Here in Taiwan...

Isabel

2012-01-19T06:21:00.000-06:00

Read this today in the Taipei Times, and being close to my heart on these issues, wanted to post. I can't even imagine how Isabel reflects back upon her upbringing, the start of her American life and family who adopted her, only to be filled with various emotions. Unnerving, and sad to read of this. My heart goes out to Isabel and the other woman who was abandoned over 30 years ago.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2012/01/19/2003523594

‘Isabel’ flies to Taiwan to be part of sister’s wedding

PARENT SEARCH:Police also appealed to the media to help find the parents of another woman, whose mother abandoned her 30 years ago and who grew up in the US

Staff Writer, with CNA

A Taiwanese woman who was identified by the pseudonym “Isabel” in a CNN Freedom Project report on human slavery in November last year arrived in Taiwan on a flight from Los Angeles yesterday evening for a family reunion.

The woman, who was later confirmed to be Ho Hsiao-feng (何曉鳳), originally from Taitung, was accompanied by two of her friends on her way home. Taipei-based China Airlines reportedly gave the trio business-class tickets for the trip to Taiwan.

Ho, wearing a blue wool hat and scarf and holding a newly issued Republic of China passport, tried to maintain a low profile as she made her way through Los Angeles International Airport on Tuesday, declining to answer any questions. She was fast-tracked through immigration.
CNN reported in November that “Isabel” was abused by her adoptive parents after she was taken to the US and that she managed to flee the family with the help of her friends. She has since received assistance from a US social welfare organization.

The CNN report drew attention in both Taiwan and the US.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Timothy Yang (楊進添) met with Ho late last year during a transit stop in Los Angeles on his way to El Salvador. Afterward, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Los Angeles helped Ho obtain a Republic of China passport to facilitate her trip home.
TECO officials said that she would attend the wedding of her younger sister, Ho Hsiao-ying (何曉英), and return to Los Angeles after the Lunar New Year holiday.

Ho Hsiao-feng was adopted by a family in Taipei 26 years ago when she was seven years old. She returned to her hometown, Tawu township (大武), once in July 1994 for a brief stay when her father died. She then emigrated to the US along with her adopted family in 2002.

In related news, police in Greater Kaohsiung on Tuesday asked the media to help find the parents of a woman who was abandoned by her mother on a Kaohsiung street about 30 years ago and was eventually brought up in the US.

Hung Hsiao-mei (洪筱梅), who has a stable job and a secure life in the US, was abandoned by her mother in 1982 or 1983 when she was less than two years old, police said.
A woman who was asked by Hung’s mother to mind the child for a short time took the baby girl to a Red Cross Nursery Center after realizing that the mother would not return for the girl, police said.

Hung stayed at the nursery center for more than a year, before -being adopted by a US couple who took her to a new life the US, police said.

However, she always dreamed of finding her roots in Taiwan and has kept in close contact with Chan Ssu-tsung and Hung Chiung-hua, the superintendent and director of the nursery center, in the hope that one day she would be able to track down her parents.

My first Christmas/New Year's in Taiwan...

