MEMORIES!!!!

hhaha... Hellloo!!

Well since nothing has been posted here in a while and I feel like I'm still in Taiwan, I would like to link everyone the videos that I have made concerning Taiwan and all its glory.

Here are some links to my videos on Youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcO50i5NE24 - Overall Taiwan Trip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfUQ5nfriJY&NR=1 - Bike Trip with Raise your glass

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAbGNqFgZWA&feature=related - my almost ten minute video of goodbyes

I MISS THE TAIWANESE CULTURE SOOOOOO MUCH!!!!

Diagnosed Taiwa-betes

We're finally back in Canada.
I'm physically in Canada but my minds in Taiwan. I've adjusted to their school time it's pretty insane. Just today I passed out at 7pm which is about nap time there. Being back home definitely feels good, but coming from a 25 degree country, IT IS SO COLD HERE.

Taiwa-betes - a disease in which an individual has not had the required levels of Taiwanese students in our midst.

Looking back at all the places we've been, I can say I learned quite a lot about the Taiwanese lifestyle. I really won't look at a bubble tea the same way anymore and I'm probably going to not eat anything fried for the next while. I WILL miss the squid though, I wish I bought more of everything really. I also want to send things back for them!!

I found that after going to school with them there was a sense of appreciation for our own education system, but at the same time I could see the benefits of theirs. I found that in high school they have to work a lot harder than we do to get into university, then it's smooth sailing for them. We on the other hand have to work harder in university as compared to high school. Something interesting they had in their curriculum was " National Defense" which taught them about the use of an assortment of military type equipment and what do to in scenarios that invaded their national security.

At school, I learned how to do geometric patterns/ sequences from class 104's math teacher in MANDARIN, I felt quite accomplished that day.

Camp was something else. I would have never guessed to get a tan in winter. The heat there was irritating at times, did not make for a happy Kirstie ,as you all probably saw in one way or another. BUT I can say that Taiwanese students' music taste is pretty up to date. During midnight snack, we started singing songs from Maroon 5, Simple Plan, Green day, and of course JUSTIN BIEBER.. It was a load of laughs seeing how much they liked Highschool musical and explaining to them how 10 year olds were the target audience in Canada.

The plane ride was not as horrible as expected, however it was horribly unproductive. Instead of reading my biology I was caught in their entertainment library's claws, AKA the movies : TARZAN, RED, MR AND MS SMITH and Charlie St. Cloud. Seeing my own sister being incoherent was hysterical... that is all I'll say about that..

After getting back to school, the jet lag kicked in full force. Everyone was like zombies roaming in the halls with ghastly dark eye circles. Not to mention sad faces from our Taiwa-betes, too bad the medication's half way across the world. Going to Taiwan was probably the BEST trip overseas that I've been on. There were loads of happy times and just down right hilarious moments that keep me up at night. Just counting down the days until they come here in July.

Back in Town

Woohoo...made it back home in one piece. I've unpacked and done two loads of laundry...time to start the homework. I've planned out what I need to complete for the next couple days so as long as I don't procrastinate...coughcough...I should be okay.

I've learned a lot from this trip. I've learned about Taiwanese culture and society norms and how small and insignificant I am in this big world. I've learned about myself and where my limits stand, and how vulnerable I am when I creep out of my comfort zone. I've met new friends and learned things about old friends. Despite the fact that there wasn't much "studying" on this trip, I would say I've learned a lot. I've come to appreciate Vancouver and all the things I take for granted such as plumbing and instant access to hot water. (There's more...but it's 1 in the morning and I'm too tired to think :( )

Things I will miss though, are the convenience of a 7-11 or food stall, the wifi that is everywhere, the low cost of everything, the food, and the nightmarkets. I've grown to love the exciting nightlife and I miss it a lot. But one thing I won't miss are the dangerous roads...

I will definitely one day go back to Taiwan; it was the most fun I have ever had travelling. I've been to a lot of relaxing vacationing places and I prefer the fast-paced and ever-moving cities because I feel you get to explore more, do more, and experience more. However, there is no place like home - Vancouver.

I miss the sound that the MRT makes when the train arrives,

I miss how I could go outside without a coat on.

I miss falling asleep to Taylor Swift with 蘇欣雅

I miss waking up early in the morning and coming back late at night.

I miss paying without thinking a second thought about cents or tax.

I miss waking up in the morning not knowing what day it was.

Taiwan, you have touched my heart.

Shower Caps & School

Steph and I got "shower cap" souvenirs from the famous hot springs in Yangmingsham National Park. Got a little nauseous on the way up the mountain. I think we got some strange looks when we got back to the hotel room in Taipei.




Ms.Yeh put our BASE leaders to work by letting them distribute schedule assignments for the new class session. Students in Taiwan wear school uniforms, boys wear blue while girls wear red. I think they got a kick out of us trying our best to communicate with them. English classes were a highlight for me. It gave us a chance to discuss cultural differences in school and how other countries celebrate Valentine's Day. I will never forget a girl named Crystal in Eric's class...she kept saying "excuse me" because she wanted to practice speaking English with me.

: (

Time to go home!!

I am currently packing...I don't think I will have enough room to fit that blasted sleeping bag in so I may need to have it as a carry on. Grrrr...

Bawling fest tomorrow :( It's going to be so sad leaving everyone.

I hear fireworks outside and it sounds like gun shots. I am slightly scared.

It's currently 10 and I haven't showered yet..Looks like I'll be up until 12 tonight. Or later. I hope not though because I want to sleep well...but even if I don't I think I'll be okay since the plane ride is probably going to be all sleep..or so I hope. I didn't sleep well on the bus today.

Camping was okay...it was a lot more fun since a certain anxiety was lifted off my shoulders. I was scared that I would have a crummy time and just be a killjoy but now I'm afraid everyone thinks I'm a pansy now...bleh.

I NEED TO START PACKING. I will post pictures later!
I'm already starting to miss everyone :(

Tsengwen Youth Activity Center

Ni Hao! For our last three days in Taiwan...we are camping in the Tsengewen Reservoir. Before we came on this adventure I was prepared to sleep in a tent but ended up in 4star hotel room! I'm not complaining the teachers know how to camp in style better yet comfort! It's amazing to see an education system that has such long hours for teachers and students, give them an opportunity to connect in a fun experiential learning environment. I'm following their motto "sleep, eat, bike, monitor, eat, sleep". I did a little rock climbing today with Emily's class and laughed at James yesterday after he pulled a muscle during paint ball. His strategy to roll a large steel garbage can on the ground and continuously shoot his gun's paint balls into Nick's neck seemed to pay off. He ended his mission successfully with an orange flag in his hand! As for Nick he had the bitter taste of paint near his mouth.

This place resembles an outdoor education centre in Canada with several high and low ropes elements. Part of me feels like I'm having flashbacks of previous work experience in Jordan, Ontario lol! School spirit and dance are strongly encouraged. The twins were hilarious during the afternoon dance battle. BASE has officially entered the dance competition that will take place tonight. Several classes from Kaohsiung High School have been practicing for weeks. Our youth have been joining in non-stop and learning new moves and Mandarin.