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My first week in Taipei
After crossing the International Date Line and enduring such cinematic crap as Artificial Intelligence and The Musketeer, we landed at Narita Airport, Tokyo. I sat down for some Syaomai and Sapporo. Syaomai are delicate dumplings, similar to wontons but filled with shrimp. Breakfast in Taipei was purchased at the underground Seven Eleven. It consisted of a grilled chicken kebab-like thing, a cabbage roll, and tofu. After frequent warnings about the tap water, I purchased a bottle of Pure Water brand water. After botching my coffee order, the barista at The Seattle Gourmet Coffee Company in Taipei apologized and gave Betty and I this Valentines Day cake. We still aren't sure what the heart was made from and tried to give it away at the youth hostel. We had no takers. |
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The Happy Family Youth Hostel is different from the hostels I've seen in Europe and Canada. I am in a room with bunk beds, To get to my neighbor's room, she has to cut through mine. They do not serve breakfast. Noting that this was the first one listed in The Lonely Planet Guide, I'd hate to see the others!
Yes, indeed, my stay in Taiwan will be the adventure of my life. It is now Thursday Evening -- Valentine's Day. Betty and I are going to go out for dinner. On Sunday, we check into the hotel with the other Hess teachers and begin training on Monday. I am so excited, I could pop like a giant zit.
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Waking up at Gary's house with a nervous stomach and a midday flight across the Pacific was the start to this excellent journey. Ryan picked me up and sped me to SEATAC at nine. At SEATAC, I had the corned beef and swiss burger. I had two virgin glasses of orange juice to compliment my final meal in America.
I met three Canadians here to teach English: Sarah, Dave and Betty. Sarah and Dave are from Victoria, Betty from Winnipeg. We've had a great time together this week seeing sights and daring each other to eat questionable things (Steamed Frog, Snake Blood, Grilled Octopus, mystery substance in steamed rice, mystery substance stir fry, etc).