2012-01-09T07:30:00.000-06:00

So with my last update, I had said the next time I posted would hopefully have good news to share - and that I do. I finally got hired to teach at another english school, which I start at the end of this month. Hours will be better - Mon, Wed., Thurs. and Fri. from 2 pm - 6:30 pm and shorter commute from where I live now. I'll only be in charge of 2 main classes, with a student ratio of 6-8 kids. The curriculum focuses on reading, so it shouldn't be extremely hard. In all honesty, after two months of being unemployed, and almost not being able to find something else, I am very much looking forward to working again. I think my attitude is also different in that I am going in with a positive outlook and work ethic. I did a bit of research myself on the school - seeing what I could find - good or bad. I was able to find a previous native english teacher who worked there for over a year through his LinkedIn profile and emailed him. Thankfully, he had nothing but positive and honest things to share from his personal experience. He says I should look forward to the hot pot dinner that the directors treat staff to after any big event. So with all this, I am quite relieved, because now I'll be able to continue staying here without any worry.
For Christmas, I spent it walking around downtown, enjoyed many different Christmas trees that were on display, one after another, each one made out of various material and design. One was entirely made out of milk cartons, another out of red and white ball ornaments, and another out of cell phone boxes. In the evening, I had roasted chicken, potato skins and ice cream. From what I understand and have been informed, Christmas was a big holiday this year in Taipei, but not so much previously. They have certainly done well with the Christmas decorations and atmosphere in the city - in front of many of the shops and restaurants, stands a hugely decorated Christmas tree, and inside are all the decorations that surely make me feel back at home during this time. Then for the New Year's weekend, instead of staying here for the fireworks/party celebration, I went out of town with a group of young Taiwanese to a bed and breakfast style inn in Yilan. The evening began with us buying all the food to cook a hot pot dinner from a big superstore. As I said before, hot pot is popular - especially in the winter. It's more of a Chinese fondue/stew, where a big metal pot simmers some stew, that sits in the middle of the table, (and you can choose the taste or amount), then while boiling, ingredients are placed into the pot and are cooked, and then dipped in some kind of dressing/sauce. Usually I love to boil slices of beef, lettuce, mushrooms, and dumplings in my hot pot. These ingredients combined makes for something quite tasty imho. We played some drinking card games, then enjoyed our own fireworks show and sparklers, and eagerly waited until 12 am struck. I crashed pretty early due to minor migraine, and of course I was the first one up the next morning. The owners made a delicious breakfast, and I took a nice little walk around the area. The place we stayed in was out amongst farms, which are rather small in comparison to what I've seen back home. After everyone had eatten, showered and ray, rested up, and headed to a hot spring. I'll take the direct quote from Wiki: "high-temperature springs with crystal-clear water, usually both clean and safe to drink. They're not only clean and portable, but also commonly used for spas and resorts." In my own words, a very fancy way of hot-tubbing. If you're brave enough, going to the public hot spring is cheaper, but you have no privacy. So the Chinese New Year holiday will be here in a few weeks, and all the locals are looking forward to a week off from work/school. As for me, I don't have any plans, and I can't really afford to spend a lot of my savings anyway, but that's fine.

On that note, I'll leave you with this (check it out):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncU6_jG4P7Q&feature=player_embedded

Changes

2011-12-21T02:37:00.001-06:00

So the last few months have been rather interesting - to make it short, I quit the english school I was teaching at about a month ago - and I've been very busy interviewing to teach at other english schools closer to my area. There were several reasons I left the other school; which I won't get into, as posting online will most likely get me in trouble. They were kind enough to keep my ARC (Alien Resident Card) valid until February 1st, but after that, I won't have legal status to stay in Taiwan, unless I find another school to teach at to support my legal status, or I enroll in taking Chinese classes at a university. So in a bit of a bind, and a little uncertain where my future is headed, I am trying my hardest to stay here in Taiwan. Living here is good - it's easy to get around on public transportation, things are so close and convenient, there's so much variety in things to eat here, the people are kind. I've really made it my home here I feel, and I feel comfortable and content. Not only that, I've been doing some volunteer work here, to be an in-country support to American families who come to adopt from the orphanages here. That has been such a pleasure, and I feel there's a lot of potential there to expand in that position. There's a chance if I do stay, that it's going to turn into a more permanent position and career. When I think about my options and going back home to the states, I just don't really want to. Yes, I have my family and some friends there. But I would have to start from the bottom again, resettling. I'm trying not to panic, but I feel my options are running out, and that I may not have any choice but to go back to the states. It would be wrong of me to stay here illegally, and also I can't just sit around doing nothing, or not getting paid. Hopefully the next time I update this, I will have some positive news that I've secured a teaching position and will be able to stay.

Anyways, Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone. I surely hope it's a good one.

Happy Birthday Taiwan - 100 years

2011-10-10T05:05:00.002-05:00

In Wulai

I wanted to at least post a tribute to Taiwan's Independence Day. I haven't updated a lot since work keeps me busy, and I usually do my sightseeing/travelling around on the weekends. Things are going well for the most part.

Happy Birthday Taiwan, 100 years.... taken from USAtoday.com:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2011-10-09/china-taiwan-revolution/50712718/1

China, Taiwan mark century since uprising

By Calum MacLeod, USA TODAY

BEIJING - A parade and rock opera are a few of the ways in which Taiwan, the democratically ruled island off the coast of China, will celebrate today's 100-year anniversary of an uprising that ended the line of emperors who ruled China for centuries.

The anniversary is also being celebrated in communist-ruled China with the showing of a star-studded film, a ceremony of party big-wigs and a gala in Wuhan, where the revolt began against the Qing dynasty.

Both a dictatorship and a democracy claim to be the one that has realized the dream of Sun Yat-sen, the doctor turned revolutionary who died in 1925 after seeing his Republic of China, founded in early 1912, flounder amid warlords and factional fighting.

