First Impressions

So...I have been in Taiwan for 2.5 days thus far and I have experienced more culture than I experienced in the 2 whole weeks I sepnt in China 2 years ago. Getting here was actually much more pleasant than I expected. Although i claim to enjoy math, do not think I lied to you when I said the flight was 14 or 15 hours...i can't count...it was about 13. BONUS: i asked if I could be switched from a middle to a window seat and they put me in the last seat in the plane which was only 2 seats next to eachother. So I got to board first and then the other seat was never filled so I got an isle and window seat all to myself for the long flight. Then at the airport in Taoyuan, Taiwan the apple from World Team that I had forgptten about was confiscated by an agricultural beagle watch-dog, not to mention the water bottle I was given was confiscated priorto leaving Philly, but I should have known better.

SO...here in Tai-tung, I am staying with a host family where noone speaks english except the daughter. It has been fun getting to know her, Linda, and the rest of the family through her. We had an imprompto photo session last night where the family took lots of pictures of me and with me and we had such a good time. I am using their computer right now because it is the only internet, but when I get access to my own computer I will post some pictures.

Now, I know all the other interns are wanting to know...YES, they have cheese!!!! AND they have chocolate, milk, and coffee. My worries subsided, I have already ordered one of their normal breakfast items that they translate at an egg roll, which is more like an omlet rolled up and stuffed with...Cheese. :)

Other observations, instead of their ice cream trucks driving around playing songs, their garbage trucks drive around playing Bach. One of the most common soups here has a hot melon cooked in it which apparently tastes like a turnip, but I haven't been brave enough to try it yet. The daughter of the missionary family, Shannon Branch, likes the most interesting things like fried, crunchy fish, filled with fish eggs and tiny squid looking things. The people are usually very very friendly and I always feel bad that I can't speak their language, but in about 1 hour I will be starting my first Chinese lessons! The religion is so prevelant in the culture that most shops have 'god shelves' in them with big red lights on each side.

Well I am off to lessons and anyone that is getting frustrated with me not returning e-mails, I promise I will soon, but while in Tai-tung (this week) it is difficult. Love you all and my prayers are with you as I know your prayers are with me. Thanks!

-LB