3 days in...

Well today begins our third day of training. The days have been pretty long, but I've actually been feeling good during the days and exhausted by 8:00, so I guess that means my sleeping pattern is getting off to a good start. We had a bus tour of Taipei the other day, and was pretty amazed at all this place has to offer. I'm relieved to be leaving this big city in a few days, but am starting to feel a little uneasy about already leaving everyone I have gotten to know, and having to start somewhere new. I talked to the woman in charge of my school last night, her name is Emily, on the phone, and she informed me that I am going to have Contract A, part time. But she did say I would have many chances to get more hours at other branches, subbing various classes. She seemed very sweet, and willing to help me out. She told me when I get there she would help to set me up in an apartment, and get me a cell phone...etc. She is Taiwanese so that will be great if she will be able to help me out. The more I learn about things, the more I think I want to have a roomate when I move to Lou Dong..I just think it'll be better for me to have someone around. The food is ok...not as good as SE Asia...thus far. It's very greasy...EVERYTHING is cooked in oil. This includes every food group...haha...last night a group of us went out for dinner and I ordered fresh pineapple and they brought it out fried with mayo on top...yuck.
But so yea, the trainers are very nice and understanding. They try to make the training as fun as possible, so that helps to make the tedious lessons of how to teach, and how to make lesson plans more fun, and enjoyable. I havn't felt too homesick yet, I think it's just because when I'm not sleeping I'm training. I"m looking forward to Saturday...DAY OFF!!! Oh yea, when I finally get my laptop to work, I'll start uploading a few pics of things!! Anyway, I know this blog is a bit boring, but not much has happened...ha. Let me know how things are over there in the western world. Tai Jien...adios...goodbye!!

Alls well that ends well

Well I finally made it. Yes I know rather dramatic, but for awhile there I was not sure if my dreams of Taiwan were going to happen. All the doubts and fear had welled up inside me and I had began to think that maybe this was a mistake. The good-byes were hard, but everyone was so supportive and ready to get me out of here. So thanks to everyone who told me to quit 'whining'. My flight over started off horrible and ended up delightful. My flight from Dayton to Cleveland got cancelled so I had to to rush onto a flight to Houston. I made friends with a man who told me I would never make it in time for my Taipei flight, because the Houston flight didn't get in till like one hour before my international flight. So I jumped off the Houston flight and ran to wait and wait for my luggage. So finally I found and ran from the Continental terminal to Bradley...with my two overstuffed check ins and my 2 overstuffed carry ons. But I made it, all sweaty and stinky the people who checked me in for my flight must have pitied my ignorance of international flying because they bumped me up to business class. Let me tell you, nothing beats getting onto a flight and someone pouring you a glass of champagne for FREE and recliner seats and my own personal TV...I had a menu to choose my meals and movies galore! When I landed I was like..what it's over already?!
So now I'm in Taipei and it is all smooth sailing. I've met many people and all seem like very interesting and kind individuals. We toured Taipei 101 today...the tallest building in the world (for about 3 more months, right Bob?) I had my first Taiwanese local cuisine today, beef dumplings...yummy, no really they were pretty good. My roomate for the next 10 days is Vietnamese, so we've been chatting about that non-stop. So anyway, tomorrow the orientation begins and from there on out I will get more information about where I will be leaving and when I can get a phone etc. But for now if anyone wants to call me...:)) the number is (02) 2521-5151 and my room number is 922. I think a calling card would work....but it is a 12 hour difference!! Anyway, I hope all is well keep me updated.