Chinese Sponge Bob and Other Adventures

Fitting in to school and life in general here has been pretty seamless and uncomplicated. Maybe I'm used to worse, or maybe it's the people I've met and the connections I've made, either way almost daily I think "It shouldn't be this easy". I haven't felt freaked out or alarmed by the culture...I've discovered a lot of things, had my share of embarrassing moments, and I still feel ok.

Although I can't help but feel that one day I'm going to be taken out by a car, moped, or bicycle and left spread out on the street in pieces, other than that I don't have any complaints. Taipei is similar in many ways to any large city one visits in one's lifetime. There's the congestion, city traffic, banks, restaurants, and parks. That, however, is only on the surface. Delving into the night markets it's a different feeling completely. Courtesy of a friend, I have eaten dumplings, oyster omelettes, stinky tofu, and an array of things that I can't even recall the names of (and I'm not quite sure what was in them either). I love all of it.

I love taking the bus and subway everywhere. In this way, I am very much reminded of Mexico. Most people don't have their own individual car, the bus and subway are the only way to get around the city. The transportation system is fantastic and well organized. I've waited for a bus over 20 minutes very few times. What's better is that I can't be lazy and say "Today I'll just drive to school" or beg Eric to drive me! But I love that part of my life too.

Down a narrow, slightly dirty alley, up four floors of narrow, slightly dirty stairs, is my apartment. Or rather the one that I share with two other people. Again, I can't possibly have anything to complain about. In fact, I think my standard of living is higher than when in Austin. I use my individual AC to stay cool, I have cable TV (and watch Sponge Bob in Chinese, believe it or not), and free use of the kitchen. And I love it all.

I know, I know, I've only been here three weeks. I just can't possibly not imagine liking it here.... and beware everyone, I may not want to go back. If I didn't have my major to finish up in Texas, I would be strongly tempted to stay and find a job and just work here for awhile. But again, it's probably too soon to tell if these feelings are real and stable.
I cannot fail to mention, however, that I am blown away by the people that I meet on a daily basis. Many are college graduates who are out travelling and experiencing exciting things. I'm not accustomed to being around people who have a similar mindset - people who don't want to settle down to a job, or get married right away, or even live in the same place for long. I think that the people I have met are the best part of what I have experienced so far. I realize that it's okay to do things that matter to you instead of settling down to the expectations of the fast - paced culture of the USA.
When I was in Mazatlan last December, I remember a friend being really surprised that I hadn't settled down to a career or at least gotten married. In his eyes, I should be 'grown up' enough to take the responsibility of building something stable. But then again, that is the culture. Anyone who reads this has probably completely gone against the culture themselves. Like I've mentioned before, I was raised around adventurers. People who leave behind their entire lives for something they believe in. People who don't settle down, or develop what many would consider a stable life. And better yet, I was raised by two great adventurers - my parents. Even now, neither one seems ready to 'settle down'. And that's a comfort to me.

Pros and Cons of a new city

Well it's been exactly a week since I arrived in Taipei, and compared to other experiences I've had abroad this one isn't that bad. Maybe I'm older, wiser, or even just more experienced, but I feel that I am not as shocked about this as I should be. What happened to culture shock, or excruciating homesickness, or even the usual tearing up when saying goodbye to people at home? I honestly don't know. I'm sure some of that will occur as I go along, but here are some of the pros and cons of living here so far:
1. Pro: I don't get nervous when I get on the bus because now I know where I'm going.
Con: Now that I know where I'm going, the exciting sense of bewilderment has worn off and the routes are in danger of becoming ordinary.
2. Pro: I can find foods that are good for me, and usually foods I like (except spicy Mexican:()
Con: I no longer have bragging rights to say that I scrounge for eggs, milk, and other food on the black market. (Starting to wonder? Oh the stories I could tell!)
3. Pro: I don't understand 99% of what anyone says to me, forcing me to listen and learn.
Con: I don't understand 99% of what anyone says to me, meaning I have trouble at the bank, post office, police station (when I accidentally wander in), and generally anywhere else that I go.
4. Pro: People don't stare at me here like I expected. It's nice to go unnoticed!
Con: When someone DOES stare, I get paranoid and think there is something on my face.
5. Pro: It's much easier to communicate with my family and friends. Internet and Skype keep us connected.
Con: Coordinating times to call can be tricky with a 13 hour time difference.
6. Pro: I connect with new and interesting people.
Con: Despite Internet, it's easier to become disconnected with the interesting people back home.
7. Pro: I've discovered a smile is usually the best thing to give when someone is talking to me and I don't understand.
Con: Not everyone thinks a smile is nice.
8. Pro: It's easy to find transportation to get anywhere in the city.
Con: I have also lost bragging rights to horror stories about buses and hitchhiking. (Like I said, the stories I could tell!!)
9. Pro: It's common for people to walk places so no one looks at me strangely or honks.
Con: The right of way is ALWAYS given to a vehicle. If a collision occurs (which is likely) I'm sure the pedestrian would be accused of bad walking and therefore crashing into the car or moped.
10. Pro: I will never complain about my dad's driving ever again.
Con: I will pray to survive traffic every day when I go out.
So, that's that. I could only come up with ten, but I'm sure there will be more:)