat a cat. Or a dog, but for some reason eating cat makes me even more incensed. So, being very repulsed, I was very close to leaving , or yelling at them, or bombing the place or something. But, like so many other things I have encountered since moving to Asia, it was one of those times where you have to bite your tongue and realize how vast cultural differences are. And sometimes people eat cats. It's wrong and gross and unnecessary. But it happens. I did threaten to eat the line cook as I passed him on the way to the bathroom, banking on the very probable chance that he didn't speak English, so he would be unlikely to stab me with his cooking knife. It felt good to vent a bit anyways.
We went back to the hostel. We got some chips to calm me down, and Wen and I watched a Chinese DVD of Chocolat while Jane passed out. And so ended the first full day. Green Island merits its own post. I'll do that when I feel like writing some more.
Still to come on Jess's Taiwan adventure: How I almost got skin cancer, how we kidnapped a stray dog, how I got bit by a deer, and a visit to one of the only salt water hot-springs in the world.
Sidenote: The new year is going swimmingly. Most of my kids, save one, are tiny and cute, and still super annoying, but I can tolerate it because I am not exasperated with them yet. Save one. Who can likely be diagnosed as bipolar. But this is Taiwan, and people pretend that psychological problems don't exist. I'm venting...
Other sidenote: Sons of Anarchy is finally back for a fourth season and I am finally going to watch it right now! Good TV makes me happy.
Thing I miss of the day: libraries I can use. I spent so much time in libraries in Canada, and I realized recently how very much I love them.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
You plan your escape at the end of the day, take what you say, start fading away
Current music: Hair by Lady Gaga
Long story short, my graduation show went very well. The bosses that matter seemed to really like it, and it was a wonderful last week of school not having to worry about it anymore. My last few days were spent giving the kids busywork and watching Disney movies. Not a bad way to round out the year. I'm going to miss my last year kids though. All things considered, they were a great bunch of kids.
But on to more interesting things.
I was granted two glorious weeks off after the semester was done. And since my friend Jane has the same vacation, it was determined that we should spend it sightseeing around Taiwan, as neither of us really had the chance to go see it yet. And our friend Wen had the same time off, so she wanted to come with us as well, which turned out to be a godsend, because I don't know how we would have survived without a Chinese speaker.
Current music: The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars
Anyways....after some preliminary planning, it was suggested to us by Jane's and my Chinese tutor that we should consider taking the trip on scooters. This had never occurred to us, as the longest any of us had driven on a scooter was about 40 minutes, and to drive around the country would take innumerable hours on end. On the other hand, we would be able to see the landscape and scenery in a completely different way than from the window of a car or a bus. So, with absolutely no idea of what we were doing, we decided that scooters it was.
It was determined by people that knew what they were doing that my personal scooter should be able to handle the terrain we would we heading to, as it has a fair bit of power and is pretty big. However, since Jane's is little, with about 100cc to it and Wen doesn't own one, the other two had to rent them. So, on the day we were to leave, which was immediately after I finished my last day of work, we headed to the rental shop, where the girls were given two brand new, beautiful scooters, with much more firepower than my broken old steed could ever muster. But I was determined to put him to the test.
Current music: Another Pilot by Hey Rosetta
Our first day was spent getting to Kaohsiung, the second biggest city in Taiwan, which is only about 50 minutes south, since none of us had driven scooters on the highway before, and it was dark. So, after some serious windy and dark motoring, we found a place to stay in Kaohsiung, and found a delicious Outback steakhouse for dinner. And after a long walk around the harbor, we crashed at the first of many hostels on our trek.
Next time on Jess's Scooter Adventure: Day 2, how Wen's GPS saved our lives, how I almost got skin cancer, how we ate warthog, and how I nearly kamikaze'd an aboriginal BBQ place.
Thing I miss of the day: Being somewhere where a shrimp allergy isn't considered super abnormal. Apparently it's a western thing. Darn.
Long story short, my graduation show went very well. The bosses that matter seemed to really like it, and it was a wonderful last week of school not having to worry about it anymore. My last few days were spent giving the kids busywork and watching Disney movies. Not a bad way to round out the year. I'm going to miss my last year kids though. All things considered, they were a great bunch of kids.
But on to more interesting things.
I was granted two glorious weeks off after the semester was done. And since my friend Jane has the same vacation, it was determined that we should spend it sightseeing around Taiwan, as neither of us really had the chance to go see it yet. And our friend Wen had the same time off, so she wanted to come with us as well, which turned out to be a godsend, because I don't know how we would have survived without a Chinese speaker.
Current music: The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars
Anyways....after some preliminary planning, it was suggested to us by Jane's and my Chinese tutor that we should consider taking the trip on scooters. This had never occurred to us, as the longest any of us had driven on a scooter was about 40 minutes, and to drive around the country would take innumerable hours on end. On the other hand, we would be able to see the landscape and scenery in a completely different way than from the window of a car or a bus. So, with absolutely no idea of what we were doing, we decided that scooters it was.
It was determined by people that knew what they were doing that my personal scooter should be able to handle the terrain we would we heading to, as it has a fair bit of power and is pretty big. However, since Jane's is little, with about 100cc to it and Wen doesn't own one, the other two had to rent them. So, on the day we were to leave, which was immediately after I finished my last day of work, we headed to the rental shop, where the girls were given two brand new, beautiful scooters, with much more firepower than my broken old steed could ever muster. But I was determined to put him to the test.
Current music: Another Pilot by Hey Rosetta
Our first day was spent getting to Kaohsiung, the second biggest city in Taiwan, which is only about 50 minutes south, since none of us had driven scooters on the highway before, and it was dark. So, after some serious windy and dark motoring, we found a place to stay in Kaohsiung, and found a delicious Outback steakhouse for dinner. And after a long walk around the harbor, we crashed at the first of many hostels on our trek.
Next time on Jess's Scooter Adventure: Day 2, how Wen's GPS saved our lives, how I almost got skin cancer, how we ate warthog, and how I nearly kamikaze'd an aboriginal BBQ place.
Thing I miss of the day: Being somewhere where a shrimp allergy isn't considered super abnormal. Apparently it's a western thing. Darn.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The waiting is the hardest part...
I've recently returned from an amazing vacation which I will describe in detail once I return to Tainan. I am currently in Kaohsiung, Taiwan's southern-most city,visiting my friend Elyssa, who recently moved here.
I will put up pictures then too.
Later,
Jess
I will put up pictures then too.
Later,
Jess
Friday, August 5, 2011
You don't even know my name, but you know every constellation..
Current music: 7 Stars by the Apples in Stereo
It's only getting warmer here...
The Jump Start graduation show is set to go on for tomorrow morning. It has become such a prevalent thing at work that I have reached a new level of not caring anymore. The school has spent a fortune on booking a large showroom at the Shangri-La, one of the fanciest hotels in the city. The whole thing is completely unnecessary and excessive, but education is a business here, and pandering to the parents is what gets kids to the school. Not any actual English skills, but their ability to memorize, sing and dance. Ridiculous. I'm sure it will go fine, and I will report once it's done.
I get two glorious weeks off midway through August. I have decided to finally travel Taiwan with a few of my friends. We are likely going to start off in the north of Taiwan and make our way to some of the islands. In Taiwanese culture, August is ghost month, which means that evil spirits are supposed to be more prevalent in the world for a time. Therefore, the locals are less likely to travel, so hopefully the most popular vacation spots won't be too busy.
Current music: Houses by Great Northern.
The semester is finally coming to an end. Although I am excited to be beginning another year, I am sad to see the changes that are happening, both with my kids graduating from kindergarten and the changes in staff. Hopefully I will have as much fun in the upcoming year as I have this past one, but it is depressing to see my friends leaving.
Typhoon season is upon us again, so it can suddenly start to downpour at the drop of a hat, and end just as easily. I just got back from stocking up on food in case it suddenly typhoons for days on end.
I have to head to Chinese class in a few minutes. My tutor Kevin is amazingly patient with me, as I probably don't study as much as I should. But my Mandarin is chugging along and I can say very simple phrases to people, and they sometimes understand me.
Current music: New York State of Mind by Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem
It's Chinese Valentine's Day today, which I imagine is just like regular Valentine's Day. It's just as annoying.
Thing I miss of the day: pharmacies. I miss normal medicine.
Off to possibly speak Chinese words!
It's only getting warmer here...
The Jump Start graduation show is set to go on for tomorrow morning. It has become such a prevalent thing at work that I have reached a new level of not caring anymore. The school has spent a fortune on booking a large showroom at the Shangri-La, one of the fanciest hotels in the city. The whole thing is completely unnecessary and excessive, but education is a business here, and pandering to the parents is what gets kids to the school. Not any actual English skills, but their ability to memorize, sing and dance. Ridiculous. I'm sure it will go fine, and I will report once it's done.
