Taiwan part II: Puli

It's been some time since I've posted.  My last few days in Hsinchu were bittersweet and I'll never forget A1 school, my kids, the wonderful people I met along the way.  My year in the windy city of Taiwan taught me a lot about myself and left me with a greater perspective of the world in general.

After saying goodbye I flew home to the states.  Spent a week in SF where I had another unforgettable time with a friend.  We swam with dolphins, gorged on western food, I faced some difficult truths.
Then it was home to Chicago.  I ate more food (gained about 4 kg which I've mostly lost since being back in Taiwan) spent some quality time with my mother, and realized that no matter how much I love my family I most likely will never live in Chicago again. So it's strange that I call Chicago "home" when at the moment I don't really know where "home" is. I never really felt connected to that area.  The only things tying me there were family and friends.  It was hard saying goodbye, though a little easier this time around. 

I returned to Taiwan a few days ago.  My new adventure begins in Puli, a city in central Taiwan. Nantou county.  It's a lovely place and small for a city in Taiwan.  Some pluses: fresh air, mountain views, birds actually chirping!:)  A negative is that the apartments are not furnished, not even refrigerators.  I don't really feel like spending a ton of money on furniture that I won't be able to sell when I leave, though I may be here for more than a year.  So I'm typing this from my echoing apartment.:)  It has a lovely view of the mountains though.

  The other day I came home and thought I saw a spider, but it was just a harmless gecko.  I've seen him twice now and I'm going to let him stay because I hear they eat mosquitoes and he's cute.

I've been working two days now and the new job is great, though a little tiring.  Teach five different classes ranging in age from about 6-13 or 14.  I'm sure once I get a feel for the students I'll be fine.:)  My new bosses are very helpful and nice.


Being one of the only foreigners in this city, so far people look at me like I'm a ghost.  I actually heard a woman semi-shriek the other day as I walked by.  Sitting on her scooter, she made a slightly horrified sound and jostled someone who I assume was her husband.  Pretending not to notice, I walked on.

This time around I hope to learn more Chinese.  The guy who came to set up internet in my apartment tried to have multiple conversations with me until he turned red and told someone on the phone "This foreigner doesn't understand."  Though I was slightly embarrassed I felt good about the fact that I did understand some of what he was saying.  The problem often lies in knowing how to respond.

This time around, I hope to become a better teacher and get closer to my students.  I hope to grow more spiritually and trust this path leads to my true calling.

This time around, I will remind myself how blessed I am for this opportunity and try not to take things for granted.