"It's ironic for the Chinese government to be celebrating this anniversary, whose goal was for a democracy, a republic," says Wang Dan, a student leader in the Beijing democracy movement in 1989 who teaches history in the Republic of China, or Taiwan. "What they have done over the past 60 years is a betrayal of Sun Yat-sen's dream."

The Wuchang uprising in central China on Oct. 10, 1911, led to the overthrow of imperial rule in China and the end of dynasties that had ruled China for more that 2,000 years. The nationalist-led Republic of China was overthrown in 1949 by the communists, who renamed the country the People's Republic of China. The leaders of the republic fled to Taiwan as a government-in-exile that never returned to the mainland.

To this day, the PRC considers Taiwan to be a renegade province and threatens to attack if it declares official independence, even though the ROC has been governing itself for 60 years and has never lived under communist rule.

So where does the George Washington of modern China fit into all this?

There are those in Taiwan who say its government is the legitimate ruler of all of China because it is they who have fulfilled Sun's Xinhai Revolution and his famous Three Principles of the People: nationalism, democracy and the people's livelihood.

"No people in Chinese history have ever lived so easily and so democratically" as on Taiwan today, says Sheng Chih-jen, the ROC Minister of the Council for Cultural Affairs. "We are really trying to live up to the ideals of the revolutionaries in the Xinhai Revolution."

In the PRC, the celebrations and state media coverage of the Xinhai Revolution anniversary do not compare to July's commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the Communist Party's founding. One reason may be a recognition by the communists that they have yet to fulfill Sun's dream.

"At the time, the Xinhai Revolution raised independence, unification, democracy and prosperity," says Qiu Jie, a historian at Sun Yat-sen University in China. "China has now achieved its independence, but we still need improvements in the other three."

Still, a giant portrait of Sun stood on Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Sunday while another framed the ceremony inside the adjacent Great Hall of the People.

"History fully proves that Chinese communists are the staunchest supporters, closest cooperators and most loyal inheritors of the revolutionary cause of Dr. Sun Yat-sen," Zhou Tienong, a non-communist representative, told the gathering, reported Xinhua, the state-run news agency.

Across the Taiwan Strait, there is a recognition that its party is missing some invitees given China's aggressive push to deny international stature to Taiwan. The top U.S. visitor for today's celebrations in Taipei, Taiwan's capital, is former Defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

"Diplomatically, we are not recognized by most countries, but we are alive and well and have so many accomplishments," including two turnovers of power through democratic elections, says Sheng, an organizer of the centennial events.

Most talk in Taipei is not of celebrations but of an upcoming presidential election, says Chao Tze-an, 55, an accountant.

"We are really proud of our democracy in Taiwan, where we can choose our own leaders and way of living," he says. "We hope China will one day become like we are."

Probably not anytime soon.

Achieving the "great revival of the Chinese nation" depends on "upholding the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party" and "socialism with Chinese characteristics," Chinese President Hu Jintao said Sunday. Throughout Beijing, red propaganda banners highlight upcoming elections for district People's Congresses, yet independent candidates for these usually party-picked bodies are being widely harassed, reported China Human Rights Defenders, a Hong Kong-based rights group.

To push political change in mainland China, Wang Dan launched the online, Chinese-language "New School for Democracy" this month, offering Internet lectures on history, democracy and human rights.

"The future of China's democracy is the Internet combined with young people," says Wang, who estimates 10% of China's 500 million Internet users would explore such a website and could still get to it if authorities block the address.

Perhaps the best sign of who is the true heir to Sun is how Taiwan handles such cases of dissent.

Dozens of aborigines held a symbolic headhunt Sunday in Taipei to protest ROC occupation of aboriginal land, reported the Taipei Times. Such protests, which would be quickly snuffed in China, are "a sign of healthy democracy" and proof of Taiwan's greatest achievement, Minister Sheng says.

"We've broken the myth that Chinese culture is incompatible with democracy," he says.

Contributing: Sunny Yang

Adoption and Taiwan

2011-09-03T09:40:00.000-05:00

At Yangminghsan Mountain (trail)

There's one thing that a lot of people know about me - I'm adopted (KAD). I don't go into much of the details - mostly because I don't think others are really that interested in my background, or they don't really understand what being adopted is about. Of course, everyone's background is unique. For me, I guess I've made it an important part of my identity. My parents were always open with me being adopted from an early age, so it was always something that was just normal to me. From the age of six until twelve, I attended a special camp for adopted kids every summer for a week.  It was a fun time to make new friends, participate in crafts and activities, and wear traditional clothing from our home countries. I called it Culture Camp, which I know is a huge thing for the adopted community today. This past July 18th was actually my adoption day or 'Gotcha Day', when I became a part of my parents' lives twenty six years ago. What can I say? There's been a lot of good moments to smile about than not.