I get two glorious weeks off midway through August. I have decided to finally travel Taiwan with a few of my friends. We are likely going to start off in the north of Taiwan and make our way to some of the islands. In Taiwanese culture, August is ghost month, which means that evil spirits are supposed to be more prevalent in the world for a time. Therefore, the locals are less likely to travel, so hopefully the most popular vacation spots won't be too busy.
Current music: Houses by Great Northern.
The semester is finally coming to an end. Although I am excited to be beginning another year, I am sad to see the changes that are happening, both with my kids graduating from kindergarten and the changes in staff. Hopefully I will have as much fun in the upcoming year as I have this past one, but it is depressing to see my friends leaving.
Typhoon season is upon us again, so it can suddenly start to downpour at the drop of a hat, and end just as easily. I just got back from stocking up on food in case it suddenly typhoons for days on end.
I have to head to Chinese class in a few minutes. My tutor Kevin is amazingly patient with me, as I probably don't study as much as I should. But my Mandarin is chugging along and I can say very simple phrases to people, and they sometimes understand me.
Current music: New York State of Mind by Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem
It's Chinese Valentine's Day today, which I imagine is just like regular Valentine's Day. It's just as annoying.
Thing I miss of the day: pharmacies. I miss normal medicine.
Off to possibly speak Chinese words!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Don't Let Me Hear You Say Life Is Taking You Nowhere..
Current music: Sandstorm by Darude
It's getting scary warm here. Like I'm scared to leave my house at 7am warm. Like even being at the beach is too much warm. But thankfully my classrooms are AC'd, and it's not too overwhelming when on a scooter, so I'm not melting just yet, despite doing my best Wicked Witch impressions at work.
My graduation show is well underway, and my children are doing splendidly. I've had to rewrite the thing several times, but it's finally getting to a point where they have it memorized perfectly. The part I'm concerned with right now is the dancing bit. Come to think about it, I do very little teaching anymore, because everyone is having a aneurysm about this show. Although I'm super stoked about mine, Hopey's show is about 10 times more awesome than mine, because he decided to use Bowie and Elton John in his. Although it might be a good thing that I didn't opt to use songs that I love, because I would probably end up hating them. I'll probably post a video of the thing once it all comes together.
Current music: Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri
I signed another contract for the upcoming year, so it looks like I'll be Taiwanese until August 2012. I hope that I enjoy it as much as I did the first time around. There are going to be some large personnel shifts, as per normal in ESL jobs, but I am super excited that my friend Jane is coming to work with me next year! I have a suspicion that we are going to have a great deal of fun.
Thing I miss of the day: my apartment in Ottawa. Good times there...
Off to work... afraid I might melt...
It's getting scary warm here. Like I'm scared to leave my house at 7am warm. Like even being at the beach is too much warm. But thankfully my classrooms are AC'd, and it's not too overwhelming when on a scooter, so I'm not melting just yet, despite doing my best Wicked Witch impressions at work.
My graduation show is well underway, and my children are doing splendidly. I've had to rewrite the thing several times, but it's finally getting to a point where they have it memorized perfectly. The part I'm concerned with right now is the dancing bit. Come to think about it, I do very little teaching anymore, because everyone is having a aneurysm about this show. Although I'm super stoked about mine, Hopey's show is about 10 times more awesome than mine, because he decided to use Bowie and Elton John in his. Although it might be a good thing that I didn't opt to use songs that I love, because I would probably end up hating them. I'll probably post a video of the thing once it all comes together.
Current music: Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri
I signed another contract for the upcoming year, so it looks like I'll be Taiwanese until August 2012. I hope that I enjoy it as much as I did the first time around. There are going to be some large personnel shifts, as per normal in ESL jobs, but I am super excited that my friend Jane is coming to work with me next year! I have a suspicion that we are going to have a great deal of fun.
Thing I miss of the day: my apartment in Ottawa. Good times there...
Off to work... afraid I might melt...
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me
Current music: Miami by Foals
So, it's dragon boat festival time in Taiwan, so everyone gets a Monday off. I went to go see the preliminary races last Thursday night, and the boats seem to look more like reindeer than dragons, particularly because they are covered in lights and have big red noses. They are super intense though, I know I'd give up after a few boat lengths.
Going again today, as they are racing on the canal a block away from my house. These are the big ones, so they should be pretty impressive.
Going to my first Taiwanese wedding this Sunday. My favourite CT is getting married, and I'm super excited to see how the customs here are different from ours. You are only supposed to give money in a red envelope, which is already a far superior idea. None of this registry crap with useless things that no one wants.
Thing I miss of the day: my books. I've got tons here, but I miss mine.
Short and concise today. Off we go.
So, it's dragon boat festival time in Taiwan, so everyone gets a Monday off. I went to go see the preliminary races last Thursday night, and the boats seem to look more like reindeer than dragons, particularly because they are covered in lights and have big red noses. They are super intense though, I know I'd give up after a few boat lengths.
Going again today, as they are racing on the canal a block away from my house. These are the big ones, so they should be pretty impressive.
Going to my first Taiwanese wedding this Sunday. My favourite CT is getting married, and I'm super excited to see how the customs here are different from ours. You are only supposed to give money in a red envelope, which is already a far superior idea. None of this registry crap with useless things that no one wants.
Thing I miss of the day: my books. I've got tons here, but I miss mine.
Short and concise today. Off we go.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
I got so city girl on you...
Current music: Let's Dance by David Bowie
Hong Kong, Day 4
Before getting to Hong Kong, I was faced with a choice. Go to HK Disneyland, or go to Ocean Park, a supposedly superior amusement park that contained something else I love to a point that is comparable with Disney: sharks and dolphins. While debating which park to go to during my limited stay in the city, the answer was obvious, do both. Money should never be an object on vacation, even if you later regret it. Which is why Day 4 was spent with me again acting like a 4 year old for a good chunk of the day.
We took a bus to Ocean Park on a day that was threatening to rain ever since we woke up. When we first got there, I immediately wanted to go see the pandas before it got too busy. They were kind of boring, because all of them decided to sleep at the same time, but it's a rare thing to see giant pandas, and I was stoked anyways. One of them eventually woke up and started eating some bamboo, which was the cutest thing ever, so it was all worth it.
Current music: Ziggy Stardust by David Bowie
Ocean Park is designed a lot like Hong Kong itself is. It's built along the side of a mountain, so half is on the bottom, and the other half requires a gondola ride to get to. So, we waited in line for a bit to take my second gondola in two days up to the top half of the park. It was a really cool ride, that went over the coast of the island. As soon as we got up there, there was an obvious air pressure change, was amazing to consider as it's all part of an amusement park. Our first stop at the top was the jellyfish hut, which was a cool little dark building with jellyfish in tanks and psychadelic lighting. Unfortunately it was pretty crowded in there and my claustrophobia kicked in after a few minutes, and I had to find deserted corners along the way before ultimately bailing. I got some cool pictures though.
Next up was the dolphin show, which I was super excited about, because I've been in love with dolphins since I was 7 years old. They had 4 dolphins in a tank, they were trained really well and put on a cute little show, along with some sea lions. There was a dorky storyline, but I guess there is one of those for every dolphin show, so it didn't matter anyways. It started to pour halfway through the show, but we didn't care and stuck it out. Totally worth it.
Hong Kong, Day 4
Before getting to Hong Kong, I was faced with a choice. Go to HK Disneyland, or go to Ocean Park, a supposedly superior amusement park that contained something else I love to a point that is comparable with Disney: sharks and dolphins. While debating which park to go to during my limited stay in the city, the answer was obvious, do both. Money should never be an object on vacation, even if you later regret it. Which is why Day 4 was spent with me again acting like a 4 year old for a good chunk of the day.
We took a bus to Ocean Park on a day that was threatening to rain ever since we woke up. When we first got there, I immediately wanted to go see the pandas before it got too busy. They were kind of boring, because all of them decided to sleep at the same time, but it's a rare thing to see giant pandas, and I was stoked anyways. One of them eventually woke up and started eating some bamboo, which was the cutest thing ever, so it was all worth it.
Current music: Ziggy Stardust by David Bowie
Ocean Park is designed a lot like Hong Kong itself is. It's built along the side of a mountain, so half is on the bottom, and the other half requires a gondola ride to get to. So, we waited in line for a bit to take my second gondola in two days up to the top half of the park. It was a really cool ride, that went over the coast of the island. As soon as we got up there, there was an obvious air pressure change, was amazing to consider as it's all part of an amusement park. Our first stop at the top was the jellyfish hut, which was a cool little dark building with jellyfish in tanks and psychadelic lighting. Unfortunately it was pretty crowded in there and my claustrophobia kicked in after a few minutes, and I had to find deserted corners along the way before ultimately bailing. I got some cool pictures though.
