My flight to my new big adventure leaves Tuesday evening, and to quote the famous YouTube video, I'm not sure if this is real life. I mean, I've been talking about this trip for months now and preparing for it all summer... But it still doesn't feel like I'm going. Maybe I just need to get on the plane already. However, packing does seem very real. Trying to find room for a years worth of tampons can be very stressful (Taiwan's version of tampons are much different than what we are used to in the States). And shoes.... They don't typically sell above size 8, and since I'm an 9.5 I have to make sure I have all the shoes I'll need. Which does not include flip flops. Any sandal without an ankle strap is considered a slipper. And between all that and clothes its been chaotic as you can see in the picture below (and those aren't even half my clothes):
A little about me: I am going to Taiwan on a Fulbright grant to teach English to elementary or middle school children for 11 months- 1 year. We won't get our school assignments until we get there.
Why Taiwan you may ask? I studied Biomedical Engineering in college so this really comes as a surprise to some. Well I minored in Chinese too, and during that time I fell in love with the language and culture. Taiwan especially spoke to me out of the Chinese-speaking countries because a lot of the Chinese-language dramas I watch (I also watch Korean ones too) and Mandopop songs I listen to come from there. Taiwan is also a unique place that apparently has AmAzInG food (I will definitely keep you guys posted in that department). And since mainland China did not have any teaching positions with the Fulbright program, it also made Taiwan an easy choice.
(Speaking of my major... I've never done much writing so this blog will definitely be an experience. Hope you guys won't get scared away haha)
Bubble tea is one of my favorite desserts, and it originated in Taiwan. So needless to say, I'm very excited about this. Drink Your Bubble Tea is modeled after "eat your vegetables" (and Eat Your Kimchi for those of you who know who they are.... Huge fan). Although I'm sure the Taiwanese don't consider bubble tea to be a staple part of an every day diet, I will do my best to resist it becoming an integral part of mine ^^ (<- Asian style for smiley face). This blog is for my family and friends and anyone else who want to see what I'm up to, check on my mental sanity, and learn about places in Taiwan and Taiwanese culture. You can log in your email address on the right to get emails notifying you each time I make a post if you want. I welcome comments and questions in the comment section, and I will try to respond to everybody. In two days I'll be on a jet plane... Don't know when I'll be back again... Just kidding! I'm planning to be back in the States next July :) but until two days from now... More packing!!!
