Being the newbie.....

The move to the beach has postponed, mainly because the apts that I looked at were a little on the scary side...ha. But Johan found a place that is used as a resort, but you can rent out the rooms. So once I get on my feet, financially, I think I may make a move there. Again, on the beach, with a nice pool and hammocks. Still cheaper then living in Lou Dong, weird just weird. Anway, this weekend was fun! Friday night after work me and Johan met up with Sarah and we all went to Julies apt, they were having a b-day party for one of her roomates. It was on the roof of their apt, the view was incredible. After that we went to a bar called, Blue Bar, it seems to be a good place where a few foreigners hang out. We stayed and played a few games and then me and Johan took my scooter back. It's about a 20 minute ride, and we got caught in the this horrible downpour. That is miserable, at that point it was 4 am and all I wanted to do was get to bed, and we had to pull over and stand in the rain because you literally could not see in front of you. Then we got lost, so spent another 2o mins trying to find Lou Dong. FINALLY, we made it home around 4:30, but was up at 9 to teach. I have now learned my lesson, never let Johan drive my scooter, and to ALWAYS bring rain gear. Saturday afternoon Sarah took me out, and we scootered around to surrounding mountains, visited a waterfall. We went on a mini hike, mainly she gave me a mine tour of the area. I'm so grateful for her right now. She is great because she has been here for 8 months, and knows the area really well. Plus, her 2 good friends just left so were kind of in the same boat. I met a girl while we were hiking, and she invited us to a going away party at a bar in Ilan. Me and Johan grabbed the TRAIN..no scooter..Ilan and met up with Sarah there. I met a lot of people that night as well. I met a girl named Sam is also leaving and told me about her private job. She works in at a school owned by a group of families. It's in an office building in Lou Dong, it seems to an interesting option. SO if I don't get the hours that I NEED, I may leave HESS and start work with this family.
Yesterday I went hiking again, and did a beautiful hike along the coastline. We hiked up the mountain hugging the coast and walked along that for about 4 miles. It was gorgeous...but after about 5 mins of being around each other Sarah and Johan were at each others throats. Johan likes to talk, which I don't mind, but apparently drives Sarah crazy. Basically, they bring out the worst in each other. By the end of the 3 hour hike I was ready for it to be over. Another lesson, spend time with those SEPERATELY. They both are great people, but together not so much. Also talking with Sarah, I have decided that I am going to take Chinese lessons at the University in Ilan. I'm sooooooo excited about this. I really, really want to learn the language...at least the basics. It's lasts for one semester, 4 months, and is 6 hours a week. So this also means I'll be keeping very busy! So day by day...my motto for this trip....has become a reality. Just from the stories I've heard from people, life in Taiwan is a new expierence every day. Anyway, I do miss everyone. It's funny I was talking to mom yesterday and was saying how I miss everyone so much. But I've only been gone a month...haha...I've gone this long many many times before without seeing people...but I don't know...I would say thus far, that is the hardest emotion to deal with...the isolation. But it's getting with the expanse of new friend, and the feeling of settling. So yes, I do miss everyone and I REALLY appreciate everyone staying in touch...it really does help. In fact, I just got a phone call from Aunt Barb and Uncle Tom, and got to talk to them for a bit!!! I don't want to pressure anyone....but GET SKYPE...I can talk to you for free!! Ok ok..enough I miss you all!