Last year, I met an adoptee who disclosed to me that his parents never informed him of being adopted (not knowing his exact age or birthdate, he says he's in his 40s). The way he found out was finding some birth papers openly showing on his parents' kitchen table, and having to confront them about his adoption. I don't know how I'd react if it had been me.  It's been in my experience I've met more adoptees who acknowledge their adoption background, but accept (in a positive way) it's a part of who they are, and can't change the past. There isn't any right or wrong way to feel about one's backgound. If someone has strong feelings on the past, or just accepts things as they are, then I acknowledge both opinions.  I'm not afraid to openly discuss this here, as I think it's just another way to feel comfortable sharing my honest feelings about my own background, while trying to include (based on personal observations) others' differing feelings.  If anything I hope that this blog serves its purpose in helping others, whether educating or influencing someone to make the right decisions for themselves. I also know there are many other blogs about teaching abroad (specifically in Taiwan) and adoption, so maybe this won't really reach out to anyone.

I like to think of the fact that from the beginning of this journey, a Social Worker was the one who got me where I am now (and connected me with my family) - inspired to help others, as I graduated with my Master's in Social Work in May. After having lived in Taiwan for almost 4 months, I am well aware of adoptions being done here, and there have been a number of children who have gone to forever families from various countries. A few weekends ago, I met with two representatives from an Adoption Agency from the states. They are involved with assisting families who adopt from Taiwan. Hopefully this wasn't too much rambling. I feel for the children here who are waiting to be placed with their forever families.  I'll share more updates and life here in the next post.

What a Wonderful World

2011-08-08T10:24:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite songs, and wanted to share today.

What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do
They're really saying I love you.

I hear babies cry, I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll never know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world.

I have to remind myself that in times of stress and challenges, there is always good to focus on, remind myself of the blessings that surround me, and remain hopeful. There is a lot in the future, and I need to be excited for what's ahead. A coworker of mine has inspired me to be a more positive and honest person, as well as be a team player. For this, I'm grateful to know her.

Any Regrets?

2011-07-11T08:35:00.003-05:00

So I found this article browsing the news headlines:

Study: When Americans think of regrets, love tops list by Jenifer Goodwin HealthDay

Whether it's the great guy who got away or the dead-end relationship that went on way too long, regrets involving romance are most commonly cited by Americans when asked about things they wish they'd done differently.

Researchers at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign surveyed 370 adults aged 19 to 103 about their regrets. Each was asked to describe, in detail, one decision they came to rue.

About 18 percent cited regrets involving romance. That was followed closely by regrets about family (16 percent), education (13 percent) and career (12 percent), finance (10 percent) and parenting (9 percent).

Women were more likely than men to have regrets about romantic or family relationships. About 44 percent of the regrets described by women were about relationship mistakes compared to 19 percent of men's.

"It speaks to something psychologists have known for a long time. Women are typically charged with the role of maintaining and preserving relationships, so when things do go wrong, it's very spontaneous for women to think, 'I should have done it some other way,'" said senior study author Neal Roese, a psychologist and professor of marketing at Northwestern. "It's how men and women are raised in this culture."

Men, on the other hand, were more likely to have regrets about work or education -- 34 percent compared to women's 26 percent, the study found.

Many of the regrets around work involved missed opportunities -- turning down a job instead of going for it, failing to take risks that could have led to a more fulfilling career. "There was a sense of frustration that a job doesn't reflect inner passion," Roese said of the study recently published online in Social Psychological and Personality Science.

Those with less education were more likely to have education regrets. And those with more education were more likely to have career regrets.

"As people rise higher in our culture, there is a perception of greater opportunities," Roese said. "Paradoxically, the more opportunities you have, the more ways you can see how you could have gotten more . . . Opportunity fuels the regret experience."

So does this mean you should quit your desk job to realize your dream of working with horses or sailing the world?

Maybe, Roese said. In the survey, people were free to describe a short-term regret or a regret that lingered a lifetime.

Short-term regrets tended to be about things people did -- say, accidentally hitting "reply all" on an email, or forgetting to call Mom on Mother's Day.