Next up was the dolphin show, which I was super excited about, because I've been in love with dolphins since I was 7 years old. They had 4 dolphins in a tank, they were trained really well and put on a cute little show, along with some sea lions. There was a dorky storyline, but I guess there is one of those for every dolphin show, so it didn't matter anyways. It started to pour halfway through the show, but we didn't care and stuck it out. Totally worth it.
Current music: Five Years by David Bowie
Next, since we figured that the lines for rides would be slightly lessened because of the rain, we made our way to the roller coasters. The first one we got in line for was shut down after a few minutes of waiting, which was a bummer, but it gave us an excuse to make our way to the water log ride. That was a lot of fun, and we didn't even get that soaked. Plus, the ride had a lumberjack theme, so there were Canadian flags displayed everywhere, which was hilarious to me in itself. Next, we hit up this mine shaft themed roller coaster, which had just reopened. Probably the most nerve-wracking roller coaster I've ever been on, because half of it stretched out over the cliff, which of course were the steepest drops. It was an amazing ride, and we would have gone again if the line wasn't so long.
After that, we headed for the sea lions. There were a surprising amount of sea lions, with one particularly big one that felt like randomly rushing at the others. They were really cute, but made a lot of noise. When we were finished there we decided to head back down to the lower section of the park, this time taking a very small and crowded monorail thing, which made me really anxious, but thankfully wasn't that long of a ride.
After that we headed to the biggest aquarium I have ever seen, which was really cool, because it was structured to mimic the different levels of the ocean. The most exciting part for me was the shark tanks, which held tons of giant sharks, among other things.
Current music: Young Americans by David Bowie
We left the park around dinnertime, and headed for one last night at the Hong Kong Brew House. It was an awesome day, and I'm really happy we got to go and see some amazing animals.
Day 5 was short and simple. I had been searching for dim sum the entire night, as Hong Kong is supposed to have the best dim sum in the world. We finally found this place in the middle of the city that was actually called Dim Sum. We got there right around brunch time, which is perfect for dim sum, and it was pretty darn good. After that, we went shopping at H&M and at a used bookstore that Elyssa knew. After that, it was time to go to the airport, so we hopped on the MTR. Our plane was delayed for about an hour, so we got some beers and watched the Royal Wedding, which was more interesting than I thought it would be for some reason. We got into Kaohsiung at a little after 9, and back to Tainan by 10.
Hong Kong is exciting, diverse, uniquely structured and simply an amazing place to go. If I had the cash, I'd move there in a heartbeat.
Thing I miss of the week: cockroach-free streets. They aren't that bad here, but sometimes they can fly. Spooky.
Update soon. Out.
After that, we headed for the sea lions. There were a surprising amount of sea lions, with one particularly big one that felt like randomly rushing at the others. They were really cute, but made a lot of noise. When we were finished there we decided to head back down to the lower section of the park, this time taking a very small and crowded monorail thing, which made me really anxious, but thankfully wasn't that long of a ride.
After that we headed to the biggest aquarium I have ever seen, which was really cool, because it was structured to mimic the different levels of the ocean. The most exciting part for me was the shark tanks, which held tons of giant sharks, among other things.
Current music: Young Americans by David Bowie
We left the park around dinnertime, and headed for one last night at the Hong Kong Brew House. It was an awesome day, and I'm really happy we got to go and see some amazing animals.
Day 5 was short and simple. I had been searching for dim sum the entire night, as Hong Kong is supposed to have the best dim sum in the world. We finally found this place in the middle of the city that was actually called Dim Sum. We got there right around brunch time, which is perfect for dim sum, and it was pretty darn good. After that, we went shopping at H&M and at a used bookstore that Elyssa knew. After that, it was time to go to the airport, so we hopped on the MTR. Our plane was delayed for about an hour, so we got some beers and watched the Royal Wedding, which was more interesting than I thought it would be for some reason. We got into Kaohsiung at a little after 9, and back to Tainan by 10.
Hong Kong is exciting, diverse, uniquely structured and simply an amazing place to go. If I had the cash, I'd move there in a heartbeat.
Thing I miss of the week: cockroach-free streets. They aren't that bad here, but sometimes they can fly. Spooky.
Update soon. Out.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Your mind is on vacation and your mouth is working overtime...
Current music: Us by Regina Spektor
Day 2. At the most magical place on Earth, Hong Kong edition
When a girl who grew up watching Disney movies gets to go to Disneyland and act like a four year old for a whole day, magic happens. I guess it doesn't help that I spend my days surrounded by four year olds, but going to Hong Kong Disneyland got me one step closer to my goal of going to all 5 Disney theme parks.
We got to take the Disney subway to the park, which is exactly what it sounds like. A subway decked out in everything Disney. We were both already giggly on the way over there, aided by the coffee. We had already bought our tickets at the Victoria's Peak mall the previous day, which was the smartest idea ever, so we didn't have to wait in the first excruciating line.
After I regained some relative composure after freaking out for several minutes at everything, we first decided to hit the staples of Disneyland, which meant the first ride would be the Mad Hatter teacups. Since it was early, there was pretty much no line, which was awesome. After that, Elyssa had her heart set on going on It's A Small World, which I wanted to skip, to avoid the annoying singing robots. But we ended up going, and it wasn't nearly as bad as I remembered it when I was 10. We also skipped around the Sleeping Beauty castle for a bit.
Current music: Bulletproof by La Roux
Next up was Space Mountain in the Tomorrowland area, which I was a little worried about, because although I love roller coasters, I have to be able to see where I'm going. Thankfully, there is enough light that you can see the track a wee little bit and as a result, Space Mountain rocks. A lot. We also went on that rotating UFO ship ride, which was cool because you could see the whole park. Next up was a 3D Disney music show, which featured all of the best Disney musical sequences, which was amazing.
We went on a Buzz Lightyear shooting ride, which was more fun than I'd anticipated, and then went on Space Mountain again. Then, we decided to go to Adventureland and go on the Jungle Cruise, which was a little disappointing, because the boat guide was obviously phoning it in. Still entertaining though. Next was Tarzan's treehouse, which was more funny than anything, because we were acting more like children then the children present were. On the way there, we got hit on by a Jack Sparrow character, which in any other reality would have been a dream for me, except he was short and looked nothing like Jack Sparrow. Which made me laugh for about 20 minutes. Lastly, we decided to catch a live show which was a cute little Disney Oscars thing, featuring all classic Disney songs.
Current music: Turning Tables by Adele
We watched them light up the castle, while I went shopping for a shot glass on Main Street USA. Then, we decided to leave before our feet fell off, and went back to the Hong Kong Brew House, where the staff now knew us by name, which is always a good feeling. It was an amazing and memorable day and everyone needs to go to Disneyland at least once.
Day 3: Chasing the Buddha and shaking hands with Bruce Lee
One of the interesting things about Hong Kong is that you don't have to go very far to feel like you are far from civilization. One of the places that exemplifies this feeling is Lantau island, home of the world's second largest bronze sitting Buddha statue. It's one of the top tourist attractions in Honk Kong, and the Fodor's book that I got about HK said that it was the number one thing to see.
We got up super early, and hopped on a ferry bound for Lantau, a ride that lasted about 45 minutes. Once we made it onto the island, we hopped on a bus, which lasted another half hour. That trip was awe-inspiring, to see the coast of the island, and all the little villages scattered throughout. The big Buddha towers over the island, it sits on top of a mountain, at the base of which is a monastery and a very touristy little town.
We climbed up the seemingly millions of stairs to get to the Buddha, at the base of which you can buy many Buddha souvenirs. I went looking for a shot glass, but I couldn't find one. Plus, it would probably be blasphemous or something. I don't understand religion, but it would be cool to be Buddhist. We went to the Po Lin monastery after climbing down from the Buddha, it's always a weird experience to be in those temples. They are something else though.
Current music: Lotus Flower by Radiohead
We then took a hike around Lantau island, up a trail to a series of columns, on which are engraved phrases from a Chinese poem. The view from the top was amazing, the place itself was unreal. I met a cow and some stray puppies on the way back.
You can return to Hong Kong from Lantau island through a gondola, with a glass bottom called the Ngong Ping 360. It took us across the water, back to Kowloon, the island just off the coast of Hong Kong island. The gondola ride was spectacular, the little cabin was made of nothing but glass and you could see everything as we crossed the ocean. It was an unforgettable ride back.
