Chinese homework

The third week was one that I can't say was very fulfilling. My emotions are running wild like the wind. The one thing I did learn is that it really is a cultural thing for the schools and businesses here to work people until they have little to no free time. Maybe this is because of the population density on this small island or it could be an Asian thing because I find similar practices in Japan and Korea as well. Everyday it is not uncommon to be in the middle of Taipei and spot dozens of men in their white dress shirts and slacks on mopeds cruising around.

From NCCU's male dorm you can get amazing views of 101 after a good rain. Besides that it is a dread to have to walk up and down the mountain. Actually getting into Taipei takes a good 45 minutes from here, which is not very convenient. The unique thing about this mountain however, is that there are many old people who come up to exercise. It is not uncommon to find little kids around here too and as we know the dogs. Why there are so many dogs around here that are stray I really don't know, but I really would like for a bit more animal control for the sake of peoples health.

Its okay. You can relax. Three weeks in and still with the bitter journal entries. Question is how can a more positive perspective along with outside factors enrich this experience. Everyday it's going to class and coming back to study and then sleep. A simple boring life I could have had in America and would have brought about the same rewards. The class that I am taking now I feel is somewhat obsolete. I want to learn Chinese in a different way than I could in America. Sure you get the time to really invest in speaking and writing and listening that you don't get back at home. But for me talking to a bunch of people with heavy accents in Chinese from around the globe will not help as much as spending the time with the natives. The class is helpful, but something else is necessary. It is just a shame that they didn't start this program around the start date of school for the regular classes. That way clubs and organizations would be available to make much stronger friendships.

By this time I have learned that a dollar here would get you a lot more food than in America. Ever found a Korean restaurant in America with food for 2 dollars with so much food that most people don't finish? The upside about this experience is the ability to be thrifty when it comes to food. However, this should not fool you into thinking that everything is cheap. Clothes, electronics and other things tend to be the same price or higher unless they are made in Taiwan. Guys wanting to shop for good deals may have to get some jeans and shirts that lean a little bit towards the feminine side. There are so many guys with pink and glitter here. But hey, they get the girls, and if its stylish here why not. As for me I will stick to a non-pink wardrobe haha.