Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sorry it has been so long since I updated! I know a lot of you are wondering how I'm doing. I am really doing well. Taiwan is finally growing on me. I'm not saying I don't have times when I'm down, but I would have that at home! Things here have really picked up, and I have even traveled a bit. Last weekend I went to Yingge, a town where they have a really old Buddhist temple. The temple was gorgeous. So much history, and so much beautiful architecture. Bradley says that the temple has been under renovation for over 100 years! There was also a downtown with lots of cool shops and lots of old things to look at. Lindsay took lots of pictures which I have now posted on my flickr site, so check it out. Here's my favorite:
If I recall correctly, this drum was beat upon to thank the souls of animals.
This weekend was the Christmas Party. All my students had to sing and dance to a few songs, and I'm happy to say they were perfect! It's strange how much Asian culture puts pressure on little kids to be perfect, so I'm glad the did so well. Their parents all told me how great it was.
I've had a couple parents tell me that they are sad that I am leaving, and I have to say I am as well. I won't miss the crazy rules and lies, but I will certainly miss these kids. I told them that if they ever want to see me they can. When I told them this, JoJo (one the girls I just love) said, "But my Mommy doesn't have your phone numbers!" I truly hope her mom lets us hang out :o)
I also made a new friend who happens to be from Wisconsin. His name is John and he's been living here for a year and a half. The reason I mention him is he brought up that even if I'm on my own a lot I should go see places outside of Hsinchu, even outside of Taiwan! The thought terrifies me to be honest. I would LOVE to go see other parts of Asia, but I feel like going alone would be foolish... He said that if I stayed in a hostel I could meet other people, but still. I dunno, what do you guys think?
Before I go I want to say that I will be missing my family so much come Thursday, as this is the first ever Christmas I won't be with family. *sigh*