We decided to stay for the evening on Kowloon. We first went and walked down the Avenue of Stars, which is the Hong Kong Cinema equivalent of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I was unsure whether or not I would see any stars of people that I knew, but there was Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Cheung, Jet Li and my personal favourite, Chow Yun Fat. After we made it to the end, we found a bar to chill at for awhile, where I found Strongbow, which I hadn't had since leaving Canada. We waited for the sun to set, so I could see the Hong Kong skyline, supposedly one of the most beautiful skylines in the world, which I don't doubt for a second, it was totally worth the wait. We then decided to hit one of Hong Kong's night markets, which I guess you have to do at least once while there, but the night markets in Taiwan are so much better, it didn't seem worth it to me.
Current music: Subtext is Deadly by Brahms
Since we were mentally and physically exhausted, we made it back to the hostel and immediately crashed. It was an amazing day to say the least.
Coming up on Jess's HK adventure: SHARKS!
Thing I miss of the day: Going to the movies. I still do it here, but it's just not the same.
G'night.
Day 2. At the most magical place on Earth, Hong Kong edition
When a girl who grew up watching Disney movies gets to go to Disneyland and act like a four year old for a whole day, magic happens. I guess it doesn't help that I spend my days surrounded by four year olds, but going to Hong Kong Disneyland got me one step closer to my goal of going to all 5 Disney theme parks.
We got to take the Disney subway to the park, which is exactly what it sounds like. A subway decked out in everything Disney. We were both already giggly on the way over there, aided by the coffee. We had already bought our tickets at the Victoria's Peak mall the previous day, which was the smartest idea ever, so we didn't have to wait in the first excruciating line.
After I regained some relative composure after freaking out for several minutes at everything, we first decided to hit the staples of Disneyland, which meant the first ride would be the Mad Hatter teacups. Since it was early, there was pretty much no line, which was awesome. After that, Elyssa had her heart set on going on It's A Small World, which I wanted to skip, to avoid the annoying singing robots. But we ended up going, and it wasn't nearly as bad as I remembered it when I was 10. We also skipped around the Sleeping Beauty castle for a bit.
Current music: Bulletproof by La Roux
Next up was Space Mountain in the Tomorrowland area, which I was a little worried about, because although I love roller coasters, I have to be able to see where I'm going. Thankfully, there is enough light that you can see the track a wee little bit and as a result, Space Mountain rocks. A lot. We also went on that rotating UFO ship ride, which was cool because you could see the whole park. Next up was a 3D Disney music show, which featured all of the best Disney musical sequences, which was amazing.
We went on a Buzz Lightyear shooting ride, which was more fun than I'd anticipated, and then went on Space Mountain again. Then, we decided to go to Adventureland and go on the Jungle Cruise, which was a little disappointing, because the boat guide was obviously phoning it in. Still entertaining though. Next was Tarzan's treehouse, which was more funny than anything, because we were acting more like children then the children present were. On the way there, we got hit on by a Jack Sparrow character, which in any other reality would have been a dream for me, except he was short and looked nothing like Jack Sparrow. Which made me laugh for about 20 minutes. Lastly, we decided to catch a live show which was a cute little Disney Oscars thing, featuring all classic Disney songs.
Current music: Turning Tables by Adele
We watched them light up the castle, while I went shopping for a shot glass on Main Street USA. Then, we decided to leave before our feet fell off, and went back to the Hong Kong Brew House, where the staff now knew us by name, which is always a good feeling. It was an amazing and memorable day and everyone needs to go to Disneyland at least once.
Day 3: Chasing the Buddha and shaking hands with Bruce Lee
One of the interesting things about Hong Kong is that you don't have to go very far to feel like you are far from civilization. One of the places that exemplifies this feeling is Lantau island, home of the world's second largest bronze sitting Buddha statue. It's one of the top tourist attractions in Honk Kong, and the Fodor's book that I got about HK said that it was the number one thing to see.
We got up super early, and hopped on a ferry bound for Lantau, a ride that lasted about 45 minutes. Once we made it onto the island, we hopped on a bus, which lasted another half hour. That trip was awe-inspiring, to see the coast of the island, and all the little villages scattered throughout. The big Buddha towers over the island, it sits on top of a mountain, at the base of which is a monastery and a very touristy little town.
We climbed up the seemingly millions of stairs to get to the Buddha, at the base of which you can buy many Buddha souvenirs. I went looking for a shot glass, but I couldn't find one. Plus, it would probably be blasphemous or something. I don't understand religion, but it would be cool to be Buddhist. We went to the Po Lin monastery after climbing down from the Buddha, it's always a weird experience to be in those temples. They are something else though.
Current music: Lotus Flower by Radiohead
We then took a hike around Lantau island, up a trail to a series of columns, on which are engraved phrases from a Chinese poem. The view from the top was amazing, the place itself was unreal. I met a cow and some stray puppies on the way back.
You can return to Hong Kong from Lantau island through a gondola, with a glass bottom called the Ngong Ping 360. It took us across the water, back to Kowloon, the island just off the coast of Hong Kong island. The gondola ride was spectacular, the little cabin was made of nothing but glass and you could see everything as we crossed the ocean. It was an unforgettable ride back.
We decided to stay for the evening on Kowloon. We first went and walked down the Avenue of Stars, which is the Hong Kong Cinema equivalent of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I was unsure whether or not I would see any stars of people that I knew, but there was Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Cheung, Jet Li and my personal favourite, Chow Yun Fat. After we made it to the end, we found a bar to chill at for awhile, where I found Strongbow, which I hadn't had since leaving Canada. We waited for the sun to set, so I could see the Hong Kong skyline, supposedly one of the most beautiful skylines in the world, which I don't doubt for a second, it was totally worth the wait. We then decided to hit one of Hong Kong's night markets, which I guess you have to do at least once while there, but the night markets in Taiwan are so much better, it didn't seem worth it to me.
Current music: Subtext is Deadly by Brahms
Since we were mentally and physically exhausted, we made it back to the hostel and immediately crashed. It was an amazing day to say the least.
Coming up on Jess's HK adventure: SHARKS!
Thing I miss of the day: Going to the movies. I still do it here, but it's just not the same.
G'night.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
The city is alive, the city is expanding...
Current music: Ophelia by Ambulance Ltd.
Simply put, Hong Kong is extraordinary.
It's as much of a Western City that you can get in Asia, and seems oddly small, despite being one of the biggest cities in the world. I'm trying to process all of the different things we got around to doing, and we managed to fit so much into five days, while not being rushed to do anything. I would go back again in a heartbeat, but it hurts the wallet because everything has Western prices. Sometimes you've gotta suffer to have fun.
Last weekend I went back to Kenting to go camping with some friends from Tainan. I had a lot of fun, despite nearly being killed on the drive to the campsite. Once we took the train and taxi to Kenting, we had to rent scooters to go the rest of the way. I decided to get my own bike, because I assumed that I'd be leaving early. To get to the Baishan camp, we had to drive for about 20 minutes, up and down the Taiwan coast. Beautiful views, actually was a great drive on the way back, but the wind was the problem. Since I had no one on the back to balance the bike, like the rest of the crew did, my back wheel had a mind of its own and felt like pushing me toward oncoming traffic. Fun stuff. But no one died, and the actual camping bit was a very good time.
Elyssa did not go camping, as she wanted to be in Hong Kong a day early. When she lived in China, she went to Hong Kong often, and wanted to be at her favourite church for Easter Sunday. So we made a plan to meet at our hostel in Hong Kong the next day.
Current music: DNA by Starfucker
It takes about an hour and fifteen to fly from Kaohsiung to Hong Kong. I got dropped off at the Koahsiung airport on the way back to Tainan, and went through a very fast and easy security check. I landed in Hong Kong at around 8:00.
I've gotta say that the public transit system in Hong Kong is one of the easiest to navigate that I can imagine. It's been called the best subway in the world, and I believe it. It took around 25 minutes to get from the airport to town, and I had no trouble finding our hostel where Elyssa was waiting for me. It wasn't the nicest hostel in the world, but you don't stay in hostels because they are fancy. I was amazingly tired the first night, but still wanted to quest for beer and ended up finding salt and vinegar chips, which they don't have in Taiwan. So after a day of nonstop traveling, I was happy to crash.
Day 1 was spent exploring around Hong Kong. We first went to a tiny little breakfast place that Elyssa knew called the Flying Pan for a Western breakfast, and I got some delicious french toast and a ton of coffee. In order to get there, we had to go on the Travelator, supposedly the longest outdoor moving walkway in the world. Hong Kong is built on rather hilly terrain, so climbing up and down is necessary to get anywhere.
The city is situated right next to a big hill, and at the top of said hill, called Victoria's Peak, is a shopping area. You have to take a tram to get up to the top, which was super crowded, but only took about 5 minutes. The view from the top of the shopping centre was unreal, you could see the whole city, the harbor, pretty much the whole island itself.