But the long-lasting regrets were more often about things that people didn't do, such as never expressing their feelings to a loved one or taking a career risk.

"When you look to the recent past, you are more likely to kick yourself for blurting out something inappropriate at dinner or buying something you couldn't afford," he said. "When you look back at your own past to long ago, you are more likely to see things you should have or could have done. A lost love. A job you could have had."

Over time, people rationalize their actions, explaining away their mistakes, Roese pointed out. But when it comes to inaction, people forget the barriers that kept them from taking the action -- they only remember that they didn't try.

"When people reflect on the past, which is what regret does, we ruminate about the things that didn't go well but we don't savor the good times," said Joseph Ferrari, a professor of psychology at DePaul University in Chicago. "We are much more impacted by the negative stuff."

And though regret can be painful, a life without regret isn't only near impossible, it would lack a fundamental emotion that spurs people to avoid future mistakes.

"Regret is an essential part of the human experience," Roese said. "You should listen to the lessons your regrets tell you, which is quite often how you could have done things differently or how you could change things."

Everyone makes mistakes, Ferrari added. "It's how you get up, and how you rebound, that matters," he said. "Instead of letting regret dominate life, savor what you do have, and what did go right . . . We need to look more in terms of our strengths, and not our weaknesses."

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/sex-relationships/story/2011/07/Study-When-Americans-think-of-regrets-love-tops-list/49018798/1?csp=fbfanpage

What do I regret? Instead of going on about the things I wish I'd done differently; I've come to accept that there are many more things that are out of my control than being able to lead the life I try to plan out. I think ten years ago, I imagined that at this time of my life, that I'd have been settled down, married with a few kids, and working a career - basically securely set. Truth is, I haven't accomplished any one of those things - but I am more than ok with it. I've changed for the better in the last ten years; with a more open mind, self-acceptance, and a desire to keep learning. Would I go back and change anything about it? Certainly there are a few things, but there isn't any point focusing on what could have been, but instead, it's better to focus on what may come. Thinking back to the last ten years, I've only become a better and stronger person for everything that I've experienced; so I don't think I'd change any one event. I suppose I could say things like I wish I'd have been less selfish, ate better, or kept in touch better with old acquaintances, but I find dwelling on the past pointless, since I can only make decisions that may ultimately effect the future. So this leads me to where I am now - teaching and living in Taipei for the next year. It's hard for me to focus on anything beyond this next year, since it's hard to determine where things will be a year from now. People ask me from back home and here how I find living here, far from the place I grew up and familiar to - but I reply with honesty that I've adapted to things and feel pretty comfortable. Do I regret making the decision to come over and teach english here? I don't. I'm really getting to know my own class of students - and they are all smart and make being there fun. They influence me to care about teaching, and about them. Do I regret not choosing to get a job using my Master's degree? No, since I can always get a job in what I studied later in life. I really feel like I am in the right place and right time of my life. Anyways, I don't think I'll regret looking back on this time in my life and had hoped I didn't come. I took the risk to come, not knowing entirely what to expect, and here I am two months later and having the time of my life.

Teaching, ARC and adjustments ...

2011-06-30T09:05:00.026-05:00

Around the neighborhood

As of today, I've been here for seven weeks. Fortunately, things have fallen into place - with settling into my apartment/neighborhood, knowing my work commute and how long it takes to get there (at least an hour), getting into my teaching schedule/routine, and with getting my ARC (Alien Resident Card) application processed/approved, I am now legally able to work and live in Taiwan for the next year. I went to the immigration office (in Taipei City) last Friday (June 24th) with the right documents; my work permit, apartment lease/contract, passport and $3500 NTD to pay for the application fee, and will be able to get my card on July 8th. It took my school, whom is sponsoring my ARC, about a month to finally get the right documents for me to take to the immigration and apply for the ARC. With having the ARC, I'll be able to have health insurance, and open a bank account. All I can say is; I'm glad to finally have the ARC; as I was warned it would be difficult and a bit of a challenge to get. Next week I'll get my real first pay, which is going to help out a lot. I came to Taiwan with only $400 in my bank account, (in May), some help from my parents (but not much), and then a week's worth of work was paid to me at the beginning of this month, which has gotten me through, but not much is left. One of the positives of living here, even in Taipei City, is that food and shopping can be as cheap as you want it to be. So for just one meal, such as noodles, rice/meat or something Western, you can easily pay as low as $200-$300 NTD, which is around $6-$8 USD. Since I don't have a kitchen or microwave in my apartment, I am able to be frugal when I eat out. I've frequented the many 7-11s and Family Marts, which have a good variety of foods to eat. One of the main reasons for going to convenient stores often here is my lack of Mandarin/communicating at other restaurants to order food. Summer has arrived, and that means temperatures are in the 26-32 C range. Humidity is at the highest I've ever experienced in any place I've lived, but one can only make the best of it.