Current music: Neon Truth by Various Cruelties
We hiked down from the top, which took awhile, mainly because we didn't know where we were going, besides down. When we got back to familiar territory, we went to a free zoo that they have in Victoria park, and saw lots of weird birds and monkeys and meerkats and lemurs. On the way home, Elyssa brought me to her favourite pub, the Hong Kong Brew House, which offers at least a hundred different types of beer from various countries. Unfortunately, no Canadian or even English beer. I think they have something against the Commonweath. But anyways. I tried many different beers and appropriately, my favourite ended up being the nerdiest beer ever: Monty Python's Holy Ail. In summary, a very fun day of exploring that made me feel right at home in Hong Kong.
I'm tired of typing, and this saga will take several posts, so stay tuned. Same bat-time, same bat-channel.
Thing I miss of the day: Driving a car. Damn near impossible here.
Out.
Simply put, Hong Kong is extraordinary.
It's as much of a Western City that you can get in Asia, and seems oddly small, despite being one of the biggest cities in the world. I'm trying to process all of the different things we got around to doing, and we managed to fit so much into five days, while not being rushed to do anything. I would go back again in a heartbeat, but it hurts the wallet because everything has Western prices. Sometimes you've gotta suffer to have fun.
Last weekend I went back to Kenting to go camping with some friends from Tainan. I had a lot of fun, despite nearly being killed on the drive to the campsite. Once we took the train and taxi to Kenting, we had to rent scooters to go the rest of the way. I decided to get my own bike, because I assumed that I'd be leaving early. To get to the Baishan camp, we had to drive for about 20 minutes, up and down the Taiwan coast. Beautiful views, actually was a great drive on the way back, but the wind was the problem. Since I had no one on the back to balance the bike, like the rest of the crew did, my back wheel had a mind of its own and felt like pushing me toward oncoming traffic. Fun stuff. But no one died, and the actual camping bit was a very good time.
Elyssa did not go camping, as she wanted to be in Hong Kong a day early. When she lived in China, she went to Hong Kong often, and wanted to be at her favourite church for Easter Sunday. So we made a plan to meet at our hostel in Hong Kong the next day.
Current music: DNA by Starfucker
It takes about an hour and fifteen to fly from Kaohsiung to Hong Kong. I got dropped off at the Koahsiung airport on the way back to Tainan, and went through a very fast and easy security check. I landed in Hong Kong at around 8:00.
I've gotta say that the public transit system in Hong Kong is one of the easiest to navigate that I can imagine. It's been called the best subway in the world, and I believe it. It took around 25 minutes to get from the airport to town, and I had no trouble finding our hostel where Elyssa was waiting for me. It wasn't the nicest hostel in the world, but you don't stay in hostels because they are fancy. I was amazingly tired the first night, but still wanted to quest for beer and ended up finding salt and vinegar chips, which they don't have in Taiwan. So after a day of nonstop traveling, I was happy to crash.
Day 1 was spent exploring around Hong Kong. We first went to a tiny little breakfast place that Elyssa knew called the Flying Pan for a Western breakfast, and I got some delicious french toast and a ton of coffee. In order to get there, we had to go on the Travelator, supposedly the longest outdoor moving walkway in the world. Hong Kong is built on rather hilly terrain, so climbing up and down is necessary to get anywhere.
The city is situated right next to a big hill, and at the top of said hill, called Victoria's Peak, is a shopping area. You have to take a tram to get up to the top, which was super crowded, but only took about 5 minutes. The view from the top of the shopping centre was unreal, you could see the whole city, the harbor, pretty much the whole island itself.
Current music: Neon Truth by Various Cruelties
We hiked down from the top, which took awhile, mainly because we didn't know where we were going, besides down. When we got back to familiar territory, we went to a free zoo that they have in Victoria park, and saw lots of weird birds and monkeys and meerkats and lemurs. On the way home, Elyssa brought me to her favourite pub, the Hong Kong Brew House, which offers at least a hundred different types of beer from various countries. Unfortunately, no Canadian or even English beer. I think they have something against the Commonweath. But anyways. I tried many different beers and appropriately, my favourite ended up being the nerdiest beer ever: Monty Python's Holy Ail. In summary, a very fun day of exploring that made me feel right at home in Hong Kong.
I'm tired of typing, and this saga will take several posts, so stay tuned. Same bat-time, same bat-channel.
Thing I miss of the day: Driving a car. Damn near impossible here.
Out.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Just gotta get out, just gotta get right out of here...
Current music: Moniker by Bearstronaut
It's funny how quickly you can adapt to another culture just through assimilation alone. I was sitting here trying to come up with something interesting to write about, and was literally coming up with nothing. But then I thought about how different Taiwan is from Canada, and there are so many things that I could fill a post about. But these things seem so routine to me now, that they don't seem as interesting as they would to anyone who has never seen Asia.
Anyways.
My friend Jane is all excited because her parents and brother are here visiting from Calgary. They are seriously hardcore people and have been able to keep up with us at the bars. It's pretty impressive. They just all went on a family trip to Thailand after spoiling us all for a week. I got into an impromptu drinking contest with her dad Ian. Lots of fun.
After some unpleasantness with my travel agent, Elyssa and I have decided to spend our week off in Hong Kong. I leave this Sunday. I'm probably going to spend the weekend before in Kenting with Elyssa's husband Ramon and my friend Hopey. I seriously don't know what I did to be this lucky and be one cheap flight away from one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world. I shall post about Hong Kong when I get back on Friday. Way way way too excited.
Current music: California Dreamin' by the Mamas and the Papas
This past Saturday was Sports Day at my school. Which meant I had to work on a Saturday. Which in truth wasn't so bad, there are totally worse ways that I could have spent a Saturday morning. We also went on another field trip today, to a zoo in Jiali. It was a weird zoo, which was more focused on bugs and creepy crawlies, but also had monkeys and llamas and crocodiles and shit. It was actually a really good time, and I got to put a big snake around my neck. My kids were screaming at me in fear, but it was a great experience. I had a good day, in summary.
I don't exactly know what my plan is for the weekend before Sunday evening, when I fly out of Kaohsiung, which is about an hour from Tainan and two hours from Kenting. All I know is I have dinner with people in an hour where we will figure out what to do. I love Kenting, and I love camping, which is what we would do in Kenting, so I hope that we get the chance to get down there.
Probably should be packing...
Thing I miss of the day: bosses that are direct with you and don't have the stupid Taiwanese fear about saving face. Got into an argument with my boss this week, (everyone knows she's incompetent and she pushed my buttons on the wrong day. I have a temper...) Hope that doesn't come back to haunt me.
Excitement!!! So tired, but excitement anyways!!
Out for a week!
It's funny how quickly you can adapt to another culture just through assimilation alone. I was sitting here trying to come up with something interesting to write about, and was literally coming up with nothing. But then I thought about how different Taiwan is from Canada, and there are so many things that I could fill a post about. But these things seem so routine to me now, that they don't seem as interesting as they would to anyone who has never seen Asia.
Anyways.
My friend Jane is all excited because her parents and brother are here visiting from Calgary. They are seriously hardcore people and have been able to keep up with us at the bars. It's pretty impressive. They just all went on a family trip to Thailand after spoiling us all for a week. I got into an impromptu drinking contest with her dad Ian. Lots of fun.
After some unpleasantness with my travel agent, Elyssa and I have decided to spend our week off in Hong Kong. I leave this Sunday. I'm probably going to spend the weekend before in Kenting with Elyssa's husband Ramon and my friend Hopey. I seriously don't know what I did to be this lucky and be one cheap flight away from one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world. I shall post about Hong Kong when I get back on Friday. Way way way too excited.
Current music: California Dreamin' by the Mamas and the Papas
This past Saturday was Sports Day at my school. Which meant I had to work on a Saturday. Which in truth wasn't so bad, there are totally worse ways that I could have spent a Saturday morning. We also went on another field trip today, to a zoo in Jiali. It was a weird zoo, which was more focused on bugs and creepy crawlies, but also had monkeys and llamas and crocodiles and shit. It was actually a really good time, and I got to put a big snake around my neck. My kids were screaming at me in fear, but it was a great experience. I had a good day, in summary.
I don't exactly know what my plan is for the weekend before Sunday evening, when I fly out of Kaohsiung, which is about an hour from Tainan and two hours from Kenting. All I know is I have dinner with people in an hour where we will figure out what to do. I love Kenting, and I love camping, which is what we would do in Kenting, so I hope that we get the chance to get down there.
Probably should be packing...
Thing I miss of the day: bosses that are direct with you and don't have the stupid Taiwanese fear about saving face. Got into an argument with my boss this week, (everyone knows she's incompetent and she pushed my buttons on the wrong day. I have a temper...) Hope that doesn't come back to haunt me.
Excitement!!! So tired, but excitement anyways!!
Out for a week!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Raise your glass if you are wrong in all the right ways...
Current music: Raise Your Glass by Darren Criss
So, PTA went well. My kids parents actually had very few questions which was awesome and I was out of there in record time, considering I had about double the amount of parents that everyone else had.
Last weekend, I went with my friends Jane, Sonja and Amy to Kenting, which is the southern-most coast of Taiwan. Once a year in April, Taiwan has a huge festival called Spring Scream in Kenting. It's a giant thing, you have people coming from Hong Kong, mainland China and countries all over southeast Asia to come to this thing. It was possibly the best weekend that I've had in Taiwan. The atmosphere was great, the parties were awesome and the beaches are beautiful. I plan on going back there on a weekend that is not so crazy just to relax for a bit, because Kenting really is the most scenic place in Taiwan, and that is saying something.
I found out last week that I have another week-long break at the end of April that I had no idea about. So it seems that I pretty much don't work in April. But still get paid for April. Be jealous.
Current music: That's All by Doc Walker
My Philippines trip is coming together. We have decided to go to Boracay. A little touristy for my liking, but I want a simple, relaxing trip anyways. If all goes according to plan, we will leave on April 25 and come back on the 30th. We'll get to spend one night in Manila too. Excitement.
It has been getting hot. This weekend the temperature was in the high 20s. I've been spending my free time baking in the sun, so I've got a good tan going. Which rocks, because in Canada I am the whitest vampire ghost anyone ever did see.
Thing I miss of the day: sidewalks. Some places in the city have them. Most places don't.
Later.
So, PTA went well. My kids parents actually had very few questions which was awesome and I was out of there in record time, considering I had about double the amount of parents that everyone else had.
Last weekend, I went with my friends Jane, Sonja and Amy to Kenting, which is the southern-most coast of Taiwan. Once a year in April, Taiwan has a huge festival called Spring Scream in Kenting. It's a giant thing, you have people coming from Hong Kong, mainland China and countries all over southeast Asia to come to this thing. It was possibly the best weekend that I've had in Taiwan. The atmosphere was great, the parties were awesome and the beaches are beautiful. I plan on going back there on a weekend that is not so crazy just to relax for a bit, because Kenting really is the most scenic place in Taiwan, and that is saying something.
I found out last week that I have another week-long break at the end of April that I had no idea about. So it seems that I pretty much don't work in April. But still get paid for April. Be jealous.
Current music: That's All by Doc Walker
My Philippines trip is coming together. We have decided to go to Boracay. A little touristy for my liking, but I want a simple, relaxing trip anyways. If all goes according to plan, we will leave on April 25 and come back on the 30th. We'll get to spend one night in Manila too. Excitement.
It has been getting hot. This weekend the temperature was in the high 20s. I've been spending my free time baking in the sun, so I've got a good tan going. Which rocks, because in Canada I am the whitest vampire ghost anyone ever did see.
Thing I miss of the day: sidewalks. Some places in the city have them. Most places don't.
Later.
Monday, March 28, 2011
And I see my reflection in the snow-covered hills...
Current music: Not Ready To Make Nice by The Dixie Chicks
So, I've realized that I have not updated this thing for entirely too long. Again. Apologies. I kinda forgot about it. Since I am sure a lot has happened since the last time I wrote, I will try to cover things in condensed paragraphs. Here goes...
Things are still going wonderfully. We are over the "winter" weather, which really was not too bad, but it did get quite cold. And when you drive everywhere on a scooter, that cold can bite.
I got a second job. It's still teaching kids, but I enjoy it anyways. It is at a cram school once a week. Chinese children are pretty much in school for their entire childhood, after regular school, they head to cram schools to learn English in the evenings. It really sucks for them, and I never get too strict because I empathize with them. The first class is a group of fourteen 9-year-olds. They are just at the stage where they have attitude, but they don't really know how to deal with me because I just give them attitude back. I also have a group of nine 11-year-olds, and they are so well behaved for their age, it's really incredible. They pay me quite well for the standards here, and I don't really care if I keep the job or not, but I think I'll hold onto it for a little while at least.
Current music: The Last Dance by The Raveonettes
I have been taking weekends to go different places in Taiwan. Everywhere is ridiculously easy to travel to. There are buses, trains and a high-speed-rail that can get you across the length of the island in four hours. It's wicked. This weekend I am going to Kenting, the southern beach of Taiwan for a giant party called Spring Scream. Most of the foreigners in Taiwan make it to this thing, and I am super excited.
My day job is sitill going well. My kids have now progressed to the next grade for the new semester. As such, I have another PTA tomorrow. Which sucks, but the last one wasn't so bad, so I think I'll be OK. All I have to do is smile and not appear threatening and I'll be fine.
My school gives us another break at the end of April. Elyssa and I are planning a trip to the Philippines. We haven't decided which island to go to yet, but I will try to remember to update when things are confirmed.
My Mandarin lessons have been chugging along. I have finished the section on pinyin, and am going to start learning how to write. It's going to be a pain in the ass to try to memorize different characters, but I think if I can first understand how they work, they won't look so much like squiggles.
I'm on my lunch break right now, and I imagine that I should keep preparing and make my classrooms as colorful as possible. That is sure to shut the parents up.
Cheers, Jess
So, I've realized that I have not updated this thing for entirely too long. Again. Apologies. I kinda forgot about it. Since I am sure a lot has happened since the last time I wrote, I will try to cover things in condensed paragraphs. Here goes...
Things are still going wonderfully. We are over the "winter" weather, which really was not too bad, but it did get quite cold. And when you drive everywhere on a scooter, that cold can bite.
I got a second job. It's still teaching kids, but I enjoy it anyways. It is at a cram school once a week. Chinese children are pretty much in school for their entire childhood, after regular school, they head to cram schools to learn English in the evenings. It really sucks for them, and I never get too strict because I empathize with them. The first class is a group of fourteen 9-year-olds. They are just at the stage where they have attitude, but they don't really know how to deal with me because I just give them attitude back. I also have a group of nine 11-year-olds, and they are so well behaved for their age, it's really incredible. They pay me quite well for the standards here, and I don't really care if I keep the job or not, but I think I'll hold onto it for a little while at least.
Current music: The Last Dance by The Raveonettes
I have been taking weekends to go different places in Taiwan. Everywhere is ridiculously easy to travel to. There are buses, trains and a high-speed-rail that can get you across the length of the island in four hours. It's wicked. This weekend I am going to Kenting, the southern beach of Taiwan for a giant party called Spring Scream. Most of the foreigners in Taiwan make it to this thing, and I am super excited.
My day job is sitill going well. My kids have now progressed to the next grade for the new semester. As such, I have another PTA tomorrow. Which sucks, but the last one wasn't so bad, so I think I'll be OK. All I have to do is smile and not appear threatening and I'll be fine.
My school gives us another break at the end of April. Elyssa and I are planning a trip to the Philippines. We haven't decided which island to go to yet, but I will try to remember to update when things are confirmed.
My Mandarin lessons have been chugging along. I have finished the section on pinyin, and am going to start learning how to write. It's going to be a pain in the ass to try to memorize different characters, but I think if I can first understand how they work, they won't look so much like squiggles.
I'm on my lunch break right now, and I imagine that I should keep preparing and make my classrooms as colorful as possible. That is sure to shut the parents up.
Cheers, Jess
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
And happy, I'm feeling glad I've got sunshine, in a bag...
Current music: One night in Bangkok by The Robocop Kraus
Thailand Chapter 3
After our day of snorkeling and hiking on Phi Phi, it was time to head to Lanta. We got up early, packed all of our shit, and thankfully headed down the stairs for the last time. We hopped in a taxi boat and went to the harbor to catch our ferry to Lanta. All three of us slept on the ride over, which took about an hour and a half.
Once on Lanta, we headed to our hotel, which was a very nice resort about a block away from the beach. Part of our deposit went to a Christmas buffet dinner, which everyone staying in the hotel had to pay for. But that's later. We had a gorgeous room, and the hotel had a pool, which was awesome. For the first couple of hours, we all lazed around by the pool, and then Jane and I went exploring.
I have to say that I enjoyed Lanta so much more than Phi Phi. It provided a lot more of an authentic Thailand experience. With fewer tourists and beaches that were just as amazing as Phi Phi, Lanta was less crowded and seemed much more genuine. We first went for a walk around the beaches and went exploring around some of the town.
Current music: Sway by Heartless Bastards
There were resorts and restaurants lining the beach, just like on Phi Phi, but they were much quieter. We had dinner at one of the restaurants and had a really good sleep. We got up the next morning and were not sure how we were going to spend our day. After a few hours of lazing, we decided that in order to accomplish everything that we wanted to do on Lanta, we would have to go elephant trekking that afternoon. So, we ran back to the resore, hopped in a truck that was sent for us and drove for about 20 minutes into the jungle. We arrived at this little enclosure where animals were just wandering around. We immediately saw two elephants roaming around, along with cats and dogs and chickens. We climbed up into this little hut and waited for the elephants. They sidled up and parked next to the shack, for us to hop on. Jane got on the first one and Maureen and I got on the second one.