Today I worked with a new class of students at the new location I'll be working at permanently from now on. For the last month, I was training at another location. I have to say it was one of the best days of work on this job; I really enjoyed playing with and teaching these group of students. They are a fun bunch of kids, although some are a bit shy. Given their third day, I don't blame them. Starting tomorrow (starts July), my school is on the summer schedule; from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, and starts a new teaching schedule. I'll be working with my own class, just 8 students for the summer; and then in September, 8 new students will be joining the class. All of the other teachers and staff that work at the school are pretty nice and have been welcoming. It's a good environment to be in. I feel blessed, and lucky to have this job and work at this particular school, since I've heard of horror stories and drama with teaching english in Taiwan (as a foreigner and being Asian American). Seeing how I signed a contract with the school; there haven't been any lack of promises and conflicts. I'm trying to focus on the positive (since there is a lot of that than the negative) and taking the small bit of stress/challenges as they come along and with an open mind. In all honesty, even after my short time of being here, I have to say that Taiwan is a nice city to visit and live in. I will only look forward from here on out, with a lot to come. Hope you all have a Happy Fourth (I know a bit early) for those back in the states. Enjoy some fireworks; might try and see if there are any expat celebrations going on this weekend in the city. I added some more photos of some things I've taken in the last month.

Here in Taipei

2011-06-02T05:21:00.001-05:00

So what has Taipei been like so far? Let me first say that it is pretty safe here, more so than where I come from, and I feel pretty comfortable walking around. Anyone can read up on Taiwan, and the lifestyle of people here, and know that it's a progressive/modern city, much like any large city. Public transportation is the way to go, taking the bus or MRT (mass rapid transit/subway) - not too difficult to figure out once you taken it a few times, and getting what you need is easily available/convenient (food, shopping or nightmarket). I don't speak any Mandarin (official language spoken), but it doesn't seem to be too much of a barrier for me as of yet. I've been living in a one room apartment (for around $350 USD/month) near to Taipei City and now have a cell phone. In Taipei, it isn't hard to be entertained. In just the last few weekends, I've been to a beach near Danshui (MRT line), seen 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' and 'Fast Five' (both US movies) and both played in English with Mandarin subtitles, been to Ikea (they actually have two Ikea locations here), shopped at a nightmarket and bought a few decent things for a cheap price, been to a nightclub and had some drinks with a few foreigners teaching english at other schools. Life isn't too bad here if you go out and explore. From my perspective, I'm always seeing something new, whether it's a new place, shop, restaurant, or as random as a guy banging on a wheel at 12 am on a Saturday night.

Downtown Taipei City

In the first week I got here, I was pretty busy having interviews at different buxibans (english language schools), but I finally secured a teaching position at a private school. The interview was on a Friday, and I started work and signed a contract the following Monday. There isn't much time for anything else, with my hours from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm during the week, and every Saturday from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm. So my long term plans will have to be on hold for the next year (at least). We'll see what happens, but so far, everything seems to working out nicely. From what I've read and heard through other foreigners' experiences teaching in Taiwan, job security isn't exactly stable in other buxibans, and the hours and pay don't cut the bills at times. I don't want to brag or feel like I lucked out, but I am definitely grateful things have worked out the way they have (so far). I think the important thing to keep in mind while being here is to have an open mind, no matter what the situation, and it's what has been helping me keep a peace of mind. As far as adjustment/culture shock, it hasn't really come, or maybe I've been so used to moving/changes/adjustment in the last 5-6 years that this move wasn't going to be too challenging.

Even though I haven't been here that long (three weeks exactly), it's a good place to be. I've added some photos of places I've been and seen so far.

MLK Quote

2011-05-03T21:29:00.000-05:00

"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." --Martin Luther King, Jr

In light of all the current events, I wanted to share this quote, posted by one of my Facebook friends. It's such a simple concept but, I wonder why humanity as a whole can't seem to come together and get along despite our differences. Let us all be more understanding of one another, open to our differences and learn from each other.