I had been the most excited about this part of the trip, because I love elephants so much and I was not disappointed. We sat in a little wooden seat on the elephant's back and the driver sat on her head. We rode around the jungle for about an hour. It started to pour rain about 20 minutes into the ride, but no one really cared and we all just got soaked. It was really an incredible experience and I am so happy that we got to go.
Current music: Mama Don't Like My Man by Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
After we got back to the elephant place, we got to feed the elephants and play with them for a bit. Then the baby elephant did some tricks, like playing basketball and spinning a hula hoop around its trunk. It came up and put a hat on each of our heads. I was really happy that we got to play with the elephants, and next time I go to Thailand, I think I will go see the elephant refuges in the north.
After we got back to the resort, we hopped on a tuk-tuk into the city, and had dinner at a cool little restaurant that had seashells everywhere. I got pad thai and a really weak Tom Collins. After that we split up to try to find Christmas gifts for each other. Once we completed our shopping ordeal, we headed back to the hotel, and Jane and I took a beach walk. Jane had been looking for these banana pancakes that she and her mother had found on their last trip to Thailand, and she was over the moon when we found a little stand that sold them. They weren't over-hyped either, I have never had a better banana pancake.
Current music: Mono by Courtney Love
The next day was Christmas Eve and another day of snorkeling and island-hopping, this time by speed boat with a tour group. Less fun, but still an ok time nonetheless. It was filled with Swedish families with little blonde children. But I digress. We got up early and took a jeep to where we waited a few minutes for our boat. We got in and had to take a few more stops along the coast picking up people. We then took a ride to an island off the coast of Lanta where we got to go snorkeling for a long time. It was cool to see all of the different kings of fish and coral reefs.
We then got taken to an uninhabited little island for lunch. There were giant lizards that were about the size of golden retrievers running around. In order to get anywhere close to them, you had to slowly inch up, because they had a habit of lunging at people that approached them too quickly. We got to tan and go swimming for about an hour. We then hopped back into the boat for one more round of snorkeling, and then went back to the hotel.
Current music: My Boy Builds Coffins by Florence and the Machine
The hotel had arranged a Christmas dinner buffet for their guests. We were slightly angered that drinks were not included in the deal, so we found a bar next door that had happy hour going on, and drank a few pitchers before heading to dinner. Dinner was actually pretty decent, it was probably the only time I will ever have Christmas turkey and spring rolls on the same plate. They had dancers from local schools doing traditional Thai dancing throughout the meal, along with some fire dancers. We stayed for a long time, and eventually ended up hanging out on the beach with some hotel staff that we had met earlier. We had a fire and guitar party, and we got to light one of those fire lanterns that fly up like balloons. All in all, it was probably the best Christmas Eve ever.
The next day was Christmas morning and my last day on Lanta. We exchanged Christmas presents after breakfast. Jane got me a new purse, and a Rolling Stones shirt and Maureen got me a really pretty notebook with an elephant on it, as well as a coral stone ankle bracelet. I was a happy camper. I had a few hours to kill before I had to go to the harbor, so I got to laze about by the pool for a little while before hopping in a van that the hotel had arranged. I had to take two more ferries before eventually making it back to Phuket. I stayed in a hostel right in the middle of Phuket town, and although I was very tired, I met two Irish travellers and ended up staying up drinking and loudly singing Christmas songs. Good times.
Current music: Tomorrow Never Knows by Our Lady Peace
The next day I got up early and took a 45 minute tuk-tuk ride across the island to the airport, and had an uneventful couple of flights back to Taipei. I then had to take a 4 hour freezing bus ride back to Tainan and ended up getting home at 4am. And had work the next day. That part was not fun.
All in all it was the best vacation, worth every dollar spent, and if you ever get the opportunity to go to Thailand, go. Go a lot.
I've been on Chinese New Year vacation for the past week. I've been in Taichung for the past few days and I finally got to see the art museum that I had been wanting to since I got here. There is also a Canadian restaurant that serves poutine. I was a happy camper indeed.
Thing I miss of the day: Poutine from La Maison in Ottawa. Best poutine in the entire world.
More details on my vacation to follow. No more typing. I have a cold and I need to defeat it with sleeping. Night night.
Thailand Chapter 3
After our day of snorkeling and hiking on Phi Phi, it was time to head to Lanta. We got up early, packed all of our shit, and thankfully headed down the stairs for the last time. We hopped in a taxi boat and went to the harbor to catch our ferry to Lanta. All three of us slept on the ride over, which took about an hour and a half.
Once on Lanta, we headed to our hotel, which was a very nice resort about a block away from the beach. Part of our deposit went to a Christmas buffet dinner, which everyone staying in the hotel had to pay for. But that's later. We had a gorgeous room, and the hotel had a pool, which was awesome. For the first couple of hours, we all lazed around by the pool, and then Jane and I went exploring.
I have to say that I enjoyed Lanta so much more than Phi Phi. It provided a lot more of an authentic Thailand experience. With fewer tourists and beaches that were just as amazing as Phi Phi, Lanta was less crowded and seemed much more genuine. We first went for a walk around the beaches and went exploring around some of the town.
Current music: Sway by Heartless Bastards
There were resorts and restaurants lining the beach, just like on Phi Phi, but they were much quieter. We had dinner at one of the restaurants and had a really good sleep. We got up the next morning and were not sure how we were going to spend our day. After a few hours of lazing, we decided that in order to accomplish everything that we wanted to do on Lanta, we would have to go elephant trekking that afternoon. So, we ran back to the resore, hopped in a truck that was sent for us and drove for about 20 minutes into the jungle. We arrived at this little enclosure where animals were just wandering around. We immediately saw two elephants roaming around, along with cats and dogs and chickens. We climbed up into this little hut and waited for the elephants. They sidled up and parked next to the shack, for us to hop on. Jane got on the first one and Maureen and I got on the second one.
I had been the most excited about this part of the trip, because I love elephants so much and I was not disappointed. We sat in a little wooden seat on the elephant's back and the driver sat on her head. We rode around the jungle for about an hour. It started to pour rain about 20 minutes into the ride, but no one really cared and we all just got soaked. It was really an incredible experience and I am so happy that we got to go.
Current music: Mama Don't Like My Man by Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
After we got back to the elephant place, we got to feed the elephants and play with them for a bit. Then the baby elephant did some tricks, like playing basketball and spinning a hula hoop around its trunk. It came up and put a hat on each of our heads. I was really happy that we got to play with the elephants, and next time I go to Thailand, I think I will go see the elephant refuges in the north.
After we got back to the resort, we hopped on a tuk-tuk into the city, and had dinner at a cool little restaurant that had seashells everywhere. I got pad thai and a really weak Tom Collins. After that we split up to try to find Christmas gifts for each other. Once we completed our shopping ordeal, we headed back to the hotel, and Jane and I took a beach walk. Jane had been looking for these banana pancakes that she and her mother had found on their last trip to Thailand, and she was over the moon when we found a little stand that sold them. They weren't over-hyped either, I have never had a better banana pancake.
Current music: Mono by Courtney Love
The next day was Christmas Eve and another day of snorkeling and island-hopping, this time by speed boat with a tour group. Less fun, but still an ok time nonetheless. It was filled with Swedish families with little blonde children. But I digress. We got up early and took a jeep to where we waited a few minutes for our boat. We got in and had to take a few more stops along the coast picking up people. We then took a ride to an island off the coast of Lanta where we got to go snorkeling for a long time. It was cool to see all of the different kings of fish and coral reefs.
We then got taken to an uninhabited little island for lunch. There were giant lizards that were about the size of golden retrievers running around. In order to get anywhere close to them, you had to slowly inch up, because they had a habit of lunging at people that approached them too quickly. We got to tan and go swimming for about an hour. We then hopped back into the boat for one more round of snorkeling, and then went back to the hotel.
Current music: My Boy Builds Coffins by Florence and the Machine
The hotel had arranged a Christmas dinner buffet for their guests. We were slightly angered that drinks were not included in the deal, so we found a bar next door that had happy hour going on, and drank a few pitchers before heading to dinner. Dinner was actually pretty decent, it was probably the only time I will ever have Christmas turkey and spring rolls on the same plate. They had dancers from local schools doing traditional Thai dancing throughout the meal, along with some fire dancers. We stayed for a long time, and eventually ended up hanging out on the beach with some hotel staff that we had met earlier. We had a fire and guitar party, and we got to light one of those fire lanterns that fly up like balloons. All in all, it was probably the best Christmas Eve ever.