Unknown Fear

2011-04-23T13:21:00.000-05:00

Taipei 101 in Taiwan

This post taken from my friend Justin, who's from NY and taught English in S. Korea the time I was there (2008-2009). He writes about interesting topics on his own blog and then has people comment/share opinions. I thought this one was appropriate for the theme of fear and the unknown.

"It strikes me that a lot of folks, with means and opportunity (ie this note deliberately excludes those who do not), find taking a big leap somewhat terrifying. Whether that means leaving home for somewhere far away, or leaving somewhere far away to come back home, **** can be scary.

I remember that I only managed not to be terrified by Korea because I just was thinking about so many things I didn't have room in my brain to be scared.

When I left Korea I had a solid month and a half of not working to ponder my decision, my well-constructed social life, the salary, the students who applauded when I entered the room, etc. And when I got home, and my social life was crap, and my friends weren't around, it seemed my fears had been well-founded.

But I figured it out.

Sometimes this fear has nothing to do with moving, but entering a school program, starting a new job. Anything new has the potential to terrify. I say, turn that fear into excitement. Take it, stand it up, turn it around and make it positive.

We should learn as much as we can about new experiences we are set to encounter and dispense with the fear.

Or if you're doing something that's boring you, and you can't yet find a way out of it, find a way within it to make it better.

Fear, just like anger, isn't something I consider healthy. But excitement? Oh, that's a thrill. Use it, make it a tool that pushes you forward.

And get rid of that ******* terror if it's holding you back from anything."

Peace and love,

Justin PBG

Preparation

2011-04-21T19:46:00.008-05:00

Quite a few of my classmates and acqaintainces have asked me if I am getting ready for my trip, and what I'll be doing over there. I don't have everything securely set up/in place as far as a job or living situation. I'm hoping to secure a position teaching english while I'm there. I've already been doing my research, and asking people who are either already over there teaching or have taught there in the past about the steps they took and the best advice they can give to me. I know everyone has a different experience, so I can't expect to think everything will happen the same way for me. I figure, some part of me has to just have faith that either things are going to work out or they won't (while being realistic/open-minded at the same time).

So here are a few things I've done to prepare myself for a year in Taiwan:

- Research different English (Cram) schools that hire native speakers, and the requirements
- Research different websites that seem resourceful and informative about Taiwan, and for expats/foreigners
- Obtain a TESOL certification (through an online course)
- Already purchased my flight tickets (one way, China Airlines and Delta)
- Have a passport that's valid for the next 9 years
- Obtained a 60 day visitor Visa through TECO (Taipei Economic and Cultural Office of Chicago)
- Familiarize myself with Confucian theory and the culture of Taiwan
- Get to know and talk with some Taiwanese

As far as hopes, I plan:

- Take classes to learn Mandarin (the official language)
- Get involved or do some type of volunteering, either in an orphanage, pet shelter, or doing something with my degree/education
- Develop/get involved with some sort of support system/group
- Explore/travel around Taiwan/other countries (if it's possible)
- Improve my self-confidence and perceptions of myself

I've found a pretty good resource, filled with lots of information for foreigners in Taiwan - published in 2010 (must have Adobe Reader to access/open the attachment): http://www.rdec.gov.tw/ct.aspxItem=4530961&ctNode=14649&mp=110

I wonder if there's such a thing as overpreparing for a trip like this? I think because I taught english overseas in S. Korea from 08-09, it's probably helped me with going and not being overly worried. I'm also aware of the fact that living in Korea will be different than living in Taiwan. So what feelings come to mind about going to Taiwan, or am I scared/fearful? I really don't have any fear, but a lot of excitement. I'm ready....

Endings and New Beginnings

2011-04-20T22:11:00.005-05:00

So here I am, nearly a year later updating this blog.... and there's a lot to reflect on in just the last year, with my graduate studies in Chicago. It's an exciting but also a sad time, since I'll be closing one chapter, and soon on to the next. There are only nine more days left of the semester, and just sixteen more until graduation! It's an accomplishment, and one I'm very proud of. So what's the next step? On May 11, I'll be off to the beautiful island of Taiwan, or known as the Republic of China, for at least a year abroad. I'm not exactly sure what all to expect, but I have a lot of excitement, curiosity and ambition built up for this. I decided to write about my personal feelings, experiences and challenges I face when I'm there. I know many other expats have blogged and shared their experiences of Taiwan from the past, and I'm not trying to copy, but am mostly doing this for myself.

In December, I had the opportunity to visit Taiwan for a week, and I have to honestly say that out of all the places I've travelled, it was one of the best trips/places I've been to. I was in Taipei, and visited Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Taipei 101, Taipei Zoo, walked around National Taiwan University (NTU), saw the ocean/beach and mountainside, as well as ate some great food and felt pretty comfortable as an expat. I know there's a huge difference in visiting a place and actually living/immersing oneself into the culture. It'll be interesting to know what awaits ahead...

Something new

2010-05-23T14:59:00.004-05:00

Time for an update. What's happened since my last post? I've been admitted to the only graduate school I applied to (in which I'll be starting in the autumn/fall 2010); such excitement when I read my admissions acceptance back in February. I've been let go from both of the part time positions I was working (in the nice words of both ex-supervisors, I was basically fired). Even at the time of being let go, I wasn't surprised to be honest, nor even that disappointed. I've certainly learned that I am not cut out to be a secretary, and details are not something I am good at. I've spent plenty of my time catching up with one of my closest female friends, during the weeks and weekends. Another female friend comes over on Monday evenings, to join my father and I for dinner (mom's usually working pretty late on those nights). And yet, another male friend of mine, of six years or so, recently moved to Edmonton a couple of weeks ago. Despite the distance, it still hasn't prevented his willingness to stay in touch. And as of recently, I've been volunteering on Tuesday mornings, doing English language assistance/tutoring with refugees/immigrants at my parents' church for about an hour and a half. I'm trying to find motivation, but it's too easy to just relax, waste my time online, and other meaningless activities. I do know I'm getting to the point where I'm ready to move out of the parents' home, and to be independent once again. I'm trying to remind myself that time is going quickly, and August will be here soon enough. I figured I'd start up my blog again, as I should probably brush up on my writing skills. I'll be writing plenty of papers come the semester. I'm excited and more than ready for something new, the school year, and meeting/making new friendships. One thing is for certain, I'm trying to remain positive about everything and what's to come.

Reflections

2009-12-29T19:43:00.006-06:00

Time for my own. It's been four months since I've returned back to the states after a year abroad teaching (attempting) English to S. Korean middle school students in the city of Daegu. However I managed to do it, I'm not sure, but I came back with many things to ponder and have gained with experience. I'll say that if someone like me took the courage to do this experience; anyone, and I literally mean, anyone else is capable of it and then some. I don't think my challenge was adjusting to the Korean culture and lifestyle, because of the previous couple trips I'd travelled there, and in particular, my four month stay in '06 was more of a struggle in that way. When I say struggle, I only mean, going from one extreme to another. I never thought I'd say that I truly learned the value in relationships in just that year, and with certainty, what I seek from a romantic relationship more than ever. Some things haven't changed; what lies in the core of my persona; my emotional and sensitive self; and overreaction to certain things. I'm deep. Emo? Yes, I'll admit. Dramatic? At times. Irrational? To say the least. So yes, I'm still a flawed work-in-progress, but with a little bit more experience under my belt and have a better perspective on some things. So has anything exciting happened for me since I've returned? Considering the state and economy I've returned to, I feel like I've lucked out with landing two part time jobs, that add up to around 30 hours a week. No benefits or paid holidays, but I'm still not complaining. I tell everyone I'm in some sort of transitional period; waiting for the next step (but trying to enjoy the present). In October, I sent in a reapplication to one of the graduate schools I had applied to in '07, and the only school so far. It's the one I've got my heart set on, but I figure since they accepted me the first time I applied, but had to deny acceptance, the chances are high they are going to reaccept me in (although no guarantees from what the application states). I've been anxiously waiting, and I figure I should hear any day, but it's been nearly twelve weeks. Ah well. Patience is key. I'm currently, and temporarily, living back with my parents for the next year or so, until I am off to grad school, then hopefully I will be able to settle down on my own for awhile. I've done so much moving ever since I graduated college. Moving out of state for grad school to another city doesn't scare me one bit.
This past summer, I lost my sister to a two year battle against colon cancer. I sure wish I had been home to have been there for her last year of living, and as hard as it is, she's no longer suffering here anymore. There are certainly moments where I wish I could pick up the phone and tell her something significant or to just chat about my day; I miss those days. I am glad I was able to tell her the things I wanted before she went.
As for my reflections on '09, so many changes, but all for the better. More to elaborate in posts to come, but I think I'll end on this tonite. Happy New Year, I hope 2010 can bring in something to smile about.