The next day was Christmas morning and my last day on Lanta. We exchanged Christmas presents after breakfast. Jane got me a new purse, and a Rolling Stones shirt and Maureen got me a really pretty notebook with an elephant on it, as well as a coral stone ankle bracelet. I was a happy camper. I had a few hours to kill before I had to go to the harbor, so I got to laze about by the pool for a little while before hopping in a van that the hotel had arranged. I had to take two more ferries before eventually making it back to Phuket. I stayed in a hostel right in the middle of Phuket town, and although I was very tired, I met two Irish travellers and ended up staying up drinking and loudly singing Christmas songs. Good times.
Current music: Tomorrow Never Knows by Our Lady Peace
The next day I got up early and took a 45 minute tuk-tuk ride across the island to the airport, and had an uneventful couple of flights back to Taipei. I then had to take a 4 hour freezing bus ride back to Tainan and ended up getting home at 4am. And had work the next day. That part was not fun.
All in all it was the best vacation, worth every dollar spent, and if you ever get the opportunity to go to Thailand, go. Go a lot.
I've been on Chinese New Year vacation for the past week. I've been in Taichung for the past few days and I finally got to see the art museum that I had been wanting to since I got here. There is also a Canadian restaurant that serves poutine. I was a happy camper indeed.
Thing I miss of the day: Poutine from La Maison in Ottawa. Best poutine in the entire world.
More details on my vacation to follow. No more typing. I have a cold and I need to defeat it with sleeping. Night night.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Holiday, and the best one of the year...
Current music: Glitter by No Age
Thailand, Chapter 2
Phi Phi island is wonderful. Although it's very touristy, that was where we first were able to see the beaches that look like desktop wallpaper.
Our resort was called Phi Phi Hill, named for the horrifying hill that it stood upon. Even the fantastic view from the top of said hill cannot justify those stairs. We stayed in a wee little bungalow that was always filled with sand and completely devoid of hot water, which wasn't that big of a deal, considering how wonderfully hot is was.
Long Beach was lined with resorts, ours was the farthest down the beach. The resort restaurant was quite nice, and employed the only ladyboy that we encountered outside Patong Beach. Which is interesting, because I had always thought that there were ladyboys everywhere, but since we weren't in the cities, we didn't see as many.
The first full day there we spent lazing around the beach and exploring the area. Which is when I got a wicked bad sunburn that would eventually fade to a nice tan. We soon set up camp at the bar of a resort a few down from ours. Jane would come to name the place "Monkey Bar" for no reason at all, as there were no monkeys involved. But Monkey Bar it was nonetheless. Good times at that place, the bartenders were very happy people, and they were very skilled at fire limbo, and fire jump rope. They tried to get us to participate, but fire and I don't get along.
Current music: Holiday by Vampire Weekend
The next day, we decided to hire a longtail tax boat for the day to island-hop and go snorkeling. We found a very friendly taxi boat driver that agreed to be our guide for the day. He first took us to part of Phi Phi called monkey island, which was unsurprisingly filled with monkeys. The monkeys were very cute, and they let people come up right next to them, although one monkey was really fat and made me feel sad. All he does is eat bananas and sit there.
The longtail guy then took us to the most beautiful lagoon, which had to be the most scenic place that we went to. There were no other boats there, which was remarkable in itself, and we swam around for the longest time. After more boats got there, we decided to hop back in and find another place to snorkel. The water was clear enough to see all kinds of wacky fish and some really pretty coral reefs.
We next went to Phi Phi Lay island, which is about a half hour boat ride from Ko Phi Phi. This island is where they filmed the movie The Beach, sometime in the mid-90s. There was some controversy surrounding the movie, as it was claimed that the production damaged some of the natural landscape of the island, which I totally believe. But first things first, getting on to the island was a chore in itself, as we could not drive right up. We had to hop out of the boat, and grab on to a rope which was tied to a series of ropes, which were attached to the island. We had to navigate these ropes, while trying not to fall on the seaweed covered big rocks in the water and constantly losing our flip flops. And the rocks were covered in crabs. Maureen cut her foot open while trying to accomplish this, and even when we got to stable footing, it was in a big rock cave that we had to climb through.
Current music: Easy by Deer Tick
Once we made it to the beach, it was worth it just to say that we made it. It was as touristy as was expected, even though there is nothing on the island. There were locals that live on the island in tents, but no buildings. It was very pretty there, just like all of Thailand's beaches. After chilling there for a little bit, we trekked back to the boat and headed back to Long Beach and got a much needed dinner of spring rolls and pad thai. We went into the town for dinner and partying and much fun was had.
Preview of the next chapter: heading to Ko Lanta, elephant trekking, more snorkeling and Christmas Day!
Thing I miss of the day: Regular access to concerts that I can understand. There is a music festival here in April...but that's far.
It's starting to warm up again in Tainan. Happy.
Maureen is leaving forever this weekend. Sad.
Going for sushi tonight. Happy happy.
Everyone seems to be going to the Philippines but me. Sad.
Elyssa is getting married in 10 days. Happy.
Chinese New Year VACATION ON FRIDAY!! The most happy ever.
Night night.
Thailand, Chapter 2
Phi Phi island is wonderful. Although it's very touristy, that was where we first were able to see the beaches that look like desktop wallpaper.
Our resort was called Phi Phi Hill, named for the horrifying hill that it stood upon. Even the fantastic view from the top of said hill cannot justify those stairs. We stayed in a wee little bungalow that was always filled with sand and completely devoid of hot water, which wasn't that big of a deal, considering how wonderfully hot is was.
Long Beach was lined with resorts, ours was the farthest down the beach. The resort restaurant was quite nice, and employed the only ladyboy that we encountered outside Patong Beach. Which is interesting, because I had always thought that there were ladyboys everywhere, but since we weren't in the cities, we didn't see as many.
The first full day there we spent lazing around the beach and exploring the area. Which is when I got a wicked bad sunburn that would eventually fade to a nice tan. We soon set up camp at the bar of a resort a few down from ours. Jane would come to name the place "Monkey Bar" for no reason at all, as there were no monkeys involved. But Monkey Bar it was nonetheless. Good times at that place, the bartenders were very happy people, and they were very skilled at fire limbo, and fire jump rope. They tried to get us to participate, but fire and I don't get along.
Current music: Holiday by Vampire Weekend
The next day, we decided to hire a longtail tax boat for the day to island-hop and go snorkeling. We found a very friendly taxi boat driver that agreed to be our guide for the day. He first took us to part of Phi Phi called monkey island, which was unsurprisingly filled with monkeys. The monkeys were very cute, and they let people come up right next to them, although one monkey was really fat and made me feel sad. All he does is eat bananas and sit there.
The longtail guy then took us to the most beautiful lagoon, which had to be the most scenic place that we went to. There were no other boats there, which was remarkable in itself, and we swam around for the longest time. After more boats got there, we decided to hop back in and find another place to snorkel. The water was clear enough to see all kinds of wacky fish and some really pretty coral reefs.
We next went to Phi Phi Lay island, which is about a half hour boat ride from Ko Phi Phi. This island is where they filmed the movie The Beach, sometime in the mid-90s. There was some controversy surrounding the movie, as it was claimed that the production damaged some of the natural landscape of the island, which I totally believe. But first things first, getting on to the island was a chore in itself, as we could not drive right up. We had to hop out of the boat, and grab on to a rope which was tied to a series of ropes, which were attached to the island. We had to navigate these ropes, while trying not to fall on the seaweed covered big rocks in the water and constantly losing our flip flops. And the rocks were covered in crabs. Maureen cut her foot open while trying to accomplish this, and even when we got to stable footing, it was in a big rock cave that we had to climb through.
Current music: Easy by Deer Tick
Once we made it to the beach, it was worth it just to say that we made it. It was as touristy as was expected, even though there is nothing on the island. There were locals that live on the island in tents, but no buildings. It was very pretty there, just like all of Thailand's beaches. After chilling there for a little bit, we trekked back to the boat and headed back to Long Beach and got a much needed dinner of spring rolls and pad thai. We went into the town for dinner and partying and much fun was had.
Preview of the next chapter: heading to Ko Lanta, elephant trekking, more snorkeling and Christmas Day!
Thing I miss of the day: Regular access to concerts that I can understand. There is a music festival here in April...but that's far.
It's starting to warm up again in Tainan. Happy.
Maureen is leaving forever this weekend. Sad.
Going for sushi tonight. Happy happy.
Everyone seems to be going to the Philippines but me. Sad.
Elyssa is getting married in 10 days. Happy.
Chinese New Year VACATION ON FRIDAY!! The most happy ever.
Night night.
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